Career Conversations, part 4 – Raise Your Hand

One of the most effective career conversation you can have is asking to do something for your boss. When my boss was sharing some of the company’s plans for re-structuring, we could see that there was a big piece missing (aka “opportunity”) in managing the transition. Turf protection was high and we knew that gettingContinue reading “Career Conversations, part 4 – Raise Your Hand”

Update Your References This Month

A few months ago I posted some tips on the Care and Feeding of Your References and this month here are some more tips to get past your procrastination. May 4-8 is Update your References Week. References are people that vouch for your work. Your boss is a key person, but not the only one.Continue reading “Update Your References This Month”

Your References – Care and Feeding

Many of us set a goal for new employment this time of year. Along with updating the resume, online profiles and reconnecting with people, make an appointment with yourself to consider your reference strategy. My what? My references are my former employers, right? Not necessarily.  Yes, potential employers traditionally want past bosses, but they oftenContinue reading “Your References – Care and Feeding”

Ask For a Raise the Right Way

As many of us go into performance review season, we anticipate a monetary outcome. Yet 43% of us never ask for a raise. You don’t know, if you don’t ask!! Many performance reviews do not include a compensation conversation. Its important to discuss what’s going well, what to improve and what’s coming next to setContinue reading “Ask For a Raise the Right Way”

3 Reasons + 5 tips to Update Your Resume

Here are 3 reasons why September is a good time to update your resume: Its nearly time for your annual performance review and you want to position yourself or a raise. One of your contacts approaches you with a great job opportunity and needs your resume, now! You learn that your job is in theContinue reading “3 Reasons + 5 tips to Update Your Resume”

Strategies for Extended Unemployment

What are they thinking?! Why are companies shunning people who have been out of work six months or more? Unemployment biases stem from employers desire to avoid making hiring mistakes. This avoidance leads to making assumptions that may or may not be based in fact. Four assumptions I’ve heard are: “If others don’t hire you,Continue reading “Strategies for Extended Unemployment”

After the Interview – Your Next Step

The interview is over and you can take a deep breath.  The people who just interviewed you spent their time and efforts to determine if you are the best fit for the role. Do you appreciate this? Then let them know. After the interview most of us immediately begin to replay in our heads whatContinue reading “After the Interview – Your Next Step”

The Black Hole of Job Boards

The odds of getting a job by simply applying to online boards are slim.  It does happen happen occasionally. But the biggest complaint I hear is, “I’ve submitted hundreds of applications and never heard a thing.” Well, maybe not” hundreds.” Job boards or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to screen out, not in.  NowContinue reading “The Black Hole of Job Boards”

Two Key Questions for Your Next Job

“Why are you interested in this job?”  This is a standard interviewer’s question, or should be. The hiring manager is wise to ask about your motivations to determine if you’ll be a good fit with the team and organization. In looking for your next job, your first step is having a good idea of whyContinue reading “Two Key Questions for Your Next Job”

Adaptability & Flexibilty are Top Workplace Skills

The international staffing agency Randstad issued a report in August detailing the results of their ongoing surveys that are part of the Randstad Engagement Index. In this report, respondents show increased optimism and security in their jobs. Among the many data points I’m intrigued by the skills needed for continued success.  Respondents rated “flexibility” andContinue reading “Adaptability & Flexibilty are Top Workplace Skills”