At one time, many people had the mindset that jobs were hard to come by, so they should take whatever was offered to them with no questions asked. Today, people are becoming choosier about their career paths, and they know that they are deserving of more than the bare minimum. In our job seeker-driven labor market, people aren’t content to take anything that is being offered, and they know that they need to ask certain questions to make sure that they are going to be treated like a valued employee and not just a number.
If you are offered a new position, here are nine important things that you need to talk with HR about before you accept the offer.

1. Ask About Benefits 
It is important to know what is included in the benefits package. If the benefits are not appealing, this may not be the right company for you to work at. Find out about provider options, how much you have to pay into the health plan yourself, what is covered (including prescriptions and specialty services), if dental and vision care is covered, etc. These days, with the high cost of health care, it is important to know that you have excellent health care coverage through your employer.

2. Ask if the Salary Is Negotiable
Depending on the employer, and the job being offered, the salary may or may not be set in stone. Most employers aren’t going to come right out and tell you that salaries are negotiable because they want to pay as little as possible. This is information you are going to need to dig for, so you are just going to have to come right out and ask. You will never know unless you do, after all. Besides, you may be pleasantly surprised by the answer. In many cases, if the candidate has enough to offer an employer, the employer is going to be more than willing to negotiate the salary a little bit.

3. Ask About Other Perks
These days, it is not always enough for companies to offer competitive wages and benefits packages. The more perks a company offers, the more attractive the job offer is going to be. So, you need to find out what other perks might be available to you should you decide to accept the position being offered. Perks can be anything from flexible shifts and working hours to office parties to paid time off and more. Some of the best perks to ask about are advancement training and promotion opportunities.

4. Ask about Vacation Time
Now may not seem like the most appropriate time to ask about vacations, but it is as good a time as any. Plus, you need to know before you take the job if you are going to actually be able to take vacations at all. Some companies only let you take time off that is unpaid, while others offer paid vacations once you have worked for them for a certain amount of time. Don’t forget to ask if you can rollover any unused vacation days and use them in the following year.

5. Ask What Other Employees Say About the Company
You can tell a lot about a company by listening to what current and past employees have to say about it. If it is a good company to work for, the HR person should have no problem telling you what employees are saying about the company, and even find people within the company for you to talk to. (Of course, you can always check Glassdoor reviews as well!) If you find out that the employees are happy in their jobs, chances are you will be as well, and that this is a company that you would like to work for.

6. Ask About Incentive Compensation 
Some companies will give bonuses to their employees as compensation for certain incentives, such as taking on additional responsibilities, pay raises based on performance, etc. Find out if monetary bonuses are offered, and if so, what the criteria are to be eligible for these bonuses. The more you know about how you will be compensated, the more you will strive to really earn those bonuses and be the very best that you can be when it comes to doing your job.

7. Ask About Relocation Expenses 
If you are going to have to relocate in order to take the position, you need to find out if the company is going to help with any of the relocating expenses. Obviously, they are not going to pay for everything, but if they expect you to move for them, they should be expected to help in some way. For instance, they may offer to pay a percentage of the actual moving expenses or put you up in a rental unit until you are able to find an appropriate and affordable place to live.

8. Ask About Education Opportunities
Many companies will offer incentives for employees to go back to school or receive additional training that is going to help them advance in their careers. In fact, this is one way that companies can ensure long-term employees, because these employees are grateful for the help, and want to give back. Some companies will pay for a portion of tuition, and some even allow you to take a leave of absence in order to get your degree. The more education you have, the more you will have to offer your employer, and they often recognize this and will help.

9. Ask for Everything in Writing 
Ask if you can have the job offer and everything that you have agreed on, in writing. This way, there is little chance that the employer is going to pull back on the offer. A written agreement is much more binding than an oral agreement, and if you have everything on paper, they can’t turn around later and say that something wasn’t part of the offer, add work that isn’t in the job description. If they don’t want to give you anything in writing, it is a good sign that this may not be the best company for you to work at.

The post 9 Important Things to Discuss with HR Before Accepting a New Job appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

We show you how to answer one of the trickiest questions that might come up in your interview: Why did you leave your previous job?
It’s one of the most feared questions in an interview: Why did you leave your last job?
But it doesn’t have to be something to worry about. We’ll help you through that potential interview minefield and show you how you can not only answer the question but also use it to your advantage. The interviewer might be seeing if they can trip you up. You’re going to show them you can smash through any obstacle.

Why do interviewers ask why you left your last job?
An interviewer will want to know why you’re leaving (or have left) your previous role for a number of reasons.

Do you have a good reason for leaving your job?
If you left without good cause, or just because you were in a bad mood that day, your interviewer might doubt they can trust you and suspect you’ll do something similar to them.

Were you fired?
If so, your interviewer will want to know whether this was for bad performance, behavioral issues or something out of your control like a business restructure.

Did you burn any bridges?
If you still speak to your old manager or better yet have them as a reference, it shows you were good at your job and didn’t leave by flipping your desk and smashing your computer.

Do your values match theirs?
If you left for ambitious reasons like a greater challenge or more responsibilities, that shows your values are good and can benefit your new employers. If you left because you were bored or felt underappreciated, you might need to word it in a smart way to show you’re not difficult to work with.

How do you explain your reasons for leaving a job?
There are three main reasons for leaving a job, and some of them are easier to explain than others.

1. You’re leaving for career progression
This reason is perhaps the one interviewers are happiest to hear. If you’re leaving your job to further your career, you can explain how your previous role has helped you develop the skills you need to take that next step, and how excited you are to show what you’re capable of in this new position.
It also plays into one of the key rules of a job interview: you’re looking to move into something better, not leave something bad.

This positive outlook shows you’re ambitious without bad-mouthing any previous employer. It tells people that you’re confident and up for a challenge, ready to develop and learn new skills, and capable of moving up, instead of sideways.

2. You left your last job with nowhere to go
This reason is a little tougher to talk about, but it can still be done in a positive way. Many people will leave their jobs with nowhere else lined up, and there could be several contributing factors as to why. You might not have fit into your old employer’s way of working, your values might not have aligned, or you might have left for personal reasons such as your family moving away.

Whatever it is, you can explain in a way that shows you in a good light:
• You knew you were capable of doing more than your old job allowed.
• You knew you would find something better with the skills you possess.
• You hold your values dearly and were unwilling to let them go for the sake of your work.
All these answers show you to be confident and capable. Even if the real reason you left is that your boss was driving you insane, you can say that you were looking for a better cultural fit where your strengths could be put to better use.
Don’t interview angry. Interview smart.

3. You were fired
Maybe the most challenging reason to explain in an interview is that you were fired. It’s happened to the best of us, and it’s never easy to show a sudden career change like that on your CV.
However, you can approach it creatively.
Being fired isn’t always a bad thing. It can take you out of a situation that wasn’t right for you and give you an opportunity to find somewhere you can thrive. Make sure you mention everything you learned at your old job, talking about how the experience helped you and showed you what you really wanted in your career.
Keep your answer positive. You were fired because the business and you were moving in different ways, and now you’re moving in a better direction.

10 GOOD reasons for leaving a job
Whatever your reason for leaving, there’s a way to make it work in your favor. Try using one of our examples the next time you interview for a role. You’ll see how easy it is to turn a potentially negative situation into a positive outcome.

Example 1. This job was too good to ignore
“It’s not so much about why I’m leaving my current role; it’s more that this is a role I couldn’t ignore. I’ve loved my time at <current company> and learned so much about <examples of what you’ve learned>, but now I’m ready to put those skills to use in a new challenge. When I saw this role, I knew now was the time for me to step up and prove what I was capable of.”

Why it works:
You show that you’re ambitious. You’ve studied the job posting and know you have what it takes to make it your own. You’re not bad-mouthing your former employers, and you are subtly praising your potential new ones.

Example 2. I’ve achieved all I can and I’m ready for a new challenge
“In my current role, I’ve achieved all that has been asked of me. I’ve won the business new work, earned them more money, and hit all my KPIs. There’s nothing left for me to prove, and I’m ready to take on a new challenge. This role represents new opportunities for me to test myself, using the skills I’ve learned in my current job to step up to the plate and do even more.”

Why it works:
You show how much you’ve already done and how you’re ready to do even more. You might be bored at your current job, but you don’t say that. Instead, you say you’re ready to push on and achieve great goals.

Example 3. I believe I can offer more to you than them
“I’ve enjoyed my time in my current role, but I believe the job description for this role better aligns with my skills and values. I’m capable of doing more than my current role requires, and this job would give me the room to grow.”

Why it works:
You demonstrate that you’re ready for the next step. You understand how your values match and how well you could work with a potential employer.

Example 4. The company was struggling
“Unfortunately, my old company lost one of its biggest clients and had to make structural changes. I was one of the last people in through the door, so I was also one of the first out. My former manager was sad to see me go, as they believed I would have been of huge benefit to the business in different circumstances.”

Why it works:
Your job loss was for business reasons, not personal ones. You’re still in touch with your former employer, which shows you build good relationships.

Example 5. Management changes
“A change in management meant my role was no longer best suited to my strengths. They brought in new people to deliver the kind of work they wanted. Ultimately, this taught me where my true passions lie, and when I saw your job ad I knew I could better express them here.”

Why it works:
You don’t sound negative or defensive. You explain the situation in a straightforward way.

Example 6. Relocation
“The business announced it would be merging with another company, meaning its head office would move to a new location. My family lives here, and I knew that leaving them behind wouldn’t be good for my professional or personal life. I chose to pursue a job I could thrive in closer to home.”

Why it works:
You care about your family and put your mental health before corporate restructures. This shows you have strong values.

Example 7. Our values are better aligned
“Looking at your website and the work you produce, I can see that our values are very closely aligned. My current company sees things in a different way than me, and I would love the chance to work somewhere I can be truly proud of.”

Why it works:
Values matter. Companies are keener than ever to promote their beliefs and hire people who share them.

Example 8. Family reasons
“My partner was offered an exciting role in a new area, and I chose to move with them to support their career goals. Unfortunately, this meant I could no longer work for my old company, so I am looking to bring all my knowledge and experience to a role in the area I now call home.”

Why it works:
Family comes first. This shows you’re loyal and committed, two traits any good employer would be happy to bring on board.

Example 9. It’s the right job at the right time
“I believe this role has come about at the perfect time for me. I’ve loved every second at my current company, but having worked there for a number of years, I know I need to step up in order to advance my career. I don’t want to wait around for the chance to come – I want to chase what I know is best for me.”

Why it works:
You’re not happy to sit and hope for the best. You’re pursuing the right job, which shows ambition and determination.

Example 10. You want better pay (but be careful)
“I’m motivated by achieving the best results for my clients, something I had a great track record of doing at my previous role. I’m also motivated by career growth, and being compensated fairly for the work I do.”

Why it works:
We all want to be paid more money. This shows people that you are willing to work for it. However, make sure money isn’t the only thing you talk about. Hiring managers will want to see your passion for the job and a commitment to the cause. If money is your only motivation, it might look like you’d be willing to jump ship if a better offer came along.

How NOT to explain your reasons for leaving a job
There are a few reasons for leaving a job that an interviewer just doesn’t want to hear (no matter how true they might be). If any of these are why you left your job, it might be best not to mention them. Use a more positive reason such as career progression or a new challenge, and leave the manager hate behind.

Bad example #1: You hate your boss
Lots of us have worked for people we just don’t like, but that hatred will only hold you back at an interview. Instead, say you’re looking to work somewhere that better fits with your values. It’s the same thing, just done in a smarter way.

Bad example #2: You’re bored
If we were all being honest, boredom would be the reason behind many job switches. But saying it out loud is a lot worse than just thinking it. Instead, say you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity.

Bad example #3: You thought the company was rubbish
Worked somewhere terrible? Join the club. But it sounds a bit unprofessional to slam your old employers in an interview. You never know, the interviewer might have friends who work there, so don’t burn any bridges you might still need to cross.

The post How to explain your reasons for leaving a job (and still get hired) appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

It can seem tough to snag a promotion when you’re working from home. After all, without face-to-face time with your team and boss, how can you show your worth? Executive and career coach Lauren Cohen understands: “When working remotely, employees often feel unable to adequately and accurately show their dedication and professional accomplishments,” Cohen says. “They worry their boss doesn’t know that they are starting early, dressing up — from the waist up — and Zooming, taking copious notes, coordinating projects, and going the extra mile.”

But it’s not impossible to prove your worth and get a promotion while working from home. By honing these seven skills, you can show your boss you’re ready for a new role — even remotely.

The ability to create strong relationships.
Even though you’re working from home, you’re not really working alone. And Sheila Murphy, career coach and CEO of Focus Forward Consulting, says it’s vital you sharpen your relationship-building skills to prove you’re ready for a promotion. She recommends you show your boss you “have the relationships needed to accomplish and exceed objectives” while working from home.
You can strengthen relationships with coworkers, team members, and clients by engaging, helping, and encouraging them on digital channels, such as Slack, Zoom, and email.

A healthy dose of self-discipline.
According to Cohen, “The best remote employees can work independently and do not require a lot of hand-holding.” In other words, if you’re self-disciplined and proactive, you can prove you are ready for a promotion when you work from home. Cohen suggests you “show” your boss a summary of the action items you’ve checked off your to-do list each day. “The more you can show things that no one asked you to do, the more likely you are to get promoted,” she explains.

A deep understanding of your business.
As Murphy points out, “being remote means that you do not hear the watercooler conversations, and you may not have access to the same information that people in offices do.” But you don’t have to be in the office to know your business inside-and-out. Take the time to read industry and company news, and tap into your online networks to stay abreast of any changes. “You need to demonstrate that you have a deeper understanding of the organization, where it wants to go, and how you will contribute to that effort,” Murphy says, to land your desired promotion.

Problem-solving abilities.  
If you see something awry, don’t simply report the problem. Instead, “think about some ways to help fix whatever is going on,” suggests Cohen. “If you can collaborate and be a team player and help fix things, this will go noticed. And if you’re concerned no one will know you helped take control of a situation, you can highlight your positive actions in an appropriate way.” Cohen points out that leaders offer solutions and work positively and productively — no matter where they are based. “Remote workers who demonstrate leadership are invaluable,” she says.

Innovative thinking.
There is at least one advantage to working remotely while vying for a promotion: “You are not working in what may be an echo chamber insisting that approaches stay the same,” says Murphy. “Being outside the central hub means that you may look at issues with a fresh eye and bring innovative solutions to a problem.” And if you can do that, you are well on your way to earning a promotion. “Organizations are looking for people that think differently and question the status quo,” she says. “Employees with innovative solutions are positioned for greater responsibilities.”

Managerial prowess.
If the promotion you want would put you in a manager’s position, you’ll need to show you can lead a team — and develop talent — remotely. But luckily, “you can show this skill by how you lead projects and mentor others,” says Murphy. How can you do that? “Make sure that your manager knows how you orchestrate project execution and motivate talent,” Murphy suggests.

Strong communication skills.
You may not be talking to coworkers in-person, but you’re still communicating plenty by phone, email, and other online channels, such as Slack and Zoom. “Communicating well in writing, by phone, and on video is critical to success as a remote worker,” says Cohen, and it’s also one of the keys to being promoted. “Strong communicators are more likely to get promotions because they can advocate for their accomplishments and further the mission of their company, whatever their role is,” Cohen explains. You can show you’re a strong communicator by asking questions and reporting important information. “Remote workers need to go the extra mile to be strong communicators and show collaboration and leadership in all communications,” Cohen says.

The post 7 Skills You’ll Need to Get a Promotion While Working Remotely appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

{Click here to read the original article on Glassdoor.}

Even in the best of times, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your manager, given how busy both your schedules are. Working remotely during COVID-19 can make you feel more out of touch with your manager. Although you’ve been able to keep in touch with your boss via Zoom calls and Slack chats, you still may feel less connected. If you’re wondering how to form a personal and deeper relationship with your boss who isn’t good at communicating, try our tips below.

Show appreciation.
Everyone loves to be appreciated, even a boss who may seem self-contained or distant. Try to understand how your manager might be struggling with working from home by thanking them for helping to make the transition easier for you and your team.

Update your boss consistently on your projects.
One of the most accessible and most useful ways to connect is to reach out and share an update on a project that is moving forward and your daily weekly workload. It’s your job as your manager’s direct report to make sure they’re aware of your professional progress and the projects that you’ve spearheaded. Show your manager that you can be proactive by reaching out first with an in-depth update on your workflow; they will be inspired by your commitment and will look forward to receiving your updates weekly. If you don’t have a 1:1 sync meeting on the calendar with your manager, now is the time to place reoccurring syncs on the calendar.

Provide some of your ideas to the table.
Reconnect with your supervisor by offering up an idea for a new project that will add to your organization. Regardless of your level at the company, you should seize the opportunity to bring forth ideas to enhance your role and value. Although your management and organization might be struggling with the challenges of the pandemic, you can keep the pulse on solutions within your control. Most managers will be pleased to see that you are solutions orientated and can provide out of the box thinking for future projects and initiatives.

Share your wins.
Lastly, another way to connect with your manager is to share some substantial wins in the workplace. Say you’ve been working remotely on a few client projects, and you’re feeling down because your boss hasn’t shown much interest in your efforts. Today you heard from a client who said, “We’re all in. Let’s proceed.” Your boss likely would love some good news if they have only been hearing about the need for cost control amid diminishing revenues and shifts in the organization.

The post 4 Ways To Deal With An Uncommunicative Boss When Working Remotely appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

A Guide to Explaining Why You Quit, Were Laid-Off or Got Fired

There are plenty of good reasons for leaving a job — but communicating them to an interviewer can be a challenge. Maybe a bad boss is driving you to quit, or a ton of work is keeping you from having any semblance of work-life balance. While these are good reasons for leaving a job, stating them point-blank might set off alarm bells to a hiring manager, recruiter or new boss.

So, when you aren’t quite sure how to answer a job interview question with full, complete transparency, what can you do? This guide will help you prepare the perfect answer that will please any potential employer in a job interview.

Why Interviewers Want to Know Your Reasons for Leaving a Job

The question of why you’re leaving your job might seem invasive or unnecessary, but there are actually very good reasons that hiring managers ask it. For one, hiring managers want to see if your answer aligns with what else you’ve revealed during your interview. For example, if you say you’re leaving in order to make more money, but later on say that you’re not motivated by your salary, an employer will see that your answers don’t align — and that you might have a tendency to stretch the truth.

Of course, a hiring manager is also asking to see if you’re a fit for the job. For example, if you say you left your company because the schedule was inflexible, but the position for which you’re applying doesn’t offer any flexibility, you may not be a fit for this exact job.
And finally, interviewers are often looking for red flags when they ask this question. Someone saying they left their job because their boss was a total jerk could be an indicator that they are difficult to work with or, at the very least, a bit crude in their communications.

How to Answer Honestly — Without Losing the Opportunity

If you’re not leaving your job because you can’t wait to escape your current boss or because you hate your company, you have little to fear. In this case, you might say, “I really like the company I’m with, but they know I’m looking to pivot my career in a different direction, and they don’t have any relevant openings.” Why? This answer sends the message that you’ve addressed your career aspirations to your employer, which shows a potential employer you are communicative and transparent — two plusses!

But if you’re leaving your position because there isn’t enough money in the world to make you stay — whatever the problem may be — you have to find a way to answer the question honestly without coming off as a complainer, or someone quick to jump ship. So, instead of pointing out what you hate about your current company, consider framing your answer as, “my goals and the company’s goals aren’t aligned.” It’s honest, but vague enough to be safe. If pushed, you can share an anecdote about a difference you had with your employer, but be sure to communicate that you and your boss maintain a civil, respectful relationship.

And no matter what you do, don’t trash your previous company or your boss — if you do, the interviewer might suspect that you would do the same thing to them!

How to Explain a Layoff

Being “laid off” is often circumstantial, as business cycles and trends will dictate the workforce. Whether you’ve been laid off after three months, or 30 years, the same principles still apply!
Be factual: If the facts are credible, you should be able to easily articulate them. “Don’t get too emotional, show frustration or villainize someone,” says Alan Zel of Zel Human Capital. Rather, focus on what you’ve learned from your past, and how you can apply that successfully to your future. Say something along these lines as a jumping-off point for your conversation:

• “There was a restructure within the organization and unfortunately, my role was impacted.”
• “The business was going through changes, and there was no longer enough work to sustain my position.”

Layoffs are an unfortunate reality beyond our control, and most hiring managers will be understanding of that.

How to Explain Being Fired
What if you’re leaving because you got fired? If this is the case, first, you must know exactly what you can and can’t say per your arrangement with your former employer. Check with your HR department to see how the company will represent the situation and what policies it may have in place for disclosing any information; you can’t violate those policies at all, or else you risk financial penalty.

Then, be honest — but not to a fault. For example, instead of saying “I was fired,” you can use a softer phrase such as “I was let go” or “the company and I decided to part ways.” Then, make sure you have a brief explanation of what happened.

Consider saying something like the following in an interview:

• “Unfortunately, I couldn’t live and breathe the product line, and it made it difficult for me to translate the value to new customers. I now understand that wasn’t the right fit for me, and what I’m really interested in is XYZ.”
• “I did not have the right skill set to succeed in that kind of role, so now I’m considering opportunities that would play better to my strengths — such as XYZ.”

Whatever the issue, you must be able to explain the problem, highlight what you’ve learned and assure the hiring manager that it won’t happen again.

In any situation, it doesn’t benefit you at all to speak ill of your past employer. You still need to come off as grateful for your opportunities and show that you left with strong relationships and a good attitude. Be careful with your language, as words can be a delicate yet powerful tool!

Keep It Short and Sweet
Whatever you do, you don’t want to ramble when you answer this question. There may be multiple answers to this question, but by going on and on, you could lose your potential employer’s attention, or worse, accidentally say the wrong thing because you got caught up.

Instead, practice a short and sweet response to this question ahead of time. Practice it until it becomes second nature. By rehearsing a response, you can deliver it with confidence and convey that you’ve invested ample time preparing for the interview. As long as you don’t sound robotic in your recitation, you’ll be fine.

5 Good Reasons for Leaving a Job — and 5 Bad Ones
Looking for some more examples of what you should — and shouldn’t — say? Look no further.
Good Reasons for Leaving a Job

• Relocation: “My partner got an incredible job offer in Denver, and while I enjoy my current job, I want to move with her to allow her to explore this new opportunity.”
• Following your passion: “I’ve always wanted to join an innovative, early-stage startup like this one, so when I saw you had a relevant role opening up, I knew I had to apply!”
• Upward mobility: “After five years and a couple of promotions at my current company, I’ve realized that the growth opportunities from here on out are limited. I’m hoping to find a new job that will help me develop new skills and move into a management position.”
• Transitioning roles: “I’ve worked in sales for some time now, but I’ve realized in the last year that what I’m most interested in is marketing. I’m looking for a company that will help support this career transition.”
• Culture fit: “Working at a Fortune 500 company has given me incredible experience, but it’s also made me realize that I prefer to work at a smaller organization where I can have more of a direct impact.”

Bad Reasons for Leaving a Job

• Insults or complaints: “My boss is a total control freak.”
• Boredom: “To be honest, I get pretty antsy any time I stay at a company for more than a couple of years.”
• Want an easier job: “My current job is pretty intense. I’m looking forward to a job where I won’t have to work so hard all the time.”
• Want more money: “My boyfriend and I are moving to a nice new apartment which my current salary can’t support.”
• Poor performance: “I missed quota the past couple of quarters in a row, so I’m trying to find a new job before they let me go.”

The post How to Explain Your Reasons for Leaving a Job appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

Going into your boss’s office can often be hot or cold: You could be getting a pat on the back for a job well done—or a tough dose of constructive criticism. Your boss may want to assign you an awesome new project—or ask you for the report that’s due today (wait, what report?). But how often do you stop by your manager’s office just to chat?

Turns out, there are several things you should be addressing with your boss on a regular basis. When you take the time to talk about these important issues, you’ll find that you’re happier with your career and better positioned in the eyes of your boss, your team, and the company as a whole. So, the next time you pass by your boss’s office, stop in and start talking about these five things.

1. Where You See Yourself in Five Years
Whether you hope to be in a different role or a different department, it’s OK—and it can actually be very beneficial—to talk to your current boss about your career goals. And yes, it can be intimidating to bring this up for the first time (especially if you’re hoping to make a big career switch at some point), but it can actually help create more opportunities for you in the long run.

Why would your boss be open to your ambition to move up or out of your current role? In many cases, he or she truly does want to see you achieve your goals. As a manager myself, I constantly ask my employees “Where do you see yourself in five years?”—because if there’s a way I can help them along, I’ll do it. Whether that means putting in a good word for them in a different department at my current company or assigning them specials projects that will help them build new skill sets for a different role, I want to help.

Of course, there’s definitely a right and wrong way to phrase your goals (i.e., you don’t want to blatantly announce to your boss that you’re hoping to jump ship ASAP or that you want to take over your boss’s position). Start small by mentioning where you see yourself eventually: “I’d love to move up to a management position someday.” If it’s received well, move on to specify how you can reach those goals—even if it would eventually require a move to a different department or company.

2. Your Ideas for the Company
When you’re entrenched in your work, it’s a common and familiar mumble: “This would be so much easier if we did it my way.” But, how often do you actually present that idea to your boss as a serious solution to a problem?

Discussing your ideas with your boss helps you in several ways. First, you’re showing him or her that you take initiative, that you’re committed to improving the company, and that you truly want to make contributions to the team. Second, you might actually get to see your idea put in action—and assuming it’s as effective and efficient as you think it is, that’s great news for you and your team.

To make the most out of the conversation, come prepared with a plan in mind. Try something like, “I’ve noticed that our new hires aren’t picking up on the new CRM program very easily. I’d love to put together some training documentation to help learn it a little quicker. Here’s a quick outline I threw together—what do you think?”

3. Advice for Tough Work Situations
When you view your boss only as the person who hands out assignments and performance reviews, you’ll miss out on some great advice. Remember, your boss is a boss for a reason—he or she has been around the block a time or two. So, take advantage of that to further your own career.

For example, before my boss was in his current position as a department manager, he was in my position—a team supervisor. So, whenever I come across a challenge that I haven’t faced before, I drop by his office to talk through the situation. Most times, he’s been through a similar situation and is able to give me valuable advice about how he handled it and what he learned to do (and not to do).

No, you shouldn’t lean on your boss for every problem that pops up, but if you can’t figure something out on your own, why not use the valuable resource right in front of you?

4. Company and Industry Insight
Of course, your boss has to manage your day-to-day tasks, but he or she can provide insight into a lot more than just your upcoming deadlines and company values—especially if he or she has been with the company or in the industry for several years.

This can range from unfamiliar company processes (“what’s the standard process to change a position title?”) to company history (“what it was like when the company was acquired by an equity firm a few years ago?”) to your overall industry (“how has the healthcare industry changed since you first entered it eight years ago?”).

Whether it stems from pure curiosity or strategizing for the future, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the inner workings of the company or industry as a whole. You’ll gain some valuable information—and prove that you’re there for more than just a paycheck.

5. Your Life Outside of Work
If your boss follows you on social media, you’d probably rather figure out a way for her to know less about your personal life. But, getting a little personal with your boss isn’t a bad thing—in fact, it can help solidify your professional relationship.

So, spill a few details about your family, your childhood, or even just what you did over the weekend—and ask questions about her life in return. You’ll likely find something you have in common, share a laugh, or at the very least relax for a few moments instead of worrying about the status of your current project.
You don’t have to go into any extreme details or spend hours telling each other your life stories, but connecting with your boss on a personal level can help you feel more comfortable coming to him or her about serious issues. You may never hang out outside of work, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid any sort of personal connection.

It may not feel natural at first, but try striking up a conversation with your boss about these important issues. In the end (when you’re happier in your current job and that much closer to your career goals), I promise, it’ll be worth it.

The post 5 Things You Should be Talking to Your Boss About appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

Signed a huge client? Check. Trained six new employees? Check. Hit your monthly sales quota in a week? Done and done.

You might have a list of career accomplishments a mile long. But if you’re the only one with access to that list — and no one else understands the extent of your contributions or the impact they’re having on the organization — you’ll be standing behind the door when the raises are handed out.

That’s because when organizations assess talent and make decisions about raises, promotions, and plum projects, the people making the decisions are going through a mental highlight reel of your career — and what counts isn’t necessarily what you’ve done; it’s what they know about what you’ve done.

So if you’re watching others get the promotions, assignments, or recognition you believe you deserve, it might be because you’re not making your accomplishments known. To make sure your manager and the rest of the organization is well aware of your contributions, here are five tips for getting credit for your work.

1. Keep Your Manager Informed

Many of the clients I coach rarely speak with their managers. Sometimes, that avoidance stems from a strained employee-boss relationship; others, because full calendars don’t allow for easily coordinated conversations.

No matter your reason, this is a major career oversight. You can’t assume your manager knows what you’re doing, the great progress you’ve made, or the obstacles you’ve overcome unless you make it your mission to provide that information.

But if you wait until your annual review, most of your accomplishments will be old news. And, you’ll be competing to stand out among all the other reviews that are being conducted — and the co-workers who are pushing their own accomplishments.

Your Go-To Strategy

Get on your manager’s calendar bi-weekly (at least), and use that time to make sure he or she knows the status of each of your major projects. Also highlight how you’re leveraging relationships with other teams or colleagues and making him or her look good in the process (e.g., “Jack in marketing was confused about the pricing strategy, so I brought him up to speed based on the guidance you laid out. We’re both on track with the goals you set for margin”).

By having regular conversations, you’ll remind your manager of your value — and keep it in the front of his or her mind on an ongoing basis, instead of just once a year.

2. Focus on Results, Not Just Your Activities

As a manager, I found that during regular update meetings with my employees, they tended to focus on a list of activities they’d completed throughout the week, from making phone calls to holding meetings to creating slide decks.

However, while those types of activities are certainly necessary, and it probably feels good to validate the time and energy you spent on them, what your manager really wants to know is the impact those activities had on the organization.

Your Go-To Strategy

Instead of giving your manager a list of tasks you’ve accomplished, explain what those tasks mean in the bigger picture.

So, rather than: “Last week I met with 10 of our suppliers on rebidding the widget production, and then I had a conference call with the team to share our progress.”

Try this: “I met with 10 suppliers last week. Three are seriously hungry for the business, and I suspect we’ll be able to increase our projected savings by at least 5% based on those conversations. That’ll be worth $1.5 million in our run rate. I’ll get you the final number once we wrap up negotiations.”

3. Get Social Proof

When you do something awesome and your colleagues express appreciation, ask them to speak up on your behalf. (And if you work with customers, ask them to do the same. Managers love hearing from satisfied customers, and this is a great way to collect feedback on your performance!)

A brief note to your manager or team lead outlining how you helped get a desired result, overcome an obstacle, or move the project forward will generate visibility, reminding those higher-ups of your ability to achieve great things.

Your Go-To Strategy

When someone acknowledges your work, ask him or her to make it official: “Thanks for recognizing me in the project wrap-up meeting this morning. The results we got together were over the top. Would you be willing to send a note to my manager about my contributions to the project? She holds you in high regard, and it would be a tremendous professional validation coming from you.”

4. Get in Front of Decision Makers

The power of presenting your ideas and results well — and in front of the right audience — carries just as much sway in your career as actually doing the work When you have the opportunity to present, for example, to your boss’ boss, you’ll boost your visibility and, when done right, create a memorable impression. Soon, that manager will know your name, which will give you a boost when it comes to performance reviews and special projects.

So if you’re offered the opportunity to present an update on your project, make a recommendation for a specific decision, or provide commentary on the impact of your work, go for it.

Your Go-To Strategy

First, identify one of your strongest projects — one that you feel confident talking about; this will help you work from a position of strength. Then, tell your manager you’d like the chance to present the progress of the project to higher-ups. Suggest it as a good opportunity for you to stretch your speaking abilities and learn how to present to upper-level managers.

Then, work with your manager to make sure you know what’s important to that audience and how to present information in the most effective way, so that the presentation showcases you as a confident, decision-capable up-and-comer. Assure your manager you want to make her look great in the process. Then, do so!

5. Take Your Stolen Ideas Back

There will undoubtedly be a time in your career when you run an idea by someone to get some feedback, and he’ll love it! He’ll love it so much, in fact, that he’ll turn around and present it as his own idea.

This can be extremely frustrating, but you do have some options.

Your Go-To Strategy

Now, you’re not going to interrupt the meeting where the topic is being discussed and say, “Hey, that was my idea!” But you can present more details, numbers, and data to support your suggestion. In other words, take control of the conversation to direct the spotlight back to you.

For example, say you’re in a meeting and your co-worker, Gary, goes on and on about your idea of expanding in the nonprofit sector, as if he originated it. You can jump in and share the evidence that inspired you originally — which Gary doesn’t have: “Yes, the numbers show that sector is projected to grow by 12% next year. Also, I talked with the logistics team a couple of weeks ago about this, and they are ready to build more capacity into the system. Competitors haven’t ventured out there yet, so we’ll be ahead of the game.”

Boom. You now own it again. By supporting and expanding on the idea, it’s likely your original idea will emerge in bigger and better form — and you’ll end up with the credit.

Yes, we all need to be good team players. The old adage “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit” is a powerfully true statement on how work is done in organizations.

Also remember, however, that teams aren’t promoted; individuals are. So, your mission is to be a great team player, but to have a firm grasp of the impact you made and smart strategies to share it with those who need to know.

The post 5 Ways to Make Sure Your Boss Knows Just How Awesome You Are appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

While transparency in the workplace is all the rage, there are still a few things that your boss or manager may not reveal to you in a one-on-one conversation or meeting. And that’s no real surprise, right? When you think of “things your boss won’t tell you,” employees’ minds may instantly jump to big announcements and corporate secrets. However, there are some tidbits that won’t make front-page news, but that a boss still won’t tell you.

Don’t believe us?! We asked a few managers and directors to dish on the sentences they’d almost never utter to their teams. Shhh, don’t tell them that we spilled the beans. Here are 10 things your boss won’t tell you:

1. “Take a vacation. You should work less.”

Nine times out of ten, a boss will never tell you to go on vacation. You’re too valuable. Plus, if you’re lounging on a beach somewhere, who is going to do the boss’s work?! Be proactive and take charge of your time off to recharge when you need to, rather than waiting for a nudge from your manager.

2. “I’m not the only one responsible for your promotion.”

It’s common to think that your direct manager holds the proverbial keys to your professional future. However, in most organizations promotions follow unwritten rules set by human resources, senior executives and your manager. While a boss may not admit to this democratic process, you should be aware. In climbing the corporate ladder, your boss is not the be-all and end-all — even if she or he may act like it sometimes.

3. “Your reputation is just as important as your work product.”

Wondering why a colleague with the same credentials and experience was promoted before you? They might just have a better reputation around the company than you do. Those with mentors will be told this little gem, while those who grumble under their breath about how unfair the boss is may not understand that it’s not just what you do, but how you do it. For those with philosophical leanings, Gandhi said, “A man is the sum of his actions, of what he has done, of what he can do, nothing else.” Bookmark that.

4. “You’re in a dead-end job.”

Even if you and your boss go out for the occasional beer or Taco Tuesday, chances are he or she won’t become so comfortable to reveal that the job you spend forty-plus hours a week working at is a dead end. Instead, you’ll have to harness your inner mind-reader and take stock of the office. If you look around and see that others are unable to move up or expand their roles — it’s a dead-end job. If you talk to your boss about your dreams and career goals and they smile or smirk — it’s a dead-end job. If the office resembles a revolving door — it’s a dead-end job. Take the hint.

5. “I am stressed out. It’s not about you.”

Managers who are sometimes short-tempered, send curt emails or dismiss you without acknowledgment may not despise you as an employee — they may just not be able to tell you how stressed they are. Pressure from senior executives or looming deadlines may be to blame, but often times bosses don’t or can’t convey that. Remember, even though they are in a position of power, bosses are not always able to keep a smile on their faces or reassure you.

6. “You know more about your job than I do.”

I’ve never had a boss who admitted that they did not know more than I did. Chances are that you’ve never had a boss that candid either. That’s okay. But deep down, you know your boss can’t understand that spreadsheet of data. Ha! Employee: 1. Boss: 0.

7. “I’m unqualified to be your manager.”

While few bosses will admit to not understanding a concept, an even tinier fraction of the manager population will concede that they are unqualified. Perhaps it goes against the Boss Code of Ethics. Whatever the reason, don’t hold your breath for a boss to ever utter these six words.

8. “No one knows you.”

One of the best lessons author Patty Azzarrello shares in her book Rise: How to be Really Successful at Work AND Like Your Life is, “Good work doesn’t stand on its own. Build your credibility with the people who can help (or black-list) you.” Remember to build partnerships and be valuable in other parts of the organization than just your team. “Successful people are widely known for the extra value they contribute to the business, not just doing their jobs really well. They have risen above the work and proven their greater, farther-reaching value to their companies.”

9. “I’m reading your emails, IMs and browser history.”

According to a new study from the American Management Association, nearly 80 percent of major companies now monitor employees’ use of e-mail, Internet or phone. The AMA surveyed 1,627 large and mid-sized firms about workplace monitoring and surveillance. The survey also found that companies were using the information they gathered to punish transgressions. More than a quarter of the companies surveyed said they have fired employees for misusing office e-mail or the Internet, and 65 percent had disciplined workers.

10. “You are in charge.”

This is perhaps the biggest secret many managers withhold from their direct reports. Some bosses prefer to operate with an authoritarian, “my way or the highway” persona. However, what employees — especially young workers — may not know is that there’s only one person in control of your career: you. “You have more control than you think,” writes Azzarello. “You need to recognize that it is up to you to make things happen in your career, without counting on standard company and management processes. These days, if anything, the standard company and management processes are set against you!”

The post 10 Things Your Boss Won’t Tell You appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

I enjoy receiving LinkedIn’s #DailyRunDown as there are a variety of topics mentioned and there are always one or two that catch my eye. Just the other day on August 5th, the subjects covered everything from, Why Aren’t Americans Moving? To Why Being Nice at Work Pays Off.

The reference to being, “Nice at Work” struck a chord with me since I have heard many stories, pro and con, about how people feel they are treated at work sometimes. I’m sure we also all have our own personal stories from the companies where we have worked and colleagues who we have interacted with.

I think being nice to people at work also ties in with corporate culture, the skills with or lack thereof for emotional intelligence, and the basic ability for having empathy for others when they need our support.

The act of caring and supporting others we work with is one the five key practices in James Kouzes and Barry Posner’s bestselling book, The Leadership Challenge. They call it, “Encouraging the Heart”, and they show how powerful it can be when you are rewarding, recognizing, and encouraging others around you.

There’s another excellent book on the subject that I recommend by Mark Crowley called Lead from the Heart. Mark writes about this often in his posts on LinkedIn.

Being nice at work and its impact on corporate culture is something I believe in so much. I have been fortunate to have worked with some terrific companies in my career. I have seen how a positive and supportive culture can drive teamwork and outstanding results.

More often than not the most successful companies are the ones where culture is highly valued and recognized by colleagues at all levels of the organization.

So does that mean we need to be always cheering people, never criticizing, and always having a happy face on? Of course not, in fact, honesty, directness, and even a dose of conflict is needed for companies to succeed. It is a key ingredient in Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. He shows the value and need for some conflict to have a healthy organization.

I have a number courses on LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com. In one of the videos, I address the very issue of, “Being Good to People”. It is just a few minutes long so as you watch it, when I say the word “sales,” just plug in your own profession, whether it be IT specialist, copywriter, marketer, accountant, or whatever, as the lessons apply to any job function.

Some people just “get it”, and know the value of being supportive to others and being a trusted, valued and “good” coworker.

Those are the people that I want align myself with. So, give it a try, focus more on being nicer to people at work. It will make you and your coworkers feel better and I am quite sure it will pay you back in so many positive ways!

The post Be Good to People at Work: It’s Not that Hard to Do. appeared first on Résumé Writing and Career Services.

Over the course of my career, I’ve seen a broad spectrum of career successes. (And, well, failures.) And I’ve thought a lot about the causes of those outcomes. Why do some succeed faster than others? Why do some get opportunities and others don’t? Why do some get stuck in their careers?

The answer, I’ve found, to all of these questions is making a lasting impression. If you consistently make a positive, memorable impact on your boss, your co-workers and even your employees, you’ll increase your chances of getting hand-picked for the best opportunities when they come knocking, paving your way to career success.

It may sound simple, but leaving that lasting impression takes a strategic approach. Here are five tips that’ll help you make your mark and be remembered over anyone else in the room.

1. Keep it Real

I like the quote by Oscar Wilde that says, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to impress that we forget to show our true selves — we hold back opinions, squash our creative ideas and downplay our personalities, all for fear of being judged.

Recently, at a leadership program in San Francisco, I witnessed the opposite — and it was so refreshing. Several groups of leaders from across the company were asked to present their recommendations based on a real-life customer problem. Naturally, seven of the eight teams gravitated toward sending the best sales or marketing leader on their teams to deliver their recommendations. But not one team. Instead, they sent the least obvious pick — an engineering leader.

To everyone’s surprise, he took us all on an eye-opening customer journey laced with Star Wars metaphors. Some of his feedback was extremely revealing, but it was accepted very well because it was unfiltered. He came across as a creative problem solver with a sense of humor, and, needless to say, that presentation was the one that everyone remembered because it was authentic and brilliant.

2. Make Deposits, Not Withdrawals

Just like a bank, every exchange or interaction that you have is like a deposit or withdrawal. People either feel energized after working with you — or exhausted.

To make sure you’re in the former camp, examine the factors that contribute toward deposits. Are you easy to work with? Do you give the person with whom you’re speaking undivided attention? Do you support your team during peak periods of stress? Are you leaving conversations making others feel empowered, motivated and energized? These are great leadership qualities that will help you grow your deposits.

As I share this advice, one vice president that I work with comes to mind. He’s known as a technology innovator and leads one of the largest teams at my company. He knows very well that positive emotion accelerates innovation. As such, he makes a concerted effort to leave conversations making people feel inspired. And they usually do.

One easy tip that you can try today is giving the person you are speaking with your full attention. I often find people distracted in their own thoughts. When you’re having a conversation with someone, give your undivided attention and pay a close watch to your non-verbal gestures. Give eye contact, and don’t get distracted by the 10 action items waiting for you (or your phone!). The more focused you are in your conversations, the more you’ll get out of them, and the more deposits you’ll make.

3. Get Comfortable With Pressure

In the business world, people are defined by how they handle stress — it’s called “cope-ability.” Whether you’re presenting in front of a massive audience or dealing with a customer service crisis, nailing the pressure moments will define a lasting impression.

So, pay attention to how you handle stress and pressure, and start getting comfortable with it. In fact, go out of your way to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. When you do this often enough, you’ll be more immune to pressure when you are stress-tested — it just becomes more normal. I think it’s similar to muscle memory, where the act gets so routine, your body just goes into autopilot.

Being in your comfort zone for too long only creates a situation that makes it easier for you to crack under pressure. But if you’re constantly in the “stretch” zone, you’ll create a habit of performing well no matter what the pressure level.

4. Be Bright, Be Brief, Be Gone

This tip is something that’s stuck with me from a coaching session I had a few years ago. It’s all about being an expert in your line of work and presenting your ideas in a succinct and simple way.

First, you need to know what you’re great at, not what you’re good at. And when you know what that is, don’t be afraid to offer solutions and bring value to discussions. Whether you’re presenting at a meeting or having an impromptu chat with your boss, nail your point with simple language and simple solutions. Be bright, be brief, be gone — and you’ll always be remembered.

5. Get Elected

You often hear the advice to “manage up” and to promote yourself, making sure the higher-ups know about your achievements. And many people in the corporate world have climbed the ranks this way.

But this approach is never sustainable because it lacks authenticity. In the long run, a “vote for him or her” approach is much more powerful than “vote for me.” You want to be elected; the person who people throughout the organization want to help, want to work for and want to see succeed. This will happen when you can authentically influence your audience throughout the organization, not just manage up. In fact, some of the best leaders I’ve worked with meet with cross-functional groups, at all levels, all the time. I’m privy to a vice president’s calendar, and I’ve noticed that he works with a wide audience across the whole company, frequently meeting with people at all levels. As it turns out, he’s one of those who gets the most support throughout the company.

Ask yourself this question, “Do I work with a diverse group of people at all levels?” If you do, great. If you don’t, look for ways to extend your network to a broader set of colleagues. It’ll create more inclusion and buy-in, and a more successful career all around.

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