Executive Spotlight: The Most Important Software Technology Executives Are Using Right Now

Executive Spotlight: The Most Important Software Technology Executives Are Using Right Now

Staying on top of software technology is essential, especially if you’re running an organization. Are you looking for a new software technology to try as a business leader? We recently asked our leading executives what the single most important software technology they’re using in their work right now is, and why it’s so valuable.

Here are their responses…

Jim Black, Engineering & Technical Executive

Google calendar

Outlook calendar (or Google, Apple). Without my calendar, I am ineffective. I use this tool to plan my day, allocate time for projects, and keep all my commitments in one place. I add everything there from my personal appointments to my professional gigs. All in one place, all in a concise format, and all at my fingertips. My work calendar and personal calendars are synchronized to ensure a single source of truth! (P.S. I also leave a fair amount of slack time for those events which pop up, and I recommend you NEVER block out 100%).

Jim Black is an engineering professional focused on the development of technical professionals. He is also a professional bass player.

Liam Anderson, Contact Center Technology Consultant

Cloud software technology

​The cloud is going to have the same impact on business technology that the railways had on travel.

Very few people traveled farther than they could walk in a day. Only the wealthy owned horses.

The railways enabled mass tourism to the English seaside. Towns developed whose economies were centered around tourism.

The cloud enables smaller businesses to use highly complex technologies, such as AI-driven analytics.

Before the cloud, companies needed to make a substantial up-front investment to build and operate their own data centers.

Now they can use these technologies on the cloud and pay for what they use and no more. Software companies can set up cloud-based POC demonstrations for a fraction of the cost, and therefore a fraction of the risk.

The cloud is democratizing technology, making it available for a fraction of the traditional on-premises cost of ownership.

Liam Anderson has spent the last 15 years in the contact center industry technology space. He helps customers use this technology to achieve and sustain business success.

Percy Leon,  Digital Media Content Producer

Canva app

I use multiple software every day, anything from editing and copywriting software. However, the most important software I use is Canva.

I love using Canva for creating videos. Canva is the perfect tool for content creators who want to up their game with stunning visuals with easy-to-use editing and graphics tools.

It only takes me a few minutes to upload my footage to the app. Once the video is uploaded, I can resize it to have it fit seamlessly on TikTok, YouTube Stories, Instagram Stories, and even YouTube long form! You can resize your footage for any platform. I can use Canva’s multiple graphics, as well as the royalty-free beautiful images and videos that they have available if I want to add some B roll.

When it comes to YouTube, the thumbnail is the first thing people see when they open your video so it has to be eye-catching and unique. I can use Canva to make eye-catching thumbnails, and also to create captivating titles and descriptions that get the user interested in watching what I have to offer.

Canva also offers a content planner that allows me to plan and schedule what content to do for the month.

Percy Leon is a digital media content producer specializing in educational technology and entertainment. He is interested in web3, metaverse, and the use of virtual reality for storytelling.

Dr. Hannah Hartwell, Learning & Development Executive

Employees use software technology at work

As executives, it’s helpful to adapt to the company-provided technology that is available. This approach helps with overall company technology adoption. My team frequently hears me say, “Don’t we already have a tool for that? What can we leverage that we already have internally?” Rather than exploring other tools, I recommend using what you already have. Of course, unless there’s a need that can’t be filled with your existing tools.

As an independent consultant, I recommend the same approach. Companies already have their own tools. Plus, learning a new internal tool adds to your technological fluency and adaptability.

Dr. Hannah Hartwell is a learning and development executive and change management practitioner with 15+ years of business transformation experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, higher education, and professional services industries.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive

metaverse concept

The metaverse has been referred to as the next new internet era and is expected to reach $800 billion by 2024.

The metaverse is a combination of several cutting-edge technologies including:

  • Virtual Reality (VR): Simulated real-world experience interacted with using special electronic equipment (think simulated flight training programs).
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Augments your experience of the real world, enabling interaction in real time with 3D visualization of objects and the merging of virtual and real worlds (think “try before you buy”).
  • Blockchain: A digital ledger of transactions called “blocks” that are securely linked together. Blockchain gives credibility to money transfer and data storage in the metaverse.
  • 3D Reconstruction: Helps create virtual spaces by capturing the shape, look, and appearance of real objects. 3D reconstruction is used in medicine to plan surgeries (3D printing) and to render accurate architectural models (3D cameras) prior to building.

Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.

What’s the single most important software technology you’re using in your work right now as an executive? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily’s Executive Program.

How Playing TETRIS® Teaches Lessons In Strategy

How Playing TETRIS® Teaches Lessons In Strategy

Nearly every day, I play TETRIS® “B-Type” to awaken my brain. The games are short, and my goal is to clear three consecutive games.

Playing helps me with focus in beginning my day. The more successful I am at reaching my three-game goal, the more focused I know I am. Days when that goal is a challenge, I recognize I may not be fully present.

The game teaches me to remember strategy. As an engineering executive/project manager, strategy plays into my work daily. I am continuously working on how to position my team for the next challenge, how to prevent problems, and moving assets into place. Sound familiar?

What Is B-Type TETRIS®?

B-type Tetris

TETRIS is a geometric puzzle where pieces of various shapes drop to form rows. Each shape is made of four blocks, randomly presented for placement. When a row of ten blocks completes, they clear from the game board. Clearing multiple rows is strongly encouraged, and when clearing four rows in one placement, you have earned a “TETRIS.”

B-type TETRIS begins with random blocks and pieces already in place. The blocks fall to clear the “mess” given by the system. Users may select speed of how fast the blocks fall and select the level of height of the predefined blocks.

Winning B-type TETRIS is achieved by clearing 25 rows before stacking the pieces filling the board. If a piece falls immediately colliding with another piece, the game is over. When you win, the game rewards the player with clever Russian-style graphics.

TETRIS® & Strategy?

Tetris electronic game, video game

Project management and engineering are similar. Required work has a series of constraints at the beginning of every project (random blocks placed on the board). Each project is within a predefined time schedule (speed of the game). Each unplanned act of people or assets creates challenges (random pieces generated by the game).

Your goal as a leader… clear your 25 rows before ending the game. In a perfect world, you will clear rows cleanly eliminating all preplaced blocks at the same time. The execution of your project clears the game board.

Taking One Row Making Small Progress Versus A Full TETRIS® Clearing Multiple Lines?

Tetris

My goal as a teenager was to clear four rows with a “TETRIS” every single time! You build these patterns and drop a straight piece clearing four rows simultaneously! The screen blinks beautifully signaling your victory!

With B-type, you have the reality of obstacles. You cannot always build the perfect four-row structure to clear everything at once. You need to work sometimes one row at a time.

Working one row is more time consuming. You carefully place blocks into structures to eliminate your 25 rows with individual placements.

Building for the TETRIS takes strategy. You sacrifice clearing a row to allow the height to accumulate. You place blocks hoping to drop the straight piece and clear the rows. Then reality hits…

The system randomly generates blocks. What if the straight piece does not come? What if you only get square pieces three times in a row? How do you win if the system will not provide the piece you need?

Enter strategy… you may need to sacrifice the TETRIS you are building and only clear one or two rows. Other times, you may risk continuing to build height of the structure making losing more probable.

As a leader of multiple projects, I typically take the quick victories and clear the obstacles as I can. Making small progress is often better than losing the game entirely. I work through the little pieces in hopes the bigger issues will resolve themselves during the process.

When responsible, you need to weigh your options carefully. Make sure any single points of failure (the straight piece) has a back-up plan. Going for gold is sometimes your only choice. Simply step back and be prepared to pivot when the game does not deliver.

Waiting For That Perfect Piece To Clear A Roadblock…

Tetris puzzle pieces

With the predefined blocks set at random, the game often shows the player the perfect shape to clear a problem. The shape teases you showing how easy it is to clear the jam and provide more room on the board. It taunts me.

In complex projects, leaders often rely on the perfect piece. Sadly, the random pieces do not always come through. I have had some luck in my career in finding the perfect piece to clear my rows. More often than not, I work with what the game has given me.

If the game does not provide the perfect piece, how do you respond? You need to sacrifice a long-term goal (building a TETRIS) with a short-term gain (clearing one row). Leaders must recognize this missing element, and the hard choice is taking one row versus four.

What Happens When You Cannot Clear Your Lines?

Tetris video game

I lose more than I win. Somedays, my mind is unfocused and I do not win a single game.

I always work to build the lines and clear them consistently. I risk building a taller structure versus the consistent wins. My stack gets too high, pieces collide, and I lose. GAME OVER.

Is it really? I can press start twice and begin again. New game, new random pieces. I can change the rules by slowing the speed or lowering the height. I can manipulate variables to help me win.

Me, I am stubborn… fastest speed and tallest height every time. And I lose. Why do I continue to play with these constraints?

Projects come in all levels of complexity and development cycles. Most projects are highly complex and have just enough time to complete. Then, you add the random elements you did not anticipate.

In projects, you will fail. Missing a deadline, failing a test, forgetting a requirement, and simply missing the mark. Depending on your response, you can recover. You can ask the customer to play again. You can adjust the parameters. You can accept 23 of the 25 lines as success.

You can learn from the game not everything is a zero-sum total. You can plan for everything to be right and still miss because the perfect piece never fell. You can build that structure and create a collision.

By learning these lessons, I make better decisions in subsequent games. I learn from the mistakes when I play again. I never truly lose.

How Is Any Of This Gameplay Relevant To Me?

Tetris puzzle

TETRIS® is the mechanism I chose for some entertainment. Some fun as you read my words. The game is not important.

Projects are never linear; they are geometric. Time rarely runs in your favor and is often behind when you begin. The roadblocks to success provide obstacles within your path. Random pieces will fall towards you during the project.

The lesson… learn from the mistakes and make better decisions within the game. Use the applied knowledge for the next play. Take risks when it makes sense, and choosing quick wins can reap rewards.

TETRIS® is an amazing game, and the game will be played many decades from now. I enjoy the three-minute challenges it presents me daily. I love how it reminds me of life lessons to apply in my work. I challenge you to look at something you enjoy and see lessons it teaches you. I encourage you to play TETRIS—it may help with your strategy to deal with life’s challenges.

Good luck, and clear those lines!






4 Ways Internal & External Recruiters Can Work Better Together

4 Ways Internal & External Recruiters Can Work Better Together

Internal and external recruiters may appear to work in duplicative positions, but a closer look reveals that a collaboration between these two resources can result in better hires for companies.

The key to success is playing to each of these recruiter’s strengths.

Covering More Ground

Recruiters talk to each other

Companies need workers, but finding them has become a daunting task. Candidates have many options, as indicated by the number of jobs available—about 11 million at last count—nationwide.

Internal recruiters are juggling multiple searches and often must rely on traditional tactics, such as online job postings, that attract the interest of active candidates. That’s where external recruiters come in. They can complement internal recruiters’ efforts by strategically unearthing passive candidates who may consider an exceptional career move.

Building A Pipeline Of Talent

Recruiter smiles at camera

As the economy continues to roar back from the pandemic-induced recession, companies are growing again. With that growth comes a need to fill new and existing positions.

While internal recruiters are filling the positions for today, external recruiters can help their colleagues build a pipeline of talent for future searches.

Such is the case at Duffy Group, which works hand-in-hand with clients such as CVS Health and General Mills to create a consistent group of qualified candidates who could become the next great hires.

Soup To Nuts Or Selective Services

Recruiter looks at a job candidate's profile

In some cases, internal recruiters may call upon their external partners to handle an entire search—from sourcing and vetting to interviewing and hiring. In other instances, it may be best for these recruiting resources to handle distinct tasks.

Duffy Group uses a highly effective recruitment model called Recruitment Research that helps hiring leaders precisely and successfully target candidates who are the best match for a company’s open positions. But unlike traditional recruitment approaches, Recruitment Research enables internal recruiters and talent acquisition teams to unbundle the search process to focus on a particular area of need.

A case in point is Duffy Group’s work with a law firm client, which gives our team a targeted list of qualified candidates. Our charge is to contact these individuals as an independent third party.

Courting Candidates

Recruiter looks over a job candidate's resume

Internal and external recruiters know that building relationships with candidates is a critical part of their jobs. Without such relationships, recruiters may get to the finish line only for the candidate to withdraw from consideration for the job or ghost the employer leading up to or following a job offer.

The problem for internal recruiters is finding time to do this. That’s another benefit of having an external recruitment partner who can keep in touch with top candidates and maintain their interest in a position with their clients over time.

What was once believed to be a competitive relationship between internal and external recruiters has changed. In today’s tight labor market, making the most of a company’s hiring resources is essential. By working together as a seamless team, recruiters—whether working internally at a company or externally as a partner—can become a secret weapon to building a quality workforce for today and tomorrow.

How To Overcome Your Interview Anxiety

How To Overcome Your Interview Anxiety

You’re familiar with the feeling: your palms start sweating, you start to shake and for some reason, your mind goes completely blank. Sounds like a dreaded case of interview jitters!

Nerves can bring even the most professional candidate to their knees, impeding their chances of securing the job, even if they’re the most qualified.

If you know that you’re prone to nerves, make sure you take the necessary steps to control them—before you step into the interview room, not after.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to overcome interview nerves:

1. Be Prepared

Nerves are often triggered by anxiety. It’s common to worry that you won’t know the answer to a particular question in the interview, or that you won’t have the necessary knowledge to wow your prospective employer.

You can help alleviate this concern by doing your research. Predict possible interview questions and make sure you know the answers. Feeling well-prepared can help calm your anxiety.

2. Sleep Well

Man wakes up after sleeping well

It might be tempting to soothe your worries with several glasses of wine the night before. While this may feel good at the time, it certainly won’t the next day. Have a relaxing bath, avoid too much alcohol, eat well, and get a good night’s sleep.

3. Think Ahead

Woman thinks about and plans her day

To save yourself time worrying in the morning, lay out your best suit, make sure you’ve already purchased your train tickets or petrol, get some money out if you need to buy lunch, and make sure all your time in the day is spent focusing on the important task—preparing for that interview.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Man conducts a mock interview

If you’re really anxious, ask a trusted friend or family member to perform a “test” interview on you the day before, also known as a mock interview. You’ll get a chance to practice your performance and also receive some valuable feedback.

5. Stay Positive

Confident man on laptop prepares for his next job interview

Remember, you can do this. You’re qualified for the job, you’ve got some great credentials, and you’ve got the necessary experience.

This company is just as lucky to be interviewing you as you are to be interviewed by them! Boost your self-confidence by telling yourself that it’s in your power to get this job. You can do it.

And In The Interview Itself…

Young woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before a job interview

If you feel your heart start to race and your forehead break out in a sweat, take a deep breath. Remember, the people interviewing you want you to succeed. They’re desperately seeking the right person to join their company, and they’re really hoping that you’re that person.

If you start to feel nerves getting the better of you, ask for a moment to pause and gather your thoughts. If necessary, be honest with your interviewers, and explain to them that you’re feeling nervous because the job matters a lot to you.

It’s likely that they’ll understand; after all, they’re human too, and they’ve probably experienced nerves at some point in their lives.

Take it slow and steady and keep reminding yourself that this is your job. You can achieve it!

We hope these tips will help calm your nerves and ease any interview anxiety you may be experiencing.

Remember though, it’s okay to be nervous; that means the job opportunity means A LOT to you. Whenever we embark on a new and exciting journey, our nerves let us know we’re on the right path.

Now, with that in mind, go out there and ace that interview!

Need more help with your job search?

We’d love it if you signed up for Work It Daily’s Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

9 Ways To Stand Out In A Group Interview

9 Ways To Stand Out In A Group Interview

If you’re a job hunter, you have to remember that job interviews are not all the same. Some job interviews not only require you to answer somewhat stressful questions directly from your interviewer, but they can also require you to face a group of co-interviewees and (technically) compete with them by practically standing out among the crowd.

This kind of job interview is (obviously) called a group interview.

If you’re still wondering, “What is a group interview?” you’re not alone. A group interview is just like the traditional job interview with a question and answer portion, and some examinations.

However, what adds more tension to the air is the fact that you have to go toe-to-toe with other job seekers, and force yourself to stand out without disrespecting and interrupting your interviewer and co-interviewees. You have to be both smooth and confident here.

If this is kind of scaring the hell out of you, breathe and just continue reading. After this, you will be as prepared as the ants during rainy season. Here are nine effective ways to stand out in a group job interview:

1. Research Beforehand

It is very important, whether it’s a group interview or a traditional job interview, to do research beforehand. You should know what you need to look for. Just make sure you know something about the company and any other details they can possibly ask you.

Keep in mind, though, that research doesn’t only pertain to Google. Go out and observe, or conduct your own interviews.

2. Arrive 30 Minutes Before The Time And Observe

Man thinks while waiting for a job interview

Don’t just be “on time.” Be there before the assigned time. This way, you can still rest and freshen up a bit. You can also continue on with your research by observing the office, and reading some posters or notes on their bulletin boards. Being early for the interview will do you a lot of good.

3. Prepare A Self-Introduction

Man introduces himself during a group interview

Most likely, you will be asked to introduce yourself, especially in a group job interview. To save yourself some time and pressure, compose and memorize fluidly a self-introduction. Give it all your best essay writing prowess. This will certainly come in handy.

Remember, the “first impression lasts” saying is still true.

4. Listen Very Carefully

Hiring manager talks to job candidates during a group interview

During a group interview, never let yourself float into nowhere. Always be attentive and alert. Don’t just listen to the questions asked. Listen to your peers’ answers as well. This will help you think and answer better.

5. Answer First Every Once In A While

Woman answers a question during a group interview

Make it a point to be the first one to answer your interviewer’s question every once in a while. I repeat, only once in a while. You don’t have to bully the other candidates. But you shouldn’t appear to be too shy and timid, either.

Being the first one to answer without obviously trying to dominate the group interview can help your interviewer’s easy recall and good impression of you as a job candidate.

6. Support Some Co-Interviewees’ Statements

Job candidates listen during a group interview

Since you don’t need to be the first one to answer all the questions, try to be kind and supportive of the other candidates’ answers every now and then. This way, you may appear to be a supportive leader and a team player at the same time.

7. Smile And Nod A Lot

Job candidates smile during a group interview

While someone else is talking, listen, smile, and nod a lot. It’s a sign of respect and that you are listening intently to them. It’s always better to be noticed because of nodding and smiling than to be all stiff and nervous.

8. Ask Brilliant Questions

A job candidate asks a good question during a group interview

As soon as your interviewer asks you if you have any questions in mind, try your best to formulate a good and intelligent one. That’s why, aside from thinking sharply, you also need to listen carefully throughout the course of the interview.

Once you’ve already formulated a question or two, do your best to keep them in mind and wait until your interviewer asks you if you have any. Don’t interrupt him or her.

Brilliant questions will make you notable. It means you’re listening well and you are eager to learn more. That’s why good and intelligent questions are so important.

9. Greet And Thank Your Interviewer And Co-Interviewees

Woman thanks the hiring manager after a group interview

At the end of the group interview, make it a point to thank your interviewer and shake hands with your co-interviewees. This shows you are well-mannered and respectful.

Group job interviews can be terrifying. However, they’re not as bad as they may seem.

Now that you know how to succeed at a group interview, you should already be more confident! Group interviews can even give you the edge that you need more than a traditional job interview can.

So, don’t fear your upcoming group interview! It’s just another opportunity for you to shine and prove that YOU are the best fit for the position!

Need more help with your job search?

We’d love it if you signed up for Work It Daily’s Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Take Charge Of Your Visual Identity To Make It Truly Unique

Take Charge Of Your Visual Identity To Make It Truly Unique

Early in my career, I worked for The Disney Channel, part of which included managing events where Disney character assets were constantly being requested. As I managed each of these events, I followed the Disney brand identity, ensuring it was implemented and executed to a tee. One of the issues I ran into quite often was people requesting events where they submitted their own Disney character art that was not approved, did not fit within the Disney visual identity, and was off-brand.

Part of Disney’s success in creating a recognizable and trusted brand is how they execute their visual identity seamlessly both internally throughout their organization and externally with all of their partners.

Brand Identity

A brand identity is how your brand defines itself. This includes the brand’s values, beliefs, and personality. It is what you want people to feel when they interact with your brand through distinct visual and audio elements.

All of your visual and audio elements need to work together to resonate with your audience in order to tell your overall brand story in a consistent, purposeful way.

A well-defined brand identity distinguishes your company and influences the way your brand is perceived in the eyes of your consumers, in turn leading to brand loyalty.

Visual Identity

A visual identity is a collection of visual assets that define the look and feel of your brand, making it unique and recognizable. It’s how you shape consumer perceptions and create a lasting impression.

Importance Of Visual Identity

Why is having a visual identity so important? Your visual identity is one of the first things consumers notice about your brand. It highlights your brand’s personality, helps create an emotional connection with your customers, and how you stand out from your competition. Your visual identity needs to capture your consumers’ attention in a matter of seconds.

Foundation For A Strong Visual Identity

While your appearance is the first thing that people notice about your brand, your brand strategy is the foundation that guides your visual identity. Your visual identity articulates who you are, why you exist, and what you stand for.

Here are four steps to developing your brand strategy (brand strategy template) which will help pull together your visual identity:

  • Develop your brand purpose, mission, vision, & values
  • Create your messaging framework: brand promise, unique selling proposition (USP), value proposition, target audience, tagline, brand essence, tone & voice
  • Identify your positioning
  • Construct your brand personality

Creating A Visual Identity

All of the assets in your visual identity need to work together, providing a unified message that tells a story, evokes emotion, and encourages engagement. To create your visual identity, it’s important to understand the elements included:

  • Logo: Your logo is the most visible and recognizable component of your brand. Your brand logo’s job is to identify you, differentiate you, and ensure people remember you. It is the “face” of your brand. There are different types of logos to consider. A wordmark is text only—company names, monograms, or initials (Coca-Cola, Subway). A brandmark is a graphic symbol or icon represented by real-world objects (Target’s Bullseye, Twitter’s Bird). Abstract logo marks are conceptual, big picture logos consisting of a symbol that is tailor-made for you (Nike Swoosh, Microsoft Squares). Mascots are images of characters or persons that visually represent your business “spokesperson” (Pillsbury Doughboy, KFC’s Colonel Sanders). Combination logos combine both images and words (Burger King, Doritos). Emblem logos consist of a font inside a symbol or icon, usually a badge, seal, or crest (BMW, Starbucks). Dynamic marks are a new form of logos. Instead of having one standard font, color, and/or text combination for your logo, these elements can now change depending on how it is used. Monogram logos are logos that consist of letters or initials of a company (HBO, CNN). To get started developing your logo, you can work with an agency or use an online site like Canva or Namecheap’s logo maker. Be sure that your logo works across all of your platforms, marketing materials, and at different sizes.
  • Typography: Typography is the style or appearance of the text you use in your branding. There are many different fonts and each one evokes different meanings and feelings. Big block letters convey power, strength, and impact while a swirling script communicates elegance, style, and femininity. You can use fonts from an existing library or design one of your own. The key is to identify primary, secondary, and tertiary typefaces that uniquely represent your brand. Be sure to test for legibility across different platforms (i.e. online, OOH, print, etc) to ensure what you’ve selected works.
  • Colors: Your brand’s color palette is a set of specific color hues, shades, and tints used across all of your marketing materials. It’s important when identifying your brand colors to understand the psychology, feelings, and emotions associated with them. When selecting your colors, use a color wheel (a circle graphic that helps define the relationships between colors), one main color, two primary colors, and three to five complementary colors.
  • Imagery: Imagery consists of photography, video content, illustrations, and spokespeople. In order to communicate the right message, think about the imagery you want to use (i.e. stock photos, original shots, user-generated content). Be cognizant of how you depict people, characters, and/or products.
  • Graphics: Graphics can include shapes, patterns, textures, lines, and icons. These extra details can add dimension, help tie together your visual elements, and contribute to your overall brand identity.

Brand Style Guide

Your visual identity is represented in a brand style guide. A brand style guide are guidelines on how to communicate your brand and deliver a consistent visual experience to your customers. Your brand style guide should evolve over time to reflect the overall brand experience as it changes.

In Summary

Brands that have effectively taken charge of their visual identity systems are recognizable, help tell their brand story in a unique way, bring order to complexity, are authentic to their brand, and ensure consistency across all marketing channels and touchpoints. Start building your brand leadership today. You’ve got this!

Top Innovative Tips to Make a Good Impression When Looking for a Job

Top Innovative Tips to Make a Good Impression When Looking for a Job

Let’s be real, looking for a new job is stressful! First, there is an overwhelming sea of choices you have to choose from, and it can be stressful for a lot of people! Even if you have your mind set on one particular career, choosing the right place to apply for can be hard. Furthermore, […]

The post Top Innovative Tips to Make a Good Impression When Looking for a Job appeared first on Jobacle.com.

7 Things I’ve Learned About Recruiting Non-Profit CEOs

7 Things I’ve Learned About Recruiting Non-Profit CEOs

Over the past several years, I’ve had the honor to lead the recruitment process for 22 non-profit CEOs and have learned a thing or two about what a successful search process entails.

1. Start With A Strategy

Non-profit graphic

When recruiting for non-profit CEOs, it’s critical to have a well-defined strategy put in place before beginning the search. The strategy is typically created by the search consultant leading the search and that person must gain the buy-in from all stakeholders including the search committee and board of directors. The strategy will include, whether it’s a local, regional, or national search, the must-haves versus the preferred qualifications of the ideal candidate. The strategy will also outline the target audience, including industries, specific companies, and specific roles/positions/people at those companies.

2. Mission Matters

Non-profit employees collaborate on their mission

When recruiting for a non-profit CEO, connection to the mission is critical! For example, when recruiting for a CEO of a non-profit that serves families with disabilities, we targeted people with the skill set to do the job but also uncovered their connection to the mission by finding out if they had direct ties to either serving families with disabilities or had a child with a disability and had the lived experience, or both.

Another example is when recruiting for the CEO of a non-profit that serves families who receive a Catholic education, we uncovered whether or not the candidates received a similar Catholic education or if their children had, therefore providing them with the lived experience and direct tie to the mission.

3. Search Committees Are Necessary

Recruiters search for the right job candidate

I’ve had the privilege of working with many different search committees and have found that, for the most part, these individuals are talented and dedicated business leaders who take their commitment to the organization very seriously and dedicate a lot of time to ensuring the search process goes smoothly.

The chair of the search committee is typically my main point of contact and the person who dedicates the most time to the process and is also the final decision-maker in certain situations. My job is to make the search as seamless as possible and to take as much off their plate as possible.

4. Non-Profits Need Strong Business Leaders

Business leader says something during a work meeting

After recruiting in the for-profit world for many years before switching to the non-profit sector, I have found that many non-profits are in need of business leaders who are just as strong in their business acumen as their for-profit counterparts. In fact, many leaders from the for-profit sector welcome a change into the non-profit sector, bringing in a fresh perspective, while having the opportunity to use their many skills to help their community.

5. Non-Profits Need To Ensure Fiscal Responsibility Towards Their Mission

non profit calculator

It’s so important for the money to go towards the mission, and not towards unnecessary or wasteful spending. Uncovering how a CEO has grown the reach of their organization and how they’ve grown the budget, while staying true to the mission, is important information.

6. Fundraising Is A Critical Skill Set Needed

Fundraising, donation concept

For small non-profits, the CEO is oftentimes the primary fundraiser. As an agency grows, so does the need for a development department. No matter what the size is, fundraising is always a critical component and although many non-profits receive government funding, diversifying funding streams and bringing in revenue to support the mission is so important!

7. Non-Profit CEOs Are Some Of The Most Brilliant, Compassionate People On The Planet!

People volunteering at a non-profit organization

One of the best parts of my job is getting the opportunity to work with people who have used their time and talents to make our world a better place. Whether they are helping people experiencing homelessness, hunger, or violence, or helping people who have disabilities or critical illnesses, many of these leaders are angels on earth making our world a better place!

If you need to recruit for this type of position, please contact me at [email protected] or (602) 802-8329 or on LinkedIn.

How To Prepare For Annual Performance Reviews

How To Prepare For Annual Performance Reviews

Do you have a good upcoming performance review plus aren’t sure how you can get ready? Are you struggling to help communicate your value throughout a yearly performance review? In that case, we’re here to display the ways to efficiently prepare and stand away to your employer!

Performance reviews could be intimidating, especially if an individual aren’t sure how towards prepare and what is going to be discussed. Either way, it’s critical to spend additional time setting yourself upward for success during this particular ending up in your manager.

Think associated with these meetings as a new valuable opportunity to talk to your manager about development and goals moving ahead within your career. You’ve obtained this!

Within this training, you’ll understand how to:

  • Get clear on the goals both individually in addition to within the organization
  • Effectively prepare with regard to the annual meeting upon your performance having a office manager
  • Develop efficient speaking points that lead to your growth and even accomplishments as a expert

Join our TOP DOG, J. T. O’Donnell, together with Director of Training Advancement & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live occasion on Wednesday, August twenty fourth at 12 pm AINSI QUE.

CAN’T ATTEND LIVE? That’s okay. You will have access to this recording as well as the workbook right after the session!

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How To Stay Relevant In An Ever-Changing Job Market

How To Stay Relevant In An Ever-Changing Job Market

Whether you’ve just graduated from college, you’re in the middle of your career, or you’re in your 60s, competition for jobs is fierce. So, how can you stay relevant in today’s job market?

Here are six ways to stay on top of your game…

1. Brand Up

If you want to market yourself effectively, you need to clearly understand how and where you add value. What skill sets and strengths do you have? What’s the problem you solve? How do you solve it? Get very clear on what you have to offer and then start building your brand.

Once you understand how and where you add value, you need to build your brand—a marketing strategy for your business-of-one. Start building up your online presence, establish yourself as an expert in your field, and get your name out there. If people can’t find you easily, it will be hard to stand out in a sea of talent.

2. Learn New Technology

Man reads about a new technology in his industry while working on his laptop

This is one of the most important things you can do to stay relevant in today’s job market. We live in a very tech-savvy world, and if you can’t keep up, you risk falling behind the competition. Think about what technologies are used in your industry and take steps to familiarize yourself with them and learn how they work.

3. Look At Industry Trends

Woman looks up industry trends on her phone

What’s happening in your industry? What needs aren’t being fulfilled? Look at industry news and developments so you can get a clear idea of what areas will need talent. Then, set yourself up to fill those needs using your skill sets.

4. Grow Your Network

Young professionals networking to stay relevant in the job market

If you don’t get yourself out there, no one will be able to recognize your value. Join professional groups, attend industry-related events, meet people working in your dream companies, find a mentor, and so on. Grow your network early and establish those relationships. They will help you if you need to find something new down the road.

5. Take Classes, Courses, And Workshops

Professional man taking classes to stay relevant in the job market

The secret to staying relevant? Upskilling. You must constantly gain new, relevant skills in order to stay ahead of the curve. Look for weak areas in your skill sets and find ways to get educated or experienced. You can take classes online or on campus, attend workshops, volunteer, or even take on part-time jobs.

6. Think About Your Next Step

Woman thinks about her next step in her career

Even if you’re in a job you absolutely love right now and have been there for years, you always want to be prepared. Things can change with the flip of the switch and you might be out of a job tomorrow. So, think about your next step. Even if you don’t plan on leaving your current job right now, the earlier you get started, the easier it will be to get your foot in the door at another company if/when it comes time.

The key to staying relevant in an ever-changing job market (and in a recession!) is to always look for ways to improve your skills. Learn to embrace new experiences as opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. By doing the above six things, you’ll stay relevant in any industry, no matter how competitive.

Need more help with your career?

We’d love it if you signed up for Work It Daily’s Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

a few Tips for Creating a good Impressive Professional Portfolio or even Website

a few Tips for Creating a good Impressive Professional Portfolio or even Website

Thanks towards rapidly advancing technology above the last few many years, you have use of even more jobs and job lookup resources than may have perhaps been imagined […]

Typically the post 3 Methods for Producing an Impressive Professional Profile or Website appeared first on Weblog Job Hunting Career Administration Solutions | CareerShift .

How To Message Someone On LinkedIn About A Job (Simple)

How To Message Someone On LinkedIn About A Job (Simple)

Learning how to message someone on LinkedIn about a job doesn’t have to be tricky. In fact, you can find success rather quickly if you follow the right steps! This guide will teach you how to approach and reach out to individuals on LinkedIn about jobs in a way that’s effective and professional. Table of […]

The post How To Message Someone On LinkedIn About A Job (Simple) appeared first on Career Sherpa.