y4ahmad

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Importance Of Being A Trusted Business Partner

Importance Of Being A Trusted Business Partner

Did you recently get a big promotion or start a new job and now have a new circle of individuals you’re working with (whether you work in IT, finance, HR, or another department)? It’s important to do the job successfully and that includes being a trusted business partner. Within IT, how well does the IT technology plan support the business partners? For example, how much does the plan focus on the technology initiatives versus aligning with the goals and objectives of your strategic business partners?

Most organizations have limited resources so it’s key to use those resources efficiently and effectively. Not only do you want efficient resource utilization, but still be strategically aligned with the business goals. So actively work together fostering collaboration and creating a culture of collective problem-solving. When you do, some potential benefits of working together are:

  • Cost optimization,
  • Increased productivity,
  • Better adoption of changes,
  • Innovation and competitive edge,
  • Measurable value creation, and
  • Trust and credibility.

Not Working In A Silo


Working in a silo concept

​If you don’t invest enough time to build strong relationships, others could make assumptions on their own. Generally speaking, do departments including IT seem to operate more in silos? Or is there a perception that IT is seen as more technically focused over understanding the business’ broader goals? If this is the case, IT could be perceived as a cost center with limited involvement in strategic decisions.

If that is the case, these perceptions can be changed, and it’s not just for IT. Years ago, I took over Internal Audit at a bank. The group meticulously performed audits but wasn’t a “trusted business partner” who was sought out. I told my boss that I would know we had successfully changed our reputation when we started getting phone calls from the business requesting our assistance and participation in projects. We changed our processes, developed the staff, and turned around our reputation. We had established ourselves as a competent, collaborative, and trustworthy partner. As a result, there was mutual respect, and they knew that we had their best interests in mind to help them.

Regarding IT, it can go beyond being a support function to a strategic partner that is innovative and solves challenging problems with transformative solutions. A partner that fosters cross-functional collaboration focusing on the business and customer experience helping build a competitive advantage. Some initiatives affect both IT and the business such as cybersecurity, or when the organization wants to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to automate repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, or unlock new possibilities for data-driven insights.

Solutions Aligned To Business Problems


Problem and solution concept

Take the time to understand the business goals and processes. Then make sure the IT initiatives align with those business goals. Since business needs are continually changing and evolving, communication is key. Seek feedback from your partners and have regular check-ins so that you can adjust, as necessary. If there are any challenges or conflicts, address them right away.

When completing projects, show tangible benefits such as key performance indicators (KPI) for business objectives or measuring the return on investment (ROI) for IT projects. Once the change has been implemented, discuss what went well and what could be improved next time. Also, encourage continuous improvement and monitor to ensure you’re getting the anticipated benefits or other additional improvements.

When you implement these types of practices, you will be better connected with the business and aligned with its goals. This will enhance your relationship to become a trusted business partner driving organizational success.

For more information about the importance of being a trusted business partner, follow me on LinkedIn!


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Importance Of Being A Trusted Business Partner

5 Critical Lessons From Pharmaceutical Marketing In Dermatology That Every Beauty Brand Should Consider

5 Critical Lessons From Pharmaceutical Marketing In Dermatology That Every Beauty Brand Should Consider

Since the 1920s, nearly every fashion house has expanded into beauty at some point as a relatively low-effort additional revenue stream. While most designers are able to maintain their grip on fragrances, many struggle to keep a cosmetics line afloat.

Recently, I found myself thinking about a famous brand that went through a long saga of trying to break into the beauty and skincare space multiple times.

Upon reflecting on a few things the brand did such as targeting formulas and products to the wrong customer base, not addressing the beauty needs of a diverse audience base and instead sticking to a single-color tone palette leaving much to be desired for customers of darker skin tones, the lack of targeted and personalized campaigns to its audience base (mass campaign using celebrities versus forming any connection to the audience and how it addresses their beauty needs), not prioritizing their customer experience and rather being driven by transaction, emphasizing quick product line extensions versus quality going from 18 to 130 products when trying to break into an industry without previous experience, just to name a few, I wanted to write about a few lessons from the dermatology marketing world that are applicable to the beauty and personal care products space.

1. Credibility Matters


In pharma, the lesson is that credibility matters. Trust is built on the foundation of scientific credibility so, similarly, the beauty and skincare industry can benefit from emphasizing the scientific backing (where applicable) of their products. In an age where consumers are empowered and with a plethora of options available, highlighting any research, clinical studies, or trial results and leveraging the use of dermatologist-recommended/safe yet efficacious ingredients can instill confidence in consumers.

2. Transparency Builds Trust


Pharmaceutical marketing prioritizes transparency in communicating the potential benefits and risks of medications. In the beauty and skincare realm, being transparent about ingredients, sourcing, testing, and manufacturing processes fosters trust with consumers who are now more than ever increasingly conscious about what they apply to their skin. Honest communication builds brand loyalty and cultivates a positive brand image.

3. Personalization and Targeted Campaigns


Pharmaceutical companies excel in tailoring their marketing messages to specific target audiences based on deep-rooted insights including but not limited to demographics, psychographics, and other factors outside of just the health condition and disease state and within those categories hyper-target by subcategories.

By understanding the diverse needs of different skin types, ages, and concerns, brands can create targeted campaigns and product formulations that resonate with specific consumer segments. In addition to personalization in targeting, it is important to take into account diverse consumer profiles in any brand marketing campaigns and assets.

4. Educate and Empower Consumers


Pharmaceutical marketing often involves educating consumers about health conditions and treatment options. Similarly, the beauty and skincare industry can empower consumers by providing educational content on skincare routines, ingredient benefits, and the science behind product formulations. Informed consumers are more likely to make confident purchasing decisions and become brand advocates.

5. Emphasize Long-Term Results


Pharmaceutical marketing tends to emphasize the long-term benefits of treatments knowing there isn’t always a quick fix. Likewise, for the beauty and skincare industry, focusing on long-term skin health and sustained results can set a brand apart.

Keeping the emphasis and encouraging consumers to view skincare as a holistic and ongoing practice, part of their wellness practice as a whole rather than a quick fix, will contribute to the overall well-being of the consumer and thus as a byproduct build brand loyalty.

6. Compliance Is a Non-Negotiable


Don’t let the need for speed to market or having cornered a market lead to a drop in quality and safety. Pharmaceutical marketing is subject to rigorous regulatory standards from product to every brand marketing campaign. Similarly, the beauty and skincare industry should prioritize compliance with regulatory guidelines to guarantee the safety and efficacy of their products and create transparency around them. Adhering to these standards will not only build trust with consumers but also protect the brand from legal implications.

In conclusion, by embracing transparency, science-backed claims, and personalized approaches, beauty brands can elevate their marketing strategies and redefine industry standards. As these two industries converge on these principles, the future of beauty and skincare marketing looks like a promising landscape, one where authenticity and efficacy reign supreme to cut through the noise in a crowded market.

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4 Ways AI Is Impacting eDiscovery & Review In 2024 & Beyond

4 Ways AI Is Impacting eDiscovery & Review In 2024 & Beyond

So many things changed in 2001. Certainly, there were major political and security changes that came because of the terrorist attack on 9/11. Profound and long-lasting changes.

So, too, there were massive changes in how we conducted discovery in litigation and investigations. Specifically, discovery started to have an “e” in front of it.

Adding the “e” to Discovery 


I remember my first eDiscovery project in 2001 where discussions were held over how to collect electronic information from a computer and whether and how we should print that information to make it ‘usable.’

Slowly, everyone in litigation started to grapple with the “e” but were doing so inconsistently from law firm to law firm. Finally, in December 2006, the federal rules were amended to make their first attempt at grappling with the “e” by defining and standardizing various processes. What was readily accessible? What was proportional? How far back would you have to look and how broad would the searches be?

We had asked similar questions before but more as it related to file cabinets and filing rooms in storage facilities. Now we were grappling with backup tapes and servers and floppy disks.

The Introduction of Machine Learning 


I have long said that you deal with technology problems by using technology. When the volume of data became humanly unmanageable, we started to see the litigation world go through new changes as it relates to the use of technology. Machine learning was introduced on various review platforms. Humans made decisions that computers would then enhance and find similar documents.

The acceptance of such machine learning has not been universal. In the age of ever-changing technology, the legal landscape never seems to keep up with the business realities. Mobile devices, remote work, and all its implications are dealt with daily in the business world and in litigation. However, lawyers both by training and experience do not always have the knowledge base or the skill sets to answer the questions that inevitably arise. We need to close that knowledge gap.

AI Is Taking Over 


​Now, in 2024 we start to grapple not with the “e” in discovery but with artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the eDiscovery process. We will look at four areas that will inevitably be impacted by the use of AI and other machine-learning tools. First, we will look at the impact on the collection of data. Next, we will look at the impact on searching that data, particularly as it relates to protected content. Third, we will look at the growing impact on the review process. And finally, the impact of AI on the analysis of the data that we need for deposition or trial (i.e., the use of the data).

Collecting Data


No longer can you collect everything. There’s just too much. Data may be cheap to store, but it’s not cheap to collect, search, and review. We need to find a better way so the cost doesn’t overwhelm the value of the case.

Also, the sources of data are increasing in number. Beyond shared drives and hard drives. We now have multiple social media platforms and websites (mostly containing video instead of just text data.) This makes the use of AI critical to collect only the needed data. And to improve the process from one litigation to the next. AI can collect, preserve, and prepare the data for searching.

Searching 


AI has an incredible searching capability. Not just using antiquated keywords which have been used for more than a decade, but nuanced searching particularly for protected content. Things like attorney-client privilege, work product, or, in regulated industries, additional privileges related to banking and suspicious activity reports. Or, in the healthcare industry, anything related to protected health information, personal identifying information, HIPAA, or any of a number of other privileges that might apply to your particular industry.

We are fast approaching the ability to type or speak out a search using AI that searches, in mere seconds, across the universe of data types that you’ve collected. Then, changing or editing that search and re-doing it equally as fast. Each time, you get a better sense of the data available rather than searching for keywords or having attorneys review each set to see what’s in the data.

Review Is Changing 


When I started as a baby lawyer looking at documents, we had pieces of paper and we had a file room where that paper was stored. We had individuals looking at each page wondering what we might discover as we went through someone’s file. Gradually, we started to use the computer for tagging and consistency between different productions in different locales.

The industry finally moved on to machine learning where individual attorneys could make decisions that the computer would then try to replicate and enhance rationally to include similar documents. (Not unlike how streaming services try to find you movies similar to the ones that you have liked or watched before.)

The growth of AI in the review space is not over. Instead of just assisting the lawyer on that first-level review to find responsive, confidential, or privileged materials, I see AI quickly making that step disappear completely.

Instead, a higher-level, experienced review attorney who specializes in quality control review or in that specific industry will focus on training the AI and then sifting through what the technology has identified as responsive, confidential, or privileged. That quality step is necessary but it will also likely be limited as AI becomes more sophisticated and nuanced and lawyers become more comfortable with its outputs.

Analysis


​This would include documents you are producing for the other side as well as documents you are receiving from the other side.

AI can go through an enormous amount of information in a short amount of time. It can categorize it and put documents into subject matter buckets considerably faster than a human can. It can also spit out its analysis of what it has categorized.

AI no doubt will be increasingly used for this step possibly removing the need for the young associate at the outside counsel and, much like in the review world where only quality reviewers are remaining, only those dealing with the actual litigation will need to look at those documents.

Embrace It


Technology has impacted the legal field for at least the last 20 years. The speed of its impact is only going to increase. Both in terms of jobs available and the in-depth analysis that is available now, that would have taken a human many, many hours to absorb and understand.

I am of the persuasion that we should not fight technology advances. While the ATM did cause a shift in the banking employment industry, I much prefer going to an ATM to get cash than standing in line in front of a teller. Restaurants, too, were impacted by the pandemic and the push towards drive-thru and delivery versus customers dining inside. They had to adjust their business model. So, too, will lawyers.

We need to embrace it, we need to understand it, and we need to learn to use it rather than creating roadblocks to try to preserve what has gone before.

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Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways To Fix Your Job Search

Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways To Fix Your Job Search

Is your job search turning into a grind with no end in sight? It may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your entire approach.

In cold weather climates, the beginning of spring is a time to clean the house and get organized—a practice known as spring cleaning. Through the years, spring cleaning has taken on a larger meaning with people using the time to organize and declutter things in their lives.

For professionals on the job hunt, a little spring cleaning (metaphorically speaking) could be a great way to reinvigorate your job search. Here are a few strategies your job search spring cleaning should include.

Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach


Man thinks about/reevaluates his job search approach/strategy while unemployed

Make a list of the last handful of jobs you applied for and see if you can identify any positive or negative trends. Consider things like:

  • How did I learn about this job?
  • How did I apply for the job?
  • Did I earn an interview?
  • What was the ultimate result?

A lot can be learned about your job search approach just by answering these questions and identifying patterns. For example:

Negative Trends

You discovered five jobs through job boards, applied to all of them via the job boards, and never heard back from any of them.

The common pattern here is applying through job boards. This isn't to say that job boards don't serve a purpose in the job search process, but they have their limitations, and you can't run your job search entirely off of them. When you apply through a job board, there's a good chance that your materials will never get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and never be seen by an actual person.

One simple fix is to research who the hiring manager or recruiter is that posted the position and email your materials to them directly.

The more efficient fix would be to take a proactive approach by putting together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and start making connections on LinkedIn with people who work at those companies. You may already know some people who work there or have connections that can refer you to some individuals.

This is a great way to network your way onto a company's radar.

Positive Trends

You applied to three jobs via referral, were invited to two job interviews, and made it through multiple rounds of interviews for one of the jobs before being passed over for someone with a little more experience.

The pattern here is that getting referred to a job by a professional acquaintance is a great way to land a job interview. This indicates that you're leveraging your network well and you should continue to focus on your networking efforts.

The next step is to review the interview process and determine what went well and what needs to be improved. Sometimes the interviewer will provide feedback, and that feedback can be valuable. However, not everyone is comfortable with giving feedback.

Chances are you probably have a good idea about areas of improvement and the skills you need to gain. Put together a plan for addressing those shortfalls.

The good news in making it deep into any interview process is that it indicates that the company likes you as a potential employee (even if the timing just wasn't right) and the experience could be a roadmap to a job with that company at a later date, or another similar opportunity elsewhere.

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention


Woman on laptop writes and formats her resume to get it past the ATS

Are you continuously sending similar resumes and cover letters to each job opening with only minor adjustments? If so, your strategy needs some serious spring cleaning.

Let's start with resumes!

Every resume should be tailored to the position in order for it to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. It may seem like a lot of work, but it's actually less work than submitting the same resume over and over again and never hearing back.

The reason why it's so important to tailor your resume is that throughout your career, you acquire numerous skills, but the job you're applying for may only be focusing on 6-8 of those skills. In that case, those skills must rise to the top of the resume with quantifiable examples of how you successfully used those skills at previous jobs.

Remember, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes. They need to be able to tell from a quick glance whether or not you're a potential candidate for the position.

While updating your resume, you could also spruce up your LinkedIn profile by highlighting the skill sets that you want to be noticed for by recruiters.

As for writing a good cover letter, the key to success is writing a disruptive cover letter. When you write a disruptive cover letter, you're basically telling a story. The story should focus on how you connect with the particular company and job position. The story could also focus on your personal journey, and how you got to where you currently are in your career.

If your resumes and cover letters aren't unique, now is the time to clean things up and get on track.

Build Your Personal Brand


Just because you're looking for work doesn't mean that you don't have anything to offer. Use previous career experiences and passions to build your personal brand.

Ask yourself, "How do I want other professionals to view me?"

Pick an area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge and experience with your professional network by pushing out content on your LinkedIn and social media accounts. Good content can include blogs, social media posts, and videos.

By sharing content about your experiences and passions, you slowly build your personal brand, and others will start to notice. The content could lead to good discussions with others in your network. It could also lead to reconnecting with connections that you haven't spoken to in years, or making new connections.

You never know when one of these connections could turn into a job lead or referral. The trick is to get on people's radars. So, when you're cleaning up your job search, be sure to build a plan for personal branding.

Maintain Healthy Habits During Your Job Search


People exercise during their job search

Your job search is important, but it's even more important to know when to pull back and focus on personal health and spending time with family and friends.

There are actually things that you can do for your own enjoyment that could help your job search in the long run, such as:

  • Grab coffee with a friend - It's good to engage in light conversation with friends during challenging times. And if your job search does come up, remember that most people have been through it themselves and you never know when a friend may provide you with a good idea or lead on a job.
  • Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help others. In addition, if you develop a little bit of a career gap while looking for a job, you can always talk about how you filled that time volunteering, if you're asked about it during a job interview.
  • Continue to focus on other passions - Are you a fitness nut? Blogger? Crafter? Continue to do the things that bring you happiness. And if you're in a position to profit from your passion through a freelance job or side hustle, even better!

Spring is the perfect time to clean up and improve your job search so you can land the job you want. If you're struggling to find a job, follow the tips above to reinvigorate your job search—and watch your career blossom!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.


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3 Types Of Questions You Should Ask At The End Of Job Interviews

3 Types Of Questions You Should Ask At The End Of Job Interviews

There are three types of questions I teach all of my career coaching clients to ask when they are in an interview. These three questions are especially important when you're in those final stage interviews with higher-ups. If you ask these critical questions, you are going to be seen as more intelligent, more engaging, and the candidate who will give them the return on the investment they're looking for if they hire you.

At the end of your next job interview, make sure you ask the following three questions so you can stand out as the best candidate for the job.

1. A Connection Question


When you get to the end of the interview and the hiring manager says, "Do you have any questions?" the first type of question you want to ask is a connection question. This type of question allows you to ask them about their experience at the company. Here are some examples:

  • How did you get your job here?
  • What do you like most about working here?
  • What's the most impactful part of your job?

I particularly like the connection question around how they ended up in their job and what they like most about it because it gives the hiring manager a chance to talk about their own professional journey and people enjoy sharing that.

2. A Question About The Company's Challenges


Man asks about the company in a job interview

The second type of question you want to ask should be about the company's difficulties and challenges. Here are some examples:

  • What is the greatest challenge your department will face this year?
  • What do you think is the biggest challenge the company will face this year?

Then, you end the question with this:

  • And how will the role that I am interviewing for help overcome that challenge?
  • And how would the job I'd be doing positively impact overcoming that challenge?

By asking this type of question, you're saying, "I get it. You're hiring me to solve problems and alleviate pain. So tell me about the big challenges." In fact, I've even coached people to say:

  • Can you tell me the one thing that's keeping you up at night with respect to the business? And how will the job that I'm doing help with that?

No matter how you phrase it, this type of question lets the hiring manager vent and talk about what concerns them, and it also gives you the framework of what you would need to do in order to succeed in the role.

3. A Question About Next Steps In the Process


Woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before a job interview

The third and final type of question that is so important to ask in a job interview is about the next steps in the process. Here are some examples:

  • Can you tell me what the next steps in this hiring process process are?
  • Can you tell me what I can expect going forward in this hiring process?
  • Can you tell me how you feel about me as a candidate for this role? And is there anything else you feel I could provide for you that would help me stand out? Because I'm really interested in the job.

This closing question is all about you getting to the bottom of what to expect (managing your own expectations), and the hiring manager should be able to frame that out for you.

I've given you a few different examples of how to ask these questions because everyone has to find their own voice. So, at the end of your next job interview, remember to ask these three types of questions (we'll call them the three Cs), and ask them in a way that feels right to you:

  1. Connection question
  2. Challenge question
  3. Closing question

When you ask these questions consistently, you're going to see much better results from your interviews. I guarantee it.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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10 Ways To Become A Better Leader

10 Ways To Become A Better Leader

During your career development, there comes a point when your leadership skills will be put to the test. Technical skills are obviously important because they will get you to a position where you may have to start utilizing your soft skills. This is the exact reason why leadership skills are considered a very important attribute that can help you climb the career ladder.

With a combination of technical know-how and valuable leadership qualities, you can get promotions easily and be regarded as an important asset to the company. Here are a few tips that can help you become a better leader.

1. Focus On Your Goals


Happy executive focusing on his goals to become a better leader

It is a leader's job to keep a very clear vision of the goal and make sure the team members are happy and thoroughly motivated to follow. This means the leader also should know how to put forward a certain task in front of the team to get maximum output from them with ease.

The leader also should bring out the importance of the goal and the reason why the team should put the ultimate effort into it. This ability can really bring all of the team members together and unify them to give their best for the ultimate goal.

2. Develop Good Communication Skills


Leader developing her communication skills at work during a team meeting

Communication plays a very important role in all relationships, especially between a team leader and their team members. Team members rely on their leader for ideas and motivation, which can be generated only with good communication skills.

As a leader, you should also create a very friendly environment where the employees are engaged in sharing their ideas and concerns. It has been said that a team leader who can communicate well wins the trust of team members.

3. Be A Good Listener


A leader demonstrates his good listening skills while talking to a coworker

If you wish to be a better leader, then you will have to be a better listener too. Listening skills help in generating feedback from the team members regarding the project, and the right feedback can be a good way to solve issues and achieve goals with ease.

Listen without any distractions, keep steady eye contact, and respond thoughtfully. Apart from being good at verbal skills, you should be aware of your body language while talking to your team.

4. Learn To Tackle Conflicts


Female leader tackles conflicts at work during a meeting

It is a part of leadership skills to understand people and resolve conflicts positively. In situations where an employee does not give their best and brings negativity to the team, the leader has to be able to talk to the member in private.

You should keep courage and never shy away from honestly speaking your mind. This approach is better than firing people without knowing their side of the story.

5. Maintain A Higher Level Of Professionalism


A senior executive/leader maintains a higher level of professionalism at the office

It is important that you keep high standards of professionalism, integrity, and work transparency to earn respect from your team members and your clients.

It is the leader's job to set a high standard of credibility and strong character to motivate the team to perform to their level best.

6. Share Your Passion


A good leader shares her passion with her employees during a team meeting

Passion is quite contagious, and if the leader shows a lot of passion, it may rub off on the team members too. This helps in easing pressure from difficult projects. It also drives the employees into encountering hurdles with ease.

The positive energy and enthusiasm should flow within the team through the leader first.

7. Motivate Others


A good leader motivates others at work during a team meeting

A genuine leader is one who has the capacity to influence members and drive them to perform at optimum levels. The leader's positive motivation is important, especially when members lose focus or get disappointed in the wake of difficulties that may arise during a job.

A leader should be upfront in talking to team members and tell personal stories that would encourage the members to help them get back in the game.

8. Inspire And Nurture Innovative Ideas


An executive/leader inspires and nurtures innovative ideas during a team meeting/presentation

Innovation is coined to be the most important aspect of growth and is largely related to out-of-the-box and unorthodox thinking. Great leaders are the ones who can instill a culture of innovation among the team members and help them find solutions that can involve some trial and error.

Such an outlook will help in achieving long-term success with the team and earn their respect furthermore.

9. Respect Everyone


A good leader respects everyone during a team meeting

The truest and most genuine leaders are the ones who are humble, honest, and respectful toward all the members of the team. A leader also has to constantly learn from all of the members and encourage others to do the same.

Such leadership qualities can help in motivating and inspiring the members to achieve greater success and produce fruitful results.

10. Recognize And Reward The Deserving


A manager/leader rewards an employee for his good work

A team member feels more positive and motivated if their work is being appreciated. As a team leader, it's your job to recognize such hard work with rewards and recognition. This will also drive and encourage the other members to be more productive.

A good leader understands the value of taking a backseat sometimes and gives the due credit to the rightful individual to promote team building. A great leader ensures that the work rate of the team is increased without increasing the stress levels.

Leadership is a learning process. Each of the tips above can help you achieve greater success as a leader, and also help you understand that when you are a leader, the most important goal is always to keep the team together and performing at the highest level.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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10 Ways To Become A Better Leader

Stepping Into the World of Podcasting: A Dream Career

Can you imagine having a career where you get to talk about what you love, connect with like-minded people, and even work from your cozy home studio? Over 41% of people in the U.S. tune into a podcast on a regular basis according to DemandSage, which is also why more and more individuals find themselves starting (or […]

The post Stepping Into the World of Podcasting: A Dream Career appeared first on Jobacle.com.

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6 Things To Know Before Becoming A Teacher

6 Things To Know Before Becoming A Teacher

Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? As a young elementary school educator, I've learned some important lessons after being in the field for the past few years.

Some of those lessons include:

  • Answers to questions that no professor lectured about.
  • Issues that no expensive text book explained.
  • Problems I would encounter that were non-existent in the five years of preparation for my career in education.

Want my view of a career in education stripped down? It's definitely not what you think it's going to be. Throw all of your preconceived misconceptions out the window, because that's what they are: misconceptions.

Don't get me wrong—I love my job and I feel lucky to get up every day and teach. But no matter how many internships you do or how many lessons you observe, you will still learn more in a single day in your own classroom than you ever will teaching in someone else's.

Here are some of the many lessons they don't teach you in all of those “Educational Theories" and “Teaching Through the Content Areas" courses…

1. If You're Expecting To Feel Appreciated Every Day, Think Again


Elementary school teacher helps her student color in pictures

The days you go home feeling as if no one cares you poured your heart and soul out on your classroom floor will far outnumber the days you go home feeling someone, anyone, truly appreciates what you do all day.

If you are an exceptional teacher, you will give your all each and every day with the hope that, in some small way, you are making a difference in the lives of your students. They probably won't say "thank you." They probably will grumble and complain about an assignment you worked endlessly on in an attempt to ensure they would find it compelling. But what will get you through your first year, your fifteenth, and your twenty-fifth will not be the unending gratitude and appreciation from your students. Remembering why you chose to teach in the first place will get you through those years.

Remembering will get you through those long days when nothing you planned seems to go right. Remembering will help you when you have reached the end of your rope after a parent with no background in education questions your abilities. If you hold onto that, you'll be the best teacher you can possibly be. If you let go, you'll be miserable (and your students will be too).

2. If You Don't Have Unwavering Patience, Get Out Now


A young teacher is patient while answering a student's question

If you are cut out to be an educator (especially at the elementary level), you will discover you have a seemingly bottomless reserve of patience once you enter your classroom. Students will ask the same question (which you have already answered, by the way) again, and again, and again. Did I mention you already gave them the answer? And it's written on the board? And it's printed on their paper? If the thought of repeating yourself countless times every day makes you crazy, you better get used to it.

And please be forewarned: The patience you had for all other aspects of your life will suddenly be sucked dry. You will find yourself annoyed by little things such as having to wait in line at the grocery store or having to stop to get gas for your car.

3. Learn Everything You Can About Teaching With Technology


A high school teachers shows his students how to use new technology in the classroom

Many of the people at your school will probably want nothing to do with using SMART Boards, tablets, and generative AI. Hopefully, you will. The way students need to be taught has changed over the past few years because the students themselves have changed. Sitting at a desk while someone talks and completing worksheets isn't going to motivate any of today's students. The kids of today need to be constantly stimulated, engaged, and communicating with you and each other.

The best avenue available to teachers is technology. The odds are in your favor here. Chances are, you grew up with computers and other technologies, and your brain is thought to work the same way that your students' brains work.

Surprisingly, there is a huge population of teachers out there who have absolutely no desire to use or learn about technology. I can honestly say I teach in a district where this year many of my colleagues complained about being required to check their school email. Most of them didn't even know how to check email.

You can quickly make yourself a valuable member of the school system by showcasing your knowledge of technology in the classroom—and more importantly, your willingness to learn about and use it.

4. Spend As Much Time In Classrooms As Possible


Student teacher asks the class a question during a lecture

Once you find the grade level you think you'd like to teach, do everything in your power to get an internship at that grade level. If your college offers a year-long internship placement, take it—and be incredibly thankful.

Many schools require a couple of six-week-long student-teaching placements at different grade levels. However, you will never get a real grasp of what your life would be like teaching during a measly six weeks. The best thing I ever did was go to a school that required a year-long internship for a master's degree. Yes, I paid tuition for a year and then worked every day of that year for free; but the experience I gained was more valuable than all of the college classes, observations, and short student-teaching placements put together.

I saw what it is really like to start a school year with a group of students and see how much they grow and learn throughout that entire school year. I was then able to market myself as a first-year teacher with a year of experience under my belt which, believe me, is pretty attractive to administrators with a budget crunch looking for teachers who already know the ropes.

5. If You're Not Happy With Teaching, Don't Do It


Young elementary school teacher reads a book to the class

Regardless of what some people tell you, teaching is not "just a job" (and those same people will say you have the easiest job on earth because you get summer vacation). If you want a 9-to-5 job with weekends off, you better start looking for a new career now.

Sure, there are those teachers who come in each morning with the students and then leave with them in the afternoon, but those teachers really aren't giving it their all.

If you're not in it to be the best teacher you can be, then you shouldn't even be there. Yes, you will get paid far, far less than the amount you deserve. Yes, you will put in 10-hour days and create lesson plans on Saturday afternoons. Yes, you will spend an exorbitant amount of your paycheck on items for your classroom. But you will do all these things because they are a part of doing what you love.

6. Remember Why You Went Into Education In The First Place


Happy high school teacher smiles because she loves her job

Whether it was for a feeling of personal fulfillment or just to see the smiles on students' faces when a concept finally clicks, it's something you're going to need to hold onto in a profession that almost half of all people hired will leave within the first five years. If that doesn't make all the other hoops you'll have to jump through seem worth it, then you don't belong in teaching.

Teaching is one of the most demanding and critical careers that exist today. Think of where you would be without ever having a teacher in your life. Think of a teacher who really made an impact on you—a teacher who changed your life in some way. Chances are, without that teacher, you wouldn't be reading this right now. You just have to decide if you want to be that person for someone else.

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Do Jobs & Employers Actually Call References? (Answered)

Many people wonder if jobs and employers actually call references often, or if it’s something they only do on occasion. And this doubt makes them unsure if they should spend time on providing excellent references, or if it makes more sense to focus on applying to more positions. This post will help you understand the […]

The post Do Jobs & Employers Actually Call References? (Answered) appeared first on Career Sherpa.

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Do Jobs & Employers Actually Call References? …

How To Make A GREAT First Impression Every Time

How To Make A GREAT First Impression Every Time

In this article, I'm going to tell you how to make a great first impression when you get asked the question, "What do you do?" I've been teaching you the basics of how to craft this message. But now, we're going to dive a little deeper.

Never Answer With Your Job Title!


Just to do a quick recap, the first thing you need to know is to never, ever answer, "What do you do?" with your job title. It's a wasted opportunity.

Second, you need to answer these three questions:

  • "What do you love to do?"
  • "How do you do it?"
  • "What are you going to do with it?"

The last thing you need to know is to incorporate and assess your personality and your workplace personas. How do you like to deliver value? Make sure that your answer incorporates those things.

What Is Your Workplace Persona


Man on laptop thinks/wonders what his workplace persona is

A workplace persona is the way you best communicate with your colleagues and get work done. It's how you like to create value at work using your professional strengths. If you don't know what your workplace persona is, I've got the FREE quiz here!

In my case, I am a commander. I'm a take-charge kind of gal. But I'm also an energizer, which means I'm going to deliver with energy and I'm going to try to convey in my explanation that I'm a mentor. I really want to be a visionary. I want to change the world. I am an optimizer. That's the message I want to get across.

If you asked me the question, "What do you do?" I'm going to respond with something like this:

"Well, I love helping people grow their careers. In fact, I'm making it my mission this year to help 10 million people on TikTok grow their careers and land better jobs because school teaches us everything except how to get a job. I know that times are changing and people need this information."

That answer isn't perfect, but you get the point! You know why I'm taking charge of this and why it matters to me. Hopefully, that came across in a way that's more memorable to you.

Managing Your Reputation Is Vital To Achieving Career Success


Happy woman at work has a good reputation

Everyone has the opportunity to do this. You don't have to be outgoing, but you do have to understand what your workplace persona is and how to use it to your advantage.

Don't waste a valuable opportunity to build your reputation! People cringe when they hear "personal branding," but I can't say it enough. It's just reputation management.

Your reputation matters. And when a recession hits and you lose your job, that is not the time to start managing it. The time is now.

Don't know where to begin? Work It DAILY can help.

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3 Ways Your Resume Makes You Look Old

3 Ways Your Resume Makes You Look Old

For a variety of reasons, baby boomers are staying in the workforce a lot longer. However, this demographic faces a number of challenges, including experience discrimination, an issue where baby boomers struggle to get employment opportunities because millennials have enough relevant experience to be just as valuable, but at less of a cost.

Because the pool of baby boomer employees has grown so significantly, employers are starting to change their views on the 65 and up demographic, and are at least giving them a closer look. Just because you are of a certain age doesn't mean your resume should reflect that age!

One of the keys to staying attractive to potential employers is to not look or act out of date—in person or on paper. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't use a photo on your LinkedIn profile. Profiles without pictures only make recruiters and potential employers wonder what you may be hiding. And the truth is they are going to meet you during the interview process. So there's no reason to hide.

Still, there are many ways you can date yourself without realizing it. Here are three ways your resume can make you look old.

Having An Objective Statement


Older man on laptop updates his resume so it doesn't make him look old

Over the years, styles change. You wouldn't wear the same suit you wore 20 years ago. Unless you're a collector, the car you're driving looks a lot different too. The same is true for resumes. Having an objective statement on top of the resume used to be all the rage! They were used to let employers know that a candidate had some career direction.

Today, having an objective statement on your resume makes it seem obsolete. Maybe even worse than being outdated, an objective statement implies that your focus is on you.

Big mistake.

Like most of us, employers are listening to station WIIFM (what's in it for me?). They want to know how you can solve their problems. Removing your objective statement and creating a succinct experience summary (a list of skills at the top of your resume) updates your resume and puts the focus on what you can do for the employer.

Having An Old-Fashioned Email Address


via GIPHY

Back in the 90s, having an AOL email address indicated that you were ahead of the curve, an early adopter of new technology. That was last century. Today having an AOL email address, even a Yahoo email address, makes you look decidedly outdated.

The trendy email address to have today is Gmail. The good news is that Gmail is free and easy to join. No need to eliminate that old AOL email address—use it to keep up with friends and family.

When you do create a new email address, opt for one that sounds professional. For example, your name or a variation of your name that will look appropriate on your resume. Cutesy email addresses like talketome@ or carguy@ are best kept for personal use.

Too Many Clichés


One thing that's sure not to impress potential employers is a resume filled with clichés. Every day recruiters get resumes from out-of-the-box thinkers and team players. Tired phrases like detail-oriented or excellent communication skills are not likely to impress anyone either. Neither are bullets that begin with responsible for or duties included.

You're much more likely to get a recruiter's attention by including examples that actually show what you can do. That means a resume that highlights your skills and achievements. A resume that illustrates how you saved time, saved money, generated income, etc. for a previous employer.

Will making these changes make you look 20 years younger? Not likely. Nor should you want them to, particularly if you are looking for a more senior position. But they will keep your resume looking fresh and up to date.

Remember: Your resume may be the first time a potential employer meets you. Shouldn't it reflect someone who's on top of their game, who's still relevant and in demand in their industry?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Ways Your Resume Makes You Look …

How To Get A Higher-Level Job

How To Get A Higher-Level Job

You want a job that's one or two levels higher than your current job. How do you apply? Well, definitely not through an ATS.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to find exact matches, and if you are trying to land a higher-level job, you are not an exact match. But the good news is I can give you a workaround.

Lots of people get hired into higher-level positions, but not through applying online.

2 Steps To Get A Higher-Level Job 


Step one in this process is to learn to go around the ATS. You need to connect with people who work at the company. Not the recruiter. Not even the hiring manager. You need to connect with people who would be your peers in the organization.

Then, you need to focus on step two, which is to tell a great connection story. A connection story is how you feel connected to the mission of the company. What would get you up out of bed every day and want to crush it for them? You need to identify with these people who would be your future peers.

After you've found a handful of future peers to connect with, put together this connection story and send it to them via LinkedIn. Ask them to connect. Here's an example of what that connection request message should look like:

"Hey! Can we connect? I have a story I'd love to share about your company."

Then, when they accept, message them and share the story about why you're a huge fan of the company, and that's why you're really interested in the XYZ position, the higher-level position.

This going to prompt them to check out your LinkedIn profile and more than likely just forward it to the hiring manager, saying something like, "Hey, this person reached out to me. They're interested in the job you've posted."

Why does this matter? Because the ATS is run by recruiters who are told to find exact matches, and they're going to screen you out. If your LinkedIn profile gets forwarded to the hiring manager from a person who works in a totally different department, you're not going through that same screening process as other applicants who apply online. In fact, they're elevating you because they're saying, "This person made the effort to reach out and tell me their story. You might be interested in them."

Now your story gets in front of the hiring manager, and the hiring manager thinks, "Oh, love the story. Looks like they might be able to do the job. Let me pass them to the recruiter." And then the recruiter sets up an interview because even though you're not a match, they were told by the hiring manager to do so.

I've seen a lot of people get higher-level jobs when they follow these two steps. But let me be clear: When you're applying online, there's no resume fix or cover letter or LinkedIn profile tip that I can give you that's going to get you through the ATS and get you a shot at that job because you don't meet the requirements.

If you believe you can do the job, you've got to tell a connection story and talk to other people in order to get in front of the hiring manager.

This job search strategy works. If you don't believe me, sign up for Work It DAILY where I'm working with thousands of job seekers right now—and these tips are working. Try us free for seven days.

These tips will help you conduct a proactive job search. It is a game changer, and it's really needed in this job market, especially if you're trying to get a higher-level job. You can do it, but you need new and better techniques to succeed. And I would love to teach them to you.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Get A Higher-Level Job