Career Changing Archives - Page 9 of 126

Why Evidence-Based Hiring Will Be The New Normal In 2024 & Beyond

March 5, 2024

Do you know what evidence-based hiring is? Well, it’s going to directly impact how you get a job in the future. If you want to understand evidence-based hiring so that you can make sure you’re standing out to employers, continue reading…

Evidence-Based Hiring: What It Is & How To Use It To Your Advantage

Evidence-based hiring is a result of the broken hiring system that we have today. Right now, we send a text-based resume and cover letter and fill out a text-based application online, and all of that goes to a recruiter who, for example, is getting anywhere from 100 to 500 to even a thousand applicants for one job opening.

Recently, I talked to a recruiter who got 500 applicants and had to sort through them all and then rank them based on the criteria the hiring manager gave them. Then, they took the top 10 resumes and passed them on to the hiring manager. The hiring manager started calling these people and interviewing them. All 10 of them didn’t move on in the hiring process. All 10 of them weren’t qualified (or a good match) for the role. The resumes they sent in were so overdone. They weren’t authentic and they didn’t talk about their true skill level.

People are now using ChatGPT and other AI tools to write their resumes. When the candidates’ true skills and experience don’t match the resumes they sent in, the hiring manager and recruiter have to start the whole hiring process over again. This is a broken system, and this scenario is exactly why companies are shifting to evidence-based hiring.

Companies are now asking themselves, “What can we do upfront to get the evidence to authenticate that every candidate is who they say they are?”

ChatGPT has sped up the death of the resume. So many people are using it to fake their qualifications profiles and it’s frustrating the heck out of hiring managers. In response to this, companies are moving to asynchronous video interviewsâthey send you a link, you click on it, and you record videos answering specific questions that will authenticate you and prove with evidence that you know what you’re talking about. Then, hiring managers will evaluate those videos instead of a resume, and then you may move forward in the interview process.

Video in the hiring process is here to stay. Companies have to be able to authenticate talent when there’s a sea of text-based applications that all look the same.

If you want to stand out in the evidence-based hiring process, you need to get proactive with video, and the way you do that is by using tools like McCoy. It’s a free phone app that you can download that will let you choose what you want to share in 60-second reels. You record a video and then you get a URL that you can send off to a hiring manager to introduce yourself or include at the top of your resume or put it in other places so they can open it up and watch you and know that you are who you say you are and can do what you say you can do.

Evidence-based hiring is here to stay, and the sooner you lean into this and authenticate yourself, the better off you’re going to be. You can prolong it for as long as you want, but evidence-based hiring is the new normal because the system has been broken for too long. So, however you choose to do it, you are going to need to have more evidence because a text-based profile or resume or application isn’t going to cut it anymore. If you want to take control of your job search, you’re better off downloading a phone app like McCoy and using it so that you can control your first impression and your messaging. It’ll be the best decision you make in your job search.

And, as always, I’m here if you need help with your job search. Become a Work It DAILY member today (FREE for 7 days!).

Good luck, and go get ’em!

Summary Sunday: Issue 547

March 3, 2024

Summary Sunday is a collection of curated posts by well-respected experts. Most of these articles I’ve either found on social or through newsletters. I’ve highlighted my weekly favorites for you. It can feel like there are different views and opinions when it comes to job search advice but if you are doing the right thing […]

The post Summary Sunday: Issue 547 appeared first on Career Sherpa.

Got Cobwebs On Your Resume? 3 Ways To Bring Your Resume Back To Life

March 3, 2024May 3, 2024

How long has it been since you last updated your resume? A few months? Years? During your last job search? If you haven’t taken a look at your resume in a while, it’s probably in need of some good TLC.

It’s important for every professional, not just job seekers, to update their resume regularly. Careers take unexpected turns. You always want to be prepared in case you suddenly need to find a new job. Remember, every job is temporary. You don’t want to waste time bringing your resume back from the dead when you should be focused on applying for new positions.

If you have cobwebs on your resume, here are three ways to bring your resume back to life so you can land more job interviews and get hired.

1. Optimize Your Resume With Keywords

In order for your resume to actually reach the hiring manager, it has to get past the ATS. Optimizing your resume with keywords is the best way to accomplish this. And you can’t properly optimize your resume if you’re not customizing it for each position you apply for.

Look at the job description before customizing your resume for the job you’re applying for. Most job seekers don’t realize that they could be missing out on job opportunities if they fail to do this. You need to customize your resume for each position you apply for, and it’s because you need to get your resume past the ATS, which is only possible if you have the right kind (and amount) of keywords on your resume. Customizing your resume means you’re including the keywords from a specific job description to give yourself a better chance of landing a job interview for that specific position.

After reading the job description, pick out the specific skills, technologies, and terms the employer mentions in the job posting and add them to your resume if they match up with your experience and qualifications. If the ATS reads your resume and sees that it contains enough of the keywords the employer is looking for, you’ll “pass” as being qualified for the position and your resume won’t get tossed. You won’t get screened out of the hiring process because you’ll be considered a qualified job candidate at first glance. A lifeless, unoptimized resume won’t get you that far.

2. Update Your Formatting

Nothing makes it harder for hiring managers to get the information they need from your resume than outdated, inconsistent formatting. Maybe it hasn’t been that long since you updated the content on your resume. But when was the last time you updated your resume format? Have you just been adding more and more text to it? Moving sections and bullet points around? Stretching the margins so everything fits on one page?

If you actually want hiring managers to read your resume, you need to make it readable. This means making sure you’re using a simple resume format and a clean-line font like Arial or Calibri. It also means making sure you have enough white space so you don’t overwhelm the reader. If you’re stretching margins and trying to cram everything onto one page, chances are your resume doesn’t have enough white space. Use bullet points and one-inch margins to avoid large blocks of text that hiring managers will just skip over. You want to make it easy for hiring managers and recruiters to see your value. Don’t make it difficult for them to see your skills and accomplishments.

With an outdated resume format, you also run the risk of looking old and out of touch, which won’t help your case if you’re already worried about age discrimination. So, one of the best ways to bring your resume back to life is simply by updating your formatting.

3. Add Numbers To Your Bullet Points

What good is updating your resume if you don’t show what you’ve accomplished since the last time you updated it? Take a look at your resume in its current state. Do all of your bullet points contain numbers? Do you have measurable accomplishments that prove you save or make companies money? If not, your resume still has some cobwebs. You still have some updating to do.

Breathe life back into your resume by quantifying your work experience. Add numbers to each bullet point in the “Work History” section of your resume. Think about what you have accomplished at work. Think about the service you provide as a business-of-one. What is your specialty? Do you get results? What have you accomplished that proves you’re a valuable employee? If you can’t quantify something, it doesn’t belong on your resume.

Including numbers on your resume not only shows hiring managers what you can do but also helps your resume stand out from the competition. They give hiring managers something tangible on which to measure your success and potential. If there’s one thing that can bring your resume back to life, it’s quantifiable information.

Need More Help Bringing Your Resume Back To Life?

An updated, well-formatted, optimized resume is the best way to market yourself to employers and stand out in the first step of the hiring process. If employers can’t see exactly where and how you add value, then that’s going to decrease your chances of landing an interview.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way you can learn how to build a customized, strategic resume that gets past the ATS and impresses hiring managers.

Become a member today and get access to premium courses like “The Resume Plan.”

5 Tips For Returning To The Workforce

March 2, 2024

Thinking about returning to the workforce? Whether you took some time off to see the world, care for a family member, or raise your kids, you’re probably feeling a little rusty at the whole job search thing.

You might also have a few questions: Where do I start? How can I make myself relevant again? How do I deal with my resume gaps?

Not to worry. You’re not the only one in this situation.

People have to leave and return to the workforce every day. Life happens! If you want to get back to work as soon as possible though, you need to build a strong job search strategy. Otherwise, you will have a hard time marketing yourself to employers.

Here are some tips from Amanda Augustine, career advice expert for TopResume, that you can use to get back on the job after being MIA for several years.

1. Reevaluate Your Career Goals

It’s important to be crystal clear on your job goals before you jump into your job search. It will save you a ton of time, energy, and frustration if you have a target to work toward. If you just try to “wing it,” you’ll have a hard time marketing yourself to employers. Moreover, it will be hard to nail down an opportunity that’s truly satisfying for you.

“Before you launch into your job search,” says Augustine, “do a little soul-searching and clarify your job goals. You may find that a corporate job may no longer hold its appeal or that you’re extremely passionate about your recent volunteer work and would like to pursue a career in that area instead.”

2. Take An Inventory Of Your Skills

“Remember, just because you haven’t received a paycheck in a while doesn’t mean you haven’t gained skills worth bragging about,” says Augustine. Think about what you bring to the table. What skills do you have to offer? What are you good at? What have you done in the past?

Think about your skills and make a list. This will help you get a sense of where you stand in terms of qualifications. Plus, it will help you brand/market yourself more effectively.

3. Brush Up On Your Skills (And Learn New Ones!)

After you’ve taken an inventory of your skills and clearly understand what you have to offer, it’s time to look at areas where you could improve. “Invest in your career by seeking opportunities to bolster the skill sets your target employers care most about,” says Augustine. “This is also a great way to brush up on skills you haven’t had to use in a while or familiarize yourself with a new technology that’s now commonplace in your industry.”

Look at the industry and job postings to get an idea of where you need to upskill in order to be a qualified candidate. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a few years, it’s likely there are a few areas you need to upskill in. Are there any new technologies you should learn? Are there any new skills you need? Identify weak areas of your personal brand so you can strengthen them and stand out to employers.

4. Invest In Your Network

When you’ve been out of the game for a while, it’s crucial to have people on your team who are willing to help you out. You need people in your corner who know what you can do and can advocate for you. Having those third-party testimonials or recommendations can really reinforce your potential to employers. This is especially important when you have resume gaps or have been out of a job for a long time.

“Make a concerted effort to reconnect with former colleagues, clients, vendors, and alumni from your alma mater who work in your industry,” says Augustine. And don’t just focus on your professional connections to help you out. Your family and friends can also be great resources for you, according to Augustine.

“Don’t discount your personal connections during the job hunt,” says Augustine. “Whether you’re cheering in the stands at your son’s baseball game or leading your daughter’s Girl Scout troop, family activities are networking goldmines. Use these opportunities to get to get to know the other parents. You’ll be amazed at who you could meet at your child’s dance recital or karate lesson.”

5. Stay Up To Date On Your Industry

As someone who’s coming back into his or her field after being out for a while, it’s very important that you brush up on industry news and trends. You don’t want to appear clueless during interviews because you didn’t hear about that super important thing that affected the company to which you’re applying.

Augustine suggests subscribing to relevant online publications and setting up Google News Alerts on the major players in your field and other industry terms. That way, you can get automatic updates on the news and trends in your industry.

Returning to the workforce can be scary and stressful. Make your life a little easier by building a plan of attack that will get you back on the bike as soon as possible.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

4 Red Flags Employers Watch For On Cover Letters

February 29, 2024

Before getting into what should or shouldn’t be in your cover letter, let’s just get out of the way that a cover letter is a must. Why? Well, the answer is pretty simple.

The cover letter gives you the chance to express that you’re a professional and that you have the skills, expertise, and passion the employer is seeking in an ideal job candidate. When you don’t send a cover letter with your resume, it can be interpreted as you’re not that serious about the jobâthat it’s not even worth your time and effort to include a greeting that will put your information in context to the employer’s needs.

Writing a cover letter is particularly important if your resume raises red flags when reviewed on its own. Things like a lengthy period of unemployment, smaller job gaps, or no specialized training for a job that requires it needs some explaining to alleviate concern.

So, here’s what you need to be watchful of in your cover letter so that it works effectively with your resume.

1. You Didn’t Customize Your Cover Letter

Like the resume, your cover letter needs to be customized and speak directly to the employer’s needs. It shouldn’t simply say, “I’m interested in the job, and here’s my resume for review.” If you’re going to do that, then it’s the same as not sending a cover letter at all.

The best way to customize your cover letter is to go all in and write a disruptive cover. Speak of your knowledge in the business, what you know about that employer, why you’re passionate about their mission, products, or services, and how your experience and skills can help the employer reach their goals. Provide highlights from your resume and how you can apply what you learned in past positions to the job you’re looking to land at their organization.

Basically, if the employer can feel your excitement through the cover letter, and is impressed by the story you tell, you’ll be one of the first job candidates they contact to learn more.

2. You Left Important Questions Unanswered

There are some things on your resume that may raise a red flag, and if they go unexplained, the hiring manager will not take a chance on you. They’ll just move on to the next candidate.

Consider things like periods of unemployment, lack of degree or certification, frequent job changes, or a change in career direction that may require more information. The point is not to over-explain, but to touch on the subject in short to offer a reason that will alleviate potential concerns. For example, you may have taken a year off from work to care for a newborn or sick parent. Tell that story in your disruptive cover letter.

Also, your disruptive cover letter should begin to answer some of the questions the employer will want to find out for sure if you come in for a job interview. Some of those questions include:

Can you save or make the company money?
Are you passionate about what we do?
Will you stay with the company long enough for us to see a return on investment from hiring you as an employee?
Do you want to grow as a professional at the company?

The sooner you can answer these questions for the employer, the easier it will be for you to move on in the hiring process. And it all starts with a great cover letter.

3. You Didn’t Proofread

Your cover letter is a reflection of your professionalism. If it’s filled with misspellings or poor grammar, the employer will be left to believe you are carelessâa direct reflection of how you may perform on the job.

Let’s be honest: If you really care about getting the job you’re applying for, you’ll proofread your cover letter and resume multiple times. If you don’t seem inclined to proofread all of your career materials before sending in your application, the job probably isn’t the right one for you.

Nevertheless, make sure you proofread your cover letter. When in doubt, have a trusted friend look it over too!

4. You Didn’t Follow Directions

Many employers will leave specific directions in the job posting for applicants to follow. It can be as simple as including XYZ in the subject line when your email message is serving as the cover letter, including your salary requirement, or providing an answer to a question.

Since many employers get more applicants than they need, any applicant who fails to follow directions is an automatic strikeout.

While writing your cover letter, follow any directions the employer has on the job posting. The same goes for when you send it out. Even if your cover letter is amazing, not following the directions can hurt your chances of landing an interview!

Your cover letter is the best opportunity for you to stand out to employers early on in the hiring process, so take the time to write one that is polished and speaks directly to the employer’s needs. Whatever you do, avoid the red flags above!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

This Simple Trick Will Help You Quantify ANYTHING On Your Resume

February 29, 2024

As a candidate or an employee, you need to justify the cost of your employment. How can you demonstrate your value? The answer is to quantify, quantify, quantify! You need to be able to prove you can get the job done better and faster than the candidates.

Having trouble quantifying? This simple trick will help you quantify ANYTHING on your resume…

If you want to find and keep a great job, you MUST remember this simple equation:

Numbers = Results = Value

Employers won’t invest in you if they don’t think you can get the results they need. So, you need to do your best to demonstrate your value through numbers.

Here’s an example. Out of the following two candidates, who looks more impressive?

Candidate #1: Fundraised for breast cancer research.
Candidate #2: Increased fundraising contributions for breast cancer research by 25% since 2014, raising a total of $15,000 in 2015.

Even though they both do the same thing, Candidate #2 looks much more impressive because they’re quantifying their results and showcasing their value.

How To Quantify ANYTHING On Your Resume

Whether you’re searching for a job or trying to climb the ladder at your company, this simple trick will help you achieve your goal: Write out a list of your career accomplishments. Then, fill in the blanks. Ask how many, how much, how long, and how often?

Instead of saying: Wrote articles for local newspaper.

Say something like: Wrote 8 articles per week for Big Town Sentinel, which covers 5 towns and has 8,000+ daily readers.

Remember: Numbers = Results = Value. It’s your job to prove your value to the employer by flaunting your accomplishments. If you follow this equation when writing your resume, you’ll stand out as a qualified and accomplished candidate who will certainly be a valuable employee to the company.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Navigating The 2024 Maze: A Guide For Small & Mid-Size Growth Companies

February 29, 2024

The past 18 months have painted a picture of economic ambiguity, with predictions ranging from smooth landings to potential recessions. Geopolitical tensions add further complexity, making future outcomes elusive. While perfect foresight remains out of reach, proactive risk management can equip mid-size growth companies to navigate these uncertainties and achieve resilient growth.

Challenges And Opportunities In A Tightening Credit Landscape

Regional banks, traditionally a financing mainstay for mid-size companies, are facing constraints, leading to tighter credit and higher borrowing costs. This necessitates exploring alternative financing solutions like private credit, even though they may differ from traditional bank loans in terms of structure and cost. Equity financing, while dilutive, might become a last resort. Asset-backed lending offers possibilities for asset-intensive companies, but collateral risks require careful consideration.

Top-Line Growth In A High-Interest World

As interest rates rise, companies must prioritize debt reduction and focus on value creation for both customers and shareholders. A comprehensive understanding of the value chain within each business unit is crucial, enabling informed capital allocation and ROI maximization. Operational efficiencies alone won’t suffice. A C-suite equipped to understand and leverage the “value equation” is essential for driving growth through strategic investments, sales, and capital deployment.

Supply Chain Resilience In A Geopolitically Charged World

The current geopolitical climate poses challenges, but proactive mitigation strategies can lessen their impact. While predicting specific outcomes remains impossible, companies can identify and address supply chain vulnerabilities through comprehensive assessments and diversification strategies. This includes diversifying sourcing locations, suppliers, and production facilities. Additionally, contingency planning, buffer stocks, and contractual flexibility offer further safeguards in this complex global landscape.

Technology Innovation In A Capital-Constrained Environment

âJustifying IT investments in a cost-sensitive environment demands clear demonstrations of cost savings and business value. For mid-size companies, this challenge becomes even more crucial. Trade-offs between IT security, infrastructure upgrades, and other needs are likely to arise. Identifying and prioritizing critical IT needs that directly support growth is essential. Continuous tracking and communication of the value delivered by IT investments are key to securing future funding.

Building A Thriving Culture In A Hybrid Workforce

The post-pandemic era has redefined the traditional office environment, presenting challenges for company culture and talent acquisition/retention. Creating or maintaining a strong culture while embracing hybrid work arrangements is paramount. Aligning values and fostering engagement when staff are physically dispersed requires open communication and hard conversations about roles, compensation, and expectations. While small and mid-size companies can operate remotely, sustained growth often necessitates fostering a strong in-person element as well.

Adapting To A New Interest Rate Regime

As the U.S. economy recalibrates to a 3.5% to 4% interest rate environment, mid-size growth companies reliant on regional bank financing must adapt. Exploring alternative financing solutions, stabilizing supply chains, building a strong culture, retaining talent, and driving innovation are crucial for navigating this new reality and achieving sustainable growth.

Below are examples of consulting interventions to address these challenges:

Scenario Planning: Facilitate scenario planning exercises to help clients anticipate and prepare for diverse economic outcomes.
Financial Modeling: Develop robust financial models that account for varying interest rate environments and financing constraints.
Operational Efficiency Assessments: Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance cash flow and reduce reliance on external financing.
Supply Chain Mapping & Risk Management: Conduct comprehensive supply chain assessments and develop mitigation strategies for potential disruptions.
Talent Acquisition & Retention Strategies: Design and implement talent acquisition and retention programs tailored to the hybrid work environment.
IT Investment Optimization: Guide clients in prioritizing and justifying IT investments that deliver demonstrable value and support growth objectives.

How To Choose A Browser Compatibility Testing Tool: Essential Factors to Consider

February 28, 2024

Choosing the right browser compatibility testing tool is crucial for ensuring that a website provides a consistent user experience across various web browsers. It involves verifying that your web application works as intended for your target audience, irrespective of the browser they choose to use. With the wide range of browsers available today, from Chrome […]

The post <strong>How To Choose A Browser Compatibility Testing Tool: Essential Factors to Consider</strong> appeared first on Jobacle.com.

What Your Interview Body Language Reveals About You

February 27, 2024

Poor body language can derail an interview regardless of how confident and well-spoken you are. Body language is as much a part of your communication style as what you say verballyâit’s really about how you say it. Impressions are made within seconds of reviewing body language.

Consider the first step to entering an interviewâthe handshake. While it may take less than 10 seconds to complete a handshake, in that time, the interviewer has already developed an impression of your character based on eye contact and the firmness of your shake. A weak handshake and lack of eye contact can leave the impression you are timid and insecure. A sincere and firm handshake with eye contact expresses professionalism and confidence. An overpowering handshake with a fixed gaze may come across as overconfident and arrogant. So, be cautious with your next handshake and start the interview off with a positive impression.

In an interview, body language is present from head to toe. Consider the following…

Posture

Whether you are sitting or standing, your posture projects a level of confidence and engagement in the conversation. When one slumps, it implies to the interviewer a lack of confidence and interest. Sitting stiff as a rock implies nervousness and it creates an uncomfortable situation for building rapport. Sitting at the tip of the chair implies you don’t want to be there. Lying back on the chair with your ankle on top of your other knee may appear unprofessional and too relaxed. In general, crossing your arms and legs may be interpreted as building a barrier.

To project professionalism, confidence, and engagement, consider sitting on the chair with your lower back touching or close to the back panel while leaning 10 degrees forward. Keep your hands relaxed in your lap or on the table, and your feet grounded on the floor. When standing, avoid crossing your arms or placing them in your pockets. The point is to project a balanced posture that is not limp or overly stiff.

Eye Contact

Eye contact allows you and the interviewer to connect beyond words alone. However, there is a fine balance between good eye contact and when eye contact becomes a weird gaze or stare that can make the other person feel uncomfortable. When you stare without having breaks in between, a casual conversation can come across as a lecture.

Whether you are listening or speaking, maintain eye contact with your interviewer for a couple of seconds at a time (no more than 7 to 10 seconds) and then glance away before returning eye contact again. If you are looking down to take notes, look up occasionally, especially when it appears a special point is being made or when you are asked a question.

Voice

Speed, tone, and pitch combined make an impression. Talking too fast can be hard to understand and appear as nervousness. When your tone projects apology or defense, you can come across as unconfident and insecure. When you don’t make changes between your tone and pitch, you can sound monotone, making it more difficult for the other person to stay engaged.

Learn to take control of your voice. If you are nervous, it can come across in your pitch, so take a breath to help you relax before speaking. Be conscious of your tone and pitch to offer variation and to help emphasize certain points.

Bobblehead

Some people have a tendency to bobble their heads as a gesture of agreement, but when you nod in excess during a conversation, it becomes a distraction and can be interpreted as though you are agreeing on everything for the sake of wanting to please. You can lose credibility in such instances.

To avoid appearing like a bobblehead, nod occasionally to show you are still engaged and have control over how you nod. You can also tilt your head slightly to the side as though you are trying to listen more carefully as another way to show you are engaged.

Extremities

There are people who do certain things out of habit, such as flaring their arms while talking, twirling their hair, playing with a pen in hand, rocking back and forth on a chair, and shaking or thumping their feet. Many of these actions occur unconsciously; however, these are distractions to the person you are speaking to and may be perceived as signs you are bored or have trouble focusing. Some people also touch their nose or face frequently when they are nervous. An interviewer may perceive this as a sign you are not being totally honest.

Be conscious of what you do with your hands, legs, and feet and that will help you take control of your movements. Be aware of your own body language and also read your interviewer’s body language to give you hints about how they are responding to you.

The interview may start very formal, but as you both become acquainted with one another, the mood may relax and you may adapt your body language to reflect what you sense from the interviewer. There is no absolute rule around body language, but it would be wise to avoid any chance of being misinterpreted.

You can properly prepare your body language before heading into an interview by watching yourself in the mirror act out how you introduce yourself and speak. Another helpful way is to have a friend or colleague interview you and record the entire session. Review how you present yourself and become aware of problem areas to adjust before your interview.

Need more help preparing for your next job interview?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

5 Traits Of People Who Are Respected At Work (And Get The Most Career Opportunities)

February 27, 2024

I had a sad career coaching call with an extremely successful woman recently. When she told me her career story, which I have all my clients do, her story was riddled with a highway of situations where she was taken advantage of, where she wasn’t given the respect that she deserved.

As a career coach, I have each person tell me their career story because I can always tell, based on the story, where your sticking points and roadblocks are. And for this woman, it clearly was getting herself into situations where they wouldn’t respect her. She was almost in tears while telling me this, but she was still so professional, and then she said, “What is it going to take, JT? What is it going to take for me to get into one of these environments and not be taken advantage of?“

I didn’t want to give her a pat answer, so I said I was going to sleep on it and then come back and tell her the traits I see in people who are respected at work and, therefore, get the best career opportunities. I want to share those five traits with you because I think it’s important that everyone hear them.

1. They See Themselves As A Business-Of-One.

The first trait I see in people who are respected at work is they always see themselves as a business-of-one. They don’t work for a company. They work with them. They partner with them. Therefore, right out of the gate, there’s mutual respect. Then, if they start disrespecting you, you can have a conversation and tell them that they’re either going to get this right or you’re going to go find a new partner because you’re not going to be treated that way. You’re not going to allow yourself to be treated that way. It’s about setting boundaries and addressing the disrespect before it gets out of hand. Respected employees are able to communicate these boundaries without being harsh.

2. They Aren’t Complainers; They’re Curious.

The second trait is they aren’t complainers; they’re curious. Nobody likes to work with complainers. The people who are respected at work don’t walk in and dump a problem on a manager’s desk. Instead, when they see a problem, they meet with people and they get curious. They ask questions. They try to understand. In fact, one of their favorite phrases to use is “help me understand.” They ask clarifying questions to get to the source of the problem so that hopefully the people they’re talking to can realize the problem, but if not, it gives them permission to then point it out and have a conversation.

3. They Ask Questions Instead Of Bossing People Around.

The third trait is they get really good at “ask, don’t tell.” They don’t boss everyone around. They don’t tell everyone what to do. They know how to ask questions so that things become other people’s ideas and they get permission to then share their points of view, their ideas, and their perspectives. It’s how they get buy-in. It’s how they get consensus. And, again, it’s how they gain and keep people’s respect.

4. They Talk About Their Results, Not Their Character.

The fourth trait is they talk about their results. They don’t talk about their character. You know that you have to be your biggest self-advocate in the workplace, and you’re hired to save or make money. You’re hired to solve problems and alleviate pain, so when you’re talking about the results that you were able to get, when you’re talking about what’s actually valued, not that you were a great team player, etc., you’ll stand out and be respected for the value that you create on the job. You’re going to have to find strategic ways to talk about your results without bragging or sounding like a narcissist to make sure that people understand the quantifiable impact that you’ve had on the company, and the people who are respected at work do this well.

5. They Never Initially Disagree With Someone.

Lastly, the people who are respected at work never initially disagree with someone. This might be a hot take, but whenever they clearly disagree with someone, they don’t say “I disagree.” That’s not how they lead the conversation. What they do instead is they find a commonality with the person, something they can agree on, and then they talk about that. These people know how to disarm somebody by talking about what they agree upon first before they discuss where they have differences or disagreements.

I’m sure there are more traits you could add to this list, but when I really looked at the people who are the most respected at work, who are incredibly successful and seem to get all the opportunities they want, they’re doing these five things consistently in their careers. They have these five traits. And it’s having an incredible impact on their brand.

If you’re struggling with getting respect at work, I can help. Sign up for a Work It DAILY membership today (FREE for 7 days!).

Good luck, and go get ’em!

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The post Summary Sunday: Issue 546 appeared first on Career Sherpa.