Even at a time when itâs possible for people to book trips entirely using digital tools, thereâs still strong demand for travel agents, because plenty of tourists simply donât want to worry about arranging every last detail themselves. If youâre interested in working in this field, take a look at the following personality traits and […]
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As the job search advances, one of the top questions becomes "what salary do I ask for?" So, let's talk about salary!
When a candidate meets a company and falls in love with their dream job, they need to have some awkward conversations before they can commit to each other. Salary is one of those conversations.
But talking about salary doesn't have to be awkward!
The important thing is to be prepared. You need to do your homework and understand what's fair. The last thing you want to do is to price yourself out of a job because you didn't know you asked for too much. Or worse, sell yourself short because you didn't ask for enough. It's business timeâ¦so, let's get down to business.
Here are some things you should know before you talk about salary:
1. Always Be Prepared
You never know when an employer will bring up the salary questionâit could be in the job application or it could be during your final job interview. That's why you want to be prepared for it. Know your numbers before you apply for the position so you're not caught off guard.
2. Don't Be The One To Bring It Up First
A common mistake people make during the hiring process is bringing up salary too soon. This can hurt your chances of getting the job offer because the employer might think you're only in it for the money. Wait until the employer brings it up, then go from there.
3. Know What's Competitive
Do your homework. Know what's competitive for that role in that industry. You can use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com to research competitive salary rates for similar positions.
4. Know Your "Walk-Away" Rate
After you do your research, you'll have an idea of both the highest and lowest salaries for similar roles in your field. This is an important thing to know because it will allow you to have a range to work with during negotiations (i.e., it will give you some wiggle room). When you're thinking about your range, it's important to know your "walk-away" rate. This is the absolute lowest offer you will accept without eating Ramen noodles for the rest of your life. You don't want to take an offer that's not going to pay you enough to live comfortably. Otherwise, you'll likely be on the job search again looking for a role that pays you more money. However, you do want to understand the going salary rates for that position so you don't a) price yourself out of the job, or b) sell yourself short.
5. Don't Limit Yourself To Money
While you should aim to get a competitive salary, don't focus only on the money. You can negotiate for other things too, like work-from-home opportunities, flextime, vacation days, and other perks. It depends on what's most important to you. Again, this will give you some wiggle room during negotiations.
6. Give Them A Reason To Give You More
In order to get the salary you want, you need to prove that you'll be a valuable asset to the company and that your unique skills/experiences make you the best fit for the role. You need to show them that you're worth the investment.
7. Don't Be Afraid Of 'No'
During salary negotiations, it's okay to say "no" to a job offer if it's not in line with what you feel is appropriate based on your research and needs. Remember, saying "no" opens up negotiations. Also, if the employer says "no" to your counteroffer, it doesn't mean he or she isn't willing to work with you to find something that works for both parties (that's why they call it negotiating!). This is why you do so much prep work in the beginning. If you know your numbers, have a "walk-away" rate, and demonstrate your value to the employer, you're more likely to negotiate an offer that works for you. If not, it might not be the right opportunity for you at this point. Your dream job is still out there, you just haven't found it yet,
8. Chill!
Yes, salary negotiations can be stressful. However, it's a big part of the hiring process. If you choose to forgo the negotiation process because you're afraid, you risk selling yourself short. Don't do that to yourself! If you get nervous, try practicing your negotiating skills with a friend or a career coach. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll get doing it.
See? You can do this whole salary dance! And it doesn't have to be awkward. As long as you apply these tips, you don't have to worry about salary negotiations, and you'll able to answer the "what salary do I ask for" question with ease.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Anyone who's ever been unemployed (or looked for a job while employed) knows how stressful and exhausting the job search process can be. So, during your job search, should you feel guilty for taking some time for yourself?
The short answer: No. Of course not.
If we're not spending every waking moment applying for jobs, sometimes it's easy to feel guiltyâlike we're not doing EVERYTHING we can to land our next job. This strategy of applying for as many jobs as possible and hoping for the best actually doesn't help anyone get a job faster. In other words, choosing quantity over quality. This is the wrong mindset to have, and it does more harm than good.
The job search process is about working smarter, not harder.
Think about a normal work day. It's pretty balanced, right? You get up, go to work, come home, and still have hours left in the day to do whatever you want. Your job isn't the only thing you have going on in your life. That's why it's called work-life balance. To sum it up...
Your job isn't your whole life. So, your job search shouldn't be either.
Here are some ways you can take time for yourself as you look for a new job (because you deserve it!):
When you're unemployed, here at Work It DAILY we like to say this is an opportunity for you to get in the best shape of your life.
Taking care of yourself is important and regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. It's a great way to relieve stress and it may even help you sleep better.
Take advantage of the free time you have after applying for jobs and get moving! Chances are, you'll walk into your next interview with more confidence and an extra spring in your step.
Nothing helps us detach from our busy lives like reading a good book.
Quiet those racing thoughts by readingâany genre will do! Reading may help you learn something new, gain new perspectives, and help with empathy (all things that will benefit you at your next job).
Knowledge is power!
Although you may dread networking, think of it as a necessary evil. Sure, it sucks having to step outside your comfort zone and you'd rather be doing other things. But nothing can produce positive career results quite like networking. There's no substitute for it.
If you're between jobs, you should devote some of your time to networking. You'll meet new people in your industry and connect with those who have similar interests and career goals. If it doesn't help you get your next job, it may help you get a job down the line.
Sometimes all we need when we're feeling down is a visit with our family and friends. They've supported you through tougher times, and they'll support you through this transition too.
When you're starting to doubt yourself, they will remind you of your strengths and accomplishments. They'll give you that confidence boost you need. At the very least, you'll have quality time with the people you loveâtime you don't always have when you're working every day.
One of the best ways you can spend your time during the job search process is by learning a new skill.
Whether it's getting certified or taking a class, this skill should be applicable to your new job. You can add it to your resume, and it shows employers you've been doing something productive for your career, even when you weren't employed.
If you try these five things (or just one!), you'll transition to your next job with easeâand it won't feel like you're just waiting out the clock. Be proactive and take ownership of your career like never before! You may be looking for a job, but don't let that stop you from living your best life.
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If you are over 40, have a big skill set, and are struggling to get hired, you've come to the right place. I work with thousands of people who have big skill sets and can't get hired. What's going on? What can you do to stand out in the hiring process and land a job?
When you're networking and interviewing as a seasoned professional, you're probably giving employers the wrong impression because you're sitting there telling them all your skills, all the things you can do for them, and making it sound like you're a Jack or Jill of all trades. And while you think that's what they want to hear because you're thinking, "I'm the best bang for the buck," that's not what they're hearing. What they're hearing is that you're narcissistic. You're a know-it-all. You're going to be difficult to work with, and you're probably going to leave for more money anyway.
Employers don't want that headache.
Now, here's how you fix that...
@j.t.odonnell Replying to @luvmy2goldens over 40 job search tips! #over40 #over50 #careeradvice #jobsearch #interviewtips ⬠original sound - J.T. O'Donnell
1. Ask, don't tell.
You want to listen twice as much as you talk in your interviews. The way you do that is by asking great questions.
Examples:
You really want to get at their pain point and how the job supports them. But you're also sending a message, and that message is, "I get it. I'm the service provider. You're the customer, You're the leader. And I'm going to make sure that you're happy." That's the mindset they need to hear.
2. Make it clear that it's an equitable partnership.
By "equitable partnership" I mean you need to point out all the things they have to offer that you really want because you don't want them worrying that you might leave. You need to talk about the skills you'll be able to develop there, the knowledge you'll gain, and the opportunities you'll have that you won't have anywhere else. You need to hype them up and say, "You have so much to offer me here. This is the place I want to be. You are at top of my bucket list. This is the place I want to spend years at." And you've got to make them see that as well.
Between asking great questions so you're not overselling yourself and also making employers realize that they're exactly what you want, that's how you're going to get the results that you're looking for. Those are my best tips for job seekers over 40. Give them a try.
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While it may not sound like the most exciting job (to some, at least), being an accountant comes with a wide range of perks. For one, the job is in high demand as more people turn to entrepreneurship and solopreneurship. Plus, the job market for accounting professionals is expected to continue growing in the coming […]
The post 6 Basics You Should Know Before Considering a Career in Accounting appeared first on Jobacle.com.
How you communicate with employers after an interview is an important, but often understated, step in the interview process. Most of the career advice surrounding job interviews discusses how to land an interview, and what to do when you get one.
We're here to help you in that difficult (and sometimes lonely!) stage after a job interview when you're not sure where you stand in the employer's eyes.
Here are two ways you should follow up with an employer after a job interview:
This piece of job search advice is common. Yet, executing a good thank-you note is harder than it looks.
You should send a thank-you note to a potential employer within 24 hours after your job interview. And, since the hiring manager is probably really busy, it's best to send an email, not a handwritten note.
In your note, it's not enough just to say "thank you." You should also explain why you're thankful for the opportunity to interview at the company. Mention specific details from the interview if you canâabout the company, meeting members of the team, and the position itself.
During the interview, make it a goal to remember the names of everyone you shake hands with. Then, you can drop the names of the people you met in your thank-you note.
This will show the employer that you pay attention to the details and have already connected with the people at the company you'd be working with if you get the job.
Lastly, end your thank-you note by reiterating why you believe you'd be a great fit for the job, and express your excitement about the opportunity to work there.
A well-written and thoughtful thank-you note like this will definitely stand out to hiring managers.
After you send your thank-you note, the waiting begins.
It's in your best interest to follow up one to two weeks after your interview. The only exception is if the employer gives you a certain time frame of when to expect to hear back from them. If given a time frame, don't follow up before then.
When you do decide to follow up with an employer, a short, concise email is the way to go.
Ask if there's anything else the hiring manager needs from you. Reiterate your excitement for the opportunity. And finally, close the email with a forward-looking statement, and another "thank you."
Communication with a potential employer after a job interview is an integral part of the hiring process. You don't want to annoy them, but you need to convey your enthusiasm and excitement for the opportunity at the same time.
By following up in these two ways, you'll stand out as an eager and proactive applicant, one with communication skills that will help you shine in any position.
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Location matters As Forbes notes, hybrid working is here to stay – and that means that location matters. Employees need to work in cities that have good inclusivity, for instance on matters concerning disability – cities with poor public infrastructure, inadequate social support networks, and expensive healthcare will represent a bad deal. Conversely, some of the best U.S. cities […]
The post Finding The Right Match When It Comes To Inclusive Employment appeared first on Jobacle.com.
Your cover letter and resume have made a positive impression on a potential employer, and they've called you in for an interview. Now, you need to ensure the employer stays impressed with you and your potential in their organization.
There's an old saying first impressions countâand there's no better instance of the truth to this than the impressions made during a job interview. A variety of factors are in effect. It may include the way you are dressed, how you communicate, your personality, and a number of other considerations.
It takes a lot to develop a positive impression, and very little to leave one that does not work in your favor during a job interview.
Here are 10 common mistakes that can ruin any job interview (if you're not careful):
Everyone's time is valuable. Show respect and do not waste other people's time.
Of course, sometimes things pop up and cause unexpected delays. Try to plan ahead so you don't arrive late. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location. Make sure you have an outfit ready the night before, so you're not scrambling five minutes before you're supposed to be heading out the door.
If there is an unexpected delay, at the very least, give a call to apologize and inform your contact of your expected arrival time.
There will be a time for this discussionâgenerally not in the first interview, unless the employer brings it up themselves. You do not want to appear as though all you care about is, "What's in it for me?"
At the same time, approaching the topic of salary is especially risky. You may end up putting yourself in a position where you are asked to present a desired salary and fall under what the company hadn't anticipated. Learn more about the position and conduct research before going into the salary discussion.
Show respect by letting your employer know this interview is more important than any call, text, or notification. Turn off your cell phone. If you forget and it rings, apologize and turn it off.
Regardless of the reality of the situation, never talk badly about your current or previous employer(s). It brings to question if you will do the same with this potential employer in the future.
If they ask why you are leaving your current job, be honest, take ownership of the situation, and focus on the future.
Just as you want to learn about the employer, the employer wants to learn about you. At the same time, you don't want to be the only one talking throughout the interview. You also don't want to be too brief with your answers. You'll come off as unenthusiastic and uninterested in the position.
Learn to listen and have a balanced conversation where you both have a chance to receive information and ask questions.
Regardless of how thorough the interview discussion is, when asked, "Do you have any questions for me?" always have a question. Preferably two or three.
When you do not have a question, it may come across as though you are not sincerely interested in the opportunity.
Your appearance includes not just what you wear but how you groom yourself. Employers will not be impressed with a sloppy appearance. You need to appear and dress the part of what is expected of the position.
We recommend dressing one level up from the employees who work at the company. If the workplace culture is casual, wear something that's business casual. You should look like you want the job, while also appearing like you'd fit in.
Conduct research so you have at least a general sense of the type of business the company is in and what the position you are applying for is about. The hiring manager will know right away whether or not you're clueless about the job you applied for.
With thorough research, you will be able to better tailor your questions and answers during the job interview.
False information can lead to immediate disqualification and exemplify your weaknesses. You will most likely be blacklisted by the company, too.
Lying on your resume or during a job interview is never a good idea.
Carefully listen to what the interviewer is saying and show you are attentive. You do not want to appear disinterested and come off as inattentive. It is not a desirable characteristic for any position.
If you're not interested in them, they won't be interested in you.
Most candidates will only receive one opportunity to make a good impression. Make sure the one you leave is as positive as possible by avoiding these 10 common mistakes during your next interview.
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Resumes are still the main âcalling card" used by job seekers and there are various schools of thought about the formatting of this document.
Here are a few tips for formatting your resume that may help you beat the blank screen blues if you're creating a new resume from scratch (or updating one you haven't touched in years):
Most resumes have at least a half-inch margin, but a full inch is preferable. If your margins are smaller, you risk losing content if the document is printed by the hiring manager. Plus, a resume that lacks a one-inch margin is harder for the reader to peruse and may look cluttered or chaoticâtwo qualities that are not often sought by employers.
Readability is key when formatting your resume. Keep this in mind if you're using a resume template, or adding bullet after bullet of new information to your already-existing resume. It's a delicate balance between too much and too little information. Never underestimate the power of white space in your resume.
If you're going to use a resume template, ensure all of the fields are completed with your personal information. Nothing looks worse than seeing "insert job information here" on a candidate's resume. A glaring resume mistake like this may tell the hiring manager you lack attention to detail or other basic skills needed for the job.
The better choice may be to look at a variety of resume formats and combine styles based on your level of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Spellcheck is great, but it doesn't catch all grammatical and typographical errors. It's helpful to have someone else review your resume. Ask for that person's feedback on the style of your resume and the resume's readability and content.
Where do their eyes look first? Did you quantify your work experience? Are your skills relevant to the position you're applying for? Does the resume prompt them to want to learn more about you and your qualifications?
A good resume format doesn't mean a thing if you have spelling and grammatical mistakes. Having another person review your resume could save you from some embarrassing job search fails. It's definitely worth the extra time and energy.
Your resume should be clear and concise. Almost all people applying to jobs nowadays know how to use Microsoft Office programs and email, so there's no need to have a technical skills section on your resume unless you have skills that set you apart from the competition.
There's also no need to list "references available upon request." If employers want to check your references, they will ask for them.
Resume fluff only hurts your chances of getting the job. Nowadays, it's about quality, not quantity. A one-page resume with quantifiable accomplishments and work experience is always better than a two-page resume with irrelevant information.
So, cut the fluff and get clear on the value you bring to the table.
Keep fonts and font sizes the same throughout your resume. You should also consider using a similar heading on all pages of the document if your resume is more than one page. This is a good precaution in case the pages become separated.
Any inconsistencies will be distracting for the hiring manager. Choose a clean font, pick a font size, and keep the same style in each section of your resume, including section titles.
Most resumes are one to two pages. However, if you have more than 20 years of experience and/or a number of academic or professional publications, your resume may be longer.
Keep in mind that a longer resume doesn't equal more review time by the recruiter or hiring manager. Your most important information should still be at the top of page one. This is where all your hard skills (and transferable skills) should be, as well as your most relevant work experience.
When in doubt, ask yourself if the information you want to include on your resume makes you a better candidate for the job. If not, it's probably not relevant to the position and can be removed.
Resumes are not static documents, so even if you think you're finished with crafting a great one, you will want to revise it slightly for each job you are applying for and add to it as you obtain more experience. Since more and more recruiters are using social media, you will also want to update your LinkedIn profile to match your new resume.
With the right resume format, you'll catch the eye of hiring managers everywhere. We hope you use these resume formatting tips during your next job search. You'll be surprised by how much of a difference it makes.
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The job search process is already difficult enough. Now, throw in the fact that job seekers have to be on the lookout for fake job postings. This is an unfortunate fact of life for those looking for a job in today's market, but luckily there are some simple ways to spot these fake postings.
You don't want to fall victim to one of these fake postings. Not only is it a waste of your valuable time, but spammers and scammers are trying to gather your email address and other personal information to potentially steal your identity.
In some rare instances, established employers post fake openings as a way to collect resumes, or to see if any of their current employees are applying for jobs elsewhere.
In order to make the best use of your time, here are four easy ways to spot a fake job posting:
A simple search of a company on the internet should contain a diverse wealth of information about a company, including a link to its website and other third-party websites that contain information about the company, such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
This is especially true now with so many companies focusing their efforts on good employer branding. Companies are pushing digital content through third-party websites, and their company websites and social media accounts, to tell their stories and give job seekers some insight into what it's like to work at the company.
If your research on a company comes up empty, then that may be the most obvious red flag of all.
In addition, you should also be able to easily find a contact in human resources to send your materials to or reach out to with any questions. If that information isn't included in the posting and is impossible to find, that should set off even more alarm bells.
Reputable companies take the process of recruiting new talent extremely seriously. They're going to spend a lot of time crafting the job posting, and they're going to make sure it has been proofread.
If a job posting has multiple typos and grammatical errors, you should be very suspicious. Look at it this way: Employers will throw out a job seeker's cover letter or resume for such errors, so job seekers should hold employers to the same standards.
Whenever you apply for a job, there's always some basic information that you must give, but there's some information you should never give out from a job posting.
Bank Account Information - With so many people working from home now, a common job posting scam will ask job seekers to give out their routing numbers so "the company" can pay for equipment to help them do their jobs. Sound suspicious? It should, because it's bogus. The exchange of money or banking information should never be involved in a job posting.
Social Security - Most job postings don't ask for a Social Security number right off the bat. That usually comes much later in the process.
This warning sign may be a little more subjective than the others, but you should keep a reasonable amount of suspicion if the job seems too perfect.
If you're applying for a job, there were obviously things about it that made it attractive to you, and it's not uncommon for employers to list some perks in their job postings to entice top talent. However, if a job posting is littered with perks and promises, and has very little information about the actual job, then it's trying too hard to attract a number of candidates, instead of the right candidates.
If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
One last thing to look for: Job postings by staffing companies may not always contain the name of the company the job posting is for. In those cases, you'll want to research the staffing agency to make sure it's a reputable company, not a fake posting.
By keeping your eyes open for these warning signs, you should be able to avoid falling victim to a fake job posting.
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Soreness relieved, knots untangled, and tension eased. A professional massage can be healing. While it might seem like a luxury, it isn’t. A good massage can improve the immune system, promote digestion, and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is a good healthcare investment. A massage therapist engages a sense that you may […]
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Landing a management job is a big deal. You're moving up in your career and getting recognized for all of your hard work and accomplishments. But it takes more to be a good manager than just experience and an impressive resume.
We've all had managers at different points in our careers, and let's be honest: a few, if not the majority of them, were not good managers. And that's okay. Not everyone is cut out for a management position. But if you recently landed a job as a manager at your company, you probably want to be the best manager you can be.
Here are 10 mistakes new managers make at work that you should try to avoid:
New managers frequently believe that they need to change everything. They place the stamp of their own ideas on every policy, procedure, and rule. And if there are no policies and rules, they're eager to create new ones.
They act on poor performance appraisal data. They immediately favor co-worker friends for key assignments, schedules, and so on. They want to create their "own team" as quickly as possible.
Other new managers act too slowlyâbuying into the "we've always done it that way" mindset. This can be particularly true of new managers with no management experience or very little experience with the company (e.g., a new manager hired from outside the organization).
Managers report that they intended to "wait a year or so" to learn how things work in the organization so "my employees can get to know me."
This mistake holds the solution to the paradox of the first two mistakesâthe "just right" solution. A new manager must assess the situation of the organization, the expectations given by senior management, and the strengths and weaknesses of the department and each employee (hopefully, more focused on strengths).
Typically, a new manager is charged with solving some specific problems. Ignoring them is fatal. Not meeting with each subordinate to get to know them personally, get to know their strengths, and get their input is equally fatal.
Performance appraisal data is fundamentally flawed by rater bias. The appraisal data reflects more on the performance of the previous manager than it does on the employees being rated. Spending hours reviewing old performance ratings on subordinates is a waste of time.
If the previous manager was promoted because of his or her successful management of your new team, ask that manager some simple questions about each member of your new team. For example, ask: "Would you always pick (or rehire) this person for your team?"
If you're replacing a manager who was not successful, see the mistake below.
Solving key problems may be a top priority (e.g., poor customer service). But solving problems is less likely to be successful if the focus is on weaknesses instead of strengths.
If you can't objectively measure the strengths of the team using an assessment like CliftonStrengths Assessment then interview members about their strengths. Ask each one of them how they see themselves best contributing.
Yes, it's a classic movie line, but it could be number one on this list. Too often, new managers lock into a learning mode to read policies and procedures. They want to "understand things" before saying anything to their new team.
The solution is simple: communicate now and communicate often. Give your team the opportunity to learn about you as you learn about them. Let them learn your communication style as you learn their styles.
"If I ask questions, it shows I don't know what to do." That's scary, but it's not unusual.
Too many new managers fail because of both inaction and action driven by the failure to ask. Some of the most successful managers I've known were the most curiousâasking questions of their bosses, other managers, and members of their team. They had a two-year-old's curiosity and loved the "why?"
The biggest mistake all managers make, not just new managers, is trying to motivate all team members the same wayâor assuming they're motivated by what you think "motivates everyone."
Motivation has some common elements known to anyone who really studies performance and it has some myths that managers routinely follow by mistake. The solution is to understand your team members' strengths. That way, you'll know more about how to best motivate each person on your team.
New managers often believe they must be the know-it-all decision maker for the team, failing to realize the job is coaching people to be top performers and NOT being the "I can do it myself" manager.
In today's multiple-skilled workforce, a manager is likely to be the least knowledgeable regarding specific job/technical knowledge. The solutions are communicating, asking, and listening!
New managers are often challenged by Red Scott's "hire smart, or manage tough" dilemma with a situation created by themselves or the previous manager. Managers must know when and how to firmly make decisions (legally) that someone does not want to meet performance objectives.
A common refrain: "I know I should have terminated him/her a long time ago."
A favorite management quote: "Management is now where the medical profession was when it was decided that working in a drug store was not sufficient training to become a doctor." âLawrence Appley
The ultimate solution to these 10 mistakes new managers make is adequate training! We wish you the best of luck in your management position and hope you receive the training you need in order to be the best manager you can be.
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