Career Management: 8 Tips For Disagreeing With The Boss

Career Management: 8 Tips For Disagreeing With The Boss

Disagreeing with other people, without taking a body count or courting disaster, is something most people try to avoid. Nevertheless, we recognize we can’t always agree with everything that comes our way—even if it comes from the boss.

Many of us think disagreeing with the boss is one of those career-limiting moves to be avoided at all costs. Think again. Most managers want to think they’ve hired brilliant people who can think and act well on the company’s behalf. That includes not letting them (or anyone else) drive off a metaphorical cliff. This means you are being paid to use your brain AND mouth.

The diversity that takes place in the workplace isn’t just about race or religion; it’s about ideas, perspectives, and insight. If you are truly engaging in what is taking place at work, it’s not possible to agree with your boss 100% of the time.

You can disagree with your boss and make that disagreement a win-win for both of you. You can win because you can use it for career enhancement. The boss can win because they will come off as an engaging manager and get a much better end result.

Here are eight tips to turn disagreement into a great thing for your career.

1. Disagree, But Don’t Be Disagreeable

When something strikes you as wrong or out of line, keep your emotions in check. No one, especially the boss, will appreciate an emotionally charged rebuttal. People tend to mirror each other’s energy level, and if you turn red and flap your arms, it will be met with equal intensity.

2. Don’t Make It Personal

Man disagrees with his boss

The conversation will go much better if you are addressing the issue or topic and not making your disagreement about the person, your boss.

3. Be Clear About What You Don’t Agree With

Woman discusses a disagreement with her boss

If you can’t articulate what is troubling you about something, wait until you can be clear. If you can’t be clear, you will not have a conversation that will make any sense to the other person. A confusing conversation will not leave a great impression.

4. Offer Alternatives

Man discusses a disagreement with his boss

Nothing falls flatter than squashing an idea only to have nothing to replace it with. If you can’t think up a better idea, then what good is the disagreement? Sure, you might not like the idea, but if you can’t come up with something else, then go with what you have. You have to solve problems to be an asset.

5. Make Things Private

Woman talks through a disagreement with her boss

Depending on the setting and issue, you may need to take your disagreement to a private setting with your boss. This allows you to cover whatever you need to, have a discussion, and keep both of you looking good to the rest of the office.

You never want to embarrass your boss; if you do, they will remember it for much too long. They will appreciate your sensitivity and professionalism when you have the insight to know when it’s time to have a private discussion.

6. Seek To Understand

Woman disagrees with her boss during a meeting

Many conflicts and disagreements are rooted in a failure to communicate and understand the other person. When something does arise that doesn’t hit you right, ask questions and gain clarity. You may discover that you do agree after all. Doing this will also help you avoid discomfort.

7. Don’t Be A “Yes” Person

Man disagrees with his boss during a meeting

This is more than simply sucking up to the boss. This is agreeing with the boss at the cost of your character, values, and career. You might think it will enhance your career, but it will backfire against you as the higher-ups see that your contributions are limited.

8. Disagree And Commit

Man talks through a disagreement with his boss

The biggest issue that managers have when employees disagree is their becoming insubordinate and undermining efforts. If you have followed all of these steps and you still have a disagreement, then it’s time for you to disagree and commit yourself to whatever is being proposed. After all, the idea or direction might really work out well. Your manager will think you are truly a professional if you can work through your disagreement, offer solutions, and be able to “get on board.”

Certainly, out there in the universe are managers with fragile egos who can’t tolerate anyone disagreeing with their mandates or directions. They too will only get just so far in their career. Anytime you limit the free flow of thought and contribution, you limit the possibilities.

You need to screen for these people in your job search. If you wound up with a boss like that, you should consider a different team or job. But most managers enjoy discussion and debate as a means of developing great ideas and direction. They understand that disagreement is part of the process.

Need more help navigating workplace relationships?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

5 Ways To Find Your Work Passion

5 Ways To Find Your Work Passion

A lot of people tell you to follow your passion, follow your dreams, or do what makes you happy. But how many people are really doing it?

Survey after survey indicates that the majority of employees are unhappy in their professions or wished they had pursued other passions earlier. So, why do they stay?

In reality, it may be a case of not really understanding what they want to do. Finding your work passion is tough when you have no idea where to start. However, the alternative of not figuring it out can leave you even more unhappy, bitter, and unproductive.

When you realize you want to do something else but have no idea where to begin, follow these steps to get started:

Evaluate What Drives You Each Day

In order to find your work passion, you have to evaluate what drives you. What makes you tick? What issues do you feel particularly excited about? What cause or stance would make you drop everything to make life better?

Answering these questions can help you to assess your interests and decide where you can place them in your professional life. They can also help you create an interview bucket list, which is vital to a strategic job search.

Connect Those Strengths To A Career

Professional man and professional woman smiling while going over a work project they are passionate about.

Not every interest translates into a career. For example, just because you love soccer doesn’t mean you can make a career out of it. Instead, focus on the strengths that you have and connect these strengths to a career path. So, for the person who’s interested in soccer, perhaps you also have a real interest in how the sport is marketed. You may want to look into sports marketing positions, which can fulfill both interests.

(P.S. If you want to know which careers you’d thrive in based on your workplace persona, check out our free quiz!)

Ask Yourself If It’s Realistic

Professional woman sitting at her home laptop, wondering if the career she wants to pursue is realistic.

You may be a great public speaker. However, that doesn’t mean you should be the president.

Setting realistic expectations can help you to navigate these strengths into a suitable career. While not everyone can be the president, you can pursue public speaking opportunities elsewhere. To help you, try making a list of all of the jobs you would like to have and narrow them down to jobs you have the most chance of actually landing.

Network And Gain Connections

Happy coworkers talk at work

Networking and gaining the right connections can have dual benefits. First, networking can help you meet people with similar dreams and work passions. These connections can then let you know how they got to where they are, share pros and cons about your passion, and provide some real insight into what you can expect.

Next, networking and gaining the right connections can help you break into an industry. Think of it as that golden ticket to finding and then landing those jobs you would do anything for. This is particularly vital to those who haven’t worked in the given space, even if they love it.

Be Bold

Happy man has a passion for his work

Being bold can get you far in life. It’s how so many innovators and leaders reached that level of greatness.

While your work passion may be out there, it’s necessary to pursue it if it’s important enough to you. Sure, it’s probably going to take a lot of hours and late nights. However, being bold means taking the good with the bad and moving forward with the notion that it’s all worth it. And if it’s not worth it, then you can move on to something that is.

Finding your work passion and relevant jobs when you have no idea where to start can be very frustrating. However, once you understand what your passion is, you can get busy getting your life started, and be happier because of it.

If you could use more help figuring out what you’re passionate about, we’re here for you!

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Phone Interviews: How To Put Your Best Voice Forward

Phone Interviews: How To Put Your Best Voice Forward

Today, more and more employers are conducting phone interviews before inviting job candidates to an in-person meeting. With more applicants available for each opening, employers do not have the time to invest in a meeting for every candidate that simply looks good on paper.

Phone interviews make it easier to screen candidates. Some of these phone interviews may include standard questions that ask about facts, such as your experience and any specific skills you have. However, there are also employers who dive right into some of the most challenging questions, such as giving you a scenario and asking for your response and plan to handle the situation described.

As a job applicant, there are benefits and disadvantages to a phone interview. Some people are well-spoken and are great on the phone, but in person, their nervousness gets to them. Some are more comfortable speaking in person but lack personality on the phone. Under both situations, it can be a challenge when you don’t have feedback that may typically appear through face-to-face contact.

Regardless of the situation, you need to put your best voice forward to leave the employer with a good impression. This may be the only shot you have at getting a step closer to securing a job offer with them. Remember that the employer may change their mind about inviting you in for an interview if you fall short of their expectations or leave a negative impression on the phone.

Note that in a phone interview, your intonation is most important in how you come across, so you should be energetic and enthusiastic and change your tone to better engage the interviewer. You should also be prepared to ask some basic questions, although save the big ones for a formal interview.

Take the tips offered here to help put your best voice forward and further advance on an opportunity to a job offer:

Treat Every Call You Receive Like It Was An Interview

Phone interviews may not always be scheduled. An employer may call you to respond to your submitted cover letter and resume, and the moment you pick up the phone an interview may occur right then.

Most employers will be courteous to first ask you if this is a good time, but that does not always happen. So, if you believe there is a chance an employer may be calling, be prepared by providing a professional greeting on your voicemail or when you pick up. Also, be conscious of what the caller may hear in the background if you pick up the phone. If it’s not an appropriate time or place to talk, let it go to voicemail, but try to call back immediately when it is more appropriate for you to talk.

Talk Enthusiastically

Happy man talks on the phone at work

Since the interviewer will not see your face, all they have to work off of is the voice you present, so make sure it sounds enthusiastic and energized with confidence. Try keeping a smile on your face as you talk and be aware of your tone and pitch so you do not come off sounding monotone.

Watch Your Words

Woman looks at laptop during a phone interview

Keep a “can do” attitude when you talk. It will leave a more positive impression than if an employer were to hear, “I can’t,” “I don’t,” or “I haven’t.” Also, be conscious of how you speak; avoid the “Ahs,” “Errs,” and “Ums.” You can come across as unsure of yourself and lacking in confidence.

Use A Clear Line

Man smiles during his phone interview

Many people list their cell phone number on job applications, cover letters, and resumes, which is fine, as long as when the phone is answered you have good reception. If you are the one initiating the phone call, use a landline to avoid static or dropped calls. It’s also important to find a quiet location where you will not be disturbed or distracted.

Treat It Like An In-Person Interview

Woman talks during a phone interview

Keep in mind points that you can use to help explain how your previous experiences or skills make you a good fit for the open position. Also, always have questions in mind to ask during the interview that show your interest and desire to work with the company. Don’t forget to also keep your resume, a sheet of paper, and a pen on hand. You’ll need these items for reference or to take notes while on the call.

Find Out The Next Steps

Young man smiles during his phone interview

Interviews, whether in person or over the phone, should end with an understanding of what the next steps are. If it was not covered, be sure to ask. The employer may also view this question in a positive way that you care about this opportunity and have a desire for it.

Remember, phone interviews deserve a follow-up thank-you note or email to the individual(s) you spoke with—just as you would do after an in-person interview.

Treat phone interviews as important as face-to-face interviews. The impression you make on the phone will also be taken into consideration when the employer is trying to decide between you and another candidate for the position.

We know how difficult it can be to ace a job interview, on the phone or in person. If you’re still not feeling confident in your interview abilities, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

5 Easy Ways To Get Ahead In The Workplace

5 Easy Ways To Get Ahead In The Workplace

You’re looking for a career boost. You’re possibly past your first-year mark at work. You’ve learned the ropes of your position, but you feel like you’re slowing down. What are some ways you can get ahead at work?

There are many positive things you can do that can help you get ahead at work. In fact, the value of these tasks is they make you more motivated—therefore, giving you the career boost you need.

Show Enthusiasm For Your Work

Man shakes hands with a colleague at work

I know. How can you ever feel enthusiastic about work, especially when you already feel sluggish with the same work after a few years? It is precisely this reason I ask you to be enthusiastic. To be enthusiastic at work is about a mental state. You need to make the decision to be enthusiastic. Start by saying, “I will be an eager participant in this project or task.”

Attack your task with energy. Do not drag your feet. The more you tell yourself, “This is so boring,” or whatever the excuse may be, the worse you will feel. Get interested in the work, and the energy will come naturally. Then, decide to be eagerly involved. You cannot get ahead at work without energy.

Be Efficient In The Workplace

Two coworkers work on a project together

Strive to be the most efficient worker on your team. According to Webster’s Universal College Dictionary, to be efficient means “performing or functioning effectively with the least waste of time and effort.” When you are effective, you’re producing the intended result. When you are efficient, you do it with the least waste of time and effort. That means you are capable and competent.

If you constantly strive to be the most efficient worker, then you will eventually get ahead in your career. You will get a career boost because you are the most capable and competent on the team.

Strive For Excellence While Working

Happy man excited at work

Of the five things you can do to get ahead in the workplace, this one probably calls for you to give yourself some pressure. A little pressure is good since it makes you push yourself harder. Strive for excellence in everything you do. Do not be content with good. Go for great.

Exceed expectations by knowing good is sometimes not good enough. Give everything your utmost best. You will naturally see how this becomes your career booster. When you strive for excellence in everything you do, you naturally surpass others in your work.

Show Up To Work Early

Man smiles while walking to work

Have you ever thought that showing up to work early can get you ahead at work? It can, especially when your workplace practices flextime. Many people take flextime for granted. They stroll in and out at their own pace, not knowing they have probably wasted productive time.

Start early at work. Some of my most productive days are those I start early before the phone rings and before my staff walks in with questions. Clear your emails from last night and craft that important email when there are no disturbances.

Be Someone Your Co-Workers WANT To Work With Every Day

Make every effort to be the easiest person to work with in the office. Now, I am not saying compromise your need for excellence. For example, this means don’t complain and grumble each time there is a team meeting. No one likes to work with someone who nags all the time.

When you are easy to work with, you make working enjoyable for your co-workers too. An upbeat workplace is welcomed everywhere, and you give yourself a competitive edge. That competitive edge is your career booster.

Want to know how your interact with your co-workers, and how it impacts your work? This FREE quiz will tell you your workplace strengths and how to use them to your advantage.

There is no need for complicated plans to get a career boost. Doing these simple things can help you get you ahead at work.

Need more help getting ahead in your career?

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Work It Daily’s Career Events

Work It Daily’s Career Events

June 3, 2022: Networking Masters

Work It Daily's free live career event (Networking Masters)

Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you’ll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!

Hosted by: J.T. O’Donnell or Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: FREE

Sign up for this live event today!

June 7, 2022: J.T. O’Donnell’s CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything)

Work It Daily's live career event (J.T.'s Ask Me Anything)

Come get your career and job search questions answered by our founder & CEO J.T. O’Donnell.

Hosted by: J.T. O’Donnell

Cost of Event: FREE

Sign up for this live event today!

June 8, 2022: How To Avoid Getting Laid Off

Work It Daily's live career event (How To Avoid Getting Laid Off)

Are you concerned that you might be part of an upcoming layoff at your company? Attend this live event to learn how to keep your job and avoid getting laid off.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Understand if a layoff is approaching within your company
  • Tips on how you can avoid getting laid off
  • How to stand out as a key employee to keep your job

Hosted by: J.T. O’Donnell & Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket

Buy your ticket for this live event today!

June 10, 2022: Networking Masters

Work It Daily's free live career event (Networking Masters)

Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you’ll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!

Hosted by: J.T. O’Donnell or Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: FREE

Sign up for this live event today!

June 14, 2022: CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything)

Work It Daily's live career event (CAREER AMA - Ask Me Anything)

Come get your career and job search questions answered by our team.

Hosted by: Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: FREE

Sign up for this live event today!

June 15, 2022: How To Get Job Interviews

Work It Daily's live career event (How To Get Job Interviews)

Are you struggling to land job interviews and/or get any calls from employers? Attend this live event to learn how to stand out to hiring managers as a qualified candidate, no matter how competitive the job market is.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Understand why the job market is so competitive right now
  • Create a targeted strategy that lands you interviews
  • Hacks on how to market yourself as a qualified candidate for opportunities

Hosted by: J.T. O’Donnell & Christina Burgio

Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket

Buy your ticket for this live event today!


4 Ways College Grads Can Get A Jump On The Job Search

4 Ways College Grads Can Get A Jump On The Job Search

Finding a job after college can be tough! There’s stiff competition, and sometimes students are at the mercy of the economy that they graduate into. Many college grads often take minimum wage jobs or jobs that they’re overqualified for in order to make ends meet.

The key to landing a job out of college is preparing for the job search process while still in school. Unfortunately, they don’t always teach you about the job search process in school, so it’s up to students to take responsibility for their future careers.

Here are some tips to put yourself in a position to land a job after college.

Be Thoughtful About Your Career Path

Do you know what the career options are for your degree? How competitive the industry is? What the average salary is for the type of role you’re pursuing?

These are not questions you should be seeking to answer after graduation. These are all questions that should’ve been asked prior to declaring a major.

Research…research…research!

Knowing what you might be in for after graduation can help you with planning. You could meet with your advisor well in advance of graduation and look at potential internships and identify potential companies to work for, giving you a head start on your networking efforts.

If you failed to prepare like this prior to graduation, you did put yourself at an initial disadvantage, but you’re certainly not doomed!

What If You’re Unsure About Your Career Path?

Two students look over each others' career materials.

Even after college, some people are unsure about what they want to do for a career. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. You need to do an honest assessment of yourself and determine the valuable skills that you possess. Most importantly, ask yourself, “What are some of the things I love doing?”

Work It Daily also has resources that can assist you in your search. Our FREE Career Decoder Quiz will help you determine your professional persona. Knowing your professional persona will help you understand the skills you have that bring value to the job and what you find professionally and personally fulfilling.

In addition, whether you’re a graduate or still a student, don’t limit your opportunities to learn new skills.

Chances are you have interests outside of your course of study. You should be open to pursuing those interests. It could be that you’re a health/science major with an interest in computers. Why not take some computer courses?

Interested in learning a trade? Electricians, plumbers, contractors, and auto mechanics are all in demand.

If you’re still in school, you have an opportunity to take additional courses or decide on a double major or minor.

Options may be a bit more limited for recent grads, but there are always online courses, certification programs, or specialty course programs available. As long as you have a hunger for more knowledge, you should never stop wanting to learn. The more skills you have, the more career options are available to you. Options are important during the job search for recent grads.

Educate Yourself About The Job Search Process

A college student goes over her job search checklist.

College can’t prepare you for everything, and most of the lessons people learn from the job search process come from real-world experience. However, there are some things you can do to prepare.

First, research as many potential jobs as you can before graduation and identify some potential companies that you would like to work for (this is called your interview bucket list). Second, prepare multiple resumes tailored for the specific positions for which you’re applying.

A recruiter needs to see the skills you have that apply to the position within the first six seconds of reading your resume. You should also prepare a disruptive cover letter where you really bring attention to yourself by telling a story about how you connect with the company.

The last thing you need to do is reach out and network. It’s not enough to just send in a resume and cover letter and hope that you’ll be contacted. Reach out to people who work at the company through LinkedIn and introduce yourself. Use the fact that you’re a graduating student seeking knowledge to your advantage. There are professionals who enjoy the opportunity to mentor.

Even if these new connections don’t translate into an immediate job, you’ve made your first professional contacts which could come in handy at some other point in time. Knowing how to conduct a proactive job search will serve you well throughout your professional life.

Remember, There’s Nothing Wrong With Changing Career Paths

College student happy at his internship

Sometimes you find happiness and success in a career field that you didn’t go to school for. That’s okay (and normal). Life happens!

For new grads, the goal is usually to find work in your field of study and it’s great when things work out that way. But as the job search process goes on you may fall into a job that you weren’t planning to and end up liking it. If the job makes you happy and there’s room for growth, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it. It’s a personal decision.

This will be true throughout your professional life. You may end up working in your field, but, as time goes on, priorities and life circumstances change. You may develop new skills that draw you into a new career direction. The goal is to always put yourself in a position to succeed and sometimes that means making a change.

Preparation and keeping an open mind are the two common themes when it comes to the job search for recent grads. There are no guarantees for new graduates, so you have to be ready for anything. Hopefully, by knowing what to expect, you’ll know how to land a job after college and can land a job that matches your talents.

Here at Work It Daily, we understand how difficult it is to find a job and grow your career as a recent college grad. If you’re struggling to find a job that’s right for you, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

LinkedIn Cheat Sheet: 5 Tips For A Professional Profile

LinkedIn Cheat Sheet: 5 Tips For A Professional Profile

Who has time to research LinkedIn? We know you have a busy life, and sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to scan through articles to get the information you need. That’s why we created the LinkedIn Cheat Sheet! We pulled the best tips, tricks, and advice from our archives and put them all in one place just for you.

Here are five solid LinkedIn tips from our experts:

1. Change The Visibility Of Your LinkedIn Activity

Before you start “tinkering” with your LinkedIn profile (or hiring a professional to enhance your profile), please take a minute to do the following:

  • From the drop-down menu under your name on the right side of the Home page, choose Settings & Privacy.
  • On the left-hand side of the Settings & Privacy page is a column with a section titled “Visibility.”
  • Click on this section and scroll down to “Visibility of your LinkedIn activity.”
  • Turn off any visibility options for the activity you’d like to hide

When you are finished tinkering, go back and turn on the visibility of your activity, if you so choose. It’s that simple!

(Original article: “Pay Attention To Your LinkedIn Settings“)

2. Endorse Your Connections

Man updates his LinkedIn profile

Every Monday, take 10 minutes out of your morning to pay it forward by endorsing 10 people in your LinkedIn network. Imagine how you would feel if in your inbox on a Monday (aka the day of the week when even the most cheerful people struggle to get going), you found endorsements of your skill sets from your peers.

(Original article: “Quick Tip: Monday Is The Day For LinkedIn Endorsements“)

3. Get Recommendations… Lots Of ‘Em

Woman on laptop updating her LinkedIn profile

Recommendations are essential to you. Seek them proactively and seek them passively. Proactive recommendation seeking involves reaching out and asking someone to recommend you. Passive recommendation seeking involves recommending someone, at which point LinkedIn asks them to recommend you back. The latter is actually a bit more effective.

(Original article: “10 Things To Immediately Do On LinkedIn“)

4. Choose An Appropriate Photo

Professional logs in to LinkedIn

The following 11 tips will help you pick the right photo for your LinkedIn, Gmail, and other online accounts:

  • Don’t use an old photo. There are few things worse than meeting someone for the first time and not recognizing them because the profile photo is from 10 years ago (or longer)!
  • Use a photo of YOU in your profile—not an object.
  • Smile! Your face should radiate warmth and approachability.
  • Photos should be professionally done, if possible (but no glamour shots).
  • Wear your most complementary color. Bright colors can attract attention, but avoid patterns.
  • Don’t have other people in your photos (and don’t crop other people out of your shot—there should not be any errant body parts in your online photo!).
  • Make sure the background in the photo isn’t distracting.
  • Relax. Look directly at the camera.
  • Take multiple shots and ask people for their opinion on which one makes you seem most “approachable.”

Tips for men: Wear a dark blue or black dress shirt. No t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, or busy/crazy patterns.

Tips for women: Wear something you feel comfortable in. No t-shirts or big/busy patterns. Soft, dark v-necks look great. Black always works; avoid white.

(Original article: “11 Tips For Choosing Your LinkedIn Photo“)

5. Give Your Professional Headline A Boost

Man optimizes his LinkedIn profile

Use the “|” (vertical bar) to divide your text and create visual breaks.

Example: Which of the following is easier to read?

Project Manager Specializing in Business Research and Analysis for Major Corporations

OR

Project Manager | Research & Analysis Specialist | Fortune 1000 Business Experience

Obviously, the second one is easier to read and comprehend because of the formatting. The vertical lines separate the data and enable the reader to comprehend what you do better (bonus points if you list hard skills in your headline, separated by the vertical bar, to better optimize your profile so it gets found by recruiters).

(Original article: “LinkedIn Quick Tip: Tweaking Your Professional Headline“)

We know how difficult it can be to optimize your LinkedIn profile the right way. We hope our LinkedIn Cheat Sheet helps you create a professional and well-optimized LinkedIn profile that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers. If you’re still struggling to update your LinkedIn profile, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you update your LinkedIn profile—the right way.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.


Are you currently Filling Out Job Programs The proper way? Attend Work This Daily’s NEW Live Occasion To discover!

Are you currently Filling Out Job Programs The proper way? Attend Work This Daily’s NEW Live Occasion To discover!

Applying for work could be tedious and stress filled, particularly if you’ve been filling up out job applications each day and haven’t noticed back from most companies. If you’re struggling in order to fill out job programs, and/or constantly getting turned down for just about any and all careers that you make an application for, all of us can help.

On Wednesday, May possibly 25th, 2022 at 13 p. m. ET, M. T. O’Donnell, founder plus CEO of Work That Daily, and Christina Burgio, director of training in addition to coaching, are having a BRAND NEW live event ” Completing Career Applications The Right Method . inch

Understand how to effectively load out job applications to get past the ATS and even stick out to hiring supervisors!

This hour-long event will give you how to be able to:

  • Fill up out each part associated with the job application for you to stand out being an consumer
  • Boost the possibility of getting contacted with a hiring manager or employer
  • Prevent often the chance of having your software overlooked

Save Your Spot!

@j. t. odonnell Reply to help @itmezeva How To Acquire Past The Online Resume #jobapplication #applyonline #jobsearchtips #careertiktok #edutok #jobsearch #learnontiktok #jobsearch ♬ original sound – L. T. O’Donnell

Buy your current ticket for our survive event today!

WHEN: Wednesday, May well 25th, 2022 at 10 p. m. ET

WHERE: Online

WHO: J. Capital t. O’Donnell & Christina Burgio

WHAT: Inside this training, you’ll find out how to:

  • Load out each part regarding the job application towards stand out as a good applicant
  • Boost the chance of having contacted by a employing manager or recruiter
  • Avoid the chance involving getting your application ignored

JUST HOW MUCH: $5. 00/ticket

We hope to notice you there!

7 Ways Your Resume Is Boring Just Like Everyone Else’s

7 Ways Your Resume Is Boring Just Like Everyone Else’s

More and more job seekers are coming to us and letting us know about internal opportunities within their organization that they would like to apply to. But even as more opportunities open up, the competition is as strong—or stronger—than ever before. That’s why your resume has to be perfect.

Your resume needs to stand out to the hiring manager. If you’re not getting job interviews, your resume probably isn’t as good as you think it is. In fact, it’s probably boring employers. So, take it out, brush it off, and let’s kick it up a notch.

Here are seven reasons why your resume is boring, and how to fix it…

1. It’s Still Sporting That Outdated Objective

If your resume is utilizing an objective, you really should trash it and start all over with a fresh, powerful top fold that includes your personal branding statement and a list of the skills you possess that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. A polished personal branding statement will catch the employer’s attention and give him or her the best information up front—the information he or she needs to make a decision to call you to schedule an interview.

2. The Design/Format Is Also Outdated

Hiring manager holds a resume

There is a strategy behind resume formatting and design. A simple resume format is best because it makes it easier for employers to read the information you’ve provided. But if you haven’t updated your resume formatting in years, it probably contains a lot of text and not enough white space, therefore making it hard for hiring managers to get the information they need in the few seconds they’re reviewing your resume. You’ll look out of touch and they’ll be bored quickly. So, make sure you updated your resume formatting!

3. It’s Missing Important Keywords

Woman hands the hiring manager her resume

Omit keywords and the ATS (software system scanning your resume) can’t find you. The recruiter giving your resume a quick once-over is looking for specific keywords as well. Leave them out and you’ll be left out of the interview process.

4. It Has Generic And/Or Vague Statements

Hiring manager holds a job candidate's resume during an interview

Avoid using the same old terminology that everyone else uses in their resumes. Yes, we know you can problem solve. But instead of telling me you’re a problem solver, show me the result of a problem you solved. An effective resume contains quantifiable accomplishments, not just duties or responsibilities.

5. It Doesn’t Focus On Hard Skills

Hiring manager makes notes on a resume

And the championship goes to…hard skills. I used to be a full-time recruiter, and I used Monster and CareerBuilder to search for candidates. Not once did I enter the search terms: great communicator, excellent verbal skills, detail-oriented. These are universal statements millions use to describe themselves. Give me something tangible and relevant to the position I am trying to fill. You’ll demonstrate these hard skills when you quantify your work experience.

6. It Tells vs. Shows

Woman looks a boring resumes

Instead of wasting valuable real estate on your resume providing me with a rundown of the job description (the same one I’ve read a million times as a hiring manager), show me what you achieved, what you accomplished, and what you contributed in the past.

Wow me with something other than the predictable, mundane job description. I want to know the challenges you faced in your previous roles, how you addressed them, and the results you obtained. This makes you different from everyone else. No two people will have the exact same experiences. Your experiences are what make you outshine your competition—use them to your advantage!

7. It’s Passive

Hiring manager refers to a job candidate's resume

Using passive terminology is boring and lacks action. Instead of using phrases like “served as,” “duties included,” “promoted to,” and “worked with,” choose strong action verbs. Action verbs do just what they say: they convey action and, ultimately, results.

The hiring manager is interested in the results you can provide about what you did along the way. Choose terms like: launched, catapulted, spearheaded, and pioneered. These words tell me something. They show me the action you took and captivate my attention so that I want to read on to discover the results you achieved.

Your resume needs to do two things: it needs to capture the hiring manager’s attention, and it needs to motivate him or her to pick up the phone and call you for an interview. If you look and sound like everyone else, you have no competitive advantage. Therefore, you’ve provided the HR person with zero motivation to pick up the phone, call you, and schedule an interview.

Stop creating a ‘same old, same old’ resume that looks and feels just like everyone else’s. Start by adding some variety and focusing on your accomplishments today.

We know how difficult it can be to write a resume when there’s so much conflicting information out there. If you’re struggling to write an effective resume and land job interviews, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you write your resume—the right way.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Want To Move Up The Ladder At Work? Focus On The 3 Cs Of Career Growth

Want To Move Up The Ladder At Work? Focus On The 3 Cs Of Career Growth

Have you heard of the three Cs of career growth? They are the three things you need to focus on in your career if you want to move up the ladder at work and find long-term professional success.

As a career coach for the last 20 years, I’ve learned that people cannot move their careers forward in a vacuum. You can’t grow your career alone. And that’s where the three Cs come in…

The 3 Cs Of Career Growth

@j.t.odonnell How to grow your career FAST! @j.t.odonnell #careertiktok #careeradvice #careertips #learnontiktok #ScreamItOut ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

The first “C” of career growth is courses/content. You need resources in your career that will teach you something new and give you a new perspective.

The second “C” is coaching. In order to truly grow your career, you need a trained expert or a mentor, somebody who can help you interpret what you’re learning, especially if you hit roadblocks. A career coach, for example, can tailor their answers to support you and your needs, providing you with the right advice that will help you succeed.

The third “C” of career growth, and the most important, is community. You have to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are working on the same problem or chasing the same goal. This not only motivates you, but it gives you more information and perspective in order to speed up the success of your learning.

Where To Find The 3 Cs

Woman smiles while talking to someone virtually on laptop

Now, where do you find the three Cs of career growth? Well, I actually founded Work It Daily on the principles of the three 3 Cs. When you join our FREE community, you get access to courses, coaches, and community—all in one place!

Work It Daily is one of the largest online career coaching platforms, and all you have to do is sign up to get FREE access to the 3 Cs of career growth. Sign up, check out our free resources section, and pick courses to learn from. You can post your questions inside the community for the coaches and you can meet other members who are part of the community.

So, if you want to grow your career and move up the ladder at work, you know where to find me.

Sign up for Work It Daily’s FREE community today! My team and I are looking forward to working with you soon.

Want To *Finally* Learn How To Navigate LinkedIn? Attend Work It Daily’s NEW Live Event!

Want To *Finally* Learn How To Navigate LinkedIn? Attend Work It Daily’s NEW Live Event!

Let’s be honest! LinkedIn is not the simplest interpersonal media platform to understand. If you wish a person could make better utilization of this essential career device, we’ve got just the particular event for you personally…

On Thursday, May 18th, 2022 from 12 p. m. OU, J. T. O’Donnell, originator and CEO of Operate It Daily, and Christina Burgio, director to teach and coaching, are web hosting a NEW live function ” How To Navigate LinkedIn Effectively . ”

Learn to help to make the most of the time on LinkedIn thus you can work wiser, not harder!

This hour-long affair will give you:

  • The backdrop and importance regarding LinkedIn
  • Exactly how to get started along with LinkedIn
  • Just how to navigate the various areas of the system
  • Tips upon how to get observed on LinkedIn

Save Your Area! Â

@j. t. odonnell Master LinkedIn for job search & make interviewers come to YOU!!!! #jobsearch #linkedin #jobsearchtips #linkedintips #learnontiktok #edutok #careeradvice #careertiktok #networkingtips #job #FindYourEdge @workitdaily @j. t. odonnel ♬ Whoopty (Instrumental) — DJB

Purchase your ticket regarding the live event nowadays!

WHEN: Wednesday, May eighteenth, 2022 at 12 g. m. ET

WHERE: Online

WHO: J. T. O’Donnell & Christina Burgio

WHAT: In this specific training, you’ll learn exactly how to:

  • Navigate the LinkedIn program better
  • Look for certain topics on LinkedIn
  • Manage your own personal profile and account configurations
  • Identify methods to market yourself to your own personal network
JUST HOW MUCH: $5. 00/ticket

We hope for you to see you there!

Not Everyone Should Work For Themselves. Here’s Why…

Not Everyone Should Work For Themselves. Here’s Why…

Look, I’m just going to say it. Not everybody should work for themselves. Right now, there’s this huge craze about working independently, being self-employed, being your own boss. So much of this came out of the pandemic because people realized they wanted to have control over their careers and not be at the mercy of their employers’ needs. But if you’re looking to take control of your career, becoming self-employed is not always the best solution.

Working For Yourself Gives You More Control (But Is That Right For You?)

@j.t.odonnell Not everyone should work for themselves… #workplacerenegade #learnontiktok #careeradvice #joblife #jobsearch #careeradvice #careertiktok #careers #jobs @j.t.odonnell ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

Twenty years ago, it was all about getting the corporate job. You didn’t hear a lot about entrepreneurship back then, but nowadays everyone is talking about it. It almost feels like if you don’t do your own thing or own your own business, or if you don’t at least have a desire to do those things, there’s something wrong with you.

Not true.

A lot of people were not built for self-employment. But they also don’t want to go back to the traditional work environment where the employer is at the top and they’re at the bottom wearing golden handcuffs and feeling like they have no control over their career or future. And I get that. I think that’s why 40 million people quit their jobs in 2021—because they’re frustrated. But not all of those 40 million people should be their own boss.

So what do you do?

You Can Take Control Of Your Career Without Becoming Self-Employed

Self-employed man works from home

Well, for the last 20 years, I have been teaching people how to become “Workplace Renegades.” A Workplace Renegade is an anti-employer. They’re about empowering themselves so that they can build a decent relationship with their employer. They want to work with the employer, not for them. They want trust and respect. They want to attract the opportunities that are best for them. And it still means working a full-time job with benefits and that structure that a lot of people need. In return, you’re giving the employer what they need.

But you need to understand one thing…

There are seven rules to becoming a Workplace Renegade that will enable you to get a full-time job that gives you the trust and respect you want and deserve so that you don’t have to necessarily own your own company to have control over your career.

How To Become A Workplace Renegade & Take Control Of Your Career

Person reads J.T. O'Donnell's new book

If you would like to learn what those seven rules are, check out my new book Awakening Your Inner Workplace Renegade: 7 New Rules for Transforming Your Career & Finding Your Professional Purpose.

In this book, you’ll learn:

  • The seven new rules for career success
  • Why the old rules for career success are outdated
  • How to awaken your inner Workplace Renegade so you can finally find the career success you want and deserve

Buy the book and start awakening your inner Workplace Renegade today!

I promise you the seven new rules will change your mindset completely so that you can get those jobs that you want and deserve.

P.S. If you’re serious about taking control of your career, I’d love it if you joined my FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career happiness and satisfaction.

Sign up for my FREE community today! My team and I are looking forward to working with you soon.