Quit job

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Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You Were “Terminated” From A Job

If your position gets terminated, should you mention that in your next interview? Many job seekers face this dilemma in their job search when they're newly unemployed. First, you need to determine what type of termination occurred.

There are two types of termination: voluntary and involuntary. If you quit, that's called voluntary termination. If it's involuntary termination, there are two types of that: you got fired or you got laid off. And those are also very different. Fired means you did something wrong and they couldn't keep you. Laid off means you did nothing wrong. They were in financial trouble and they couldn't keep you. So as you go down that decision tree, you'll have to clarify what type of termination happenedâwhat "terminated" means in your case.

Don't Say You Were "Terminated." Say This Instead...

My personal advice as a 20-year career coaching veteran is if you quit a job, make sure you tell the employer that information and explain why you quit. If you got fired from a job, you want to try to explain that as objectively as you can without making any excusesâowning your mistakes. And if you got laid off, tell them you got laid off. It was beyond your control.

I wouldn't use the word "terminated" at all. Instead, I'd get very clear on what happened and I would use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to answer the "Why did you leave your job?" question in a way that's very factual and succinct, that has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and is structured.

That kind of structured response is the most important thing to do in this situation because it shows that you've really thought about what happened and want to make sure they properly understand.

This is how you score points in a job interview. I see people every single day who have been fired or laid off from jobs using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to answer difficult interview questions. And then the recruiter and hiring manager say, "Great answer," and move on because these things happen. They're out of our control sometimes, or they're in our control and we learn from them.

You need a better response. So don't use the word "terminated." Get really clear and remember the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model. You can do this.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You …

You're ready to make a change in your career and have secured a new job (hopefully!). Now, it's time to quit your current job.

First things first: Unless we're talking about an extreme circumstance, you should never walk into your boss' office and say "I quit!" That's unprofessional and could have severe professional consequences in the future.

It's important to maintain your personal brand as a hardworking professional. The way you end this career chapter is part of that brand.

Here's how to be professional when you quit your job:

Give A Proper Notice

Since we're talking about being professional, we should probably say "resign" instead of "quit." If you do things right, you won't leave the company high and dry. Instead, you'll give your team proper notice so they can plan accordingly.

A proper notice of resignation is typically two weeks. Sometimes people are in a position to give a longer notice and sometimes people give a shorter notice, depending on the company policy and what you've negotiated for as part of your new job.

If you're in a position where you have to give a shorter notice, such as one week, make sure to clearly explain the situation to your boss, apologize for the inconvenience, and ask if there's anything extra you can do in your last week to help ease their transition.

Be Polite And Grateful

Young professional giving resignation to boss during a meeting

Resignations should always be done in person. That said, you'll want to have a paper trail to cover your bases if anything happens, so be sure to email your boss your resignation letter immediately following your conversation.

Once you're face-to-face with your boss, explain that you felt the time was right to make a change and you came across a new opportunity that you ultimately thought would be a better fit. Be humble and thank your boss for the opportunity to work with the company and wish your boss and company well.

In many ways, your conversation with your boss will mirror your resignation letter: short and to the point.

If you have concerns or complaints about the company, avoid airing them out during your resignation. Unless there's a terrible reason for your leaving that could put others in harm's way, don't bring up your drama.

If your boss asks for feedback, keep it constructive, short, and to the point. If you can offer some minor feedback that may improve the company, then give it a try, but there's no need to dissect every issue the company may have.

Finish The Job Strong

Coworkers talk while they work on a project

As legendary New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick would say, "Do your job!"

Just because you're leaving the company doesn't mean you should slack off. Continue to work hard and be fully engaged with the job until the very end.

It's important to leave the job on a positive note because you want to have some professional references for future job searches.

In addition, former bosses and colleagues are great people to have in your professional network. You never know when a past professional connection could help you score a new job in the future.

Be Sure To Say Goodbye

Woman packs up her desk before leaving her job

The last day on the job is a good time to sew up future professional references and discuss ways to keep in touch with former co-workers. Some jobs require exit interviews. But if that's not the case with your job, make an effort to visit your boss one last time.

It's a good idea to again express gratitude for the opportunity to work at the company.

Leave on good terms with as many people as possible.

Positivity and professionalism are the keys to leaving any job. Jobs are temporary but the legacy you leave behind as an employee remains.

Whenever possible, you want to enter and leave each opportunity on a positive note because each experience tells a story about yourself as a professional.

With career changes happening more frequently now, it's more important than ever to have a strong background of positive experiences with former employers. Follow the tips above to properly quit your job and leave on a good note.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Properly Quit Your Job

As a 20-year career coaching veteran who left corporate America and the staffing industry to become an advocate for you, the worker, I have a lot to say about this concept of quiet quitting.

"Quiet Quit" Is Not The Right Term

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @messympath I would NEVER quiet quit, here's why... #nono #quietquitting #quietquittingmyjob #learnontiktok #careeradvice #jobtok #careertiktok #careermode â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

First of all, it's not the right term. If you really want to quiet quit, it's very derogatory, it's very negative, and it implies you're phoning it in. And here's my concern with that. If that's the route you want to go and you want to outwardly give the impression that you're phoning it in, you can't. Because you're a service provider to your employer. They pay you for a service. And if they're in a pinch and they need that service and you're capable of fulfilling that business need while having a checked-out attitude, then everything works fine.

Quiet Quitters Are The First To Get Laid Off

Man gets laid off from his job after quiet quitting

But if the market changes and your company is in a position to get rid of some people, who are they going to get rid of? The quiet quitters. The ones they don't feel are coming to work with the right attitude or working at the right level.

And that's their prerogative. It's just business.

If you're feeling like you need to quiet quit because your company is taking advantage of you, you need to have a conversation with me about how to set boundaries and work smarter (not harder) while still making your employer happy.

I have worked with lots of women whose definition of success was working 60+ hours a week in corporate America. After having their first baby, they go back to their job and only work 40 hours a week. Then, in their next performance review, they get told their performance was average and they don't get an outstanding rave review, and they're so angry.

In your employer's mind, you took something away. Whether it's right or wrong doesn't matter. That's the perception.

Quiet Quitting Isn't Going Unnoticed

Woman talks to her boss about quiet quitting

This is why I'm really worried about all these people who love the idea of quiet quitting. If you don't think it's getting noticed, it is. And if the market shifts, you could see results that you're not happy with.

It's way more importantâif you are not feeling good about the environment you're inâto learn how to become what I call a Workplace Renegade. That means an independent thinker, somebody who can figure out the best relationship for them and their company. And if that relationship isn't working for you anymore, then we help you find something else and open up that job for someone who would be happy with it.

Take ownership of your career, folks. Stop being angry at the employer. You have more control than you think!

Need more help with your career?

I'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! I look forward to answering all of your career questions in our next live event!

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I Would Never “Quiet Quit.” Here’s Why…

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

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

1. Brand Up

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

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

2. Learn New Technology

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

3. Look At Industry Trends

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

4. Grow Your Network

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

5. Take Classes, Courses, And Workshops

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

6. Think About Your Next Step

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

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

Need more help with your career?

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

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Stay Relevant In An Ever-Changing …

What To Do When Your New Job Catfishes You

So you got a job catfished. In the interview process, the employer tells you the job's one thing. You accept the job offer, thinking you have a good idea of what you'll be doing for work. But when you start your new job, it's totally different from what you expected—and you're miserable. What do you do?

Job Catfished: What To Do When Your New Job Isn't What You Expected...

@j.t.odonnell Reply to @publichealthwitch When you get job catfished! #catfished #jobcatfished #edutok #careertiktok #toxicjob #jobhelp #careeradvice ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

When you get job catfished, your new employer is preying on your emotions, assuming that you won't want to jump jobs quickly. But you are absolutely going to look for a new job.

If you've been job catfished, you should look for a new job as soon as possible.

You shouldn't quit if you don't have to, though. Don't quit your new job because it's actually harder to explain why you left. Any employer that you now talk to in your job search is going to wonder, "Well, why do you want to leave this job so soon?" And if you quit, they're going to think, "Well, gee, if you don't like our job, you'll just up and quit on us."

This is why you should stay in your current job if you can. When you start interviewing for a new job, say, "The reason I'm leaving my current job so quickly is that the way it was described to me and what it actually is are two really different things. And I know this is not the kind of work, now that I see what it truly is, that I want to do long term. So I want to get out as quickly as possible so they can find someone new and I can do the thing that I really want to do. And that's why I'm excited about your job."

If you can talk calmly and confidently—and objectively, not bringing the emotion into it—that says a lot about you and your character. And I know it's frustrating and I know you want to vent, but in that interview, if you can pull it together, you'll get the sweetest revenge with a hot new job.

Being job catfished is an awful feeling, especially if it took you a while to get that job, just to realize it wasn't what you expected. The good news is, I can help you find the right job for YOU.

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, and overcome job burnout once and for all!

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

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What To Do When Your New Job …

Quit Your Job Recently? Attend Work It Daily & Monster’s New FREE Webinar “I Quit, Now What?”

Quitting is the easy part. Knowing what to do after? Well, that's where it gets tricky...

If you quit your job recently, joining the Great Resignation in hopes of finding better pay and flexibility (or are currently in a dead-end job and dream of finding fulfilling work), you're probably wondering what to do now. Once you take that giant leap and hand in your two weeks' notice, you can feel stuck and might struggle to figure out what to do next.

Fortunately, we can help with that. Sign up for Work It Daily and Monster's new FREE webinar "I Quit, Now What?" today!

In this webinar, J.T. O’Donnell, CEO of Work It Daily, and Elana Lyn Gross, author and contributor to Monster’s Career Advice blog, are teaming up to offer you five steps to getting a job you truly want.

In This Webinar, You'll Learn How To...

Determine your must-have list for your future job and employer
Find out if a company offers the work-life balance you need
Explain a gap in your resume and why you quit your job without having another one lined up
Successfully apply for a job (and follow up)
Think long term and develop a 5-year plan

We’ll also leave plenty of time for Q&A—so bring your questions!

Interested? Register now! We hope to see you on Wednesday, March 9th at 2 p.m. EST.

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Quit Your Job Recently? Attend Work It …

We've all been there. We've experienced the feeling of dread, battling traffic as we drive to and from work. The lack of sleep Sunday night as your mind spins, thinking of ways to get out of work the next day. Constantly wishing you were doing something else, anything else, yet never feeling 100% clear that you're meant to leave your job and find something else.

After all, other people at work seem happy. You earn a decent living, and you've got a roof over your head because of that job.

Now, I'm going to give you the four simple signs that you should get a better job. But first, here's a bonus tell-tale sign: If you're reading this article and got this far, you probably deserve a better job. The fact that you're reading this tells me there's some part of you that knows you can do better.

But, just for fun, let's go through the four tell-tale signs you should get a better job:

1. You're Doing What You "Should" Do

Woman thinks about leaving her job while working

Ever feel like you're constantly doing things you "ought to do" instead of what you "want to do"? If the real reason you're working is to appease your parents, impress your friends, or do what you think your great-great-grandfather would want you to do, then you're not being true to yourself, and you'll eventually snap. It's time to tune into what you want in life and take steps today to pursue it.

2. You're Incredibly Bored At Work

Young man looking bored at his desk and deciding whether he should get another job

There's a difference between doing the occasional boring task during an otherwise enjoyable workweek and working an entire job that you're bored with. If you're daydreaming of better things to escape the mind-numbing boredom, then it's time to make those dreams come true and find a job that's fulfilling and plays to your strengths.

3. Your Co-Workers Bring You Down

Young professional upset at his desk while his coworker yells at him

People around us have a huge impact on our life, often much more than we realize. So, if you don't get along with your team, find yourself picking up bad habits from your co-workers, or just can't wait to get away from them, then that's a pretty good sign the grass is greener elsewhere.

4. You Say "No" To This Question Too Many Days In A Row

Young professional woman looking stressed at her job, debating whether she should look for a new job

Here's the really big, final, decisive sign. It's from Steve Jobs' famous Stanford commencement speech, and it goes like this:

"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

Powerful, isn't it?

These tell-tale signs may have helped you come to terms with the fact that it's time for a change. Yet, as you likely know, figuring that out is the easy part. The much more difficult part is gaining clarity on what to do, and having the courage to do it.

If you need help building the confidence to leave your current job, check out Work It Daily and all of our career resources. We'll help you feel empowered in your job search so you can find the right job for you!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Signs You Should Leave Your Job

Feeling Unfulfilled At Work? It’s Time To Make A Change.

We know there is so much more to life than work, yet we cannot deny that our jobs take up a good portion of our time, and sometimes the majority of our waking hours. That's why, when we feel unfulfilled at work, it impacts every aspect of our life. It feels like a big deal because it is. So, what can we do when we feel unfulfilled at work? How can we find a job that will give us a sense of purpose?

It's not as easy as quitting your job and looking for a new one. Yes, if you've tried to talk to your boss and you still feel like something isn't working or something is missing, it's probably the job that's causing you to feel unfulfilled, so getting out of that situation/environment is in your best interest. But in order to fix the problem (feeling unfulfilled), you need to figure out why you're feeling unfulfilled in your current job or career. Then, you need to build the confidence to quit your job so you can pursue a more fulfilling career.

Here are some tips for how to find career fulfillment and gain the confidence to leave your job so you can find a better one.

Figure Out How You Like To Create Value

Happy man feels a sense of fulfillment at work

The #1 reason why you feel unfulfilled at work is because you aren't doing work that feels satisfying to you. You aren't creating value the way you want to create value. You feel like you're wasting your skills and talents. When your job doesn't allow you to leverage your strengths, it leaves you feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. It's that simple.

So, how do you figure out how you like to create value? The easiest way is to take Work It Daily's Career Decoder Quiz to discover your workplace persona. Your workplace persona reveals how you like to contribute to the workplace. It shows you how you like to create value and which jobs/careers would be the best fit for you. Ultimately, it tells you what type of work makes you feel satisfied and fulfilled.

Nobody is the same. We all create value in different ways. This is why it's important to figure out how you like to create value and the types of jobs that would make you feel satisfied and fulfilled. It's not about the job your family or friends expect you to have. It's not about the career society says you should pursue. It's about the type of work that would give you a sense of fulfillment. It's about finding something that doesn't make you dread waking up in the morning.

Develop Skills That Will Empower You

Once you discover your workplace persona and can identify and understand why your current job or career is making you feel unfulfilled, you now need to gain the confidence to leave your job and find a new one that will leverage your strengths.

The best way to build confidence as a professional (and business-of-one) is to develop skills that will empower your career and make it easy for you to find a new job. Research which skills are in high demand in your industry. Identify which skills you have and which you need to develop. Then, take online courses, volunteer for projects, and look for new challenges to develop those skills.

Starting your job search knowing you have relevant skills and experience will give you a huge confidence boost when it comes to applying for jobs and performing in job interviews. Just remember to quantify those new skills on your resume so you actually get your job application in front of the hiring manager. And now that you know how you like to create value, your disruptive cover letter will be sure to stand out!

Know Your Worth

An important part of the job search is knowing your worth as a business-of-one. It's also something that can give you the confidence to leave your current job (especially if you're being underpaid) and apply for jobs with a higher salary or negotiate a higher salary in the interview process.

So, how do you find out your worth? We recommend checking out free resources that can give some valuable information about job salaries and what would be a competitive salary in your industry. Glassdoor, for example, has a salary calculator that allows professionals to enter information about their current career, job experience, and industry to give them an estimated market value.

Once you know your worth, you'll be armed with that knowledge in your job search, and that information will give you the confidence to pursue jobs that will give you a sense of fulfillment and pay the bills. You'll ensure that you're being fairly compensated for what you have to offer—no matter which jobs you decide to apply for.

We understand the challenges you're facing in the workplace right now. If you're feeling unfulfilled at work, that's okay. You're not alone. We hope these tips help you figure out how you like to create value and help you gain the confidence you need to leave your job and find a better one.

Do you feel unfulfilled at work? We're here to help. Check out our FREE training "Unlocking Your Career Potential So You Can (Finally!) Find A Job You Like."

Here's what you'll learn:

What kind of work you should be looking for based on your lifestyle and needs
How to identify the kinds of companies you would be happiest working at
Which of your skills you should focus on leveraging in a job so that you feel happier at work each day
How your personality impacts what type of work you should be looking for

Interested? Sign up for FREE today!

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Feeling Unfulfilled At Work? It’s Time To …

How To Explain Why You Quit A Job In An Interview

Millions of people quit their job in 2021. But many of them did not think about how they’re going to explain that to their next potential employer. If you’re part of the Great Resignation and aren’t sure how to explain why you quit your job in an interview, follow these tips. Avoid Negativity @j.t.odonnell HOW TO EXPLAIN WHY YOU QUIT […]

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How To Explain Why You Quit A …

Four million people. Four million people quit their jobs in August of 2021. The Great Resignation is real and it is at a tipping point. But here’s the problem: of those four million people (and plenty others), I can tell you that—sadly—millions of them are going to end up back in the hourly jobs or the type of work that […]

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