Skill set

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How To Explain Wanting To Step Down From A Leadership Role

So you want to step down from a leadership role to become an individual contributor. A lot of people see leadership at the top and individual contributors at the bottom. And so the natural question is, "Why the step back?" And, unfortunately, over many years recruiters and hiring managers get cynical, so they assume something is going on unless you can successfully explain why you want to step down from your leadership position.

Focus On The Opportunity To Build Your Skill Sets & Hone Your Craft

The key to explaining why you want to step down from a leadership position and be an individual contributor again is to follow the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model that I teach at Work It DAILY. You need to keep your explanation as factual and objective as possible.

When you're an individual contributor, one of the bonuses or upsides is that you get to build your skill sets. You get to hone your craft. You get to get to the next level in the kind of value that you can create.

When you become a leader or a manager, you step away from the majority of that. Now you're coaching or mentoring others. It's a different thing. It's servant leadership.

As a leader, what can happen over time is your ability to stay on the cutting edge of your industry and keep up to date with your skills and abilities can dull a bit because you're not doing it every single day.

Here's a great example of how to explain why you're stepping down from a leadership position:

"I was an individual contributor, and in that time I was learning a lot of skills and it positioned me to become a leader. And as a leader, I was able to coach and develop X number of people. But what I miss is my ability to continue learning, growing, and becoming cutting-edge in that skill set. That's why I want to go back to being an individual contributor. I think there's a lot for me to learn and benefit from, and I think there are other people out there that right now it's their turn to lead. But for me, it's about being able to do that workâthe thing that I love and growing my skill set."

That's an honest and valid answer.

It's important to share an explanation like the one above, especially if you're a seasoned professional because age discrimination exists. I can't change your age, but a large part of that discrimination is actually experience discrimination and how you explain your experience. One of the techniques that I teach at Work It DAILY talks about this from a more balanced perspective. You pay a wisdom tax, and so you need to be able to articulate these kinds of career moves or transitions in a way that makes sense.

By following the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model and focusing on skill development opportunities, you'll successfully explain why you want to step down from a leadership position and be an individual contributor again. Find your voice, tell them your story, and let them see the complete you.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Explain Wanting To Step Down …

The job interviewâthis is where it all really begins! While your resume may have impressed the hiring manager and helped you get your foot in the door, now you really have to bring home those points on the resume in person. Failing to convey the right message in the job interview means it is game over!

Don't expect a callback from the employer if you fall short of conveying key messages. There's a lot that can be done to prepare for the job interview so that you go into it confidently. However, it's one thing to be prepared and it's another thing to perform well in the job interview.

Along with proper preparation, here are three things you must convey in the job interview...

You're A Go-Getter!

Employers desire employees who have a real passion for the work. During the job interview, demonstrate that desire, passion, and excitement for the challenges that lie ahead with the position.

Make the interviewer believe you'll be able to hit the ground running on the job by demonstrating you have the experiences and skills to succeed on the job. Ask what the biggest challenge is and present examples of previous relevant work where you've been in a similar situation and what you accomplished and achieved.

The research you've done ahead of time should also allow you to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the company, its business, and more.

You Fit Right In!

Fitting right in is not so much about being agreeable but being likable. Come off as friendly and share your understanding of working in a workplace like the employer's. Ask questions during the interview to further understand the type of work environment that exists and then make an effort to demonstrate you have similar experience working in such an environment.

Another way to create the feel that you'll fit right in is by building rapport with those you speak with. The interview should not take on a model of a Q&A session; you want to turn it into a dynamic conversation. Find ways to build rapport that will help show how well you understand the ins and outs of the business and working in a workplace like theirs.

You're A Character With Great Personality!

Hiring managers understand that job candidates may come into a job interview nervous, but those who are able to overcome their nerves and show some personality are more memorable and attractive as a candidate for the job opening.

When you present your personality, it's easier for employers to see how you stand out from other job candidates. Presented the right way, you can also come off even more likable.

When there's the opportunity for it, don't be afraid to add to the conversation by talking about your personal quirks or likes. It's what makes you you! When there is a lack of personality in a character, the individual can come off as boring and dry. It also doesn't hurt to show how you differentiate from the next candidate with similar experience and skills.

Find opportunities throughout your job interview to weave into the conversation these three things above. In the end, you'll come off as a more memorable and desirable candidate for the job!

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3 Things To Convey In Your Job …

A common question I get from job seekers on LinkedIn is, "What is the best way for employers to notice your LinkedIn profile and how should it be set up?"

Well, the answer is pretty simple.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile So It Matches Recruiters Search Criteria

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile so it matches the search criteria of recruiters is the most important first step for beginners. Here's why...

Recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn by conducting keyword searches based on skill sets. They choose and use the skill set definitions you find in the "Skills" section of your LinkedIn profile.

Their initial searches are pretty basic. They put in a couple of the key skill sets the hiring manager said are must-haves for the job, add a location, and then LinkedIn's search technology goes through and finds all people who have the most amount of keywords in their profiles with those skill sets in that location and ranks them.

Now, LinkedIn's search algorithm takes in a few other things like how much traffic your profile gets (aka how many people are already visiting your profile) and how many followers or connections you have. There are other factors, but the overriding one is your skill set because it's your relevance to the job.

If you don't know how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to make sure the right skill sets are in the right place, and if you haven't figured out what the five or 10 key skill sets are that recruiters are constantly using to search for the type of position you want, then you are getting bypassed by recruiters because they aren't seeing your profile. It's not being included in their search results!

How Can You Tell If Your LinkedIn Profile Is Working?

You'll know when you've properly optimized your LinkedIn profile for keywords because you will see a lot more views on your profile. And the more views you get on your profile, the higher up you land in a recruiter's search results.

It's just like internet searching and SEO. That's how you get employers to find your LinkedIn profile.

The takeaway? Optimizing your profile with the right keywords is the secret to getting noticed by recruiters. If you want to be found, you've got to give them the right data in your profile!

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LinkedIn For Beginners: The #1 Thing Job …

Social media, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and many more technological advancements are rapidly changing the world as we know it, and how we interact with it.

While change is good, too much change can feel overwhelming, especially if technology isn't your strong suit.

Not being the most technologically aware person can put a major damper on your job search or cause you to fall behind in your career, especially if your company is always innovating and changing software. But if you're still rocking a flip phone, haven't gotten the hang of social media, or struggling to incorporate technology into your everyday workflow, all is not lost.

Here are a few simple ways you can become tech savvy in your career:

See The Value In Digital (ASAP)

Professional woman uses tablet to read work email in an attempt to become more tech savvy

If you find yourself constantly in fear of or rejecting new platforms and software, it might be worth it to change your perspective. Some people aren't that tech savvy simply because they aren't open to change or doing things a different way. While it's okay to get into a routine, being stubborn in this area can cause you to isolate yourself from the rest of the world, and could set you apart from other candidates (or co-workers) in a bad way.

That's why it's important that you try to see the positive side of technology. While there are downsides to technology, without it, you might not know what the weather would be like in a week, be able to reconnect with a friend, or do your job efficiently. There are two sides to every coin, but it's all in how you perceive it.

Get Into The Habit Of Learning And Exploring

Older man on laptop tries to become tech savvy

Another reason you might find yourself in the technologically disadvantaged group is because you're not testing the waters or exploring what's out there. Getting online or adding a bit of technology to your life is simple; it just depends on how you'd like technology to benefit your life or career.

Let's say you'd like to be able to control or monitor various aspects of your home. You might look into purchasing a Google Home or an Amazon Echo. If you want to become a social media guru, you might start by creating your own social profiles or taking a small online course on social media or digital marketing.

Just because you're not that tech savvy now doesn't mean you can't become tech savvy. So, get into the habit of exploring and discovering all the possibilities available to you in the world.

Ask Questions

Older professional asking a question about new office technology

Some people have an innate ability to pick up any skill or use the latest device without much difficulty, but for others, this could prove a challenge. While you're working on changing your perspective and exploring new technologies, it's important to remember to ask questions, no matter how silly they seem. Whether it's through an online forum or at work, you should always be asking questions and seeking to gain a better understanding of how things work, especially those that impact your life and career directly.

The more willing you are to learn about new technology, the more you'll benefit in both your personal and professional life. It's important to remember that new technology is always going to be incorporated into the workplace and failure to keep up could have a negative impact on your career.

So, stay a step ahead, embrace the challenge, and become a tech-savvy worker.

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How To Become Tech Savvy In Your …

3 Things To Convey In Your Job Interview

Every time you interview, your main purpose is to convince the employer to hire you. The job search is a sales process. The hiring manager (your future boss) is the "customer," and you are both the sales rep and the product. Why should they choose you over all the other "products" out there?

During the interview process, the hiring manager might ask you, "Why should we hire you?" Here are some tips for how you can effectively answer this tough interview question and stand out from other job candidates:

Focus On What You Can Do For The Employer

Job candidate explains why the employer should hire her in a job interview

This question is actually a fantastic opportunity for you to summarize why you'd be a great hire.

Always focus your answer on what benefits you bring, what problems you can solve, and what solutions you can provide. Never, ever say that they should hire you because you need the job or because you really want itâor anything remotely related to your reasons for wanting the job. This is your chance to connect the dots and help the employer see why you're the best person for the job.

Think about things you know the hiring manager (interviewer) is looking forâskill sets, background, character traits, personal qualities, education, experience, or anything else that will make you successful in this role. Relate your answer to these things.

Give An Example

Job candidate answers "Why should we hire you?" in a job interview

Explain how you meet the employer's needs and give an example to support your answer.

Your answer should be framed like this: "You should hire me because you've said you want someone with A, B, and C. I fit all of your requirements. I have A (say what that is), B (maybe give an example), and C (elaborate further)."

This will help you stand out from the other candidates and it gives the employer a reason to hire you.

Keep The Job Description (And Your Skills!) In Mind

Typically, this question will come toward the end of the interview, so you can refer to what you've already talked about, or mention something new that you know they'd be interested in. If it comes in the beginning, use the job description and your research to answer:

Will this job require long hours? Mention your work ethic.
Will this job need someone with great communication skills? Give an example of yours.
Will this job need someone who can learn on the fly? Tell them how you're going to get up to speed quickly and how you've learned and adapted before.
Does this job need someone with a particular background? Mention yours.
Do you have the skill set they want? Talk about your skill set and how you have been successful with it.

Give them examples of what you have achieved in the past. If you haven't done this job before, talk about similar things you've done or qualities you have that will make you successful in this new role.

It's never easy to answer "Why should we hire you?" in a job interview. However, if you do these three things, you'll be able to articulate your skills, experience, and qualifications with ease. And you'll impress the hiring manager in the process!

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How To Answer “Why Should We Hire …

In almost every office, there are "lucky" employees given formidable projects like setting up a new department or coming up with strategies for rebranding the company. Then, of course, there are those assigned to do the so-called "grunt work" such as alphabetizing clients' files, updating suppliers' contact details, and organizing meetings.

There's nothing wrong with doing grunt work, as these tasks are necessary for the business to operate efficiently. However, there comes a point when you want to move on to do more meaningful and challenging work.

Simply put, you want to get promoted.

After all, doing the same thing over and over again isn't exactly going to do anything for your career growth. That's why you should have the courage to ask for bigger responsibilities. Don't wait for your boss to hand that exciting project to youâyou must be proactive! Fight for it if you have to.

Here's how you can show everyone you're ready to move up in the world and finally earn that promotion:

Get The Tasks Nobody Wants To Do

Do the grunt work with enthusiasm. If necessary, over deliver. For instance, if you're tasked with alphabetizing clients' files, you can also make backup copies of the said files. If nobody wants to face a particularly difficult client, volunteer for the task. Doing so would prove that you're willing to do even the most difficult things to make your mark. This also establishes your reputation as a reliable member of the team.

Help Overworked And Stressed Co-workers

Woman stands out at work by helping her coworkers

Once you're done with the tasks assigned to you, you can help out any co-worker who's overwhelmed with their tasks. Don't be pushy, though. Let your co-worker tell you what to doâand then give it your best shot. Make sure you have your co-worker's permission before you tell your boss and other office-mates about the collaboration. Otherwise, people might think you're trying to take credit for their work.

Take Stock Of Your Skills And Learn New Ones

Woman writes down her skills while looking for a job

Make an inventory of what you can do. Find a way to highlight these skills. If you're good with words, you can offer to help your co-workers write their reports. You can also acquire more skills that will help you snag your target projects. For example, if your company has an office in Paris and you'd like to be assigned there, then learn French.

Ask Your Boss For A New Project

Woman talks to her boss about getting promoted

Get to know everything about your company. Immerse yourself in all sorts of information about the industry that you're in. Know the trends and other factors affecting your line of work. This information can help you suggest new projects and tasks to your boss. When you pitch a project, it helps if you present your skill set as well so your boss knows what you can do.

Remember: YOU control your career's direction.

You don't have to wait that long to get the project or position or promotion that you want. If you have the drive and will to succeed, then you can move forward in your profession at a much faster pace.

The trick is to do everything that you're assigned to do extraordinarily well and to keep improving your skill set. This way, you're always ready to take advantage of an opportunity for career advancement.

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4 Ways To Show You’re Ready For …

Sometimes the reason your resume gets dismissed by employers has nothing to do with your experience and skills. It simply could come down to having phrases that turn employers off.

On top of avoiding overused buzzwords on your resume like "creative," "innovative," "visionary," "team player," "motivated," "highly skilled," "hard worker," "passionate," and "driven"âthat are really blank statements that don't demonstrate anythingâyou want to also avoid certain phrases on your resume at all costs.

Here are some of the top phrases to avoid on your resume:

"Job Duties"

"Job duties" essentially says to the employer that these are my responsibilities on the job. Well, that's fine if the only one you need to impress is the applicant tracking system (ATS) looking for matches in the job description.

The problem with including this phrase on your resume is it doesn't inform the hiring manager how well you perform on the jobâand they ultimately have the final say as to whether your resume is a keeper or not.

A more effective phrase to use is "accomplishments" to describe your work experience. You want to inform the employer of what you did on the job and prove that what you did produced valuable results. You always need to quantify your accomplishments on your resume. The first step in quantifying your accomplishments on your resume is getting rid of the phrase "job duties."

"Transferable Skills"

While professional resume writers speak of highlighting "transferable skills" on your resume when you're looking to make a career change or when you don't have the exact work experience the employer may be looking for, the specific term should be avoided on the resume.

When hiring managers and recruiters see "transferable skills" on a resume, it basically sends the message "I don't have the exact experience or hard skills you're looking for, but..."

A more effective phrase to use is "skills" or "skill set" or even "experience summary" (see below). It doesn't bring attention to the fact that you aren't a direct match with what they are looking for, but goes straight to the point of what you can offer that is of value to them.

"Objective Statement"

Traditionally, the objective statement takes a prime spot at the top of the resume detailing what you, the job seeker, are looking forâbut that's no way to compete in today's job market. The opening of your resume needs to make a bold statement informing the employer what you can do for them.

Replace an objective statement with an experience summary, which is a list of 6-8 hard or transferable skills needed for the specific job you're applying for. It'll help you stand out to employers within seconds of them reviewing your resume.

"References Available Upon Request"

A hiring manager goes through job applications with outdated phrases you should never include on resumes

You can assume all employers will go through a reference check before they hire you. Including this phrase on your resume is simply a waste of space and makes your resume come across as outdated since it was common practice to include it at the end of the resume years ago before ATS changed the landscape of the job search process.

Today's job seekers need a well-polished resume to compete. Avoiding overused buzzwords and phrases that say nothing or that may imply something negative will help keep you in the running.

We know today's hiring managers get more applicants than needed for each job opening, so don't let bad phrases be the cause for them turning away your resume!

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4 Phrases You Should Never Have On …

Your resume and LinkedIn profile are incredibly important to your job search. They not only speak to your past accomplishments but also act as a predictor of your future capabilities. However, these two things can't successfully complete this task if they aren't packed with quality information. This includes an outstanding personal branding statement.

What is a personal branding statement? It is a statement that communicates who you are in the workplace. Borrowed from the marketing world, it reflects your professional reputation.

On your LinkedIn profile, the personal branding statement is used to summarize, in just a few words, who you are, what you've done, and what you hope to do in your career. This is why it's so important to take formulaic steps in order to develop one that gets the job done.

Personal Branding Statement Example And Formula

To get started, take a look at a personal branding statement that delivers the goods:

I am a community affairs manager with 10 years of experience visualizing, developing, and organizing company-wide philanthropic events, maintaining connections with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, coordinating diverse employee volunteer opportunities, and creating dynamic external and internal event communications.

Why is it successful? It gives a snapshot of your history in the field while providing branding attributes that describe what makes you successful. Also, it gives examples of previous accomplishments that offer insight into how you can help an employer succeed.

So, which formula could you use to create your own?

1. Consider Your Outlook On The World

It may seem a bit far-reaching to say that your overall outlook on life can create a great personal branding statement, but in actuality, it is your outlook that has guided you to your profession and has helped you develop your talents.

So take time to write down your vision. Do you want people to communicate better with one another? Do you hope to expand the breadth of our already-expansive technology? Think about what it is that can help you create the broad umbrella encompassing all of the specific goals your personal branding statement will incorporate.

2. Think About Your Individual Goals

Again, a personal branding statement is all about showing an employer that you have goalsâand that you not only intend to achieve them in the future but already have in the past.

So, what are your career goals? How do you want to make a difference? Write down what you'd like to achieve along with those skills you possess that can help you attain your goals.

3. Look At Your Attributes And Professional History

Finally, it's important to recognize your brand attributes, then apply them to your professional history. To identify your attributes, come up with at least three nouns to describe yourself as a professional.

Are you a great communicator, leader, visionary, or organizer? Then drum up three sentences that round out your professional history in relation to those attributes (e.g., I have 15 years of experience leading groups through philanthropic efforts). Make sure to quantify this work experience!

After completing these goals, you'll have enough information to create a truly outstanding personal branding statement that not only gives an employer confidence in your ability to succeed but boosts your own confidence as a top professional.

If you're looking for a job, your personal brand determines how much you'll stand out to potential employers in the job search. If you're not branding yourself as a specialist, you could be hurting your chances of landing an interview. So, follow the tips above to write an outstanding personal branding statement today!

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3 Steps To An Outstanding Personal Branding …

Want to get hired? Of course you do! Employers nowadays are looking for a more holistic group of skill sets in the people they hire. It's not enough to just deliver on your core skills anymore.

What will make you most valuable and have the most impact at a company is a combination of your core, personal, and intangible (soft) skills.

Here are six intangible skills that can get you hired today and certainly again in the future:

1. Adaptability

The "relentlessly changing" world we live in requires its workers to be able to flow with change, adapt to change, and navigate change with a can-do attitude. Those who can adapt the best to personal, policy, and leadership change will be valuable assets to their work teams and workplace.

2. Team Player

Woman greets hiring manager during a job interview

The most successful sports franchises all have a balance of veteran, experienced, and rookie players. Working together with people of different generations, cultures, and demographics is a coveted intangible skill that will become more and more important as the workplace becomes more culturally diverse.

Your "human relations" skillsâbe it developing rapport, listening, motivating others, or delegating with respectâwill be what makes you an important part of any team.

3. Leadership

Man displays intangible skills at work while talking to his coworker

Owning the job you have and making things better and more effective, instead of just showing up daily to do the same thing, is an intangible that will make you stand out. You don't have to be the "owner," president, manager, or CEO to show leadership.

Just look at all the employees honored for their work in the awesome program "Undercover Boss." Most of these workers just have a strong sense of personal pride and work ethic, regardless of their personal lives of showing up to do a great job and making a difference every day.

4. Multi-Tasker

Woman uses her intangible skills at work during a meeting

This is pretty simple. The workplace requires people to do more tasks and take on more responsibility than ever before. Expect it and get prepared for it.

Certainly, this should have realistic boundaries. It's important for you to find work-life balance in whatever position you land. You don't want to experience career burnout.

5. Open-Mindedness

Man talks about his intangible skills during a job interview / work meeting

Being open and flexible to learning new skills and approaches, interacting with new people, and trying new ways of doing things shows resilience and perseverance to do whatever it takes to do the job and get it done.

Nobody wants to hire someone who's stuck in their ways. In the interview process, it's important to come across as open-minded and coachable, especially if the company values a dynamic work environment.

6. Positivity

Coworkers talk about their intangible skills at work

"Whistle while you work." Nothing is more attractive and powerful than someone who is a bright spot in anyone's day and shows up with a positive attitude of gratitude. Leave the personal, heavy stuff at home and come to work ready to greet colleagues and customers and make their day brighter.

You can talk about your intangibles through specific personal stories that demonstrate how you used them. Nothing beats a great, real story that gets people to relate to you. This can be a huge competitive advantage in addition to documenting achievement and accomplishment in your core skills.

If you need some help discovering some of your intangibles, think about three jobs where you took on a project, made it your own, and were successful. Ask some of your current or past colleagues to tell you what they think your intangible skills are. If you need to practice, volunteer outside of work or ask your boss to give you a small project that can stretch you!

In today's job-seeking world, there are your core skills, personal skills, and intangible (soft) skills. More often, if it comes down to you and someone else, the person who has the intangibles usually wins! What are the intangible skills that have impacted your jobs?

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6 Intangible Skills That Can Get You …

Job seekers spend hours drafting their cover letters and contacting different companies, hoping to get a job interview. A smart job seeker knows the common interview questions a hiring manager will ask in a job interview and will prepare answers accordingly. Anticipating and crafting interview questions and answers gives you the best shot at making a good impression.

Usually, employers ask a common set of questions. So, we're going to share some important points regarding those questions and how you should respond to them. Here are five smart tips for answering interview questions:

Do Not Be Impulsive When Answering Questions

Different hiring managers speak at different speeds. Allow the hiring manager to complete the question and listen to each and every word carefully. Some questions start off similar to other questions but demand different responses.

For example, an employer might ask you, "What skills do you have to deal with a customer?" Here, if you listen to only the first part, that is, "What skills do you haveâ¦?" you will end up giving a wrong answer.

Take A Pause Before Answering A Question

A job applicant speaks calmly during her job interview

Wait a few seconds after the employer stops speaking to make sure you heard the complete question. Create a mental list of points to include in your response. Do not wander off the point, and answer directly, covering all main points of the questions. Be sure to answer all parts of the employer's question.

Respond By Stating Your Key Points

Woman answers a behavioral question in a job interview

Repeat your key points 2-3 times while answering the question. Explain how you have applied these points in your previous jobs. Finish your answer by reiterating these points. This will highlight your skills and reinforce your case to the employer as the ideal person for the job.

Tell The Interviewer Something Unique About Yourself

A job seeker tells his interviewer a unique story about himself while answering an interview question

If you are good at creative things like graphic designing, essay writing, event planning, and so on, then you should definitely let them know about your extraordinary skills. It's important to leave the interviewer with a lasting impression.

Each response must tell the interviewer something new. For example, when you answer questions like, "Tell me about yourself," you can start out with "As a longtime volunteer at XYZ organization..."

Some final things to keep in mind while going through the job interview...

Listen carefully to your interviewer. It does not matter if you get the job or not, an interviewer is giving you an opportunity for professional growth and therefore deserves respect. Put your phone on "silent mode" before going into your job interview. A ringing tone or message alert may distract you and the interviewer from the discussion.

If you remember these tips during your next job interview, you'll impress the hiring manager and stand out as a smart, capable, and qualified job candidate. Never underestimate the power of good interview questions and answers!

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4 Smart Tips For Answering Job Interview …

Executive Spotlight: The #1 Skill Executives Need To See In Every Employee

Every hiring manager looks for different skills in the job candidates they're hoping to hire. Not only are job candidates being evaluated on the hard skills they possess; they're also being evaluated on their soft skillsâthe skills that don't belong on a resume but can be identified during a job interview. It's these soft skills that separate the good employees from the great ones. Executives, managers, and other leaders within an organization keep this in mind when interviewing job candidates and reviewing the performance of current employees.

We recently asked our leading executives what's the number one skill they need to see in every employee who works for them.

Here are their responses...

John Schembari, Senior Education Executive

Growth mindset. We live in a world of constant change. Even the best-laid plans are often shifted due to unexpected circumstances. For example. educators had no choice but to switch to teaching remotely during the pandemic. There was no time to become comfortable with the technology firstâwe had to dive in! To remain profitable, many companies also need to reconfigure services and/or products from time to time and the most successful employees are those who are always open to learning new things. One can teach skillsâthe core competencies needed to do a job in many cases. However, it is not as easy to get inside someone's head and affect an employee's will unless one is able to tap into that employee's intrinsic motivations. When a growth mindset is already present, this makes any changeâeven difficult onesâjust a tad easier to implement.

John Schembari is a current K-12 teacher/school leader academic improvement coach and former school building and district administrator. He loves to draw, travel, swing dance, and read nonfiction.

John Cox, Advertising & Marketing Executive

Curiosity is one of the top things I need out of each of my team members.

That is, they must possess an acknowledgment of the fact that no one of us knows everything and they must be curious in proactively seeking out new knowledge to add to their personal toolboxes.

In my teamâs work on brand development and activation, and more specifically, digital marketing, it especially holds true that the industry, best practices, and tools used are ever changing and evolving. Maybe that involves consuming the latest books, blogs, podcasts, or following subject matter experts on LinkedIn.

In total, each team member must really have a passion for lifelong learning and constantly seek out new ways to stretch and grow in their own expertise and in the execution of their work.

John Cox has 20+ years of performance excellence in advertising and marketing, leveraging Google-certified skill sets in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and paid search strategy, web planning and conversion measurement, and creative direction and graphic design.

Mark Taylor, Product & Operations Executive

Man types something on his laptop at work

Clear, concise written communication. Less is more.

For example, when it comes to project status âdecks,â my expectation is no more than one page (two at a push). So:

1) On-point title: sets the scene.

2) Background: one or two single-sentence bullets (the story so far).

3) Status: three to five single-sentence bullets detailing tasks completed since the last update (bad news first please).

4) Next steps: two to three bullets detailing key tasks to be done next (win my trust by making sure that these tasks are clearly reflected in the âStatusâ section when we have the update next time).

Make removing every word from the deck until it stops making sense a game.

And donât confuse ruthless editing with time wasted on âperfection.â The process of creating crystal clear prose with no excess fat is a pathway for you to get a deeper understanding of the projectâs current challenges.

Mark Taylor has 20+ years of risk, technology, and product management experience working in global and regional financial services firms in the UK and the U.S. He's managed teams of 40+, successfully addressed 100+ regulatory issues, and has saved companies $15M+.

Steve Barriault, Global Technical Sales Management

Businesspeople discuss sales during a work meeting

Resilience in front of adversity.

Look, sales and field engineering are not for the faint of heart. They can often be exhilarating, but there is no doubt that they can be hard.

Each time that you step into a new account (or even an existing one), life can throw you a curveball. The budget you thought was there for your project is gone. The client forgot to tell you one key factor in their development environment that will make your deployment hellâassuming they knew anything about it at all.

Oh, and you travel for work? What do you do when the airline throws a wrench in your plans?

Trust me, I went through it all.

The best sales and field engineers are the ones that can deal with this. When facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge, they make a plan, execute, and when they failâand fail they will!âthey try again. And again. And again. Until it works or the clock times out.

No experience? I can deal with this with education. You made a mistake at times? If you never did, I would say you are not trying hard enough.

But when the going gets tough, you can't stop and get discouraged. And that needs to come from you.

Steve Barriault is a multilingual presales, sales, and business development management professional with 20+ years of experience in the sales and marketing of software & technological solutions worldwide. He's built sales infrastructure from the ground up, going from $0 to millions of $ through both direct sales and distributors.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive

Professional woman learns a new skill while watching a training/webinar

The most important skill I look for in an employee is their willingness to learn. This includes being open-minded to new ideas, sharing their thoughts and insights with co-workers, and being able to think on their feet and solve problems at a momentâs notice, with a âcan-doâ attitude. These skills are crucial for an employeeâs personal and professional growth and contribute to the company's overall success. The willingness to learn allows employees to adapt to new challenges, develop creative solutions to problems, and continuously improve their skills and knowledge. It also helps to foster a culture of innovation and improvement throughout the organization.

As an employee, focusing on your willingness to learn is essential to staying relevant in your career while maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. As the business world is constantly evolving, employees need to be able to adapt and acquire new skills and knowledge to stay current and relevant in their field. Learning new skills also enable employees to be proactive in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities, which can lead to greater success for both the employee and the company.

Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.

Andrea Markowski, Marketing Executive

Executive talks to her employees during a team meeting

Combining the many bits of knowledge and skills gathered over your life and applying them to your current work role can make you stand apart as a valuable asset.

For example, I learned a practical structure for theatrical acting and directing while in college. As a marketing director today, I use a modified version for a strategic framework.

How can this be? Well, both the art of theatre and the art of marketing possess crucial elements of audience psychology and message communication.

Would just any marketer know this tie-in? Probably not.

Is this something an employer would ever teach me? Nope.

When you successfully adapt a learned approach to a different function, you bring a fresh perspective through pattern recognition and critical reasoning.

Your ability to connect the dots from your past jobs and life experiences to your current role brings creativity and innovation that just canât be taught. It is a skill I seek and highly encourage in team members.

Andrea Markowski is a marketing director with specializations in strategy development, digital tactics, design thinking, and creative direction. She has superpowers in presentations and public speaking.

Ana Smith, Talent Architect & Global Learning Strategist

Self-awareness would be the skill that I would like to see in every employee I work with!

The main reason is that self-awareness is a mindful consciousness of your strengths, weaknesses, actions, and presence. And therefore, self-awareness requires having quite a clear perception of your mental and emotional states.

When you have a deep and meaningful self-awareness, it allows you to react to different situations and understand what triggers habitual responses for you, how you relate to other people, and why you feel the way you do toward certain individuals, amongst other areas.

Self-awareness is very important and can bring benefits in both your personal life and professional life. For example, it can help you identify what you like about your job and how to build a successful career path that can keep you motivated and fulfilled by your work.

How do you build this skill? These are a few ideas:

Assess your own capabilities - with a high level of self-awareness, youâll see where you can excel and where you can grow.
Find a peer coach - someone you trust and respect who is willing to support you in your self-awareness journey.
Practice mindfulness - being aware of your surroundings without imposing any personal biases.
Be willing and open to receiving feedback - in order to grow you need to listen to different perspectives.

And let's not forget that like with any skill, it is a journey!

Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."

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How To Take Advantage Of Online Career Skills Courses

There are a host of online courses available to help people level up in their careers or learn new skills entirely. But, to fully take advantage of online courses, you need to have your priorities in order and know exactly what you want to accomplish.

Some courses are offered for free, but there are also many that cost money. As you review available online courses and determine the ones worth taking, you may have to consider both finances and time constraints. Consider these four categories when choosing online courses:

Seeking Online Courses For Career Growth

Young businesswoman takes an online course to learn new career skills

Online courses that can help professionals do their job better are among the most valuable courses that you could take.

It's easy to work in a role for a long time, but not grow in it. You can't let that happen! If your career isn't growing, it's dying.

In order to make yourself an indispensable employee, it's important to keep up with industry trends and constantly take inventory of the skills you need to do your job exceptionally well. Some companies will even pay for their employees to take courses or certification programs if the employee can prove it will help them do their job better and ultimately benefit the company.

As far as choosing the right online courses, it helps to write out the specific areas where you're looking to upskill, and then research which courses check off the most boxes. LinkedIn Learning has a diverse course selection and the website Coursera has an extensive library of courses.

Beyond doing your job better and making yourself an indispensable employee, there's a certain sense of satisfaction that comes with always trying to get better.

Gaining Skills To Make A Career Change

Young professional takes an online course on her laptop in hopes of changing careers

Breaking into a new industry as a result of a career change or layoff is never easy. One of the first major steps a person has to do is an assessment of professional skills. This is where professionals determine what skills they have that are transferable to the new industry, and what skills they're lacking.

For example, a journalist looking to make a transition into marketing has important communication and writing skills that will transfer well into the industry, but would probably benefit greatly from a course or certification program in online marketing.

Just because a professional completes a course or certification doesn't mean they're qualified for the new industry. But, it may put them in a better position to secure a job interview, and it at least shows potential employers a willingness to learn.

If you were laid off and are unsure about your next career move, Work It Daily has free career quizzes that could point you in the right direction.

Gaining Extra Skills To Be A More Well-Rounded Professional

Man wearing headphones takes online career courses on his laptop at work

Taking courses to gain extra skill sets or to pursue an additional passion is a very advantageous position for professionals.

We all have interests beyond our careers, and sometimes our careers turn us on to additional interests. For example, a doctor with a passion for graphic design may take courses about how to develop a freelance business on the side.

Others may take courses to help transition into a new position at their workplace or climb the ladder at the company.

One of the best steps any professional can do is to get ahead of the curve and anticipate skills that they may need in the future. Taking this type of initiative will not only impress your employer but may also help you learn more about yourself as a professional to either excel at your current career or chart a new career course.

Taking Courses For Personal Enjoyment

Man and woman use laptop together to take online career courses

Not every online course that you take has to be career-related. Sometimes it's good to just take a course for fun or personal satisfaction. The number of courses available online runs the gamut. You can learn a new language, sit in on online lectures from university professors, discover basic life hacks, and hear from prominent people about their success stories.

Expanding your knowledge base can make you a more well-rounded and happier person. This translates well into all aspects of your life.

Online career courses are only a piece of the puzzle. The path to true career growth is putting together a plan for success, and Work It Daily can help!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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