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Articles
- FOR-PROFIT VERSUS NON-PROFIT: CHOOSING THE ORGANIZATION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
- GOSSIP: HOW TO AVOID THIS WORKPLACE TOXIN
- JOB FAIRS: MAKING THEM WORK FOR YOU
- MOMS IN TRANSITION: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY ENTER OR RE-ENTER THE WORKFORCE
- NETWORKING: IT PAYS TO KNOW FOLKS
- NETWORKING EVENTS: HOW TO GET THE MOST RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
- ON-THE-JOB: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE MULTIPLE PROJECTS
- PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS: TIPS TO HELP BOTH SUPERVISORS & THEIR STAFF
- SWITCHING GEARS: 5 TIPS TO HELP OVERQUALIFIED CANDIDATES
- WEBSITES: AN UNTAPPED GOLDMINE
- TELEPHONE SCREENINGS: YOUR KEY TO SECURING AN INTERVIEW
FOR-PROFIT VERSUS NON-PROFIT: CHOOSING THE ORGANIZATION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Job seekers often ponder whether to work in for-profit or non-profit arenas. Here are some tips to assist you as evaluate what type of organization is right for you:
- Make Work-Based Decisions - What do I mean by that? Be driven by your passion, not the legal status - for-profit or non-profit - of an organization. Determine what you bring to the organization and what it can give you in return. Does the actual role you're applying for fit well with what you want to next on your career path? Be guided by the day-to-day responsibilities of the role that you're applying for.
- Recognize that Every Company Has Its Own Culture - Whether for-profit or non-profit, every organization has it's own culture. Research the company prior to hire, including its history, mission, and values, to determine if it's a good fit for you. Don't work for any entity that you can't embrace - and that won't embrace you!
- Understand that Good Business is Good Business - Sound business practices don't vary between a for-profit and a non-profit organization. The only real difference between the two entities is how they handle the money flow, what they ultimately do with it. Look for an organization that is well-run with strong leadership, proven services, sound fiscal management, excellent marketing, and strong community relations. Whatever organization you serve, choose one that is a good steward of the public's trust.
- Let Go of Stereotypes - A prevailing stereotype of that a non-profit is comprised of warm, fuzzy do-gooders who don't care about money. Furthermore, many job changers, many times, mistakenly believe that there is less pressure in the non-profit world. The wise job seeker releases any preconceived ideas. Again, remember that good business is good business and professionalism can be found - or not - in any organization. Work-related stress is not the sole propriety of the for-profit. Make sure you take off any rose-colored glasses when evaluating potential jobs and employers.
- Consider Your Long-Term Career Plan - Wise job seekers consider all employment moves within the context of their long-term career plan. Before accepting a position, ask yourself, "If I take this job, how does it fit with my planned career path?" Accept positions which will enrich you both as a person and as an employee.
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GOSSIP: HOW TO AVOID THIS WORKPLACE TOXIN
You've seen the gathering around the office water cooler. Maybe you've even sampled some of the water there. But be careful. Still waters can turn toxic when stirred with a bit of gossip. Here's how you can avoid career damaged caused by gossip:
- Maintain Confidences - Your employment may involve access to confidential information and conversations. The wise professional respects privileged information - not sharing it with others - unless it involves a breech of policy or protocol. Should policy or protocol be violated, only the appropriate organizational or governing authorities should be notified. Information should always be shared on a "need-to-know" basis.
- Erect Boundaries - Erect appropriate boundaries providing co-workers and supervisors with only limited access to personal information. This prevents private matters from being shared company-wide.
- Respect Boundaries - Respect co-workers personal boundaries. Don't delve too deeply into matters that don't involve work. You may find out more than you want to!
- Avoid Unnecessary Interaction with Gossips - Once you've identified someone in your office is a gossip, maintain a professional distance with that person. Steer conversations to work-related matters and, if necessary, respectfully bow out of conversations rooted in gossip.
- Keep Conversations Positive - Remember that old saying, "If you can't say something nice . . . . "? It holds true at work, too. Talk around the water cooler should be upbeat.
Can you get information from gossip that assists your career? Maybe. I remember that, as a young professional, a more experienced operations director once told me that the CEO allegedly had a wandering eye. That information, coupled with a warning to keep exchanges professional and limit outside contact, set the course of my career with that organization. But my supervisor shared it less as gossip and more as a protective measure. Remember, gossip, by definition, holds no constructive purpose. It can, however, be quite destructive. I've seen eager, talented individuals cut down due to gossip about them or their involvement in gossip about others. Avoid gossip - it's toxic to you and your career.
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JOB FAIRS: MAKING THEM WORK FOR YOU
Job seekers often question whether job fairs are worth their time. The answer is... it depends. Like
anything else in life, what you get out of a job fair depends on what you put into it. Here are some
tips to assist you in your search.
- Do Your Homework - Your work begins before you even attend a particular job fair. Find out what
employers will be participating then find out about them. Visit their websites and your local
library for more information. Are they for-profit or non-profit? How many staff members do they
have? What types of positions are they seeking? How long have they been in business? How large
is the company? Where are they located? Have they been in the news recently? If so, why? Read
all about them.
- Prioritize Your Time - To make the most of your job fair attendance, prioritize ahead of time.
Figure out which employers might best be able to help you meet your professional goals. Rank
them according to priority and visit with the top representatives first. But take time, whenever
possible, to talk with everyone. You never know what doors will open.
- Be Prepared - Bring updated copies of your resume with you to the event. The resumes can, as
appropriate, be given to potential employers. Have all the information you need in the event
that you are asked to fill out an application. Names. Dates. Addresses. Primary responsibilities.
Be prepared to fully answer all these questions on an application or otherwise.
- Develop Questions - No one likes to be bombarded with a list of questions at a public forum. But
it might be a good idea to have a few in the back of your mind. If there's an appropriate time
to ask, go ahead. But remember - focus on the job of interest rather than pay and benefits. Pay
and benefits information is a conversation you can have at a later date. The potential employer
wants to know first that you are interested and capable of doing the job in question.
- What's Next? - Are you interested in a particular company? If so, ask the recruiter what the
next step is. Find out if you can come in to speak with them a bit more formally.
- Write a Thank You Note - Nothing beats good, old-fashioned manners. Write a thank you note to
the recruiters you met with. Even if they don't hire you, you don't know what doors the
relationship might open.
For more information, contact New Directions Career Center (NDCC) at 849-0028, extension 100. NDCC
assists individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
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MOMS IN TRANSITION: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY ENTER OR RE-ENTER THE WORKFORCE
Are you a mother who is seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce? You can do it! Here are a few tips to help guide your path to personally and financially rewarding work:
- Seek Out Career Development Assistance - In a challenging economy, you need as many professionals advocating for you as possible. Seek out guidance from a proven career development organization and set up an appointment with a career counselor. This can be done economically through established non-profit organizations which often operate on a sliding fee scale. Experts can administer career assessment tests, guide you in the development of a cutting edge resume, teach proven job search techniques, and more.
- Assess Skills & Abilities & Interests - Inventory the skills and abilities you offer to a potential employer. Consider skills that you have developed as a mother. Look at volunteer work you might have done with your local PTA or other organizations. What do these skills and abilities bring to your professional area of interest? Consider all this before plunging into a job search.
- Develop A Plan - Create a well-considered professional development plan with specific goals and objectives. Recognize that the plan is fluid and may need adjusted as you implement it.
- Consider Additional Education - Recognize that, in most professional arenas, you need to stay current. Attend a workshop or take a class. Employers appreciate potential job candidates who are lifelong learners.
- Develop A Networking List - Understand the importance of connection in this world. Make a list of everyone you know - from the carpool to the soccer fields. Consider friends, family, and fellow congregation members. Look at your doctor, lawyer, and butcher. Then work the list.
- Celebrate the Journey - Embrace yourself and this new path you are exploring! You will learn much about yourself as you move closer and closer to your professional goals. Rejoice in the victories - big and small.
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NETWORKING: IT PAYS TO KNOW FOLKS
Past generations often did not tell individuals that they were out of work. They mistakenly thought
that it would reflect poorly on them. Well, it's a new day! People are openly talking about everything
from divorce to addiction to job loss. We've learned that there's support out there. And we're not
afraid to access this previously untapped resource. Here are a few tips to networking:
- Brainstorm - As you begin your search, take time to brainstorm about contacts in the industry
of your choice. List individuals who might be willing to share their information and expertise
with you. Also, note professionals who might be able to link you with representatives in your
field. These contacts may have the power to hire you or they may be able to connect you with
decision-makers. Think of everyone from church to daycare to associations to your schools.
- Prioritize - Review your completed list. Then rank the contacts in order of priority. Who do
you want to call first, second, third? Only you can decide. But the answer has to do with who
you believe can give you the most "bang for your buck." Decide where you will get the most return
for your investment.
- Work It - Work your networking list based on your established priorities. As you work the
contacts, other names will surface. Don't dismiss any name too easily. You don't know who they
might know or who they might be able to introduce you to. Incorporate all names into the list
and continually prioritize as you go. Ask for an informational interview or meeting whenever
possible.
- Resumes - Provide a current resume to each contact when you meet with them. (They may even ask
you to e-mail it!) Make sure that you have extra copies of your resume with you in case they
want to forward it on to other people.
- Thank You Notes - Manners count! Send a personalized thank you note to every contact that you
encounter - even if all the person did was to refer you on! People remember those individuals
who take time to extend professional courtesies.
- Don't Throw That List Away - Get a job? Congratulations!! But don't throw that networking list
away. Send a note to anyone who helped you and, once again, thank them for their support during
your job search. Ask them to continue to keep you in mind as opportunities arise. Maintain their
contact information for future reference.
For more information, contact New Directions Career Center (NDCC) at 849-0028, extension 100. NDCC
assists individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
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NETWORKING EVENTS: HOW TO GET THE MOST RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
Networking works but it also represents a significant time investment for the job seeker. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the networking events you choose to attend.
- Research Networking Events - Most networking events have a website that outlines basic information. These websites often have contact names and numbers. When possible, find out who the networking group identifies as their target market in terms of professional rank, educational level, income bracket, etc. Also, find out if there is a planned format with a speaker or networking time. This information will help you identify if it might be a high priority or a low priority event.
- Explore Industry Sponsored Opportunities - Many industries have non-profit associations that lobby for their interests and educate their members. Recently, associations have started offering job help - including networking activities - for their in-transition members. These events may prove fruitful as they are specifically geared for job seekers in their industry. They also help the job seeker remain current in his or her field.
- Be Prepared - Equip yourself for these networking exchanges. Have your elevator speech ready - a 90 second verbal version of who you are, what your experience has been, and where you'd like to see your career go next. And don't forget fresh copies of your resume!
- Adopt a Generous Spirit - Networking is a two way street. Enter networking events with an open mind and be willing to help other job seekers. Provide information even as you are obtaining it.
- Recognize Relationships Take Time - Networking is all about relationship development. Relationships take time and you're not going to necessarily land a job after one conversation. Plan on following up with individuals that you meet.
- Ask For Additional Contacts - When appropriate, ask for additional contacts. "Are there three or four other people you'd recommend that I talk with?" Even if you only get one name, that name expands your networking lists. Remember, lists are fluid and should be ever-expanding.
- Express Appreciation - Write personal thank you notes to individuals that you encounter at these events.
- Suspend Judgment - Don't rush to snap decisions about an event's worth. Try a reoccurring event several times before you determine if it's worth your time. Often participation varies and it's possible your first visit was not reflective of most meetings.
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ON-THE-JOB: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE MULTIPLE PROJECTS
Professionals often find themselves juggling a variety of critical tasks and important deadlines. Here are some tips designed to help you effectively multi-task your daily work - without pulling your hair out:
- Prioritize Projects - Prioritize projects based on importance and timeframes. Implement a process of assigning a prioritization when you receive the task. Ask parties involved when it is due, what it effects, and who or how the organization will benefit - then rank it accordingly. If you are juggling the needs of multiple departments with conflicting deadlines, involve a supervisor in the ranking. Color code projects, according to priority, on a wall calendar.
- Communicate Clearly - Employ clear communication with co-workers, supervisors, and other involved parties regarding projects they are intimately involved in. Provide progress reports and advise them as to when they can expect final results. This flow of communication reduces unplanned or unnecessary interruptions to the work flow. It also serves to, in most cases, reduce external pressure which can stem from a lack of information.
- Breakdown Tasks - Projects often feel overwhelming when reviewing in their entirety. Break them down into small, manageable steps with specific deadlines. These steps can also be noted on the wall calendar referenced in Step 1.
- Avoid Duplication - In reviewing multiple projects, determine if there are any overlapping tasks or pre-existing resources. Are statistics in a pre-existing proposal viable for this new project? If they are current and relevant, use them again. Can a task you need to do for one project also meet the need of another pending project? If it does, use it. Consider multiple uses for project information.
- Create Pockets of Time - To move more than one project forward in the same time frame, carve out periods in each day for the various tasks associated with the projects. Discipline yourself to work on a portion of one project and, then, as appropriate, switch gears and work on the other responsibilities.
- Remain Flexible - Workloads are often fluid. Seldom do any plans unfold exactly as the professional envisioned. Evaluate your progress, adjusting for new information and priorities. If you fall off course, consider why, learn from the experience, and get back on track.
- Reward Yourself - Everyone benefits from positive reinforcement. Reward yourself when you achieve objectives, hit benchmarks or complete projects. Rewards can be as simple as a massage or as luxurious as a weekend away. Treat yourself to something special as you successfully accomplish your goals.
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PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS: TIPS TO HELP BOTH SUPERVISORS & THEIR STAFF
Performance evaluations serve as a communication tool between supervisors and employees. Here are some tips to assist managers in ensuring an optimal experience for all involved:
- Keep Them Timely - Most company policy allows some wiggle room in when employee performance evaluations are to be administered. Yet for a an evaluation to have full impact - whether it's a three month feedback form or an annual evaluation - it must be provided in a timely manner. Failure to do so risks communicating that either the evaluation is meaningless or the employee unworthy of the time investment. Prudent managers also recognize the value for legal purposes in documenting behavior and providing consistent feedback.
- Utilize Sanctioned Forms & Processes - Follow organizational policy when executing a performance evaluation. Why? Because most companies need to demonstrate that policy is applied fairly and without exception to avoid legal drama. Don't go "rogue" in this area without first checking with human resource representatives. A deviation from standard procedures usually requires a change in policy.
- Remove The Surprise Element - A evaluation should not hold any surprises for the reviewed employee. It should be the culmination of verbal and written feedback provided over the course of the evaluation period. Effective supervisors do not "hold" feedback for a formal review. Finally, a review should indicate performance trends and patterns - not isolated incidents.
- Provide Measurable Examples - Don't speak in generalities during a performance evaluation. Offer measurable examples and specific examples of behavior. This includes behavior you want as well as behavior you don't want repeated. Precise information paths the path for desired behaviors.
- Offer Balanced Feedback - Share fair, balanced feedback. What did the employee do well over the course of the performance period? Where are there opportunities for improvement? How did the individual do with meeting any identified goals or areas of concern outlined in the last evaluation? (Yes! Refer to the last evaluation in order to mark progress or note any unaddressed concerns.)
- Set Goals - Set measurable, attainable goals for the employee. Ask for their feedback regarding the goals and the timeframes for completion. Whenever possible, achieve consensus about professional outcomes.
- Ask For Input - Performance reviews provide critical feedback both for the employee and for the supervisor. Take time to solicit information on your working relationship and supervisory style. Then listen and implement any appropriate changes.
- Discuss Career Development - Set aside a portion of the review time to inquire about career development aspirations. Find out what the employee desires to accomplish within the organization and how you can help. As human beings, we all possess an intrinsic desire to learn and grow. Smart supervisors recognize and nurture this need in order to retain valuable staff.
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SWITCHING GEARS: 5 TIPS TO HELP OVERQUALIFIED CANDIDATES
Overqualified for the jobs you're currently applying for? Considering a shift in your career? Here are five (5) tips to help overqualified job seekers successfully transition to a new role:
- Tailor Your Resume - This is, perhaps, an old song with a familiar refrain but applicants need to tweak their resume based on the job posting. And the advice holds true whether you are aspiring to entry level, middle management, or senior administration. Create a resume that showcases your skills and talents in the recruited area. Leave off anything that doesn't directly relate to the job in question.
- Be Clear About Motives - Be honest with yourself about your motivation for the change in job focus. Do you need a survival job to pay the bills? Are you looking for what industry experts call an "encore" position, a role of service for the second half of your life? You must first understand your own reasons before you can successfully present them to a recruiter. (Note: Never tell a recruiter that you need a survival job but be aware of your own motivation.)
- Practice Overcoming the Objection - Recognize that a savvy interviewer will ask about the obvious career detour. Anticipate that question and hone your response. Understand that the organization is concerned about investing orientation and training dollars in a recruit who might potentially leave for the allure of a Fortune 500 company. Craft your answer to address this and be ready to point out the added benefits associated with hiring an experienced worker.
- Remember Social Media Messages - Don't forget that social media such as your Facebook or Linked-In page should reflect your desire to transition to a different type of role. Blog about your desires to shift your focus and use your skills in a new and different way. Hiring managers must consistently receive the same message from you - over and over - if they are to embrace your career change.
- Prepare References - What message are your references sending to potential employers? Take time to contact them and discuss your decision to steer your career down a less traveled path. Often, recruiters will express concern to references about your commitment to a new role. If properly coached, references can serve as an advocate for you and address these fears head-on.
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WEBSITES: AN UNTAPPED GOLDMINE
We live in an age of technology. Cars. Microwaves. Cell phones. Computers. This is great news for the
serious job hunter because technological advances link people to jobs both here and around the world.
You now have greater access and information about companies and their needs. The savvy job seeker takes
advantage of this opportunity by making the most of employment and company websites. Here are a few tips:
- Got Internet? - If not, don't fret. Consider going to the public library in your area. The
library has computers for public use. Both of these options are free to you.
- Why Internet? - Because more and more companies are using the Internet to find qualified
employees. Many employers won't even accept hard copies of resumes or applications anymore.
That's why you have to adapt to this new and changing world. Besides, it's one of the best ways
to find jobs that meet your career goals. Thousands of jobs are listed on websites-and one of
them might just be for you!
- What Are Job Boards? - Job boards list jobs that represent a wide range of companies and
professional interests. Some common sites are:
- Indeed.com
- Careerbuilders.com
- Monster.com
- Nationjob.com
- Truecareers.com
- Theladders.com
- Craigslist
- Medzilla.com
- What About Companies? - Most companies post their open positions on their own website. If
necessary, do a search to find the companies that you are most interested in. Some Columbus
area company websites are:
- www.Ohiohealth.com
- www.Homedepot.com
- www.Wendy's.com
- www.Chase.com
- www.Abercrombie.com
- www.Aep.com
- www.Ashland.com
- www.Valuecity.com
- www.Sterlingcommerace.com
- www.Ronfoth.com
- www.Cigna.com
- www.Batelle.com
- www.Cardinal.com
- www.Mcgraw-hill.com
- www.Nationwide.com
- www.Abbott.com
- www.Safelite.com
- www.Glencoe.com
- www.Ups.com
- www.Hrh.com
- www.Manpower.com
- www.Spherion.com
- www.Huntington.com
- www.Ospclean.com
- www.Retailventuresinc.com
- www.Wellpoint.com
- How Often Should I Look At Websites? - Like employer needs, website information changes daily.
Explore these sites often to ensure the highest possible outcome.
- What About Associations? - Associations that promote particular industries, such as human
resources or the medical field, often have job boards on their websites. Check out their
websites to see if any postings fit your particular skills and interests.
- Can I Mail A Resume? - It's important that potential employees honor the systems that individual
employers have in place. Often, employers ask for e-mail applications only so that they can be
easily e-mailed between internal departments. If an employer has specified that all applicants
must do an on-line application, it's in your best interest to adhere to their request.
For more information, contact New Directions Career Center (NDCC), a non-profit at 849-0028, extension
100. NDCC assists individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
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TELEPHONE SCREENINGS: YOUR KEY TO SECURING AN INTERVIEW
Employers rely more and more on telephone screenings. These tools serve several purposes but, mostly, telephone screenings increase the probability that recruiters are bringing the most qualified job candidates in for face-to-face interviews. Here are some tips to assist you during your next telephone screening:
- Be Prepared - Recruiters are employing telephone interviews with greater frequency in order to screen in or screen out candidates prior to investing time, money, and energy in a face-to-face interview. Understand that once you have submitted a resume or application, a request for a telephone interview could come at any time. Maintain a list or excel spreadsheet of submitted information - including the position, date of application or resume submission, contact person, etc. Keep that list in close proximity to the telephone for reference.
- Create Professional Messages - Recognize that employers begin evaluating candidates with every contact. Make sure that voice mail or answering machine messages reflect the professionalism you wish to project. Take off your favorite romantic tune or college fight song. Replace it with something as simple as, “We are unable to answer the phone at the present time. Please leave your name, number and any message and we will return your call as soon as possible.” Furthermore, make sure that any household members understand how to answer the telephone and take appropriate messages. If they are too young, unable, or unwilling, simply ask them to have all calls go to voice mail in your absence. (Note: If you have a caller identification feature on your telephone service, make sure that you do employ voice mail or an answering machine during your job search. Recruiters are unlikely to keep calling back and the general telephone number displayed on the screen is unlikely to get you to the appropriate person or department.)
- Remain Fully Present - In this age of cell and portable telephones, it is easy for individuals to multi-task while conducting business. Multi-tasking, however, in a telephone screening will not win you points with the interviewer. No one wants to listen to a candidate who eats potato chips or washes dishes or scolds children during the process. To increase your probability of success, stay fully present in the telephone screening. If circumstance is not conducive to an impromptu screening, arrange for an alternate time or day with the screener.
- Utilize Active Listening - Listening assumes an even greater prominence when you can see the interviewer to pick up on body language and other non-verbal cues. Listen carefully. Paraphrase or re-state the question if you need to before answering. This gives the interviewer an opportunity to clarify any misinterpretation. It also buys valuable time to formulate an appropriate response.
- Answer The Question Asked - So often, interviewees fail to answer the question asked. Skilled phone screeners immediately pick up on this failure. The recruiter is uncertain as to whether the person didn't understand the question - or is hiding something. This may lead to the question being re-stated - or the interviewer may just move on. But a red flag is thrown on the field if the interviewer does not answer the question asked. To increase the probability of an in-person interview, answer the question asked.
- Demonstrate Benefits - Phone screenings are typically shorter than in-person interviews. Make the most of your time with the interviewer by telling him/her how your skills meet the key requirements of the job as posted. Use key words and emphasize how your skills transfer. Tell the interviewer how the organization will benefit from your abilities. Remember, facts tell but benefits sell.
- Indicate Interest - Do you want to pursue this job? Tell the screener towards the end of the telephone screening. Ask what the next steps are and state that you'd like to be a part of the in-person interviewing process.
- Express Appreciation - Appreciation is almost a lost art form in today's fast paced work-world. Verbally thank the screener for his or her time - then send a follow-up note or e-mail. (Note: Make sure to get the caller's name and contact information at the beginning of the telephone call in case you are disconnected!)
- Follow-Up - Honor whatever form the interviewing process takes. Follow-up, however, if you do not hear from the initial interviewer within the stated time frames. Remember, there is a fine line between follow-up and stalking. Demonstrate professionalism in your follow-up.
- Be Yourself - You offer marvelous gifts to this world. Make sure that the work-related ones shine in every professional contact - including the telephone screening.
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