Give your communication style a reality check

Give yur communication style a reality checkGive your communication style a reality checkSelf-Assessment Quiz - TRUE or FALSEI think Im a good listener at work, and thats really the only skill I need to work well with my co-workers.I feel like my co-workers dont know how to relate to me, and it makes me enjoy my job less and less.Getting my bosss ear is a real challenge. I cant seem to reach her. Im worried about my annual review because she has no idea how hard I work.Did you answer TRUE to all three self-assessment questions? If so, you can use a boost in the communication department. Here are some communication career-building tools that you can thank me for later.If you havent already, Im gonna need you to take notice of HOW you talk to people on the job. For some of you (Millennials, Im talking toyou), you might have this idea that if everyone wants so badly to get work done, then they better learn how to adapt toyouand how you communicate. If you find yourself grumbling under y our breath with, I just SAID that Why she makin me repeat myself?? then Im gonna need you to take off your earphones and listen up for a reality check.Back in 1943 (stay with me), two women,Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, created the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality test to help us all understand our differences and where were coming from, specifically related to personal motivations and group interactions. Theirpsychological questionnaireis still used today by corporations worldwide, from weekend team-building conferences to new hire on-board training. And for good reason. The test lets people know the type of personality you are and identifies the best way to reach you, and vice versa for your co-workers. Gold, right? So, if your co-worker Julias work personality is one where she prefers to be given information, be allowed to go off to her desk and work, and come back with a plan, you needling her in a meeting about her plan aint gonna make Julia a happy camper. M eaning, it would behoove you to have an awareness of Julias work personality. But how do you know what Julias personality is? How do you know how to effectively communicate with her personality style so that youre not making her shut down rather than share? If you cant take the MBTI to help, here are a few steps to take on your ownStop During your next meeting, if things seem a little tense or if it seems like youre sort of being pushed out of the conversation or ignored, stop what youre doing. Literally sit back (slowly, not defensively) and assess the situation. Whats going on in the meeting? Is Julia uber animated to the point where shes perhaps, irritated or angry? Can you figure out why?Look Watch for specific cues. If Julia gets defensive when you ask her a question, take a moment to recognize that she is defensive and try to rework your question in a way that starts with something like, Julia, I see youve done so much great work here. Can you help me more with explaining wh at my role is in this project?Listen While Julia explains, do your best to listen to her. That means, while shes talking, youre not. Try not to interrupt her, even if it feels like shes taking a long time to get her point across or if youre excited to jump in She will appreciate you giving her the time to speak.Repeat Once Julia has finished talking, thank her for sharing and repeat what youve heard. In fact, repeat steps 1 4 until any sort of communication conflict has been resolved.Communicating effectively IS about adapting to one another, but in a way that actually makes sense. You taking the time to be aware of your co-workers style and making changes like the above to meet them half-way (rather than you feeling like they should totally get you) will go a long way.By the way, there are quite a few tests out there to help you get to know yourself and others so that in your next performance review, the little box that says, Works well with others will be checked off with a smi ley face. Monster.com gives a great listhere. Take a clickCheryl Grace is the sassy aunt, best friend, and mentor youve always needed in your life. The successful jet-setting, global corporate executive founded the aspirational lifestyle brand Powerful Penny LLC. Her products, workshops and speeches probe, inspire and empower to ensure those who really want to can get to their next level of best. Her blogs on careers, prosperity, relationships, family, looking and living fabulously, and living a five-star life can be found atwww.powerfulpenny.com.

7 Reasons You Might Be Feeling Stuck at Your Job

7 Reasons You Might Be Feeling Stuck at Your Job7 Reasons You Might Be Feeling Stuck at Your JobAt some point in your career, youre likely to feel like youre in a rut. Maybe you took a job for the money thinking that its temporary, and five years later, youre still there. Or youve signed on for a position you were told was one thing and suddenly you realize youre wearing 20 hats- and hardly any of them are the ones you thought youd be wearing. Though you may feel stuck when these career roadblocks crop up, there are concrete ways to circumvent them. Here are seven common career mistakes that can trip you up and how, with some proactive work, you can overcome them and tackle your current job (and future jobs) with renewed perspective and purpose.1. Taking a Job for the Money- Then Feeling Like You Cant LeaveA lucrative job can sometimes be like a siren song It pulls you in because the money is too attractive to resist, but then you find yourself in a role that makes you unhappy. For i nstance, you took a role as a consultant because the pay is high, but now you dont have any work-life balance because your career is all-encompassing. At certain ages and certain stages, your career is number one. But as youre building your career, youll abflug looking toward your overall life goals How does the job or career that Ive selected fit into all the other things that I want in life? explains Bonnie Diamond, career management consultant at global career management agency Right Management. What to do if you land in a high-paying job that is affecting your overall quality of life? Diamond recommends creating an exit plan, a budget, and a timeline. You may say, Ill work really hard at this job for the next two years and sock away money so that I can look for a career change that will give me more satisfaction on the personal side.And while you remain in that job, keep an open mind. Observe other people that you work with and see what type of projects they are on and if any of those might be a better fit for you, adds hauptstadt der seychellen Crispo, managing partner and career coach at Morganville, NJ-based Career Services USA. There may actually be an opportunity at the same organization that fits you better.2. Taking a Job Without a Full Understanding of the RoleSearching for a job is a lot like dating, says Diamond We look for someone who has certain characteristics, but in the end were looking for the fit, the ability to work together, get along together, and have a lot of the same values and life goals, she explains. So, what happens when that great job you take isnt the sterling suitor you expected? If you feel that youre seeing your job responsibilities change, schedule some time with your direct supervisor, suggests Crispo. Be prepared to present your case in a way to explain this is what you understood you were hired for, and these are your skills and how you feel you really fit this type of role.To try to avoid getting into the scenario in th e first place, dont forget that youre an equal player in the equation when youre seeking a job. Do your due diligence, talk to people whove worked at the company, and thoroughly research the organization and the culture on sites like Glassdoor. If you see common themes throughout the reviews, take them into account, explains Crispo. But also once you get to the interview process, really use that as your opportunity to interview your interviewer and the company as much as theyre interviewing you.3. Getting Too Comfortable in a PositionThe challenge in staying in the same job for years is that when its time to look for a new role, the perception can be that your career has stalled. Career management is managing your career the same as you manage every other piece of your life, advises Diamond. We need to be forever learning and improving our skill set, being current, being flexible, being up on technology, being aware of whats going on in the industry. A big piece is knowing how to ma rket yourself Have you played many roles within that job? Have you been with the company through times of change? Be clear about your own personal branding statement- what you bring to the table that no one else does.And never underestimate the value of joining professional organizations. You may be interested in event planning but youve never worked in the field. So, join the conference committee of a professional association, advises Crispo. And a hobby or interest can open up unexpected career opportunities. Maybe you start a book club, and if that book club is joined by people who are doing a variety of different things in different industries, it will open up your network, she explains.4. Working in a Specialized Role in a Shrinking FieldThere are benefits and drawbacks to having a specialized role. In an online search, if somebody has very specific skills, that can make them very hirable, explains Diamond. The flip side is when that niche is in a field thats not as significant as it once was. If youre in retail today, you need to be looking at e-tail because its not going away. If youre in technology and your product isnt on a mobile app, beware. Youve got to really be watching and in this world of fast-changing technology, were only as good as the skills that we have.Still, regardless of how specialized your skills are, they can be transferable to another industry. Crispo recommends taking inventory of your strengths and enlisting friends and family members to help you. Sometimes the outside perspective is really helpful, she says. Especially if youve been in the same career and doing the same thing for a long time, you may not really even be aware of what youre excelling at.5. Allowing Your Skills to Get Out of DateIts never too late to update your skills. In fact, if you feel youre not growing in your position, take a proactive approach to rectifying that. Talk to your employer and ask about opportunities for further training and professional developm ent- and be prepared to explain how it benefits the company. Be able to say, If I was able to learn X, Y, Z, I could do things like this, says Crispo. Give a good argument for why its important for you to gain this skill in your current job. In the end, keeping your skills fresh is an investment in yourself just as you might have invested in yourself or your parents invested in you and sent you for a college education, explains Diamond.6. Staying in a Role Too Long Out of FearInertia in a career can happen because of the fear of making a move. They say that usually you make a change when the pain of where you are is greater than the pain of the unknown, says Crispo. Its a common issue that a lot of people deal with- that feeling of being stuck. If this sounds like you, its a good time to start brainstorming with a friend or family member or a trusted colleague about ways to make a change. Take it in steps because it took you a long time to get you to that point of feeling stuck. It may take a few steps to get out of it as well, Crispo adds.7. Getting Out of Touch With Your Values and DriversManaging your career is looking at a long-range picture of your professional accomplishments and your life, says Diamond. The trick is that sometimes we lose sight of the things that are really important to us because we go on autopilot in a job. We do an exercise with our candidates called values and drivers that allows you to take a look at whats important to you- what are your deal-breakers, what are the things you must have and what are the things you must avoid. You really need to be true to yourself. If, for instance, you really aspire to work for a nonprofit but are firmly ensconced in the corporate world, figure out an action plan to make that transition. It may not happen overnight- or even in a year- but you can plot a course now so that it becomes an eventual reality.More From DailyWorthWhat Your Boss Wont Tell You (But You Should Know)The Worst Money Mistakes Yo u Can Make at Any Age10 Easy-to-Fix Cover Letter MistakesPhoto of paper clips courtesy of Shutterstock.

How not to get scammed as a job seeker

How not to get scammed as a job seekerHow not to get scammed as a job seekerWhen youre desperate for a job, you may ignore clear red flags that a job is not all that its said to be. Some of us fall for these scams more than others.A new Wall Street Journal report found that job seekers under age 34 are particularly susceptible to employment fraud, as employers shift to all-digital application processes. In the Journal article, ohne gewinnerzielungsabsicht Better Business Bureau said millennials make up the majority of its 3,800 scam complaints.Whether youre a millennial or not, all of us could be better about protecting ourselves from job cons. If a job opportunity sounds too good to be true, interrogate these suspicions. A $20-per-hour job where no experience is necessary? A work-from-home job promising huge profits and little sales? Buyer beware.Here are some tips on how to avoid being connedDo your homework on the companyThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission recommends looking up the company online through a search browser. If you type the name of your prospective employer and the word scam or fraud and tons of results show up, its time to look elsewhere.You can even look up the phone number being used to contact you through a search browser and see if its been linked to a scam. If you want to do a more official dive, contact the Better Business Bureau or state consumer protection agencies that keep track of complaints filed against companies.Job scammers can assume the identities of real companies to con you into giving up personal information. Are hiring managers using a personal email or a company one? Be skeptical of a facebook inc recruiter contacting you from a personal Gmail account.If a recruiter on LinkedIn whos contacting you seems fishy, follow up on your initial hesitation. Search the companys page on LinkedIn and run it through a site likewhois.icann.org, which can tell you how old the domain is and who owns it. If the companys domain is private or only a few months old, be wary, a Forbes article recommends.Avoid jobs that ask you to payRemember scammers want to separate you from your money.Consumer Affairs reports that victim of check scams tend to be small-business owners, or direct sales representatives who are most likely to be taking in checks from strangers.To highlight this, the magazine detailed a case where a woman received a suspiciously large first check from a new employer that turned out to be fraudulent. The articles author suggested that the scammers were trying to using a bad check so that the woman would send over money with a real check to make up the monetary difference.Overpayment fraud was the third-ranked reasonfor complaints filed with the Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2016.Being a smart job seeker means being suspicious of schemes promising you access for a fee, especially if its access to free information like a government job listing. You shouldnt have to pay upfront for access to a guaranteed jo b or job training materials.Employers and employment firms shouldnt ask you to pay for the promise of a job, the FTC states.Dont be rashA con artist wants you to act quickly, not think things through. The FTC said that to avoid a scam, you should slow the process down. Hang up on the phone call demanding your credit card information or else. Be skeptical of verbal promises for jobs.Legitimate employers will give you written contracts with an explicit start date and give you the necessary time to look it over. Talk to people in your network to ask whether theyve ever heard of the company.If you do your own detective work and double check your instincts with facts, you can help protect yourself against wily scammers and avoid losing your money, pride, and time.

The Important Habit That Too Many Successful People Forget About

The Important Habit That Too Many Successful People Forget AboutThe Important Habit That Too Many Successful People Forget AboutAs a freelance writer, I specialize in career advice. From job interview tips to networking strategies, I author articles that eitherbei help people find their dream careers or take their existing ones to the next level.As a result, sometimes I hear from people who are seeking some guidance- or, even just a friendly email reassuring them that everything is going to pan out alright. And, thats exactly what happened nearly a year ago.This woman, who was still relatively young in her career, was frustrated. She didnt like what she was doing, yet she couldnt quite figure out where she wanted to go- or the steps she needed to take to get there.I reassured her that I felt that exact same way before, told her a little bit about my own story and path, and passed along some articles that I thought would help her gain some clarity. She quickly replied to thank me, and I assumed that would be the end of our relationship.Related How Gratitude Can Make You More Creative and InnovativeSaying Thank YouJust a few days ago, an email from this same woman appeared in my inbox. Assuming she was seeking more advice, I clicked it open to see what questions she had this time.I quickly read through her message, and then- after being surprised by what I saw- I read it again. Before I knew it, I was misty-eyed and smiling.She wasnt emailing with follow-up questions. Instead, she was circling back to let me know that she took my advice and put herself out there to find a better opportunity. It worked. She was starting her dream job the following Monday.She thanked me profusely for the guidance I had shared. But, even more so, for being in her corner in a moment when she felt lost, confused, and alone.Of course, I responded immediately to let her know how much her email meant to me. However, it also inspired me to think about something else.Related 14 Scientifica lly Proven Ways Gratitude Can Bring You Success and HappinessWhens the Last Time You Sincerely Expressed Your Gratitude?We all know saying thank you is important. But, take a minute to ponder this question Whens the last time you turned around and genuinely thanked someone?No, Im not talking about that quick thanks said in passing by the break room coffee maker or that thank you so much you halfheartedly added to the bottom of that email you tapped out on the subway.Instead, whens the last time you dedicated an entire message or communication to let someone know how much you appreciate them and the impact theyve made on your life?If youre anything like me, youre coming up a little empty-handed. Our lives get busy, and gratitude can easily get pushed to the bottom of the priority list- Im guilty of this very same thing.But, this heartfelt email immediately made me think of people that I should touch base with to update them on my success and- more importantly- thank them for the role they played in it.My college journalism professor who told me that I had the talent to write for a living. The local freelance writer who sat with me over coffee when I was debating taking the leap from my full-time job. The editor who challenged the entire way I approached my writing assignments.Theyre all people who had a major part to play in shaping my professional life. But, as sad as it sounds, I cant think of a single time when I let them know how much that meant to me.Related I Wrote 70 Gratitude Emails- Here Are My Awesome ResultsMoving ForwardRemember this Absolutely nobody does anything alone. We all have those people who have had a hand in making us who we are today and, at the very least, they deserve a sincere expression of your gratitude.So, I challenge you to get out there and truly thank these people for what theyve added to your life. Trust me, itll make the day that much better for both of you.This article was originally published on Inc. It has been republished here with permission.

How to Make a Job Resume - Overview

How to Make a Job Resume - Overview How to Make a Job Resume Features Whether youre a recent graduate or a career changer, understanding how to compose a resume whenever you have zero work experience may appear daunting. So once youre considering how to compose a resume, dont forget that you ought to be selling your abilities and accomplishments, not merely listing your work history and your old responsibilities. Since you might not have a great deal of experience, its important to include information thats related to your intended job like coursework, projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. If your prior work experience isnt pertinent to the work description, you have to find creative and frame your present skill set as being transferable into a new function. Now you have a basic resume, you will continue to construct upon it over the life span of your career. If one makes the decision to join another firm, they should live with his choice. Some focus on obj ectives, but others place an overview of your skills at the very top. Many skills which you use on a day to day basis (for instance, leading, managing, liaising and communicating, for instance) are all transferable skills that you may use to prove to a hiring manager that youre ideal for a specific job. Definitions of How to Make a Job Resume As soon as your profile is completed, you are going to have access to the Resume Builder. If you are in need of a quick kick-stspecies on developing a template first, have a look at a resume builder before employing a professional. Creating your resume is the very first step to getting work. If you believe you may need such a resume, you should search the internet for more information about it. The Honest to Goodness Truth on How to Make a Job Resume When youve been recognized by somebody else, you should let prospective employers know about doing it. Different job postings will have different key phrases, different job duties listed, e tc. Your resume makes your very first impression with a prospective employer. Appealing to every individual employers wants and job requirements is the very best strategy for getting your application noticed. Acquiring the wisdom of the principal benefit and possible downside concerning fest planning certifications could possibly help you in generating a decision whether you must be a certified event planner. Therefore, our aim is to provide you the very best tools you should succeed. After you have prepared and submitted your resume to an employer the hope is you will be requested to attend work interview to talk about further whether you are going to be suitable. The state of affairs may be unbearable and you believe that you have had enough Do not incorporate any education which you didnt finish, unless it proves that you partially completed studies in a certain area applicable to the job that you desire. When seeking to land that first job, you will wind up faced with t he job of demonstrating that youve got the background to be successful despite your lack of job history. The point is to not only underline the skills you have that are related to the job that youre applying to, but in addition provide your prospective employer with a chronological record of the jobs youve held previously. Additionally, you may wind up in work which you cant do. There may be several reasons for changing your present job. Details of How to Make a Job Resume Dont forget showing that you presently acquainted with the position for the specific industry and inform your skill that may assist you and the enterprise to thrive. Sales is much like customer tafelgeschirr as salespeople can be effective in an assortment of industries. The string of keywords might seem odd, but nonetheless, it almost guarantees that recruiters who want people with your distinctive skill-set will discover you. Various kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with lots of the exact same skills. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on How to Make a Job Resume You will get unique texts, which will be finished in time. You will probably pick option number two, which is merely a little more descriptive as a result of the usage of numbers. Make a list of absolutely whatever youve done that may be useful on a resume. If youve got older resume templates from prior versions of Word, you may use them in recent versions also. How to Make a Job Resume Options Whatever be the reason, individuals make mistakes in career planning when trying to find a change. Most men and women look at writing a resume as just something youve got to do to have a job. Technically, theres no correct or wrong means to list your experiences. The issue is, a great deal of people dont see it like an art formrather an obligation. Bear in mind a prospective employer can request a duplicate of your transcripts, thus it is necessary to be up front and truthful about y our GPA. Well it is all dependent on whether the job posting instructions specify a specific format. While the functional resume format may be an attractive solution for job seekers with very little experience, most employers would rather have a chronological or hybrid resume format. You may want to consider more than 1 format of resume if youre applying for many jobs.

Tips For Applying To Remote Roles (Successfully!)

Tips For Applying To Remote Roles (Successfully) Tomorrow CEO & Co-Founder of Youcanbook.me will be answering your questions *live* to debunk some common misconceptions about remote applications. If youre thinking about applying to a remote position - you wont want to miss this?? One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction s ite? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the wertzuwachs of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Cap italize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles w ould help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income eignung/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60, 000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to plek up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

10 Ways to Succeed as a Project Manager

10 Ways to Succeed as a Project Manager10 Ways to Succeed as a Project Manager Project management exists in all industries and is open to anyone with the right attitude. However, it can be difficult to enter the field and advance your career. Here are 10 top tips to progress in the project management world. Ideal for those who have just entered the field or are more experienced professionals.Whether you are job hunting or looking to be promoted, it is important you know which industry you want to work in. This is because there can be variations in the experience and qualifications required for each industry. For example, you will likely need to be PRINCE2 qualified for public sector roles in the UK. Similarly, IT or engineering roles will probably require an industry relevant degree.Understanding the current jobs market is crucial. Whilst browsing for roles, consider what skills, experience, and qualifications employers are looking for. See if you need to make cha nges to your current skillset to increase your chances of landing an interview . Knowing what is expected by employers will make it easier for you to develop a plan of action.For project-based roles, employers will be keen to see experience on your CV . This can be difficult if you are just starting out, but the trick is to capitalize on experience gained in other areas of life. Have you been part of group projects at university, completed an internship, volunteered or organized an event? These are all examples of projects that you can describe in detail on your CV/resume .Project managers need strong soft skills . They must be positive and assertive leaders with top-notlagech organization, communication, and problem-solving skills. Outside the office, you must also display these qualities during interviews and networking events both nerve-wracking situations. Soft skills can be improved through attending courses, so look around for something to suit you. You will have notic ed certain qualifications mentioned in job descriptions . Employers in all industries often ask for the well-known PRINCE2 certification. The IT and creative industries often require certification in agile methods, such as Scrum or AgilePM . In any case, getting certified proves your knowledge and puts you in a good position for gaining employment or progressing your career.As leaders, project managers are never short of opinions. So, when developing or starting a project management career, it is important to put yourself out there. Social media allows you to share your opinions, network and maybe find new opportunities. Twitter is perfect for this it provides a place to share short opinions or snippets of knowledge with a worldwide audience. It also has groups to join and get involved with. For those of you with a few years of project experience behind you, start a blog and write something more detailed. You never know who might be reading it.LinkedIn has over 240 million user s and 87% of employers use it to vet potential candidates. It is, therefore, vital you get involved with this useful online tool. Having a LinkedIn profile is a bit like having an online CV you can show your career off to the world It also enables you to connect with employers, colleagues, and others in your industry. Particularly important is the fact LinkedIn allows users to post articles , pictures or infographics and share opinions in forums. It gives you a platform to share your knowledge and promote yourself as an excellent employee.Attending face-to-face networking events , company socials or career fairs helps you to make connections. However, they can be awkward occasions. Why not contact a few participants before the event? That way, you avoid awkward introductions and can focus on key people. Similarly, ensure others take notice of you by contributing to conversations, rather than remaining passive.For job hunters, it is important to start small. One of the best ways t o become a project manager is to get a more junior role first, such as a project support officer or administrator. This role will see you working alongside a project manager and their team, supporting them with administrative tasks. The valuable experience this provides will help you land a role as a project manager more easily.If you are a project manager experiencing career stagnation, remember that one of the great things about this career is the level of progression. Many project managers choose to go into program management. Gaining the MSP qualification is useful when choosing this path. Others choose the consultant or training route. Some move into a PMO role and oversee the work of the project managers or support staff. There are always options to do something different.Simon Buehring is the founder and Managing Director of Knowledge Train, an accredited PRINCE2 training organization based in London, UK. For over 25 years, Simon has worked as a project manager for a w ide range of organizations, both in the UK and internationally, including the BBC, HSBC and IBM.Find out more about developing your project management career with this handy ebook . Its packed with tips from professionals who have been there themselves, this ebook serves as an excellent guide for juniors and veterans alike

This Is How You Help Someone Grieving at Work While Still Maintaining Professional Boundaries

This Is How You Help Someone Grieving at Work While Still Maintaining Professional BoundariesThis Is How You Help Someone Grieving at Work While Still Maintaining Professional BoundariesYour co-worker or direct report has lost a loved one. This person could have been a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or other relative or close friend.Your gruppe member has a tough road ahead regaining her equilibrium and productivity. A tough road lies ahead for you, too, but of a different sort. Most likely, youll be asking yourself how to thoughtfully yet practically deal with such a delicate situation. (If youre the one coping with loss, this deutsche post ag on game-planning loss at work is for you.)I welches at work when I learned my dad had died. Im bedrngnis alone. Studies show we spend about 10 years of our life at work, which means so many life milestones are reached in the company of colleagues. Those include the grieving process. In the years since my dad passed away, Ive been a co-worker and manager to several team members affected by profound loss.Many sensitive managers helped me through my own experience grieving in the workplace. But Ive also worked in settings where even with 60 employees the lack of a set bereavement policy created an environment with no roadmap on how to best proceed in this situation.My biggest learning curve occurred when I was managing a mid-sized team and one of our core members lost a parent. I jumped in to do everything I could to help the team cope and lessen the stress of the person who was out of the office. Despite searching extensively for resources on handling such a delicate situation, I found nothing that spoke to the experience of those left in the office. The following is meant to help others navigate unterstellung tough transitions.Situation 1 Youre the BossAfter it HappensBe understanding. Many companies have an HR policy around loss, but if at all possible, be flexible. Each person responds in his or her own way to grief. T reat these situations individually instead of lumping them together.While Theyre OutGo through their workload. Distribute what you can and decide what can wait until they return. Cancel or reschedule any necessary meetings during their absence. Review their to-do list with another team member.Jessica Randazza, a marketing director, says her job as manager is not to make loss go away or manage the grief, but rather to create an environment in which work can progress as your employees moves through their grief. This will set the tone for how a team will respond to helping a fellow co-worker in need- if there is support at the highest level, chances are your team will follow suit.On the personal side, try to go beyond the fruit basket. Its fine to send flowers or food on behalf of the whole team, if appropriate. But consider also making a meaningful donation in their loved ones memory or having everyone sign a card with short, personal notes.When They ReturnDeciding when to resume work ing following a death is a personal choice. Aimee Barr, a New York City-based psychotherapist says, Research has shown that structure and keeping busy can often help, but it is crucial to remember grief is a very personal process and can last anywhere from weeks, months, or years. Be mindful of that as a manager when your team member comes back to work Just because theyre back doesnt mean theyre not still processing. If appropriate, check with HR for permission to send an email to your team the day before the employee returns reminding them that this person was away due to a loss.Situation 2 Youre Human ResourcesAfter it HappensHopefully guidelines are already in place. Depending on the size of your company, sometimes it takes something like this happening to realize you actually need a policy. Regardless, every situation is different. Your role is to work with the manager and co-workers to the capacity that is needed. For example, help everyone decide on the best person to email th e company and clients, and on the text of the message. Focus this note on those who need to know while respecting the boundaries of your coworker by not sharing too many details. Keep it short Anne experienced a loss in her immediate family and will be out of the office for the rest of this week. Ill update everyone with more details in a few days.While Theyre OutWork with the manager and a co-worker to designate a person to check in with the bereaved employee on how theyre doing and inquire about when they might return to work. Other co-workers might reach out as well, but its good practice to assign one person to handle the difficult conversations.When They ReturnSet up a few check-ins with both the team member and manager to review the transition back to work. Barr suggests, As a guideline, it is important to remember grief often causes you to be easily distracted and emotional, and it may be very hard to stay focused at work. Be mindful that everyone returns to his or her pre-lo ss productivity differently.Situation 3 Youre the Co-workerAfter it HappensWhat do you say? How do you respond to what they say in return? If your co-worker learns about a loss while at work, they likely did so from an emergency phone call, email, or text, and their world has turned upside down. If you are a close co-worker or happen to see this transpire, help them to pack their bag and leave work immediately. You can be extremely helpful by simply saying something like, Dont worry about telling your boss, Ill take care of it for you, or, if theyre too shaken up to drive, by offering them a ride or arranging for a cab.While Theyre OutStrategize with your manager on handling the workload over the coming days. If you dont sit on the same immediate team, be supportive in your own ways. This can include working with your manager on sending a card or flowers or even merely just sending an email to your co-worker letting them know they are in your thoughts.When They ReturnThose of us who have experienced loss know about the many emotional landmines at work, including birthdays and holidays. Be sensitive to days when your co-worker is having a tough time (unbeknownst to you, it may be a big trigger day for them), and let them set the tone.Three weeks after the death of a parent, Lauren Marfoe returned to her job as a public relations digital strategist. She wanted work to be the one place where she didnt have to feel obligated to talk about her experience and hoped her colleagues would not force her to do so. In the months that passed, she slowly became comfortable opening up to co-workers, but was grateful to not have felt pressured to dive in it right away.Following her husbands sudden death earlier this year, Sheryl Sandberg wrote, Real empathy is sometimes not insisting that it will be okay but acknowledging that it is not. When your coworker returns to work, allow them to express whats going on and let them set the tone for how to talk about it. Do not offer pr aise for their strength (its most likely a show to get through the day) or unsolicited advice.Grief is an individualized experience. Try to show your colleague empathy at all times. By doing so, youll be helping to create as comfortable an atmosphere as possible during an extremely painful time.More From Modern LossShould I Stay or Should I Go?Leaning In, My WayCleaning a Home after Loss with Avoidance and HumorThis article was originally published on Modern Loss. It has been republished here with permission.Photo of sad woman courtesy of Shutterstock.

Why Theres High Demand for IT in the Atlanta Job Market

Why Theres High Demand for IT in the Atlanta Job Market Why Theres High Demand for IT in the Atlanta Job Market In the first six months of 2018, Atlanta is set to be the second-most-active market in the U.S. for tech hiring.Just read the news, says David Sheehan, branch manager at Technology in Atlanta, Stories about corporate hacks and exploits are everywhere, and those are just the ones we hear about. Getting hacked is bad for business, and companies are stocking up on top tech professionals to be as secure as possible.The need to beef up cybersecurity and demand for other tech skill sets is causing the Atlanta job market to heat up with IT opportunities. Of 2,600 CIOs polled in the Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report, 26 percent plan to hire full-time technology workers in the first half of 2018 - up 12 points from a year ago - and 56 percent expect to hire IT personnel to maintain current staff levels if any employees depart.This growth is good news for candida tes, but it could present a hiring challenge for employers hoping to bring in the best and brightest the area has to offer. Below are tips for hiring managers and job seekers navigating the red-hot Atlanta job market this year.Find the departureing salaries for more than 75 IT jobsDOWNLOAD THE SALARY GUIDEHiring challenges and top areas of growthAtlanta is a tough playing field for employers because of competition over top candidates. More than half (60 percent) of CIOs in Atlanta believe its already challenging to find skilled IT professionals. Here are the skills they need most right nowCybersecurity - Protecting information is a huge deal for many companies, and instilling confidence in customers about the security of their data is a top priority.Wireless network management and development - With the skyrocketing number of devices connecting to networks, its important for companies to make their networks efficient and safe.Database management - Companies that not only know how to utilize their data but to optimize and safeguard it have the advantage.And thats not all. Employers within the healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, travel, finance and logistics fields are creating opportunities for database administration and analysis talent, as well as for help desk professionals, says Sheehan. Also, business intelligence, security, cloud computing and big data will continue to be important areas of growth in Atlanta for strategic business initiatives. He says robotics automation is another field that is taking off.When asked to name their top priorities, the CIOs surveyed listed the following goalsUpgrading existing systems to improve business efficiency (29 percent)Innovating and investing in new technologies to help grow business and stay ahead of the competition (21 percent)Maintaining IT security systems to avoid breaches, safeguard company information and inspire confidence (20 percent)Retaining staff to ensure smooth operations (17 percent)Employers How to get what you wantThanks to Georgia Tech and other schools in the area, Atlanta has a strong pool of local IT talent. However, demand is high and the supply isnt always there. In a competitive hiring environment, Sheehan says, hiring managers should research their market and competitors and take note of what theyre doing. And since job searches can be long and costly, dedicated IT staffing agencies can help companies save both time and money by drawing on their specialized resources and insider knowledge of the industry.Sheehan also emphasizes putting together a compelling compensation package, including competitive salary and bonuses, plus non-monetary perks like a solid benefits package, flexible work schedules and professional development opportunities. The Atlanta job market is currently tipped in the candidates favor, so its important to make your company as attractive as possible to appeal to applicants. This is particularly true for mid-level and senior positions and jo bs that require specialized skills.Also, look beyond technical abilities. Sheehan stresses that people skills are just as important. Developers and engineers are being called on more and more to speak to internal and external customers, he says.Candidates How to maximize opportunitiesYou have a lot of options, but how do you make sure you choose the best one? Sheehan says experience has taught him that salary isnt the only important variable. Choose what youre most passionate about and focus your energy, he says. Do not spread yourself too thin or go down a different path from one you feel strongly about. And in a sector known for changing very quickly, he advises being mindful of which paths have strong potential for growth and longevity.Are you ready to start your search? Look for qualified candidates or job opportunities in Atlanta today.