Warning Signs That You Could Lose Your Job

Are you worried about losing your job? It can happen to anyone, sometimes when you least expect it. Even during the best of times, companies make changes and employees get laid off. During challenging economic times, your work status can become even more precarious.

How can you tell if you’re about to lose your job? Sometimes, employers announce furloughs and cutbacks, and it can be very clear that your employment is in jeopardy. In other cases, it’s not so easy to tell if your position may be on the chopping block.

There are warning signs to look out for, and ways you can prepare if you think it could happen to you. Some are major changes that impact many employees. Others are more personal and related to your relationship with your manager and the company.

12 Signs Your Job Is at Risk

Here’s what to look out for if you’re concerned about losing your job.

Earnings Reports Are Dismal

One of the biggest red flags to watch is profits (and losses). If an organization is losing money, they are going to be looking at ways they can turn things around. That could mean cutting individual jobs or groups of employees.

Budgets Are Getting Cut

Even if a company is profitable, certain departments and teams may not be. If you know that your department’s budget is getting cut, be aware that jobs can be part of the budget-trimming process.

The Company Starts Changing Work Processes

Companies are always looking out to save money, and change is inevitable in today’s workplace. Those changes can have an impact on jobs, and a new way of doing something can cost employees who work as part of the old process in their positions. If your employer is discussing implementing new systems, think about how it might impact your role.

The Company Is Cutting Other Jobs

If jobs are being cut on other teams or employees are being furloughed, it may mean that more cost-cutting will happen down the line. Is your position one that could be eliminated? When you hear about job cuts, it’s worth considering your role and how future cuts could impact your position.

The Company Has Merged or Been Acquired

When mergers and acquisitions happen, there are often redundancies and job cuts. For example, companies don’t need two accounting departments or two shipping departments. If your company has merged or been bought by a larger company, be aware that there will most like be changes to the workforce.

You Don’t Get Along With Your Boss

Sometimes losing your job doesn’t have anything to do with money. If you and your manager are butting heads all the time and can’t seem to agree on anything, it’s a sign that this may not be the job for you. Do consider if there’s a way to work things out, but be aware that you may not be able to.

You’re Being Excluded From Meetings

Are there meetings that you aren’t being invited to? If you’re working remotely, does everyone else seem to be unexpectedly out of the loop sometimes? Could they be having Zoom meetings withoutyou? If you have the sense that something is going on that you’re not a part of, you might very well be right.

You’re Not Included in Emails

Email is the same scenario as meetings. Does it seem like your inbox is empty when you expect it to be full? Do you expect to be copied in on certain messages, but it appears that’s not happening? That’s a clue you’re not part of whatever is happening at the moment.

Your Hours Are Cut

If your hours are being cut, it’s a very clear sign that you may no longer be needed. That’s especially the case if it’s just your scheduled hours that are being changed. If everyone else is working the same schedule as always, consider it a warning.

You’re Getting Bad Reviews

Is your performance getting bad reviews? Even if you’re doing everything you’re supposed to be doing at work and then some, and you’re still getting negative reviews, it’s something to be concerned about. Consider talking to your manager about what you need to do to improve.

You Don’t Have Much Work to Do

Are you being assigned less work? Are there projects that you normally would have been a part of that other team members are working on instead? Do you have an empty desk with nothing much to do? If you’re not being assigned work, it can be a sign that you’re not needed. It’s an even bigger sign if someone else is doing work that traditionally would have been yours.

You’re Not Getting Promoted

If you’re getting passed over for promotions, it doesn’t mean your tenure with the company is coming to an end. It does mean that you should evaluate your relationship with your employer and decide if it’s worth staying or if it would be better to think about moving on.

What to Do if You’re Worried About Losing Your Job

One of the best things you can do when you’re concerned that your job is at stake is to prepare to find a new one. Even if it’s a temporarily challenging situation and it resolves itself, it’s always a good idea to be ready to look for a new role.

Don’t advertise the fact that you’re job searching, but do start discreetly to prepare to move on. That way, you’ll be prepared if you need to start looking for a new position in a hurry. Here’s how to get started:

• Update your resume. Be sure your resume is current and includes your latest (and most relevant) work history. Add new skills, certification, education, and professional development.
• Update LinkedIn. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is as current as your resume, but before you start, change your privacy settings, so your connections (and your boss and co-workers) don’t know that you are making changes. You will be able to make discreet changes without advertising that you’re considering a job search. Click Account, Settings & Privacy, Share job changes, education changes, and work anniversaries from profile, and select “No”.
• Build your network. Start adding strategically to your network. Build up your network so you’re connecting with people who can help your job hunt if you hit the “go” button and are ready to move on.
• Start investigating jobs and companies. Spend some time looking at job listings for positions in your field of interest. In addition to seeing what’s available, you’ll get an idea of how robust the job market is for someone with your credentials. Search on Google and some of the top job sites to get a broad picture of what’s out there.
• Check your finances. Are you financially prepared to handle a layoff? Unemployment will supplement some of your pay, but not all. If you’re short on savings, what can you do (freelance, gigs, etc.) to get by until you get hired?
• Consider applying for jobs. If you’re worried about losing your job, you may want to preemptively start a job search. Even if your job isn’t at risk, the fact that you were concerned is a flag that this may not be the best job for you. Seeing what else is out there will give you an opportunity to move your career forward on your own terms.

If you do lose your job, don’t panic. Here are some things you can do get back on track and get hired.

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10 Effective Tips to Instantly Boost Your Resume

Have you been on the job hunt for a while now? And, perhaps, despite submitting application after application, you’ve still not had any luck. 

We know the process can begin to feel disheartening, but don’t give up just yet. By making a few simple tweaks to your resume, you can seriously increase your chances of landing your dream role. 

Here are 10 tips you can use to instantly boost your resume and boost your chances of success: 

1. Cut It Down 

Your resume should never be longer than two pages, but if you can cut it down to just one page, that’s even better! 

Recruiters don’t have much time to read through each individual application, so you should aim to get your key selling points across as concisely as possible. Just cut out any unnecessary information or fluff and aim for a short, sweet, and punchy document. 

2. Ditch the Clichés 

Recruiters read hundreds of resumes and are faced with the same cliché phrases time and time again. 

 The likes of “Always gives 110%” and “Determined go-getter with an amazing work ethic” might sound impressive, but they prove absolutely nothing to recruiters.

 So, ditch these overused buzzwords and focus your resume on hard facts, achievements, and skills instead.

3. Add Facts and Figures 

Showcasing your achievements on your resume is a great way to prove your value, and the best way to do this is by adding facts and figures. Quantifying your achievements shows how you can add real impact to an employer.

 For example, rather than merely stating that you’ve got digital marketing skills, you could say, “My SEO strategy increased traffic to the company website by 34% in six months.”

4. Remove the Jargon 

While you might be clued up on all the industry-specific terminology, acronyms, and jargon, you should avoid using these too frequently in your resume. 

Remember, the recruiter or HR personnel reading your resume might not understand what these mean and, therefore, won’t understand how they add value. 

5. Utilize Bullet Points 

Bullet points can be helpful for breaking up big chunks of text and aiding the readability of your resume.

Use them to list your key skills and responsibilities in your employment history section, as well as anywhere else you feel it’s appropriate. 

 This will make it far easier for the recruiter to navigate through the document and digest the information. 

6. Simplify your Design 

You might think that choosing a quirky or bold design will help you stand out, but overdoing it can be quite distracting and take the focus away from the all-important written content.

Therefore, it’s best to simplify your design, so it’s easier for the recruiter to scan through and find all the information they need. 

7. Perfect Your Top Quarter 

The top quarter of your resume is the first thing a recruiter reads and should contain a punch professional summary and core skills list.

Be sure to spend time perfecting these sections – if recruiters don’t like what they read, they might move straight onto the next application.

Aim to make it short, snappy, and attention-grabbing. These two sections should put forward your key selling points, capabilities, and achievements and entice the reader to read further.

8. Focus on your Hard Skills 

While soft skills (teamwork, communication, flexibility, etc.) certainly have their place in the workplace, it’s more important to showcase your hard skills on your resume. 

Hard skills (coding, speaking a language, medical knowledge, project management, etc.) show the employer you’ve got the technical skills required to succeed in the role. 

For this reason, try to prioritize space for your hard skills and, where possible, back them up with qualifications, certifications, and examples to show recruiters why you’d be a good fit for the position. 

9. Tailor Every Resume 

Every resume you submit should be tailored to the specific position and company you’re applying to. To do this, research the company before you begin writing and use the job description to help inform your resume content.

Your aim should be to match the job requirements as closely as possible. Every sentence in your resume should prove your suitability, while anything that’s totally irrelevant to the role should be deleted.

10. Ask for Feedback 

Lastly, if you’re feeling disheartened and can’t understand why your resume wasn’t successful, it’s a good idea to ask for feedback. 

Most recruiters will be happy to oblige, and this can help you to improve for next time. So, get in touch with the recruiter for the last role you applied for and politely ask for some constructive feedback. 

Then, adapt your resume to suit. Continue to do this for each role you apply for, and you’ll consistently improve your chances as time goes on!

Guest Author Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes career advice to websites like Business Insider, The Guardian, and Fast Company.

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Why You Shouldn’t Lie During a Job Interview

Lying on your resume or during a job interview is a bad idea. 

If you’re caught, the consequences will far outweigh any potential benefits. At the very least, you’ll lose credibility, according to communication coach and career brand strategist Lucy Samuels. At worst, you lose the job, as well as any opportunity to be hired by that company for a long time.

“If you lie about something that really could have been explained, no one is going to pay any attention to anything else you brought to the table,” said Samuels. “You’re not credible anymore. Hiring managers don’t want to do the detective work to find out what else you’re lying about. There are too many people searching for jobs to waste time on that.”

Samuels spoke to Career Tool Belt about why lying to a hiring manager is a bad idea, and why it’s often not even necessary. Three anonymous sources also shared their stories of lying – or being lied to – during the job-seeking process.

Why You Shouldn’t (and Don’t Have to) Lie When You’re Job Searching

You never know if they’ll double-check. 

“One guy I interviewed said he worked at the Met Opera for about six months. I found out he’d been hired, but didn’t complete training. I confronted him about it, and he said something to the effect of ‘oh that’s not what I meant to put there.’ I asked him to elaborate and he said he couldn’t remember where he’d worked.” – anonymous manager.

If you lie about a previous job experience or title, you’re flying close to the sun. You never know if a hiring manager is going to call the job and check up on the details. Depending on your industry, all of your bosses might have each other on speed dial. 

“It’s difficult to keep people from talking to their colleagues in the same field,” said Samuels. “Your boss might know everyone.”

They’ll find out your skill level soon enough.

“I was a data entry supervisor for a long time. I would say the thing that people lie or don’t fully disclose is how bad they are at computers. Yes we were hiring for an entry-level position. We don’t expect people to come in and be able to make Excel spreadsheets. We’ll ask ‘what’s your computer experience like?’ They’ll say ‘I can operate a computer.’ Then they get on the floor and they don’t know where the power button is, or how to operate a mouse.’”- anonymous manager.

It is not advisable to lie about your skill sets, degrees or training. Sooner or later, a hiring manager will find out that you don’t have the requisite skills for the job. When that happens, you’ve not only jeopardized your job, but you’ve wasted company time.

“It’s possible that you’re someone who slipped through the cracks by saying you knew something that you didn’t,” said Samuels. “But when they find out, it will undermine your credibility as a candidate as an employee.” 

Explain or reframe.

Lying isn’t necessary. Sometimes, the truth will serve you just fine. You may just need to get creative or reframe things.

For example, if you’re lacking a skill set, you can frame it as a growth opportunity and a skill that you’re interested in learning.

“Guess what, sometimes job descriptions are more like a wish list,” said Samuels. “Remember, they called you up for an interview. Do the research ahead of time. If you’ve never heard of something, look it up. Let them know that you’re resourceful and a quick learner.”

If your hiring manager asks something difficult such as why you left a previous job, don’t lie. Instead, keep it brief. 

“You could say that something wasn’t a good fit. Do not spend too much time weaving a tale. Less is more. Focus less on the old job and focus on the new job,” said Samuels. 

You don’t have to disclose everything.

“I interviewed at [high-profile insurance company] about one year or so after I became a lawyer. I was a shoe-in. They loved me. They asked how much I made at my job and I lied. I inflated, because I wanted to get paid more. They looked into it. They found out I lied and told me that’s why they couldn’t hire me. It devastated me. I should have just told them I was not comfortable answering because it didn’t reflect how much I should have been getting paid.” – anonymous lawyer.

Your hiring manager is not entitled to know everything about you. There’s no need, for example, to mention your previous salary or your pregnancy status. You’re not obligated to answer any question that could lead to a discriminatory hiring decision. In fact, many states illegalize the interview question “what did you make at your previous job?” and it is against federal law for job interviewers to ask applicants about their pregnancy status, age, disability and more. 

When asked these kinds of questions, you can politely deflect.

“It’s no one’s business, but people don’t know that, so they feel the need to lie. They could just push back,” said Samuels. 

For example, if asked about your previous salary, Samuels suggested saying: “‘I would much rather focus on the current position.’ You could talk about your research. ‘I’ve researched this role, and this is the salary that’s appropriate.’” 

If a hiring manager is asking anything illegal, you can report the company to the U.S. Employment Equal Opportunity Commission.

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What to Do When You Lose Your Job

One of the worst things that can happen from a career perspective is to lose your job. That’s especially true when it’s unexpected and not your fault. On the flip side, one of the best things that can happen from a career perspective is to lose your job, even when it doesn’t feel like anything remotely positive at the moment.

Even though it hurt at the time, for me, unexpectedly losing my job gave me the push I needed to move my career down a different path. I might not have done it that soon, or at all, without the impetus I got from hearing that I had lost my job.

It’s emotional and traumatic to be laid off, and even worse to be fired. You’re out of work, you’re out of a paycheck, and you will lose the bond you have with your co-workers because it won’t ever really be the same again even though you’ll promise to stay in touch. It’s painful.

Give yourself some time to mourn a bit, especially if you loved your job. It’s a loss, and giving yourself some time and space to grieve will help. Then you need to get practical and get over it. The quicker you get a job search up and running, the faster you’ll be thinking about your new job instead of the one you lost. Here’s what to do next.

What To Do When You Lose Your Job

File for unemployment. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you should be eligible for unemployment. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible even if you were fired. Here’s what you need to know about filing for unemployment.

Check on health insurance options. Check with your manager or your Human Resources department on options for continuing health insurance coverage or investigate options for getting a new policy to cover you while you’re out of work.

Figure out what to do with your retirement plan. What happens to your retirement plan varies on the type of plan you have. Here’s information on what happens to your pension plan and what happens to a 401(k) when you leave your job.

Work on a personal budget. Your unemployment check is going to be less than your paycheck, so think about how you can save some money. It’s also going to last for a much shorter time because many states have cut back the number of weeks of unemployment they provide.

Sign up for 30 Days to a New Job. If finances are an issue, and they are for many unemployed workers, you are going to need to hustle a bit. Get the 30 Days to a New Job program online. It will help you stay motivated and keep your job search on track.

Google yourself. Search for your name on Google to see what potential employers are going to view when they check you out. Make sure everything that comes up in the search results is appropriate. The “grandma rule” applies here. You don’t want hiring managers or recruiters to see anything that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.

Clean up your social media accounts. Your social media pages are probably going to be on the list of what shows up when you search for yourself. Be sure that all your posts are fit for the public to see. If not, clean them up and adjust your privacy settings.

Revamp your resume. Before you start applying for jobs, take the time to update your resume. Your resume is going to be read by the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use as well as by hiring managers. Be sure to include your most relevant skills and match your qualifications to the job. That will give you the best shot at getting selected for an interview.

Update your LinkedIn profile. If you’re applying for professional positions, you’re going to be checked out on LinkedIn. Update your LinkedIn profile, making sure all the information matches what is on your resume. Here are simple steps for making a better LinkedIn profile.

Connect with your network. This is a good time to connect with your network. Use LinkedIn, your college alumni network, and your professional and personal networks to help your job search. Ask your connections to let you know if they come across jobs that would be a good fit.

Get references. While you’re connecting with your network, consider who would be good to use for a reference. That’s especially important if you were fired. Line up a few references now, so they can expect a call when you start interviewing. Here’s who and how to ask for an employment reference.

Check job listings. Now that you’ve got many of the pieces of the job search puzzle in place, start checking out job listings and applying for jobs. Use job search engines like Indeed.com to get job postings from many different online sources with just a few clicks.

Focus your job search. Use the advanced search options to focus on job listings that are a match for your interests and skills, and in a location where you want to work. Don’t waste your time applying for jobs that aren’t a good fit. This is a competitive job market, and if you’re not qualified you aren’t going to be considered.

Write targeted cover letters. Don’t skimp when it comes to your job applications. Your cover letters need to make a compelling case as to why you should be hired. Use your cover letters to show the reader, at a glance, why you are the best-qualified person for the job. Here are tips for writing interview winning cover letters.

Find out what you’re worth. You’re going to be asked about salary when you interview. Your salary history is important, and so are your salary expectations. Do you have a minimum amount that you need to get by? What should be you be earning? Use salary reports, like those offered by PayScale.com, so you don’t sell yourself short if an employer is looking to hire cheap.

Get an interview outfit (or two) ready. Expect to have at least a couple of interviews for every job you apply for. Some may be on the phone or via video. Others will be on-site, so be prepared to dress appropriately for the job and company you’re interviewing with. Here’s how to choose an interview outfit that’s a good match, and what to wear for a Zoom interview.

Practice interviewing. The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice, practice again, and then practice some more. Review the most common interview questions employers ask, so you’re prepared to answer. Check out these tips for how to rehearse at home, and for how to prepare for a job interview so you make the best impression. Be prepared for a virtual interview – many employers are moving the hiring process online. Also be prepared to answer interview questions about why you left your job.

Say thank you and follow up. Manners matter. In fact, they can make a difference in whether you get a second interview or even a job offer. Take the time to follow up and thank your interviewers. Here are sample thank you notes and email messages you can tailor to fit your own circumstances.

Don’t get discouraged. You are probably going to not hear back from more employers than you expected. Unfortunately, many companies don’t bother to notify applicants who weren’t selected. The interview process may be much longer than you anticipated. You may be asked to interview three or four, or even more times, before a hiring decision is made. Expect this to take a while, and try not to feel down if you don’t get hired right away. It’s not you – the employer is looking for the candidate who is the best fit. It’s better, even though it may not feel that way, not to get hired than to have a job that doesn’t work out.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finally, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family will be glad to assist, but they can’t if they don’t know that you need assistance. Whether you need a loan, a ride, a babysitter, someone to proofread your job application materials, or an outfit to borrow to wear to an interview, don’t hesitate to ask.

Related Articles: How to Handle Getting Fired | Tips for Leaving Your Job

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How to Dress for a Zoom Job Interview

With more companies conducting job interviews over Zoom and other video platforms, choosing an outfit has become a whole new ballgame. What looks good in person may look like a sloppy nightmare in video calls. Job seekers are learning how to style themselves from scratch.

Joseph Rosenfeld is a personal stylist and corporate image consultant who has seen his clients struggle over what to wear in the digital atmosphere.

“It’s not just about how you want your clothes to show up on Zoom, although that is a part of it,” Rosenfeld said. “It’s more of a story about your overall presence. Visuals are really important. That’s the prism through which everyone is going to receive your communication. On Zoom, you have just a little bit of real estate to do it.”

10 Tips for What to Wear to a Video Job Interview

Rosenfeld shared tips on how to look stylish and maximize your Zoom “real estate” during a job interview. 

1. Groom, groom, groom.

Grooming is a major part of personal style, and it’s a great way to display your professionalism during a job interview. You may not have the best haircut during COVID-19, understandably, but you should be able to style your hair as neatly as possible, said Rosenfeld. If you wear makeup, put on a little more than usual so that the contrast shows through the fuzziness of your webcam feed.

“Keep a clean face,” said Rosenfeld. “I think it’s fair and important to say that any gender identity should maintain good grooming standards. Make yourself look bright for the camera so that when you’re seen by people, you leave them with a good impression.” 

2. Background matters a lot.

Your background is just as important as your outfit, and the two go hand-in-hand, according to Rosenfeld. Your Zoom window shows only a small frame, so everything stands out. Keep your background tidy.

“Background has never been a part of personal style as it is now,” said Rosenfeld. “Now that you’re broadcasting from the comforts of home, it is important to set up your background properly so that it’s a proper representation of your professionalism.”

You can use the composition to your advantage and create an interesting, conversation-worthy background, as long as it’s not distracting.

“If you play a musical instrument, why not have one out so people can see? It makes sense that you should be surrounding yourself with elements of the best of you,” said Rosenfeld. “They’ll see that you’re an interesting, multi-faceted person.” 

Your background color and lighting will dictate what you should wear. (See numbers 3 and 4 below.)

3. Think about color and contrast. 

During a job interview, you want to stand out in all the right ways. Rosenfeld said that a great place to start is by matching the color of your eyes.

“If you can repeat that on your body, whether it is a top, a blouse, a shirt, an appropriate piece of knitwear, it can be pieces—that’s a wonderful opportunity to amplify the authenticity of a person,” said Rosenfeld. “Eyes to me are always the window of the soul.”

Skin coloring, makeup, hair, outfit, accessories, and background should all be working together in medium contrast, according to Rosenfeld.

For example, a woman with light hair and white skin may want to avoid white walls, or else she’ll blend into the background. However, she’ll also want to avoid too much contrast—such as black walls and black sweaters against a white background—or the effect might be “bobble-head syndrome,” where the head almost looks as if it’s floating in space. Someone with darker skin already has the advantage of contrast against a white wall. 

4. Set up good lighting.

Unless you’re interviewing for a cinematographer position, your hiring manager probably doesn’t expect you to have perfect lighting during your Zoom call. However, there’s no point in dressing your best if you don’t have decent lighting.

“It’s important to have the lighting situation in the room be correct so that when you’re wearing colors, they show up as boldly or vividly as you may want,” said Rosenfeld.

Play around with the lighting in your shot. Make sure the sun isn’t blinding—and bear in mind, this will change depending on the interview’s time of day. Bring in some lamps for warmer tones. Close drapes or throw blankets over your lamps to reel in the bright lights. Be crafty. Your hiring manager doesn’t need to know how much duct tape you used to tone down your fluorescents.

5. Avoid busy patterns.

Unfortunately, video call feeds are fuzzy sometimes thanks to buffering issues. Busy patterns are not advised.

“You may be known as a zany person, but it’s better to actually tone it down and consider wearing something solid or wearing a pattern in a very controlled way,” said Rosenfeld. “You want people to focus on you and not feel as if they have to turn off their camera because they’re dizzy.”

6. Your outfit should be a “culture fit.”

You want to look as if you fit into the company culture, according to Rosenfeld. That doesn’t always mean wearing a suit and tie, and it certainly doesn’t mean dressing down. It means taking cues from the company culture and dressing just a bit fancier.

“Talk to people at the company. Look at the company’s website. Understand what the values of this company are, and ask yourself, ‘How do I visually align with those values?’ Then, amp it up.”

Rosenfeld pointed to Apple as an example. The brand’s overall style is minimalist—so an interviewee at the company might opt for an elegant and sleek outfit while avoiding tons of embellishments.

“You’re courting the people you’re interviewing with,” said Rosenfeld. “If you’re working for a small startup or a tech giant and they don’t have a dress code, that doesn’t mean you’re going to wear a tank top to a job interview. You’ve got to be able to come up with something that says okay, I get this culture.”

7. Pick a few favorites.

If all goes well, you will likely be called for more than one interview. Pick a few of your favorite outfits in order to feel confident and present. 

“Choose a special one,” said Rosenfeld. “Why not take out your favorite shirts or dresses in order to bring your good energy? Have a selection of your faves.”

8. Framing matters.

When framing your shot, make sure your head and the top half of your chest are totally inside the frame. Sit up straight, and center yourself in the shot.

“The framing is about letting people remember what your presence is like in person. Don’t look too slouchy or chill or laid back just because you’re at home. It’s important to let people see you’re taking it seriously,” said Rosenfeld.

For an added bonus, accessorize.

“A lady, for example, can tie a scarf around her neck, which will bring more focus and attention to her face,” said Rosenfeld. “It will make her feel confident and secure in her presence so that she leaves people with that impression. She’s comfortable, confident, focused. You’re focused on her.”

9. Wear pants.

You want to feel professional, focused, and confident. So, wear pants, even if the employer can’t see them, said Rosenfeld.

“It is still really part of your presence,” said Rosenfeld. “And I’m not trying to say, ‘Oh put on heels or dress shoes.’ I’m not suggesting that we take it too far. But I do think that it is important to send the right message to yourself, which then sends the right message to other people. Wear pants, 100%.”

10. Test beforehand, always.

Always run a quick test before you enter a job interview. That means taking a selfie or seeing how you look through your computer webcam. 

“You should be doing this before every call,” said Rosenfeld. “Go stand against that background and take a selfie. Honor what that looks like. If it looks wrong, you can always change outfits. That’s the advantage of being at home.” 

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Tax Deductible Ways to Build Your Career

Taxes can be stressful, especially if you’re expecting a massive bill from the I.R.S. 

Throughout the year, it’s critical that you review your expenses and root out everything tax deductible in order to save some cash. If you incurred out-of-pocket costs in order to build your business, those expenses might be tax deductible.

Typically, you have to be self-employed in order to qualify for these business deductions, but full-time employees may be able to get reimbursed in other ways (see below). 

7 Tax Deductions to Grow Your Career

If you’re looking to build your business while saving some cash during tax time, CPA Orumé Hays suggests logging these deductible expenses next time taxes are due. 

1. Take a class.

Education and training expenses are tax deductible if they’re related to your line of work. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, you should be able to expense the educational portions of a writer’s retreat or online language classes. 

“If there is something you can do to enhance your skills, I encourage you to do it,” said Hays. “Whether you may get a tax break or not, it’s going to pay off in the long run.” 

2. Upgrade your home office.

If you’re self-employed and working from home, you should be able to deduct improvements to your office, from a sorely needed paint job to new or upgraded computer equipment. Hays suggests logging every expense related to office supplies.

“If you need to purchase new equipment for your media conferencing, a faster laptop, a web camera – the cost of all those things as well as utility costs are going to be 100 percent deductible for that business,” Hays said.

3. Attend a virtual career fair.

Virtual career fairs are great ways to scope out your industry, learn about job openings and network. Any fees would be tax deductible for a self-employed individual, according to Hays, as long as the career fair is in line with a person’s existing, proven trade.

“The government likes to encourage the American taxpayer to build up their wealth and career,” Hays said. “Training and development is part of those expenses. Any time that you’re picking up new skills, getting a better job or maximizing your revenue – those things are 100% deductible.” 

4. Upgrade your phone or Internet.

If you use your phone or Internet for your business, you are entitled to a deduction. You must itemize your bills and demonstrate how much of your usage was for business versus personal in the preceding year. You can also deduct upgrade costs if they are necessary to produce income, said Hays.

5. Boost your subscriptions.

You can deduct any subscriptions if they pertain to your line of work. Netflix is deductible for those in the film industry. A fashion magazine subscription is deductible for a makeup artist. Fitness apps are deductible for personal trainers. A premium LinkedIn subscription is tax deductible for many professionals.

“You may think a magazine is not deductible, but it’s research if it’s relevant to your industry or project,” said Hays.

6. Hit the road.

Your mileage is tax deductible as long as you’re using said mileage for your business. If you drive to a career fair, a job interview, or a site for research for a project, you can deduct those miles on your taxes. Keep an eye on your odometer and log changes throughout the year. You may also be able to deduct other transportation expenses, such as bus fares or car servicing.

“As long as it’s an ordinary and necessary expense for you to run your business, you can deduct it,” said Hays.

7. For full-timers: Ask about an “accountable plan”

Unfortunately, the U.S. no longer allows full-time employees to deduct business expenses on their individual tax returns. However, you may be entitled to reimbursement from your full-time employer for some or all of the expenses above. Log everything and keep every receipt. Often, employers are happy to pay for extra training, and they should be willing to reimburse you for out-of-pocket costs pertaining to their business. Also, they get a tax deduction out of it.

“Ask your employer about their ‘accountable plan,’” said Hays. “Even if they don’t have one yet, you can speak to them about it. It’s something that will be beneficial for them in the long-run.”

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How to Negotiate For a Salary at a New Job

Negotiating for a salary at a new job can be tricky. You and the interviewer may have sharply opposing goals: you’re eager to get the highest possible salary, while the company likely wants you to accept the lowest possible amount within the job’s salary range. 

In the end, the hope is that both of you can agree on a salary that matches your worth. However, it may take some effort on your part to stand up for yourself.

Negotiating a new salary can feel like a minefield, but with research and planning, you can develop a strategy that will ensure you a fair salary. 

10 Tips for Negotiating a Salary for a New Job

1. Research the company and position in advance.

If the company is private, you probably can’t access employee salaries directly. However, you can do some research on your own to find out an approximation of the salary you should expect. 

The best way to research salaries is to ask real people. Talk to company insiders, if you know them personally. Ask fellow employees with the same or similar job titles, or seasoned managers in your industry. Remember that location matters too — nurses in New York and Georgia are on different pay scales, for example. 

If an insider is not available to you, feel free to browse sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com to get a range. Don’t use these sites as gospel, however. Results vary widely and may not apply to your individual circumstances.

2. Be vague about your rate until the job is almost yours.

Throughout the job application process, you might be asked to give your salary requirements. You don’t have to state your requirements right away. In fact, try to stay vague until the company really wants you. This tactic will put you in the best position to negotiate. 

For example, if a prompt asks for your salary requirements in the cold online application, you can write “negotiable.” If an HR representative asks about your requirements before you’ve even interviewed with the hiring manager, you can say, “I’d rather learn more about the position first.” Don’t feel obligated to give the rate from your current job. It’s actually illegal in some states for companies to ask for your previous salary.

By delaying when you divulge your rate, you’ll also have more time to get a feel for the position, what it’s worth to you and what you believe the company is willing to pay.

3. Pick a baseline and aim high.

Yes, it might feel weird, but aim just a little higher than your comfort zone commands. People — particularly women — tend to undersell themselves and regret it later on. 

First, figure out your baseline. This includes your basic cost of living plus a bit extra. Then, go higher.

You may feel sheepish because you don’t want to seem greedy or risk having the offer rescinded. But think of salary negotiation as a rare opportunity to boost your income in a serious way. You have no idea if or when you’ll get a raise at this position, and raises are typically limited to a small percentage. If you aim high and the company really wants you, the worst that can happen is that they try to dial you back.

Typically, by the time you’re in salary negotiations, the offer won’t leave the table unless you want it to. Remember that hiring managers really want to fill this position, and they don’t want to go back to the drawing board.

In the best-case scenario, that high salary is yours — maybe you’ll wish you’d asked for even more.

4. …But not so high that you seem insane.

Obviously, there is such a thing as too high. If you’re an entry-level candidate in the media industry, for example, you probably shouldn’t ask for $1 million, or even $100,000. $60,000 might even be pushing it, depending on the company.

Be ambitious and get slightly uncomfortable, but also stay grounded in reality. Companies don’t take well to delusional candidates. If you’re not sure, run your numbers by a knowledgeable and trusted person who works in your industry.

5. Evaluate what the position is worth to you.

You might be willing to accept a somewhat lower salary for a position that provides growth potential, helps you acquire cutting-edge skills, accommodates your lifestyle, or bridges you to a new industry. 

On the other hand, if you have reservations about how well the job fits your situation, you might convey a pie-in-the-sky salary expectation, figuring that you have less to lose if you price yourself out of a job. 

6. Provide a range.

Experts suggest that you give a salary range, rather than an actual number. If you are offered the low end of your range, you could use that as an opportunity to request other non-salary benefits or perks, such as reimbursement for classes, vacation days or a flexible schedule. 

7. Act cool, even if you don’t feel cool.

Negotiating is kind of like playing chicken. Some companies offer a rate first, while others will wait for you to throw down. Sometimes companies take forever to get back to you. There’s a lot of guesswork, and unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed in negotiating. The process is largely out of your control, which can be very frustrating. 

No matter how annoyed or nervous you feel about the process, play it cool when interacting with your potential employers. Save any emotional reactions for your friends over brunch, and keep the negotiations totally professional.

8. Crank up their offer.

Salary negotiations are not over once you receive an offer. The first offer made by an employer is often not the highest possible salary that you can secure. Be ready to concisely articulate what is special about you as a candidate that justifies placing you at the higher end of the range for the job. Think of the offer as the opening gambit in a game. For detailed strategies, check out five things to evaluate when you receive an offer. 

9. If appropriate, make a counteroffer. 

If you’re looking for something wildly different than the original offer, you may want to make a counteroffer. That means drawing up a totally new offer, likely with new stipulations such as added vacation days or different scheduling. 

Here is information on how to negotiate a counteroffer. Of course, the offer can be rescinded at any time, so again, don’t get delusional.

If you’re lucky enough to have a second offer from another position, you can present it as leverage for a higher salary by starting a bidding war.

10. Be honest.

There are millions of ways to lie during the salary negotiation process, and no doubt about it, it can be tempting. People often inflate their previous salaries or pretend they have a very high offer from another job.

The problem is, you never know if a hiring manager knows somebody really well at your previous job, or at your fake other potential job. If you’re caught, it’s all over. It’s not worth it. Just be honest. 

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How to Successfully Navigate a Virtual Job Fair

Virtual job fairs are relatively new concepts, but they are growing in popularity. At a virtual job fair, goers can meet recruiters and learn about the job-seeking landscape without traveling to crowded conferences. 

In many ways, a virtual job fair is just like a real-life job fair, according to Brie Reynolds, career development manager at Flexjobs, which runs virtual fairs through the year.

“Essentially it tries to mimic a real career fair in a remote space,” said Reynolds. “Often there’s a ‘lobby area,’ a ‘conference center,’ and an ‘exhibit hall’ where all the employers are. You’re pretending you’re in the lobby going to different exhibitors.”

However, virtual job fairs come with their own sets of challenges for attendees. If you’re looking for a job or to network, it’s important to put your best foot forward during the fairs, which can be confusing if you’re not accustomed to the experience.

Here are some of Reynolds’ top tips for successfully preparing for and navigating a virtual job fair.

10 Tips for Virtual Career Fair Success

1. Scope it out in advance.

Before the big day, virtual career fairs will often let attendees navigate their platform in advance. Get to know the fair interface and find out which recruiters are speaking at what times. 

“Do as much work as you can to save yourself some time,” said Reynolds.

Most recruiters at the fairs are seeking to fill specific positions. Read the job postings in advance so you can plan your day and avoid unnecessary disappointment. Some jobs will only hire outside of your area, for example, and they likely won’t make an exception for you.

“One thing I hear a lot as a complaint is ‘the employer didn’t have any jobs I was interested in,’” Reynolds said. “If you can do any of that work ahead of time, you will be much better off.”

2. Upload your best material.

At a virtual job fair, recruiters can see your profile, which usually includes a resume, a photo, and some facts about your career goals. Make sure you fill out all of this information thoroughly in advance of the event.

“Recruiters can click on your face or they’ll download our resume,” said Reynolds. “If you don’t upload them, a lot of platforms will throw a generic icon up there.”

Hopefully this is obvious, but all material should be professional, Reynolds advised.

“You don’t need to have a buttoned-up traditional headshot unless you’re looking at a very buttoned-up industry, but make sure that your photos are appropriate,” Reynolds said. “If you’re on a beach overlooking a view, make sure you’re clothed.”

3. Get ready to type a lot.

At virtual job fairs, you’ll be mainly interfacing with recruiters via typing, almost like a customer service chat, according to Reynolds. 

Make sure that you’re prepared to type a lot and proofread your statements. Voice-activated typing is also an option.

4. Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions for each job recruiter.

Prepare some thoughtful questions for each specific job recruiter. Don’t ask about pay or vacation days. Most recruiters won’t be able to answer that at this stage. Some deeper questions might include: 

• What would really make me stand out for this position? 
• What made you hire the last person you hired? What sealed the deal? 
• How would you describe the culture at the company?

“A job fair is a time to learn about the job and company and get as much detail as you can,” Reynolds said. “Then you can tailor your application to all the information you just learned.”

5. Prepare an introduction and answers to common questions.

You may be invited to speak at various points during the fair. You’ll want to have a 1-2 sentence introduction to yourself as well as some answers to common networking questions. These questions may include: 

• Which jobs are you interested in, and why?
• What connection do you feel to the position?
• What skills and experiences do you have that would lend themselves to this position?

6. Or, just watch.

Some goers may opt not to type at all. This is completely fine, according to Reynolds. Speaking is optional, and there’s plenty to learn either way.

“For people who are cringing at the idea of going to a virtual job fair, you can go into the chats and just watch and read and get a lot of really good information even if you don’t interact,” Reynolds said. “Usually there’s an ‘auditorium’ of some kind where recruiters have uploaded the company’s values and how to apply, or there’s a live webinar.” 

7. Don’t monopolize the conversation.

Nobody likes conversation-monopolizers, and recruiters like them least of all. Recruiters are not interested in the details of your personal situation at this stage. Reynolds suggested sticking to your points listed above, then moving on.

“If you want to speak further with a recruiter, say something like ‘I’d love the opportunity to chat with you one-on-one for 5 minutes.’ If they’re not going to do it, they’ll tell you,” Reynolds said. “After that initial request, don’t pester them anymore. You can even leave and come back for your one-on-one.”

8. Don’t be super formal.

You want to be professional in your communications during the job fair, but feel free to be a little less formal than usual. Otherwise, you might come off as stuffy or cold, according to Reynolds. 

“Instead of saying ‘dear sir or madam’—because that’s like writing a cover letter—try ‘hello there,’ which is professional but warmer,” said Reynolds. “It’s okay to use emojis. I would not use one in every single thing that you type, but using them once in a while to say ‘hey, I’m smiling,’ can help a lot because you’re otherwise missing body language and tone of voice in these conversations.” 

9. Follow up directly with the recruiters.

Virtual job fairs put you in direct contact with the recruiters or hiring managers for a position. Typically, these contacts are difficult to pin down, so if you’re interested in any of the jobs at the fair, it’s critical to walk away with the recruiters’ names. Later, you can look them up on LinkedIn or email them directly. The fair experience makes a great entry point for your follow-up communications.

“When you follow up you can say something like: ‘It was so interesting to read your chats at the fair about X-Y-Z.’” said Reynolds. “Getting these contacts is a very key part of virtual fairs.”

10. Mitigate your expectations.

You’re probably not going to walk away from a virtual career fair with a job offer. You’re there to learn, not to prove yourself. You won’t get anywhere by cornering employers or working overly hard to stand out. 

According to Reynolds, one major reason why employers use job fairs is because they create better, more informed applicants. See the fair as an opportunity to become a stellar applicant, not to get hired that day.

“You don’t get jobs at virtual job fairs,” said Reynolds. “But there are so many things to learn.”

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Do You Need a Resume Summary?

If used correctly, a resume summary is a type of resume introduction that can improve your chances of landing an interview and winning your dream job.

Its place at the top of your resume means that hiring managers will read it before deciding whether to give the rest of your application a chance. That means creating an excellent resume summary maximizes your chances of being invited in to a job interview.

How Do You Write a Resume Summary?

A good resume summary explains why you’re the best candidate for the job, so learning how to write one will help your job search efforts.

Unlike the traditional resume objective which focuses on your career goals, a resume summary instead showcases your professional strengths.

Use Bullet Points or a Paragraph

Writing a resume summary is simple. It’s usually formatted as a three to four sentence paragraph, but I’ve found that bullets work even better.

Each sentence or bullet point should describe a different one of your career-related successes. These can be skills you’ve mastered, certifications you’ve earned, or the traits that have earned you recognition in the workplace.

Numbers Add Context

You can also add numbers to give the hiring manager context about each of those successes. Try to include at least one number in each sentence of your resume summary.

Summary Example & Why It’s Effective

Here’s an example of an effective summary:

• Caregiving: Provide exemplary health care on a 25-person intensive care ward
• Communication skills: Interface daily with 14 colleagues on patient treatments
• Empathetic: Commended 5 times for bedside manner
• Knowledgeable: Graduated Rhode Island College nursing program with 3.9 GPA

Bullet Points with Subheadings

I prefer bullet points because they’re more effective at catching the hiring manager’s eye. For competitive fields like nursing, having subheadings formatted in bold gives them extra visibility.

Each subheading is explained with a relevant accomplishment, and numbers provide context for that accomplishment.

For example, because the candidate clarified that they worked on a 25-patient ward, a hospital’s hiring committee would see the applicant would also cope on a 20-patient ward.

Strong Action Verbs

Additionally, each sentence of a resume summary should start with a compelling action verb. Good action verbs are more descriptive and make you sound proactive.

For example, take the sentence “Went to daily meetings with 7 team members.” “Went” is a weak verb, and suggests that the candidate only did the minimum expected of them. It also doesn’t clarify whether they took a leading role in these meetings or were passive listeners.

In our nursing example, the candidate instead uses the word “interface,” which indicates they took an active role in discussions, and highlights their communication skills.

Using action verbs is an excellent way to make your bullet points more convincing. You should use them in your work history section for the same reason.

Who Should Use a Resume Summary?

A resume summary is ideal if you have relevant experience in the field you’re seeking work in. If this is the case, a resume summary is the most effective way of convincing a hiring manager to hire you.

If you’re a recent graduate or have no experience in your field, you should consider writing a resume objective instead. A resume objective focuses on your ambitions, so it’s perfect if you lack relevant work experience.

Takeaways

Whether you use a resume objective or resume summary, the key to writing an effective resume introduction is packing it full of your work-related skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. Then, quantify your successes and add compelling action verbs to make it more likely the hiring manager will read your resume instead of someone else’s.

Guest Author Samuel Johns is a career adviser and in-house resume expert on the Resume Genius team. Samuel’s job-hunt advice has been published in numerous online outlets, including Yahoo, the Enterprisers Project, and Best Company.

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What Can You Do When Your Co-Workers Are Paid More Money?

What can you do if you discover that your co-workers are getting paid more than you are for the same or a similar job? Besides complaining to yourself and griping about the fact that life isn’t fair? 

Pay equity issues, and strategies to address any inequities, will vary by your employment situation. In general though, it’s tricky.

Why You Might Be Paid Less

There are reasons you might be paid a different salary than your colleague in the next cubicle, and your talent might not be one of them. Salary is a sensitive issue for everyone concerned and the reasons that some people are paid more and others less aren’t always quantifiable.

With many employers, wage and salary information is private, confidential and between the company and the employee.  Salaries are often negotiated, and factors like education, experience, job performance and skills all can make a difference in what people are paid.  The job itself and the value the employer places on it factors in, as well.

What to Do When Your Co-Workers Are Paid More

In general, it’s not a good idea to discuss compensation with co-workers given the sensitivity of the issues involved.  Resentment, anger, and hurt feelings can easily be sparked among colleagues who share salary information.  You’ll feel bad, your colleagues will feel bad, and it probably won’t get you any more money.

Even worse, your employer may label you as a trouble maker or problem employee if you create a stir about compensation.  That’s especially true if you bring other employees into the discussion.

Addressing Pay Disparity Issues

All that said, if it comes to your attention that you and your colleagues are not receiving the same pay for the same job with the same success and experience, you do have a right to address the issue.

You can let it go, which might be smarter, or you can bring it up with your manager or Human Resources manager. You could also wait until it’s time for your performance review when your salary may be up for discussion anyway.

Keep it Confidential

If you decide to seek redress regarding pay differences, do so by approaching your employer confidentially and carefully. Before you start, review these salary negotiation traps that you will need to avoid.

If you suspect but are not certain about pay differences carefully research pay rates for your occupation through salary websites like PayScale.com, professional associations and colleagues from other employers in your sector.  Use tools like these rather than asking what your direct co-workers are receiving as compensation because you don’t want to create friction within your department or with your boss if word gets back

Some workers, like union and government employees, have contractually stipulated levels of pay. In those cases, union representatives and Human Resources staff should be contacted regarding the processes in place to ensure pay equity.  That’s a much simpler process when pay is defined and regulated.

The Equal Pay Act

Gender makes a difference. Women receive some protection from pay discrimination under the Equal Pay Act. The act prohibits employers from paying men, with equivalent experience at the same location, greater pay.

Other minorities are also protected from discrimination.  You can contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for assistance if you suspect a gender, age or disability based violation.

For Everyone Else

Most employees won’t be covered by legislation. So, you will need to decide whether or not to address your grievance with your employer.  Be really sure that you want to bring it up before you start making an issue of your compensation.

Show That You’re Worth a Raise

Before moving forward, make sure you have a track record of success in your job.  Otherwise, your employer is apt to point out performance differences between you and any higher paid colleagues.

If you have any doubts about how your performance is perceived, you may want to take some measures to enhance your productivity prior to addressing this issue.  Volunteer to take on new challenges, work extra hours, make sure your attendance is stellar and exhibit a “can do” attitude.  Review any issues cited in past performance reviews and make sure that you address them.

Also be sure that you’re showing your manager that you’re a valuable employee, who is contributing to the company.

Do all of that before you ask for a meeting to discuss salary. If you’re going to make the case for getting a higher salary, you’ll need to be able to show clearly that you’re worth it.

Internal Pay Equity

Some organizations will have a process to address internal pay equity.   Consult your employee manual and/or your Human Resources office to investigate any mechanisms in place.  If you contact Human Resources, ask if you can have a confidential meeting about a pay policy issue.   The right Human Resources representative might have some very useful perspective on how to address the issue within your organization.

Asking for a Raise

If you decide to move forward, you will most likely need to enlist the support of your supervisor.  During any meeting with your boss, be prepared to present a case for why you deserve greater compensation based on performance, credentials and the value you add to the department.

Be as specific as possible in referencing your accomplishments and elements of productivity. General statements suggesting that you are entitled to equal compensation are unlikely to be well received. Avoid any negative characterizations of co-workers whom you believe are receiving higher pay.

Here are tips and advice for asking for a raise:

• How to Ask for a Raise
• Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Asking for a Raise

A New Job is Another Option

Quietly and confidentially looking for alternative employment is another option if you believe your pay is below market. Some employers will match an offer if you are a valued employee.

However, do be careful not to issue any ultimatums that you are not prepared to carry out. Also, be prepared to move on if your employer isn’t prepared to offer you a raise to stay.

Handle With Care

Discussions about salary aren’t always comfortable or easy, but if you handle them carefully and tactfully you’ll be able to get paid what you’re worth. It might not be at the job you have, but moving on may end up being the best option if your current employer isn’t going to come through with the salary you need.

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How to Size Up a Potential Manager

You spend a lot of time at work. If you dislike a manager, those hours can feel long, frustrating and unpleasant. Managers play a role in determining whether you get a raise, whether you’re offered a promotion or whether you’re assigned interesting projects.

However, until you accept a job, it’s hard to predict how your relationship with a manager will play out. They may seem great during the interview process, then turn out to be incompetent in practice. Conversely, they may seem cold and stand-offish during the interview, then turn out to be a highly effective communicator. There’s no way to know exactly how things will pan out based on the interviews, but you can look for signs, take notes and try to determine whether the dynamic will work for you.

Check out these tips below for sizing up a potential manager.

Look Out for Instant Red Flags

Some signs of a problematic manager are universal. You may not want to work with a manager who exhibits the following:

• Rude behavior: In an interview situation, typically all participants are trying to make a good impression. If a potential manager is rude under these circumstances, imagine what it would be like on the job. Look out for disrespectful comments toward you or other employees.

• Self-absorption: Does the manager talk only about him or herself and forget to ask you questions? Or, does the manager badmouth the company? The focus should be on you and your position at the company during an interview. The tone should also be positive. If it’s not, that could be a sign that your manager’s ego and self-absorption will always dominate interactions.

• A lack of transparency: If the manager seems evasive during the interview process, that may be a red flag. Unless a job is classified, a job seeker should be able to get all of their questions answered. If a potential manager is not transparent with you, that may be a sign of underlying issues.

• Unresponsiveness. Managers are busy, and they may not always get back to you right away. However, if you notice a consistent pattern of unanswered emails, late arrivals or forgotten appointments during the interview process without any apologies, that may be a sign of chronic disorganization, not to mention a lack of respect for your time.

• Sketchy profile. These days, most managers should be discoverable online. If you look up a potential manager and don’t like what you see, that could be a red flag. For example, maybe they don’t have enough experience for your liking, or perhaps you don’t agree with their political leanings. It’s up to you to decide whether their online presence (or lack thereof) is a dealbreaker, but it’s usually a good idea to talk to someone in person before writing them off.

• Inappropriate behavior: Inappropriate or illegal behavior is an obvious red flag. It can span the gamut, from getting too personal to sexual harassment to discriminatory comments. This type of behavior is unacceptable for a manager. Period. If you encounter discriminatory behavior during the interview process, you can notify the Equal Opportunity Commission.

• Unhappy employees. When you’re interviewing at a company, it can be tricky to assess employee happiness. You can look at LinkedIn or Glassdoor to read employee reviews and to find out if your role has seen frequent turnover. You can also try to gauge the overall vibe in the office if you’re interviewing in person. However, the best way to investigate employee happiness is to discreetly ask an insider, if you know one.

• A personality that does not gel with yours. In the end, getting along with someone is subjective. If you know right away that you won’t gel with the potential manager, that could be a giant red flag. Only you can decide if their personality is a deal breaker or something that you are willing to handle.

See more red flags that you might encounter during the interview process.

Watch Out for Your Own Blinders

The interview process is not like real life. Nerves are high. Everyone is (hopefully) being ultra-polite. It’s a time when people make impulsive decisions, so it’s a good idea to check for common blinders while sussing out a manager. For example, take a step back if:

• You are absolutely over-the-moon about the manager. This sounds like a positive thing, not a blinder. However, if you’re absolutely over-the-moon about the manager without reservation, it’s a good idea to take a step back and remember that this might be a honeymoon period, and most managers are putting their best foot forward during the interview process. No one is perfect, and you shouldn’t let a potentially great manager blind you from other company problems. For example, a great manager isn’t going to make up for an 80-hour week if you’re looking to work just 40 hours.

• You’re desperate for a job.Job desperation is a huge and very common blinder. If you really need a job, you might be willing to put up with anything, including toxic managers. It’s up to you whether or not you’re desperate enough to take the job, but bear in mind that you may not stay very long in a position if you’re unhappy. It might be worth searching for something more sustainable.

• You’re shopping for a manager that isn’t your previous one. All too often, people have a bad manager at a previous job, so they hunt for the exact opposite type during their job search. This is a huge blinder. Within a few months, you will forget all about your previous manager while your new one’s flaws will be in full view. Try and view the potential manager with a clean slate.

• You’re making decisions based on personal bias. There is a difference between your standards and your bias. For example, let’s say you refuse to work with a manager who is younger than 40. Ask yourself why. If the answer is that you want someone with a lot of experience, that’s an understandable standard. But many people under 40 have tons of experience. If you don’t respect managers under 40, that might be coming from your own bias and not the reality of the work experience.

• You’re being short-sighted about your career. Sometimes, an imperfect manager is worth it because you’re building a career. If you’re working in your dream job at your dream company but the manager is annoying, you might want to play the long game and stick it out. You may be able to work with different departments or make lateral moves later on. Also, managers come and go.

The Bottom Line

Consider carefully before taking a position if you think you’ll have a difficult time with your manager. Try to determine whether the sacrifice in quality of life is worth it and whether a poor connection with your manager will just be a small irritant or something that affects your on-the-job success. 

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