Learn These Computer Skills to Advance at Work and Get Promoted

Do you have the skills you need to advance at work and get promoted? Some computer skills are technical skills that enable you to be more efficient at work, while others can actually help make you indispensable to your employer. There are some basic computer skills that every worker is expected to have.

So what are the best computer skills you can use to get that next promotion?

The answer to that question depends, of course, on what you do. There are some skills that will be relevant for every job, and others will be more position dependent. Take a look at some of the top computer skills that will help you advance at work, along with advice for how to upgrade your skill set, upskill your career, and get promoted.

7 Computer Skills To Advance in Your Career

• Organize Your Email Inbox
• Building & Organizing Databases
• Managing Owned Media
• Bookkeeping & Financial Reports
• Creating Presentations
• Mastering Productivity Software
• Learning to Code

Computer Skill #1: Organizing Your Email Inbox

For most people, email is the number one distraction that forces them to multitask during the day. Additionally, their inboxes are full and disorganized. Regardless of your job description, how you manage that inbox has a major effect upon how you perform at work.

Taking control of your email inbox will do more than just make your inbox look cleaner: it will actually clear your head and make you far more productive on the most important tasks of your job. Most importantly, you will develop a reputation for prompt responses while also minimizing time-wasting distractions.

Check Your Email Just 2 or 3 Times a Day
You don’t need to constantly check your email. Pick times that are less critical to your daily tasks, perhaps that 15 minutes prior to your lunch break. Once you’ve set your times, don’t check your email except at those scheduled times. Any emergency issues that arise will either merit an in-person meeting/phone call, or the person running to you for the answers may simply figure them out for themselves.

It is also a good idea to give your team a heads up that you have budgeted only certain times of the day in which you check your email. 

Create Folders
To create sub-folders within your inbox, you can right click on your inbox folder (usually on the left side of your window) and select “New Folder.” Rename the folder after a particular person or task for which you get frequent emails throughout the day. 

Depending on how you use your inbox, you can either move emails into their appropriate folder right away or put them in their folder after you’ve handled them.

Create Rules
Did you know that you can program your inbox to automatically send emails with a certain subject line or sender directly to a sub-folder? All you need to do is create rules within your settings.

• Visit here for instructions on setting up rules in Microsoft Outlook
• Visit here for instructions on setting up rules in Gmail

Many of the emails you get may only be notifications or correspondence on which you’ve merely been copied. Most of these emails don’t need your direct attention, but you may still need to reference them later. These kind of emails are perfect for setting up rules.

You can also use rules to identify more spam emails so that you won’t get any more mail from that sender.

Use Your Inbox Folder as a “To Do” List
Consider keeping in your inbox only those emails that require you to complete a task or project. If they pertain to something that does not require you to do anything now or in the future, then delete them or file them in the appropriate sub-folder.

Delete More Emails
Too much email is not a good thing. Any emails that you save in your inbox or sub-folders take up cloud and hard drive space. If you do not regularly clean out your inbox, then your email provider may no longer be able to send or receive messages.

Consider deleting more emails sitting idly in your inbox. You might even be able to set up a rule in settings that automatically deletes messages that are so many months old. For emails that you feel you should save for longer, consider downloading them as PDFs and backing them up on your computer or company cloud storage.

Computer Skill #2: Building & Organizing Databases

If your job involves information management and requires you to organize and recall data, it may be time for you to take a step beyond mere data entry and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

All businesses benefit from identifying trends and matching correct information to nuanced situations. If you were to gain a deeper understanding into organizing databases through spreadsheets, forms, queries, filters, etc., then you would become the rockstar of your office. Those that work with data are more likely to get promoted when they understand databases and know how to keep it organized and easy to explain.

The best place to start if you already have a basic understanding of Excel spreadsheets is to begin learning how to use Microsoft Access. To get started on some free training, click here.

By taking office data and inputting it into carefully-constructed databases, you will be able to do more than recall raw information. Instead, you will be able to streamline information recall for everyone in your office. Additionally, you can create reports that show your boss key ways to increase profits, lower costs, or both!

If you are already familiar with Access and want a bigger database challenge, consider learning SQL coding. SQL forms the building blocks for more powerful database management. Experts in SQL go on to work for major organizations such as the government, IBM, NASA, and more.

Computer Skill #3: Managing Owned Media (Social Media & Website Management)

If your job involves digital marketing, one of the best things you can learn how to do is manage owned media. Owned media is the most important part of digital marketing. This includes any social media page, online directory, and website branded by the company you work for.

The opposite of owned media is paid media. Paid media is advertising, and it is expensive. Owned media managed well lowers the cost of paid media, since all the owned digital channels are drive online customers to your business for free when running optimally. Therefore, you will be quick to advance at your job when you are able to simultaneously increase profits and lower costs.

Find Out Which Platform Your Company Website Runs On
For example, some of the most common website platforms are WordPress, Weebly, Squarespace, and Wix. Most of these platforms are fairly simple to learn if all you want to do is keep up the company website.

Establish Company Profiles on All the Major Social Media Channels
Which social media channels you use often depends upon where your ideal customers already engage. Some of the most common social media channels that your business should be on are LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. If your company does graphics of any kind, you’ll want profiles on Pinterest and Instagram, and if the company has video, then you should use YouTube.

Because there are now hundreds of relevant social media channels available for businesses to participate in, your willingness to research and set up free profiles can significantly increase your company’s digital reach.

Set Up Company Profiles on Online Directories
Slightly different from social media, online directories are places like Google Maps and Yelp. There are also hundreds of online directories (most of them free). The work is tedious but will boost your company’s website authority with search engines like Google. If your business draws a lot of local customers, directory marketing is vital for your business.

Learn the Basics of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Good SEO insures that your business’s owned media shows up at the top of Google searches. It will boost website visitors, and in time, it will increase your business profits. There are a number of ways to learn how to do SEO. The best place to start might be to search for some free SEO tutorials. SEO software companies such as Moz and SEMrush also offer inexpensive SEO bootcamp courses that might be of interest to you.

Consider Building a Content Marketing Strategy
Depending on the amount of time that your employer allows you to devote to the company’s owned media, content marketing can be a full-time job. However, even if you only have a few hours a week to devote to online content, such as instructional blogs, videos, or graphics, your company website could become popular with your target market.

From your website content, you can publish daily posts on social media and generate a following. By requesting emails for email newsletters, you can gain email addresses which can then be targeted for email marketing. With a consistent and relevant content marketing strategy, you can help your business build a strong brand online.

Computer Skill #4: Bookkeeping & Financial Reports 

If your job requires you to track receipts, sales, and expenses, you are probably already familiar with bookkeeping software like QuickBooks. If not, you should consider learning how to use QuickBooks online with some free tutorials here.

There are a number of other bookkeeping software available, even though most work very similarly. Here are some free tutorials to other accounting software:

• Sage
• Xero
• FreshBooks
• Microsoft Excel

Learn How to Upload Company Accounts
When setting up QuickBooks Online, you will have the option to upload transaction from all company accounts. These include checking, savings, and any loan accounts (such as credit cards, loans, or lines of credit). Check with your employer to make sure that it is okay to sign in to these accounts through QuickBooks. 

Once complete, all company transactions should automatically upload into QuickBooks. You can label each credit or debit appropriately.

Manage Receipts
Consider learning to use QuickBooks’ integrated receipt app Receipt Bank. Using a smartphone, simply snap a picture of the receipt(s), and it will automatically sync with the company’s QuickBooks account. If your coworkers use the company card often and can be trusted to use the app, you can show them how to do the same thing and save yourself time.

Learn to Reconcile Accounts
After labeling each transaction, you will need to match every company bank account statement with balances showing on the company QuickBooks account. This can be tedious, but it is very important. Without reconciling accounts, there could funds or expenses completely unaccounted for.

Learn How to Build and Explain Financial Statements
When it is time for taxes, the company’s accountant will require certain financial statements from your QuickBooks account. While some companies simply have their CPA use their own Quickbooks login to pull what they need, you could save your company a little money by drafting these reports yourself.

Cash Flow Statement. In the menu, you will go to Reports, then Statement of Cash Flows. QuickBooks will allow you to customize this report as annual, quarterly, or monthly. Make sure that you know what the accountant needs (usually annual for tax purposes). This report will provide a snapshot of how the money flowed in (sales and other forms of income) compared to how the money flowed out (expenses). 

Balance Sheet. In the Reports tab, select Company Overview. There you should find the Balance Sheet. When you select this option, this shows the value of the company by balancing money owed (debt) with equity (cash value). 

Income Statement/Profit and Loss Statement. Similar to the Cash Flow Statement, this statement compares income with expenses. This statement is also found in Reports, Company Overview, then Profit and Loss Statement. Accountants and executives often examine the Income Statement first to track financial progress and then consult the Cash Flow Statement for details about where sales and expenses came from.

Pro Forma Financial Statements (not used for taxes). If your company is looking to bring in investors or seek a business loan, then they are going to need future projections. These are Pro Forma statements, and they demonstrate the company’s expected growth should they receive the funds that they request.

Pro Forma statements are usually the key section of a business plan, which is also what the company will need in order to acquire funds. While the executives typically build the bulk of the business plan themselves, if you are solid in your bookkeeping skills, you can help by putting together the Pro Forma Statements. Simply take the company’s past Cash Flow and Income Statements and include the cash injection (loan amount your company is requesting). With your bosses’ help, add an expected monthly, quarterly, and annual percentage growth. You will also want to include increased expenses, such as new equipment, increased operating expenses, etc.

Break-Even Analysis (not used for taxes). By far the most valuable financial statement available for businesses is the Break-Even Analysis. Unfortunately, most business owners don’t even use it. The BE Analysis tells the business when it actually makes money. By learning how to build a BE Analysis and explain it to your superiors, you will be an invaluable team member that increases profits and streamlines the business.

Advise on Financial Decisions
Once you’re well-informed on the numbers like sales and expenses, you will be able to suggest strategy decisions that you know will have a positive impact on company profits. QuickBooks also has many reporting tools showing sales numbers per product/service or per sales rep.

Computer Skill #5: Creating Presentations

If your work involves taking raw information and making it presentable for audiences, such as clients and shareholders, then it would be a good idea for you to learn how to build a variety of presentations. This computer skill is often best used alongside basic database skills (see above), but it can stand on its own, in need be. Here is a list of the different kinds of presentations.

Slide Presentations
Most of the time, for simple slide presentations you will be using Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote. Each program has its own set of templates, or you can purchase more. Slide presentations are best used for public speaking or webinars. After the webinar, it might be helpful to share the presentation via podcast or SlideShare.

Flyers and Handouts
If your employer wants a simple handout for potential clients or business events, then you may be designing one-sheet that is both informative and visually appealing. Technically, designing flyers and handouts falls within graphic design, but using simple document program templates on Microsoft Word and Publisher can help you do great designs with minimal experience. If you find that you enjoy and have a knack for graphic design, consider learning how to use more advanced design software.

Video
Does the company have a number of photos from an event that they’d like to include in a tasteful slideshow? Or did your supervisor give you a video to edit and add in a few graphics? If so, this can be very challenging. But if you enjoy creating videos, you will certainly have a lot of fun.

If you work on a Mac, one of the best free video software programs available for you is Apple’s iMovie. Click here to begin building your video. 

If you work on a Windows computer, you would either need to convince your employer to invest a little money in a program like Adobe Premiere Elements, or do a quick search for some of the better, free video editing software available for your computer. And getting comfortable with these beginner video programs, you might enjoy getting to know some of the more powerful video editing software available, such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro.

Infographics
An infographic is a visual that combines helpful illustrations with text. They are growing in popularity on social media and can help drive online traffic to your company website. Creating great infographics from scratch can be quite challenging. You would need to shop for low cost, vector graphics and then get comfortable with graphic design programs like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.

If you don’t have the time or desire to learn basic graphic design, you might consider going to infographic-building sites online (such as Piktochart or Canva). They can provide a wide variety of templates, and all you need to do is input the correct information.

Computer Skill #6: Mastering Productivity Software

The future of your and virtually every other job is your ability to get more done from the palm of your hand. Even if your employer is in denial about how technology can drastically streamline his/her business, you should take steps now to master the appropriate productivity software programs and apps. You can easily advance your career by learning how to use software and apps that help you get more done with less effort.

In short, productivity software is any computer program which makes your day-to-day work tasks more efficient. They include word processing programs, like Microsoft Word, and instant communication tools, such as Google Hangouts. Productivity software takes much of the tedium out of things that must be done but don’t always directly benefit the most important part of your job. It also connects more people to more projects for smoother collaboration, regardless of where your team members are located around the world.

• Click here for a  list of the top productivity software programs
• Click here for our top picks for productivity mobile device apps

Computer Skill #7: Learning to Code

When it comes to the future of manufacturing, engineering, and the Internet, there is already far more demand for than there are skilled computer coders. Manufacturing is leaning more heavily on robotics, an industry that requires more creators and mechanical support. Engineering is more vital to emerging fields such as 3D printing and renewable energy. Lastly, the Internet is becoming the main source of information, retail, and entertainment for people everywhere.

If you love technology and foreign languages, then you will love coding. And because many expert coders do not have formal education, you can learn some of the top coding languages yourself, or sign up for a bootcamp to get your skills up to speed. Here four of the most common in-demand coding languages.

HTML
If you enjoy formatting pages on programs like MS Word, Excel, Publisher, and QuarkXpress, then you might enjoy learning hypertext markup language. Web pages have to programmed and formatted, and hypertext markup language does just that.

• Click here for a free tutorial on HTML

CSS
CSS stands for cascading style sheets and adds an extra layer of design and responsiveness to web pages. One of the most common and lucrative uses of CSS is to customize within WordPress, such as building widgets and themes.

• Click here for a free tutorial on CSS

JavaScript
Web-based pages and programs that respond to user inputs require javascript coding on the backend. Search tools and newsfeeds are common projects that originate from javascript. Where HTML and CSS craft the overall look, javascript ensure that the page/program can interact with users.

• Click here for a free tutorial on JavaScript

Python
Python is basically a programming language, meaning that it tells machines what to do. More specifically, python programs web-based services and software. Websites that actually run web services must typically do so using Python. Additionally, Python is used to develop apps for smartphones and tablets.

• Click here for a free tutorial on Python

PHP
When programming a web service, you may not want to clutter your scripting with repeated coding for tasks that you would rather automate. That’s where PHP comes in. Rather than a language that interacts with users, it forms more backend support and automates certain tasks for web services.

• • Click here for a free tutorial on PHP

Building Up Your Skill Set

Learning any computer skill is going to help you increase your arsenal of technical skills, and enhance your employability. However, if you’d like to focus on those computer skills that will make you better at your job and stand out for a promotion, these skills are a good place to start. The computer skills listed above will give you a broader understanding of your profession, as well as increase your productivity and accuracy.

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How to Navigate a Career Shift

Many workers are confronting the urge to quit their jobs. For you, that urge may be stronger than ever, but before you take the leap, it’s important to put a plan in place that supports how and when you enter your next career path.

Leaving your current job is often the easy part and deciding what’s next can be the real challenge, but it also serves as an incredible opportunity to start fresh. Many of us don’t have the luxury to simply quit our day job to then explore new opportunities. So, where do you start?

What to Do When You Want to Shift Careers

Simply exploring your feeling of desiring a new career opportunity is a great first step. From there, carefully assessing your career to date, then building out your network and honing your skills will help you move forward confidently on a journey to a new calling.

Ask Yourself Why You Want a New Job or Career

It’s critical that you keep focused on what is leading you to consider this decision in the first place. You must prioritize yourself and your needs in future decisions while acknowledging if you may have others who depend on you.

Goal one: do not wind up in another job you don’t like. Trust your instincts about what makes you happy, since now is the ideal time to try something new and maybe enter a new stage of your life.

Simply making a list of what qualities you dislike about your current role can make space to uncover where you want to fill those gaps. Identify your interests, passions, and values. Begin to connect the dots to uncover where these qualities align in new roles or entirely new industries.

Cultivate a Network of Support

It’s times like these when you need to leverage your existing connections to cultivate a network of support. Having conversations on exploring new career paths can help you evaluate what’s most important to you as you head in a new direction.

Who to Connect With

Friends, family, former coworkers, all LinkedIn connections, and more are all fair game when evaluating new opportunities. After all, this is a new phase in your life and a new you — rely on the people who know you best to support your journey.

Maybe you’re unsure if a new job is right for you, and it certainly can’t hurt to reach out to an old friend or connection in the field for advice.

How to Grow Your Network

Think your current skill set isn’t reading on your resume when it comes to applying it to a new career? Reach out to grab a coffee or a call with someone who does know.

These conversations are critical, and if you are still in the exploratory phase make sure to ask your connection to introduce you to one or two new people after your initial meeting. Your network will continue to grow as you get exposure to new opportunities and ways of thinking.

Focus in on Your Leading Qualities and Skills

When finding a new job or an entirely new career, many often fear having a lack of direct work experience. Hiring managers and leaders know there are skill sets that set star employees apart regardless of their industry experience.

Learnability, collaboration, resilience, leadership, problem solving, and more are essential skills for career success. Where you lack industry-specific work experience, you can still stand out by sharing examples of how these qualities have resolved conflict, advance a new idea, or helped to successfully complete a project.

Don’t Undervalue Your Accomplishments

Despite the fact that it may feel like you’re starting over, it’s critical not to undervalue your current skills and accomplishments when considering prospective professional entry points. You’ve spent time establishing a roster of meaningful talents, many of which can even offer you an edge over other applicants, whether you have expertise in the corporate sector, customer service or artistic endeavors.

By answering the “why” of your desires to change careers, using the network you’ve built to lean on for support and guidance, identifying your best abilities you can make bold career decisions with confidence. Remember that you are not starting from zero and that you already have a lot to offer potential employers.

Guest Author Steven Weinstein is the CEO of Seismic Capital Company, an early-stage growth investor committed to identifying, guiding, nurturing companies seeking to meaningfully disrupt the space they work in. Steven’s diverse career path has taken him from a journalist at Associated Press and Reuters, to working in technology, as well as financial services. He serves as Chair of the Board for Seismic, where he leads the executive team and a roster of highly talented advisory board members. 

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Are You Prepared to Change Careers?

If you’re fully settled in your career, looking back at the journey it took to get to where you are can be incredibly rewarding. For some, the journey was a quick one: you found the perfect career path almost immediately, and never looked back.

For others, the path was a little more tumultuous, and it took quite a few highs and lows to find the perfect place for you. For others still, what looked like the perfect career lost its luster a little way down the road, and you were faced with a choice to make about the perfect path to be on.  

It’s Never Too Late to Make a Change

If you find yourself in the latter category, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way—in fact, 71% of the American workforce is looking to switch up their job according to a recent study.

It’s becoming more and more normalized to try on a few different careers to see which is the best fit for you. In a time where the average person changes job up to 12 times throughout the course of their career, it’s more than acceptable to hop from job to job and get as much diversified experience as you can. 

When to to Consider Career Options

However, what isn’t acceptable is feeling like you’re trapped in a job or career that isn’t the best fit for you. No matter if you feel underappreciated, overworked, or just plain stuck, changing careers could get you out of that rut you’ve felt stuck in. While there may be no scientifically- proven “right” time to make a career change, there are surefire signs felt by employees across the board that signal it’s time to look into a different career path. 

The easiest sign to recognize is stress or burnout. “Burnout” is defined as being “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.” Considering that this was recently recognized by the World Health Organization as a serious workplace hazard, it’s important to take stock of how you’re feeling at work.

It’s no secret that a little bit of stress is actually a good thing; it shows you care about your job and assignments. If you’re feeling consistently stressed out, are perpetually unhappy at work, or if you dread going into the office every morning, it may be time to look at a different career path.

Though important, burnout and stress aren’t the only signs it’s time to look at a different career. Being challenged and feeling motivated at your job is incredibly important, and it could be a problem if you aren’t feeling either of those. Similarly, if you feel like you’ve stopped growing and learning, recognize that you may have plateaued in your current position, or have a strong desire to be doing something else, it could be time to consider doing something different.

It could even be something as simple as not aligning with the company’s goals and values. Either way, you should be in a position that makes you feel valued, respected, and important. If you aren’t, it might be time to look into your other options.

Tips for a Seamless Transition

Though the thought of changing careers may be scary, you don’t have to go it alone. This flowchart provided by Turbo Intuit will help guide you through the tough decision of whether or not it’s time for you to change careers, along with tips on making the transition to a new career as easy as possible.

While changing careers is a big leap to take, just keep in mind how worth it will be for you (and your career!) when you’re happily settled in your new field.

Guest Author Emily Borst is a content creator who helps Turbo Intuit create helpful and compelling stories worth sharing. Her background in digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, crafting, and eating her way through Austin, Texas. To learn more, connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Graphic Courtesy Intuit Turbo

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Free Tools to Match Your Skills to Jobs

Are you looking to change jobs, but aren’t sure what you’d like to do in your next position? The skills you have that can be applied to a variety of occupations are called transferable skills. Those skills can help you switch jobs or even careers without investing in continuing education or a degree. 

Use Your Current Skills to Get Hired for a Different Job

Deciding what you want to do can be hard though, especially when you may not even be familiar with the types of jobs you’re qualified to do. It can be a challenge to discover how you can use the skills you have in a different occupation, but there are tools that can help you match your skills to jobs. These skill-matching tools are designed to help you decide what your next new position could look like.

Once you’ve generated a list of jobs, you’ll be able to narrow down the list based on your preferences. You can include jobs that sound like they’d be interesting, that pay what you need to earn to make ends meet, or that get you on a career track that’s a better fit than your current one. You’ll be able to exclude jobs that don’t appeal, or don’t tie in with your professional or personal goals.

Here are some free tools that show you how to match your skills to possible job options, how to upgrade your skills if you need to, and how to write your cover letter and resume to show prospective employers that you’re a strong candidate for the job.

Tools That Match Skills to Jobs

CareerOneStop Skills Matcher

Use CareerOneStop’s Skills Matcher to rate your expertise on 40 key workplace skills, then review a list of career options that are a match for your highest-rated skills. 

LinkedIn Career Explorer

LinkedIn’s Career Explorer tool works a bit differently. With this tool, you enter your current occupation and LinkedIn will then show you similar jobs, how your skills overlap with the skills required for the new job, and openings in your area. If you’re in a hurry to make a change, you can use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” process, which allows you to apply using your LinkedIn profile.

My Next Move

If you’re new to the workforce or have been out of it for a while, use My Next Move to search careers by keyword, browse careers listed by industry, or answer some questions to generate some ideas for what you’d like to do.

mySkillsmyFuture

Use CareerOneStop’s mySkillsmyFuture tool by entering your current or previous occupation. You’ll get a list of jobs that match, how much they pay, educational requirements, and job listings.

O*NET OnLine Skills Search

Use this Skills Search to select from six major groups of skills to create a customized list of your skills. Then you’ll be able to view a list of occupations that use those skills, and see how close a match you are to the job.

How to Promote Your Skills

What if you have the skills but aren’t sure how to show employers you have them. One easy way to promote your skills is to take some online skills tests and add your certificates and badges to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and the job sites where you have posted a profile.

How to Upgrade Your Skills

What should you do if you have some, but not all, of the skills you need for a job switch?

If you need more skills, Lifehack has a list of free online education sites you can use. These aren’t all free, but Lifewire has a list of the top 10 educational websites for online courses. If you’re interested in gaining certification, check out CareerOneStop’s certification finder.

Tip: Especially when it comes to computer skills, you may already have some of the skills employers are looking for.

Tweak Your Resume 

If you take the time to tweak your resume each time you apply for a job, it’ll be more of a match for the job you’re applying for. One way to do this is to add a professional summary that highlights the skills the employer is seeking. 

Highlight Your Skills in Your Cover Letter

When you’re searching for a job in a different line of work, you’ll need to show the employer that you have the skills they are looking for. To up your chances of getting selected for an interview, take the time to write a cover letter that conveys to the employer how you match the job. 

Take a look at the requirements listed in the job posting, and write a few sentences about how you meet them. That way, you’ll be making it clear to the hiring manager how you’re a good fit.

Use Your Interview to Showcase Your Skills

Your job interview will give you the opportunity to explain to the interviewer that you have the skills they need. Share examples of how you’ve gained the skills you need (even if you haven’t used them in previous roles), and how you’ve used them within your job roles. 

As with your resume and cover letter, your goal is to show your prospective employer that you have the skills they need to be their next new hire.

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How to Ace a Job Interview and Make the Best Impression

You have just landed an interview for what seems like a perfect job. The next step is to take the time to get ready to ace the interview. A successful interview will be essential for you to lock in a job offer, and this is your chance to impress the interviewer enough to get hired, or to at least get a second interview.

Top 10 Tips for Acing a Job Interview

Taking the time to prepare will make the interview process, which can be lengthy, run smoothly. You will be able to make the best possible impression at every job interview you go on. Once you’ve got a system in place, each time you interview it will become a little easier.

Here’s advice on how to ace a job interview, including tips on every aspect of the interview from preparation through follow-up.

1. Conduct Company Research

Company research should always be your first step after accepting an interview. Gathering background information on employers is crucial to successful interview preparation.

An employer will expect you to know something about the company, and will want you to be able to discuss how you will fit in well with the organization. You need to be prepared to answer the questions, “What do you know about our company”? and “Why do you want to work here?”

Knowing as much as possible about the company’s past performance and future plans can also help you better explain how you can add value to the company.

Before the interview, review the company’s website, particularly their “About Us” page/section. Also check out its LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social pages to see what information the company is sharing. Also review online reviews, salaries, and interviewing information.

Tip: You might want to check out the company before you even apply to be sure you want to work there.

2. Tap Your Contacts

If you know a person who works at the organization or someone who can put you in touch with a current or former employee, you’ll be able to gather information that can give you an advantage over the other applicants.

Check LinkedIn to see if you have contacts at the company you can use to get insider information. If your college has an alumni network, tap that too. Ask your connections about the interview process they went through when they were hired, ask what they like—and don’t like—about working for the organization.

Tip: Learn as much as you possibly can about the company and the job for which you’re applying. It will help you know what to ask, as well as give you insight into the role.

3. Practice Interviewing 

Practice makes perfect—or at least will make you feel more comfortable during “real” interviews. Conduct practice interviews with a friend or family member, and ask for their feedback. You can also record or video your responses so you can review your answers and check your body language.

Tip: The more you practice, the more self-assured you will feel walking into the interview. Your answers will feel natural, and interviewers will be impressed by your confidence.

4. Practice Answering Interview Questions

Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position.

You don’t need to memorize your responses, but having an idea of what you’re going to say will help you frame a solid response and help you avoid getting stressed when you’re not sure what to say.

Tip: Be sure your answers match your resume and your credentials. Employers check, so it’s important to be honest during the job interview process.

5. Have Questions Ready to Ask

Be ready to respond when you’re asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, you aren’t simply trying to get the job—you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.

6. Prepare for Different Types of Interviews

It is important to know what type of interview you will have, so you can effectively prepare. For example, you will prepare differently depending on whether it is your first, second, or final interview.

Phone and Video Interviews

You will also have to practice using different technologies if it is a phone or video interview. For both, you’ll need a quiet place to interview, a time when you won’t be interrupted, and the technology necessary to smoothly handle the meeting. Take the time to make sure everything is in working order, and do a trial run so you’re ready when it’s time for the actual interview.

Tip: Here’s how to prepare for a video interview so everything goes smoothly and you don’t have any unexpected glitches.

Out of the Office Interviews

For a lunch or dinner interview, you will want to review polite dining tips before you go. Plan to get to the restaurant a few minutes early (including time for transport delays), and expect the hiring manager to pick up the check. Check online to get a sense of appropriate attire. You may also be able to review the menu to get ideas on what to order.

Interviewing over a cup of coffee is much less formal, even though it can be a stepping stone to a formal in-office interview. A casual interview is an excellent way to learn more about a potential employer and the people who work at the company. You’ll have more flexibility and opportunities to discuss the role in an informal setting.

Group Interviews

You might also have a group interview, in which you are either interviewed by a panel, or interviewed along with a group of candidates. For this kind of interview, you want to practice both answering questions and being a good listener (which you can show by responding thoughtfully to your group members’ comments and through your body language).

Make sure you know what kind of interview you will be having before you arrive. If you are unsure, make sure to ask the employer or recruiter who set up the meeting.

7. Dress for Interview Success

You will want to decide what to wear before the interview day. Your first impression is very important, and what you wear forms a big part of that. Therefore, you want to make sure you look professional and appropriate to the work environment.

In general, for formal business interviews, men tend to wear a dark suit and tie, and women often wear a dark suit or a blouse with dark pants or a skirt. You should also limit accessories, make sure you are well groomed, your clothing fits you well, and your shoes are shined.

You will be able to dress more casually for a job at a startup, or a job at a place with a casual work environment. What’s important is to wear what’s a good fit for the corporate environment, but even when you’re interviewing at a workplace where nobody has heard the phrase “dress code,” you don’t want to look like a slob. Neat and tidy business casual is a good option when you know that a suit isn’t going to be appropriate interview attire.

If you are unsure about what to wear, email or call the person who scheduled the interview and ask about the typical dress code. It is always a good idea to dress just a little bit more formally than the dress code requires. Your goal is to make the best impression possible.

Tip: If your interview is online, avoid very bright colors, stripes, and busy patterns, and make sure your interview outfit doesn’t blend in with your background. Here’s what to wear for a Zoom interview.

8. Check Your Technology

When you’re having a video or phone interview, be sure to check that all your technology is in working order. If interviewing on Zoom, after checking for software updates you can join a test meeting to test your internet connection, audio, and video. You’ll also be able to see how you and your background appear on screen.

9. Plan Your Interview

It is very important not to be late for the interview. “On time” means ten to 15 minutes early for an in-person interview and a few minutes early for a video interview. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time or check out other options for getting there so you know exactly where you are going, how long it will take to get there, and what the transportation and parking situation looks like.

If you’re running late you’ll be stressed, and that’s no way to start an interview for what could be your new job.

10. Know Proper Interview Etiquette

Remember that it’s not only the hiring manager who makes the decision on who to hire. Be polite and gracious to everyone you meet, from the time you walk in the door to when you leave. The people you meet could be your future co-workers, so make the best impression on them that you can.

When you arrive, introduce yourself to the receptionist. Make sure you know the interviewer’s name and use it as soon as possible during the interview. If you’re not sure of their name, email or call and ask prior to the interview.

Tip: Here are some things you shouldn’t do during a job interview.

What (and What Not) to Bring

Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume, a list of references, and any work samples you want to show the employer. Bring your list of questions to ask the interviewer. It’s a good idea to bring a notepad and pen to take notes.

Tip: It’s also important to know what not to bring. Do not bring coffee, gum, or anything else not related to the job. Turn your phone off and put it away before you walk into the office.

Try to Keep Calm 

If you’re nervous, visit the restroom before your interview, and wash and dry your hands so they aren’t sweaty. Try reframing feelings of anxiety as excitement. Take some deep breaths, and remember that this is only one interview and you’ve prepared as well as you can for it. If the interview goes wrong, it’s not the end of the world, and you may even be able to fix it.

During the interview, try to remain as calm and present in the moment as possible. Ask for clarification if you’re not sure what’s been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to answer the question fully.

Tip: Remember that thorough preparation helps build confidence and relieve stress. The more you research the company, practice answering interview questions, and prepare for the day of the interview, the calmer and more confident you will feel and appear.

Remember to Follow Up

Even though you’ve finished the interview, you’re not quite done yet. End the interview with a thank-you to the interviewer, and reiterate your interest in the position. Then followup with a personal thank-you note or email message restating your interest. This is an opportunity to remind the employer of your qualifications, and to include any details you forgot to mention in the interview.

How to Tell If the Interview Went Well

Sometimes you can tell right away that an interview isn’t working out. You may know as soon as the interviewer starts telling you about the job that you don’t want it. The chemistry between you and the hiring manager may not feel quite right. Or you can tell you’re not a good fit for the job or organization after all.

During other interviews, it may not be as clear. Here are some signs that your job interview went well. If it didn’t, consider it a learning experience, and more practice. With every interview you have, you’ll be better prepared to ace the next one—and get the job. Good luck!

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A Veteran’s Guide to Professional Development

After transitioning from the military, veterans often question what their next career move should be. Should they go back to school? Explore a new career path? How do they translate their learned experiences from their time of service into skills they can use in a professional setting?

Veterans who have established themselves in a new civilian role shouldn’t stop there! It’s important to seek out professional development opportunities to learn new skills, broaden relationships in a current or desired industry, and help improve new employers’ organizations.

Professional Development Tips for Veterans

Here are some tips veterans can use for professional development:

Pursue Career Development Opportunities

Career development opportunities can come in many forms. As a veteran, the desire to learn more is vital for personal, professional, and company growth. Not all military members go to college or obtain a degree before entering the military.

Professional development, training, and continuing education courses are a great way for veterans to explore new skills and roles to help them advance in their career and become a more valuable asset to any company. 

Identify Your Career Goals

When considering professional development opportunities, you should first identify your career goals. What areas of your daily work would you like to expand upon? For instance, is there a new software in your line of work you would like to learn more about?

Research How to Get the Skills You Need

Once you have answers to these questions, you can research different programs and courses to expand your skill sets. Sometimes, these opportunities are available directly through your employer.

Talk to managers and supervisors—if the skills earned will be valuable to the business as a whole, they might be open to sponsoring your participation in development courses or covering the cost of higher education. 

Tap Free and Affordable Resources

Take advantage of affordable resources, like LinkedIn’s premium features, which are available free to veterans for one year. These features include certificate programs, where veterans can receive additional training and take courses for free, to help broaden their skills and knowledge in their career field.

For example, if you’re a project manager, you can continue learning through certification programs, such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, an Agile Project Management certification, or SCRUM through programs such as PM-ProLearn. Having the motivation, understanding, and drive to pursue development opportunities, shows you are a team player willing to broaden your knowledge to help your company as a whole.

Tip: CareerOneStop has a wealth of resources for veterans, including a Skills Matcher and Veterans Job Matcher.

Communicate Your Interest in Professional Development to Employers

Communicating your professional goals with your employer might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s crucial to maintain open and honest communication with your team.

Your employer hired you because they saw the value in translating your military skills to the civilian workforce, and it’s important to be a self-advocate in the workplace to ensure your goals and needs are being met while you serve shared, company goals as well. When walking into these conversations, make sure you have answers prepared for any questions they might have.

During these talks, you should stress the benefits your new skills and knowledge will bring to your team, and to the company as a whole. Will professional development courses help build company relationships and allow the opportunity to tap into a new audience? Continued learning helps improve the organization as a whole and is a short-term investment for businesses to make, in order to gain long term benefits.

Broaden Your Career Networks To Find New Opportunities For Yourself & Your Company

Identifying different professional resources to broaden your career networks can also help you and your employer in the long run. Whether you’re attending a networking event on LinkedIn or participating in a certificate program at a college or university, as a veteran, it’s always beneficial to seek out opportunities to grow your network.

Not only is networking a great way to meet like-minded individuals in your field of work, but it’s also a great way to learn about new resources and connect with prospective colleagues, business partners, or clients. If you’re interested in connecting with fellow veterans in your industry to discuss development and mentorship opportunities, look into organizations like Vets2Industry or HireMilitary, which offer free services to military veterans.

You might even be able to connect with potential new recruits for your company. Whatever approach you take, your employer will welcome any efforts you’re making to develop and grow the business! 

As a military member, you might feel drawn to fellow veterans since they have similar experiences as you, but it’s also important to grow your network beyond just military professionals. Take advantage of digital networking programs to build new meaningful connections with professionals in your industry.

Having business and entrepreneurial resources at your fingertips can help your career flourish and improve your productivity through new skill sets. When you apply these to your work, it can have a ripple effect that improves the bottom line of your company as well. Professional development should be viewed by your employers to mutually benefit your professional growth and the organization as a whole.

Justin C. Pearson, First Sergeant, U.S. Army (Ret.), is VP of Business Development at the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA). Justin served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, earning the Bronze Star during a combat tour in Afghanistan. Justin has experience managing strategic partnerships and collaborating with Fortune 1000 companies to expand their military talent pipeline.

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How to Help Your College Child Start Their Career

Yes, it’s tough getting a student away at college to listen to you. Even tougher when it’s about the F word. Future that is (but not ruling out the challenge to restrain from using the other one).

We as a society have placed so much focus on getting into a “good school” that we have lost focus on the future that lies beyond college. College is a wonderfully enlightening time but it’s four expensive years that do little to prepare you for the next 40 years beyond a diploma, GPA figure, and a hope & pray alumni community development strategy.

Tips to Help Your Child Start a Career

So, what can you do to make an impact in your teen/new adult’s life? Here are 5 tips to consider in chronological order:

1. Get Them Started Before They “Need” To

Looking for an internship in March will not garner your child much attention because they’re lost in the pack. A sea of students emerge from winter hibernation to ask people for help finding jobs. Do not fall into this trap. Not only is it desperate and commonplace but it is also highly entitled as it places a burden on many of your friends and family.

If you start early, not only will you be able to stand out from the pack but you will also have time to cultivate authentic relationships where you get important perspective, advice and recommendations. A few authentic conversations and bam — your son or daughter now has someone in their corner rooting for them if not mentoring or sponsoring them!

Look to have them connect professionally at the end of their freshman year. They can share their experiences adjusting to college (bonus points if they are talking to an alum!) and develop a network for sophomore year. Who knows? You may get lucky and they hit something in the near-term. That’s the paradox of networking: when you look longterm, people are more ready to help you in the near(er) term.

Tip: Your student’s career services office can help them find internships and networking contacts.

2. Teach Them the Basics of LinkedIn

Working with students it never ceases to amaze me how little some colleges, career centers, and mentors/recruiters educate them on the importance of LinkedIn. There is an overwhelming focus on their resume (and even there many essentials are still missing) and people lose sight of the bigger picture. Yes, resumes are important but they are table-stakes. Unless you are an elite student at an elite university then resumes are not your main differentiator.

Chances are if your son/daughter is the 4.0 GPA at an Ivy League school, you’re not reading this anyhow. So you need to take some sage baseball advice and “hit em where they ain’t” if you’re looking to differentiate in today’s competitive clamoring for attention.

You can start by having them add their relevant courses, a professional photo, a connectable background photo and some basic bullets about the jobs they’ve held previously.

3. Shift Their Scrolling

It’s no secret Gen Z is on their phone. A lot.

Studies from GenHQ and a study cited in the Washington Post show the average GenZer (or perhaps more appropriately, iGenerationer) hovers a little north of 5 hours/day and over 10% spend 15+ hours/day on their phone. Put another way, 1 in 8 Gen Z students spends almost every waking minute of their day on their phone. Getting your teen to get off their phone would be like — check that — WORSE than — pulling teeth.

So what can you do? Get them to follow (and make sure they don’t “mute”) important personal & skill development resources on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and more. Accounts such as

• Khan Academy
• TechCrunch
• Investopedia
• Forbes
• Joinhandshake
• Hubspot Academy
• Edxonline
• Fast Company

are just a few of many accounts that bridge the gap of relevant development and aesthetic appeal/pithy youthful quips to make for a fair compromise for your child.

Note: Even if they don’t actively seek out the pages, they will appear on their homepage and stories to subtly (and subconsciously) benefit them come networking & interview time.

4. Introduce New Apps

So now that they’ve compromised by following some new accounts, perhaps you can test your luck by getting them onto some new apps. They can still stay on their phone so you don’t have to worry about that dangerous “trying to steal a cub from a mama bear” moment.

Some good ones to suggest to your teen are:

• TED (fka Ted Talks)
• Blinkist (12-20 minute book synopses)
• Lucid (adult picture book summaries)

These apps will enable your child to develop themselves in less than 20 minute segments and give them another talking point/credibility factor in their discussions with prospective employers.

5. Minimize the ATS Black Hole

For those asking what’s an ATS, it’s an Applicant Tracking Software. At many employers it may as well be synonymous with “Black Hole.”

As someone who used to work at the world’s leading ATS, I can tell you firsthand that these are valuable for weeding out candidates, not recognizing stand-out candidates. Unless you want to get into a whole different discussion on maximizing keywords in your resume and then it COULD help. Point being, once a job is online, it’s going to attract many eyes and you’re likely one to be excluded as opposed to included. Why? On average, 250 other people have applied for that same job.

Not daunting enough? Even if you think- “Sure, I can beat 249 other people”, upwards of 85% of jobs are filled via networking. All that work for someone to circumvent you…it’s not a good feeling.

So what can you do? For starters you can refer to points 1-4 J and you can help your son or daughter focus on the factors that will frame their future. 

Alex Dripchak began his sales career at Oracle, where he was the first person ever to be a sales manager and outside producer by the age of 25. Today, he serves as a senior adviser at Mercer, a global HR consulting leader in talent, health, retirement, and investments. Additionally, he is co-founder of Commence, a careers academy for college students, and the author of “100 Skills of the Successful Sales Professional” (Business Expert Press, June 2021). He lives and works in New York City.

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Is Working From Home Right for You?

During the past year there is a big chance you had to adjust your work model and start working from home. But with many companies slowly returning to the office, you might have to consider if working from home is still right for you.

Having no commute, saving money on food, and being more productive are some of the benefits of working from home. But working remotely also has its downsides. Here are some pros and cons to consider before committing to remote work:

Pros: 

1. Spend Less on Food

Costs can quickly add up when eating out for lunch with your coworkers from the office. If you don’t pack a lunch often, you may lose track of how much you are spending on food every month. When working at home, you have extra time and energy to cook a homemade meal for your lunch break.

2. Save Gas Money

Did you know that the average commute to work can range from 5 to 13 miles each way? That leads to many trips to get gas. Commute expenses can accumulate over time, and working from home will save you up to $5,000 a year. 

3. Increased Productivity

From spending more time with family and loved ones, to saving energy from the commuting to work, many have enjoyed their extra time at home. During this past year 65% of workers reported feeling more productive due to working from home. 

Cons

1. Costs to Start

It can be a struggle to create an environment that helps you focus on your work. To help with productivity, you will most likely need to have a good set up. Getting a new desk, chair, and an extra monitor can be costly, when starting your own home office.

2. Can be lonely

Communicating through the internet can be a struggle for some, and having to talk to your peers through video calls and chats can be even more challenging. On top of that, loneliness was reported to be the biggest struggle of working remotely, since workers miss having face-to-face conversations with their coworkers.

3. Distractions at Home

Although you may have more peace and quiet when working from the comfort of your home, it can lead to distractions. Many workers have children, pets or other things that can interrupt their deep focus when working from home. 

In Mint’s infographic below, you can find a flowchart to help you decide if working from home is right for you, as well as more pros and cons of remote work: 

 

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How to Avoid Job Scams

Are you worried that the job you’re thinking about applying for could be a scam? What’s the best way to avoid fake job listings and getting scammed by phony employers when you are job searching?

The Better Business Bureau reports that job scams are rising and are the riskiest scam in terms of prevalence, the likelihood of losing money, and the amount of money you can lose. About 14 million people are exposed to job scams every year, and victims lose more than $2 billion per year.

Types of Job Scams

How can you get scammed during a job search? Here are some examples of job scams:

• Direct deposit information required (before you’re hired)
• Email hiring scams
• Fake job application
• Fake recruiter (they may not even work for the company they say they are representing)
• Package forwarding scams
• Pay for background check
• Pay for credit report
• Pay for equipment to do the job
• Pay for office supplies
• Pay for a start-up kit
• Pay for software
• Pay for training
• Pay for training materials
• Pay to sign-up with a company
• Text or chat message hiring scams
• Trial employment scam (company collects your personal information, but there isn’t a job)
• Unemployment scams
• You’re hired scam (company collects your personal information, but the job is fake)
• Wire money scams

There are some jobs that are more likely to be scams than others. Here’s a list from FlexJobs of 15 common job search scams, with advice on how to protect yourself from them.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Here are some ways to tell if a job is a scam and to avoid getting scammed. Save yourself some time, aggravation, and money, and if you’re not sure if a job or company is legitimate check them out carefully before you apply.

Check Scam Lists

Check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to see if the company has been reported as a scammer. If the company is a fraud, another job seeker may have reported them.

Look for Red Flags

Visit the company’s website. Look for potential red flags indicating that the company is not what they seem. Does the site fit with how they describe the company? Is it secure? How professional does the site look? Is there contact information? Are jobs and career information posted on the site?

Is the Company Name Legitimate?

Is this company name similar to that of another “real” organization? Sometimes, scammers change a letter or two in the website URL or the email address they are using to make it look legitimate.

Does the Company Have a Website?

If the company doesn’t have a website, that’s a bad sign. Most legitimate businesses have a web presence, and at least some information should show up when you look for it online.

Check the Google Search Results

Use Google to research the company. Search by the company name to see what information you can find. (If the company won’t give you a name, don’t bother applying.) Take it one step further and search by “company name scam” to see if you can find information about reported scams.

Read the Reviews

If you find a company that has been reported to be a scammer, read the reviews carefully to understand what the issue is and how the job seeker was taken advantage of.

Check the Details

If compensation isn’t listed in the job posting, try to find out if there’s a salary or if you’re paid on commission. Ask how much you’re paid, how often you are paid, and how you are paid. If the company doesn’t pay an hourly rate or a salary, carefully check out the details.

Does the Company Want Money?

Do not pay money—for anything. Legitimate employers don’t charge to hire you. Don’t pay for credit reports, background checks, start-up kits, software, supplies, technology, training, or any other tools or procedures. Don’t send money for work-at-home directories, advice on getting hired, company information, products, or services to get started, or for anything else related to a job.

Check the Company’s References

Ask for references if you’re not sure if the company is legitimate. Request a list, then contact the references to ask how the job is working out for them. If the company isn’t willing to provide references, don’t waste your time applying.

Forget Getting Rich Quick

Avoid listings that guarantee you wealth, financial success, or that will help you get rich fast. Stay clear of listings that offer you high income for working for a few hours a week. The chances of getting rich quickly online are slim to none.

Does It Sound too Good to Be True?

If it sounds too good to be true, you can be sure it is. Also, read any “offers” you get very carefully. With some scams, it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake. Read the fine print and never share your personal information until you’re sure about a company.

Spot and Report Scams on Job Sites

Some of the major sites have advice on how to avoid scams on their platforms. If you’re concerned about a job posting you’ve found, here’s how to check it out.

• Craigslist: Avoiding Scams
• Facebook: How to Spot and Avoid Scams on Facebook and Instagram
• Fiverr: Trust and Safety
• Glassdoor: Fraudulent Job Postings
• Indeed: Guidelines for Safe Job Search
• LinkedIn: Recognize and Report Scams
• Monster Security Center
• Staying Safe on Upwork
• Twitter Financial Scam Policy

How to Report a Scam

Have you become a victim of a scam? There are several ways to report a job scam, including:

• The FTC
• Your state attorney general
• The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center

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