Signs Your Career Needs a Makeover

Is your career in need of a makeover? Do you feel like your professional life is at a standstill? Is it time to upskill your credentials so you can move your career forward? How do you know when it’s time to seriously consider whether you’re stuck in a career or a job, and it’s time for a reboot?

There might not be a single glaring warning sign, though there are some indicators that you can look for if you’re not sure where your career is going. It could be something as simple as a feeling in your gut (and listen to it if it’s there; your gut is usually right) that it’s time for a change. It could be more complicated to make a change if you’re working in an industry that’s in decline or has a high level of wage stagnation.

How To Tell That It’s Time for a Career Change

Besides having a sense that all is not right, there are some warning signs that could indicate that you’ve reached a point in your career where you need to make a transition. That could mean starting a job search, considering a long-term career change, or upgrading your credentials to give your career a quick-as-possible makeover to reposition yourself as a competitive employee or candidate for a new job.

If any of the following are happening to you, it may be an indicator that you need to revamp:

You’re Not Getting Promoted

Are other employees getting promoted while you’re not getting considered? If you aren’t in line for a promotion, or if you are applying for new jobs within your company and not getting them, one of the reasons could be that your skills aren’t current.

You’re Not Getting Raises

Does it feel like you’ve been getting the same pay rate almost forever? In general, pay raises aren’t high. But there could be other reasons that you aren’t being considered for a raise or only getting a small one.

You Feel Stuck in Your Job

When you feel like you’re stuck in your job and there’s no way to move up the career ladder or transfer laterally into a position that’s a better fit, think about what you could do to change the dynamic. The longer you stay, the harder it will be to move on.

You Hate Going to Work

The fact that you cringe at the thought of going to work might be a warning sign that you need a career makeover. However, you may just hate your job and might not need to pursue other career options.

Your Hours Are Getting Cut 

If your work schedule seems to be including fewer and fewer hours, it may be an indicator that you are lacking some of the skills the employer needs to get the job done.

You’re Not Getting Gigs

 The same holds true for freelancers. If your client base is shrinking and you’re not able to line up enough new gigs to pay the bills, you may not have the in-demand skills that are necessary for success in a gig economy.

You’re Not Finding Job Listings

If you’re spending a lot of time on job sites but not seeing many listings when you search for openings, take the time to investigate why not. Perhaps you need to switch up the keywords you’re using to search, or there may simply not be a large volume of jobs for someone with your qualifications.

Nobody Wants To Hire You

 You’re actively applying for jobs but having difficulty getting hired. There are many reasons why you may not have gotten the job, but one of them could be that there are other candidates that are more qualified than you are.

Your Skills Are Outdated

 If your resume or LinkedIn profile still says that you’re an expert in Windows Vista or at using a telephone switchboard or any other vintage technologies, it could be hurting your chances of getting hired. There are some skills that should be left off your resume because they will label you as dated.

You’re Being Replaced by Automation

 Is your job in danger of being taken over by automation? Employers are continuing to rely more on computers and robots to do the jobs that people used to do. It probably won’t happen right away, but if you are in one of those occupations, consider what you’ll do when your job is gone.

You Work in a Shrinking Career Field or Industry

When you’re working in one of the best industries for jobs, upgrading your skills and making a change can be relatively easy. When you’re working in an industry that’s losing jobs, evaluate what transferable skills you have that can be used in another sector.

What To Do if You Need to Make a Change

One of the best ways to makeover your career is to upgrade your skill set. Upskilling, the term used to describe learning new skills and enhancing those you already have, is one of the best ways to get your career back on track. All the skills you learn can be included on your resume and in your LinkedIn summary.

Upgrade Your Skills

Depending on your career track, you may need to go back to school to continue your education, or you can supplement your credentials by taking online courses, earning a certificate, participating in a bootcamp, or attending professional development classes.

Start by learning what skills are in demand, and then explore career options that match the skills that interest you the most. Take a career assessment or two—many are free—to help you line up possible matches.

Think Outside the Box

 What would you love to do next in your career vs. what can you do with your current credentials? Now is a good time to consider all possible options. You can use CareerOneStop’s free Interest Assessment tool to get some ideas for careers that might be a good fit.

Then take some time to talk to people in your network who are working in fields of interest. What do they like best about what they are doing? What don’t they like?

Figure Out Finances

If you are looking at career options that require a degree, take a look at the potential return on investment (how much you’ll boost your wages) for the degree that you’re considering.

When earning a new degree isn’t in your budget, take classes to acquire the new and more relevant skills you’ll need for jobs of interest. Certificate programs and bootcamps are lower cost ways of gaining the skills you need for a career makeover. Attend as many conferences and professional development programs as you can to learn and to connect with people who can help your career.

Check Out Free and Low-Cost Classes

There are many online courses that are free or low-cost. Even taking a few courses can bolster your resume and help you transition to a new position or industry. Don’t forget to add everything new to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Keep Your Career Moving Forward

Also, remember that a career isn’t a one- or two-step process. Your career will most likely be transitioning over your working lifetime. Making it a point to keep upskilling, even when you’re not actively job searching, will ensure that you are well-positioned to makeover your career whenever the timing is right for a change.

 

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/QzA6lF3

Read More

How To Send an Email Message That Will Get Read

Do you ever receive an email and groan? Dread opening missives from certain co-workers? Delay your response to long, confusing emails? Follow these practical tips to ensure that no one ever feels that way about your emails: use smart formatting and judicious editing to ensure that your missives get a fast, helpful response.

How to Write a Successful Email

Is This Email Necessary?

It’s easy to send an email: no paper or ink is required, nor is a stamp or a visit to the post office. No wonder people send lots of emails, and frequently! But don’t let the ease of the experience persuade you to send unnecessary correspondence. Being good at email starts with restrained use of the “new message” and “reply” buttons in your inbox. If your email will likely be deleted by its recipients (such as quick “got it!” or “thanks” emails sent to a wide CC list) consider skipping it. Similarly, if you could search your email archives or Google for an answer, consider trying that before sending an email.

Start With a Strong Subject Line

Make your subject line descriptive and clear: rather than saying “quick question” you can write “question re: Thurs meeting” or even “Thurs meeting – bring print-outs?” Make it easy for people to know what to expect from an email even before they open it.

When possible, stick to one topic per email, too – this helps people to maintain their email filing system, and can also speed up response-time.

Use a Greeting

It’s an easy office habit to get in: the overly efficient email, sans greeting, sign off, or any mannerly bits. But think about how differently these two emails feel:

 

Can you stop by my office?

 

Or

 

Hi Bob,

Hope your day is going well! When you have a free moment, can you stop by my office? I have some questions about project X that I think will be easiest to review in person.

Thanks,

Sara

Depending on what exactly is going on with project X, it’s quite possible that either one of these emails would be stress inducing. But certainly the first email seems curt to the point of anger. A lack of greetings, and a neglect of some social politeness can have that effect.

By all means, use that to your advantage if someone is in trouble – but if they’re not, and you don’t want to come across as frustrated or angry, err on the side of starting emails with a greeting, and ending them with a sign-off.

Format Your Message

Make it easy for people to quickly read your email, and absorb the major points, with judicious use of formatting. If your email is more than a few sentences, make sure it can be easily scanned: use bolded subheads, numbered points or questions, or bullet points to break up the text.

Keep Emails Brief and Direct

You know the acronym “tl; dr”? It stands for “Too long; didn’t read” — and it’s a feeling you never want to inspire when sending an email. Sometimes a long email can’t be avoided, but in general, strive to keep emails as brief as possible. Maybe your first draft will sprawl into multiple paragraphs: give that a read-through before sending, and see if you can use the formatting tips below to reduce the volume of text.

Think Before Abbreviating

There’s a fine art to using emoticons, communicating in gifs, or inserting abbreviations such as “LOL” or even work-jargon such as “LMK.” A well-placed winky-face can do a lot to easing tension in an email; it can also create a jarring note when sent to a prospective client who you haven’t communicated with before. Not sure if abbreviations, emoticons, or gif are the right tone for an email? Tread lightly, and err on the side of mirroring co-workers’ usage.

Check for Typos

Proofread once — or even twice — before sending an email. Catching your own typos is tricky — print out important emails and review the hard copy. Or, try reading emails aloud to catch silly errors, such as missing words or typos.

Always check that you’ve addressed your email to the correct person. And check the spelling of people’s names: there’s only a one-letter difference between Madeleine and Madeline, Sarah and Sara, but people with these names really spot the difference.

Make Follow-Up Clear

What are the next steps? This should be clear from your email – in fact, you can even have a section titled “next steps” and lay out a few bullet points of requests. Save this for more complicated situations; in general, you can end your email by saying

And if your email requires a response, always make certain that it’s clear what you want, whether it’s more information, approval of a plan, or answers to questions. You can even include a section titled “what’s next” or if you’re sending to multiple people, call them out by name with your request.

Copy and Attach

If you’re sending an attachment, consider making it easier on recipients, by also copying the document into the body of the email. It’s a small step you’re saving for people, but a helpful one. (Bonus tip: if you’re planning to send an attachment, attach it to the email before you even begin writing – that way, you can be sure it’s actually included.)

More Email Tips

• Never email when angry: Frustrated by a situation, or an email you received yourself? Don’t respond while angry: give yourself an hour, at least, to cool down. Or, open up a new email, keep the “to” field blank, and write out the email you wish you could send. Get all your feelings out, and then hit delete.
• Don’t CC unnecessarily: It can feel tempting to CC half the world. How better to show off how hard you’re working? Resist the urge! Unnecessary emails are a time waster, appreciated by no one.
• Assume emails will go public: Write as though your email may someday be viewed by your boss, mom, spouse, and friends. Imagine it on the front page of the newspaper. Avoid off-color jokes, insults, and anything you wouldn’t feel proud to see printed in black-and-white.
• Write with your recipient in mind: The email you send to your office bestie will read differently than the one sent to your boss. And the email going to your HR representative or an outside client will read differently still. Adapt your tone and style to fit the person who will be reading your email.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/up76zIN

Read More

How To Use Your Current Position to Help You Find a New Job

Most of us likely feel grateful that job searching is a temporary occupation. Once you land a new position, you can turn off email alerts about jobs in your field and stop writing cover letters. But, even if you’re happily employed at a stable company, or just landed a new position, there’s still plenty you can do to make your next job search easier.

From writing down accomplishments (to make resume updates easier later on) to broadening your network, there’s plenty you can do while in your current position to make your next job search easier. Here are six strategies to try.

Track Your Accomplishments

Get in the habit of noting down your accomplishments and any additional responsibilities that get added to your regular to-do list. One thing that can make updating a resume challenging is that it’s hard to remember to remember the day-to-day details, like that two summers ago, you made a vital contribution that helped the sales team land a big contract.

Make it easier on your future self: Using a notebook or the notes section on your phone, keep a running list as these events occur. Not only will you be grateful for it a year-end review (or if you want to ask for a promotion), but it’ll come in handy if you leave the company abruptly and don’t have access to your work email.

Learn New Skills

Is there an opportunity to learn a new program or system? Get trained on how to be a good manager? Take advantage of these moments as well as projects that will help develop and broaden either your soft or hard skills. This will be helpful fodder for your resume and improve your overall hireability when you apply for a new role. To hiring managers, a candidate who shows initiative in learning new things—and one who does not require a lot of training—is quite appealing.

Broaden Your Network

Think of your office as a networking goldmine. Working with the same people gives you an opportunity to show who you are as a worker (and to make connections while talking about TV shows by the coffee pot). Take advantage of these opportunities to connect, and look for ways to interact with people outside of your department, too.

Basically, you want to show your face—not just in your cubicle, but around the office and during social gatherings. This might mean spending at least some of your lunch hours in communal areas, instead of eating at your desk or running errands.

Connect on Social

As you build relationships, connect with people on LinkedIn. You can do this early on — no need to wait until you kick off a job search to connect with co-workers. With these connections in place, you can easily keep in touch if you—or others—leave for a different company. 

Build a Good Relationship with Your Manager

If there’s one person you want to get along with, it’s your direct supervisor. Do everything you can to be in alignment and have a strong, positive, productive relationship. A good manager will help you achieve your goals, from recommending you for interesting projects (which will look good on your resume later) to advocating for your promotion.

Do Your Job Well

Sounds like a no brainer, right? Taking your current role seriously, doing your work enthusiastically, and thoroughly, will all improve your chances of being visible in your company (more on that below). Plus, if you are engaged with your work, and do it passionately, you’ll have lots of meaningful anecdotes to share during subsequent job interviews. You won’t be searching for examples of successful projects and relationships with team members.

Make Sure People Know When You Get Things Done

OK, this is a delicate line. Nobody likes a braggart, after all. So you shouldn’t boast about your accomplishments. But you also shouldn’t be so modest that no one realizes that you did something meaningful or instrumental.

One way to get your accomplishments acknowledged: Let your manager do the heavy lifting for you. Share details with your manager (in a factual, not boastful way) and allow them to send emails praising you, or note your contributions in meetings and conversations with other higher-ups.

The reason you want people to be well aware of what you’re getting done at work is so that you’ll be remembered by colleagues and seen in a positive light. This will make them feel comfortable serving as a reference and also referring you for positions.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/Iu2ykDR

Read More

5 Things Never To Talk to HR About

Human resources: depending on your level of cynicism, it either sounds like a government agency in a dystopian novel or a place to get the tools you need, in order to do your job right. In reality, most HR departments are someone between the two. HR is a great place to learn about your benefits, get training to take your career to the next level, or find a mediator for conflicts on your team.

It’s not, however, the answer to every problem you’ll ever experience at work, and here’s why:

HR is not here for you. HR is here for the company.

One you understand that, you’ll have a much better chance of using human resources as, yes, a resource for your career, without letting them unnecessarily complicate your working life.

Here, for example, are a few times you should never, ever, contact HR:

1. When you want a very specific solution to your problem.

Want a new boss, and have a specific candidate in mind? HR might not be the answer. When you escalate an issue beyond your department, you’ll often get a solution to your problem … just not necessarily the one you wanted.

If you think you’d work better with a different manager, or on another team, or in another function, the first person to talk to is the woman or man in charge. This is where tact comes into play, especially if you’re trying to escape a specific co-worker or set of co-workers. Frame your potential move as a positive (you want to learn more about this role, or develop these skills, etc.) and not as a negative (if you don’t get away from George, you’re going to scream).

2. When you just need to vent.

Dealing with HR is like having a relationship with a very practical person: you might just be having a rough day or week on the job, but what you perceive as blowing off steam, HR will consider a cry for help. Worse, they might decide that you’re a complainer, and ignore you when you really do need help.

Don’t be the employee who cried wolf. Pick and choose your interactions carefully, and if you need to complain, pick someone outside the company as a sounding board. Then, make sure you’re not using company email, computers, or phones as a means of communication. In general, you don’t want to say anything at work that you wouldn’t print out and tape over your desk.

3. When you’re the problem.

Have your last three managers been total idiots? Are your co-workers always lazy, unreasonable, or real party poopers? If you keep running into conflicts, and other factors are changing, the issue might not be them — it might be you.

It’s hard to consider that we’re the cause of our own problems, but the good news is that it’s easier to fix issues that are close to home. Even if it turns out you’re not doing anything wrong, a little self-reflection is always a good idea, before bringing in outside parties.

4. When there’s no pattern of behavior.

We all have bad days. If your otherwise wonderful manager, report, or teammate snaps at you before a deadline, don’t create a mountain out of a molehill.

5. When you haven’t tried to fix the issue yourself.

Unless there’s a serious power differential involved or you otherwise feel unsafe — for example, in cases of sexual harassment – you owe it to yourself and your co-workers to try to solve the problem before escalating it up the chain. Put yourself in others’ shoes: how would you feel if the first time you found out about an issue was from HR? Probably not inclined to work things out in a reasonable manner, that’s for sure.

For most conflicts, going to HR should be a next step, after trying to communicate about the issue on your own.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/Io74pBi

Read More

How a Bootcamp Can Boost Your Career

Do you want a high-paying job with security and potential for growth, as well as a chance to use your creativity and problem-solving skills every day? The tech industry could be a good fit for you. 

Of course, if you’re already entrenched in another, decidedly untechnical career, you might think that you’re out of luck. (Or at least, looking at years of schooling and hefty loans before you can make a change.) 

But this isn’t necessarily the case. In the past few years, coding bootcamps have popped up all over the world. Their promise: to take non-tech types and transform them into tomorrow’s developers and engineers, often in as little as a few months or weeks.

Buyer beware, however: these programs aren’t cheap, and they’re not created equal. While less expensive than most two- and four-year degrees, bootcamp programs will often run you thousands of dollars. Plus, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a job afterward. 

To get the most out of a coding bootcamp, it’s important to know what these programs offer, how to choose a program that’s right for you, and how to maximize your chances of getting hired once you graduate. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Career Benefits of Bootcamps

Before you even consider a bootcamp, the most important information to acquire is a bit of self-knowledge. What, exactly, are you hoping to get out of the program—a better job, an entirely new career, or new opportunities? 

This is all the more important if you’ve never held a technical role before. Many skilled programmers are self-taught; others have degrees in their fields. But what they all have in common is a passion for their job. If you’re not sure whether you’ll love being a developer, engineer, data scientist, etc., it may be better to start off by taking one class to get your feet wet, before jumping into a bigger commitment. 

Remember: finding the right career isn’t just about the occupational outlook and pay. Fit is the most important part. 

If you’ve done your soul-searching and determined that a tech career is right for you, a bootcamp might be the perfect way to break into your chosen field. Depending on your career goals, bootcamps can help you: 

Train for a New Career

This is obviously the major selling point of most bootcamps, and the primary reason why job seekers attend. There are a lot of stories about low-wage hospitality workers who launched a high-paying career after a three-month course. Your mileage may vary, depending on the bootcamp, the coursework, and your own background. 

Does that mean that you can’t make the leap from, say, a former English major or retail worker to a web developer? Not at all. But it does mean paying careful attention to some practical aspects of bootcamps before making your decision. More on that in a moment. 

Evolve Into a New Role

Tech companies don’t run on technical staff alone. If you’re already working at a tech employer, but need some help jumping from administrative or other creative work to a more technical role, a bootcamp—or even just a few classes—might be a way in. 

If this is your situation, your best bet is to use the connections you have right now to determine the most expedient way to get to where you want to go. Some of the most valuable networking you can do is at work. You might be surprised at how willing people are to tell you about their career journey and share tips on how to forge a similar path. 

Expand and Develop Your Network

One benefit of bootcamps is the chance to make a lot of connections in a short period of time. The teachers, previous alumni, and even your fellow students are all potential members of your network. How valuable that network is, depends on how much support the program provides post-graduation (e.g., do they offer job placement assistance and/or an alumni network?) as well as your own initiative. 

What to Look for in a Bootcamp

Job Placement Rates

A reputable program will be willing to share job placement rates with you, as well as specifics on what kinds of jobs graduates tend to land after participating. That last bit is important, because you’re presumably not shelling out $10,000 or more to get a job that pays the same or less than your current gig.

Several bootcamps have joined together to create the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, which verifies graduate outcomes like employment rate, frequent job titles, median annual salary, and pre-bootcamp job title. (Again, this is important if you’re coming in from an unrelated field, because you need to know whether you’ll be able to transition to that high-paying tech job of your dreams.)

Career Services

If you’re going to pay top dollar for a career-changing program, you had better make sure it provides you with an on-ramp to employment post-graduation. Some bootcamps offer alumni networks, mentoring programs, and even job guarantees.

Just be sure to read the fine print. The last feature often comes in the form of partial tuition reimbursement if you don’t get a job in the field. That’s better than being out the full price, of course, but it won’t buy back your time. 

Salary Potential vs. Bootcamp Cost

Finally, before you make your decision, it’s worth looking at those graduation outcome stats one last time to calculate your likely ROI. Will you earn enough to pay off your investment? Be sure the numbers add up before you take the plunge.

Again, the most important factor is you. If you’ll enjoy your new career and continue investing in it, the right bootcamp—one with solid graduation and placement rates—may open all the right doors for you. 

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/sipjgmc

Read More

Employee Perks You May Be Able To Negotiate

When you negotiate a job offer, you’re not just haggling over the number on your paycheck. The benefits and perks that come with your salary can make a big difference in terms of how much money you keep in your bank account each month.

That said, a lot of the big-ticket items that go into making up your compensation are non-negotiable: you’ll likely choose your health insurance plan, for example, from among a few options that are pre-determined by your employer. No amount of haggling will get you a plan that offers lower copays or zero deductibles, because the employer has already made their decision about what to offer employees on that front. The same goes for dental, vision, 401(k) match, etc. For the most part, what you see is what you get.

But that doesn’t mean that every cash-saving, earnings-boosting perk is set in stone. There are several employee perks that might be on the table, and could boost your bottom line.

An Earlier Performance Review

Compared to some of the other perks on this list, an earlier review sounds downright boring. But don’t dismiss it out of hand. If you can negotiate to have your first review in six months instead of a year, for example, you might accelerate your first raise and/or bonus. 

Also, you’ll find out if your assessment of your goals and achievements matches your manager’s. That’s important to know, when you’re deciding whether you want to stay with your new employer for the foreseeable future—or continue evaluating opportunities elsewhere.

Bonuses and Stock Options

When cash budgets are closed, hiring managers sometimes still have a little wiggle room to raise your compensation in other ways. Two possibilities: more stock options or a better bonus.

These are an easier sell than higher salary because neither raises your base pay, which means that your future raises won’t be higher as a result. They’re also slightly risky for you, the prospective employee, because they depend on things outside your control, like the market when your company goes public/sells in the case of stock or the company’s financial success during the year in the case of a bonus.

Still, if you can’t get the hiring manager to boost your salary, one of these options might make you money down the line. It’s worth a try, especially if you don’t trade salary to get them.

Extra Vacation Time

Employees often prefer to spend their money on experiences, rather than things. That’s all well and good, but if you only get a few paid days off per year, you won’t have time to get those experiences.

The best part is, increased vacation time is an easy sell. I can tell you anecdotally that I know several people who’ve negotiated for more time off, especially when they asked for more money first and came up against the upper limit of a hiring manager’s budget.

A Flexible Schedule

Does it feel like every time you leave the house, $20 claws its way out of your wallet and flaps off over the horizon, never to be seen again? Commuting is expensive, and not just because you have to pay for gas or bus fare. All the tiny expenses that you incur when you go from your house to the office—dry cleaning, coffee, lunch—add up over time. 

We’ve all read advice urging would-be savers to cut out the fancy coffee and save hundreds of dollars a year. If you can convince your future boss to let you work at home a day or two a week, you can keep your fancy coffee, make it yourself, and drink it in your pajamas while you work.

Flextime is another perk that’s a low-stress ask, because like added vacation time, it costs the employer nothing to let you have it. However, it saves you money, and might improve your quality of life as well.

Educational Benefits

The big educational benefits are non-negotiable, for the most part—you’re not going to convince most employers to pay for your MBA, unless they already have a tuition reimbursement program. But degrees aren’t the only educational benefits that can help you build your career.

Online learning programs offer a chance to brush up on your technical skills without making time to get to class. Many companies have corporate accounts to programs like these to help their employees stay up-to-date. It’s worth asking if your prospective employer already subscribes – or would consider doing so.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/iH8XOtF

Read More

Top 10 People Skills for Workplace Success

People skills can help you land a new job, get promoted, and even earn more money. Also called soft skills, these abilities help you get along with teammates, innovate and share ideas, and follow through on your commitments. No wonder that 92% of human resources professionals say that people skills are just as important, if not more important, in job candidates than hard skills.  

But unlike technical expertise, people skills can be challenging to teach, learn, and demonstrate to hiring managers. This is in part because these talents are tricky to measure. You can test expertise in coding, bookkeeping, or language translation skills. It’s much more difficult to say whether someone is adept at teamwork, communication, or adaptability. 

To show hiring managers, supervisors, and clients that you have what it takes to succeed, it helps to understand how soft skills work. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Are People Skills? 

People skills are the qualities and talents that enable you to get along with others at work. These soft skills include abilities that help you listen to others, convey your ideas, collaborate with your team, and work productively toward a goal. 

Soft skills complement and enhance the hard skills that form the core of your technical skill set. For example, if you’re a carpenter, your ability to use the tools and equipment of your trade are hard skills, while your knack for listening to client requests and translating them into a final product are soft or people skills. Both are essential to your success on the job. 

Tip: You can learn people skills on the job or by taking online classes through sites like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning. Look for options to audit online courses for free. 

Top 10 People Skills for Workplace Success

These are among the most important non-technical skills. Focus on improving these abilities and demonstrating them at work. 

Adaptability

Change is part of life. Even if you are one of those rare folks who keeps the same job for decades, your work will evolve with industry trends, the economy, and emerging technologies. Being able to roll with the changes makes you a better employee but more importantly, it will help you be happier at work. 

Communication 

According to ZipRecruiter, over 6 million job listings included communication skills as a requirement in May 2022, making these abilities the top soft skill desired by hiring managers. This makes sense: You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you can’t express them to others in a way that they can hear, you won’t be able to achieve your goals.

Customer Service

The second most sought-after skill according to ZipRecruiter is customer service, which appeared in 5.5 million job listings. Even if you don’t work in retail or food service, you may need these skills at work. Human resources professionals, health care workers, and freelancers of every kind have customers of some kind. Learning how to manage these relationships is valuable in a variety of fields. 

Creativity

Even if you’re not an artist by trade, you need creativity to succeed at work. Everyone needs the ability to come up with new solutions to problems. It’s also helpful if you can step outside of the usual way of doing things to look at your work routine from a fresh perspective. 

Emotional Intelligence 

Especially in leadership roles, emotional intelligence is essential. Experts in EQ break it down into four components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Master these factors and you’ll have greater empathy for and connection with your colleagues. 

Initiative 

Employers have many ways of describing workers who take the initiative. In a job listing, they might ask for a “self-starter.” In a performance review, they might praise you for being “proactive.” But it all amounts to the same thing: valuing workers who see what needs to be done and do it without being directed by others. 

Leadership

Managers and leaders are not necessarily the same thing, although the best managers have well-developed leadership skills. Further, not every leader holds a management role. Some inspire, influence, and guide their co-workers without being an official authority. 

Problem Solving 

Over a million job listings referenced problem-solving skills, per ZipRecruiter. This is unsurprising, considering that almost every job presents issues that need to be addressed. 

Prioritization 

Job descriptions frequently reference this skill as “multitasking.” However, research shows that true multitasking doesn’t really exist. Most people can only concentrate on one task at a time. What employers are looking for is time management and prioritization—the ability to attack problems in order of importance and not get distracted by less essential work. 

Teamwork 

Even if you’re a born introvert engaged mostly in solitary work, you’ll need to be able to collaborate with others at some point in your career. True teamwork means being able to listen, take and offer constructive criticism, and work together toward a common goal. 

How To Use People Skills To Earn More Money

When you think about upskilling to build your career, you probably envision yourself working on your technical skillset. But polishing your soft skills can also help you succeed. Having excellent people skills can help you: 

Earn a Promotion

When employers promote from within, they look for workers with soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, as well as top-notch hard skills. Even developing institutional knowledge requires a well-honed soft skill set. You have to be able to understand your company culture, work within the rules, and know when and how to push to get things done. 

Get a Raise

Expert negotiators have this in common: excellent people skills. To get the salary you deserve, you need: 

• Adaptability to understand that negotiating skills can be developed
• Initiative to know that you can’t wait until your employer feels like paying you more
• Emotional intelligence to sense when the time is right to ask for more money

Land a New Job

Scan job listings for keywords related to the soft skills the employer is seeking. Highlight those terms in your resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. When you’re preparing for job interviews, think of stories that demonstrate how you used these skills to achieve previous employers’ goals. Then, be ready to talk about how you can do the same for this employer. 

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/weq6iMT

Read More

4 Steps To Take When Relocating for Work

It’s time for a change. The current job you have isn’t as fulfilling anymore, or maybe you want a change of scenery. There’s plenty of different reasons why people choose to make a career swift. The reason doesn’t matter. You’ve made the decision to find something new, and that was a big step already. Read on to learn the four essential steps to take when relocating for work.

Check With Your New Job

There’s a chance your new job may help you. Some companies offer relocation services for their out-of-state employees. They will cover the cost of some of the moving expenses and give you a suitable timeline to find a permanent resident while making the transition.

There are other companies that may be a little more hesitant to make the offer, but that’s OK. Here’s your chance to brush up on your negotiation skills. They chose to hire you because you’re one of the best candidates they came across. Ask if they’re willing to assist with the relocation, and you might get your desired response.

Most importantly, ensure that you give enough notice to your job so that you can both negotiate and collaborate with them to make the big move as stress-free as possible.

Get Organized

As previously mentioned, relocating for work has a lot of moving parts. You need to organize immediately because if not, starting your new job will feel overwhelming and stressful. Start with making a list of everything you need to have covered, from selling your home to moving out to having your first day of work.

There are essential items for every long-distance move that you’ll need to have handy. Don’t cram everything onto one list. Have multiple lists and check items off as you go. Have a list for moving out, moving in, and starting work. This simple system will make a world of difference when making this major like change.

Tie Up Loose Ends

Saying bye to your current job might mean you need to tie up some loose ends. Even if it wasn’t the greatest job, you want to make sure you leave on a good note. After all, there are things here that you experienced that have helped shape who you are as a professional today.

Take the time to close things out. Don’t try and leave your current job and start your new one three days later. You’ll need a break in between to get all your ducks in a row and to get in the right head space.

Research the New Location

Have a clear view of the new environment you’re walking into. It’s different from your current location, so it’s essential to do some research first. See what the cost of living is like in the best neighborhoods, the worst neighborhoods, and the most common form of transportation.

You’ll want to look for a neighborhood that’s somewhat central to everything because you’re still new. Traveling far for food and other necessities isn’t ideal. Also, ask your new employer if they have any recommendations for you. Other online resources such as moving groups and apartment apps will also be helpful for research.

There are a few more steps you need to consider when relocating for work, but these four need to be at the top of your list.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/ghLwkKN

Read More

Best Apps for Earning Extra Cash

Do you want to earn extra money? Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy way to make a few extra dollars or you’d like to market your skills to boost your income, you can use an app to find gigs and jobs, apply online, and get hired.

Many workers have built entire careers on gigging apps. Others use them as sporadic side hustles. Whatever you’re looking for, most gigging apps feature flexible hours and on-demand work.

Some apps require specific skills sets. For others, you simply need to have the time available to complete the task. With many of them, you can start work right away, and you’ll often be paid as soon as you complete the job.

Shopping and delivery services

One of the easiest ways to make extra money is to provide delivery services via apps. With some apps, like Shipt, the app worker will do the shopping and delivering. For others, like FoodKick, you’ll pick up and deliver orders. Some services will pay right away. For example, Uber drivers can sign up for Instant Pay and get paid up to five times a day. 

• Amazon Flex
• Caviar
• CitizenShipper
• DoorDash
• Deliv
• Doorman
• Drizly
• FoodKick
• FreshDirect
• Grubhub
• Instacart 
• LaserShip
• Minibar
• PostMates
• Rinse
• Roadie
• Saucey
• Shipt
• UberEats
• Waitr (in limited cities)

Ride-share driver gigs

If you own a reliable car and appropriate insurance, ride-share driving is a great way to make extra money in your spare time. Driving jobs have an online application process that includes a background check, so be prepared to wait for approval to get started.

• Lyft
• Hitch
• Uber
• Wingz
• Zimride

Caregiving gigs

If you’re interested in caregiving, for either humans or pets, you can sign up to provide care services when you’re available.

• Au Pair Legend
• Bambino Sitters
• Care.com
• HouseCarers
• Kango
• Pawshake (in limited countries)
• PetBacker
• Rover
• SeekingSitters
• Sitter
• SitterCity
• SittingAround
• UrbanSitter
• Wag!

Building, repairing and moving gigs

If you have a talent for repairing things, assembling furniture, or moving large boxes, you can use an app to find jobs at your convenience. Once you are approved, you’ll be able to select tasks that fit your schedule.

• Bellhop
• Billy
• Dolly
• Handy (also for domestic house workers)
• HomeAdvisor
• Houzz
• Thumbtack
• Unpakt

Quick gigs that pay fast

You probably won’t get rich from using these apps, but you can make money quickly. How much you’ll earn depends on the job, and you’ll be paid quickly after you complete the task.

BlueCrew: BlueCrew provides flexible W-2 employment for hourly workers in a broad range of industries, such as warehousing, logistics, e-commerce, events, delivery, and hospitality.

EasyShift: Sign up to complete simple and fast jobs at local stores, such as taking pictures and checking promotions. You’ll receive payment via PayPal within 48 hours.

Gigwalk: Gigwalk posts jobs that take as little as a few minutes or as long as several hours. Gigs include checking product displays or product availability in retail stores. The app has a GPS feature to find, complete and report on jobs. Payment is remitted via PayPal upon completion of the gig.

TaskRabbit: Taskers do small jobs like cleaning, delivery, shopping, organizing, and running errands. After the job is done, you’ll submit an invoice to get paid via direct deposit. Note: there is a $25 registration fee. 

Wonolo: Wonoloers work on immediate local, hourly or daily jobs. Receive notifications of new jobs, then  click to accept. Payments are processed by Stripe, and typically take three to five days from when the job was approved. 

More gig apps for blue-collar work

Check out our list of the best blue-collar on-demand job apps available.

Top gig apps for professional services

Skilled freelancers can use apps to find jobs and market their professional services. If you’ve got the right skill set, you can take on side gigs or make freelancing your full-time job.

As with most app-based gigs, the work schedule is typically flexible. Some sites, like Upwork, offer general opportunities for gig workers while others, such as Crowdflower, focus on specific niches.

• Angi allows clients to find professionals for any household task, from contracting to electrical engineering to remodeling.
• Appen is a service that provides crowdsourced jobs in artificial intelligence and data management. Their app includes one-off gigs as well as long-term projects.
• editorr is an on-demand service that hires online editors with an academic or professional background in English, journalism, copywriting, creative writing or similar field.
• Fiverr is a platform where freelancers can market their creative services in more than 200 categories. Freelancers post the services they provide and set a price for the gigs, which begin at $5.
• Havenly is an app where professional interior designers can connect with clients online. Designers can be paid on commission, through incentives and per-project. Havenly said its top designers make up to $7,500 per month.
• Jijatjo provides flexible options for hospitality workers, matching you with opportunities that work for your schedule. Jijatjo offers competitive hourly rates, and pay is almost immediate (within a few hours) after you finish a shift.
• Thumbtack, like Angie’s List, offers professionals a way to find jobs doing almost anything. Pros post their business, and customers reach out.
• Tutor.com is an internet-based tutoring service. Professors, teachers, professionals with industry expertise provide online tutoring services.
• Upwork is a platform for a wide array of freelancers to find jobs and projects, connect with clients and get hired quickly.
• VIPKid is an English tutoring platform for experienced teachers only. Teachers earn between $7 and $9 for a 25-minute class.
• Wyzant provides one-on-one tutoring services for school and university students. There are more than 12,000 subject areas and a stringent vetting process for applicants.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

You’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer to get started on your app gig journey. Most apps have both iOS and Android versions. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. 

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/9pkt8lT

Read More

The Best Google Tools for Job Seekers

There is an almost overwhelming number of sites, tools, and apps you can use to job search, but you don’t have to use any of them to get hired.

If you’re interested in a streamlined, back-to-basics job search, almost all you need is Google. Google has free tools and resources to help you with every step of the job search process and beyond.

Google Tools for Job Searching

You’ll be able to use Google to do everything you need to start a job search, write resumes and cover letters, send professional email messages, find job listings, apply for jobs,track your applications, and get ready to interview.

Here’s a recap of the free Google resources you can use to streamline your job search:

• Gmail: Email Account
• Google Drive: Documents and Spreadsheets
• Google Docs: Resumes and Cover Letters/ Information for Completing Job Applications
• Google Sheets: Job Application Tracker
• Google for Jobs: Access to Job Listings
• Google Search: Information About Companies for Interviews 

Gmail

It’s important to have a professional email account to use for job searching. Gmail is one of the best known and easiest to use free email accounts available. You’ll need a Google account (which you’ll also need for some of the other tools). Once you set up your Google account, you can use it to sign into Gmail.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Gmail:

Gmail Help: Tips and Tricks
These tips will help you learn how to read, organize, find, and send email messages. 

How to Use Gmail: Get Started With Your New Gmail Account
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your Gmail account.

Google Drive

You’ll need your Google account to access Google Drive. Google Drive provides access to Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms, and more. You’ll be able to create a resume using Google Docs and store a copy of it and the rest of your job search material on Drive for free. Your documents can be opened from any computer or from your smartphone for easy editing. You get a combined 15 GB of free storage space on Drive and Gmail, and if you need more, you can purchase it.

Here’s how to get started:

• How to Use Google Drive
  Store your files securely and open or edit them from any device using Google Drive.

Google Docs

Resumes and Cover Letters

One of the most important components of a successful job search is your resume. Google Docs can be used to create a resume (and you can use a free template to get started), write a cover letter, and download copies as PDFs or Word documents when you need them to apply for jobs. 

Writing a Resume and Cover Letter

Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Google Docs
This free Coursera project will show you how to create your own resume and cover letter from start to finish. In a video that plays in a split-screen with your work area, you’ll be walked through the process of creating your documents.

Google Docs Resume and Cover Letter Templates
Google Docs offers free resume and cover letter templates that job seekers can use as a starting point to create their own documents.

Google Template Gallery
Browse a selection of Google Docs resumes and business letter templates to use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

Downloading and Emailing Your Resume and Letters

Employers may request a PDF or Microsoft Word version of your resume and cover letter. If they do, here’s how to convert your documents. Also, review tips for sending a Google Doc file when you’re applying for jobs via email.

• How to a Convert a Google Doc to PDF
• Converting Google Docs to Microsoft Word
• How to Email a Google Doc 

Job Applications

Do you want to make applying for jobs a little easier? Create a Google Doc file with all the information you need to fill out an application (work history, education, certifications, etc.). You’ll be able to copy and paste from your document into the job application when you apply online. It will save time when you’re typing and filling in the details of your employment history.

Tracking Your Employment History

Here’s a list of the information you’ll need to have ready when you apply for jobs: 

• Information Needed to Complete a Job Application

Google Sheets

Tracking Job Applications

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet program you can use to track your job applications. You can start from scratch and create your own spreadsheet, or use The Muse’s free application tracker to get a headstart on the process.

• Google Sheets Job Application Tracker
  

Google for Jobs

Find Job Listings

One of the easiest ways to find job listings is to search Google for the type of job you’re interested in. You’ll get a list of available positions in your location at the top of the search results page. If you’re interested in a job in another location, add that to your search query. For example: “customer service representative Huntington NY.”

Here are some simple ways to use Google to find available jobs:

Jobs on Google Search
This site collects job postings from across the web so you can more easily connect to your next job.

Best Job Search Websites
A job website is one of the best and most efficient ways to search for and apply to dozens of opportunities. Here are 10 of them you can use to find job listings fast.

Google Search

Get Ready to Interview

One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to learn as much as possible about a company. Search Google by company name to learn as much as possible about the companies you are interviewing with. In addition to reviewing “All Results,” click the “News” tab at the top of the page to find out the latest information on a prospective employer.

You can also access free online resources to help practice for your upcoming interviews. Here are some resources that will help you prepare to make the best impression:

• Free Interview Practice Tools
• Top 10 Interview Questions and Example Answers
• Tips for Acing a Video Interview

Note: Stressed about interviewing? Check out these tips to quickly improve your interview skills.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/34GYPat

Read More

Top 5 Best Job Search Sites for 2023

Are you ready to start a job search, or are you in the middle of a job hunt and not getting anywhere fast? If you’re searching for jobs online right now, your biggest problem might be where to start. LinkedIn, Indeed, niche job search sites, employer websites – there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of apps and sites and angles to try.

The problem, of course, is that you only have so much time and energy to spend on your job hunt, even if you’re devoting full-time working hours to the search. It’s easy to squander your valuable job search time on the wrong channels – or too many of the right ones.

Tip: You don’t need to use every job search resource that’s available. A back-to-basics streamlined job search can be more effective than spending countless hours trying everything you can to get hired.

To make the best use of your resources, you need to know what each job search tool does best. Then you can focus your efforts on the channels that make the most sense for your specific needs.

Best Sites for Job Searching in 2023

Here are some of the best sites to get your job search on the fast track this year.

Tip: Use CareerOneStop’s one-stop job search resource to search for jobs on NLx, CareerBuilder, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter with a single click.

LinkedIn

Best for: When you have a connection or want to link up with a recruiter.

LinkedIn boasts over 700 million users, but if you’re looking for work, you’re probably more interested in the fact that the professional social network also offers more than 20 million open jobs.

When should you use LinkedIn to find these jobs? When you have a contact who can connect you with someone inside an employer that’s hiring. To find those contacts, click on the Jobs tab at the top of each page, then search for jobs by title, skill, or company, plus location.

Tip: Don’t have an inside track? Click the company name to get to their page, then click People. You may have a connection who can introduce you to someone at the organization.

Indeed

Best for: When you need a job fast.

Indeed not only aggregates job listings from all over the web, including employer sites, but it also allows you to sign up for email job alerts based on your search criteria. You can choose to receive these alerts daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on how actively you’re searching. Employers who need help ASAP are labeled “Urgently hiring.”

Glassdoor

Best for: When you want the inside scoop on company culture and employee benefits.

Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse after taking a job? Maybe the company culture was totally different than advertised, or maybe the health benefits were more expensive and less comprehensive than you were led to believe.

Glassdoor gives you insight into life inside major employers by allowing current and former employees to post reviews.

Tip: You can also search open jobs, set up job alerts, and see sample interview questions submitted by users who interviewed at the organization.

FlexJobs

Best for: When you need remote, freelance, part-time, or otherwise flexible work.

Unlike the other sites on this list, FlexJobs charges a monthly fee. However, if you’re looking for flexible work, including telecommuting-friendly or part-time positions, you may regard it as money well-spent. FlexJobs vets all its listings, so you don’t have to worry about weeding out work-from-home scams while you’re searching.

Google for Jobs

Best for: When you’re tired of seeing the same job listing five times.

If you use Google – and you do – you’ll find Google for Jobs’ interface familiar and easy to use. It’s also easy to access: just start at Google and type in your keywords, e.g., “graphic design jobs” and see open jobs in your area.

Tip: Want to search in other areas? Add a location to your search, e.g., “graphic design jobs in Pittsburgh.” Google for Jobs also saves time by weeding out identical listings.

More Sites to Speed Up Your Job Search

Niche Job Search Sites

Best for: When your industry, job, or circumstances demand a tailored fit.

Depending on what you do for a living, a niche job site might be the best resource for your search. The big sites and search engines often aggregate listings, but they might not have every opportunity from your industry or area of interest.

A few niche job sites worth trying: Idealist.org for non-profit jobs, K12JobSpot for education jobs, Snagajob for hourly jobs, and Stack Overflow for tech jobs.

Tip: Not sure if there’s a niche job site for your search? Ask connections in your field what they use to find work.

Employer Websites

Best for: When you want to go right to the source.

Do you have a dream employer in mind – or maybe a whole list of them? If so, head directly to the careers page of your favorite companies. They’ll have job listings and may also provide links to other resources like mission statements, employee benefits, and work-life balance expectations. Plus, when you submit your application, you’ll know it’s going to the right place.

Tip: To save a step or two, use DEJobs to search for and apply to over 2 million jobs posted by leading employers and use Getwork to find listings directly from company websites.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/EaN0pAP

Read More

7 Things You Can Do Now to Make Money When You’re In Between Jobs

Inevitably, job searching is a difficult time, and you need to be on top of your game to perform well during interviews. Financial strain during your job search only serves to exasperate the stress that can come when you’re looking for a job. Fortunately, you can take your finances into your own hands when you are unemployed or underemployed.

How to Make Money Online or From Home While Job Searching

1. Share Your Thoughts and Earn Cash

Put your opinions to work! Share them in paid surveys from Opinion Outpost. You can earn cash, gift cards, and chances to win $10,000 all by completing surveys on topics relevant to you!

How to Get Started: You can sign up here to start earning cash. Want more options? Check out our guide on how to make money when you’re unemployed.

2. Start Freelancing Today

It’s very possible that you have skills that you can leverage as a freelancer. There is ample opportunity to make money online as a freelancer, and you can find everything from entry-level gigs anyone can do to corporate consulting work.

How to Get Started: It’s free to sign up on and browse jobs on sites like Upwork.com, Peopleperhour.com, or Guru.com. Be sure to fill out your profile, and link to any personal sites you may have (LinkedIn, a portfolio or blog, for example) that are relevant to the gigs you’ll be applying to. When browsing jobs,  think about both your professional and your personal skill set.

For example, maybe you’re an accountant who has a really awesome personal Instagram account—in addition to a freelance accounting gig, you could also apply for social media management positions. Common entry-level and mid-level work from home freelance jobs include:

• Data administration
• Virtual assistant
• Social media manager
• Virtual office manager
• Content writer
• Transcriber
• Project coordinator

3. Learn Graphic Design

Graphic design is another way to make money online fast. While it sounds like a major feat, with the proliferation of free graphic tools like Canva, it’s easier than ever to become a graphic designer, especially if you focus on digital, rather than print design.

How to Get Started: Here’s a list of free graphic design courses. In addition to free design tools like Canva and Vectr, you can also do a free trial on standard industry platforms such as Adobe Photoshop and Sketch. You can find freelance design gigs on sites like Upwork.com, Peopleperhour.com, or Guru.com, or even on Craigslist! In addition, participating in contests on 99 Designs is a great way to get experience while potentially earning cash.

4. Clean Out Your Closet

If you have clothes, shoes or accessories you don’t wear, considering selling them online. You don’t need to own designer duds in order to make money selling your clothes online. With the right approach, you can sell gently-worn, mainstream brands.

How to Get Started: Platforms like Poshmark and Mercari make it super easy and quick to sell your clothes from the comfort of your own home. To sell your items fast, be sure to take quality photos, describe your items thoroughly, and match or beat prices of similar items. Another way to make money from clothes sitting in your closet is through ThredUp. ThredUp will mail you a bag that you’ll fill with clothes and mail back to them.

5. Offer Your Services on Fiverr

On Fiverr, you can find a cornucopia of services for sale, from data entry to translation, genealogy research to greeting card creation, astrology readings to voice-overs. Fiverr is different from other freelance sites in that you list the services you can offer, and buyers come to you with a proposal.

How to Get Started: You can sign up for free on Fiverr.com. When listing your services, it’s important to be aware of the “going rate” for that service and set your prices accordingly. Most gigs are for sale for amounts ranging from $5 to $10.

6. Join Amazon Mechanical Turk

Despite the recent progress in AI technology, there are still many things that humans can do better than computers. Amazon Mechanical Turk allows companies to post “HITs,” or business intelligence tasks, that workers can complete for minimal amounts of cash.

How to Get Started: You can join as a worker here. Note, you’ll need an Amazon account to sign up.

7. Leverage Your Car or Home

The “sharing economy” is only getting stronger. Your car or home could be a great way to bring in some extra income!

How to Get Started: If you have extra space in your home, consider listing it on Airbnb. Airbnb allows you have total control over the rental experience. You can choose the days you’d like to list, how much notice you need, and the minimum and maximum days that a guest can stay.

You can rent out your unused space on Neighbor. It’s free to list your space and you can get started in less than 5 minutes.

If you’re experienced with animals, another way to make use of the space in your home is through pet sitting. On sites like Rover.com,  you can sign up to board pets at your home while their owners are on vacation.

If you like driving, consider signing up as a driver for Uber or Lyft. Alternately, rent your car out for others to use in Turo marketplace.

•  
• 

from Career Tool Belt https://ift.tt/Cpgnrj8

Read More