January 2, 2023January 1, 2023

New Year, New Career Goals

Welcome to 2023! The past few years have happened in a blur, and I’ve heard a lot of hope that 2023 will be the year things finally return to normal. This year, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my personal and professional goals, and I am excited for what is to come!

January is a big month for setting career goals, personal goals, and New Year’s Resolutions. As we move towards new beginnings, people are inspired to set new goals for the year, personally and professionally. Unfortunately, a lot of times, these resolutions don’t last. Take the gym; in the “before times,” January was the busiest month at the gyms. Waiting 20 minutes to get a treadmill, lots of new faces, long lines, and the best of intentions. Come March, the buzz has gone, classes have shrunk, and you can take your time without feeling rushed.

We have some tricks to help you stick to your goals so they don’t get ignored come March. You probably already have a career goal in mind; it could be a completely new role, changing industries, a horizontal move in a company, or maybe a promotion. While you might not know how exactly to get there, you probably have some idea of what you want to do.

Dream Big

For some people, it helps to start with your big-picture goal. Especially now, it can help lift your head above the clouds and look long-term. Picture the job you want to retire from and imagine what that looks like and where you’d like to be. Are you running your own business? A C-Level executive? Maybe you are a technical expert. It could be that your goal is to be in a comfortable position that allows you the flexibility to focus on other life priorities. Whatever that goal is, envision your future self in that role. It’s okay if it seems far away or ambitious and if this goal changes over time.

The big picture method allows you to set long, mid, and short-term goals to help you achieve that ultimate goal. By working backward, you’re able to identify more and more tangible things that you can do to move toward that outcome. The long-term goals you set should look at what you need to accomplish in the next ten years to progress toward the big goal. From there, you can place 2-5-year mid-term goals and dive deeper to set up goals for the next six months to a year. Ask yourself what three to five things you can achieve in the next year to help you accomplish those mid-term goals.

Still Deciding What You Want to Be?

If trying to picture yourself at the end of your career terrifies you, that’s fine too. It’s not uncommon for people to change jobs, industries, or career paths multiple times in their life. Instead, focus on the next two to five years for your career. Are you a recent graduate looking to break into a field? Maybe you feel stuck where you’re at and want to move forward. Imagine what that looks like and set some mid-range goals around those ideas. Then build some more tangible shorter-term goals to help you get there.

Short Term Goals

Your short-term career goals are where you want to focus most of your attention. You can accomplish these things this year to move your career forward. One way to help develop these goals is to use the SMART goal methodology. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. When your goals encompass these components, they become much more actionable. Phrasing your goals in this way gives you a solid plan on how to approach and move forward to accomplish them.

Think of your goals as living documents. Goals are flexible, and you get to make updates as your priorities change. If you want to change directions mid-way through, revisit your career goals to adjust or replace them with your new targets.

Write Your Career Goals Down

Write down your career goals

It’s not enough to develop career goals at a major transition point. After you’ve gone through all the work of coming up with SMART goals, don’t hide them away in the corner of your mind or desk drawer. By writing the goals down, you’re more likely to achieve them. A psychology study by Dr. Gail Matthews out of the Dominican University of California found that students who wrote down their goals and provided weekly status updates to accountability buddies were much more likely to achieve them. While only 43% of the students who wrote down their goals had accomplished or were halfway to meeting them, 76% of the students providing the updates had accomplished or had made significant progress toward completion.

Need Some Help?

If you need some help with making progress toward your career goals, we can help. Sound Interview Professionals can help you polish your resume and develop your brand. We offer custom coaching to help you accelerate your career. To learn more, visit our career services page, or send us a note at info@soundinterview.com.

October 13, 2021

How To Know When to Quit Your Job

Career Change

Chances are you’ve heard of The Great Resignation, and you might be wondering if it’s time to quit your job too. There are many reasons behind the movement, but burnout and suppressed career movement during the pandemic are significant contributors. Right now is a great time to be a job seeker. Companies across the country are offering hiring incentives. Hiring managers have learned that virtual employees can be successful, leading to more of these open positions. Sure, making a move is nerve-wracking, but staying in a job because it’s comfortable or you are afraid of making a change is no good either. We spend too much time at work for it not to be engaging.

You are unhappy at work

The number one sign that it’s time to quit your job is if you are genuinely unhappy at work. First, ask yourself what is it that makes you unhappy. Is it that you don’t like the work you are doing or the organization? Does the company mission, purpose, and values align with your own? If you love the company and people but don’t like your job, consider moving into a different position to try out something new.

Employees are happier when there’s alignment between their core values and the company values and mission. It is easier to work at an organization where you believe in the product and direction of the company. If this is missing for you, it could be time to find a better fit.

You are too comfortable

You might be stagnant if you have been doing the same job for more than two years without any different challenges at work. You’re so familiar with the work statement that you can do it in your sleep. When your job is comfortable, you are probably not furthering your development. If your job isn’t not staying on top of new technology or industry developments, you could get left behind for future career opportunities. If you have asked for stretch assignments that haven’t come through, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to go.

Salary growth isn’t keeping up

Inflation is at a record high for 2021, at 5.4% for September. When you’ve been in a job for a long time without any promotions, your salary probably hasn’t kept up with the market. On the other hand, maybe you aren’t being paid for newly acquired skills or education. Do some salary research for your local market on Glassdoor or PayScale to get a general idea of the range for your position. If you’re otherwise happy in your job, first try to negotiate for a higher salary with your manager. If that doesn’t work, it’s probably time to brushing up on your interview skills.

You have outgrown the company

You know you’ve outgrown the company when you don’t see viable career growth moving forward. Maybe it’s a small business, and there isn’t room for career development. On the other hand, there could also be a bottleneck somewhere in your career path. If you have outgrown your company, have an honest conversation with your leader to explain the situation. Let them know your feelings and that you’re looking for a bigger challenge. You might be surprised with an exciting project that keeps you fulfilled, but if not, at least you know it’s time to move on.

You’re ready for a significant change

You are ready to switch industries or move into a completely new career path. If this is you, congratulations on following your dreams! While it’s not always easy to break into a new area, it can be incredibly satisfying to do something you love. Be sure to update your resume to target the new position and identify interview stories that demonstrate the skills needed in the role.

Regardless of why you are leaving an organization, it’s crucial to remain on good terms with your employer if possible. You never know when circumstances change in the future. So connect with your former colleagues on LinkedIn and meet up for networking. Also, look for business alumni groups, which are an excellent way to stay engaged and leave the door slightly ajar for future opportunities that may better fit.

If you’ve decided that it’s time for a change and you’d like some help, give us a call at (206) 289-0358 or email us at info@soundinterview.com for a free consultation.

Getting a New Job During a Pandemic

February 17, 2021

Congratulations, you’ve decided to start looking for a new job! You might be feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or all three. The good news is that people are actively getting jobs right now, in the middle of the pandemic. With the Federal Unemployment rate at 6.3%, the job market is pretty competitive, so might take a bit longer. As a job seeker, that means you should use all the tools available to give yourself a competitive advantage in this job market. We’ve rounded up some of our best tips to help you take your job search to the next level.

woman on couch wearing a mask in front of a computer looking for a new job

First: Networking

If you only take one thing away from this article, let networking be it. Networking is the MOST POWERFUL tool that you have at your disposal. The best part about networking is that unless the position has already been filled, it’s not too late to use it. When you apply for a job or see a posting that you’re interested in, the first question that you need to ask is if you know anyone at the company. Honestly, LinkedIn is one of the best ways to find this information out, but you can also search other social networking sites or even your email history too.

Right now, job postings are getting a lot of applicants. So many that sometimes recruiters and hiring managers can’t screen everyone manually. The intention behind networking is to have someone inside help your resume get to the top of the pile. If you have an internal employee recommending you for a position, even if they’re not in the same department or have nothing to do with HR, it can help get through the computer filters and get you in front of a real person.

Second: Keywords

woman at a table with a resume on a clipboard writing on a post it note.

So, what if you don’t have any connections at the company? Then you’re going to need to put in some work on that resume. Gone are the days of creating a single one-size-fits-all document that you can blast off at lightning speed for hundreds of jobs. While you might get a few hits playing the numbers game, you’re going to see much stronger returns if you directly reflect the job description keywords in your resume.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should copy the job description word-for-word in your resume. Try to incorporate the technical language and some soft skills as written in the posting. This customization will help you edge up higher in the ranks of applicants.

You may have heard this advice before, but here’s why it is crucial. In a competitive job market or a popular job (looking at you, project manager), there’s can be hundreds of applicants for a hiring manager or recruiter to go through. Applicant tracking systems help by sorting resumes for them and hiring managers start with the ones that the computer has determined to be the most likely best fit. The hiring manager can also filter and sort resumes based on experience, education, location, and other criteria. Still, if you don’t have the right keywords, your resume may never reach a real human.

Third: Online Interviews & Onboarding

A lot of companies have moved the entire hiring process virtually, from interviewing to onboarding. As you’re entering your job search, put some thought into your strategy for virtual interviews. There are many things to consider, and you want to be ready before you get the call from a hiring manager inviting you to interview. Check out our post on virtual interviews for more information and how to get prepared.

Coworker networking zoom meeting. Laptop with multiple faces in a meeting. Flowers and a coffee cup on the table as well.

Congratulations! You got the job. Now, to onboarding. As many positions are currently virtual, your onboarding may look different than what you’ve experienced in the past. Building relationships with a virtual team can take more effort and energy than meeting someone face-to-face. Non-verbal communication makes up a large part of our relationships, and connections are harder to build through emails, so if possible, turn on your camera.

If you can, take advantage of social networking invitations at work where you can get some off work face time with colleagues. One word of caution, being at home can make it feel more comfortable and casual than after-hours meetups but remember you still have to work with these people. As you’re building these relationships, stay professional, and imagine that someone from your HR department is listening in.

Next Steps:

If you’re preparing for a job change, we can help. We provide resume, interview, and career coaching services to clients across the US. Reach out to info@soundinterview.com for a free consultation.

How To: LinkedIn Connection Requests

November 18, 2020

If you’ve been looking for a job, chances are you’ve heard the infamous statistic that something like 70-80% of all jobs are gained through networking. As a job seeker, that can be a scary number, especially for introverts. In a perfect world, you know someone who can connect you to someone at that dream company in what we’d call a “warm handshake.” However, what do you do when you don’t have a connection? That’s where LinkedIn can come in handy. LinkedIn connection requests are one of the best tools to help you network virtually. Here’s how to send connection requests that will be accepted.

LinkedIn Connection requests

Some days I get upwards of 20 LinkedIn connection requests, and I don’t accept all of them. 99% of the time, I will decline these requests if it appears that the person is trying to sell me something (I’m looking at you, Financial Planners). Connection requests are relatively low effort to send to people, and, unlike some, I’m not a fan of collecting connections on LinkedIn. Initially, I took the approach that I’d only connect with people I’d worked with or encountered in my daily life. I’ve backed off that perspective a bit, and I’ve made meaningful connections with people I haven’t met in person. So, when I receive a connection request, here’s what I look for:

Do I know this person? If so, this is an easy yes!
Is there something in common with this person? Maybe we’ve worked together in the past or been affiliated with the same organization.
Is this person in a similar industry/profession as I am? I see this as a potential networking opportunity and sharing best practices.
Can I help this person? The best way I can identify if I can help a connection is if there’s a personal message included in the connection request.

Who to connect with

When you are looking for a new connection on LinkedIn, be intentional about who you are connecting with. Like the list above, you’re more likely to get requests accepted by people you know or when you have something in common, like a group or previous organization. Additionally, look at connecting with hiring managers or recruiters in the organization. While it might be nice to connect with the CEO or other C-suite leaders, unless you’re targeting positions reporting to them directly, they’re less likely to have the time for informational interviews and the time to build a relationship. Regardless of who you choose to send a connection request to, you’re going to have much more success if you personalize it.

Writing a LinkedIn Connection Request

When you’re reaching out to connect with someone on Linkedin, the best approach is to be clear about your motives. A personalized message will go a long way in helping them decide if they want to accept the request, and it’s pretty easy to do. Here are a few templates that you can customize:

Informational interview: Company

Hi “name,” I have been following “Company,” and I’m interested in learning more about “what.” I had a few questions, and I am hoping to connect. Thank you.

Informational interview: Job

Hi “name,” I see you are a “title” at “Company.” I’m currently a “title,” and I’m curious about what you enjoy about your current role. Would you be willing to answer a few questions? Thank you.

Looking for a position: Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Hello “name,” I see that you work at “Company.” I am a “XYZ professional with x years of experience” and would like to discuss potentially working together. I’d love to see if my background would be a fit for “Company.” I look forward to connecting. Thank you.

Connection Accepted, Now What?

Congratulations! The connection request worked. Now what? The worst thing you can do once you’ve made a new contact is not do anything. Within a few days, follow up with a message. Thank them for connecting with you. Networking relationships should be mutually beneficial, so it is an opportunity to offer any services or help you could provide along with your ask. A script could sound like “Hi “Name,” Thanks for connecting! I hope you’re doing well. I was hoping you’d be willing to answer a few questions about “topic,” if so, would you prefer email or phone? Also, please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.” Thanks, “Your Name.”

Once you’ve started the conversation, work to keep that relationship going. Please make an effort to check in via direct message every so often or engaging with the content your new connection is posting. Remember to avoid any political or other controversial topics on LinkedIn, and don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your future boss to read.

If you need some help building your job search strategy, our career coaches can help. Check out our career coaching options or email me directly at amie@soundinterview.com to create a custom plan.

February 4, 2019

Job Search Tips: Networking 101

Searching for a new job can be intimidating, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been in the market. I often hear about how overwhelming it can be, and it is hard to know where to even begin! One approach the job search like any other internet search – type some keywords into Indeed or LinkedIn and see what happens. From there, you can spend hours studying job descriptions until finding the perfect job or applying to everything that maybe, possibly, potentially could fit, and seeing what happens.

While applying online can work, we know networking leads to faster job placement, higher wages, and longer employment duration (Source). So, if networking is so great, why aren’t more people doing it? In a lot of cases, people don’t know how, or where to start. Anxiety and imposter syndrome can also sneak in and make it difficult for people to reach out. Sometimes, clients are afraid to ask for ‘favors’ from others.

Imposter Syndrome

As in, “I’ve been successful in my career, but most of that has been a result of being in the right place at the right time. Someday they’re going to find out I’m not as good as they think I am.” If you’ve ever thought something along these lines, you might be suffering from Imposter Syndrome. It can be tough to recognize the potential that others see in you and own it. The hard part about networking and job seeking, in general, is that if you aren’t confident that you can do the work, employers won’t be convinced either. Don’t let your fear get in the way of a new job. It might seem silly, but power poses and having a mantra to repeat can help build confidence. Check your body language: shoulders back, head up, take a deep breath and go! Remember, you’ve got this. You could be the perfect person to take on that stretch job.

Asking for Help

Repeat after me: “Asking for help is not a weakness.” Asking for help can build a stronger bond with you and another person. When you ask someone for help, that person feels useful, and that you trust them. Asking for help can be a powerful tool to strengthen all kinds of different relationships, so spread the love around. It’s always better to get a warm introduction to a possible employer than reaching out blindly. Here’s the catch. When you ask someone for help, be willing to return the favor. Try not to rely on the same person consistently, our you might burn them out. Also, be sure to thank them for the connection, even if nothing comes of it. A simple handwritten note or even freshly baked cookies can go a long way in building those relationships.

Getting Started

So now that we’ve overcome a couple of common obstacles to networking, where the heck do you start?! There are a few ways you can get started. First, find out who you know. You can use social media or look through your phonebook. One underutilized method of networking is to send out an email to your contacts just letting them know you’re in the job market. Be selective about who you’re sending this to, especially if your employer doesn’t know you’re looking for a new opportunity.

If that’s not quite your style, help recruiters find you on LinkedIn by setting up your job notifications. This tool will help recruiters find you more easily and match you to potential positions that fit within your expectations. You can set preferences about the types of work you’re interested in, company size, industry and more. Don’t forget to double-check that your profile is up to date and reflects your most recent positions.

Creating your Top 10 list

Need more help narrowing it down? When you build a targeted list of companies you want to work at, you can see progress as your search progresses. First, do your research – what is it about the company that makes you want to work there? Awesome culture? Cool products? Stability and benefits? Great! Check out this spreadsheet to start brainstorming (hint: download a copy so you can make edits). If you feel like you’re stuck in your job search, this is a great tool to help you get unstuck.

Each week pick 3-4 companies and do something to build a network there. It could be setting up job notifications on their website, engaging with their social media pages, setting up informational interviews or even contacting a recruiter. Then, write it down and give yourself credit for the work you’ve done. By tracking your progress, you can see what strategies work as your networking progresses.

If you’re overwhelmed with where to start and need some help building a networking strategy or getting your job search kicked off, let us know. We can help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter reviews, and overall job search strategy.

April 24, 2018

How to Negotiate Salary

Here are some of our favorite tips on how to negotiate salary. Negotiations are one of the trickiest parts of the hiring process. Even if the offer you receive is enticing, it’s always a good idea to have these conversations with a new company. In a lot of cases, it is much harder to negotiate salary increases when you are moving around within a company.

Research the company & understand the market

Before you even begin to have salary discussions know what the market pays for that type of position in your area. You’ll want to research the company as well. Organizations fall into three categories when it comes to salaries: market leaders, at market and below market. Google and Amazon tend to pay as market leaders, whereas non-profit organizations tend to pay below market. Glassdoor and PayScale are great resources to start doing some research. If you’re considering a job in a different location, be sure to use a cost of living calculator as well to get an understanding of the local area and ensure you’re able to maintain your current lifestyle.

Know your value and bottom line

If you’ve been in your current job for a long time and have been receiving a standard cost of living raises annually (between 1% and 5%), chances are you might be underpaid. During your salary negotiations, remember to mention additional training, certifications or education that you’ve gained while being employed. Employers often won’t increase your salary when you obtain certificates or complete a degree, but an outside company usually will take it into account.

Be confident & professional

The salary negotiation is not a win-lose proposition. These conversations need to be collaborative. Ultimately, both parties are trying to achieve the same goal; you as an employee. Work together to find a solution but keep emotions and feelings out of the discussions. Always assume positive intentions from the other side, but be assertive enough to know you’re boundaries. Sometimes it’s helpful to practice your negotiation tactics. Sound Interview Professionals can help with salary negotiation tactics during our interview coaching sessions.

Build a case

As you have these discussions, you need to be able to articulate precisely why you deserve more. I’ve seen negotiations go poorly when the applicant hasn’t provided a convincing case. Tell me about the value you add to the company and quantify it. There have been candidates in the past who try to negotiate based on their expenses, and while we can sympathize, I’m not going to give you a higher salary because you have a large student loan payment.

Provide a range (if asked)

More and more places are making it illegal to ask about past earnings during the hiring process. Instead, recruiters are asking about salary expectations. This tends to come early on in the process, sometimes even before the interview. They are trying to make sure that your expectations are within their approved range for the position. If you’re asked what your salary requirements are, it’s best to provide a range. If you’re asked to provide your salary expectations, always give a range. At the bottom of the range should be at least 5-10% more than you’re currently making and add 10-20% to get the top number. For example, if you’re bottom is $100,000, the top should be around $115,000. At the offer stage, you can then negotiate salary within the range that you’ve provided.

Start with the base

It’s in your best interest to negotiate salary before talking about signing bonuses or other allowances. Companies might try to offer a one-time signing bonus to bump up to your salary expectations. The base is significant because it makes everything else more valuable. It’s also the most difficult thing to move on. While signing bonuses are nice, they don’t compound year over year, and they don’t affect your retirement contributions. A higher base will lead to increased total compensation.

Salary Negotiation Comparison

Negotiate other benefits

Sometimes hiring managers aren’t able to move as much as you’d like on the salary due to budget constraints. Be sure to ask for information on healthcare benefits, vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and other benefits before you make a decision. Our clients are often surprised to learn that vacation time is negotiable. Organizations usually have policies that outline a set number of paid vacation days based on service, but if you are mid-career, chances are you can negotiate additional days. Make sure you know about all of the perks that the company offers including modified work schedules, telecommuting, paid parking, on-site gym or childcare, employee discounts, etc. before making your final decision. Take all of those things into consideration when you make your decision.

Be prepared to walk away

This one is hard. Sometimes you aren’t able to agree in the negotiations, and you have to walk away. Before you begin, know what your limits are and stick with them. If both parties can’t agree, then the job is not the best fit. Walking away from a job offer is challenging, and you might feel guilty, but you need to make the best decision for your situation. Stay positive and be sure not to burn any bridges with the company.

May 24, 2019May 15, 2017

Updating Your Resume

updating your resume doesn't have to be painful
If you’re like most people, the thought of updating your resume sounds about as fun as a dental appointment. It’s one of those chores that is easy to put off. You may even wonder, why you should worry about it if you aren’t looking for a job. Just like going to the dentist, updating your resume is much less painful if you are doing it frequently. Each time you make updates, find a quiet space and give yourself an hour or two of uninterrupted time to focus without distractions. Regular updates will make it easier to remember your accomplishments and make the process much less painful. As your career changes, your resume should reflect that. We’ve highlighted some key times when you should be updating your resume below.

Job Changes

This one is easy. Anytime you change jobs, take a moment to make those updates on your resume. Highlight your new responsibilities and reflect on the accomplishments you achieved in your last position. Remember to update the dates on your resume too. If you’re staying at the same company in a new position, it probably makes the most sense to list the total length of time with the business name, and then list the dates for each position below. Keeping copies of your old job descriptions with your resume can help you recall past responsibilities as you make updates.

New Education/Training/Certificates

Did you get a new degree or certification? Make sure to include it on your resume and take credit for it! When working with resume clients, I often see education and training in progress with expected completion dates that have long past. Once you complete the training, I don’t recommend using dates of education on resumes unless there is a particular reason it makes sense. If your license or certification has an expiration, you’ll want to include that instead.

For most professionals, the education section of a resume should go near the bottom. I recommend that after around three years of professional work experience, that the degree should be moved down, and the experience should be a bigger focus.

Performance Reviews

When you work at a company that does performance reviews, they can help you capture your significant accomplishments. Making updates after your performance review is an excellent way to incorporate regular resume updates into your rhythm as well. Your review can help you capture big projects with measurable results as accomplishments bullets. Save these files in the same place as your previous job descriptions to make future resume updates easier.

Before Applying

Anytime you’re considering applying for a new position; you should review your resume and make updates. Even if you just recently made changes, your resume should be customized for each job. Since most companies use applicant tracking system, the words you choose in your resume should reflect the phrase used in the job posting. Without a high keyword match, there is a chance that the hiring manager might never see your resume.

Use caution when you make these updates though because if you just stuff a bunch of keywords into your resume, the systems are pretty good at picking that up too. The goal is to reflect the language in the posting, without it coming across as forced or over the top. For example, your resume uses the phrase “managed multiple projects at once, but the job description talks about multitasking, make a quick edit to reflect that word better.

Twice a Year

If you make it a habit of updating your resume twice a year on a regular schedule, you’ll make the entire process much easier. You never know when your dream job might appear, and you don’t want an old resume to cause you to scramble. If you revisit the file every six months, making the updates and customizing it to a particular job will be much less intimidating. The important thing here is to write it down and do it. Make a commitment to yourself and set a calendar reminder to get started. If it’s been awhile since you’ve made updates and you’d like some help we can help with resume coaching options to fit your needs.

March 13, 2017

How to Succeed in a Work From Home Job

Work from home

For those of us who have spent our careers in an office, a working from home sounds like a dream! No commute, no dress code, no co-workers stealing your lunch from the shared fridge and best of all, a lot fewer interruptions than those open office floor plans. While working from home can be pretty attractive. Glassdoor just released a list of 20 legitimate companies that offer work from home opportunities.

The downsides:

While the grass may seem greener at home for those of us fighting traffic each morning, be aware that there are some disadvantages associated with working from home. There are still distractions, though it shifts from your loud cubicle mate to your unending pile of laundry, dirty dishes or other nagging projects around the house. The other major complaint about those who work from home full-time is that it’s tough to maintain separation between work and personal life. When you go to an office every day, it’s easier to ‘turn work off’ when you walk out the door.

Working from home can be isolating. If you’re an extrovert and thrive on working with other people, work from home job might not be for you. When applying to work from home positions, asking questions about how the team interfaces with each other might be helpful. You’ll want to know how much of your time will be spent communicating with other people versus independent work and make sure that balance fits your personal needs.

Tips for work from home success:

Have a dedicated office space

To help with the separation from work and home, designate a spot just for work. If you have space in your house, appoint an office area. Try only to use that space for work and minimize the distractions in the room. Being able to shut the door is helpful too, especially at the end of the day. When you are done for the day, close the door and walk away from the work. Unless it’s an expectation of the job, don’t monitor emails and calls after hours to help you preserve a work-life balance.

Establish a routine

Set the alarm each morning and create a pre-work routine. Change out of your pajamas at the very least. Having a morning routine will help you transition into a working mindset for the day and build a better separation. The same goes for the end of the day too. After work, take some time for yourself and unwind. Maybe that’s going for a walk with your furry office mate, hitting the gym, throwing on sweats and catching up on a favorite show. Having a transition period after work will signal that the work is over.

Get out of the house

Work from home - get outside From time to time, you will need some human interaction. Getting out of the house will force you to put pants on and give you a change of scenery. When I asked some work from home veterans for their tips, this was a common theme. One friend recommended going to the gym for a workout at lunchtime, while another suggested never eating lunch at home. Another option is to join some extracurricular activity. Maybe you get involved with a sports team, a regular art class, or some recurring community service project. Whatever it is, make an effort to get in-person interaction on a daily basis.

Connect with your team

Make time on a regular basis to connect with your team members. That could be one-on-one meetings or whole group meetings. If your entire team works from home, building that rapport and having the chance to collaborate with each other on current work happening will help you feel much less isolated. If you’re a virtual member of a local team, you might need to over-communicate, so you’re not getting left out or overlooked. Visiting the office on a regular basis helps too if your employer is open to that.

Getting Started

Once you decide you would rather work from home, there are a couple of different approaches you can take. If you’re already employed, talk to your boss and to get an understanding of what your options might be. It’s easier to make these arrangements at a place where you have an established relationship, and they know the quality of work that you produce. Sometimes due to the nature of the business and type of position you have, that’s not always possible. Although it might be a bit more challenging to find a legitimate remote or work from home type of job, they do exist. Before you provide any personal information to companies, be sure to do your research to ensure the business is legitimate. There are a lot of “work from home” opportunities out there that are too good to be true.

February 8, 2017February 8, 2017

Jump Start Your Job Search

Congratulations, you’re ready to start a job search! Change can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Before you start applying for a new position, the first step is to update your resume. Then, it’s time to start checking out the job market to see what’s out there. To help you in your search, we sharing some of our favorite job search resources and how to best leverage them.

One of the best things about using LinkedIn for your job search on LinkedIn is that you can see who in your network at companies where you’d like to work. Personal referrals are still an excellent way to find out about new positions and get positive references for jobs. The other nice thing about LinkedIn is that allows you to signal to recruiters that you’re looking, without making it known on your profile. If you are planning on using LinkedIn as a tool, be sure that your profile is updated before you start reaching out.

It’s considered poor form to send out connections to people you don’t know, without some explanation. If you come across a profile of someone you don’t personally know and want to connect, be sure to personalize the request. Introduce yourself and be clear about your intentions. If they accept the connection, be sure to follow up with a thank you note and be patient while you wait for a response. Be sure to be respectful and proofread your message before sending it off.

Indeed is my favorite site to use for a job search. The site is a basic aggregator, which means that it pulls together job postings from all over the internet. If you are only going to use one website to search for jobs, this is the one I would recommend. Indeed is easy to use and doesn’t require you to sign into an account to see the postings. Of all the sites, this one offers the most inclusive list of positions which ends up saving lots of time.

Another helpful thing about Indeed is that they don’t charge companies to post on the site. If you’re primarily interested in working for smaller companies who don’t have a big corporate recruiting budget, this is one of the places you’re likely to find the jobs.

I have to admit, as a former HR professional, my feelings on Glassdoor are mixed. I think that it’s a useful tool for job seekers, because it includes salary data and a lot of information on companies. There does tend to be a lot of noise in the system. Generally speaking, most people don’t take the time to write reviews unless they’re really happy, or really not happy. I’ve seen some unfair reviews written by individuals who had obvious issues with the company. On the other hand, there is great information about the interview processes for businesses and their interface is pretty easy to use. Overall, I appreciate that it is a comprehensive tool, just be sure not to make your decisions based solely on a few negative reviews.

Your Network

When you’re ready to go public with your job search, one of the most powerful tools you have is your network. Consider who you can reach out to that might be able to help. Your network can be one of the strongest advocates for you. They might know about positions that haven’t hit the job boards quite yet, and they can put you in touch with the primary decision makers at organizations.

Sending emails and making phone calls are both decent ways to stay in touch and reconnect with your network. If you want to make the biggest impression, make time to meet with them face to face. In-person meetings tend to drive stronger connections that will leave longer lasting impressions, so they are always preferred. Finally, after you’ve applied for positions, be sure to brush up on your interview skills and stories too. You never know when a recruiter will call you and ask if you have a moment to chat!

November 28, 2016October 31, 2016

What Takes so Long? Inside the Hiring Process

One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard throughout my career is that the hiring process takes way too long. Applicants don’t get it, and nothing frustrates hiring managers more than this. A lot of times, HR gets the blame for this too. I’ve seen company goals of 60 to 90 calendar days from the time they post the job to the start date. Of course, it’s frustrating. Today I’m shining a little bit of light on the hiring process that tends to look like a black hole for applicants. Keep in mind these are generalizations, and every company has a different process that may go faster or *gasp* slower than the time frames I’ve listed.

Job Posting (1-3 weeks)

Companies want to attract the best possible candidate pool, so job postings are usually put up for two weeks. This way, they can advertise and get a diverse applicant pool. I’ve seen postings just go up for one week, but most of them are around two weeks. If the job is highly specialized, or they are hiring for multiple positions, they might keep it posted for longer.

Some companies will look through the pool as people apply and start reaching out to candidates, but others wait until the posting closes to review any of the candidates. Here’s a tip, if you have a list of dream companies you’d love to work for, go set up profiles on their websites right now. You can set preferences so they’ll email you jobs that you’re interested in and you can apply right away.

Selection and Interviews (1-4 weeks)

Hiring Process - Reviewing Candidates

Applicant tracking systems have helped the hiring process move a bit quicker through automation. These systems scan the resumes and rank them based on keyword matches. Once candidates are ranked, hiring managers or recruiters see the “top” applicants in the pool. The systems are still learning, and in a lot of companies, there’s a distrust of the technology, so they may still review every resume in person. Once the top 5-7 resumes are selected, usually the next step is to schedule interviews. I’ve seen companies that have internal reviews of the candidate selection before the hiring managers move forward with scheduling, which can add a lot of time as well.

After the candidates are selected, then the interviews take place. This whole process takes 1-3 weeks, but it can take longer if there are vacations, holidays or other scheduling challenges. Plus, Some companies have multiple hiring loops or interview sessions. There could be multiple phone screenings, in-person interviews and they might require senior leadership to meet with final candidates. The more senior the position, the longer and more involved the interview process is. This stage is where applicants may be asked to participate in a personality assessment as well. Just a reminder that these evaluations test for consistency in your answers as well as your personality.

Once the interviews are finished, hiring managers select the final candidate. The next step is to get the conditional employment offer out to the applicant

Conditional Employment Offer & Negotiations (1-2 weeks)

The first step in getting an offer out is to determine what salary to offer. Small, nimble companies can move a lot quicker in this step than some larger businesses that have multiple layers of approvals and bureaucracy. At this stage, you should be negotiating salaries, benefits and other conditions of employment. After negotiations are done a conditional offer is initiated, but don’t turn in your two weeks notice quite yet. Most employers have pre-employment paperwork and testing to get through first. Once you agree upon a salary, the offer is considered accepted. As an applicant, you should request all of the details of the offer in writing. The next step in the process is to complete all of the required paperwork and all of the checks.

Background, References, Credit Checks (1-3 weeks)

background-check-1054067_1920

At this point in the hiring process, you’ll get a pile of paper to go through. In HR-speak, this is called your pre-employment paperwork. It typically contains your conditional job offer in writing and a bunch of forms to fill out. There are a lot of different pre-employment checks that a company can have in place depending on the type of positions. This list isn’t intended to be exhaustive, but to give you an idea of what they could include. It’s not common for an employer to use all of these checks, and there are federal and state requirements for companies that collect this information

Employment verification
Education verification
Criminal background
References
Drug Tests

Credit Check
I-9 Paperwork
Polygraph tests
Medical exams
Security clearances

It’s important to note that some background checks take longer than others. If you’ve lived in multiple states, the criminal records can take a while to report back. This is just as frustrating for the employer as it is for you. When clearances start coming through, the hiring managers starts getting antsy too. Typically a drug test only takes a few days, unless there’s a problem with the sample. If there’s a problem, the medical doctor reviewing the test will typically contact you first to let you know the results before calling the employer.

Two Weeks Notice & Start Date (2-3 weeks)

finish-1414156_1920 The end is in sight! It’s risky to quit a job before you have the proper clearances from your pre-employment checks. Even if you’re confident that nothing will come up, there can be mistakes or delays in the process. One of my previous employers had a difficult time verifying my degree because I had placed a privacy hold on my records. I had to physically go to the campus to remove the hold before they’d tell the employer that I had graduated. Making the trip to my old college campus added some time to the process and almost cost me the job. The safest bet is to wait until everything is verified before you turn in your notice at your current company.

Most employees give two weeks notice at their current employer. Giving notice allows your current employer to come up with a plan for the work and a bit of training the person filling in. Some companies may ask you to stay longer if possible while others have policies to pay out the last two weeks and not have you complete the time. Paying an employee out and letting them go is rare. It tends to happen in when an employee is dealing with confidential or proprietary initiatives at the company.

What Can You Do?

As a job seeker, you don’t have a lot of control over the hiring process. The best you can do to stay informed and help move things along. Always ask what the next steps are so you know what to expect. Once you start talking about the offer with the company, ask how long the rest of the process typically takes. Respond quickly to emails, phone calls, and requests for information, so things don’t get stalled. Keep in touch with the company and your references. If your references aren’t returning calls, that can delay the process. Consider checking in with them to let them know to expect a call. Lastly, do your best to stay patient and assume positive intentions. Remember, the company needs you, and they’re doing everything they can to make the process work quickly within their boundaries.