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#Leadership : How to #InspireyourTeam When you’re Feeling Uninspired…You Don’t have to be a Cheerleader to Keep your Team’s Spirits Up. Next Time you Aren’t Feeling Up to Motivating Others, Consider these Options.

June 14, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You’re prepping your team for an upcoming project and you know you need the best ideas on the table. But when you try to get up the motivation to work on the project, you struggle to focus. You just don’t seem to have the same energy for the project as you usually do. How can you get the best ideas and productivity out of your team when you, their leader, are feeling uninspired, and perhaps even unmotivated?

Cheri Torres, business leadership coach and the author of Conversations Worth Having, says good leaders don’t have to be cheerleaders. “Sometimes we feel like we have to be the cheerleader, that our energy is what is contagious. This is a focus that says, ‘It’s all about me’,” says Torres. The pressure that comes from feeling like you need to be the team cheerleader can make it even harder to emerge from your slump.

Next time you find yourself uninspired to inspire, try having these conversations with yourself and your team first:

ASK YOURSELF SOME “DIG DEEP” QUESTIONS

To get inspired, you need to be in a physical, mental, and emotional state that generates inspiration. Begin by checking in with your physical state. Are you eating well? Are you getting enough sleep? “Sometimes the body is what is impacting energy and inspiration,” says Torres.

Next, check in with your mental self. What are you ruminating about? What is your inner dialogue like? Keeping a journal of your thoughts can help you uncover how you are speaking to yourself. If your mind is full of negative self-talk, it’s no doubt you’re feeling uninspired.

Lastly, check in with your emotional state. Is there something that is going on in your personal life that is preventing you from being inspired at work?

HAVE THE VULNERABLE CONVERSATION

Leaders often feel that they need to have all the answers, but it’s important to remind your team that you are human, too. Don’t be afraid to tell your team that you are having a tough time getting inspired at the moment and ask for their help. “The most effective leaders are those that have the courage to be vulnerable,” says Torres. Showing vulnerability helps to facilitate trust and mutual respect, which are a good foundation for collaboration and connection–exactly the traits required for a productive brainstorming session.

AVOID NEGATIVE TALK

“If all the conversations are about problems, trying to fix what’s wrong and focused on negative outcomes, no wonder you’re uninspired,” says Torres. Instead of talking about what you don’t want the outcome to be, focus conversations on what you do want and the positive outcomes you will have. It’s easier to discover the path to achieve those goals if you speak using positive language, rather than giving in to negativity.

ASK YOUR TEAM WHAT THEY NEED

Leaders often misunderstand what their team needs in order to get inspired to action. Ask team members what is currently inspiring them, and what they would need to happen to help inspire them further. Do they need to step away from the desk and have some fun for a few hours to get their creative juices flowing? Or do they need a better understanding of the goals of the project?

MAKE TIME FOR JOY

Schedule something in your calendar that brings you joy and invite your team to do the same. It could be going out for lunch, spending the afternoon playing laser tag, or even simply taking off a little early to enjoy a good book. The point is to do anything that increases your positive emotions and brings you joy. “Positive emotions are correlated with a biochemical soup that increases energy, connection, motivation, and inspiration,” says Torres.

GIVE YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM A PURPOSE

To reignite your inspiration, turn to your “why.” Try to remember why you do what you do in the first place. Review some positive customer testimonials, remember your “why,” and share this with your team.

FastCompany.com | June 14, 2018 | Lisa Evans

Your #Career : #CareerAdvice – Follow Up On Your Job Application With This Easy Template…Here, we’ll Take you Through our Best Application Follow-Up Advice, with Added #CareerExpert Insight & a Template to Use for your Next Follow-Up.

June 14, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

That’s right: Glassdoor has written a guide to knowing when to follow up — and a template you can use, word for word if you’d like, to check in on the status of your job application.

Here, we’ll take you through our best application follow-up advice, with added career-expert insight and a template to use for your next follow-up.

Wait — and wait a little more.

You’ve surely heard that patience is a virtue, and that saying holds true when it comes to following up on a job application. So, if the job posting or the application indicated a timeline for the company’s reply, you should try to respect it and wait to follow up until that time has passed. Another reason to wait? Sharlyn Lauby, founder of HR Bartender, says that waiting can actually warm hiring managers and human resources professionals to you. “I know applicants want to set themselves apart early,” she says. “But take a moment to consider the company’s perspective. If the company promotes a job opening and 50 people apply, and then all 50 people decide they’re going to try to find a way to contact the hiring manager . . . well, now multiply that times 10 job openingsand you’ll see how that just delays the entire hiring process — which, of course, no one wants.”

Figure out who to contact.

When enough time has passed that you can follow up, try to find a direct contact. That may be a specific person in the company’s human resources department, or it could be a hiring manager. It may take some research on your part, but try to find a name and email address.

Send your materials again.

When you send a follow-up email, be sure to include your application materials again for easy reference. (After all, you don’t want to make the human resources professional or hiring manager work to find out why you’re right for the job.) As our guide points out, “they may have a pile of applications they haven’t looked at, and you want to make it as easy as possible for them to review yours.” Let them know your documents are attached.

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Stay patient.

Your follow-up may be perfect, and yet, you still may never hear back from a company. We recommend following up no more than two times to the same contact person or company.

Lauby actually encourages you to consider moving on not after a specific number of follow-ups, but after a certain amount of time. “If an individual applies for a job and hasn’t heard from the company after a week, they need to decide if they want to work for a company that treats applicants that way,” she says. “Same with, ‘If I take the time and effort to follow-up with the company, and don’t hear back, do I really want to work for them?’” And that’s not a silly, emotional reaction. “The way applicants are treated during the hiring process can be an indicator of the way they will be treated as an employee,” Lauby points out.

Here’s what to say.

Now, what should you write, you ask? Well, that’s what this simple email template is for:

Dear [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Contact’s Name],

I recently sent in an application for [job title] at [company]. I’m sure you all are very busy reviewing applicants, but I wanted to touch base to make sure it got to you, and see if you had any updates on your decision timeline. I’m still very excited about the position and would love the chance to talk more with your team about how my background in [the most relevant thing about your past experience] would really allow me to help your company [something you would expect to help achieve in the role].

I’ve attached my application materials to make it easy for you to find—please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your Name]

No excuses now — go ahead and fearlessly follow up on those applications!

GlassDoor.com | June 14, 2018 | Posted by Jillian Kramer

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Your #Career : 5 Things you Should Never Tell your #Boss (and What to Say Instead)…What you Say to your Boss can Impact your #CareerGrowth in the Company, So Choose your Words Wisely.

June 13, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Whether you’re lucky enough to have a great boss or have an uncomfortably rocky relationship with your manager, it pays to put some thought into your interactions. The language you use with your boss could end up dictating whether you get promoted, end up on the chopping block, or fall somewhere in between.

With that in mind, here are five phrases you should make an effort to avoid uttering to your boss–even if they seem appropriate on the spot.

1. “THAT’S NOT IN MY JOB DESCRIPTION”

We all have our share of grunt work to tackle on the job, whether we’re entry-level assistants or senior-level executives. So if you’re asked to do something that’s outside your purview, don’t be so quick to push back. Rather, be a good sport and comply, especially if it’s the first time you’re being put in that position.

Furthermore, if you’re going to push back, do so on the basis of being too busy, as opposed to being too good for the lowly or undesirable task your manager attempts to assign. Saying, “I’m afraid that doing this will cause me to miss my project deadline” sounds a lot better than, “That’s not what you hired me to do.”

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2. “THAT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAID”

In the course of our jobs, we’re often put in situations where there’s some miscommunication. But if that happens, and your boss calls you out for not following instructions, don’t bite back by insisting you’re in the right and he or she is in the wrong. Unless you have documented proof that your boss said what you claim he or she did, keep quiet.

Even if you have that proof–say, your manager sent instructions in writing, and is now backtracking and trying to put the blame on you–be polite about it. Pull up that email and say something like, “I really thought I was following these instructions precisely. Please show me where I went wrong, and let’s see how we can fix things.” It’ll spare your boss the embarrassment of being wrong, thus sparing you some backlash later on.

3. “IT’S NOT MY FAULT”

We all make mistakes at work. So if your boss calls you out on one, own up to it rather than deflect the blame. Even if you aren’t at fault, there’s a politically correct way to make that clear. For example, say your manager asks you to provide an estimate for a project, and you use your colleague’s inaccurate data to arrive at your own set of incorrect numbers. It’s easy enough to claim that you’re not at fault and point a finger at your coworker instead. But rather than go that route, say, “I should’ve done further diligence before relying on Bob’s numbers. I’ll be happy to run those calculations again and get you a more spot-on estimate.” This shows a degree of maturity that your manager will no doubt appreciate.

4. “IT CAN’T BE DONE”

Maybe your boss wants you to turn around a major report in two hours, when you know it would normally take five to get that sort of task done. Tempting as it may be to throw your hands up in the air and state that it can’t be done, find a way to get it done to some degree. You might say, “I can turn around the first half of this report in time, and then prioritize the remainder first thing tomorrow.” It’s not a yes, but it’s also not a no, and that might be just enough to appease your manager.

5. “IT’S NOT FAIR”

Here’s a news flash: Life isn’t fair, and that applies to office life as well. So yes, maybe you’re being asked to work late for the second time this month when your colleague who sits next to you has yet to be asked, but for the love of job security, don’t mouth off to your boss about how unjust that situation is. You never know what weight your other colleagues are pulling, and what they’re sacrificing to get their jobs done. You also may not know what rewards your boss is secretly planning for your solid effort (more money, perhaps), so before you complain about things being unfair, take a step back and try to power through.

Now if it becomes obvious that your boss is blatantly treating you unfairly–say, you’re always working late while every other member of your team clocks out at 5 p.m. consistently–then that gives you a leg to stand on. But think long and hard before moaning about one-off requests. And if you do complain, do so diplomatically. Try, “With all due respect, it seems like I’ve been pulling some long nights at the office lately. Can I help bring some other folks up to speed on these issues to better divvy up the load?”

Saying the wrong thing to your boss can come back to haunt you. Avoid these career-zapping phrases, and you’ll be a happier employee for it in the long run.

FastCompany.com | June 13, 2018 | BY MAURIE BACKMAN—THE MOTLEY FOOL 4 MINUTE READ

#CareerAdvice : #SalaryNegotiations – Negotiating Over Email? Here’s Exactly What to Write to Get Top Dollar…”It’s Best to Keep your #SalaryNegotiation Emails Polite, Professional, and Direct.”

June 13, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

First, congratulations. You’ve received an offer! Now, the more difficult news: the job search process isn’t quite over yet. It’s time to think over the offer, compare it with your other options, and most importantly: negotiate.

If you’ve just received a job offer, especially if it was over email, crafting a quick message is a way to strike while the iron is hot for a salary negotiation. To get the inside scoop on getting top dollar through an email negotiation, we reached out to Lewis C. Lin, CEO of Impact Interview, an executive coaching practice that provides interview coaching for job seekers.

As a general matter, Lin advises “it’s best to keep your salary negotiation emails polite, professional, and direct. You want to demonstrate that you are thoughtful and organized, and you want to respect your supervisor’s time.” He also recommends striking a tone of thankfulness for the opportunity you’ve been given, and avoiding taking a pushy or entitled tone.

“It’s best to keep your salary negotiation emails, polite, professional, and direct,” Lin says.

As to the specifics – here’s exactly how to respond to the offer you’ve received:

Step 1: Thank the employer for the offer

The hiring manager needs to know that you’re genuinely excited and grateful to take this offer. The language most appropriate to use in this part email is phrases about working together. You are excited about working together at this company. You are also looking forward to working together to find a salary and benefits package that is suitable for both of you. You can even restate the offer in the terms they put it, using a sentence like “I am very grateful for your offer of [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][salary], but…”

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Step 2: State your counter-offer

The number you state in the email is the jumping off point for negotiations, and not necessarily the number you expect will ultimately be offered to you. For this part of the email, Lin recommends striking a tone that is “respectful, polite, and professional,” adding that “it’s also important to remember that the majority of employers expect that job applications will negotiate starting salary.” Lin advises using the following phrases to help keep that respectful and professional tone while getting your point across, as well as some to avoid:

Effective Phrases

“Is there any wiggle room?”
“If it’s not too sensitive, do you mind if I ask you what the salary range is for this role?”
“Can we discuss the other components of the compensation plan?”
“How willing are you to…”

Ineffective Phrases

“I will not accept anything less than X”
“I need a higher salary to pay my bills”

Step 3: Back yourself up

The number you ask for doesn’t mean much if you can’t back it up with research and justification. In fact, research is one of the most important things you can do in order to make your salary negotiation a success. Tools like Glassdoor’s Know Your Worth can help you get a sense of what the average salary range is for someone with your experience, in your industry, in your city. Always try to cite your sources, especially if you’re relying on numerical information to backup your ask. “Candidates often forget to explain the reasons why they want or deserve a higher salary,” says Lin. “Researchers have found that negotiators that include a reason why they deserve something are 20+ percent more effective than those who don’t.”

Lin recommends using the following template as a jumping-off point for your salary negotiation email. According to Lin, this template is ideal because it’s brief and to the point, which fits the needs of busy recruiters and hiring managers, along with being polite, clear, and direct.

Dear Hiring Manager,

Thank you for offering me the position. I am excited about the opportunity, and I can’t wait to start.

For starting salary, I am looking for something closer to [insert specific number]. The reason why is [specific reason].

Is there wiggle room?

Remember, this is a jumping off point, and further negotiations may come later. But by putting in the work of research now, and distilling your ask into short, sweet terms, you are well on your way to getting the top dollar salary that you are asking for.

GlassDoor.com | June 12, 2018 | Posted by Lillian Childress

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Your #Career : #JobSearch – Craft a Winning #CoverLetter In 10 Minutes…But with these Key Points—as Well as some Expert Advice—you can Write a Killer Cover Letter as Soon as you Read this Article.

June 13, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Let’s be honest: some of us would rather visit than dentist than write a cover letter. But it doesn’t have to be difficult—and it doesn’t even have to be time-consuming. (We promise!)

Glassdoor has created a guide for creating the perfect cover letter in a matter of minutes—complete with everything from the anatomy of an eye-catching opening to a checklist you can reference when you’re ready to edit your first draft. But with these key points—as well as some expert advice—you can write a killer cover letter as soon as you read this article.

Here’s how to craft a winning cover letter in 10 minutes—or less.

Nail down the key points.

Every cover letter covers the same basic points: each includes your contact information, a greeting, and your past experience. But to make your cover letter stand out, you’ll have to make those same ol’ points sing, Glassdoor’s guide points out. For example, when it comes to your contact information, “don’t make recruiters dig through your cover letter to find” it, the guide advises. Place it on top of your letter, where it’s easy to spot, read, and reference.

As for that greeting? “Forget ‘To Whom It May Concern,’” according to the guide. If you can find a contact person’s name and title, use it. You’d be amazed what a difference it makes.

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Show why you’re right for the role.

Your resume clearly lists all of your qualifications, so your cover letter is the best place to elaborate on what makes you right for the job. “Whenever possible, include concrete metrics that illustrate the results you’ve achieved,” our Glassdoor guide recommends.

You can also show your personality, recommends career coach Hallie Crawford. “Try to grab the hiring manager’s attention in the introductory paragraph regarding why you’re interested in the position and passionate about the work. Tell a personal story that relates to the industry or the organization,” she recommends. Try out quotes or anecdotes too.

Keep it clean.

According to Glassdoor’s guide, “cover letters should be clean and easy to read,” so be sure to “skip the intricate designs and crazy fonts for party invitations,” Glassdoor advises. And, if possible, keep your cover letter to a single page—just like you did with your resume, too.

One way to make your cover letter clean is to use bullet points. “Address specific skills and qualifications needed for the job in a bulleted list that’s easy to read,” Crawford explains.

What’s more, “your cover letter should match the format of your resume,” Crawford says. Think of it this way, Crawford adds: “Both of these documents are your personal branding materials, so they should match with the same header, font, and style to brand you.”

End on a high note.

Lastly, “at the end of your letter, let the hiring manager know why you stand out from your competition for the job,” Crawford advises. “Highlight your unique combination of skills and experience.” One way to do that, Crawford says, is to “review your peers’ LinkedIn profiles to understand what’s typical in your industry and how you’re different from them.”

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Your #Career : #SalaryNegotiations – 5 Ways to Ask for a Raise When Your #CoWorker Makes More Than You…Talking about Money is Hard Enough, but What If your Co-Worker Makes More than You?

June 12, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Talking about money is hard enough. But what if you find out you make more than your co-worker? Or, worse, what if your co-worker makes more than you?

Even if it’s frowned upon, talking about salary is legal and allowed. Sharing your salary information can ensure you and your peers are being compensated fairly.

The younger you are, the more likely you’re to share earnings details. According to a Cashlorette survey, 30 percent of millennials have spoken to co-workers about how much money they make.

Regardless of age, asking for money can be uncomfortable if you don’t know how to go about it the right way. Here’s how to ask for a raise in five steps.

1. Compare Apples to Apples

It’s one thing to find out a manager makes more money than you, but it’s a different situation when it’s a peer with the same title and experience. It’s time you build your case on why you should make more money.

“Do you have similar responsibilities and workloads?” asked Jessica Dalka, creator of Chicago Planner Magazine. “For example, if you’re both account managers, do you have similarly sized clients? If you both have midsized clients and your co-worker has eight but you only have four, perhaps that might be why they make more.”

If your co-worker handles more work, has been there longer or has more years’ experience, you’ll have to build your case with other information.

2. Stay Calm and Collect Data

Don’t barge into your supervisor’s office and demand a raise simply because someone you know earns more than you. Find out if you deserve it by gathering data.

“You should come prepared with salary data by checking Salary.com or Glassdoor,” said Marielle Smith, a vice president at GoodHire, an employment screening company. “You shouldn’t use your co-worker’s bigger salary as a reason why you deserve a raise. This tactic will do little to convince a manager that you offer the same or more value to the company.”

Talk to other people in your industry that aren’t at your company. If you find that you’ve been lowballed compared to your networking peers, don’t fret. It’ll give you a ballpark estimate on how much to ask for when discussing your raise.

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3. Wait for the Right Moment

It’s important to know what your company’s track record is when it comes to raises.

If you’re due for an annual review, you might have a raise coming your way. You’re already going over your performance and job expectations, so if your supervisor believes you’re a valuable asset to the company, a raise could be coming without you asking for it.

For some jobs, though, you do need to ask for a raise. If you aren’t set for an annual review anytime soon, a stand-alone meeting might be necessary. But you should still consider planning to have the salary talk at the right time.

Jesse Harrison, founder and CEO of Employee Justice Legal Team, has experience asking for a raise, even as a lawyer. And the timing was everything.

“I waited until after I had made a big break and won a case and the environment was at low stress levels — I even waited for a sunny day,” Harrison said. “It can be helpful to let the initial anger of earning less than a colleague fade away so you can recognize when the timing is right. A clear head will do wonders for your request.”

4. Prepare Your Case

Before your meeting, use your accomplishments to illustrate your point. Showcase the work you’ve done, the extra responsibilities you’ve taken on, and how the company has benefited from your employment.

If you’re having trouble coming up with valid points, you might need to wait a bit to ask for a raise. This way you can start to document a stellar track record.

5. Be Ready to Negotiate

It’s good to keep in mind a number. This could be a percentage increase, a dollar figure you’d like to hit or a mix of a pay bump and more perks, such as extra vacation days.

You might need to negotiate your salary with your supervisor. If that’s the case, start with a higher number than you initially wanted. Your boss will either approve, and you’ll get more money than you expected, or you’ll haggle until you’re both happy.

What to Do if You Don’t Get a Raise

Even if you’ve prepared for your meeting like it’s the SATs, you’re not guaranteed a raise. This could be for many reasons that you might not have a say over. So it’s important to stay focused on the goal, even if you didn’t meet it this time.

If your supervisor tells you that a raise isn’t in the cards, find out why.

If it’s your performance and workload, you can assure your manager you’re ready for the challenge of meeting new goals. This will give you the opportunity to have something to work toward and help set you up for a raise at another time.

If your boss says you can’t get a raise right now because it’s not in the budget or your position compensation is maxed out, you’re in a different kind of pickle.

At this point, if you’re doing your best work and still unable to get more money for it, you might want to consider looking for a job where you can earn more money.

If you’ve networked with industry peers and checked out salaries for your position, you’ve got a lot more negotiating power when you head into new job interviews. Use your research to your advantage, even if the job you’re in right now isn’t working out.

But don’t give up on your current job just yet. If you like your company and your co-workers, keep trying to get the pay you deserve. Chances are they can eventually find a way to compensate you fairly and still fit it in the budget.

GlassDoor.com | June 12, 2018 | Posted by Dori Zinn, Student Loan Hero

Your #Career : #CareerAdvice #ResumeWriting – 6 Ways to Hack Your #Resume and Get a #BetterJob — Without an Advanced Degree….Before jumping Back into School, Check if There are other Ways to Build your Credentials and Hack your Career — without Getting into Debt. Here are Some Alternatives.

June 11, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

One path to build your desired credentials? Returning to college to earn an additional degree. While an advanced degree can open the door to more career opportunities, it comes at a steep cost. The average Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate, for example, owes $42,000 in combined undergrad and grad school debt. A Master of Arts graduate averages more than $58,000 in student loans.

Before jumping back into school, check if there are other ways to build your credentials and hack your career — without getting into debt. Here are some alternatives to beef up your resume more quickly, easily and cheaply.

1. Think Outside the Degree

If you’re thinking of returning to college to earn an additional degree, determine what you hope to gain from that experience.

Some careers are accessible only by earning certain credentials, as is the case for lawyers and doctors. But if you’re eyeing an MBA to start your own business or a master’s degree in creative writing to write a book, consider how you could accomplish these goals without a degree.

If you’re excited about learning from experts in your field of interest, for instance, finding a mentor could be effective — and much cheaper than the cost of college.

Build connections with such professionals through networking events, mutual contacts or social media. If you establish a good acquaintanceship with them, see if they’re willing to provide guidance or share their expertise.

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2. Earn an Accreditation or Certification

Whether you want to change career paths or take your qualifications to the next level, look into certifications that can help you get there.

“You can take certificate programs, learn, and build your resume for the path you’re pursuing to show you’re on your way,” said Vicki Salemi, a career expert for job search website Monster.

Perhaps you’re considering a second bachelor’s degree in computer science to switch to a programming career. You might be able to make that leap with a smaller investment of time and money through a coding boot camp instead.

Some certifications in certain fields can be completed in hours. Others might require months of study or a big exam to get certified. Explore different programs to see what could be an option for you.

3. Develop New Knowledge and Skills

You don’t have to earn college credits to continue your education and improve your professional skills.

Your education can take many forms, from noncredit community classes to online courses. You can take online courses through companies such as Udemy or General Assembly, for example.

Some online courses offer a certification of completion that can boost your resume.

4. Volunteer to Do the Kind of Work You’re Eyeing

Maybe you aren’t yet qualified for the job you want — at least, not enough to get a paid gig. But if you’re willing to work for free or take on extra tasks at your current job, you could accumulate hands-on experience in a new field or develop a new skill.

For example, you can “volunteer in your community and in your company on projects outside of your department,” Salemi suggested. Or you could do freelance work at a steep discount to build your portfolio.

5. Become Involved in Your Professional Community

Networking is a smart move to build your career, but it also can help enhance your resume. Seek out ways to become involved with professional conferences and groups in your current or desired career field.

In the process, you could gain some accolades to add to your resume or cite in job interviews. Here are some ways to do so, according to Salemi:

Submit your work in professional competitions or apply for awards.
Volunteer to work on the boards of local clubs, chapters or organizations for your profession.
Organize a workshop or make a presentation on a subject at a seminar.
Submit proposals to participate in a panel at a professional conference or convention.
Start blogging and posting on social media about topics related to your career.
Engage other experts online and in person to build credibility in your field.

6. Reframe Your Existing Qualifications and Skills

Sometimes you don’t need more skills or experience; instead, you can demonstrate the connection between the work you’ve done and the job requirements of an employer.

Start with your cover letter and resume. “On [your] resume, even if you don’t have a specific skill set an employer is looking for, highlight experiences and your abilities to show that you’ve done something similar,” Salemi suggested.

If you get an interview, make sure you’re prepared to make your case. “When you speak about your skill set during a job interview, clearly articulate how you would be able to still do the job,” Salemi said.

Before you start planning a return to college, consider if you might already be more qualified than you think. Building the credentials you need and filling any gaps in your qualifications often can happen faster and be done more cheaply than earning an advanced degree.

GlassDoor.com | June 11, 2018 | Posted by Elyssa Kirkham, Student Loan Hero

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Your #Career : #Networking – Do These 5 #EmotionallyIntelligent Things Within 5 Minutes Of Meeting Someone…Being instantly Likable isn’t Rocket Science, But this Checklist takes Practice to Master in the Short Space of a First Impression.

June 11, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

What’s the point of networking if not to get other people to like you? Sure, you need new contacts to see you as interesting, competent, professional, and potentially valuable to them—but if they don’t also find you likable, nobody will feel motivated to reach out later and work with you.

The reason why all comes down to emotional intelligence, the set of skills and qualities that allow people to form deeper, closer relationships with others. Likability is a key ingredient in that, and its career benefits are pretty obvious. For instance, being likable—and liking your coworkers in return—can increase your chances of getting promoted.

But when it comes to first impressions, you don’t always have much time to get people to like you. So here are a few straightforward things that the most emotionally intelligent people do to cement their likability from the get-go:

1. SHOW GENUINE ENTHUSIASM FOR MEETING

Especially in business contexts, some people’s demeanors while making introductions are terse and serious. That might feel formal and “appropriate,” but it’s not always the most emotionally intelligent thing to do. Neither is laying it on thick with a forced grin and over-the-top proclamations about how absolutely wonderful it is to meet.

Just be natural. Pretend you’re meeting a sibling’s new significant other at a social occasion. Give your best, authentic smile. Open up your posture so your legs are at a wide stance but you’re relaxed. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake. It’s that easy.

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2. OFFER A COMPLIMENT

If you notice something about the person you’ve just met that you can compliment them about, do it right away. Maybe there’s a recent accomplishment you’re aware of that you could mention. If not, ask a question or two that can lead to information you can later compliment them on.

So treat the first five minutes after meeting somebody as a silent quiz session: Pretend you’re being tested to see how much you can find out about the new acquaintance—that when five minutes are up, you’ll have to write an essay about everything you’ve just learned, and the more information you include, the higher your score.

3. ASK AT LEAST TWO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

Conversations often die quickly or turn into monologues when they aren’t propelled forward by good questions. When someone starts talking about something they enjoy, use that as an opening to ask more: “How did you get into that?” “What do you like most about it?” Since it’s something they’re clearly dying to talk about it, don’t just ask yes/no or simple factual questions that might cut off their chance to really dig into it.

Aim for at least two open-ended questions within the first few minutes of striking up a chat with somebody you’ve just met. That should be enough to get a good, in-depth conversation going. On a subconscious level, you’ll quickly become somebody they remember liking and will want to be around.

4. FIND SOMETHING YOU SHARE

Have you ever spoken with someone and found them distracted, glancing around the room or maybe maybe fiddling with their phone while you were speaking? If you did, there’s a slim chance you came away really liking them afterward. In order to make someone feel like they’re getting your full attention, you obviously need to focus on them exclusively. But you also have to find an interest or belief you both share.

The most emotionally intelligent people know that it’s easiest to connect with people they’ve found something in common with. These commonalities might not always be obvious, though; you have to look for them. For example, there’s a really experienced runner who works out at my gym, and we often have a chance to chat. Since I personally have zero interest in running, there wouldn’t seem to be common ground for a meaningful conversation beyond, “Good to see you again, how’s your week going?” But since most people like food, I once asked him what he eats before a major long-distance run. It gave us something in common to talk about.

These conversational openings are really simple but not always obvious right away just after meeting someone. Pay attention to what makes somebody light up, become more animated, and sit up straight. These little cues are easy to catch early on in your conversation, and they can make for great opportunities to quickly find commonalities, passions, and ideas to talk about in those crucial few minutes while we’re forming first impressions.

5. SAY THEIR NAME BEFORE YOU LEAVE, AND COMMIT KEY FACTS TO MEMORY

Everybody loves the sound of their own name. Say it when you first meet someone; then sprinkle it throughout the conversation whenever you get the chance. At a minimum, make sure to say their name when you’re about to leave: “Really great meeting you, Shareen.” “Thanks for chatting, Kyle, let’s be in touch.”

Finally, emotionally intelligent people reinforce the likability they’ve banked during first impressions by remembering a few key details later on. The names of a new acquaintance’s partner, kids, even the pets they have or that vacation recommendation they shared—that’s all useful information to refer back to the next time you see them. It’ll help you stand out in their memory, and make them look forward to connecting with you again—because for some reason or other, they find that they just like you.

FastCompany.com | July 18, 2017

#Leadership : 7 Small Gestures #Managers Can Make That Will Go a Long Way…If you Really Want to Be a Great #Boss , Here are a Few Effortless Moves that can Really Pay Off.

June 9, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Being a manager means taking on a world of responsibility and juggling people, projects, and deadlines.But if you really want to be a great boss, here are a few effortless moves that can really pay off.

1. Say thank you

Most workers are used to being thanked for going above and beyond on the job, whether it’s staying late to finish a project or jumping in to tackle an emergency that pops up over the weekend. But sometimes, it helps to acknowledge the effort your workers put in on a daily basis, even when all they really are doing is tackling their basic responsibilities. Saying thank you here and there sends the message that you value your workers and appreciate their contributions — even those who are fairly run-of-the-mill.

2. Be flexible

As a boss, it’s natural to want to maintain a certain workflow and uphold a certain schedule. But a little flexibility with your workers is a great way to attain their respect and gratitude. The next time an employee asks to leave early for an appointment or to work remotely for a day to oversee a home repair, say yes, and do so graciously. This shows people that you trust them and respect the fact that they have lives outside the office.

3. Ask employees about their lives

Speaking of lives outside the office, it’s always nice occasionally to ask your workers about the things that are important to them in their personal lives. If you know an employee’s son has been applying to colleges, ask how the process is going. If you have a worker whose daughter broke her leg at soccer practice, follow up on her recovery. These simple inquiries won’t take up more than 30 seconds of your time, but they’ll show your team members that you’re thinking of them.

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4. Offer feedback in person, not over email

As a manager, it’s your job to provide constructive criticism so that your employees can learn from their mistakes and boost their performance. But if you’re going to take the time to offer that feedback, do so face to face rather than over email. Though email might be quicker, it doesn’t convey tone, and therefore, your words might seem harsher on screen than in person. You’re better off taking 15 minutes out of your day, having a brief sit-down, and talking things out.

5. Splurge for refreshments

Meetings are a part of life in most office environments. An easy way to sweeten the deal is to provide refreshments on occasion, whether it’s a jug of coffee or a box of fresh cookies from the downstairs bakery. You don’t need to get fancy, spend a fortune, or do it all the time — but sporadic treats give workers a little something to look forward to.

6. Acknowledge work anniversaries

In today’s job-hopping age, it’s not unusual for workers to jump ship frequently. So if you have employees who have been with the company for a notable amount of time, it never hurts to send a group email acknowledging those milestones. Those whose anniversaries are recognized will feel important and appreciated, which will help motivate them to stay on board.

7. Have an open-door policy

Most bosses are busy people. But if you make it clear that you’re willing to carve out time for your employees, they’re going to appreciate the gesture. Encouraging your workers to come to you with issues or suggestions will not only make them feel more at ease, but help you earn their trust. And that’s certainly a winning formula.

Sometimes, all it takes is a low-key gesture to boost employee morale. Incorporate these suggestions and your workers no doubt will come to reciprocate in other ways.

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GlassDoor.com | June 6, 2018 | Posted by Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool

Your #Career : #SalaryNegotiations – If You Can’t Get The Salary You Want, Here Is What Else To Negotiate For..If you Can’t Get the Money you Desire, Here are Some Things That you Could Negotiate for Which would Compensate for the Lower Salary.

June 8, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

You have been interviewing for months, endured the inquisition of 10 interviewers and risked losing your job by sneaking out of the office numerous times, but you have finally received the offer. While you are excited to have been offered the job you had your heart set on, the salary—unfortunately—was less than you had hoped for.

This happens all the time. It is easy to get discouraged or insulted and walk away from the offer in a fit of righteous indignation. Before you do that, take a deep breath and keep on reading.

When people think of negotiating compensation, they primarily focus on the salary component. In a perfect world, if you are deemed an appropriate fit, the company should pay you what you are worth. The reality is that we are far from a perfect world. The prevailing argument is, “What difference does an extra $5,000 mean to the company?” While I am not an apologist for big corporations, the question ignores the concept that large, global corporations employ hundreds of thousands of people. That $5,000 (also, consider while you may be asking for $5,000, others see $20,000 or more as a reasonable ask) multiplied by the total number of employees starts to add up to some hefty expenses.

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Additionally, the less the company pays you, the more money the CEO and executives have to put into their own pockets. After all, have some sympathy; these fat-cat executives have bills to pay too! Do you think it’s easy to maintain five homes in beautiful places, yachts, private jets, private schools for their kids and fancy vacations to exotic locations?

It is a challenging situation when you want the job, but the company won’t budge on the salary. Your ego tells you to decline the offer because the money isn’t where you thought it should be, but your heart wants to say “yes”. If you can’t get the money you desire, here are some things that you could negotiate for which would compensate for the lower salary.

While most companies have set standards for the amount of time allocated to vacation, personal and sick days, there is room to negotiate a little extra time off. Those extra days are worth money, as you receive the same salary for fewer days at the office. Also, it is good for your mental and emotional health to have some more days off to recharge.
Ask the human resource department if there is some flexibility in the working hours. It may be worth a lower salary if you are able to drop your children off at school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. In fact, that type of flexibility is priceless. This holds true for other circumstances that would make your life easier—to not have to schlep into the office for the usual, mandatory nine-to-five workday.
In addition to the extra time off, you could request an option to work from home one or two days out of the week. The chance to avoid the annoying commute and its accompanying wear and tear on your body and soul is worth a fair amount of money.
Some firms offer the benefit of contributing toward higher education in your field or student-loan repayment assistance. Check to see if the company has any of these programs.
If you are moving to accept this position, find out about the company’s relocation program. Large corporations usually have set plans whereby they help cover the costs of selling your home and purchasing a new house, movers and ancillary expenses. Additionally, they usually offer similar assistance for renters.
Certain industries—particularly tech and small growing companies—offer stock or option plans. Find out if you could participate. Getting stock or options in a fast-growing company could be incredibly lucrative. Imagine the incredible wealth that was generated for early employees of Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft or Netflix by sacrificing some salary for stock.
Usually companies have an annual review. Part of this performance review would include a yearly increase in salary. Request a mid-year review, in addition to the annual review. If you exceed expectations, they may be inclined to enhance your salary without having to wait an entire year.
Review the company’s benefit plan, which may include a 401K plan, pension, health, dental, gym membership, life insurance, vision, commuting vouchers, severance package if you are discharged and other coverage. Check to see what your co-pay will be. If the benefits are strong, it could be worth thousands of dollars to you.
A higher-level title is worth a lot of money in the future. Some firms are rigid with their titles and others are fairly loose. If you are able to obtain a Vice President (VP) title—as opposed to an Assistant Vice President (AVP) designation, it is worth money for when you are looking for the next job. It also makes you look better to your co-workers and gives you some extra bragging points to your family and friends.
If you are leaving any money behind, ask for an upfront bonus to cover any bonuses, unvested stock or retirement plans that you are walking away from.
Having the privacy and sanctity of your own office, instead of residing in a cubicle farm, is worth a few thousand dollars a year.

So, before you walk away from the offer, make sure that you have fully investigated and negotiated for all these and any other available remunerations, benefits and perks in lieu of the salary increase.

Forbes.com | June 8, 2018 | Jack Kelly , CONTRIBUTOR