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#YourCareer : AI Is Taking Your Job. Here’s What To Do About It. So What’s the Solution? Lead the Charge Yourself. GReat REad!

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According to McKinsey, 15% of the global workforce, or 400 million workers, might lose their job to AI by 2030. Google’s research is more positive, finding that 31% of jobs would be insulated from AI and 61% radically transformed by it.

Employers disagree. Every week there are AI conferences, meetups and webinars designed to help entrepreneurs leverage AI in their company. Founders want to make more impact, more money, with less hassle. And hassle means people.

The writing is on the wall. Employers are excited about AI. They are excited about growing their revenue without increasing headcount, which is now very possible with clever use of technology. Headcount used to be a measure of success for a company owner. A badge of honor. Now, the entrepreneur heroes are those that make more revenue per person than all the others. Growing your company by adding people isn’t aspirational.

In 2020, Covid-19 disrupted the world in a short space of time. The AI revolution is multiples more transformative, but employees are still asleep. If your employer is looking to replace you, become irreplaceable. Here’s how.

Employee-led initiatives for AI adoption: what is happening?

Artificial intelligence is not a new concept by any means, but generative AI leapt to popularity with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. This friendly chat interface sparked the imagination of business owners and their teams. They were apprehensive, some terrified of being fooled (by AI-generated content) and replaced, but since then many have become resourceful and applied the technology in various ways.

Employees have been the driving force behind the transformation of some companies. Here are two examples:

One US-based investment company acquires software companies before rapidly growing them to generate inflated returns for its backers. The M&A team was booked in back-to-back meetings with potential acquisitions. Enter AI. One entrepreneurial team member analyzed the company’s most successful investments to uncover the defining factors of the companies and owners. He created a survey to screen companies and founders against those factors, then used AI to analyze the results of submissions.

The result? Fewer meetings booked, fewer M&A team members needed. Higher quality of meetings with higher chance of investment success. More impact, less time, fewer people. Now, they run ads to the survey itself, to expand their company with this effective method. The employee leading the campaign is a company hero.

Examples like this are becoming more common. One UK-based software company generates website traffic with search engine optimization tactics. Its owner hired a content writer to create articles to rank, with a specific output goal based on articles per week. But this content writer was resourceful beyond her job description. She tested the theory that by learning effective prompting, using Claude, she could multiply her article production by a factor of ten, without compromising quality.

The result? More output, less need to hire more writers. Company grows by search engine traffic alone. This employee made herself irreplaceable. This person is a founder’s dream.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

How to lead an AI revolution within your company

If you’re employed in a company, the choice is yours. Wait for AI to take your job, wait for AI to “enhance” your job, or do something about it now. This isn’t about robots; this is about human potential. AI is a tool. See what you’re capable of and see what success you can create from your contracted hours. I promise you, it’s more than you think.

Here’s the PLEASE framework that I created to help structure how you transform your role and company with AI. It stands for: perspective, learn, experiment, ask, share and finally explore. Let’s get ambitious.

Perspective

Start by truly understanding what your company is there to do. On a fundamental level, what problem is it solving, and for which specific group of people? Write out your company’s mission statement at its most basic level in the format “We help [specific person] do [desirable outcome you create].”

Your job is to apply artificial intelligence to make that happen on a bigger scale. Not restricted by current limits. More profitably, more efficiently, in a more powerful way, with you leading the charge. Don’t take your eyes off the reason this matters. AI is your ticket to making more impact, not something to be afraid of.

Learn

The next step is to learn. Learn what’s out there. Learn how to prompt. Understand what AI can and can’t do, and grasp the benefits and limitations of relevant tools. Don’t confuse AI for automation, don’t think you need a complicated solution where a simple spreadsheet would suffice. Learning about AI is free. Newsletters, resources and courses all exist to help you out.

When you’re clued up, write down every process your role involves, from start to finish. Think about the optimal way each task could be done, and label it accordingly. Don’t delegate your superpowers. Your goal here is to identify quick wins for AI-ification, not outsource your genius and then coast.

Experiment

The next step is to conduct experiments, using this list, about which tasks could be eliminated, automated or AI-ified. Identify the bottleneck. Imagine your company had ten times the demand, which steps would soon break? Within the experiment phase, you apply AI to specific tasks and processes to free them from human constraints, including yourself.

This sounds complicated and costly, but it’s actually not. There’s more than one LLM. Most AI tools have free trials. You can book a consultation with an AI or automation expert on Fiverr, for a low relative cost. Track your time when using the tools, assess what they save, scrutinize the output and start to draw conclusions. This is your playground.

Ask

Depending on the structure of your organization, the “ask” can come at a different stage. Are you trusted enough to run experiments, or will your employer want a say from the start?

If you need permission to get started, present your case after doing your research. If you already ran the experiments, ask if you can implement them. If you already tested out the tools, ask if you can continue beyond the trial. Ideally, figure everything out for yourself before you have to get someone else involved. Ask for forgiveness, not permission. Move quickly and of your own accord, before the out-of-touch board gets a chance to slow you down.

Don’t let this stage cost your progress. You have the company’s best interests in mind, you know the priorities and your KPIs. You are simply doing your research on how AI can ensure you hit them. Your duty of care is solid. Self-learning, experimentation, ideation and commonsensical conclusions will help you present your case.

Share

When you have got perspective, learned about AI, experimented with solutions and got the required permission, present your findings and get everyone excited. Explain what you have found, share the details of what specific tools or interventions could achieve, and make recommendations for who does what going forward. Prepare well so you can deliver with confidence.

Focus on output, expansion, and impact, because that’s what your employer really cares about. The more you can be commercially aware and specific about the next steps, the more you will be credited for transforming your organization from the inside-out. Don’t underestimate the importance of this step. Aim to get buy-in from your seniors and colleagues. Aim to get momentum, then decide a future checkpoint for measuring progress. Own every part of this maneuver.

Explore

In the dream scenario, your research pays off and your experiments were worthwhile. You get team-wide buy in and everyone knows what they are here to do. You’ll have demonstrated your resourcefulness, proven yourself one of the most valuable team members, and opened up options for where you go from here.

Not only will you be getting stuck into a new challenge, you’ll be earning the company more revenue or saving costs, and have set a new standard for output that you meet with ease. The power is yours, and here’s where you explore your options.

Could you negotiate a promotion, shares, or a new area of responsibility? Could you take your learnings further than your department, your office or your country, to create bigger change within your industry? Enter the C-suite? Or could your E stand for Exit? Exit the company, become an entrepreneur? Achieve the grandiose outcome of your company with a team of just you.

The best employees are starting AI revolutions: yours begins today

Don’t get replaced by AI. Make yourself irreplaceable with this exact plan. Get inspired by what team members are doing inside their companies, then follow the PLEASE framework to deliver your mission. Understand what your employer is trying to achieve, learn the basics, and experiment with options. When you absolutely need to, ask for support, then share your findings and get your whole team onboard before exploring the options you’ll have opened up.

Most people are sleeping on the AI revolution and they’re going to have a shock. Don’t let that be you. Making yourself the most valuable person in your company starts today, and if you’ve reached the end of this article you know what to do. For no regrets, take action now.

Taking control of your role

The almost two-thirds of British jobs that could be “enhanced” with AI, from Google’s research, is a stat that hides the real truth. It’s not going to happen on its own. Your job will only be enhanced by AI if you make it so. Otherwise, it’s going to be replaced. The people within your organization who are leading the charge on AI processes will make sure of that.

So what’s the solution? Lead the charge yourself. If business owners are looking to make more money and impact with the same number or even fewer people, help them to do it. Entrepreneurs are crying out for employee-led initiatives; someone within their team being resourceful, forward-thinking, and making a plan for how the company can leverage AI. It’s those team members that will be the safest of all.

Forbes.com | August 6, 2024 | Jodie Cook

#YourCareer : 5 Free Online Courses To Learn High-Income Skills In 2024. Can’t Expect Consistently High Pay without Effort & Upskilling. Great REad!

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Having high-income skills results in…well of course, high income. But to have a consistently lucrative career, it’s important to concentrate on continuously adding to those skills. You can’t expect consistently high pay without consistent effort and upskilling.

This is because, high-income skills, are by nature, highly volatile, and not only do they change frequently, but their demands can change pretty quickly too. They evolve rapidly and require you to always be on your toes and be “in the know” with latest developments so that you don’t fall behind.

Whether you’re seeking to upskill, reskill, or anything in between, here are five courses—free of cost to you—that you should check out so you can boost your earning potential at work and in business:

1. Content Marketing Certification, By HubSpot Academy

HubSpot Academy provides several free sales and marketing courses and certifications to help you improve your digital marketing skills and online presence, and boost your income. While there are tons of options to choose from, one course that stands out is HubSpot’s content marketing certification.

And, like the name implies, not only will you build new high-income skills within the lucrative digital marketing industry, but you will also get a free certificate that you can proudly show off to employers and prospective clients on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate, By Meta

Meta offers a number of social media marketing courses delving into a range of specific topics, but this introductory course made available on Coursera is a great start if you are preparing for your first job (or freelance venture) as a social media marketing manager. This also comes with a free professional certificate.

3. Dropshipping 101: Build Your First Online Store, By Shopify Academy

If you’re feeling at all hesitant about entering the fascinating multi-billion-dollar world of ecommerce, ecommerce platform Shopify has created this course with all the basics and fundamentals you need to build and launch your store, using dropshipping. This allows you to build passive income and can be a very profitable side hustle, with minimal costs involved.

4. Introduction To HTML And CSS, By Udacity

This foundational course is a great choice if you want to test the waters and see if working in tech is right for you. The course comes with no prerequisites—no experience required—so literally anyone can join, and of course, it’s free. The course has four core lessons and you can enroll at any time.

5. Adobe Illustrator Basics for Beginners, By Skillshare

If you have purchased Adobe Illustrator and consider yourself to be a budding graphic designer but don’t know where to start, Skillshare’s platform has an entire host of courses and learning paths to help you learn Adobe Illustrator skills. This particular course teaches Illustrator fundamentals, however it is worth bearing in mind that your access is only free for one month, after which you will be charged if you decide not to cancel your free trial.

There is such a vast range of free options available for professionals desiring of improving their skills, that no one has any reason to be left behind in their career. If you have a device and a good internet connection, you have all you need to launch a successful career and develop high-income skills.

Forbes.com | June 6, 2024 | Rachel Wells

#YourCareer : How To Know It’s Time To Start Looking For A New Job. Question: Do You Know When? ….. Must REad for All!

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In the grand tapestry of your career, not every thread will be vibrant, and not every role will feel like it was tailor-made for you. Put another way: some jobs are bad. Sometimes, the signs it’s time to move on are as glaring as a neon “EXIT” sign; other times, they’re subtle nudges towards the door.

So, if you’re confused, here are some unmistakable signs that it’s time to embark on a job hunt.

You’re Learning Nothing

A role that doesn’t challenge you is a dead end. It’s time to find a path that leads upwards. While financial stability is crucial, a fulfilling career is about more than just a paycheck. If the only thing keeping you at your job is the salary—not what you’re learning—it’s a sign that you’re potentially sacrificing your happiness and satisfaction for monetary comfort. And listen, I understand a lot of people don’t have a choice about this. But if you’re in a position where you do, then I recommend tidying up your resume.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

You Hate Your Company

This is obvious, but also, people miss it all the time. If your core values clash with the company’s culture or direction, you might be in an uncomfortable and unsustainable position. Work should not require compromising your principles (but no judgement if it does…I know we all need jobs). Still, a job that aligns with your values will not only be more fulfilling but also enable you to contribute more authentically. When the mere mention of work triggers an involuntary eye roll, listen to your gut. These reactions are your body’s way of saying, “We can do better” or “I literally hate everything about this.”

All You Do Is Complain

Look, I love complaining, don’t get me wrong. And it’s normal to have occasional grievances about work—if people didn’t complain about work, I have whole friendships that would dissipate into silence. But if you find yourself constantly venting about your job to anyone who will listen, it’s a sign of deeper dissatisfaction. When the cons consistently outweigh the pros, it’s time to seek a role that brings more positive narratives to your life.

You Feel Invisible

Emo 90s music, but make it…your job. If your contributions are consistently overlooked or your ideas are met with silence, it’s not just frustrating—it’s demoralizing. Everyone deserves to be in an environment where their voice is heard and valued. If you’re not seen, you might want to reconsider.

No Promotion In Sight

Stagnation can be subtle. If you’ve been in the same position for years with no real change in responsibilities or title, despite your efforts to advance, it’s a red flag. If you can’t envision a future at your company or in your current role, it’s an indicator that it’s time to move on.

Forbes.com | May 16, 2024 | Virginia Hogan

#JobSearch : Former Netflix International Executive Recruiter Shares How To Get Hired. Great Ideas to Explore for your Career.

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Talent acquisition is not just about finding someone to fill a position; it’s about identifying individuals who possess the unique blend of skills, experience and cultural fit to drive success at the highest levels, according to Marta Munk de Alba, who finds reward in shaping the future of businesses.

Most recently, Munk de Alba served as the director of talent acquisition across the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions at Netflix, where she made significant contributions during her tenure. In this role, she led and continuously defined the talent acquisition strategy at scale. Her career trajectory reflects her wide-ranging expertise in recruitment, human behavior and global mobility.

In a Q&A with me, Munk de Alba discusses what makes an effective internal executive recruiter, the talent acquisition challenges she faced at Netflix and gives us insight into the infamous culture, characterized by a “sports team” mentality and radical candor. Lastly, with her extensive experience as a hiring leader, she offers career advice to job seekers, including interviewing do’s and don’ts and why it’s important to leave room for serendipitous opportunities.

Recruiting

Jack Kelly: What are some of your secrets to success recruiting top executives for Netflix?

Marta Munk de Alba: As a recruiter at Netflix, I found two aspects crucial: deep knowledge of the business and a thorough understanding of the culture. Establishing trust with executive talent hinges on demonstrating a strong understanding of Netflix’s operations and presenting an honest depiction of the culture.

Building relationships is paramount too. I prioritized connecting with internal stakeholders to gain business acumen and an understanding of the business goals and staying informed about industry leaders for potential talent outreach.

Transparency and honesty are foundational principles in my recruitment approach. Maintaining clear communication internally and externally fosters trust and credibility, which were essential not only in my role as a recruiter but also as a leader at Netflix.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Kelly: What challenges did you face in scaling the EMEA teams? What are recruiting hurdles you encountered when it was a smaller company versus obstacles when it became this streaming giant?

Munk de Alba: Scaling the teams within EMEA posed numerous challenges. Initially, finding and attracting the right talent was tough because we were still establishing our brand and reputation. We put in extra effort to attract top talent accustomed to thriving in renowned companies in the region. Since it was our first time hiring outside of the U.S., we had to navigate labor laws, visa requirements and cultural nuances to ensure compliance and respect for local practices while meeting our staffing needs. At that time, nearly all our hires relocated to Amsterdam. Moreover, it was crucial to set clear expectations about the Netflix culture, which was entirely new to the region and sometimes seemed too disruptive or intimidating.

As we expanded, recruiting hurdles evolved but didn’t necessarily become easier. We grappled with managing the overwhelming volume of applications flooding in. With our growing visibility and reputation as a sought-after employer, we were bombarded with résumés, making it challenging to efficiently identify the best fits. Additionally, as teams in the region grew, more specialized and intricate roles emerged, making it increasingly difficult to find equivalents within EMEA.

Culture

Kelly: How is it to work at a company that acknowledges that ‘we’re not a family,’ but rather a ‘sports team’?

Munk de Alba: For me, working in a company that adopts a ‘sports team’ mentality or the ‘jazz band’ analogy is energizing and motivating, as it represents a dynamic and goal-oriented environment. I also think it’s a more honest and authentic analogy for a working environment than a ‘family.’ Families are normally unconditional. Family members don’t fire each other. A company is different.

The competitive spirit doesn’t necessarily overshadow other important aspects, such as teamwork, collaboration and shared goals. Success is earned through hard work and contributions rather than simply based on seniority.

Teamwork is at the core of everything. There is close collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve common objectives. There is a strong sense of personal responsibility to deliver results, which are generally thanks to a collective effort Vs individual.

Like in any team or music band, there is an aim for continuous improvement. Feedback is frequent and constructive, allowing to make rapid adjustments and continually enhance the groups’ skills. Healthy competition drives to innovate and excel, and fosters a sense of camaraderie—different to a friendship or a family relationship.

Above all, there’s a shared understanding of goals and how each individual contributes to achieving them. This clarity helps align efforts and fosters a sense of unity and purpose.

Kelly: Can you describe what it’s like to work at a company that subscribes to ‘radical candor’? Is this a positive or negative for most people?

Munk de Alba: Working at a company that embraces radical candor is stepping into an environment where honesty is not only valued but celebrated and expected. It’s an atmosphere where feedback flows freely, both upward and downward, without fear of repercussion.

On the positive side, radical candor fosters a culture of openness and trust. You know where you stand at all times because people aren’t tiptoeing around issues or sugar-coating feedback. This transparency can lead to faster growth and development as individuals and as a team because you’re constantly receiving actionable insights on how to improve.

However, it can also be challenging for some people, especially those who are not accustomed to such directness or come from cultures where radical candor is not a positive thing. It requires a certain level of emotional maturity to receive constructive criticism without taking it personally. Some might find it uncomfortable or even confrontational initially.

Overall, whether it’s positive or negative largely depends on the individual’s personality and how they perceive feedback. For those like me who value and appreciate straightforward communication, working in a culture of radical candor can be incredibly rewarding. But for others, it might feel intimidating.

I personally think it’s very positive as long as it’s done in an empathetic way with good intent in mind always.

Career Advice

Kelly: What’s some of your best advice to job seekers—such as the do’s and don’ts of interviewing?

Munk de Alba: Research the company thoroughly before the interview. Understand their values and mission. Demonstrate how your values align with those of the company. Also, get acquainted with the business model, strategy, goals and latest news, if any. Demonstrate, whenever possible, that you’re up-to-date with industry trends, technologies and best practices.

Try to have concise and clear answers. Showcase your accomplishments and skills with specific examples from your past experiences, but also be prepared to speak honestly about failures and improvement areas. Be prepared for behavioral questions. Expect questions about how you’ve handled specific challenges or situations in the past. Show curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions about the company, the team and the role during the interview. If you are skeptical about anything, bring it up in the interview too. This also helps you gauge whether the company is the right fit for you.

Show enthusiasm. Even if you’re interviewing for a role that may seem less challenging than previous positions, maintain a high level of enthusiasm and interest.

Pay attention to your demeanor during the interview. Ensure your behavior reflects professionalism and respect.

Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers. Focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and what you learned from them. Don’t dominate the conversation. It’s meant to be that—a conversation. Remember to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. Avoid vague or generic answers. Be specific and provide concrete examples whenever possible.

Don’t oversell yourself. While it’s important to highlight your skills and experiences, avoid exaggerating or embellishing your achievements. Be honest and authentic. Confidence tempered with humility is the way to go. Don’t assume you know everything. Be open to new ideas and perspectives. Avoid coming across as rigid or unwilling to consider alternative approaches.

Kelly: Why is it important for people to be strategic in each career move?

Munk de Alba: Amidst all this talk about strategic decision-making, I’ve come to realize there’s also something to be said about leaving a little room for fate. It’s allowing for spontaneity in life. Sometimes, no matter how meticulously we plan, there are moments when unexpected opportunities come knocking, or doors we never knew existed swing wide open. Leaving space for fate doesn’t mean abandoning all strategy; rather, it’s about being open to serendipity and embracing the unknown.

I’ve found that some of the most remarkable experiences and opportunities have come my way when I least expected them, simply because I was open to the possibility of something beyond my plans. So, while strategic thinking is important to align our actions to our long-term goals, sometimes the best paths reveal themselves when we least expect it.

Being strategic can also allow us to anticipate and adapt to changes in the job market, like having a plan B or being clear about the tradeoffs we are willing to make.

That said, I think that understanding what it means to be strategic often comes with experience. Consciously incorporating strategic thinking into early career decisions can be challenging. Moreover, the concept of strategic decision-making can vary from person to person, depending on individual goals, values, and circumstances. What may be strategic for one individual might not be the same for another. Therefore, it’s important for individuals to define what strategic means to them personally and align their decisions accordingly.

Kelly: What advice would you give to young people starting out in their careers?

Munk de Alba: Navigating the beginning of your career journey is full of excitement and uncertainty. It’s a sentiment I often share with my niece (22) and nephew (24) as they set out on their professional paths.

Starting out professionally can be both exciting and daunting because often you don’t really know what you want and where. The advice I give them and I would give anyone to help them navigate this journey is first and foremost, trust your instincts and follow your passions. Your initial steps may seem monumental, but they’re just the beginning. Your career path is as unique as you are, and it’s okay to explore and evolve along the way. Life gives us all many opportunities to shift and change our minds. Not everything you decide when you are a fresh graduate or you are early on in your career will define everything that happens after.

That said, there are some practical things that people starting their careers can do. Set some goals, even if just aspirational, big or small. This is just to give yourself direction. Take some time to understand what you want to achieve in your career. These goals will serve as guiding lights, helping you navigate through the twists and turns of your journey.

Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Seek out opportunities to gain new skills. I am a strong believer in learning by doing. Something that initially might not seem like the perfect option, could be something that teaches you useful skills or something for which you develop a passion. Be willing to explore new ideas and opportunities.

Stay curious and open-minded. Stay informed about industry trends and developments in your industry or area of interest.

Networking is key in today’s professional world. Build connections. Connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals who can offer guidance, support and opportunities. Learn through others too.

Actively seek feedback from people around you. That can be supervisors, peers and mentors, but also family, friends or acquaintances. Ask yourself: who do you admire? Then, go and try to have a conversation with them.

Be proactive. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Take initiative, volunteer for projects and seek out challenges that will help you grow professionally. Spend time looking for that right opportunity, even if unpaid.

Soft skills are important—communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving. These are often just as important as technical expertise in the workplace, sometimes even more.

Embrace challenges and failure as a natural part of the learning process. Each setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt and come back stronger. Resilience is a valuable skill in any career. I generally think we learn more from overcoming challenges and navigating failure than from successes. And, normally, we all recover from failures.

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks in your career. Sometimes deviating from your initial plan or stepping out of your comfort zone is necessary for growth and advancement.

The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com | April 19, 2024 | Jack Kelly

#YourCareer : 3 Tips To Ask For A Raise In An Uncertain Economy. In a Down Economy, Timing is Everything! How Did you Ask?

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In today’s economy, the prospect of asking for a raise can be more intimidating than usual, yet with more mass layoffs and rising inflation, even more necessary. With so much uncertainty, many employees find themselves wondering if it’s the right time to approach their managers about the salary increase that they desperately need to weather the difficult financial times.

To understand the gravity of the issue, let’s look at some recent data: Roughly 28% of Americans have been laid off in the past two years, and U.S. incomes have decreased for the third year in a row. When 48% of Americans have anxiety about even keeping their job, asking for a raise can seem unthinkable.

However, with the right approach, it’s still possible to advocate for fair compensation. Here are some tips to do it right and secure that pay increase you deserve.

1. Research And Reflect

Before you even think about scheduling a meeting with your supervisor, do your homework. Utilize salary comparison websites, professional networks and industry reports to gather data on industry standards and salary benchmarks for your role.

Next, reflect on your performance. Highlight your responsibilities, achievements, and any additional skills or certifications you’ve acquired since your last salary negotiation. By keeping printouts of positive client feedback, and noting where you’ve exceeded expectations in your job, you’re in a good spot! Be prepared to demonstrate your value to the company, especially in terms of contributing to stability during difficult times. Your research and reflection will not only help you determine a fair raise request, but it will also boost your confidence during the conversation.

 

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Article continued …

2. Know That Timing Is Everything

In a down economy, timing becomes a much more critical factor in requesting a raise. Consider the financial health of your company and industry: if your organization is facing financial difficulties or laying off employees, it may not be the best time to ask for a raise; however, if your company is relatively stable or has recently reported positive financial results, your manager may be more receptive to the idea.

Nonetheless, there is always room to compensate someone more if they’re overdelivering in their results, and indispensable to the team.

Be sure to choose an appropriate moment within your company’s annual review cycle or budget planning period. Strategic timing can increase the likelihood of a positive response.

To make the conversation more casual and well-received, you might frame the meeting as a time to outline your financial goals and ask how you and your manager can work together to put you on track to meet these objectives, instead as the end all be all negotiation table.

3. Emphasize Your Value And Loyalty

In a downturn, employers often prioritize adaptable and resourceful employees who can help the organization weather the storm. When you approach your manager for a raise, emphasize your ability to adapt to changing circumstances, your willingness to take on additional responsibilities, and your contributions to cost-saving measures or revenue generation.

Showcase specific examples of how your skills and effort have made a difference in the company’s performance. By positioning yourself as an indispensable asset and a loyal employee, you not only justify your request for a raise but also demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s success.

While asking for a raise in a down economy may seem like a daunting task, it’s not an impossible one. Remember that open and respectful communication with your employer is key to achieving your financial goals, even during challenging economic times.

Approach the conversation with confidence and a clear understanding of your worth, and you may find that your employer is more willing to reward your contributions than you anticipated. In the end, it’s not just about asking for a raise; it’s about asking for fair compensation and recognizing your own value in the workplace.

Forbes.com |  November 7, 2023 | Ashley Stahl

#BestofFSCBlog : LinkedIn Profile Do’s And Don’ts. First Impressions Matter a Lot, Especially on LinkedIn. A MUst REad!

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First impressions matter a lot, especially on LinkedIn. So, whether you are looking for a new job or want to create a more influential personal brand, there are some guidelines you need to follow. Step one of career management is to have an outstanding LinkedIn profile. As a career counselor, I see many common mistakes you must avoid. These are outlined below with some recommendations on what you should do to present yourself in the best possible light.

The Do’s

Have a complete profile. This is a critical step. Too many profiles need to be updated. Ensure the info is current, and all the required sections are completed. Don’t leave sections blank.

Work history needs specific details. This section should summarize your experience and be loaded with the results and accomplishments you’ve had in that role. Note your key strengths and relevant work tasks. If you only list your job title, employer name, and dates without additional details, you’ll miss an SEO opportunity and the chance to attract a recruiter’s or potential client’s interest.

 

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Article continued …

Customize your headline. The headline section is the most searched part of LinkedIn. And by default, LinkedIn will create one, simply listing your current job title. You will appear in more LinkedIn searches by using strategic keywords in your headline, listing the appropriate job titles considering your current and future roles. You could also include your industry, such as fintech or healthcare.

Tell your story in the “About” section. Personalize this section so that it shows your personality and is authentic and genuine. It is written in the first person. Share some reasons why you like your work and what you feel you are good at and mention a couple of work tasks you enjoy. If you are a manager, describe your style and note how important the team is. Avoid resume speak, so don’t just pull off your resume or a bio about yourself.

Use a great photo. A smiling, engaging, current headshot is what you want to use. It doesn’t need to be a professional picture; the camera on your smartphone allows you to get a perfect photo. Be sure you have a plain background, good light that shows your whole face with no dark sides or shadows. A solid-colored top works best. And most important, smile!

Point out your top skills. LinkedIn added a new feature called “Top Skills,” which sits right under your “About” section in the profile. You can highlight your top five skills. These impactful, searchable keywords improve your chances of capturing attention and enhancing your profile.

Have recommendations. Everyone looks at these when they check out your profile. These references are powerful and influential. They attest to how good you are at that job and that colleague’s impression of working with you. More is better when it comes to having recommendations on your profile. If yours aren’t current, ask some people to write one.

 

The Don’ts

Do not just describe what your company does. Your profile is about you, not your employer, even if you are the CEO. Emphasize what you have done. Note the results and outcomes you have made in your job roles. Create a personalized “about” section that talks about you and may include what you do for the employer, but this needs to be focused on who you are.

Do not list just job titles, employers and dates of employment. It’s a big mistake when there are not enough work experience details. Give a full description and point out a few key accomplishments, responsibilities, and results you have achieved in that job.

Do not include every job you have ever held. Since careers typically are progressive, it’s unnecessary to detail or even list what you did 20 years ago, as that role has little impact on where you are now and your next career position, so keep the profile to the last 10-15 years. If you are over 50, going back too far puts an emphasis on your age, which is not what you want here.

Never post anything negative. Too many people have sunk their ship complaining about a former employer or boss and posting these thoughts on LinkedIn. Prospective employers read your posts; a negative comment will make them think less of you. Many recruiters say negative comments make them move on to another candidate.

Do not be inactive on LinkedIn. You need to interact and respond to comments. The more you post on LinkedIn, the better you will do with the algorithm that controls the website. Remember that posting is not the same as commenting or liking something. Posting is creating original content, asking a question of your network, taking a poll, or sharing an article that you think is of value to other connections.

Do not have only a few connections. The number of connections makes a difference in your visibility on this platform. People who have connections under 75 are at an extreme disadvantage. Your goal should be to have at least 200-300 connections for a solid network. Add friends, bosses, coworkers, and recruiters.

 

Forbes.com | August 8, 2023 | Robin Ryan

 

#YourCareer : 7 Soft Skills You Should Master To Advance Your Career. Out of 7, How Many Do you Have? Great REad!

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While technology continues to revolutionize the workforce, business remains a human endeavor that relies on strong relationships to achieve success. This means that mastering soft skills is crucial for anyone who wants to excel in their career.

Soft skills are behavioral and interpersonal attributes, like being a collaborative member of a team. Dictionary.com defines soft skills as “personal attributes that allow individuals to communicate effectively and get along with others.” Since people are what make business happen, building and using soft skills is the key to achieving goals. They’re also essential for bolstering your personal brand and for getting noticed, acknowledged, and promoted.

 

Hard skills are technical skills that are learned through formal education and on-the-job experience. When it comes to looking for a job, hard skills such as data analysis or language proficiency are the minimum qualifications that get you considered. However, soft skills are often what will tip the scales in your favor over other equally technically qualified candidates.

Unfortunately, the term “soft skills” often makes them seem less important than the so-called hard skills (which is also a poor descriptor for the technical skills required to do a specific job). But soft skills are becoming even more critical as technology enters the workforce. You might be great at crunching numbers or coding like a pro, but if you can’t work well with others, you won’t get very far.

 

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Article continued …

Soft Skills Are Hard Won

Developing your soft skills isn’t always easy. It takes deliberate effort and practice to master these essential work skills. But it’s worth the effort because they can’t be replicated by robots. While ChatGPT and AI bots can ace the bar exam and accurately complete most tax forms, they can’t offer something that humans can – our humanity, our ability to build relationships, think creatively, innovate, influence, and inspire.

As you progress in your career, soft skills become even more crucial. Mastering them early on can help you prepare for the transition from being an individual contributor to a management role, while expanding them can enhance your leadership abilities and inspire your team.

 

According to a Harvard Business Review article “Why Do So Many Managers Forget They’re Human Beings?” by global leadership expert Rasmus Hougaard, about 70% of leaders rate themselves as inspiring and motivating. However, employees perceive their leaders quite differently. McKinsey’s 2022 Great Attrition research found that uncaring and uninspiring leaders were one of the top three reasons why employees chose to quit their jobs, says Emily Field, co-author of The Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already a boss, you need to have killer soft skills to get ahead. With hybrid and remote work becoming more common, there are some specific skills you must master.

 

The 7 Most Important Soft Skills

1) Self-Awareness: This is the most important soft skill because it’s foundational for many of the soft skills essential for career success. Knowing your values, purpose, strengths, challenges, and blind spots helps you interact with others more authentically.

2) Feedback: Both giving and receiving feedback are essential for keeping relationships on solid ground and for making meaningful performance improvements.

3) Emotional Intelligence: The ability to manage your emotions and the emotions of those around you is essential for nurturing relationships. EQ trumps IQ in the workplace.

4) Listening: Arguably the most challenging of all communication skills, listening is essential for understanding others and showing them that you value what they have to say. Listening in the virtual world, where visual cues can be hidden, takes even more effort and practice.

5) Inclusive Leadership: With less in-person connection, people are feeling untethered. Leaders must make their people feel included and a sense of belonging to the organization. This requires getting to know people on a deep, emotional level.

6) Coaching. Adopting a coaching mindset helps you engage with your employees and colleagues in productive and non-confrontational ways. Coaching is a high EQ way of enabling your people to be their best, without being directive, demanding or demeaning.

7) Virtual Presence. While mastering the technical aspects of Zoom is not a soft skill, showing up as confident and leading captivating hybrid meetings when you have fewer visual clues and are competing with a suboptimal meeting environment (such as a 13” computer screen) is a soft skill that is particularly relevant now. With loneliness increasing and connectedness waning, being adept and facilitating meetings from a people perspective pays dividends beyond the action items that are doled out.”

Soft Skills Are Social Skills

To give soft skills the import they deserve, let’s all agree to start calling them the more accurate and descriptive term: social skills. With strong social skills, you can thrive in any work environment, expand your personal brand and advance your career to new heights.

 

Forbes.com Author:   William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and co-creator of the Personal Brand Power Audit – a complimentary quiz that helps you measure the strength of personal brand.  Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

Forbes.com | May 2, 2023

#YourCareer : You Are Not Your Job. The Recent Wave of Layoffs is a Wake-Up Call that You are Not your Job. GReat REad for All!

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The recent wave of layoffs is a wake-up call for you to realize that you are not your job. Your identity is not the company you work for—no matter how cool and prestigious it is. You are also not your net worth, the neighborhood you live in or the Lamborghini you drive.

Upon meeting someone, the first question you typically ask is, “What do you do?” The answer is intuitively interpreted as a request to provide your job title, the company you work for and what you do at the office or virtually at home. It’s not, “I’m a husband, father of two kids and the pet dad of two adopted cats and dogs.”

The reason for this knee-jerk response is that, in American culture, identity is inextricably tied to your job and career. It becomes a defining character, identity and personality. You’re known as the lawyer, investment banker, accountant, doctor or startup founder. These identifiers indicate your social status and allude to how much money you make.

 

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Article continued …

The Wake-Up Call

When you’re wrapped up in your job and company, getting let go is devastating. The loss of income is difficult, and you worry about making ends meet. While money is essential, the existential dread and thoughts over who you are now are emotionally and mentally painful. It took the downsizing to realize just how much you are your job.

Those who’ve devoted everything to their careers have now woken up to the fact that they’ve fallen out of touch with family and friends. Since you were so busy cultivating your professional life, you put your family, friends, hobbies and social events on the back burner. On top of the stress of looking for a new job, you feel isolated and adrift, not sure who you are anymore.

In what is being deemed a white-collar recession, nearly 160,000 and 56,570 jobs were lost in 2022 and 2023 respectively in the tech sector alone, according to Layoffs.fyi. Several other industries, including Wall Street and the media, are also undergoing downsizing.

If you spend time on LinkedIn, you’ll see a constant flow of posts from people formerly working at big companies, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Stripe and Meta, announcing that they’ve lost their jobs. Most people offer a stiff upper lip, speak fondly of their work experiences, appreciate the time spent at the organization and love the folks they’ve worked with. On TikTok, you’ll see younger workers revealing their raw emotions, many crying and expressing heartfelt messages about being downsized.

What To Do Next

The dot-com boom and bust in the late 1990s, downsizings during the financial crisis in 2008 to 2010, job losses in the pandemic’s early months and the current tidal wave of layoffs clearly show that there are no guarantees of job security.

Think deeply about what you truly want to do and achieve in your career. Try to avoid following the herd and the well-trodden path you instinctively believe you’re supposed to be on because of the expectations of your family, friends and society.

Ask yourself what you are passionate about and good at that can offer a compensation that you’re comfortable with. Seek out opportunities that provide meaning, fulfillment and purpose. Don’t make a decision based primarily upon the marquee name brand of the corporation that will impress your old college buddies, but could make you miserable. If you find something that makes you happy and affords a better quality of life and work balance, go for it. It’s okay not to be a startup founder of a multibillion-dollar unicorn company.

Find friends outside of your office and profession. Get involved with activities that have nothing to do with your job. Cultivate new hobbies and passion projects that make you more multidimensional, not just a work drone. Use your paid time off to take vacations to decompress, explore the world and open yourself up to new vistas. These and other nonwork events and activities will make you more well-rounded, and your identity will culminate in more than your corporate job title.

The big takeaway lesson from the wave of layoffs is that you can lose your job at any time. Given the precarious nature of work, make sure you don’t sacrifice your time, energy and life—your whole self—for a company that will just fire you via email to cut costs and make shareholders more money on the stock holdings.

 

Forbes.com | January 24, 2023 | Jack Kelly 

#YourCareer : White-Collar Job Cuts Call For Workers To Make Themselves Indispensable.. What You Need To Do To Keep Your Job Great REad!

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In the new austerity era, white-collar workers will bear the brunt of layoffs. Historically, heading into challenging economic times, blue-collar or frontline workers would be the first impacted by layoffs. In this current wave of downsizings, tech layoffs quickly rolled over to media, mortgage, finance and other sectors.

After years of halcyon times, it’s time for office workers to be circumspect and hold onto their jobs. The days of quiet quitting, acting your wage and joining the Great Resignation are over. Now, you need to make yourself indispensable.

You must go above and beyond what was in your initial job description. Remote work provides a healthy balance of life and work, but go into the office five days a week. Put in the hours, but also keep an eye open for new opportunities—just in case you’re targeted for the next round of downsizing. Integrate yourself with your boss, so you know what you need to do to exceed expectations and hold onto your job—or possibly get a promotion—while others who are not “playing the game” are unceremoniously shown the door.

The Job Cuts Keep Coming

The plan, as it relates to job cuts, seems to be working for the Federal Reserve Bank. More than 150,000 tech workers were let go in 2022, and the new year ushered in thousands of more layoffs in January, as companies held off downsizing until after the holidays. Amazon says it’s letting go of more than 18,000 workers, up from the 10,000, which was estimated in November. Video platform Vimeo cut 11% of its workforce in pursuit of “ongoing cost discipline.” Salesforce is shrinking its 80,000-person staff by 10%. The software company added 30,000 jobs over the course of the pandemic, which CEO Marc Benioff now admits was “too many people.” Goldman Sachs is set to lay off around 3,200 employees. Coinbase plans to lay off 950 staff members, or around another 20% of its team.

What You Need To Do To Keep Your Job

Now is the time to take assertive control over your career by making yourself indispensable. Start by scheduling a conversation with your manager and human resources. Tell the parties that you love the company, your job, your boss and your co-workers and want to progress within the firm. Then, share what you’d like to achieve. It could be a lateral internal transfer or greater responsibilities. Flip the script by inquiring about what plans they have for you.

The best outcome is that they say you’re a respected professional and see good things for your future. If you leave the meeting feeling that the company doesn’t value your contributions and hasn’t put much thought into your career trajectory, it’s a sign that you should start thinking of the next play.

If there isn’t a path forward, continue to smile, work hard and produce, but also hedge your bets by getting in touch with respected recruiters in your space. Build a list of target firms you’d like to work for. Find the in-house talent acquisition recruiters, human resources representatives and prospective hiring managers and send them a LinkedIn invite or InMail, along with your résumé as an attachment.

Go into the office five days a week, even if your company offers remote or hybrid work options. You’ll disproportionately benefit from the proximity bias compared to your peers that are just small boxes in a Zoom video.

Exceed expectations by asking for high-profile, difficult tasks that others run away from. Disassociate with toxic colleagues who bring down everyone around them. You’ll need to put in quality hours to showcase what you’re capable of, demonstrating that you’re a keeper. Make sure that your boss and their managers are cognizant of your achievements. Shy away from boasting, but subtly let people know about your victories.

It will take hard work and patience. You’ll win fans by showing up and killing it every day. People will start perceiving you as one of the best go-to A-players that is irreplaceable and destined for great things in the future.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Article continued …

Don’t Do This

You may feel resentful that you’re not getting promoted as fast as you’d like and raises, promotions and stock grants aren’t offered as freely as in the past. Despite the setback, don’t become bitter and vindictive by overtly complaining to co-workers or start quiet-quitting. You won’t be helping your cause with a bad attitude.

There has been a trend of workers chasing clout by airing internal dirty laundry on TikTok, Twitter and other social media platforms. It may give you a temporary high; however, there will be repercussions. You’ll lose favor with the bosses and prospective future hiring managers may rebuff your behavior, concerned that you’ll also say derogatory things about them.

Why Did Everything Change So Quickly?

With the availability of cheap money, interest rates artificially kept low by the Federal Reserve Bank and a boom in demand over the last couple of years, companies aggressively hired personnel. The exuberance was muted when the trillions of dollars in stimulus funds flooding the market to keep it going during the pandemic caused, in part, 40-year record rates of inflation. To counter the devastating impact of runaway inflation on American families, the Fed hiked interest rates to cool down the economy. An intended consequence of this program is to nudge businesses into cutting costs and laying off workers.

Forbes.com | January 11, 2023 | Jack Kelly 

#YourCareer : How To Set Yourself Up For A Productive 2023. This Could be a New Job, a Promotion, etc.

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The new year brings with it a chance to start afresh, take on new challenges and set yourself up for the year ahead. For many, this will mean getting ready to take the next step in their career. This could be a new job, a promotion, or taking on new responsibilities within their existing role.

For others, this could simply mean going into the new year with a positive attitude and ready to be the best they can be at work. Whatever the case may be for you, it’s important to start the year off on the right foot.  But how do you set yourself up for a productive 2023?

Complete your pre-holiday tasks

First and foremost, you don’t want to go into the new year with a to-do list the length of your arm, trying to catch up on last year’s work. You want to enjoy your holiday without overdue projects playing on your mind.

Therefore, it’s important to make sure you complete your pre-holiday tasks to the best of your abilities, without rushing or overdoing it, of course.

Depending on your career plans, these activities will differ, but the best way to kick off the new year is going to be organized with a clean slate.

 

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Article continued …

Take a proper break

Your career is a big part of your life and one which can consume a lot of your time and energy. However, resting and recharging are crucial if you want to continue to be good at your job and love what you do.

The festive season is the perfect time to unwind and spend some time with friends and family. So you need to do just that.

No matter what industry you work in, it’s important that you take a proper break wherever you can and allow yourself to go into the new year feeling refreshed and ready.

This might mean taking a few days off, switching on your’ out of office’ response to your emails, and shutting down your work computer or phone for a few days.

Although it can be tempting to dip back in or quickly reply to one or two emails, remember balance is important, and you deserve a rest.

Set tangible goals

Going into 2023, it’s a good idea to set yourself some goals that will point you in the right direction and help you to get off to a productive start.

Your goals should be as specific and relevant as possible; they must also be measurable and achievable. Give yourself a date by which you would like to achieve your goals, as this will allow you to measure your progress.

For example, if you’re looking for a new job, you might wish to set a target for how many jobs you want to apply for each week.

Alternatively, you might want to learn new skills or put the wheels in motion for securing that promotion.

Everyone’s goals will be different; just ensure these are attainable and you’re not setting yourself up for failure. You could even break larger goals down into smaller objectives so that you can tackle these one step at a time. This also makes it easier to monitor your progress.

Bridge your skills gaps with courses

It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at in your career; you are never too senior to stop learning. In fact, it is important that you are always building on your knowledge and developing your skills.

So, as well as staying up to date on the latest industry trends, it is a good idea to bridge your own personal skills gap by taking relevant online courses.

The great news is there are loads of courses and providers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the type of study that best suits your lifestyle.

Taking online courses can be particularly important if you’re planning on changing jobs or advancing in your current position in the new year. It means you can continuously update your resume and your offering.

Monitor your progress and adapt

Once you’ve set yourself goals and begun taking the necessary steps towards achieving these, you need to make sure you stay on track.

The best way to do this is to keep checking in on yourself and revising your targets where needed.

Ask yourself, are you on track, or have you fallen behind? Is there more you can do to reach your goals? If so, what steps do you need to take?

You should also take this as an opportunity to consider any feedback you’ve received in the new year, be that from your boss, recruiters, or your colleagues.

By taking stock of what you want from your career in this way, you can take proactive steps to set targets and start working towards your larger career goals in the new year.

Give yourself a chance to relax over the festive period and go into January with a positive attitude; this will set you up for a productive 2023.

 

Forbes.com | December 17, 2022 | Andrew Fennell