Why Communication Skills Matter For Young Professionals - Work It Daily

Why Communication Skills Matter For Young Professionals - Work It Daily Communication in the workplace can take many forms, so you’ll need to determine what the accepted norms are for your employer. For example, some teams have weekly meetings to check on everyone’s progress and chat about any issues that have come up during the prior week. Some teams work remotely and only communicate via email and phone. That's why it's important to have good communication skills - especially as a young professional. RELATED: Need some career advice? Watch these tutorials! Whatever type of communication you are using, make sure you are participating in the discussion, asking questions where necessary and providing responses when asked. No matter what, make sure your communication is professional in its tone. What you say is a huge reflection on you, so make sure you think before you speak. No one expects you to know all the answers, so freely admit if you’re not sure about something and offer to get back to the person once you have more information. If you’re able to establish credibility early in your career, you will have a much easier time going forward. Tell the truth and be sincere. You will quickly earn your co-workers’ and managers’ trust if you exhibit these qualities. In many workplaces and career fields, there is an expectation you will work with other people on projects during the course of your employment. It’s sometimes tough to get along with varying personalities and that is precisely why clear communication is so important. Take time to listen to other people’s points of view. You may not always agree, but it’s likely you can learn something new by being open to other perspectives. As a young professional, you will be expected to communicate with co-workers, your manager, and possibly more senior leaders within the organization. Many colleges require public speaking courses and a basic introductory communications class to better prepare students for the workplace, but sometimes this isn’t quite enough. If you need help finding your voice and speaking in front of others, practice does help. There are also organizations like Toastmasters International that coach professionals in their presentation abilities. Also, remember that a big part of communication is receiving a message. Young professionals need to be open to receiving direction and feedback from co-workers and managers within the organization. Most seasoned professionals can tell you they have been on the receiving end of criticism at some point in their careers. Listen to the feedback and then take action to improve upon whatever was cited in the discussion as an area for improvement. No one is perfect, so don’t expect to know everything. Take initiative to correct the issue going forward and learn from the experience. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts Social Media Guidelines For Young Professionals Improving Communication In The Workplace 4 Ways Young Professionals Can Stand Out In A Crowded Job Market Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

4 tips for using December to prep for a 2019 job search

4 tips for using December to prep for a 2019 job searchIts one of the busiest months of the year but not for hiring. Even if hiring managers and recruiters arent using up their use-it-or-lose-it vacation time at the end of the year for holiday preparations and travel, theyre likely to be focused on anything but work. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) This can make December a particularly frustrating time of year to look for a job. But dont distribution policy your search on hold. Instead use this time to revise, revamp and revitalize your resume, LinkedIn profile and social networks.It wont be easy, given the holiday madness at this time of year, but with a bit of efficient time management, you can use December to get a strong head start on your 2019 job search come January 2.The following tips can help you make the most of the final weeks of the year so you can spring ahead of the competition come the first weeks of your 2019 job search. 1. Update your resume and cover letterNow is the perfect time to assess your job search materials. Where are your weaknesses? What could you improve?If its been a while since youve sent out your resume, consider using a resume builder to make sure youre applying the optimal structure and design to effectively highlight your strengths as a candidate.Once you have a basic resume structure (and hopefully, your most current role added to the Work Experience section), spend some time evaluating recent job ads for the role you are seeking. Focus on skills they share and common keywords used to describe those skills. Use those keywords to describe your own skills and experience, and then tweak accordingly for each new job you seek.Because most employers use automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to tally keywords and filter job candidates, using the exact wording in the job ad will help make sure your resume is seen by human eyes. Many ATS count keywords from your cover letter as well as from your resume, thereby increasing your overall keyword count. So, using the same list of keywords youve compiled for your resume revamp, craft a cover letter that tells a brief story aim for 200 words total for the body paragraphs about how you are uniquely positioned to help your next employer achieve their goals.2. Reconnect and NetworkStart making lists of people you know at companies where you might want to work. The holidays are a perfect excuse to send an email or direct message to old colleagues, classmates, and friends. If they have any time over the holidays, try to set up times to reconnect. If not, set up meetings, lunches, and coffee dates for the first few weeks of the New Year. As youre catching up, ask if their companies are hiring.Focus on expanding your angeschlossen network for your 2019 job search. Work on adding past coworkers and friends to your social networks, especially LinkedIn. Recent data shows that over 90 percent of recruiters use social media, a nd especially LinkedIn, to evaluate candidates. Spruce up your LinkedIn profile with a new picture and new keywords to describe your skills and accomplishments.3. Polish your online presenceIn addition to refocusing your professional web presence, take some time to revamp your social media accounts as well. Of course, its fine to have a well-rounded life outside of the office, but youll want to make sure your social media accounts dont contain anything that would cause a potential employer to become wary of hiring you.Over-sharing, angry rants, constant posting, and too many rufs of social drinking can all send the wrong message to a potential employer. Take some time in the waning weeks of the year to curate your online accounts, pruning where needed, to help present the image you want future employers to have of you.4. Launch your 2019 job searchIn the first few weeks the New Year, contact people who might not have gotten back to you over the holidays. Use the New Year as an excus e to send an email or make a phone call Now that the holidays are over I thought Id get back in touch.Using the revamped summary from your revised resume, refresh your elevator pitch. Splurge on a new vorstellungsgesprch outfit item, even if its just a new tie or scarfsomething that will make you feel confident and full of energy. When hiring managers are back from vacation and ready to make new hires, youll be ready, looking your best and primed to talk about how you can help them and their bottom line.Author BioLiveCareer assists jobseekers at every step of the journey to employment. Access freeresume templatesandresume examples, plus acover letter builderand advice on how to answerinterview questionsof all stripes.

New Article Reveals the Low Down on Writing a Technical Resume and Why You Must Take Action Today

New Article Reveals the Low Down on Writing a Technical Resume and Why You Must Take Action Today The Importance of Writing a Technical Resume The secret to attracting a possible employer to read your resume is to incorpotarif a mix of both hard and soft abilities both in the section specializing in skills and throughout the remainder of the resume. You may choose to change the skills you list based on the responsibilities of the job. Like all skills, youve got to work on writing to acquire much better. Last, you should have excellent writing skills. A thoroughly written report can aid a reader tread effortlessly and easily through the complicated processes which may have been engaged in the technical procedure. Your resume should find that response. Up in Arms About Writing a Technical Resume? To learn more on what it requires to be a Technical Writer, have a look at our complete Technical Writer Job Description. Technical skills turn you into a valuable commodity for po tential employers and have to be correctly highlighted to demonstrate your worth. Technology is continuing to evolve at a quick rate and itll help the technical recruiter in the event the technology is clearly stated. The Meaning of Writing a Technical Resume Additionally, spending the excess time to format and spell-check your resume depending on the job produces a big difference. If youre not certain how to do so, our technology resume samples are a great resource that may point you in the correct direction. An introduction doesnt have a particular length unlike the abstract. Your resume should consist of the subsequent sections. Writing a Technical Resume Features Most technical positions will require some form of degree, which means youll have to include your education on the resume. For example, if youre writing an MS CRM technical consultant resume, remember to highlight your negotiation abilities and business acumen too. When creating an effective resume, you will need to understand how to compose a skills section since it is but one of the very first things a possible employer will departure looking for to find a fundamental comprehension of what you, as a prospective employee, can bring to their company. When youre asking for work in the tech business, it is necessary that your resume to accurately reflects your abilities and experience within the field. If you still doubt whether writing a technical resume is a task you may complete all on your own, its very easy to get in touch with our writing company and forget about all of the stress. Resume writing is a writing discipline unlike many different kinds of writing, and is frequently described as a mixture of business writing and copywriting. So whenever you are writing your technical report, arrange it into a manner your reader will readily understand the critical parts in just 4 minutes. The best resumes are a reflection of an individual, NOT only a group of words on a sheet of pap er. What Does Writing a Technical Resume Mean? A simple resume schablone is going to be your very best bet. Below, you will also discover some guidelines for resumes aiming for particular tech positions. A superb editing job will take just a little longerand some particular tactics intended to catch resume errors. Scannable resumes need specific page designs because computer scanners cant read certain products.

5 Tips for Job Seekers Who Want to Work for a Nonprofit

5 Tips for Job Seekers Who Want to Work for a Nonprofit Whether you are a recent graduate or looking to make a career change, working in the nonprofit industry can be incredibly fulfilling. Most of us will ultimately spend the majority of our waking hours at work, so why not spend those hours passionately engrossed in a job where you can do your part to impact humanity? At least, thats how I felt after I left a three-week-old job in the for-profit sector to go work for anonprofit.That was 13 years ago, and I havent looked back since.To gather the following tips, I enlisted the help of some former colleagues and associates 27 of them, to be exact. These 27 nonprofit employees range from program directors tofundraisers, from lawyers to executive directors. Some have been working in the nonprofit field foras little as 10 months, others for more than32 years.Here is what they and I had to say1. Network With Other People Who Work in NonprofitAsk friends and family for introductions. Peruse LinkedIn to find connections and send carefully crafted personalized messages to people you are interested in getting in touch with. In general, meet as many people as you can who work in or know people in the nonprofit industry.2. Set Up Informational Interviews With Organizations You AdmireTake your networking to the next level. Reach out to the nonprofits you are interested in learning more about. I have found that most people in the nonprofit world are happy to help.3. Intern Jump Right Into the Volunteer Experience Full-Time or Part-TimeHands-on nonprofit experience will open many doors. If you can afford to give some or all of your time as an intern or office volunteer, you will gain priceless experience and continue to solidify your nonprofit network.4. Attend Conferences and Join Groups Geared Toward the Nonprofit SectorThis, of course, will help you expand your nonprofit network (see tip No. 1).5. Go Back to School or at Least Take Som e Courses/Workshops in Your Area of InterestThis will also help you expand your network. But dont spend an exorbitant amount of money before you guessed it you network to make sure you are making an educated and thoroughly researched decision.Remember that your previous experience, whether as a student or a for-profit employee, can translate and become a sought-after asset to nonprofits. However, you should becautious about walking into a new opportunity with too much confidence. Be open to learning, ask lots of questions, and most importantly, be a team player. Most nonprofit employees wear many hats out of necessity. Take their lead and be willing to stretch beyond the job description.As with any job, there can be frustrations. There was a time at one of my previous jobs when we couldnt afford to redistribution policy the colored ink, and I desperately needed to print hundreds of invitations for an upcoming fundraiser. There were several times when our computers and servers cras hed, putting us days behind in work. We couldnt afford to replace them.And then there isthe Fortune 100 of nonprofits you know, those national organizations that actually have marketing budgets and can pay for fancy PSAs and celebrity influencers? Ive also had the pleasure of working for one of those. They can be wonderful and really give you the sense that you are impacting thousands, if not millions, of people but you might also be up against just as much bureaucracy and red tape as you would be at a for-profit company.For all the compromises nonprofit employees often have to make, I asked my former colleagues Whats the best thing about working in nonprofit? Here are a few of my favorite responses ones that I wholeheartedly agree with- My work has true meaning.- Feeling totally passionate about the cause.- Working in a place that attracts people who care about things beyond financial gain.- Knowing that my work has an impact.- Working with amazing people in this sector that tru ly want to do good.- Discovering a true passion for helping others.- At the end of the day, no matter how bad of a day youve had, you know that someone somewhere is better off because you came to work that day.And my personal favorite- You get paid to make a difference in the world.What a dream come trueSo go out there and network, reach out to groups you are passionate about, build your support team, and join this incredible world of people who cant wait to meet you.Mona Lipson joined Voss Foundation in 2016 as director of strategic advancement and corporate citizenship to spearhead the organizations fundraising initiatives and corporate citizenship with VOSS Water of Norway.

How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview

How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview Unfortunately, the job market at the start of the new year is extremely competitive, andemployers are often overwhelmed with job applications. The whole process can take more than several months to complete, which means it might be a while before an vorstellungsgesprch is scheduled. During this suspenseful limbo period, brush up on how to rise above the competition in your interviews. Whether youve landed your dream interview or youre looking to prepare for it, here are some tips for setting yourself fremd and nailing interviews.Do Your ResearchIf you really want to stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression, then you must thoroughly research the company youre interviewing with beforehand. Find out as much as possible about the company. Read reviews and articles, learn about the companys employees and your interviewer(s), and know the companys history.Th is research will show the interviewer that you care about the company and the position. As you read up on the company and its people, start thinking about potential questions to ask at the interview. The research can help you ask better questions - not typical, yawn-inducing ones - and get you brownie points for obviously doing your homework. The time you invested in brushing up on the company will also be put to use in improving your responses and boosting your confidence. Youll be able to cite specific examples to illustrate your points and talk about what you found particularly interesting. All of these advantages will leave the interviewer with the impression that you took the interview seriously and you are interested in company improvements.Know the PositionTo get hired, youll have to know the job youve applied for inside and out. Review the job descriptions language and how the company talks about the position on its website. Be prepared to talk about how your resume comple ments the job description. If you need help with this, use Jobscan to help you identify the specific language of the position and how that language compares to whats on your resume. When the majority of large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to search for qualified candidates using resume keywords, its important that your resume makes it through the ATS to a human being - one who can potentially contact you to schedule an interview.During the interview, ask about what your daily tasks might include and highlight what interests you about the position. Show the interviewer that you can confidently perform all of the job requirements by providing specific, measurable examples from previous work or volunteer experiences. These examples should prove your accomplishments through concrete numbers and percentages, such as the percentage of projects you completed within budget, or the percentage of increased web traffic attributable to you.During the InterviewTry to go to your zen place for the interview its important to stay calm. Be friendly with the interviewer but professional. A lot of people get nervous for interviews, and thats totally okay. Channel your inner insert your favorite actor here persona and just dont let it show. Obvious signs of nervousness, such as twitching, fiddling with items, excessive hand movements, and avoiding eye contact can make the interview awkward and uncomfortable for both parties, plus they can distract from your awesome responses. Listen to the interviewer, dont interrupt him or her, and take time to think of appropriate responses before speaking. Dont be too modest this is the time to really sell yourself. Confidence in your ability to perform the desired job duties well will make you a memorable job candidate. And always remember that the basics go a long way in making you shine not simply as a person, but also as a potential addition to the team a firm handshake (no wet spaghetti handshakes, please), genuine smile s, and eye contact. Follow Up After the InterviewBefore you leave, ask about what will happen next. There may be further interview requirements or post-interview assignments to complete. Be sure to thank the interviewer and say that youre looking forward to hearing from him or her. Follow up with a sincere thank you email at least two hours after leaving the interview. Show that you were awake during the interview by including in the email a comment about something you found to be interesting during the interview, or something surprising that you learned from the interviewer. The email could also mention things about the position and company that you are excited about. If you havent heard back from them within a week (unless specifically told otherwise), send a follow up email asking about post-interview steps or if you can provide them with any additional information. Dont become discouraged if you dont hear back immediately - the interview process can take months. Your follow up should strike the right balance show that youre very interested but dont over do it. Make sure that you dont come across as way too eager or desperate. Basically, thank the interviewer and follow up, but dont become a stalker. Thorough research about a job position and the company will increase your confidence and allow you to ace an interview. If you combine that with following up in an appropriate manner, youll show that youre willing to put in more effort than other candidates. Youll stand out from the competition as the very best candidate for the position.

How to Make a Recruiter Fight for You

How to Make a Recruiter Fight for YouHow to Make a Recruiter Fight for YouCompanies review hundreds of resumes when they have a position open, but there is always that one perfect candidate that peaks a recruiters interest. There is a spark, positive energy, and he or she walks away feeling inspired. More importantly, he or she cant wait to tell their hiring manager about the person.Having someone on the inside who will fight for you sounds like a great position to be in, doesnt it?Dont get too far ahead of yourself by thinking this means a recruiter will take over your job search and do all your heavy lifting. Thats not the caseThis means the hiring process can be competitive, time-intensive and emotional, even for your recruiter. There are times when he or she might be working with 100 different candidates for various positions while simultaneously managing demanding bosses who want these jobs filled as fast as possible. So, when the recruiter meets an impressive job applicant who makes his or her job easier, he or she will go to bat for that person.Heres a few tips on how to build that relationship Be PreparedYou and the recruiter need to be on the same page in terms of your skills and past experiences (relevant and less relevant), any gaps in your employment history, and your short- and long-term career ambitions. The recruiter needs a clear picture of you as a candidate to refer you for the right role. Be HonestMisrepresenting yourself in any way is a big no-no. Honesty builds trust, whereas dishonesty- even exaggerating or just failing to mention something- can make your recruiter afraid to refer you.Just think how badly it will reflect on you (and the recruiter) if you hold something back or tell a white lie that eventually comes to light. And be under no illusion, these things always do. Be PassionateRecruiters are looking for qualified candidates who are serious about switching to the company they represent. If youre discussing an opportunity with a co mpany whose values align with your own, this is the time to highlight how much you care. Be GraciousIf you feel iffy about the position, dont be afraid to ask about other opportunities. The recruiter will respect you for being prepared to admit that youre not the best person for the job. If you can, recommend contacts of your own that might be better suited. Recruiters remember candidates who are helpful.Building a positive relationship with a recruiter is just like building any other relationship, personal or professional. As long as youre nice, honest and gracious, even if it doesnt work out, youll get what you put in back in spades

2016 Salary Trends in Finance

2016 Salary Trends in Finance2016 Salary Trends in Finance2016 Salary Trends in Finance ConlanHow are 2016 salary trends likely to impact jobs in the finance industry?Most employees in the financial sector will see a salary increase in 2016, with middle managers expected to experience the most significant bump in pay, experts say. Finance executives and lower-level workers in the financial industry are projected to see salary growth in the coming year as well, though at a slightly slower tarif.There are several economic factors that have been increasing demand for financial skills that could continue to drive salary growth in the industry through 2016.Improved Economy for Finance JobsAs with many industries, the stronger economy has helped the finance industry see some gains, says Mariam Lamech, manager of research at the Association For Financial Professionals. Salary and hiring freezes left over from the recession have been melting, and organizations have been making up for lost ti me with salary increases.In particular, this has meant good news for the middle management tier of finance employees, says Lamech, which according to AFP research saw an average salary increase of 4.6% in the past year, compared with 3.5% for executives and 3.4% for staff positions.The Irvine, California-based Economic Research Institute is projecting similar numbers, although it expects a slowing of salary increases for lower positions in finance (2.7% in 2016, down from 3% in 2015). It also projects growth for middle positions (3% in 2016, up from 2.6% in 2015) and executive salaries (3.5% in 2016, up from 3.1% in 2015.)The unemployment rate for positions such as accountants is about half of the national unemployment rate, so financial professionals are in high demand, says Dallas-based compensation consultant Dindy Robinson. Top performers in particular may see salary increases of up to 10%.Advanced Degrees Pushing Up SalariesLamech says employees advanced degrees are pushing up salaries as well. Those with MBAs and higher degrees are earning more than $9,000 more than those who just have bachelors degrees or high school educations, she says. Education is playing a big role.Professional certifications come into play as well on the treasurer/finance side as more people get their CPAs and CPCs. In the middle level and lower level, those who have certifications will benefit from a higher salary, Lamech says.The Growth of Specialty NichesLamech says compensation for finance positions varies considerably by industry, a trend that is expected to continue through next year. In the past three years, energy and utilities have commanded the highest average salaryand technology job salariescame in second.The average financial salary in the energy sector is $120,000 a year, Lamech says it was $116,000 in tech. Continued growth in ansicht industries could keep trends high.The push for a higher 2016 minimum wage isnt affecting financial salaries directly, says Jonas John son, senior researcher at ERI. However, a higher minimum wage does have an indirect effect on how all salaries are calculated, he says.If the lower end ratchets up, a lower level job might suddenly make more than the one above it, and so the salary increases up the scale, he says. People who set compensation need to keep an eye on so-called wage compression as a higher minimum wage pushes up from the bottom.A higher minimum wage would have the biggest effect on the lower two levels at an organization, he says. Once you get into higher levels, the effects fall off.