Saturday, May 30, 2020

Job Seeker Networking Mistakes

Job Seeker Networking Mistakes Yesterday I shared a post I wrote about my first networking meetings as a job seeker. It made me think about my biggest mistake trying to network. For a long time I didnt get much out of the meetings, until I changed something. My mistake wasnt that I didnt have business cards, or that my 30 second commercial was as bad as everyone elses. My mistake was that I went to those meetings with the wrong purpose in mind. I was hoping to get filled, and get questions answered. Week after week I went, hoping to get.  And I didnt get as much as I needed, and I felt unfulfilled. Then, I realized I should go to those meetings and GIVE.  I listened for opportunities to give leads, or introduce contacts.  I looked for chances to help, and strengthen, and encourage. When I switched from hoping to GET to wanting to GIVE, the meetings, and the results, completely changed. I finally looked forward to going to those meetings. I made more meaningful contacts (since I was a giver). I always left feeling fulfilled. And I started to get more. I got leads, and ideas, and encouragement, in a way that I wasnt getting before. I dont know what your mistakes are right now, but if you are networking to GET, I encourage you to take a few months and concentrate on GIVING, and see how that goes see whats different. For me, it made all the difference! Job Seeker Networking Mistakes Yesterday I shared a post I wrote about my first networking meetings as a job seeker. It made me think about my biggest mistake trying to network. For a long time I didnt get much out of the meetings, until I changed something. My mistake wasnt that I didnt have business cards, or that my 30 second commercial was as bad as everyone elses. My mistake was that I went to those meetings with the wrong purpose in mind. I was hoping to get filled, and get questions answered. Week after week I went, hoping to get.  And I didnt get as much as I needed, and I felt unfulfilled. Then, I realized I should go to those meetings and GIVE.  I listened for opportunities to give leads, or introduce contacts.  I looked for chances to help, and strengthen, and encourage. When I switched from hoping to GET to wanting to GIVE, the meetings, and the results, completely changed. I finally looked forward to going to those meetings. I made more meaningful contacts (since I was a giver). I always left feeling fulfilled. And I started to get more. I got leads, and ideas, and encouragement, in a way that I wasnt getting before. I dont know what your mistakes are right now, but if you are networking to GET, I encourage you to take a few months and concentrate on GIVING, and see how that goes see whats different. For me, it made all the difference! Job Seeker Networking Mistakes Yesterday I shared a post I wrote about my first networking meetings as a job seeker. It made me think about my biggest mistake trying to network. For a long time I didnt get much out of the meetings, until I changed something. My mistake wasnt that I didnt have business cards, or that my 30 second commercial was as bad as everyone elses. My mistake was that I went to those meetings with the wrong purpose in mind. I was hoping to get filled, and get questions answered. Week after week I went, hoping to get.  And I didnt get as much as I needed, and I felt unfulfilled. Then, I realized I should go to those meetings and GIVE.  I listened for opportunities to give leads, or introduce contacts.  I looked for chances to help, and strengthen, and encourage. When I switched from hoping to GET to wanting to GIVE, the meetings, and the results, completely changed. I finally looked forward to going to those meetings. I made more meaningful contacts (since I was a giver). I always left feeling fulfilled. And I started to get more. I got leads, and ideas, and encouragement, in a way that I wasnt getting before. I dont know what your mistakes are right now, but if you are networking to GET, I encourage you to take a few months and concentrate on GIVING, and see how that goes see whats different. For me, it made all the difference!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Want to Be More Creative Be More Rude.

Want to Be More Creative Be More Rude. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Kv9xgjHoThRhYOFE0sSATA',sig:'SLaE-yKzmPe6nHiQXP1yq_n9NZGEXFIZ2_5wSnuL0Qk=',w:'509px',h:'339px',items:'750415385',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); I’ve been writing about curiosity as one of the key components of creativity, based on The Power of Why: Simple Questions That Lead to Success, a book by Amanda Lang. Read the other posts here and here. Today’s post is about what kills creativity. Amanda Lang writes that creative brainstorming sessions are often killed by the very thing that makes the rest of office life bearable: politeness. That’s right: if you want to be more creative, you must be ready to be more rude. Here’s a great example: the boss brings up a really bad idea in your staff meeting. Everyone suddenly gets very quiet. They don’t know what to do with their eyes; some are suddenly fascinated with their own hands. You steal quick glances at each other out of the corner of your eyes. Surely someone will speak up and tell the boss why this idea won’t work? But no, everyone stays quiet until the boss asks who’d like to lead the project team. The office martyr offer in a timid voice. Your team spends hours and weeks on a project that’s doomed to fail. Other, more worthy  projects languish while you’re wasting time and resources and growing more resentful every day. Finally, months later, everyone agrees (to the boss’s surprise and dismay) that there’s simply no way to make the idea viable. All because no one wanted to hurt his feelings in the meeting. Amanda Lang writes: “Regardless of the type of test, almost all the time, people who brainstorm on their own come up with more ideas, and their ideas are also more creative and more original than the ones dreamed up by groups.” Politeness plays a big part in why we’re not as creative together, she says. We have trouble breaking out of our assigned roles; if you’re not seen as “the creative one,” you don’t speak up much. Everyone hates to interrupt the boss or someone who’s considered to be an expert or the Smartest Person in the Room. We don’t interrupt someone who’s on a roll, so our ideas may never get heard. We wait our turn to speak and nod supportively at everyone else’s ideas and input (even the useless stuff.) We save our criticism for later, muttering under our breath as we head back to the office. We tell our spouse over dinner what’s wrong with Jane’s idea, but we never tell her. We’d rather be liked than be heard. We only speak up when we’re sure we have a winning idea â€" one so brilliant it can’t fail. Which happens…never. We often don’t have the courage to offer a half-baked idea, a concept we’re not sure about â€" one that MIGHT BE WRONG. Wrong is bad. Wrong makes us feel stupid. So we wait for other people to come up with ideas. And when the group is finally agreeing on a course of action, we hesitate to speak up, raise objections or concerns, or push the conversation in another direction. We don’t want to be the person who ruins the plan, kills the buzz… or prolongs the meeting past lunch. We are afraid of being rude, so we don’t interrupt, which means we’ll never be able to disrupt (one of the other keys to creativity.) Without friction and rough and tumble exchanges, a team will almost never achieve anything big or innovative. Is there a way to get over your polite block? Researchers have found that it’s the verbal requirement that inhibits people from speaking up. If groups communicate via keyboard without actually being in the same room, they tend to type over each other and react more quickly, more often, and more creatively. Even the act of writing down ideas instead of offering them out loud seems to remove barriers. So next time you need some creative thinking form a group, encourage them to be rude. Interrupt, talk over each other, ask the group to think of all the reasons the idea on the table is a bad one. Or ask them to write down their ideas anonymously and allow everyone to weigh in â€" no holds barred. It takes trust to build a team where people can speak up. And it takes building a tough skin. But the results will be worth it. Fresh ideas require fresh thinking.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Marketing Yourself as a Healthcare Professional

Marketing Yourself as a Healthcare Professional There are a growing number of healthcare professionals providing services directly to the public and this is of great benefit in terms of improving the health of the population as a whole, however, it also means that developing a healthcare business has never been quite so competitive as it is today. Undoubtedly, it’s a challenge to promote your healthcare practice successfully, so that you don’t get lost in the crowd. Here are a few ideas to help healthcare practitioners make the most of some of the many new marketing opportunities now available. Know the marketplace The United States Department of Labor lists no less than 61 different job titles in the healthcare industry. The wide variety of roles starts with Athletic Trainers and Exercise Physiologists and ends with Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, so it is evident that healthcare today is a comprehensive field that looks after many different aspects of human and animal welfare. There are many very highly qualified professionals operating in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, private practices and patients’ homes. In addition to traditional visits to a doctor or nurse people are accessing healthcare knowledge differently these days. The growth of online information has been phenomenal, with medical websites routinely offering advice and even diagnoses for every conceivable illness or condition. Online pharmacies and clinics often make available the opportunity to ‘chat’ with a qualified physician, so that patients have access to expertise, and naturally, can convert the advice they receive into a sale for the supplier, either on the spot or at a later date, or both. Branding and marketing  Direct mail campaigns, newspaper ads and posters on billboards are traditionally associated with marketing, however, healthcare professionals wishing to market their practice need to take a more holistic approach in today’s hi-tech world and make the best possible use of all opportunities. Marketing is about the public face of a practice â€" the impression it makes, how appealing it is and how much confidence customers and potential clients have in the healthcare service on offer. Appropriate branding helps to move an organization in a particular, desired direction according to the principal aims â€" retaining or growing the market share, increasing income or deterring new competitors, for example. Website research and development Particular medical professions are likely to have target groups and it is important to be aware of these when setting up in the healthcare industry and devising a marketing plan. For example, Personal Care Aides who help people with everyday tasks and self-care are likely to be employed by older people or families to care for an individual with a particular disability who needs extra assistance. The marketing they undertake should reflect this. If developing a website, for example, it will be important to use appropriate images that will appeal and reassure. In the same way, making certain that text contains relevant keywords, such as ‘senior home care’, will improve search engine visibility. As a result people looking for specific healthcare services will be directed to the most appropriate sites, and new health professionals who have taken the trouble to develop an effective website will benefit. When it comes to communicating well, the personal touch can make all the difference and the practice of embedding a short, explanatory video in a website is growing in popularity. Social media Ads on social media sites, such as Facebook or Twitter, can reach a large number of people very quickly and for this reason pay per click (PPC) online advertising remains very cost-effective. It’s important to build and manage an online campaign carefully and expertly, especially for small and middle scale healthcare businesses that might otherwise struggle to compete with the larger marketing budgets of bigger healthcare providers. In addition, developing an online persona that is effectively communicated via social media is essential these days from a brand management perspective. Social media has a high impact and as such is very valuable â€" as long as it is used correctly it will have a positive, beneficial influence. Increasingly, people are accessing the internet on their cell phones so mobile web marketing is becoming more and more important â€" this means designing marketing material so as to optimize information for smartphone users. It also means considering the use of text message marketing, mobile app development and mobile advertising in order to ensure the marketing strategy for the healthcare practice is up to speed with current developments and client usage patterns. Take a smart (phone) approach to marketing your healthcare practice and you’ll easily stand out from the crowd.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Busser Job Description Sample - Algrim.co

Busser Job Description Sample - Algrim.co Busser Job Description Template Download our job description template in Word or PDF format. Instant download. No email required. Download Template Using Your Template Follow these instructions to use your new job description template Step one: Fill out all details in your job description template using the provided sample on this page. Step two: Customize your requirements or duties to anything special to your workplace. Be sure to speak with team members and managers to gauge what's required of the position. Step three: When the census of the team has agreed on the description of the work, add in a Equal Employment Opportunity statement to the bottom of your job description. Step four: Check with your legal department, management team, and other team members to ensure the job description looks correct before creating a job advertisement. Choose a job board that's specific to your needs.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Tips For Getting a Medical Writer Resume Done

Tips For Getting a Medical Writer Resume DoneIf you are looking for a medical writer resume writing job, then here are a few tips you can use to help you. One of the first things that you will need to remember is that there are going to be some hoops that you are going to have to jump through, but once you have completed them, you will find that it will make things easier for you when you are applying for your next job.The first thing that you will want to do when you are trying to get a medical writer resume done is to decide what type of skill set that you would like to display in your application. This is the part that is going to help determine what type of job or position you will be submitting your resume to. For example, if you want to get a job as a medical editor, then you will need to consider something that shows that you have experience in medical editing.There are several reasons why a person might want to take this route when trying to get a job. First of all, editors a re professionals who know how to use their skills and knowledge to craft a document that will be used by doctors or medical professionals on a daily basis. By taking the time to include this information on your resume, you will be showing that you have an understanding of what needs to be done. It is a good idea to have additional writing experience before you try to get a medical writer resume done.Another thing that you will want to remember when you are trying to get a medical writer resume done is that it is going to take a bit of legwork. You will have to go about the process of getting it done the right way. This is because you will have to take your time when it comes to finding a professional who will be able to write a good resume for you.This is not something that you are going to be able to just call up and ask for. In order to get one done, you will need to make sure that you find a professional who will be able to take the time to learn about you and then tailor a resum e to fit the best. While this can be tricky, there are a few different ways that you can do this.One great way to go about this is to use the Internet. There are many websites that will provide a medical writer with your information and then they will take it from there. This can be a very efficient way to go about getting a professional resume done, as there is no cost involved with it.The other thing that you will want to remember is that you are going to have to make the most of your own time. You will have to make sure that you do not waste your time, and that you do not waste theirs either. Both you and your potential employer are going to be very busy people, so you will have to make sure that you do not waste any of their time.By following these simple steps, you will be able to make sure that you are able to get a medical writer resume done. These are some of the things that you can do that will help you get the resume that you want.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Would You Provide Your W-2

Would You Provide Your W-2 Companies are asking candidates for W-2s. What would you do? Does a future employer have the right to ask to see yours? Sure, of course they can ask, but the real question is should you provide it. Lets say youve gone through your first round of interviews (you know, 3 to 5 conversations with HR, team members, even the CXO) and now you are asked  to provide your W-2.  My first reaction, and yours too, is probably, its none of their  goddamn business! As I see it, the W-2 is a government form shared between you, your employer and the IRS. Period. Twice this week, this scenario played out with people I know so I thought it was worth talking about and getting feedback on. Scenario One. The candidate relocated to a different, more expensive city/state and was asked for not one, but 4 years of W-2s during the interview process for a sales job. Scenario Two: The  candidate interviewed for a different type of job, in a new industry after recently completing an advanced degree. The new potential employer asked for W-2. Why Are They Asking For Your W-2 The  potential new  employer is asking for a  W-2  to verify past salary. It is understandable they would want to know how much your previous employer paid you. It helps determine what your value WAS at that company while performing a set of responsibilities. In short, it provides a benchmark or starting point for future salary negotiations. In theory, this  makes sense if the jobs are similar, in the same geographic region, and in the same industry. Are they asking  because they dont trust what youve told them? Perhaps. In positions where your salary is tied to performance, such as sales, your earnings reflect your success- well, maybe. Is it legal to ask for a W-2? There dont appear to be any federal laws prohibiting employers asking for W-2s.  What may also be driving this is the fact that more employers are hesitant to provide salary information  for past employees. What Are Your Options As I see it, you have three options. 1) Provide the W-2 If you provide the W-2, this reveals your past earnings. If you worked in an industry or company that notoriously low-balled salaries or you werent  paid appropriately for the job you were doing, providing your W-2 is going to limit your ability to make a significant jump in salary 2) Dont provide the W-2 If you dont deliver your W-2, you come across as difficult or non-compliant and run the risk of eliminating yourself as a candidate. 3) Dance around the topic and give them what you can Your final option is to explain why your W-2 may not be a true reflection of your value based on the different  or advanced job responsibilities you performed  and werent appropriately  compensated for, the difference in your previous citys cost of living, or your own research (from multiple sources) on what the going rate for your past job should have been. My Gripe Employers still have the upper-hand in negotiating salaries. Of course, candidates can always walk away from the offer, and should if they feel unduly taken-advantage of. But asking for a W-2 seems like an invasion of privacy, lack of trust, and puts the candidate in a very vulnerable position. A Solution Companies like Buffer  and  Whole Foods are already tackling salary inequality by making salaries transparent. And Gravity Payments plans to pay all employees $70,000 a year. This may sound crazy to a lot of business owners and HR professionals, but there could be great advantages to this as well! Would you agree, something needs to be done to level the playing field between companies and employees?

Friday, May 8, 2020

5 tips to plan your return to work - Sterling Career Concepts

5 tips to plan your return to work 5 tips to plan your return to work I’ve had a series of conversations with clients recently about mothers looking to return to the paid workforce. (I’m always very careful to specify “paid workforce” because any mother knows that staying home to raise children and run a household is in and of itself a full workload.) I’ve assembled five tips based on the book Going Back to Work: A Survival Guide for Comeback Moms by Mary W. Quigley and Loretta E. Kaufman. Published in 2004, it’s not a new release, but it has earned a spot in my careers library for offering strong content, smart reminders, and actionable advice for parents wanting or planning their return to a professional career. 1. Network. Rather than ask for a job, seek advice from others on how to achieve your ambition and be open to talking with nonbusiness acquaintances as well. You never know who or what someone knows. 2. Resume. Highlight your skills and qualifications from all of your cumulative experiences, not just paid work positions. Also “steer the resume in the direction you want it to go” (truthfully, of course). Both of these suggestions can be tricky to implement. There may be a time where investing in partnering with a certified resume writer is a smart decision. The right resume writer will be able to extract all of your relevant skills from your experience and compile the information into a compelling document. 3. Interviewing. Don’t fall prey to discussing your family while answering the “Tell me about yourself” question. This is critical and a very common trap for mothers beginning to interview again. Focus your answer on your skills and why you are a good fit for the role. Check out more tips and strategies on interviewing for parents returning to work: single best interview tip for parents returning to work   4. Offer Negotiation. When it comes to flex time, two points to keep in mind: (1) Do your research on each company’s flex options and culture, and (2) Delay your request for any flex work arrangement until they are trying to “wow” you. Definitely ask about it, but don’t ask too early. 5. First Impressions. While more offices are business casual nowadays, don’t let your work ethic go casual along with your attire and try to always appear calm, collected, and organized. I applaud you for returning to work while currently raising children, or even after they have left the nest. The re-entry is challenging even if you have kept up your skills and stayed current with your industry. I’ve been there so I speak from experience. There is no better time than now to speak to a career professional who can review and/or rewrite your resume, coach you on interviewing skills, and help with salary negotiation strategies. January through March/April is the highest hiring season of the year. I’m sure you want to be ready when January rolls around â€" it is only a month away! Additional related posts you may enjoy:  Stay-at-home moms   I would welcome a call or email if you would like to chat about your career goals.