Job Searching for Introverts

Job Searching for IntrovertsJob Searching for IntrovertsWe all have that one social butterfly of a friend for whom everything just seems to come easier. They have a knack to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. When you are at a social gathering, they are the first one to make people laugh with their witty banter. Out on a date? They always seem to know just the right thing to say. Even your mom asks you to bring them around more often they are that, well, charming.These extroverts have an especially easy time, it would seem when it comes to career-building as well. From all-important networking events to the interview room, those with a gregarious and outgoing nature have an easy ability to interact with others. Once they are in the door, asking for a well-deserved raise or promotion is a piece of cake. For the rest of us mere mortals, however, taking those initial first steps can seem like a daunting task. If you dont quite problem into the category of the social butterf ly, all hope is not lost. Job searching for introverts doesnt have to be a painful process.Preparation is KeyOne of the biggest hurdles introverts can face during the interview and job seeking process is the fear of failure. Just the idea of having to strike up a conversation with a total stranger can leave a person paralyzed with anxiety. The trick to overcoming these feelings and to avoid freezing up is a hearty dose of preparation.First off, if you find it difficult to interact with others you should tischset yourself up for success by initiating contact via the internet before any face to face interaction. Be sure that your resume is up to speed and start getting it out there in front of decision makers. Websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and SimplyHired.com are great places to park your professional cv and let the recruiters and hiring managers come to you.The critical aspect here is to ensure your resume has the fruchtwein relevant information including your job history, ski lls, and experience. The more your resume can help sell your candidacy the less personal interaction you will have to do at the outset to land an interview or job offer. Sure, you will eventually need to have a real-world conversation or two, but a little bit of time and effort at the outset can help skip any unnecessary QA and get you straight to the substance.Network IntelligentlyFrom the time you first entered the workforce, youve probably heard about the importance of networking in order to help build a career. If you watch popular television shows or listen to the more gregarious among your friends, however, you probably think this always involves chatting up others in your field over drinks in a bar.If the idea of mingling with complete strangers in a social setting to land a job leaves you with a serious case of the chills, never fear. There are plenty of ways to network efficiently that dont involve small talk about the weather or delving into the latest celebrity gossip. Th e best and most effective networking events are those that pull double duty when it comes to information and connections. Instead of a social mixer, seek out opportunities to attend speaker series luncheons or conferences that provide continuing education. At these targeted events, youll have the opportunity to both learn and interact, providing a better reward for overcoming your social fears than a simple social mixer.Its important to note that you dont need to jump both feet into the networking game either. In order to work your way up towards larger events, consider asking a colleague to coffee or lunch. These personalized meetings can often accomplish more than larger get-togethers and can help introduce you to networking without being overwhelmed by the prospect of shaking hands with hundreds of strangers.Last but not least, networking in todays modern digital age doesnt have to be in person. Plenty of professional networking websites host forums and group conversations virtua lly. The ability to communicate via tastatur and mouse is often a great way to break the networking ice and can help an introvert overcome their fears by providing an initial introduction and communication of ideas.The bottom line is to keep your network growing, even if the pace seems slow. Start small with your efforts and build both your comfort level and contact list. Set goals for networking over a week or month and watch your ability to interact and individual connections grow.Put Your Interview Game Face OnPrior to scoring an interview, the introverted job seeker can get away with little to minimal social interaction. Once the big day arrives, however, its game on. Personality and the ability to fit in with company culture is often one of the biggest considerations for employers when meeting with a candidate in person. While the inclination may be to cover up your discomfort with meeting numerous strangers, this can often lead to overly gregarious gestures and an overall appe arance of nervousness.Instead of focusing on fixing your personality traits, introverted candidates should instead focus on the numerous positive skills and experience that they bring to the particular job opening. Your individual skills and experience are, after all, the reason you scored that call back in the first place. Focus on your knowledge and prepare for questions that are commonly asked for positions in your specific field. A trusted friend or family member will often be able to help you prepare for the interview in a trusted environment which can make all the difference when it comes to confidence on the big day.The Bottom LineIts important to note that savvy employers realize that it takes all types to build a successful employee workforce. While many interviewees will be social butterflies, its the individual candidate qualities that will lead to job offers and long term careers. Preparation is critical if you fall on the introverted side of the applicant scale.

Research Women making significant gains in tech since 1978

Research Women making significant gains in tech since 1978Research Women making significant gains in tech since 1978Ahead of International Womens Day, LinkedIn has releasednew datathat shines a light on industries and countries that are welcoming more women in power.Looking at LinkedIn profiles, researchers found that the arc of progress is slow, but it bends towards more women getting hired.The good news The arrows of progress are sharply pointing upwards in science and technology careers. The bad news Women are mucksmuschentotenstill missing in the highest levels of power in the corner office. The newsurvey found thatoverall representation of female leaders in the workforce has increased by just over 2%.More women getting hired and leading in STEMIts time to dust off your coding skills and books on agile. The 2018 survey found that in the past 40 years, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) jobs have been the fastest-growing industry. For example, the software and informati on technology industry showed almost a 25% increase in women workers. The career with the strongest growth in 2018 was test development engineer (+243%). This years findings align with last years survey that also found that STEM jobs had the biggest spike in growth. The careers with the strongest growth in 2017 were user experience designer (+67%), chief technology officer (+67%), and web developer (+40%).This is good news. Technology has historically been a world where women are underrepresented.In 2012, only 14% of American engineers were women. Back in 2014, psychologists announced that almost half of women engineers quit the field or never use their degree in engineering after graduating. Now, thats starting to change.Unfortunately, one area where women are still not gaining enough is in top leadership. Women made up only 18% of all CEOs in the workforce, according to LinkedIns findings in 2017.These findings show us that gender parity is still a mountain to climb, but there are significant footholds of progress that have thankfully been made in the last eight years.

This 7-point question asking strategy will make you better at every part of your job

This 7-point question asking strategy will make you better at every part of your jobThis 7-point question asking strategy will make you better at every part of your jobAsk yourself If you could interview like Cronkite, would you get more value from your meetings?Would your mentors become more valuable?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWould your chance encounters with executives in elevators and thought leaders in conferences yield action items and relationships?The answer is yes.As someone who had little to no experience in businessoutside of running my own one-man freelancing operationall thats really saved me (so far) from madness are the skills I used as a journalist, says Evan Ratliff, who wrote for magazines likeThe New Yorkerbefore founding his startup,The Atavist. One of those skills, he says, is being able to formulate questions that deliver useful answers, whether from a dvisors or clients or whomever.Good questions move your business, organization, and career forward.They squeeze incremental value from interactions, the drops of which add up to reservoirs of insight. Of all the skills entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs canlearn from journalists, the art of the expert QA is the most useful.The problem is, most of us ask terrible questions. We talk too much and accept bad answers (or worse, no answers). Were too embarrassed to be direct, or were afraid of revealing our ignorance, so we throw softballs, hedge, and miss out on opportunities to grow.But we dont have to.The following advice can make you a much better interrogator, not to mention conversationalist1. Dont Ask Multiple-Choice QuestionsWhen people are nervous, they tend to ramble, and their questions tend to trail off into series of possible answers. (Whats the most effective way to find a good programmer? Is it to search on Monster or to go on LinkedIn or to talk to people you know or uh uh ye ah, is it to, umis there another job site thats good?)Youre the one with the question why are you doing all the talking? Terminate the sentence at the question mark. Its OK to be brief.2. Great Questions at aGlanceDont ramble onterminate the sentence at the question mark.Get comfortable with silence.Start with who, what, when, where, how, or why for more meaningful answers.Dont fish for the answer you want.Stop nodding if you dont understandask a follow-up instead.If you get a non-answer, approach it again from a different angle.Rephrase the answer in your own words.Dont be afraid to ask dumb questions.On that note, learn to be comfortable with silence. Allow your respondent to think dont jump in with possible answers after a few seconds pass. You wont get answers if you keep talking, and youll rarely learn anything if you offer all the answers.Questions that start with who, what, where, when, how, or why have high probability of thoughtful responses, whereas those that begin with w ould, should, is, are, and do you think can limit your answers. (Of course, if youre trying to limit an answer to yes or no, you can do that, but if youre seeking advice or stories, opt for open-ended questions.)GoodWhat would you do?BadWould you do X?TerribleWould you do X or Y or Z or Q or M or W or?Adding a simple what to a bad question beginning with do you think is all it takes to generate an open-ended response. Practice asking questions that begin with the 5Ws (and H) to turn duds around.3. DontFishThe really bad questions are leading onesthe questions where youre fishing for a particular answer, says veteran journalist Clive Thompson, who writes forWiredandThe New York Times.You have to avoid those at all costs.First of all, if you know the answer, why are you asking?If youre seeking confirmation on something you already suspect, ask objectively, and ask directly. Youll come off as confident (and less of a chump), and youll get more honest answers.GoodDo you likeSpotifys new discovery feature?BadWhat do you think of Spotifys terrible new discovery feature?4. Interject With Questions When NecessaryStopping a conversation to ask the right questions is far superior to nodding along in ignorance, Ratliff says.A good journalist will steer a conversation by cutting in with questions whenever they need to. This helps rein in ramblers and clarify statements before the conversation gets too far ahead to go back. Notice how great interviewers like Larry King or Jon Stewart maintain control of their conversations its almost always through polite interruptionsnot with things they want to say, but with questions that keep the QA on course.Mature people will rarely be upset by interruptions that let them continue talking. To the contrary, additional questions make people feel like theyre being listened to.5. Field Non-Answers By Reframing Questions LaterJournalists are used to speaking with publicists and well-rehearsed businesspeople with whom its often hard to pin down to get a straight answer. Sometimes non-answers are delivered deliberately often theyre the results of simple rambling. (How many times have you forgotten the question halfway through your response?).In these cases, you can follow up with either a direct question (So, how many dollars per month will this cost?) or by slipping in a variation of the question later into the QA. Journalists often have to warenmuster from multiple angles before unlocking the information they need. As long as you are sincere, you wont come off badly if you ask clarifying questions about the same sorts of things. You wont come out as empty handed either.6. Repeat Answers Back For Clarification Or MoreDetailIf youre getting vague responsesor complicated ones for that matterrestate the answers in your own words. (So, your software will email me any time there are important news stories in my industry?)This will typically yield either a definitive thats correct, or clarification with extra detail. Eithe r way, its useful for getting a precise answer.I know some people who deliberately misparaphrase respondents answers in order to incite quick, and often less careful, responsesor in some cases catch someone whos lying. (Be your own judge of when and whether you feel comfortable employing such tactics.)7. Dont Be EmbarrassedThe worst kind of question is the one left unasked.Theres typically no point in pretending you know something when you dont, Ratliff says. As a reporter, the goal is to gather information, not to impress your subjects. Youd think it would be different in business, but its not.People are much kinder than we often give them credit for.And if you ask a bad question from time to time, its okay. It happens to the best of us. Legendary business thinker Seth Godin writes, in response to my query about how to ask good questions Im not sure I have a useful answer for youWANT TO WORKSMARTER?Ive created a little cheat sheet for how to uselateral thinkingto change your work a nd life. Its battle-tested and free.Get the cheat sheet hereThis article first appeared on Medium.

My Worst Job Interview Mistake (and How You Can Avoid It)

My Worst Job Interview Mistake (and How You Can Avoid It)My Worst Job Interview Mistake (and How You Can Avoid It)I sat across a conference room table from the owner of the marketing agency where I was interviewing. I was fresh out of college and eager to land any sort of role that made use of my communication and journalism degree- which meant I needed to ace this interview for an entry-level position.So, what exactly is inbound marketing to you? he asked, while I made a mental notenzeichen to stop fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, How would you define it?Immediately, I froze. I sat there slack-jawed and embarrassed. All I knew about inbound marketing was that it was what this particular agency specialized in. Other than that, I was pretty much stumped- to me, it was nothing but another buzzword I heard thrown around frequently.Uhh I responded, Well After that, Im sure you can imagine how I talked my way around the question that I had zero idea how to answer.Needless to say, I did nt get that job. And, while Ill be the first to admit that I wallowed in my own-self pity for days following that humbling interview, the experience did illustrate one important job search lesson that I will absolutely never forget you should always, always, always research the company before your interview.Its clich advice that likely makes you roll your eyes at this point. What exactly does that even mean?Here are four things you should absolutely research before you ever sit down for that job interview to avoid making the saatkorn job interview mistake that I did1. The BasicsYou know that you need to do your research. But, that in and of itself is pretty broad advice. What do you need to know? Is there going to be a pop quiz where you need to recite the companys entire mission statement in Portuguese?Probably not (at least, I certainly hope not). When youre job searching, no right-minded employer is going to expect that youve dug through the archives and committed every useless f actoid to memory. However, you do need to know enough to show that youre highly interested in that company and engaged in the hiring process.Here are the nuts-and-bolts things you should ensure you have down patWhat the company does What products do they create? What services do they offer? What problem do they solve? This is where I epically flopped in my own job interview.Major announcements that have recently occurred Were they recently acquired? Did they just receive a new round of funding? Did they just open up a new office location? What major company happenings should you be aware of?How this role fits within the company Obviously, youre interviewing for a specific job. While you wont have all of the insider insight quite yet, you should have a solid grasp on how this role and its related department fits into the big picture and helps the company achieve its overarching goals.If you can have at least those three things well-researched and in your back pocket, youre sure to ma ke a positive impression.2. Your InterviewerWhile you need to have an understanding of the company and the job in general, it also doesnt hurt to do a little bit of digging on the people who will be conducting your interview.Whether its someone from HR or the department leader you would potentially be working under, do some clever searching to see what you can find out about those points of contact.Granted, you wont be expected to know any of these things. But, if you can find a shared point of interest- maybe youre both alumni of the same college or youre both training for your first marathon, for example- that never hurts to establish some rapport and leave a memorable mark.3. A Fact Relevant to the punktNow that you have some basic knowledge of the entire company and your specific interviewer, its time to dive more into the actual position that youre applying for.Do your best to arm yourself with two or three research-backed and position-relevant facts that you can weave into you r answers.To stick with our marketing example, when asked about what interests you about that particular role, you could tie in a company fact to your answer like thisIve seen the high-quality work you complete at this agency, such as that entire social campaign you did for the local food shelter. Im eager to bring my own creativity to your team and to continue launching amazing projects like that one.This answer is impressive, because it touches on your passion for the work along with showcasing your existing knowledge of the company.4. A Random TidbitFinally, it never hurts to just have one random fact about the company stashed and ready to go. It might go totally unused. However, if you find a natural way to work it in, its a surefire way to make yourself that much more memorable.Whether they just raised a certain sum of money for a local charity or youre confident that youd dominate their company-wide chili cook-off, going beyond the website to get some lesser-known facts demons trates that youre highly interested in the company and the opportunity.I still blush at the memory of flubbing one of my first job interviews by not adequately researching the company. Fortunately, you dont need to make the same mistake. Make sure that you know these four things mentioned above before your next job interview, and youre sure to have your bases covered.Have an interview coming up and want to avoid making a big job interview mistake? Check out these additional job interviewing tips.

Never Before Told Stories About Audition Resume You Must Read or Be Left Out

Never Before Told Stories About Audition Resume You Must Read or Be Left Out Audition Resume - the Story You are prepared to conquer the audio world. Because you have extensive knowledge in the dance planet, you can discover that you need to pick and choose what things to fit into your resume. There is an assortment of opportunities offered in the movie and music world for dancers. Next, you are going to want to outline all dance training that youve received. You might have to provide a performance on the stage for the world to have understanding of the simple fact which you can dance. Other helpful skills are gun handling and basic stage combat, so you are aware of how to throw and have a punch without anyone getting hurt. Theres a great deal of discrepancy in opinion about which special skills belong on your resume. The bodily materials you bring in the room (headshot and resume) and how you present yourself (partal style) are equally as essential as your performance wi thin the room. Its possible for all of us to have as many as 3 games per week. Ensure the items above are organized neatly with a crystal clear focus. There arent any cuts every day. Resumes have traditionally develop into the most essential ticket for surfing the work industry. You wont be in a position to register for an audition if you havent sent in a submission. Thus, its advisable that you look at several of the very simple Dancer resumes. The video has to be a solo and ought to only demonstrate the dancer whos auditioning. In case you have any questions regarding the audition and interview, please speak to us. All applicants will have enough time to change into proper attire and warm-up before the beginning of the dance audition. Candidates who are not able to attend in person is going to be requested to submit their audition electronically and we are going to arrange the interview by Skype. After their resume writing strategy will allow you to land more auditions . Writing up your header is the simple part You might also observe the Resume Examples. You may also see Functional Resume. Making your resume is vital. The resumes primary goal is to exclude candidates. You will receive the chance to provide the production that information when youre hired and are requested to fill out all of the paperwork. As a consequence, no 2 resumes will look the exact same. List the info in chronological order. Additionally, you cant know when your employer will request references. You need to have special skills. The more skills that you have, the more marketable youre. Dont forget to continue to keep your resume focused on your abilities and experience. A good summary statement at the peak of your resume can boost the probability of them noticing what youve got to offer right from the beginning. Now that your resume is finished, you can contact the practice room where the actual work is finished In the event that you were fired from a job which you might rather not incorporate that in your resume. If youre searching for a nachrichten applications development job, for example, your preceding knowledge in the restaurant service business is excellent but not pertinent here. The way you write your career objectives is crucial and ought to be given proper thought. When you need to teach somebody, you must have understanding of the area. For some jobs, youre want to highlight certain abilities, while for others, youre want to demonstrate related experience. My preferred worthless skill is being a certified driver. The Audition Resume Game A headshot is to assist the director visualize you in the part youre auditioning for or as an element of the production. Your headshot has to be considered fora casting. HEADSHOTIf you get a professional headshot, thats terrific. Attach the resume right to the rear of the headshot. Top Audition Resume Choices Dont forget that you need to only include your high school if you d idnt attend college. You need to have a certificate from a dancing school that states that you understand how to dance. Include acting programs you might have attended here too. A dance teacher can mention the exact same in his or hersresume whilst applying for work. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Audition Resume List relevant experience only as long as youre low on items, you can include more information or simply complete your resume in different sections. Theres NO application to complete for acting. An acting resume is a fundamental advertising tool thats essential if you wish to be a professional in the entertainment market. Today, the quantity of absolutely free online resume templates is astonishing. Prior to starting the resume, its wise to list all of the info you collected in Step 1 in a cohesive readable format. Provided that you provide relevant info in a superior format, dont hesitate to modify the aforementioned sample. The standard resume format is a coup le pages. Then, simply stick to the format.

How a $26 Trip to Walgreens can Improve Your Professional Life

How a $26 Trip to Walgreens can Improve Your Professional Life The 40-hour workweek used to sound like a good deal of work, until it crept up to the 46-hour workweek. Thats the equivalent to working three extra 8-hour days per month. We spend a lot of time at work, and we arent exactly in a bubble. Matters will arise, lunch dates will happen and you need to be prepared. These are the 5 must-have items for any desk, which probably arent in yoursThank You Cards $7The multi-purpose lifesaver Truly, if you get nothing else on this list, get a stack of thank you cards. Nothing shows appreciation more than an unexpected, hand-written thank you note. Your co-workers are far more likely to be there for you in the future when they know that you value their help and input. From assistance with a project, to acknowledging a recommendation, thank you cards are great for fostering strong professional relations hips.Protein $5I dont know about you, but at least once a month Im headed out the door and my lunch options are a can of tuna and some expired oatmeal. Whether you get a lunch break or not, there are going to be those days when you are either too busy to leave work, or your blood sugar feels like its tied to a bowling ball. Have a stash of nuts, jerky or even a jar of peanut butter in your desk for quick pick-me-ups throughout the day. If you see someone dragging, and you know theyre buried in work, offer them a bag of peanuts and watch their eyes light up like you just gave them an iPad mini.Headphones $8Sometimes you just have to go under. Have you ever been on an airplane and put your ear buds in just so that no one would talk to you? Its the universal sign for go away. Every day, every hour at work there are multiple distractions. Were used to it for the most part, but sometimes its crunch time. No distractions, just getting work done They are also great to have on hand for hand s-free calls. And please feel free to send me a thank you note when you win that radio contest, and you and your boss are going to the super bowl.krperpflege Products $6It happens to the best of us, the cleanest of us even the afternoon funk. Three simple things will keep you from being the smelly guy mints or gum, deodorant and wet wipes. Whether you need to freshen up before a client lunch meeting, or your coffee breath is kickin, $6 worth of products can keep you fresh at work. Smelling good and feeling fresh are serious game changers for confidence levels at work. Ever had to give a presentation when you were unsure? Its the absolute worst.A To-Do List $0I prefer to use notes on my Apple devices. That way, my to-do list is refreshed across all of my devices, and it is always with me. Be sure that this list is prioritized and constantly in front of you. If you prefer an old school pen and paper, be sure to have a notebook dedicated specifically to this purpose. Having five sheets of random paper with various tasks written on them doesnt do anyone any good.One trip to Walgreens may not change your life, but it can make the office a far better place to be. We spend a considerable amount of time at work why not make it better for you and those around you with these simple and cheap items? Try being the grateful, good smelling, go-to co-worker. I think youll like it.

The Best Thank You Note to Send After a Promotion - The Muse

The Best Thank You Note to Send After a Promotion - The MuseThe Best Thank You Note to Send After a Promotion When Tina Wascovich got a promotion early in herbei career, she picked out cards and gave handwritten thank you musiknotenzeichennzeichens to her manager as well as a senior VP, both of whom she felt had been instrumental in helping her take a step up. The high-level executive was so enthusiastic about her note that he wrote her one in return to tell her how pleased hed been to recommend her for the promotion. Everyone felt good about Wascovichs accomplishment and about themselves. Who wouldnt want that?If youve just been promoted, well then first, you deserve a big congratulations, and some celebrations are certainly in order. Go on, do a happy dance, raise a glass, treat yourself to a promotion gift, or all of the above. But while youre basking in the glow of validation that comes with a shiny new title or role, take a moment to consider how you got there, who mightve helpe d you along the way, and how you can acknowledge that support. Its the perfect time to show appreciation to your anfhrer or your company for a promotion and the recognition of the value your contribution is making to the company, says Wascovich, a Muse career coach. One easy and effective way to do that is with a thank you note.Why You Might Write a Thank You Note for a PromotionWriting a thank you note for a promotion, unlike for an interview, is not a must-do, more like a really-nice-to-do. In fact, I think that if you do this, it will be remembered by that boss likely for a long time because today people are not writing handwritten notes or much of anything, Wascovich says. To get a note of appreciation from someone on your staff that recognizes that you may have helped them on their career path, that makes an impact on anyone in a supervisory management or leadership role, who will be more likely to go the extra mile for them in the future.Al Dea, a Muse career coach and the fou nder of CareerSchooled, also emphasizes that its all about gratitude and appreciation. Having been on the receiving end of such thank you notes, he says, I was super thrilled to see they got promoted and it made me feel good knowing that they considered me to have played a small role in that.Who You Should ThankThe most obvious person on your shortlist for a thank you note following a promotion is, not surprisingly, your direct manager. Theyre often the one most closely involved with your success, but theyre not necessarily the only one. Think about whether your boss boss or another senior leader played an active role in your growth as an employee or in advocating for or approving your promotion. Or perhaps you have a formal or informal mentor outside your reporting structure or even outside of your organization. To summarize it, I would thank people who you thought were instrumental in helping you achieve that, says Wascovich. What a Thank You Note After a Promotion Actually Looks Like (With Examples)If the logistics allow, consider a handwritten note. It shows that you took the time, in todays digital age...to walk outside, go to the store, pick out a card, buy the card, write something thoughtful, and give it to someone, says Dea. That shows a genuine kind of sincerity behind it. And while the gesture may be small, I think that another person would appreciate it.That being said, if you dont work in the same office or dont have someones physical address, an email is a perfectly good vehicle for your thank you note as well. Either way, you dont have to write a novel. Your note should be short and sweet. Here are a couple ways to go A Formal Thank You NoteDear Name,Its been a pleasure to learn and grow under your leadership. Thanks again for recognizing my contribution with this promotion. I look forward to continuing to work together.All the best,Your NameA Thank You Note With Specific ExamplesDear Name,Thank you so much for recognizing my hard work and belie ving I was ready to take on a new role and more responsibility. Im grateful for something specific they did that helped you get to where you are, e.g. your guidance as I took on the X project and learned to lead a cross-functional team how you went to bat for me to make this promotion happen, and excited to thing youll be taking on in your new or more senior role, e.g. lead this new team or take on such an important client.Thank you,Your NameOther Ways to Show Your GratitudeEveryone has their own way of showing gratitude, and you shouldnt be afraid to go with your gut and do whatever feels most natural. If a thank you note doesnt seem quite right, you could set aside some time at your next one-on-one- or in a separate meeting- to express your appreciation in person. If you got a huge promotion and theres someone who played a major role in that, Dea says, you might even consider getting them a small gift or taking them out to lunch. The bottom line is that you want to genuinely and a uthentically thank someone. How you choose to do that is up to you and certainly it needs to jive with what you feel comfortable doing, Dea says. Im less concerned about the mechanism of how you do it and more about the spirit of deciding to go and do it.What to AvoidOne time in high school, I profusely thanked a teacher for a high grade on a research essay I wrote, says Muse writer and career coach Abby Wolfe. He looked at me and said, Why are you thanking me? Youre the one who did the hard work. And he was right.She learned that theres a balance to strike between recognizing someones contribution to your success and owning your accomplishments. After all, she says, youre the one who worked hard to get the promotion. Youre the one who earned it.Even worse than letting your thanks cross the line into too much in such a sincere way is to write a note you dont really mean simply to check a box, Dea says. If you dont feel an honest desire to thank someone and do so out of obligation, i t could come across as inauthentic and fall flat. If you, like me, are now convinced that writing a genuine thank you note for a promotion is a meaningful gesture, remember too that its never too late to show appreciation, says Wascovich. Even if it comes a few weeks or months later, we can brighten someones day. Now, excuse me while I make a run to the stationery store.

4 Reasons Complaining to Your Coworker About Another Coworker Is a Bad Idea

4 Reasons Complaining to Your Coworker About Abedrngnisher Coworker Is a Bad Idea 4 Reasons Complaining to Your Coworker About Another Coworker Is a Bad Idea Jack drives you crazy at work.He is on your project team, and his laziness and lax standards are pushing you to the edge yet again. So you pop into Susans (another coworker) office to vent your frustrations.You have just inadvertently started a firestorm that has the potential to further erode yourrelationshipwith Jack, compromise your relationship with Susan, and sabotage the trust and cohesion that exists within the entire team. Of course, you didnt mean to cause problems you simply wanted to vent your annoyance.Here are four reasons whycomplainingabout a coworker to another coworker is never a good idea (and four things you can do instead that will help)1. Venting might feel good at the time, but when it comes to talking trash about another partie, it always has a bite.Its one thing to vent outside of work to someone not as sociated with the team.This expression may release steam, and trusted friends canhelp you craft a plan for movingforward with the object of your frustration.But at work, on a team, it will feel at best like gossip and at worst like total and complete betrayal to the person in question.Missing the opportunity to get directpeer feedbackincreases the likelihood that the person in question will feel caught off guard, slandered, and treated poorly. Broken trust is hard, if not impossible, to rebuild.What to do insteadVent with friends at home, seek empathy on your challenges, and then take your issue straight to the source. The last step is the most important because it eliminates the dangerous triangle that gossip creates.2. The innocent coworker you speak with cant help but be affected by your perspective.Susan, in the scenario above, may have previously really liked and trusted Jack. But now that you have sharedyour complaints, her view of Jack is forever tainted. She no longer sees h im in a positive light, and she may go on toseek confirmation of the problems you mentioned, whereas she used to open-heartedly interacted with him in true partnership. Plus, she now has to try to keep a secret, since you asked her not to share anything, so she has to suppress what she knows you feel about Jack every time she sees him.What to do insteadIf you need it, ask the non-involved colleague for feedback onyourapproach toaddressing the situation. This makes it about you, not the coworker who is upsetting you. Make sure you let the non-involved coworker know that your intention is to work it out with the other person and that you know you have contributed to the problem.3. Trust is the primary currency of healthy partnerships, and talking behind someones back erodes trust.To trust, we must be vulnerable. At work, that often means admittingmistakes,being honest aboutwhat we dont know, and/orasking for help. Receivingcritical feedbackis the ultimate vulnerability, and strong par tnerships allow us togrowthrough this critical feedback.But if we get feedback from athird-partyinstead of the person who should be delivering it, thaterodes the faith and confidence that are essential for team health.What to do insteadSpend time thinking about and preparing to deliverfeedback forthe colleague who annoys you in a caring, concise, and clear way. Delivering this to them willbuild trustand confidence, resulting in an increased ability to talk honestly with each other, solvehard problems, and work together oninnovations and ideas. The coworkermay not stop the annoying behavior altogether, but at least they can now begin working on it. What really matters is that you are clear, direct, caring, and compassionate. Your goal should belearningto work better with your coworkers, not drawinga line in the sand.4. Most of us want to know the truth and strive to improve once we get it.Despite the fact that most of us want to run screaming to the hills when we hear those dreaded w ords, May I give you some feedback? we also secretly crave it.The impression we make on others is our impact at work, and when delivered with care, most of us want to embrace and learn from the observations of others.Jack, in this scenario, is not consciously trying to annoy you. Bringing his behavioral impact on you to his attention guarantees that at least the two of you now have a basis for co-learning and sharing as you work together.What to do insteadOffer feedback in the spirit of learning and with an intention to remain in partnership, rather than exit stage left. In addition togiving feedback, ask for it, so that you can walk your talk with this colleague. Most problems between people are contributed to by both parties, so what do you have to learn?A version of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.Moe Carrick is the founder ofMoementum Inc.and haswoven a cohesive and provocative tapestry of personal leadership experiences,Fortune100 consulting, academic and instit utional learning, keynote addresses, authorship, strategic partnering, and masterful facilitation. Moe grounds her approach in a unifying and undeniable truth Successful work is dependent upon human relationships. Shefeels privileged to work with clients likePrudential Financial, REI, Nike, TechSoft3D, and many others.

The Paralegal Job Description Keeps Expanding Robert Half

The Paralegal Job Description Keeps Expanding Robert HalfThe Paralegal Job Description Keeps Expanding Robert HalfThe paralegal job description is tough to pigeonhole - it varies considerably from one firm to another, depending on size and other factors. But theres no question that the role has expanded in recent years, making the paralegal position one of the most rapidly evolving legal jobs.Both law firms and geschftliches miteinanderes look to these legal professionals to perform multiple functions. They are increasingly expected to handle substantive legal work, including duties previously performed as part of the legal job descriptions of junior-level lawyers, such as research, trial preparation, patent filings, and regulatory and eDiscovery matters. By allocating work that doesnt require a licensed lawyer to paralegals, firms are able to keep legal costs in check and meet client demands for more cost-effective services.Aspects of the paralegal job descriptionIn addition to the considerable legal duties performed by paralegals, the paralegal job description often calls for technology expertise. Newly expanded paralegal roles require candidates to be skilled at using eDiscovery software, e-filing systems and various practice management applications. In some firms, especially smaller ones, paralegals also use their technical skills to assist with the day-to-day aspects of practice management, such as tracking legal time and expenses and other administrative tasks. kreuzung or blended paralegal/legal secretary roles are becoming more common in listings of legal jobs as organizations streamline legal support functions to improve efficiencies.Robert Half Legal is the premier provider of legal staffing and consulting solutions for law firms and corporate legal departments. Let us help you find the right job for you.GET HELP FINDING WORKLegal professionals benefit from practice area expertiseAlthough the paralegal job description will probably continue to come w ith the implicit requirement that professionals wear multiple hats, todays legal market now favors specialists over generalists. A majority (66 percent) of lawyers interviewed by Robert Half Legal cited practice area expertise as the most marketable attribute for paralegals. Technological proficiency followed, with 13 percent of the survey response.Paralegals with expertise in in-demand areas, including litigation, compliance, healthcare, contracts, real estate and intellectual property are seeing strong demand from law firms and corporations.A sample of employer postings for paralegal jobsTo illustrate how the paralegal job role has evolved - and the most sought-after skills - heres a sample of job requirements listed in a handful of current paralegal jobs postingsParalegal - Candidate must feel comfortable working in a small law firm environment, wearing many hats and taking on leadership. At least three years of litigation experience is a must, with substantive trial prep expe rience being a strong plus. Duties include drafting litigation documents and various trial prep duties.Senior contracts paralegal - This person will be the subject matter expert for contracts and report to a corporate attorney. Requires drafting, analyzing and negotiating a wide range of contracts and agreements. Must have the ability to identify and assess risk and communicate effectively with internal team members, business partners and outside counsel.Intellectual property paralegal - Provide assistance to attorneys and trial teams with all aspects of intellectual property case management, including the discovery process trial preparation case investigation tracking and communicating case-related dates and information database maintenance and the review and preparation of documents, reports and correspondence. Position involves direct contact with clients.Litigation paralegal - Manage all aspects of large-scale, complex litigation. Requires full understanding of litigation mot ion practice, discovery, arbitration, trial and appellate procedures.As these examples demonstrate, paralegals have become indispensable legal team members. And, as law offices continue to evolve and operate more like traditional businesses, the paralegal job description is likely to keep changing as well.Robert Half conducts exclusive research and offers free resources you can use to advance your career.CONTINUE READING