COLLEGE GRADUATES – THERE’S STILL MORE WORK TO DO
College graduates will soon celebrate a grand achievement. It’s farewell to the college campus and hello to the next phase of life. Is a job on the horizon? There’s been optimism in recent job outlook reports. That’s good news for sure. But hold off before you make that beeline to the beach. There’s more work to be done if you want to compete in an extremely competitive job market. “What sets you apart from other candidates”? Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing so you will be able to deliver the right response to that question.
FOLLOW A PASSION – KNOW YOUR TARGET
There is nothing more convincing than sincerity. If you are passionate with your “pitch” it shines through. Why? Because YOU believe it. Discovering your passion right out of college comes easy for some but certainly not for everybody. Many degrees lead to a clear path but others can be applied in multiple settings. While choices are appealing they can be daunting too. It’s best if you have a clear vision of where you’re going. It’s hard to hit a bull’s eye if you can’t find the target.
INFORMATION IS POWER – GET INFORMED
In today’s easy access to information environment there’s no excuse for failing to research businesses you are courting. Big business or small, it doesn’t matter, you should know the basics. What is their mission statement and vision? Who are the major players? Company goals? Are there new products or services on the horizon? Research competitors as well. Know the industry. The more information you gather the better it serves you to communicate your role and the value you bring to the table.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Corny? Maybe. True, absolutely. College campuses are extremely casual and laid-back attire becomes the status quo after awhile. It’s time to evaluate your “look” and ask yourself, while standing in front of a full-length mirror, “ Will I meet the standards of my potential employer? What is the dress code in the workplace of your choice? Find out. When interviewing always dress at least one step above the desired position. Since casual attire has become so common in the workplace there is much controversy surrounding the subject of dress. It’s better to error on the side of overdressed rather than jeopardizing a job opportunity. Don’t limit wardrobe improvements to interviews. Be aware of your appearance whenever networking opportunities arises. An article on LinkedIn addressing the subject of telephone interviews was titled “I can hear you in your pajamas!” When you are dressed down your demeanor is in a different zone. It’s psychology 101.
GET NOTICED – NETWORK
Shake hands, introduce yourself, and anticipate meeting connections wherever you go. Carry personalized business cards. Most jobs are obtained through networks. If you can receive a recommendation from a contact it may seal the deal. Attend job fairs, set up a LinkedIn account, and join professional groups, not only online but also in person. . Do yourself a favor. Don’t hide behind a computer. Get noticed.
BE HUMBLE BUT THINK BIG
You won’t be the top dog at your next job. That’s a fact. Everyone has to start somewhere. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get to top dog status, eventually. Be willing to start from the bottom and work up but also continue to think and dream big. Be a visionary for your future. Don’t make excuses for not excelling. Take risks. When failures set you back, learn from them.
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Try something different even if it makes you sweat. It’s great to feel comfortable but comfort doesn’t allow for growth. Have faith in your abilities and be willing to work hard. Nobody ever got to the top by being comfortable. In the long run you won’t be sorry.
USE AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Take advantage of your school’s career center. Career professionals can advise you on job search skills. Numerous websites such as http://www.job-hunt.org, www.CollegeTopTalent.com and www.YouTern.com will help as well. Research opportunities for internships on www.Internships.com. Your job search will be your first full time job. You will need to change your resume for each job to target the employer and you will apply for a LOT of jobs using multiple methods.
BE SMART ABOUT PRIVACY
Assure that your social networking sites have the appropriate privacy settings. Is your online presence in line with your goals? Make sure it is. Congratulations graduates. Stay positiv
Millennials have it their way in the workplace
If you’re a baby boomer like me the concept of “having it your way” in the workplace is hard to grasp. But not only baby boomers are perplexed by work expectations imposed by millennials, identified as those born between 1980 and 2000. A Pew Research Study revealed that out of the last four generations they are the first that do not place work ethic on their list of values. Millennials are 87 million strong and outnumber the next largest group, baby boomers, which claim 76 million. Their diverse composition makes them unique as well. Currently the majority of US workers are millennials and by 2020 they will occupy over 50% of the global workforce.
Millennials are confident, adaptable, and optimistic. But mostly they’re connected. With a keen affinity for technology and an inbred social media relationship their generation stands apart. Access to instant information is the norm. Due in part to their technical savvy but also because of the economic crisis that coincided with their coming of age, their worldview and priorities differ from their predecessors.
The Department of Labor Statistics reports that 58% of millennials expect to leave their job in 3 years or less. Unlike previous generations where the ideal was to stay with one employer, millennials have a different paradigm. They focus less on working for income and purchasing power and more on passion for their work. If not connected to a cause they don’t mind changing employers or even careers. There’s no hurry to buy a home or car. They prefer access to ownership. Many, burdened with student loan debt, are in no position for such financial commitments anyway. Millennials are the most educated generation in history but they are also the most narcissistic. “The 2015 Millennial Majority Workforce Report” distributed by Elance-oDesk, a branding firm from Mountain View California says, “Millennials are poised to drive the future of business.”
Software giant Intuit’s survey tells us that a non-traditional approach to work is on the rise. It concluded that by 2020, 40% of the American workforce will be freelancers, contractors, and temporary workers. This allows for flexibility, which is paramount to millennials who will often pass up a fatter paycheck in favor of personal fulfillment. Work/life integration (not balance) is key with both factors being intimately intertwined. Keeping traditional working hours is no longer the norm. An American Psychological study found that over 50% of Millennials check messages before and after work as well as weekends, 44% do so during vacation. A majority sleeps with a Smartphone within reach. In spite of the fact that they are innately health conscious with 83% disapproving of smoking and 24% saying they exercise and eat healthy every day, they are sleep deprived. Six and a half hours is their daily average as opposed to eight for Generation X.
“I can work from anywhere,” they say and their voice is commanding attention. Telecommuting is taking off like a rocket with many companies willing to accommodate workers at home or in locations of their choice. Co-working spaces have become increasingly popular and are springing up in towns everywhere including our own.
55% of managers state they consider hard skills first when hiring millennials, a change from when attributes such as attitude and communication skills took precedence. An Educational Service Survey published in the April 2015 edition of AARP magazine revealed that millennials had three specific areas of weakness: basic math, literacy and problem solving skills. Adults between the ages of 16 to 65 years from 23 countries took part in this survey. US millennials ranked last (along with Italy and Spain) in basic math skills. I suppose having a Smartphone to run your calculations has its pitfalls.
Employers who attract millennials are those that respect their busy lifestyles and provide perks such as childcare, gym memberships, relaxed dress codes or even policies that allow your pet to accompany you to work. They are flexible, open and progressive with a “think outside the box” approach.
Lastly, there is a disconnect between job openings that go unfilled for lack of candidates while job seekers seek employment to no avail. Is the system broken or is something else going on? It is something to consider. Undoubtedly millennials will profoundly influence the way we do business, as their influx into the workplace is massive. Traditional mores will be cast aside
Is the résume´dead?
Rumors about the résumé’s demise have resurfaced time and again. They first appeared years ago when the Internet stepped up as the “go to” place for jobs. The Internet job application procedure has left many discouraged. One unemployed worker said it like this, “Before, all it took was a hello and a handshake, now I apply online not because I want to but because I have to”. The drill is clearly established. Want a job? Sit down, log in, and apply. But then what? Efforts often vanish into cyberspace. With this technology driven process many are asking, “Why do I need a résumé? Is anybody reading it? And what about my cover letter? Does it matter? They want to know if the current system has eliminated the résumé and changed the rules altogether. I say no. The résumé is not dead; it’s alive and well. But the world is ever changing and we must keep up in order to achieve our goals.
According to JobVite’s social recruiting survey, 78% of employers used social media for hiring in 2008. By 2013 that number increased to 94%. LinkedIn and Facebook are the number one sources. Let’s consider a few possibilities. Using your résumé as an example, we know it changes over time with additions, deletions and even format but it’s consistent in one way, it is always formal. Your LinkedIn profile, on the other hand can be a little less formal yet still shine a professional spotlight on you and highlight your accomplishments. Twitter and Facebook as well as LinkedIn allow widespread networking opportunities since users can broadcast to a large audience at one. If you enjoy writing a website with a blog is a good choice. You Tube allows viewers to assess body language that isn’t visible when viewing a paper résumé. Some of these ideas might appeal to you while others won’t, but all are relevant in today’s job search. Your line of work, industry and personal style will dictate the choices best for you.
Quality matters. That’s worth repeating… quality matters. What you broadcast must be a first class representation of your best self. 43% of employers said they found reasons NOT to hire because of negative social media content. Top reasons are poor communication skills, spelling errors, drug and alcohol references and inappropriate pictures. If you don‘t protect your personal brand, which is synonymous with your professional reputation, social media will work against your goals, not for them.
So think evolution, not replacement when the résumé rumor pops up again. But adapting to change has always been essential for success and upward mobility, right? It’s true that all that was required before was a quality résumé coupled with a nice cover letter and some polished interviewing skills and bingo… you’re hired! But no longer is that enough. With a sluggish job market and large applicant pool there’s more work to be done. These components still make up the foundation of your job search but a full marketing package is today’s golden ticket to your future, the cornerstone of which should be personal branding. What is personal branding you ask? It is self-marketing those unique qualities which set you apart from the crowd. These questions will help you consider your own “me program”. What motivates you? What do you know? What are you known for knowing? What are your passions and values? What word describes you best? Do you have a niche?
Self-assessment is key. You might want to enlist others with whom you have worked or shared professional accomplishments, to share their insights. It’s not easy to make an unbiased evaluation of your own abilities and strengths. Once you’ve decided on what makes you distinctive you can begin to formulate a brand message. It must be conveyed consistently and delivered to a targeted market just like any other “product.”
So is the résumé dead? No. But just like everything else the job search frontier is evolving and it is not the same as it was 20 years ago. In order to stay relevant we must adapt. The résumé is a core tool that remains steady. It’s a valuable asset for job seekers and the number one choice for the majority of employers. So don’t toss it out yet! But do consider looking beyond the résumé for innovative ways to expose your talents. Step outside of your comfort zone and give it a try.
Becoming an entrepreneur in 2015
If you are feeling fed up and uninspired in your current career path maybe entrepreneurship is something to consider in 2015. Sentiments that often surface when this subject is broached are ”I’m not cut out for that!” or “I don’t have what it takes.” But just what exactly does it take? The Small Business Administration defines an entrepreneur as a person who sees an opportunity makes a plan and manages the plan for the sake of profit”. You might be surprised to know that the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs are women and baby boomers over age 55. So, if you have a business idea that fuels your passion and you are willing to do what it takes to inspire others to embrace your idea, becoming an entrepreneur might be exactly right for you. The same basic skills of ANY successful worker apply.
These traits top the list.
Passion
Passion is the fuel behind your fire. You will need a lot of fuel to keep the wheels turning. The excitement you have to make your dream come true is the motivating factor that drives you to success.
Confidence
Regardless of the nature of your goal, confidence gives you an edge, confidence in yourself and your concept. Your confidence is demonstrated through passion and commitment. These emotions incite others to be interested and to have the desire to be involved. But don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. Much like an interview, there is a careful balance to straddle.
Persistence
A never give up attitude is a must have for aspiring entrepreneurs. Setbacks are inevitable and disappointments will surely surface. Successful entrepreneurs use failure as a tool to improve and they see it only as a temporary delay, not as the end result. They reassess and immediately look forward for the next breakthrough. Many successful entrepreneurs actually thrive on failure. Of course they would prefer to always experience successful outcomes. But knowing this isn’t realistically possible they “they turn lemons into lemonade.”
Hard work
You’re used to hard work right? Of course you are or you probably wouldn’t be considering such an undertaking. Working in your own enterprise requires serious dedication. It takes time and commitment that is taken to a new level. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves for the long haul and keep at it until you reach your goals, you will reap great rewards.
Thinking outside the box
Entrepreneurs are not conformists. In fact, that’s what sets this group apart from others. They have unique ideas and don’t accept it when someone says, “It’s not possible.” They figure out a way to make it possible. Being quirky and different is a way of getting noticed. It establishes a difference between your business and your competitors business. Entrepreneurs fill a void and do it in a unique way.
Risk taking
In order to achieve great things important decisions that often involve risk must be made. This might include leaving a stable job for a business venture or moving to an unfamiliar location for a start up. It also may include knowing when to pull the plug on a business venture that isn’t working and move on to the next thing. Yes, entrepreneurs make many risky decisions but Face Book founder Mark Zuckerberg said it best, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.”
Competiveness
There will always be others who are out to beat you. But entrepreneurs who are focused on their own success will not let competitors derail them. In fact, competition keeps things fresh and interesting and inspires new ideas. Sharing the market with multiple competitors is a validation that there is need for the service or product.
Adaptability
When you are a leader adaptability is applied in many areas including the fast pace of changing technology, dealing with crisis in the workplace, creative problem solving and cultural diversity, just to name a few. Changes in the business environment can be fast and unexpected which could unpredictably change the direction of your business plan. A savvy leader will embrace change while still staying focused on business goals.
Having good people skills is a plus even though some of the best entrepreneurs have demonstrated otherwise. Steve Jobs is an example. One must be able to hire the right people and have good judgment when in comes to staffing. So now that you know you have the right skills, entrepreneurship can become a reality for you in 2015. Go for it!
Are the baby boomers ready for their second act?
The first wave of baby boomers reached retirement age in 2011. AARP magazine reports that since the onset of their “coming of age” for the next 18 years 8000 boomers will turn 65 each day. Financial concerns will take center stage in the retirement planning process. But aside from finances are they really prepared for this new phase? Many will say yes! But boomers, known as the “me” generation, have notoriously done things their own way and in their own time. “I never want to retire” my friend Paula, a 68 year old school administrator announced over a cup of coffee. “My colleague is still working at 85, why not me?” When retirement talk came up with Gail, a 59 year old social worker with more than 23 years tenure, her response was unwavering, “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself!!” Roland, who was laid off from a management position in the technology industry, continues to seek work each day even though at 65 he has the means to retire. “I’d rather wear out than rust out,” he says.
Do you have a pre-conceived notion of retirement? Beverly, a newly retired medical technician says, “I like to view my retirement as a transition rather than a loss.” Perception is in fact reality. Some workers identify with their jobs so completely that when work ends they feel lost. Multiple facets make up the whole of who we are and we have value far beyond our professional lives. I like to think of retirement as a second act, one that can be every bit as rewarding and interesting as the first. A time to nurture key relationships and explore possibilities never before considered.
Many prospective retirees imagine they will be happier once released from the daily grind. Melissa Knoll, a research analyst with the office of retirement and disability policy, Social Security Administration says, “A necessary prerequisite of the retirement decision, is the accurate prediction of one's future emotions. Unfortunately, previous research has demonstrated that individuals do not make accurate affective forecasts”. This underscores the fact that the retirement decision is complex and requires a great deal of contemplation. The average life expectancy for a 62-year old retiree is approximately 22 years, a significant life chapter. Delayed retirement is monetarily beneficial in most cases but even so it’s not necessarily the right choice. Your current health status is often a deciding factor as well as future health concerns and the health of your loved ones. Knoll reports that individuals in lower socioeconomic groups tend to retire earlier than those in higher brackets. This is mainly due to added stress caused by a lack of control over their work environments with a higher proportion of workers in physically demanding jobs.
Most workers will tell you they work to earn a paycheck but there are other motivating factors. Social interaction is one of them. My father-in-law who retired at age 83 stayed on the job for this reason. “I love talking to people,” he would say. He took clients out to lunch and enjoyed his job to the last day. We are social creatures. Our co-workers become an extended family and even occasional conflicts with them provide a reason to get “all fired up”. Understand the need to maintain social networks in retirement. It may be as simple as meeting friends for coffee on occasion or as bold as opening your own coffee shop. Seek out activities that keep you connected.
Phasing out of work is becoming popular amongst the boomers. Workers slowly exit the workforce by working part-time for a year or two before taking their final bow. According to HR firm Hewett Associates, only 5 percent of employers offer this program however over the next several years more plan to get on board, perhaps as many as 60 percent.
Lastly, it’s imperative to maintain your passion and keep your mind sharp. There are many ways to do this. Some retirees donate time in support of humanitarian organizations; others travel. Retirees often take up hobbies they’ve put on the back burner for years. Diana, a former co-worker and animal advocate, launched a dog-sitting service when she retired. My Subaru dealer told me he plans to flip houses. Learn a new language; embrace life long learning and take classes at the college or design your own phase-out program and consult. Whatever you choose, do it enthusiastically and with joy each day.
Is there equality for women in today’s workplace?
The late US Representative and female activist Bella Abzug spearheaded the launch of Women’s Equality Day in August 1971. It corresponded with the confirmation of the nineteenth amendment in August 1920 when women were granted voting rights. Its forty-third anniversary was recognized last month. Today we look back to see just how far we’ve come in establishing gender equality in the workplace. “There’s still more work to do” said President Obama on Women’s Equality Day 2014.
Wallet-Hub, a finance-focused website that delivers tools and information to consumers and small businesses to promote better practices, released data to coincide with this anniversary. Some findings were taken from the Global Gender Equality Scale, a report compiled by the World Economic Forum capturing the magnitude and scope of gender-based disparities. The 136 countries represented in the report make up ninety-three percent of the world’s population. Factors measured are economic participation, educational attainment, health/survival, and political empowerment. The United States placed 23 on its scale. Iceland, Finland and Norway took top honors. Sweden placed number four. Successful outcomes for Nordic Countries were partially due to shared childcare duties and equal distribution of labor in the home. Generous, state-mandated parental leave benefits played a significant role. Additional findings reveal that the United States ranks number 60 in female political empowerment and 67 in wage equality.
Equality for women in the United States varies from state to state. Hawaii and New York ranked number one and two for overall female equality. Utah and Wyoming placed last. California was number 12 and Nevada placed number 5.
ADDITIONAL FACTS AND FINDINGS FOR THE UNITED STATES:
· Women earn 77 cents for each male-earned dollar. (US Census Bureau of statistic based on annual wages.
· 52 percent of professionals are women; only 14.6 percent are executive officers.
· Women earn almost 60 percent of all undergraduate degrees, 60 percent of all masters’ degrees, 47 percent of law all degrees, 48 percent of all medical degrees and 37 percent of all MBA’s.
· Two-thirds of minimum wage workers are women.
· Male lawmakers outnumber women in every state
· One-third of the female workforce consists of minority women yet they hold only 11.9 percent of all professional positions.
· Women control 80 percent of spending but only 3 percent are top directors in creative advertising
The Center for American Progress recently reported that advancements for women have slowed since progress began during the early years of the women’s movement. According to Senior Fellow Judith Warner, “It’s now estimated that, at the current rate of change, it will take until 2085 for women to reach parity with men in leadership roles in our country.”
What accounts for these findings? Some argue it is lifestyle choices made by women themselves that holds them back. Others insist women are willing to accept less pay for more benefits, specifically paid time off. Experts weigh in with opinions of their own. Chad E. Forbes, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Delaware was asked, why women hold few top executive positions even though they constitute 52% of the professional workforce. “Men often may not be aware of bias, or even endorse the stereotypes that fortify it, but they are products of the socialization process…” he said. An experimental scenario illustrated his point. Two résumés were submitted to two employers, duplicates except for the names, one male, one female. “Both employers rated the male applicant more competent and hirable, and selected a higher starting salary…. “This speaks to the fact that even when all things are equal, men might receive a higher salary because of pre-existing stereotypes.”
Henry Drummond, Professor of Law at Lewis and Clark spoke of the wage gap. “Women experience pregnancies and bear children more often shouldering the burdens (and joys) of caring for children... More men are stepping up, but we still have miles to go in this slow process of cultural change.”
Julie A. Kmec, Sociology Professor, Washington State University says, “Women should recognize that much of what leads to the pay gap are practices and structures built into the fabric of workplaces that tend to benefit men and disadvantage women such as word of mouth referrals.”
Is there a silver lining for women? YES. They have a longer life expectancy after age 65. They also experience shorter PAID workdays.
The numbers speak for themselves and the conclusion is obvious, “There is still more work to do.”
Avoid these lose-lose management missteps.
It’s challenging to be the boss. Your Interactions with staff and methods of motivation can make or break a career and play a key role in the success of your organization. A recent Gallup Poll reported that 70% of employees are disengaged. This comes with a high price tag. There’s no doubt that happy employees are productive, as for dissatisfied workers, well, that’s another story. Some companies are now offering enhanced perks in order to hang on to talent but still a percentage of workers remaining unenthusiastic and difficult. Why? The answer is usually rooted in poor management. You, the boss, are at ground zero. Flawed leadership can stifle creativity, foster dysfunction and cripple company objectives. Listed here are five management mistakes to avoid, and those most commonly mentioned by unhappy workers.
1. Failure to communicate
As the leader, you set the standard for communication. So how can you improve yours? Stop talking and start listening. Communication must be consistent, clear, and flow in both directions. Managers, who actively listen to front line workers, and value creative ideas, experience better relationships and improved outcomes. Communication skills are about awareness. How does a breakdown in the flow of information affect others? Avoid surprises if at all possible. Connect and cultivate an environment that promotes mutual respect and an open exchange of information. Don’t rely on email as your primary source of contact. Although it’s easy to procrastinate when dealing with sticky issues, do it in a timely manner instead of swooping in with criticism that comes from left field. James Hume, an El Dorado County Sheriff from yesteryear expressed it succinctly. “The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
2. Failure to recognize
Workers who feel appreciated work harder and do more than expected. Bosses who overlook accomplishments and fail to thank their workers but are quick to point out errors and weaknesses, breed resentment and cultivate negativity. Recognition whether private or in the presence of peers, fosters good will and makes workers feel valued.
3. Playing favorites
Favoritism is a major reason for angst, stress and demoralization at work. A personal relationship between the boss and another employee should never impact policy and procedure in the workplace. You may have seen favoritism in action. The favorite makes mistakes that are overlooked while others are disciplined for less important infractions. These scenarios pit workers against each other and create divisions. Tongue wagging becomes the order of the day and more time is spent gossiping and complaining than getting work done.
4. Doesn’t walk the talk
The boss in this scenario expects employees to work diligently, produce results and come in on weekends if necessary. They’re also expected to keep cool and remain calm in a crisis. However, they don’t hold themselves up to the same standard. Many with this philosophy will not to pitch in to help when staff is overstretched. They feel their elevated position sets them apart. Bosses who don’t practice what they preach make coming to work a chore for their employees, which is why many do not stick around.
5. No career path
Without a career ladder low morale often results. Employees will likely look elsewhere for growth opportunities if they want to succeed and often do so out of necessity. An upward track motivates, inspires, and increases energy and enthusiasm. Although getting a promotion usually means a salary increase, other gestures matter. Elevating an employee who has demonstrated sound skills to a more desirable position shows confidence and a desire to advance career aspirations. Stuck, unchallenged workers, get bored and restless which is the portal to problem behavior. A good manager will recognize and support an employee who is ready to move on if promotional opportunities don’t exist in their current environment.
There are circumstances, of course, where individuals don’t respond to positive management practices in spite of all efforts. If you need to fire somebody, do it straightforward, honest, and face-to-face. Have documentation in tact. You may need it.