Make Your LinkedIn Invitations Work For You

Make Your LinkedIn Invitations Work For You I just got an invitation to connect from someone on LinkedIn with the following message: Since you are a person I trust, I want to invite you to join my network on LinkedIn. I have some real issues with this invitation and heres why:  This message was obviously created using a LinkedIn template. The sender put absolutely no time or effort into writing me a personalized invitation or explaining how connecting to him might have value for him or me.I have never met this person in my life, so writing that I am someone he trusts is inappropriate and frankly a little bit creepy.This person is affiliated with a company where I have worked, so my guess is that he has mined the LinkedIn database to connect with whoever he can from the company. It appears that this person is doing a good job of gathering information on other people for his own benefit rather than fostering reciprocity and authenticity to build the relationship.Here are some examples of alternative messages this gentleman could have sent me that probably would have resulted in an accepted invitation:  Create common ground. Hi! I noticed that you and I are affiliated with the same company and since you are a career strategist and I am a recruiter, I think there may be ways that we can help feed each others pipeline. Id love to learn more about what you do and share some information about my practice as well. Would love to connect.Start an authentic relationship. BarbaraI decided to skip the boring LinkedIn template and just introduce myself to you. We are both in the business of helping people find better jobs and more fulfilling careers and I would be interested in sharing best practices with you. Do you have time to talk?Focus on the affinity. Ive recently been reviewing the profiles of people who have worked for the same companies as me and I came across your information. While I know weve never met, Ive found that people who have worked for the same employer can often benefit from sharing information a nd experiences. Would you like to connect through LinkedIn?Give something before you expect to get something. I see from your profile that you help people who are in a job search. I work with many clients who would benefit from your expertise. By connecting on LinkedIn, I can share more information about these clients with you.Invest the few extra minutes to craft personalized and authentic messages to people you want to connect with. You will be glad that you did.

Spherions 2014 Emerging Workforce Study Part 1 (Infographic)

Spherions 2014 Emerging Workforce Study Part 1 (Infographic) 21 Flares 21 Flares Disclosure: Post sponsored by Spherion, but all opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure. Spherions 2014 Emerging Workforce Study Check out study here:  http://www.spherion.com/ews/survey-findings/2014-ews/ Spherion has examined the issues and trends impacting the workplace and the employment life cycle for more than 15 years. Their 2014 study examines several primary themes aligned with the major milestones along a worker’s employment journey. The employment life cycle includes attraction, recruitment, engagement, retention, advocacy and leadership. More than 2,000 workers and 230 human resource managers were surveyed on their opinions and attitudes around critical workplace topics such as recruitment, employee engagement, job satisfaction, retention, employee advocacy, social media use, generational differences and work/life balance. Findings from this in-depth research reveal new trends, insights and impacts important for U.S. employers and their employees.  The study was conducted by Harris Interactive between February and April 2014. What Youll Find in The Study The survey offers great statistics and trend information for HR managers and businesses and provides tips on how to bridge the widening gap between employers’ and employees’ views. The survey also includes data that can impact HR strategies to increase engagement, productivity and retention, among other topics important to the employment life cycle and workplace. The employment life cycle demonstrates how an employee moves through their career and the intersection of key topics surfaced in the 2014 EWS such as job satisfaction, work/life balance, different generations in the workplace and social media. FIND STUDY HERE Highlights from Infographic To help us all out, Spherion has created an infographic to point out the trends and highlights.  See the full infographic below. 44% of workers believe social media is influential in their view of a company they might work for. 51% of workers agree their company’s online reputation impacts its ability to recruit workers. 46% of workers say when they consider new employment, the company’s online reputation will be as important as any job offer they are given. Less than half (45%) of companies utilize tailored recruitment strategies based on different age groups or professions. Yet, recruiting workers isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Manufacturing workers are mostly likely to land their job through a staffing agency, while accountants rely on professional associations and networking, IT workers use online sources and admin/clerical workers secure their jobs through classified ads and company websites. 51% of highly engaged workers agree strongly with the company’s mission, purpose and vision versus 17% of least engaged workers. 54% of highly engaged workers agree that their company communicates its mission extremely or very effectively, versus 24% of least engaged workers. 59% of highly engaged workers agree that their company follows through on its mission versus 24% of least engaged workers. Disclosure Spherion partnered with bloggers such as me for their Emerging Workforce Study program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any idea mentioned in these posts. Spherion believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Spherion’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.   Spherion Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/spherion.staffing Spherion Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Spherion

TODAY Get a plan to ditch your day job! - When I Grow Up

TODAY Get a plan to ditch your day job! - When I Grow Up Our small but mighty #dayjobditch team! Dont have the words to express all my appreciation. Adore you all! A photo posted by Michelle Ward (@whenigrowupcoach) on Jun 12, 2015 at 2:50pm PDT Did ya miss my free online workshop, Ditch Your Day Job, when I was on CreativeLive last month? Or maybe you caught pieces of it, but not the whole thing? Or maybe your damn day job didnt allow you to sit at your desk and watch a course that teaches you how to, um, ditch your day job? Then youre gonna wanna tune in to  CreativeLive today at 9am Pacific, since theyll be rebroadcasting my class online for free! Here are some excerpts from student reviews of the class: This class has given me the structure and several practical tools to facilitate my own transition to creative entrepreneurship and out of a soul-sucking job.()  As a result, I am now eager to take the action towards building my art business. Michelles enthusiasm and assurance that everyone can() move into the dream career they are longing for is contagious. Her tips for developing an action plan, taking baby steps, and creating deadlines are extremely motivating, and her made-up words and encouragement to use bribes along the way made this a FUN course, too! Everything in here really truly spoke to me as a creative, as a multi-passionate person, and as someone striving to be a solopreneur. I am SO thrilled to say that my official give notice date is just 1 year away, with the potential to be earlier. I feel motivated, inspired, and more determined and reassured than ever before! Michelle is an excellent teacher, and I felt like I not only learned a lot, but also came away encouraged and feeling like it was really possible for me to run my own creative business. Pursuing ones dreams and abandoning the safety of the status quo are daunting and impossible-seeming tasks, but this class breaks them down into simple, straightforward and easy-to-follow steps bolstered by unimaginable levels of encouragement. Michelle takes you through the baby steps needed to form a solid foundation to get ready to ditch your day job and do it with a plan, a safety net and a support network. A common sense guide to doing something uncommon and (to some) seemingly nonsensical. I work with CreativeLive because their platform and production values are second to none. I know youll love not only the content of the class, but how you experience it! If youre groaning right now because you  still cant get away from your day job long enough to take the class, then snag it for just $69 right now. Besides the 24 videos and the 70-ish page workbook, you also get extended trials and credits for Breather, Bidsketch and Batchbook. The class will be $99 on 7/27, so treat yoself today!

The Pitfall of The Balance Professional Resume Writing

The Pitfall of The Balance Professional Resume Writing A professional resume writing service needs to be your final choice in regards to writing resumes. Have a professional resume that's updated and prepared to present your very best image at the very first opportunity to handle the events of life that you didn't see coming. He or she resume writers are able to create you a unique resume that will stand out from the crowd for all right reasons. What About the Balance Professional Resume Writing? Resumes are the document that's provided to distinct businesses and employers when they need to find work. The resumes are extremely vital for each man who needs to have a great job. Many resumes do not sell simply as they are poorly focused For example, just because your job was to bag groceries does not necessarily mean that is the info that you put on your resume. The Balance Professional Resume Writing Game Some will seek out the help of a professional resume writer. The aut hor is aware of what questions to ask so as to find the ideal information out of you. Professional Resume Writer is somebody who will make your resume for the intent of getting notices by the employers. Life After the Balance Professional Resume Writing Sometimes in filling out an application for job, if everybody is doing it you ought to stay away from it. Nobody will search for any job for you. For instance, you probably wouldn't apply to get a job with the FBI on pink stationary. If you are looking for work. Marketing jobs are associated with the sale of a solution or services by applying some distinctive abilities and strategies so the other person should believe in your words. Only then would you be satisfied with your job. More than getting paid for work, the job ought to be such that you ought to get a great pay. Just because you adore work, it doesn't validate it like a dream job. Everyone wishes to receive an attractive job and a thriving career to be able to find an honorable place in the society. If you lose your work, allow the card company know. Right off the bat, you understand that the sort of job that you're vying for is more difficult to obtain than others. Only if you're good at what you do, would you be in a position to receive your dream job. Resume services are extremely much popular as a result of their effectiveness. When you choose to use a professional resume writing service, you will surely want certainty that you'll be pleased with their work. Presently an expert service will signify it will give all of the service to the customers who have hired them in a really professional fashion and there'll be utmost professionalism in the services which are served by them. The Truth About the Balance Professional Resume Writing Do the same with the info you read. You just need to know where to look and the way to dig deep to locate the info. Or it may be that you're now certain how to pull together all the info which you do have in a manner that shows you're the appropriate person for the job.

The Free Printable Resume Trap

The Free Printable Resume Trap The Definitive Strategy to Free Printable Resume One-of-a-kind and fancy layout is able to look very good in your photo. Through the absolutely free visual design and fashion, it may be the excellent understanding. Once you have selected your perfect resume template from our selection, follow our completely free expert guidance about ways to craft the ideal modern resume. Each one of our creative style templates provide a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. Effectively, you merely have to pick what you require given that plenty of internet sites provide it. If you find yourself with a proper template but still your requirements aren't meeting then it's clear that you are far away from your initial requirements. There are lots of free resume templates readily available on the web but sometimes it can be quite tough to pick the best one that is most suited to you. New Questions About Free Printable Resume For instance, you can come across types of worksheets and daily pursuits. Producing your resume is critical. Moreover, the printable is also free of charge. Locating a totally free printable resume builder may also be important. What Does Free Printable Resume Mean? All you have to do is modify the info that's already included and then you're set up to go. Make certain you didn't miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about! Because a free resume template already has the correct format for a company or work resume , all you have to do is fill it with accurate information regarding your work and education. The great thing about an absolutely free blank resume is that you'll have the ability to utilize it like a guideline to make your own resume. Moreover, the printable may also be for free. Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any location in the creation procedure. As you're attempting to discover work, among the best tools you'll be in a position to have at your disposal is an absolutely free printable resume. If you're attempting to obtain a new job that's different from what you're accustomed to, you might prefer to think about a completely free printable resume which you will have the ability to adopt and modify to your own details.

Your Most Important Sale How to Sell Yourself in an Interview - Your Career Intel

Your Most Important Sale How to Sell Yourself in an Interview - Your Career IntelDo you think of each job interview as a sales opportunity? If not, it might be time to change your mindplatzdeckchen. When youre vying for a position against dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of applicants, you need to sell an employer on your value if you want to be one of the top picks. Keep reading and learn how to sell yourself in an interview.Be LikeableLike most people, youd probably think twice about buying a car, a piece of jewelry or even a cheap trinket from someone with a bad attitude or a cold demeanor. Theres a good perspektive an interviewer will also hesitate to endorse a candidate who gives off an unpleasant vibe.The more likeable you are, the better an interviewer will feel about going to bat for you especially if shes trying to decide between you and someone whos equally qualified. While you shouldnt try to alter your personality, take simple steps like being polite and making good e ye contact. Do you research on your interviewer and, if possible, find a common interest that might create a stronger connection and a lasting positive impression. As a recruiting professional who pays close attention to candidates verbal cues and body language, I know first hand how effective these small adjustments can be.Forget ModestyIn a sales situation, it never pays to downplay the strengths of a product, and the same is true when youre selling yourself for a job. Before you sit down in front of an interviewer, make a list of your professional accomplishments that are relevant to the position you want. Great examples include a time when you saved your company money, helped with a merger, or finished ahead of a deadline on a major project. As you practice your answers to common interview questions, aim to incorporate all your top accomplishments into your responses.Ask the Right QuestionsAsking insightful questions is a powerful interview technique because it gives you a bette r grasp of what the interviewer is really looking for in a candidate. With the right questions, you can get a more detailed or a nuanced description of job responsibilities and day-to-day tasks.Posing smart questions about the position also shows that youre not just looking for any job, but that youre serious about finding the right job. Showing a true interest in a mutually beneficial partnership is a classic sales technique that will set you apart from the crowd of candidates.Dont Forget to CloseOne of the biggest mistakes interviewees make is neglecting to end the interview with a statement or question that closes the deal. To show hiring managers that youre serious about the position, conclude with a direct question such as What are the next steps? Another great question to ask is Do you have any reservations about my background? Depending on the response you receive, you can address and hopefully erase any concerns about your application before you leave the interview.What adv ice do you have on selling yourself in an interview? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Drank Too Much At A Work Event Heres What You Should Do Next

Drank Too Much At A Work Event Heres What You Should Do Next Its closing in on 5 p.m. on a Thursday, and your coworkers announce theyre all headed to the local bar for happy hour.The idea koranvers sounds good. After long days in the office, buckling down to get projects completed and deadlines met, it can be nice to let loose and have a little fun. Social events at work (like a holiday party) can be a great way to get to know your colleagues better, and even form lasting bonds that extend outside of the office. However, there is always the danger of letting go a bit too much.The key, of course, is to avoid becoming the colleague who becomes infamous for being belligerent at the work social event. Make sure your name and professional reputation are known for more than just that. Its fair to say that youve never even considered this a possibility, as you would NEVER lose control at a work function or in front of your colleagues.But the next day, you wake with a pounding headache and foggy memories of tequila shots. Youre still half-dressed from the night before, makeup smeared. You dont remember everything, but you do know that you crossed the line (and may have even offended your co-workers during the course of the night).When youve already crossed the line, what can you do to recover and repair your professional reputation? Here are some steps to take immediately following your faux pas1.Ask a trusted work friend for their opinion.Seek out the advice of a trusted friend. Your memories are hazy, and youre already embarrassed ask for their guidance to avoid blowing the situation out of proportion. Perhaps you were a little sloppy, and even annoying but that can be forgiven and forgotten. However, if you truly behaved very badly, then you have to own it not acknowledging your mistake is not an option.2. Be proactive and approach your anfhrer first.If your behavior was truly inappropriate, youll want to explain the situation to her (whether she was present or not) so that she doesnt hear it secondhand. Sure, swallowing your pride and embarrassment is tough, but approaching your boss before she comes to you puts you in control of the conversation.Plan ahead and request a formal meeting with her, and do so as soon as possible after the incident. The last thing youd want is for your boss to use you as an example of what notto do if she finds out about your behavior from someone other than you.3. Show remorse and apologize.It seems simple enough, but you have to express your remorse and apologize thoroughly. You must be sincere and genuine, or the apology will be a moot point. Dont make any excuses for your behavior and take full responsibility for your actions.Bonus points if you can explain a corrective action plan of your own on how to avoid this happening again in the future.You could say, Bosss name, last night I drank too much and did not act as I should have at a company function. This will not happen again and I want to apologize for my behavior.4. Apologize to your colleagues, if appropriate.Be clear, concise and direct. Avoid drawing the conversation out too long, as it can only cause further embarrassment for all parties involved.For example, if you were inappropriate, out-of-control, or just plain obnoxious, you could say, Hey insert coworkers name, I want to apologize for my actions last night. I made the mistake of drinking too much and I realize that my behavior wasnt appropriate for a work function. I hope you understand that this will not happen again and that I value you as a teammate/coworker.5. Work hard to prove yourself.Needless to say, youve taken a step backwards with your actions, and now need to put the full focus on your work performance. Be sure to bring your A game, and work hard at regaining the trust of your colleagues. Consider this to be your first 90 days on the job all over again. Make sure youre making the right impression this time.6. Stay true to your word.Needless to say do not d rink at future functions for the very immediate future. And, if you do decide to drink, be sure to have that trusted work BFF alongside you to be sure youre toeing the line of what is appropriate, and what isnt. (Avoid the tequila, for sure.) One drink and done is usually a safe bet.Keep in mind that even with heartfelt apologies, your boss and co-workers might not take too kindly to your apology.Some employers have a zero-tolerance policy, and its quite possible that your job may be on the line for your offense. If they do not immediately accept, apologize again and ask what you can do to make it right. No matter their response, plan to put in the work both professionally and personally to make up for your mistake.It takes hard work and some time, but if you can sincerely apologize, redefine your reputation and show results your drunken night will likely be viewed as a long-forgotten memory.--Karen Schneider works for bareMinerals in Global Packaging + Creative Services and has wo rked in a variety of industries over the span of her career, including digital media, fashion apparel, and wine spirits. She is currently a contributor to The Muse and Career Contessa and has been featured on Business Insider and Harvard Business Review for her career advice. Shes obsessed with learning, life, and career/self-improvement.