Category: News

The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world of work upside down—and with 26 million Americans filing unemployment claims in a matter of five weeks, job security is likely on your mind.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty in a world that’s changing before our eyes,” says LaTonya Wilkins, an International Coaching Federation-credentialed executive coach.

The good news is there are steps you can take to prove your worth, help you keep the job you have, and thrive even during difficult periods. Of course, there are no guarantees and you can’t control if your entire team gets laid off. But by taking these steps you’d also be making yourself a more appealing candidate in case you do need to search for something new.

Here are six things you can do to help you increase your job security during uncertain times, according to seasoned professionals with experience in human resources and talent management, recruiting, C-level leadership, and career coaching.

Be Resilient, Adaptable, Flexible, and Thoughtful

These are the four skills companies value most, regardless of role, according to Wilkins, who has held human resources and talent management positions at GE Capital, Abbott Laboratories, and AbbVie, and is currently an instructor at Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“They actually spell RAFT, so that makes it easy to remember and visualize yourself always being equipped to sail in rough waters,” she says. To be able to handle the challenges of these current times, Wilkins says you should be able to demonstrate:

Resilience: Bouncing back in tough times
Adaptability: Adjusting to novel environments
Flexibility: Being able and willing to wear different hats
Thoughtfulness: Being respectful, intentional, and communicative with colleagues

Of all of these, Wilkins says resilience is the most critical trait at this time. That means doing whatever it takes to stay afloat and handle the unknown, she says. If RAFT is all about keeping the boat moving, resilience is the force that will motivate you to pull on the oars.

Beyond maintaining that momentum, you’ll also need to evolve. Specifically, you should be paying attention to what’s happening at your company and looking at industry trends more broadly. Make it your job to meet the needs of the shifting circumstances. Take on the tasks and projects that need to be tackled in this new reality to help your employer succeed right now—whether that’s running virtual meetings or taking on a different role or additional responsibilities within a smaller company.

In other words, go with the flow if someone asks you to do something that’s outside of your original job description. Think about where else you could jump in to help. Being open to filling in where needed, identifying opportunities on your own, and developing the discipline to follow through will require time and dedication, says Wilkins. But it can be the thing that sets you apart.

And if you can do all that while also being kind and thoughtful to your manager, teammates, and coworkers across the company, you’ll become known as someone who can take on anything as well as an excellent colleague no one would want to part with.

Demonstrate Inventive Thinking

It’s not just about being flexible and adaptable when it comes to your own role; you also want to use your creativity to benefit the entire organization. Bring new ideas to the table to help your company make it through the unforeseen obstacles of the present moment and those still ahead. When entire industries see their way of doing business go out the window, it’s time to rewrite all the playbooks of how things should be done. The only bad idea is not having any at all.

“I predict that the silver lining of all of this is there will be a higher value on inventiveness and creative problem-solving—those people who can think differently about a challenge and who bring inventive solutions will be highly sought after,” says Claire Telling, CEO (Americas region) of the marketing, media, and communications executive search recruiting firm Grace Blue Partnership, who oversees a team of 25 employees and has recruited more than 1,000 candidates for clients including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Ford, The New York Times, Spotify, and Lego.

That’s a sentiment shared by Vivian Chen, CEO of Rise, a flexible work platform for women. “Now more than ever, employers are looking for people who can solve their pain points,” she says.

It’s great if your suggestions can help your company bring in more business or cut expenses—something that can translate to jobs saved, yours included—but even if your ideas don’t directly help increase revenue or bring savings, your creative and resourceful ideas can still make you a valuable employee your company will want to hang on to.

Become a Lifelong Learner

Even before the global pandemic, there’s always been “some hot marketing skill, new sales tactic, or the latest tech stack to master,” Chen says. Becoming adept at every shiny thing that comes along isn’t what’s ultimately important, but rather “knowing how to learn and get up to speed quickly,” she says. “As the world changes, we have to adopt the mindset that we are students for life.”

Wilkins recommends reflecting on skills you haven’t yet developed but may need—and then focusing on acquiring them, even for just one hour a week. For instance, if you’re a social media marketer on a team that’s gotten smaller and scrappier, you might decide to bolster your data skills so that you can better analyze performance and increase engagement by taking an online course and reaching out to fellow marketers in the industry who can share their insights about what’s been helpful for them. Whatever your situation is, the key is to “start with small, focused, and consistent steps,” Wilkins says.

As you go about picking up new skills and knowledge, you’ll start to figure out the ways you like to learn, Chen says. You’ll notice what format makes it easiest for you to retain new information, what time of day is most productive for you, and where your strengths and weaknesses lie, all of which will also make you a better employee. Taking this time to be both introspective and proactive can help your company in the here and now—as you bring these new skills and heightened self-awareness to the table—and you, in the long run, since you’ll gain a reputation as a self-starter who takes the initiative to step up when needed.

Even as you’re learning in order to succeed in your current role, Telling recommends keeping an eye on the bigger picture in case you need to make a move later. For starters: Pay close attention to the fields best positioned to grow during this pandemic—including e-commerce, customer experience, digital strategy, and healthcare. Next: Sharpen up skills that may be relevant to these industries, she says.

Get Things Done

From Chen’s personal experience in business school, she thought having a strategic vision was the most important skill she could offer employers, but now she likens that to creating a “pretty PowerPoint deck” without being able to execute on it. Now as a leader herself, she realizes employers need team members to be solutions-oriented—and execute.

Even better are problem solvers who tackle challenges without being asked, she adds. “In good times, we have the luxury of coming up with a buttoned-up strategic plan with sound timelines; with COVID-19, many of those plans are going out the window.”

What companies need—while they pivot to adopt new business models and revenue streams and while unemployment skyrockets—are employees who “can get things done, fast,” Chen says. In other words: People who can roll up their sleeves and do the task at hand, no matter how small or “not-so-glamorous.”

Those who will succeed now are “the hardest workers with the greatest tenacity,” Telling says. “Now more than ever, those people who have grit, determination, and dedication will stand out from their peers.”

Keep on Networking

Whether you’re looking for new opportunities or not, networking is a skill that’s valuable to develop, especially in times of uncertainty.

While so many people are staying at home in isolation, many will likely appreciate you reaching out, Chen says. “We all crave connections. And you never know when this might open doors for you.” She suggests looking for webinars to attend, setting up virtual coffee dates with current coworkers, and reaching out to former colleagues to check in. “It’s OK to be vulnerable and share your experiences—we are all in this together,” she adds.

Now may be the time you can help others currently affected by job loss and become known as a generous team player. Or, if you do want career advice or help, “don’t be afraid to ask for what you really need,” says Chen. Maybe that’s insight about how to step up in your current role or advice about how to hone your skills in a certain area. “People love to help, and you might even make someone’s day by giving them a chance to make a positive impact.”

Bring Empathy to Everything You Do

Soft skills such as empathy are in great demand among employers, according to Telling. Not only will the people you work with feel good being around you, you’re more likely to keep your job. “Those candidates who bring empathy to their people and clients are the ones who we consistently see rising to the top, and who are, in general, just a real joy to work with,” Telling says.

People often avoid practicing empathy because of the mental effort involved, suggests research from the American Psychological Association—but when they believe they are good at being empathetic, they are more likely to do it. A great place to start to boost your confidence in your empathy skills—especially in this moment when many within your company are likely struggling—is simply by reaching out to your colleagues and asking how they’re doing. Then actively listen as they share, offer to help in whatever small way you can, and open up in return.

With daily life in a state of flux, it’s natural to crave stability and security. While there are no guarantees, these steps will help you strengthen your position within your current company and bolster your skill set in case you need, or decide, to explore new opportunities.

Today we celebrate 8th anniversary of our company. We will use this opportunity to share with you our great achievements during years. Our mission won’t stop, great things are about to happen in coming years! The Headhunter is growing each day! Don’t hesitate, follow us and follow your dreams.

Internship programs are generally attractive to employers because they offer a way to bring in fresh perspectives, create a pipeline for new hires and provide mentorship opportunities for existing employees. Either way, To attract quality candidates, internship programs must be well-planned. For many prospective candidates, this means the programs are engaging, provide real-world experience and deliver a paycheck, even if interns are paid just minimum wage.

Before launching an internship program you need to know that:

• 1. You’re training tomorrow’s Workers,
• 2. You’re assigning them real work.
• 3. You need to know that money counts, too.
• 4. You will be building consensus
• 5. You have to be measuring success.

Point 1. Means that you can use internship programs as a trial run for employers and interns to discern whether they’re a good fit. Point 2. Means considering that one major goal of an internship program is to prepare interns for the rigors of the working world. Point 3. Means that one of the ways of making interns feel valued is paying them. Point 4. Means that to ensure the success of internship programs, HR professionals need to get full buy-in from the rest of their organization. Point 5. means creating straightforward, consistent measurements of your interns success.

In the end, what’s important is that the intern walks away feeling good about your company. Because interns are a really good advertising tool, they can recommend you to their friends. This way you will be benefiting both your interns and your organization!

It’s the little things that make your life that much easier. Like having the commuter train pull into your station just as you get to the platform. Or your boss canceling that weekly meeting so you have more time to finish up a project. Or your inbox being clear all afternoon, to your unexpected delight.

Which is why you can’t help but be drawn to any sort of hack that can make things just a bit more efficient or effective.

I’m here to help, starting with your iPhone. Turns out, there are probably a lot of quick tips and tricks to this device you didn’t even know about that could help you both on the job and outside of it. Here are seven of my favorites.

Create Settings Shortcuts in Your Control Center

First off, if you’re not sure what the “Control Center” is, it’s the screen you swipe up and go to when you need to turn on your flashlight or switch your phone to airplane mode. It’s basically your shortcut to easily turning on and off your most often-used features.

And you can customize it to make your life a breeze! Just tap “Settings,” then “Control Center,” and then “Customize Controls.” The top section will display the features you currently have in your shortcuts and can remove (if you don’t use them frequently). The bottom section will display the features not in your Control Center that you can add, such as a magnifying glass to zoom in on reading materials, a QR code reader, a screen recording button, and more.

Capture Multiple Versions of Your Photos

Are you in charge of capturing footage for a new client marketing campaign? Or is it your duty to Tweet live updates of your company’s networking event? Or were you unlucky enough to be picked to be the resident shutterbug at the office holiday party? And do you have to do all these things without any tools but your iPhone?

No worries! Simply turn on the “Live Photo” feature in your Camera app (it’s the circle in the top center of the app). Now, new snapshots will contain multiple separate versions to choose from (which you’ll be able to access in the Photos app when you select “Edit”). This way, you’re guaranteed to get a shot where no one’s blinking and everything looks in tip-top shape.

Mark Up and Annotate Your Photos

Maybe you’re trying to pass along some ideas to your designer for a poster you’re creating, or you need to relay important changes to a document to a freelance writer, or you have to pass along some quick updates to a presentation to your boss—all while traveling without access to a computer.

All you have to do is use the “Markup” option in your Photos app to complete these tasks (you can access it by clicking the icon with three dots when you choose “Edit”). You’ll have the ability to draw on and annotate any photo or screenshot you save on your phone, making it super easy to visually represent your thoughts and suggestions on the go.

Scan and Save Your Receipts and Documents Digitally

I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of trouble keeping track of all those scattered, dog-eared receipts for my expense reports.

No longer! You can use the Notes app to scan them and save a digital copy, so you don’t need to worry about holding on to the paper slips. To do this, open a new or existing note, tap the plus sign, and follow the instructions to scan documents.

Undo Accidentally Deleted Text

You just spent 20 minutes carefully composing a fabulous email. Just as you’re about to press send to your boss, all the text suddenly disappears. Staring at the blank page your heart sinks, knowing that you have to try and reconstruct the entire thing.

Not so fast! Simply shake your device, tap “undo,” and the text will be restored.

Read Articles Later, Offline

Question: What’s worse than a five-hour flight to one of your company’s job sites in the middle of nowhere?

Answer: A five-hour flight with no Internet access.

But with a little preparation, you can save your web content to read offline and get your work done during your flight. Open Safari, find an article to read, and then tap “Share.” Next, choose “Add to Reading List”and your article will be saved to your device. To retrieve your article on the plane and elsewhere, just hit the Bookmark icon.

Change Your Flashlight’s Brightness

It’s bad enough that you have to access your iPhone’s flashlight at a client dinner meeting because you can’t read the menu by candlelight. What makes it worse is having it be so bright that everyone in the restaurant looks over.

The good news is that, in the Control Center, you can simply press down on the flashlight icon (slightly harder than your normal tap) to modulate the brightness. Problem solved!

Looking for a new job is stressful and, frequently, frustrating, so it’s not surprising that you’re looking for people to commiserate with. And your current co-workers, the ones who know the good, the bad, and the ugly about your workplace, can seem like the ideal choice: They already understand why you might want to leave your job and they’re in the same industry—maybe they have leads!

But should you really tell your colleagues you’re job searching?

There are a few things you need to consider before spilling about your job search—including what kind of relationship you have with your co-workers, what your boss is like, and whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes it’s fine to share, but more often it’s dangerous. What’s certain is that it’s not a decision to be taken lightly.

Here are five questions you should ask yourself to help you decide if and when to tell which co-workers that you’re applying for other gigs.

How Much Do You Trust Them?

For the answer to this question, look to your history with your colleagues. Are they people with whom you’ve traded complaints in the past about everything from your managers to the healthcare plan to the quality of the toilet paper? And they haven’t shared that info with anyone?

If you truly know they can keep a secret, go ahead and dish (although don’t forget to tell them that the info isn’t public). It can sometimes be helpful to talk about job searching with someone who knows you well.

But if you’re not 110% sure that they can keep their mouths shut—if you have any doubts at all—it’s wiser not to share that you’re on the hunt for a new job. You don’t want them to spill the beans before you’re ready to leave.

Can They Help?

Your co-workers can be a gold mine of useful job search information: They have contacts at other companies, insider industry knowledge, recommendations for networking events, and other insights. As a bonus, they’re familiar with your work and know from firsthand experience that you’re a great co-worker (right?), so if they pass on your resume, you’re way ahead of the competition.

If there’s a tangible benefit to gain—and you’re absolutely sure you can trust them not to tell anyone else in the company—then go ahead.

But first, prepare your ask. Don’t drop a vague mention about how you’re looking for something new. Instead, set up a conversation where you tell them you’re interested in a new job, and ask specifically for what you want from them, whether that’s an email introduction to that friend they have at your dream company or insider info on what kind of qualifications a hiring manager they know loves to see.

If they can’t help in any way, though, you’re better off staying quiet at work. Find someone else to talk to—a friend, your partner, your mom, or a former co-worker (who could be as helpful as a current teammate but without the same level of risk).

Are You Definitely Ready to Leave?

The worst-case scenario here is that a co-worker confides in the boss that you’re looking for something else, either by accident or as a way to curry favor for themselves—and your boss reacts badly, either making your life miserable until you actually land a new job, or even pushing you out the door immediately.

So if you’ve got a concrete exit strategy with an end date in mind, and you’re out of there no matter what, the risk of sharing is much lower. But if you need to keep this job until you’ve applied and interviewed for new roles, found one that’s a fit on both sides, accepted an offer, and set a start date, it’s best to keep it under your hat. The enjoyment of sharing isn’t worth the possibility of getting the boot before you’re ready.

What’s Your Boss Like?

Some bosses expect their direct reports to deliver every bit of gossip from the office floor or at the very least share any information with them first. Employees who don’t fall in line could face repercussions.

This can mean your boss finding out about your search and preemptively firing you, or—if you don’t end up leaving—refusing to promote or invest in you because they still think you’re on your way out.

And what about your co-workers? Is your boss the type to hold it against them once you leave? Can you imagine your manager finding out your best work buddies knew all along and saying to them, “Why didn’t you tell me so-and-so was looking for a job?” If your boss would hold a grudge, keep them safe by staying silent.

Can the Information Really Help Someone Out?

Maybe your departure will mean a promotion for someone, or it will give them a chance to finally take on new responsibilities. If they had advance notice that you were leaving, could they position themselves to take over?

If you’re closing in on a new job and know that an extra week or two would really help a co-worker you like and trust—giving them time to redo their resume or prepare to make their case for a promotion—then it’s a kindness to give them a heads-up.

Still, if something goes wrong and you end up staying put, you could end up with a disappointed colleague who might be tempted to help you on your way out the door (with a hint to the boss that you’re trying to leave, for example). You’ll want to be almost 100% sure that the new job is really happening before you let them know.

It’s tempting to tell your co-workers about your job search—not only because they might be able to help, but because it’s a big change and it can feel like a relief to share something you’ve kept to yourself for a long time. There can definitely be some upsides, but in many cases the risk will outweigh any potential benefits. So think carefully and make sure you’re protected before you share.

At some point during your daily commute, you have likely experienced all five stages of grief. And while traffic is inevitable, it’s important to remember that you’re not in this alone.

Your morning commute doesn’t have to be a never-ending sequence of white-knuckling your steering wheel or squeezing yourself onto a subway car full of human cattle. Here are a few ways to make your commute not only more bearable, but even enjoyable, whether you’re driving, biking, carpooling, or taking the train.

Drive Your Way to a Better You

Want to catch up on your reading while driving to work without causing a 20-car pileup? Podcasts and audiobooks make the morning and evening commute worth living. Audible has over 425,000 books for you to choose from—you could be driving in your car every second for the rest of your life, and you would never run out of books to listen to.

Your vessel isn’t just a 4-wheel chariot, it’s also a virtual classroom. Always wanted to learn another language, but never had the time? There are thousands of books that will help you get a leg up on all kinds of languages, whether you’re just starting out, or you want a refresher course for the French you took in high school.

Practice Self-Care on the Subway

One of the best things about taking the train to work is that you can let yourself go—just promise that you won’t take your shoes off.

Sure, if you have the elbow room, you could open your laptop and get some work done by catching up on email, but it’s also an excellent time to de-clutter your mind. Step up your self-care regimen by unplugging your brain and starting a meditation practice.

Geared for your mind and body, there are audio-guided fitness programs for meditation and working out. And while it might seem contradictory, there’s no better place for a guided meditation than a crowded commuter train—it’s the perfect head trip for winding down after a long day.

Carpool and Meet New People

What if there was a way to meet new people while driving to work AND accessing the glory that is the carpool lane? Sure, Waze can make your commute a little smoother by crowdsourcing your traffic trouble spots in real time, but you can also use their carpool app to find coworkers or other passengers to share a ride with.

Not only are you eliminating congestion from the highway, but you’re also likely getting to work faster while connecting with your fellow travelers. Plus, by taking other cars off the road, you’re producing less carbon and pollution, all while saving money on gas and tolls.

With your new rideshare pals in tow, you could create your own version of Cash Cab where the winner doesn’t have to contribute to gas for the week. Carpool Karaoke is also a great option, but you might want to make sure everyone can carry a tune first.

Use Those Feet

If you’re fortunate enough to live close to your office, ditch your wheels or the train for some running shoes or a road bike, even if it’s just a few times a week. Physical activity is proven to be beneficial for your mental health, and starting your day with a little fresh air is a great way to rid yourself of work-related stress.

Need some extra motivation? There are plenty of guided fitness programs for beginners, and we guarantee it’s significantly cheaper than a personal trainer.

If you’re worried about freshening up, leave some extra clothes and shoes in your office, and if you don’t have access to a company shower, store some deodorant and a dry shower product in your desk.

Chances are, you will spend more than a year of your life commuting to and from work, but this doesn’t have to be time wasted. Crack open an audiobook, find a little zen, and harness your inner calm while surrounded by your fellow travelers.

After all, it’s your time.

As a remote worker, it isn’t always easy to show that you’re productive and invested in your job.

It’s not that your colleagues or manager are trying to assume the worst about you, but when they don’t see you every day, they just don’t have a ready image of you hard at work. (And if they’ve never worked remotely much themselves, it may be hard for them to picture what it looks like in practice.)

The truth is it’s up to you to show your boss how dedicated and effective you are—even if you’re sitting on your couch instead of in a cubicle nearby them.

If you think your boss may be questioning how you spend your work-from-home hours, here are some strategies to prove your productivity.

Be Reliable and Responsive

In an office, your boss can see, plain and clear, that you’re working away at your desk all day. When you’re at home, you can send the same message by being responsive and available online.

This means that you should be attentive to your phone, email, and instant messages throughout the day and that when you receive a request from your boss you respond as soon as possible. You don’t have to drop everything and tackle their request right away, but do respond quickly with a realistic timeframe of when that task will be complete. Many times a simple response—“I’ve received your email and this will be complete within the hour”—works great. Then make sure you follow through on that deadline.

Keep Updates to a Minimum

That said, don’t go overboard on the communication front. While you may think constantly updating your boss on what you’re doing and how projects are coming along is a great way to show you’re working, don’t do this. After all, your manager hired you to make decisions and get your work done, and if you’ve been given the green light to work remotely, you’re being trusted to manage your own time. Sending your boss hourly emails is unnecessary—and may even cause them to lose confidence in your ability to get the job done on your own.

Instead, meet with your boss periodically to ensure you’ve set clear expectations for your work, with hard deliverables and deadlines, and then follow through on them. Sure, occasional updates are necessary, but in general, let the real work speak for itself.

Be Present When You Get Face Time

One of the easiest ways to impress your boss and coworkers is to be extra engaged when you do get a chance to interact with them—namely, on the phone or during video chat meetings.

While it’s tempting to multitask (by checking your email or responding to that IM), you’re better off focusing only on the meeting at hand. If you’re paying attention, you’ll be able to ask questions, contribute ideas, and pick up on important bits of information—all things that help show you’re an engaged member of the team.

Also, try to “arrive” at meetings a few minutes early, as it’ll give you the chance to participate in the organic conversations that typically take place in person. This is your chance to ask what your colleagues are working on and share updates on all the work you’re doing, too. Plus, if you work remotely full time, the more your team gets to know you as a real person on the other end of that call or video chat, the more likely they are to give you the benefit of the doubt.

Don’t Pick Up Extra Tasks Just to Create Visibility

Offering to help with extra projects might seem like a great idea—you’re so productive that you have time to take on tons of extra work! But putting unnecessary tasks between you and your key goals may take away from your success. Best-case scenario, you may get everything done, but it may not be your best work. Worst-case scenario, you won’t be able to finish everything and your boss will begin to question your ability to see projects through.

Again, you’re being trusted to manage your time wisely, so be very selective about extra tasks and responsibilities you take on. If you really want to get involved with a project that’s outside the realm of your job, go for it, but talk to your boss about how you might adjust your workload to make room for it.

Proving your productivity when your boss can’t see you isn’t easy. But if you focus on deliverables, make yourself available and present, and work to build a relationship with your boss and coworkers, no one will question your productivity or commitment to getting the job done.

Hiring remains very competitive today, and that means the recruiting process often drags on much longer than most companies anticipate. In my conversations with hiring managers, one lament I often hear is, “Why does it take so long to hire someone these days? I need people now!”

I can’t tell you how many times I have encountered employers who are shocked that a job has remain unfilled for weeks — and, very often, months — on end. They had visions of bringing in someone right away and hadn’t planned to be without a core employee for so long. Their current team is being asked to work shorthanded and running the risk of burning out.

When highly skilled and experienced candidates are scarce, job seekers can afford to be very choosy. As these professionals are actively looking for work, they may receive multiple offers — and it’s not unusual for companies to find that their top choice for a position has accepted a job with another firm.

Meanwhile, passive job seekers — professionals who already have jobs but are open to other opportunities — need to be convinced of the benefits of changing companies. Even then, they may receive a counteroffer from their current employer and decide to stay put. So companies may go through the entire hiring process only to lose out on the candidate of their choice and have to start over again.

Is there anything you can do to shorten the hiring process and access the talent you need now? Absolutely. Here are five tips:

1. Find your pain points

Try to identify where things break down in your hiring process. For example, if you’re not receiving resumes from qualified (or any) applicants, the job description probably needs to be reworked. Have you described the position accurately? Are the requirements reasonable? Are you highlighting aspects of your firm’s corporate culture that make it appealing?

If you’ve been unable to close the deal with potential hires, you may need to improve the job offer by increasing the salary or providing a better benefits package. The point is to focus on just one aspect of the hiring process at a time so you can fix what isn’t working — and avoid breaking what is.

2. Expand your recruiting resources

If you’re just posting your job ad to an online board, you’re not doing enough. You need to cover more ground. Ask your employees for referrals and provide an incentive for them to encourage people they know to apply for a role with your firm. (Hint: Cash bonuses always work well.)

Increase your networking efforts, both online and in person. Let everyone know about your hiring needs. Touch base with your contacts frequently to keep the connections strong and remind them that you are still on the hunt.

Also consider enlisting the help of a reputable recruiter. These professionals have deep networks of job seekers and are often able to identify skilled professionals who would otherwise be unaware of your job opening.
 

3. Be flexible

Your expectations might be one reason your hiring process has dragged on. Every employer wants a worker with years of experience, an advanced degree and a long list of relevant industry certifications. But it could be that few candidates meet all these qualifications. Your ideal candidate may not even exist.

In the job posting, list only those qualifications that are essential to succeed in the position. Otherwise you risk limiting your pool of applicants. And when evaluating candidates, focus on true job requirements versus nice-to-haves.

Also remember that talented people are trainable — and are typically very eager to learn. So, keep the door open to promising professionals who may not have all the experience you seek but have the potential to ramp up and advance quickly.

4. Don’t hire just anyone

It’s tempting to bring someone — anyone – on board when workloads are piling up and your employees are unable to absorb even one more task. But desperation can easily lead to bad (and costly) hiring decisions.

Consider bringing on a temporary employee until you find the right person for the job. You might even find that the professional you engage in the interim is really the full-time hire you’ve been searching for all along.

5. Be proactive

Lastly, I urge you to start thinking about your future hiring needs now. You can’t wait to start the hiring process until there is an immediate need to fill a position. Try to build and maintain a talent pipeline that consists of candidates who could be a good fit for positions that open up in the future. Continue to collect resumes and keep in touch with job seekers you liked but did not hire. Being proactive now can help you to shorten your hiring cycle next time around.

Being stuck in your career is more than frustrating; it can be limiting. Professionals from all backgrounds are resisting the pressure to stick to one career path. Job hopping has nearly doubled among college graduates in the last twenty years, and more workers are willing to experiment with jobs throughout the course of their careers. Compared to previous generations, today’s professionals are more likely to explore what it means to have a career they truly love.

Regardless, it’s natural to fear a complete career pivot. Changing careers can be a challenging risk, and you may not know where to start. When executed mindfully, however, anyone can reap the benefits of a new career path—which can include higher pay, more profitable skills, and a more agreeable work environment.

As with any goal, a major career change starts with a single step. Try these tips to smoothly transition into a new field you’ll love.

Before You Start

It’s common to contemplate a new career after a hard day or week at work.However, the choice to pursue a new career path should be a deliberate one. Think honestly about the motivations behind your desire.

Do you find that you dislike your entire career or just your job? Are there ways to improve the situation you have now? Answering certain questions about your goals can reveal critical insights you’ll need on your journey to a new career. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself:

• Why do I want to change career paths?
• What do I want to do?
• What do I need from a company/role in order to be happy?
• What do I need to do in order to make this change happen?
• How can this improve my life?
• What are the potential risks or downsides?

Reference your answers often when making your game plan, applying to jobs, or researching possible employers. Your answers can help you pursue opportunities that align with your goals and expectations. They may also change during the transition process—that’s normal!—so review them as needed.

Review Your Career History

Perhaps you’ve already built an impressive career, or you’re a recent graduate with a few internships under your belt. Regardless, your current career can offer a wealth of insights into your interests, professional strengths, and potential future career paths.

Start by grabbing a copy of your current resume and take notes. Ask yourself what you liked or disliked about each position and when you felt the most comfortable at work.

Note any projects or accomplishments that you especially enjoyed or that made you feel proud. If a position yielded new skills or introduced you to an industry, be sure to note that too. If you have a specific new career path in mind, make a list of transferable skills. Many of the skills you have developed in your current career can benefit you in your new one.

Even if you don’t have a specific path in mind, mark any skills that can transfer smoothly between fields, like leadership, project management, and communication.

Create a Road Map

We all need a guide for new adventures, and a career change is no different. A career road map can help you outline the resources, training, and experience you’ll need to make a smooth, effective transition.

At this point, it’s time to talk strategy. What career paths are you excited to pursue? What is your end goal and ideal timeline? What strengths or weaknesses have you discovered in your current and past positions?

Do you need to develop new skills, certifications, classes, or licenses? Who do you need to meet, and how can you develop relationships with them?Break these elements down into major milestones: what accomplishments you hope to achieve and when. You can also assign yourself daily, weekly, or monthly tasks to stay on track with your personal timeline.

This can help you stay accountable to your path or reveal what may need to be modified along the way.

Reorganize Your Resume

If you’re transitioning to an entirely new field, you may have to start completely over.Editing your resume is a simple and effective way to showcase related skills and experience you’ve acquired from your current field.

Focus on transferable skills, projects, and accomplishments that apply to your new field—using the notes you made on your master resume in step one. Not every role you’ve filled will be relevant, so don’t be afraid to write and edit critically. You may find it helpful to work with a professional resume writer or editor to help frame your experience.

Once you’ve updated your resume, be sure to review your LinkedIn and personal website (if applicable) to update your portfolio with your new information.

Take an Online Class

Now that you’ve updated your resume, you may notice additional gaps in skills or experiences you need to acquire. If you need to build new skills, consider investing in a digital course.

Not only can online classes help you build relevant skills, it can often assist you in determining whether you might enjoy the responsibilities and roles of your new career path. Many websites offer free or moderately priced courses in fields like web development, graphic design, and business management.

Some courses may offer valuable certifications that can transform the impact of your resume. When researching a new website or course, consider how much time you can reasonably commit to an online course, and how much you are willing to invest. Don’t feel pressured to cram in new information by speeding through a course if it won’t help you learn practical, applicable skills.

Try Freelancing

Freelancing is becoming a more popular option for new, transitioning, or established professionals.I

n fact, over 44 million people have a side hustle [PDF] to generate additional income. Going freelance can be an excellent method to earn money as you build valuable skills, manage the responsibilities of your new role, or expand your portfolio.

Side gig services like Fiverr or Upwork may help you net new opportunities quickly, but you can also explore your network for freelancing options. Future clients may be more amenable to working with someone locally, for examples, and smaller businesses may be in need of your skills and experiences.

Find a Mentor

A mentor can help ease the transition into a new industry by offering advice and guidance during your career journey. Finding a mentor sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t hesitate to explore your options and resources, like LinkedIn, Facebook, friends, or past coworkers.

When approaching a mentor, always remember to work within their limits and schedules. Many people want to be seen as mentors and will be flattered by the opportunity, but not everyone you approach may be available or interested in mentoring—just don’t give up.

Try opening communication with a compliment or sincere interest, and work to build a rapport with them. Whatever you do, don’t waste their time.Do your research and come prepared with insightful questions. Whether you ask for their personal insights, experiences, or general industry knowledge, make sure they know their time is being well spent by helping you.

If possible, find a mentor that can also help you find new resources or provide networking opportunities with other industry experts so you aren’t dependent on just one mentor. As your relationship progresses, request to use them as a reference on your resume or when applying to jobs.

Attend Industry Events

Networking is an invaluable tool for integrating into your new field. Local or national conferences, meetups, career fairs, trade shows, networking events, and workshops are just a few environments created specifically for connecting with other professionals.

While it’s important to balance the cost and benefits of such experiences, don’t be afraid to purchase a ticket or register for an experience you’re not familiar with if you’re interested in its topics or guest speakers.

In a workforce where as much as 85% of jobs are filled through networking, it’s important to maintain useful communication skills. Before attending an event, do some research on who else will be attending.  

Find professionals that have significant experience in your prospective roles, and let them know that you’re interested in their work. Take notes on any guidance they may offer, and be sure to request their contact information so you can follow up. Transitioning into a new career can be a rewarding risk. With the right strategy and a little patience, anyone can find happiness in a new career path.

Due to the situation caused by COVID 19, a lot of employees around the world started working from home. But of course, working from home is really different from working at your workplace. The main problem during this crisis we’re all experiencing is how to keep our employees engaged and productive while they’re working from home.

The Headhunter Group is determined to help our clients and other companies to find their way through this entire situation and will do all we possibly can to help them. As a result of Covid 19, we would like to offer: 3 Month Group Coaching Program.

The 3 Month Program will include:

• Live Kick off Sessions via Zoom
• 12 week Action Plan (weekly activities and check-ins)
• Ask questions and get advice directly from engagement coach, via email
• Monthly Group Coaching Sessions with our coach via Zoom
• 3 Month access to Coach platform which includes behavioral nudges and micro-learning videos

Hurry up !! There are limited number of cohorts available and we’ll be granting them on a first come first serve basis.

So you can contact us at our email info@theheadhunter.com with any question you have on this program, or you can always book a meeting on Zoom with one of the top engagement experts.