​Imagine a solopreneur advancing in his/her career and beginning to feel overworked. More often than not, s/he also misses spending time with friends and family.
 
It’s time to hire a personal assistant.
 
Hiring a personal assistant can free up his/her time to focus on the bigger picture, spend more time with family, or have more time to spend on other projects. As a personal assistant you will begin to manage the tasks that were time-consuming for your boss.
 
More often than not, you will also be a second pair of eyes and ears. You will give your boss the benefit of someone working closely with him.

Know your list of relevant skills. List them in your mind in the order of their strength. In this role, employers often begin with delegating the easy, repetitive tasks out of their schedule.

• They may need help with administrative tasks such as preparing a meeting agenda, managing their inbox, managing their calendar, or filing documents
  
  
• Travel arrangement such as reserving flights and hotels, booking reservations, or setting up itineraries

 

• Personal tasks such as grabbing coffee, picking up groceries, or doing errands for the home (i.e. keeping up with equipment maintenance such heating/cooling systems, alarm systems, etc)

 

• Functions in support your business systems or client relations such as creating processes or meeting with clients.

 
You must know the market value of your competencies. Be prepared to articulate and explain the value you bring forth to this business Employers create a budget for paying your salary. Have a realistic salary range in mind and be prepared to negotiate.
 
Are you applying as an independent contractor, part-time, or full-time assistant? Will you be working locally, or remotely? Find out how much help is needed to begin with, and whether or not the support is needed in person.

• If you work remotely, will you need to be available during a specific time period so that they can communicate with you?

 

• As a contractor, you will not be entitled to benefits. As a specialist, you are also expected to require less on-the-job training. That’s why contractors often work at a higher hourly rate.
  
  

 
Carefully review the job description. Try to clarify any ambiguity about the level of support that is needed and what qualifications or skills you may require.

• What is listed as the top priority on this job description? What traits are they looking for in an ideal candidate?
  
  
• If the position is part-time, does it have the potential to grow into a full-time position or is it permanently part-time?
  
  
• What kind of on-the-job training or benefits are offered?

 
Use the hiring process as an opportunity to learn about the operation. Think about a task (or tasks) an assistant would do regularly. During the interview, ask them about their business' internal process to achieve a certain goal or finish a task. Everyone can make a job description look impressive, but that doesn’t always mean that it really is the ideal job. 

Take the time to learn about how to be become a personal assistant. ​​When you master the task that your boss wishes to keep out of his radar (like researching flights), you’ll save his/her time and energy to give to he/her business, friends and family, or personal growth.

It's very important to know what to wear to a job interview. Just because you can go to work or a video meeting wearing casual attire, it doesn’t mean you should. If you’re having a professional conference or an interview, dress professionally. Wear a full suit or other attire appropriate for you and the setting.
 
Avoid simply dressing up the top half of your body. You might end up standing up. As countless events have shown, it’s easy to forget that you’re not wearing your bottom half of clothing when you’re in the middle of an animated conversation.
 
It’s also worth noting that dressing correctly can give you a crucial confidence boost too. Dressing appropriately makes you feel like you deserve the job you’re applying for. 

Video conferencing is now an important part of our lifestyle and of the business landscape. Learn to excel in using video and take advantage of these tips to make a positive impression via video. You’ll be glad you did!

With corporate cutbacks, delegating may not be easy to accomplish. Companies are expecting their employees to do more with less. But, managers still need to get their work done. In such cases, it may be worthwhile to consider outsourcing some of the tasks of your team. The benefits of outsourcing are that it does not increase the company’s headcount. ​

Source URL: www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-be-more-efficient

The Biden administration announced a new rule from the Department of Labor on September 9, 2021 that will require all companies with 100 or more employees to ensure each worker is fully vaccinated or can show a negative COVID-19 test at least once a week. The standard, which will be enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), will affect approximately 80 million workers.
 
Requiring employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment is legal. Many large employers — including Disney, Tyson Foods, and United Airlines — already require employees to be vaccinated.
 
When you log into Indeed, you will note changes. For example, the number of job postings on the site requiring vaccination against COVID-19 has increased by 34 percent at the end of the first week of August 2021 compared to one month prior. Job postings requiring vaccination were up 90 percent over the same time period.
 
According to a survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com in August 2021, 33 percent of hiring managers will automatically eliminate résumés that do not include vaccination status. And 69 percent of the 1250 hiring managers surveyed say they are more likely to favor candidates who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
 
ResumeBuilder.com also reports that 63 percent of companies surveyed are mandating vaccinations for employees as of August 2021. Another 32 percent will give priority to candidates that list they are vaccinated on their resume.
 
Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers surveyed say they prefer applicants include vaccination status on their resumes.
 
As with any information you include — or exclude — on your resume carefully consider whether the information is relevant (in this case, it would be if vaccination status is requested in the job posting) and whether including the information (if not requested), might disqualify you from consideration. (Some recruiters or hiring managers may be turned off by the disclosure.)

• ​DEFINITELY YES — Disclose you are vaccinated against COVID-19 if vaccination is listed as a requirement in the job posting you’re applying for.

• PROBABLY YES — Disclose vaccination status for certain roles — especially in the medical field or public health or for positions with progressive companies that have been publicly supportive of vaccine mandates. Consider including it for tech and financial positions where in-person/in-office attendance is required.

• PROBABLY NO — If you are not vaccinated for COVID-19, it’s best to leave vaccination status off your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile and address it in a job interview instead (if asked). If you disclose you are not vaccinated for COVID-19, that could be a negative to some hiring managers and recruiters.

 
Don’t want to include your vaccination status on the resume itself? You can list your vaccination status in the cover letter — although, be aware that some recruiters and hiring managers do not read cover letters.
 
Immunization records are protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, you are always free to disclose your own medical information voluntarily.
 
No matter whether you disclose your vaccination status on your resume or not, this may be part of a background check conducted after a job offer is extended, in the same way a drug screening may be required.

SOURCE URL: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/should-i-put-my-vaccination-status-on-my-resume

Most career advice revolves around moving up the career ladder. However, there are also those times when you must step down the corporate ladder.
 
If that is your current situation, chances are high you had not planned for the changes. Our economy is fluctuating and the pandemic is not fully over yet. Certain businesses or industries were hit harder than others. Despite having a great job at a successful company, you may still be considering a career change. Or, you may just wonder about what to do if you are in a declining industry.
 
In the end, you just may have to resize your career. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for sure. Making conscious choices and decisions will make it easier for you to move into your next role. Learn the modern rules for stepping down the career ladder with finesse.

• Re-evaluate your finances. If you must settle for lower pay, it’s important to first ensure that you can live on your new salary. A reduction in housing costs is often most effective. Eating out less often and cancelling unnecessary subscriptions may help as well.

​

•  Know your strengths. Take a thorough assessment of your transferable skills. Make an actual list and you will be surprised how it will help you guide yourself to your new career.

• Know your WHY. You will have to practice explaining why you left a job to potential employers. Their concerns may have to do with your stability or your job satisfaction factor. Leverage cover letters and use interviews to explain why it may be time to change your job.

​

• Edit and audit your resume. You may want to hire a professional who knows how to make your resume stand out. Consider editing and auditing your resume to make it more appealing to the hiring managers in the new industries you are targeting. If you think you can do this on your own, use a resume and cover letter checklist. Highlight your transferable skills and your relevant achievements. Avoid using the terminology and lingo that is only known to your old industry.

• Ask your boss. Your current manager may be a great resource. Once you have a plan in place on how to quit a job, make one last attempt to negotiate salary with your current manager. Perhaps you can stay with the company and work remotely or have a lighter schedule. Or perhaps you can still collaborate with the company as a consultant.

• Use your network. Your other contacts may be valuable too.  If you have been neglecting your network, learn how to revive your personal network. Chances are your contacts will have leads for you or they may be able to introduce you to others who need your services.

• Make it a trial run. To make a transition with less risk, take a trial run. Hold onto your day job while you do some consulting or part-time work or pro-bono services that will broaden your experience and contacts.

• Take small steps, but take action. Change can be overwhelming. Break your plans down into smaller steps. You might commit yourself to fill out multiple job applications a week or even going to industry-specific job fairs.

​

• Don’t let frustration take over. As you will navigate through the change, you will have to interact with many new people along the way who are there to facilitate the process. Some people may feel frustration and may unconsciously become rude toward others. If you feel frustrated, remember to remain collected and kind.

​Downsizing your career may open the door to new opportunities and establish a new balance in your life. Be prepared to explore your alternatives and market yourself to new employers.
 
You may find that the outcome may be more fulfilling than what you left behind. Life has a way of often surprising us!

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-step-down-the-corporate-ladder

​Civil conversations are engagements aimed at sharing views or information on topics of high importance in the lives of the general public. They usually stem from and are dictated by our analysis of what mainly influences our social, economic, and political lives, among other things.
 
However, the level of engagement and the success thereof is so much dependent on the personalities of the parties involved. Some people strongly dislike civil conversations citing that, depending on the mental state of the person one is conversing with, the conversations can move from simply sharing information to showing off one’s intelligence and trying to convince the other party that your views are more valid than theirs.
 
Where one is not open-minded, there is a tendency to want to defend beliefs or anything one holds dear to them, which defeats the whole purpose of the engagement. It can easily lead to arguments or fights while where verbal aggression and abuse are present, the focus is lost, and the time invested in the conversation is wasted.
 
Also, it is easy to step out of the line with civil conversations. Controversial issues may arise which may cause trouble for an individual or the company.
 
Colleagues are also the people that we spend the greater part of the day with, as such, it is important to be careful not to ruin our relationships with them to ensure that we remain the team the company can rely on to achieve goals.
 
The following points can help us engage in civil conversations without the risk of messing up our relationships:

​It is important to know how to get along with your coworkers. It is also very important to have the ability to tell when things are spiraling out of control and to know when to stop to avoid having the conversation turn into a conflict. We cannot control how other people react to us but always have power over our own words and reactions.

We need to always keep in mind that people go through various things daily and some are not strong enough to keep their emotions in control. This means that even people with whom we normally engage in conversations may not be ready for some topics or may react differently to them than they normally do.

Emphasize Key Points
 
Remember to write down key points when drafting notes for every meeting that you are going to hold and put emphasis on main points at the beginning of the meeting as well as the end. That is how you ensure everyone present retains the important information you want them to leave with.
 
Manage Your Time Wisely During Briefings
 
Do time management apps help your productivity? Perhaps it's a good idea to consider them. There is a plethora of time management apps available. For example, individual time management is as important as project time management. 

Time management is crucial during meetings or briefings hence if your Monday morning meeting is supposed to last for an hour make sure you do not add 15 or more minutes. Keeping your meetings short is an excellent way of making sure everyone remains engaged. 
 
Use Emails And Visuals
 
Send formal emails outlining your goals when working on a big project to keep everyone involved up to speed. Keep your emails short and include important information only such as how far you have gone, changes that may have arisen, and upcoming meetings.
 
Don’t forget to use illustrations, charts, or visuals when communicating your vision, or when embarking on a new project that requires high levels of concentration and retaining knowledge.
 
Speak Clearly
 
Communicating efficiently involves avoiding repeating words or instructions when talking to other people. So, make sure you speak clearly. Ask for feedback and address concerns or questions that your team members may have before closing the assembly.   

• Optimize the introduction. What employers want to see is your potential or the type of employee you will be without having to read a lot of content. Start with a strong About section that outlines a summary. Remember to mention your accomplishments where necessary.

• Visuals are important. Take advantage of visuals. It can be anything including icons, photos, and formatting. Choose an appearance that will make your website attractive to others. Take pictures and browse online for free stock photos. If you use a software like Google Charts, you may even consider infographics.


• Have a headshot. If you don’t want to pay a professional photographer, be sure to use natural light and a neutral background. Smile and wear something classic in dark or neutral solid colors.

• Include your work samples. Depending on your industry, you might feature content you’ve created or case studies of noteworthy projects. Testimonials are valuable too, because what others say about you can be more persuasive than what you say about yourself.

​

• Consider tabs. Chances are your work includes several aspects or you have a gig on the side. Try to use one website and create tabs or sections for different areas of your career.

 

• Check contact information. How do you want to be reached? It’s a good idea to have a contact page as opposed to posting your cell phone number or home address on your personal website. 

 

• Keep it real. Show your individuality, but please keep it professional. Mention some of the things that are not mentioned on your resume like your hobbies or perhaps volunteer work. For example, showing your pictures in swimwear may not be a good idea. 

1. Learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  It attracts prospective employers and other people to your website. Use and apply some basic search engine optimization techniques. For example, research industry keywords and use headings and subheadings. You can find free SEO courses online from reputable organizations like HubSpot.

1. Include your website in your email signature. It’s a good idea to list your website address in your email signature. If you use a logo or a photo, please be sure it’s not too large in size or bytes. Otherwise, it may slow your email transmission speed or take too much space your Inbox quickly.

1. Release a newsletter. The tried and true idea of having a newsletter remains an effective way to stay connected. Make it compelling and useful and offer an easy way to cancel the subscription.

​

1. Update regularly. It’s easy to keep your website current, unlike outdated resumes that end up in the recycling bin. Post major changes promptly and start a folder for material you might want to add later, so you’ll remember it for future editing sessions.

 

1. Perform analytics. Studying your data will help you to evaluate your efforts and make changes as needed. Many website building and hosting companies have analytics built in to help you measure things like unique visitors and traffic sources.

​

1. Build your brand. Think about how your personal website fits into your online presence and your overall efforts to position yourself professionally. Maintain a consistent tone. Audit yourself occasionally, including your social media pages, to see that you’re projecting the image you have in mind.

 
A personal website could make your next job search faster and more successful. It’s one more tool that helps you stand out from the crowd and show an employer how much you have to offer.

SOURCE: ​https://www.market-connections.net/blog/use-a-personal-website-in-your-job-search