What is Growth MindsetDo you believe that your abilities, intelligence, and talents are fixed traits that cannot be changed or developed? Or do you see yourself as someone who can continuously grow and develop your skills and abilities through effort and persistence? These questions lie at the heart of growth mindset definition. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, the term "growth mindset" refers to the belief that one's potential is not fixed, but can be developed through dedication, hard work, and resilience. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that abilities and intelligence are predetermined and cannot be changed. In this blog post, we will explore the definition of growth mindset in more detail, examining its definition and characteristics. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply someone interested in personal development, understanding the principles of growth mindset can help you to shift your mindset easily, achieve your goals, overcome obstacles, and lead a more fulfilling life. So, let's dive in and explore the power of growth mindset! Five Growth Mindset Definitions
Addressing Core Limiting BeliefsLimiting beliefs are beliefs you hold that keep you from doing what you want to do. The human mind has an amazing ability to come up with infinite reasons why you can’t do something. There is a good chance you have limiting beliefs stopping you right now and you don’t even realize it. Limiting beliefs come in a variety of shapes and forms. They might be thoughts like:
It could be any negative recurring thought that stops you. Regardless of what the specific thought it, this type of negative thinking will hold you back from achieving your goals. To eliminate them, you first need to identify and address them.
Is It Time to Shift Your MindsetIf you are experiencing low energy, or are not in good spirits, you may want to consider altering your mindset. When you are down, it can be due to negative thoughts. Perhaps you start to dwell on everything that is going wrong. You may assume that you aren’t where you thought you would be and it leaves you longing for fulfillment. When you start to have negative thoughts, you are setting the stage to beat yourself down. What’s worse is this situation continues to grow. Negativity feeds on itself. When you put yourself down, you will eventually put others down. You will look for others who share your negativity because misery loves company. As the negative energy thrives, you fall deeper into the mental abyss. To turn this around, you first have to realize that it’s happening. No one likes to admit to doing something wrong, but negative thinking is wrong if you are engaging in it. You have to try and reflect on your life. Think back to when you were happy. Was it a couple of months ago or a couple of years? That will give you a good indication of when you started with the negative thinking. When you were happy, it’s unlikely you were thinking negatively. Once you have identified that you have a negative mindset, work hard to introduce positivity into your life. Set up a bad thoughts money jar and whenever you say something negative, put money into the jar. You can do this at work, at home, or both. When you see the jar filling up, you know you have more work to do. Avoid other negative people as much as possible. They will try to bring you back down, and you may even let them do it. Limiting your exposure to these people is a great step to take on your journey towards positivity. SOURCE: About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Network Your Way to Your Next JobLeveraging your professional and personal connections can be an effective strategy for securing your next job. The conventional yet reliable approach of networking remains the most successful way to land your dream position. As per Jobvite’s 2022 Job Seeker Nation Survey, a majority of job seekers (46%) discover job openings through their friends and acquaintances, while professional connections (25%) also play a crucial role in the job search process. Research consistently identifies networking as an important job search tool — anywhere from 40-80% of job placements are attributed to networking. When networking, it’s also important to also learn how to access the hidden job market. The “hidden job market” refers to jobs that are not advertised publicly. These positions may be filled through employee referrals, recruiters, or direct contact with hiring managers through networking.) With the right experience and credentials to meet a company’s need, you may even have a job created just for you. It happens all the time. Someone in your network says, “You know what? You should talk to John Jones at the XYZ Company. They’re looking for someone like you.” This guide will help you identify who is in your network and how to use these connections to find your next job. Build Your Network Before You Need ItThe single biggest mistake most job searchers make is not asking for help from their network. People want to help you — so let them! But don’t wait until you’re out of work to start developing relationships with your network. As author Harvey Mackey says, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” Develop your contacts, be willing to help these folks with their needs, and they will be there when you need them! The more people who know you are looking for a job, the more eyes and ears that will be available to help. Networking is about getting the people you already know to help connect you to the people who will help you land your next career opportunity. Figure out how to revive your personal network. Next, tap into your network for specific assistance. For example, if you want to work at a particular company, ask people in your network if they know anyone who currently works for — or used to work for — “Company X.” Then contact that person and ask about the company, culture, and hiring practices. Who Is in Your Networkhe first step is to identify who is in your network. This can include: friends, relatives, parents of children’s friends, parents and relatives of your friends, club members, cousins, neighbors, current and previous co-workers and managers, suppliers, professional association contacts, your community contacts (civic leaders, clergy, etc.), and your doctor, financial advisor, or attorney. Your holiday card list, if you have one, can be a good starting point for identifying who is already in your network. If you don’t already have a list, start one! Make a list of all of your contacts — past employers, vendors, customers, colleagues, competitors, and other people you know. You never know who may have a great lead or know of an unadvertised opportunity. Then, expand that list. Here are some ideas for other people to add to your network. Personal Contacts: • Friends • Relatives • Parents of children’s friends • Parents of your friends • Relatives of friends • Club members (country club, swim club, sports club) • Associations • Military service personnel • Sorority/fraternity • Cousins • Neighbors • Sports team members Business Contacts: • Current co-workers • Previous co-workers • Previous managers • Consultants • Vendors and suppliers • Retirees • Seminar, conference, and workshop attendees • Business owners • Competitors • Clients/customers • Venture capitalists • Members of industry associations • Contacts you make at conventions and job fairs Third-Party Contacts: • Accountants • Doctors • Real estate brokers • Financial advisors and bankers • Attorneys • Dentists • Mortgage bankers/brokers • Insurance agents • Travel agents Educational Contacts: • Elementary, middle, and high school friends and teachers • College classmates and friends • Alumni association contacts • Graduate school classmates • Other alumni of your schools • University career-placement office staff • Former professors and advisors Community Contacts: • Civic and political leaders • Librarians • Clergy/ministers • Chambers of Commerce • Community groups (Kiwanis, Rotary, Scouts) • People you meet while volunteering • Health club members Assemble the contact information for these individuals and add them to your list. You can also brainstorm contacts you need to make. Write your desired job target at the top of a piece of paper. Then, make a list of potential employers on the left side of the page. On the right side of the page, make a list of people you know who can connect you with these companies.
Here are some more opportunities to develop your network:
Here's an example of a list of reference directories for companies in manufacturing:
These are just a few examples of the many reference directories available for companies in manufacturing. Depending on your specific needs, you may find that one or more of these directories is particularly useful. There are similar lists for many industries; i.e.: Transportation, fashion, healthcare, etc. How to Use Your NetworkUse simple networking ideas to find a new job. The first is to contact specific people in your network — or your entire network — and let them know you are looking for ideas, information, advice, and contacts/referrals. Even if you’re contacting someone with the power to hire you, don’t ask for a job. Ask for advice or assistance, not a job. Create a networking cover letter. Click on the following link leading you to a blog post titled: Cover Letter Template Free. You will find three (3) free samples of networking cover letters. They are as follows:
Use a Cover Letter and send it with your resume to each of the contacts in your network. This is the broadest way to use your network, and can be useful if you are currently unemployed and not worried about jeopardizing your current job by visibly pursuing a new one. A more effective way to use your network is a more targeted approach. Identify the specific need you have, and then contact people who are in a position to help you reach that specific job goal. The more specific you are about what you need or what you’re looking for, the more likely you are to get what you want. For example, if you see an advertised opening for a position, go through your network and see who might be able to provide you with access to the hiring manager (or someone else who works at the company), information about that specific company (or the company’s position in the industry), or information about the specific position you’re seeking. You can use your network contact to make an introduction to a hiring manager — either asking them to pass along your resume to that individual, introducing you directly, or allowing you to use their name when making an initial contact. Technology and NetworkingSocial media can also be effective for helping you achieve your networking goals. You can let your network know you are looking for a new position by posting status updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. This is particularly useful if you are currently unemployed and you’re not worried about your boss finding out you’re seeking a new position. (Even if you have your social media profile privacy settings locked down, remember that anything you post online can potentially become public information — all it takes is someone you know taking a screenshot of what you’ve posted, or mentioning the information, and it’s no longer private.) You can also research a potential connection using social media. Find out if the person has a LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, or Twitter account. LinkedIn is particularly effective in helping you take your existing contacts and leverage them into even more networking opportunities. You can see how you’re connected to a company or another individual using LinkedIn. Use social media to arrange in-person get-togethers. For example, if you make a new contact on LinkedIn, if they are local, arrange to meet them in person. Technology makes networking easier, but face-to-face interaction is still the best way to network. You can also use technology to personalize your networking, even when you are contacting many people at the same time. (For example, you can use Microsoft Word’s “mail merge” function to create personalized networking letters for each of your contacts.) Networking in a Confidential Job SearchEver been surprised when a friend announces a new job and you didn’t even know they were looking? You can use networking even when you’re quietly searching for a new position. However, be aware that the more people who know you’re looking for a new job, the more likely your current employer is to find out about it. One way to avoid this is to build your network even when you’re not searching for a new job. Again, listen to Harvey Mackey’s advice to “dig your well before you’re thirsty.” Having a robust network can also help you be more effective in your current position, by giving you access to people who can help you solve the problems you face in your daily work. Contact members of your network individually about your job search instead of mass messages or social media updates. Let your contact know that you are conducting your job search quietly, and ask for their help in keeping your search confidential. If your primary purpose of networking is for your job search, don’t network on company time or using company resources. And never use your company email to send emails to your networking contacts. When you are updating your LinkedIn profile as part of your job search, update your profile and slowly add new contacts. Don’t add everything all at once. Additionally, be sure to change your setting about sharing notifications before you change your profile or add a bunch of new contacts. In your LinkedIn account, in the upper right-hand corner of the page, access the drop-down menu under your name and choose the “Settings” option. On the main menu, click on your photo, and when the drop-down menu appears, click “Settings & Privacy.” You will see “Settings” on the left side of the page. Click on “Visibiliy” listed under "Settings". After you click on "Visibility", scroll down to find and click on "Share profile updates with your network" listed under "Visibility of your LinkedIn activity". Click on "Share profile updates with your network". You can choose whether your network is notified about your profile changes. If the setting is on, your connections will receive notifications when you add information to your profile or change the content. As you build your LinkedIn profile, this can trigger many notifications. And, if you’re conducting a stealth job search, it can draw unwanted attention to your LinkedIn profile. As a general rule, you will want to turn off notifications when updating your profile. Slide the setting to “Off.” Later on, you can turn these notifications back on and adjust your privacy settings. But for now, just make sure this is changed to “Off.” Keys to SuccessDo you wonder why some people are more effective using networking to find their next job? Here are some keys to success in using networking in a job search:
When You Get Your New JobAfter you land your new job, be sure to thank your network — especially contacts that have specifically helped you with your job search. Send a personal note to everyone who assisted you in your search, and consider sending or giving a small gift to those who were of particular help. And don’t forget to spread the word that you’ve accepted a new opportunity. Don’t neglect your network just because you found a new job. One of the most important parts of maintaining your network is providing assistance when you are asked. Be responsive to requests for help from folks in your network when you are asked. Every person you meet is a potential networking contact. But networking is a two-way relationship. Don’t just see your network as contacts — see them as people. Learn about them and what they do. Heed the advice of author and networking pro Harvey Mackey: “If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all the truly successful people I’ve met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts. A network replaces the weakness of the individual with the strength of a support system. You don’t have to know everything as long as you know the people who do.” About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Career Reinvention: Making the Most of Your 50s and 60s“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” — Motivational speaker Les Brown The concept of the traditional career path is changing. With more than 108 million people who are now age 50 or older — and with one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2030 — the idea of an upwards career path culminating in retirement at age 65 or 67 is evolving to “second act” and even “third act” careers. As we move forward, a midlife career change is becoming more common. There are countless stories of successful midlife career changes:
There are also numerous examples of musicians and actors who have reinvented themselves over the years to appeal to new generations of fans. Among them: David Bowie, Phil Collins, Tony Bennett, Henry Winkler, Robert Downey Jr., and Drew Barrymore. These people are reminders that you always have the power to make a change and become the person you always wanted to be — the person you were meant to be. The years between 40-60 are generally considered to be “peak earning years,” as full-time workers with bachelor’s degrees generally tend to make the most money during those two decades. As a result, your 50s are the decade in which your income-earning potential can be its highest. But many people feel stuck or uncertain about their future when they turn 50. They may have worked in the same job for many years and are feeling frustrated or bored. They may no longer be challenged by the work they are doing. Or they may have hit a “pay ceiling” — maxing out their salary compensation for the type of work they are doing, without the opportunity for further significant growth. They may have experienced personal changes that are causing them to re-evaluate their professional career. They may have gotten divorced, or experienced the death of a spouse, parent, or loved one. Or their children may have left for college, leaving them with an empty nest. Some are convinced it’s too late to start something new. Some are worried about age discrimination in the job search. None of these are reasons not to reinvent yourself after age 50. Career reinvention at this stage often means finding the intersection of:
Step One: Get in the Right MindsetSome people see 50 as the “beginning of the end,” and they begin thinking about how to step down the corporate ladder as they approach retirement. Others see the milestone as a reset button and start making new plans about how to make their remaining working years the best time possible. Take some time to reflect on your life and career. What did you want to be when you grew up? What were you passionate about? Did life get in the way of you achieving some of your dreams? Next, decide what you want. Set a specific goal for professional development. If you believe that you can achieve it, you can. Don’t talk yourself out of what you are capable of achieving. Just because you haven’t achieved it yet doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Be aware of negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behavior. You also need to adopt a growth mindset. You have to believe that you are capable of change and that any failures you encounter are not “who you are.” A growth mindset means you believe in your ability to become better. Acknowledge the fear of leaving your comfort zone. Make a list of the challenges and roadblocks you will likely encounter and develop a plan for tackling them. For example: If you are a long-time teacher who is considering a career change to the corporate world as a learning and development coordinator, one of the biggest challenges might be learning new technology (in particular, a specific L&D software/platform). Your plan might be to research the most common L&D platforms and identify courses or online training to learn the technology. Step Two: Decide on a DestinationReview your reflections and goals from step one and decide what you want to do next. Do you want to move up within your current industry or profession, or make a complete change? What will reignite your passion? For inspiration, look at people you know and the changes they’ve made. Is there a defined path you can follow? For example, it’s not uncommon for lawyers to move into a judge role in their 50s. Some advertising executives start their own agencies in their 50s or move from an agency into a corporate role. Sometimes money becomes less of a motivator later in your career, and you might decide to leave a stressful corporate role for a smaller business, startup, or even a nonprofit. (Although making this kind of move doesn’t necessarily need to lead to a pay cut, it can sometimes result in lower pay in exchange for a better work/life balance.) You may also be seeking a change because you’re no longer able to physically do some of the things you’ve always done in your career. Are there ways you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience in a less physically demanding job in the same profession? Or would a complete career change be a better fit? For example: If you’re a furniture warehouse manager who works in the field alongside employees, but your body is feeling the aches and pains from hauling heavy items up and down stairs, you might consider using your staffing, logistics, and operations knowledge in a less “hands on” role. Step Three: Create Your Career PlanNow that you know where you want to go, it’s time to chart your path and perhaps use a career development planner. In your career reinvention, you may need new skills. For example, you may decide to learn a new language. There are any number of online courses and apps to help you. The most important thing is to pick one and then schedule the time to work through the information. The same is true if you’re considering starting your own business as part of your career reinvention. You will need to research your opportunities. Will you consult or freelance? Will you purchase a franchise? Start a business from scratch? What resources will you need? Create a roadmap to guide you through all steps in the self-employment journey. (And a note about starting your own business in your 50s: While younger startup founders tend to be more technologically savvy and risk-averse, older founders often have more knowledge, business skills, connections, and access to startup capital.) Can you see yourself going back to school? Or pursuing additional training and/or certification. Can you use your hobby to advance your career? Perhaps you enjoy woodworking as a hobby. Could you create custom furniture? Or combine your technology knowledge with your hobby and program CNC machines for manufacturers. Ageism and age discrimination are still a reality, but as the workforce ages and worker shortages continue to be an issue, things may change. Professions that have traditionally had mandatory retirement ages — for example, airline pilots — are loosening some requirements. Some accounting and law firms that had retirement policies that pushed out highly experienced professionals are reconsidering those requirements. Identify employers who support second act and third act careers. For example: Look for companies that have Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) status and use sites such as agefriendly.org/jobs to identify possible age-friendly workplaces. Step Four: Baby StepsA drastic change isn’t necessarily the best way to start. Instead, consider baby steps. If you’re considering a career change, investigate the new profession thoroughly. Learn how to ask for informational interviews and begin conducting informational interviews. You may also want to “shadow” someone who does what you want to do, to make sure you really understand what’s involved in the new role. Considering quitting to start a business? Pursue it as a side hustle first. If you are able to, build up the business so that you’re replacing at least 50 percent of your income before you quit your job (with a plan to get to 100% or even 125% once you’re able to dedicate your full attention to the venture). Also, be aware if your current employer has restrictions on outside employment. And don’t dial back your effort at work as you think about making a change. Identify skills or knowledge you don’t have — and find people to fill those gaps. For example, if you are a writer (but not a numbers person), you can get assistance with bookkeeping and tax preparation. Never owned a business? Find a mentor or business coach. Be mindful of your finances. If you decide to take a pay cut as part of your career reinvention, consider that carefully in light of your overall financial goals. Remember, a pay cut isn’t always needed to improve your work/life balance. For example: Many consultants are able to make more with self-employment (even considering expenses, taxes, and saving for retirement yourself) than when they worked for someone else. Step Five: Make Room for Personal GrowthIn many cases, career reinvention is about balancing personal and professional growth. To continue moving forward, it’s important to reflect and appreciate all the good things that have happened in your life. Reflect on your successes. Let go of the disappointments. You may have poor self-esteem, a lack of self-confidence, or a negative mindset. Consider professional help for tackling long-unresolved issues or negative patterns in your career. If you’ve been fired from more than two jobs in the last five years, look at the reasons why and see if there is a common issue. Maybe you have unrealistic expectations of your co-workers or bosses, or maybe you’re finding yourself in employment situations that aren’t a good fit for your skills or experience. In step one, we talked about having a growth mindset. Your professional growth will benefit from improving your overall knowledge. Keep your brain sharp by committing to creativity, self-development, and constant learning. Exercise your brain and your body. Engage in activities related to organization, memorization, and decision-making (learning a new language ticks all three boxes!). Other activities to consider include:
10 Actions For Career ReinventionWith these five steps in mind, it’s time to take action. These 10 actions will help move you forward towards your goal of career reinvention.
“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis There is no better time than right now to start your career reinvention. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Outplacement Services Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers and EmployeesIf you've recently lost your job or are an employer needing to lay off employees, you might have heard about outplacement services. But what exactly are outplacement services, and how can they benefit you? In this post, we'll take a closer look at outplacement services, how they work, and why they're essential for both employers and employees. What are Outplacement Services?Outplacement services are a type of career transition service designed to help employees who have been laid off or terminated find new employment. These services are typically provided by third-party companies that specialize in job search assistance, resume writing, interview coaching, and career counseling. The goal of outplacement services is to help employees find new jobs as quickly as possible and make the transition from one job to the next as smooth as possible. How Outplacement Services WorkIf your employer offers outplacement services, you'll typically be given access to a variety of resources and tools to help you find a new job. These might include job search websites, resume writing services, career coaching, and job search workshops. Your outplacement provider will work with you to create a personalized job search plan tailored to your skills, experience, and career goals. If you're an employer, you'll typically work with an outplacement provider to create a customized program for your employees. Your provider will work with your employees to help them navigate the job market and find new employment opportunities. This can include one-on-one career coaching, group workshops, resume writing services, and job search tools. Benefits of Outplacement Services for EmployeesIf you've been laid off or terminated, outplacement services can be an invaluable resource. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect:
Benefits of Outplacement Services for EmployersIf you're an employer, offering outplacement services can benefit both your company and your employees. Here are just a few of the benefits:
Outplacement Services Near MeIf you're looking for outplacement services near you, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to do your research and find an outplacement provider who has experience working with employees in your industry. You'll also want to look for providers who offer a range of services, including resume package deals, professional LinkedIn profile writing , job interview coaching, career coaching, and other related services. One Outplacement Call can resolve many complications. You can start your search for outplacement services near you by doing a quick online search. Use keywords like "outplacement services near me" or "career transition services near me" to find local providers. You can also check with your HR Department to see if they have any recommendations. ConclusionOutplacement services can provide support for both employers and employees during a layoff or termination. These services can help employers to manage the process of letting employees go, while still showing support and compassion for their staff. For employees, outplacement services can provide practical and emotional support during a difficult time, helping them to find new employment and cope with the stress of a job loss. By offering outplacement services, employers can protect their reputation, support their employees, and help ease the transition into new employment. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Most human beings cling to comfort, though science has proven that leaving your comfort zone is where the most significant achievement takes place. If it weren't for taking uncertain steps out into a scary world, we would still be living in caves and waiting around for someone to discover fire. Thomas Alva Edison would never have given us the light bulb, Thinking about changing careers can be scary. Most people just stay right where they are, because they are frightened by the possibility of failure. Since they have their family to provide for, they make the justification that they shouldn't tempt fate, since moving to a new career might not turn out so well. So that person sticks with their current career even though they are not happy, years later wondering "what could have been." Leave your Comfort Zone to Learn About Your StrengthsSports records fall every day because athletes keep pushing themselves. They are not happy with their current level of achievement. They want to know how good they can be, so they train and work very hard. They push themselves out of their comfort zone, their regular training regimen. They lift heavier weights, work out longer, and run faster. The result of becoming uncomfortable, training as they have never trained before, is new personal bests and sometimes world records. This is because of something known as the Yerkes-Dodson Law. Dodson and Yerkes were a couple of psychologists who, in the earliest years of the 20th century, discovered that stress leads to achievement. What they found was that significant achievement did not happen until a person took small steps outside of the environment, surroundings, and behaviors where he felt most comfortable. Small Steps Lead to Big ChangeThey noted that when someone was put in an entirely uncomfortable, stressful environment, performance was horrible. However, taking small steps outside of a person's comfort zone slowly began to expand the area where that person was happy and comfortable. Over time, it becomes easier and easier to take on new tasks and expose yourself to unfamiliar experiences. If your job is challenging physically or mentally, maybe you are in a wrong career path. Don't take a giant leap, take a baby step instead. Rather than immediately moving from one career to another, why not take a part-time job in a career that interests you? Maybe you can sign up for classes or certification in some field that has captured your attention. These small steps outside of your comfort zone will eventually give you the confidence to move onto an entirely different career if your current field of employment is not working out. Cut Your Expenses Before You Start Changing CareersSwapping one career for another can be incredibly stressful. That is the best case scenario. Sometimes, the mental fatigue and anxiety experienced when considering moving to another area of employment can lead to physical and mental health problems. The last thing you should be doing is adding to your stress. This means you should have your finances in order before you decide to start upon an entirely new career path. Considering the cost of a career change, you should already have a budget that you follow religiously. If you don't, start one now. Write down every single outgoing expense and every bit of income. Look for ways to streamline your outgoings, and improve your income. If there is no way you can earn more money, just cut back on your expenses. This will account for automatic savings, which can present a nice cushion if your career change doesn't offer the immediate financial rewards you're looking for. When career shifting, it is common for you to have to start out earning less money than you are now. This is not always the case, but it is much of the time. Having a year's worth of living expenses tucked away gives you the peace of mind to dedicate your mental energy to succeed in your new career. You won't be worrying at the end of the month how you are going to pay your bills. You may also decide to take on a part-time job to make extra money. If you do this, try to get employment that will teach you skills and abilities useful in your new career. A part-time job makes you money two different ways. You get paid for your work and if you are spending a few evenings each week working, those are not nights you are out and about spending money. You may have an opportunity to move into a smaller home or apartment. If this makes sense for you, by all means, do it. Cutting down on your monthly rent or mortgage is a fast way to free up some substantial money. Have a garage sale, or sell some of your possessions online. If you're serious about changing careers, you don't need a lack of money to make the situation harder than it already will be. Ask yourself some hard questions about the money you spend, and see if you can generate any new income. In just 6 and 12 months you could set aside enough money to keep your mental focus on your new career, instead of worrying about your finances. SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/why-is-career-change-so-hard About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. How to Make Your Goals Doable and RewardingScience has proven that micro-habits are much more effective than big, hairy goals. And yet, when another New Year’s rolls around, the first thing we do is make a huge list of resolutions we want to keep. However, using micro-habits to make changes in your life sets you up for success because of the consistent progress you see. Sticking to our New Year’s goals this year doesn’t need to be hard or scary. Try these four easy strategies to make your goals for the new year doable and rewarding. Choose One ThingChoose One Thing--one reason we rarely accomplish any of our New Year’s resolutions is because we make a lot of them and they are all massive. So, this year, instead of a laundry list of changes, decide which goal is the most significant in your life. For example, since our health impacts everything we do, you may decide that getting healthier is the one area which deserves your focus. Break it DownBreak It Down—another way we make things hard for ourselves is by stating our goal as something ambiguous and undefined. Like in the example above, “Get healthy” as a goal is sure to fail. Why? You'll fail because the goal is too vague. Instead, you may want to start a list of all the steps you could take to become healthier. You could include things like drinking eight glasses of water per day, exercising for twenty minutes each day, eating a salad for lunch five days a week, drinking only two cups of coffee or soda per day, and getting at least eight hours of sleep per day. Then, choose just one of those to start. Starting with the easiest one is okay. Once that becomes a habit, you can move on to the next one on the list. Another important aspect is to make the action toward your goal doable. If drinking eight glasses of water each day sounds impossible, how about drinking two? Once you’ve reached two glasses each day, you can step it up to three. That’s how we make even challenging goals stick. Choose a PromptChoose a Prompt—the easiest way to make sure you include the action steps you need to take to meet your goal is by taking them immediately after you do something that you already do each day. For example, if your goal is to drink eight glasses of water per day, choose prompts to help you remember to drink water. Maybe you decide to take three big gulps of water after hitting “send” on each email throughout the day or a whole glass before each meal and on each break you take during the day. Connect it to a Positive FeelingConnect it to a Positive Feeling—how do you feel at the end of the day when you stay hydrated? Sure, you might not enjoy drinking water all day, but by connecting the action to still having lots of energy after you’ve worked all day, for example, it’s easier to get up and do the same thing again the next day too. Before you know it, drinking enough water each day has become a positive habit—a goal you’ve reached. Once that’s in place, you’ll be ready to take on one of the others on your “Get healthy” list. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLANNER (www.market-connections.net/blog/career-development-planner-2023) NEW YEAR NEW JOB (https://www.market-connections.net/blog/newyear-newjob) About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. What to do When the Boss is Burned OutThe Boss is Burned Out. Now What… Is it difficult to get your boss to pay attention to you these days? Maybe they’re taking long lunches and ducking calls from clients. Maybe you’re afraid to ask any questions because they’ve been extra critical lately. This lack of enthusiasm could mean that your boss is burned out. It’s common these days. “Almost 96% of senior leaders reported feeling burned out on some level, and 33% said their condition was extreme,” according to a recent study by Harvard Medical School. Before you start searching for an example letter of resignation, try to address the situation. Consider these ideas for steps you can take to deal with a boss who may be exhausted and overwhelmed. Steps to Take Yourself
Steps to Take with Your Boss
You may be able to adapt while your boss resolves their situation, or you may be thinking about when and how to quit a job if your working conditions start having a negative effect on your overall wellbeing. Staying positive and keeping up with your responsibilities will help you to support your boss and keep your career on track. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Career PlannerAccording to ourworldindata.org 90 percent of our daily lives is spent doing routine tasks. But habit can be a bad thing, because “if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep on getting what you’ve always got.” One of the most important things you can do is to take the time to plan your career roadmap for 2023. Whether you are thinking of a job change or career change in the new year, or simply get more out of your current job, a career plan is essential to helping you reach your goal for professional development. This exercise may take you 20 minutes, or you might devote a few hours to planning where you want to be on New Year’s Day 2023. If you want your life to be different in 2023, especially your career, take the time to work on your career roadmap. You may decide to use multiple planners including a success planner and a CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLANNER. Step 1: Take Stock The first step is to assess where you are. To figure out where you’re going, you must first look at where you’ve been. Here are some questions to help you assess where you are: ¨ What are you most proud of this past year — personally, and professionally? ¨ What went right this year? ¨ Did you receive any awards or recognition this year? ¨ Did you take on any additional responsibility this year? If so, what? ¨ How did you take initiative in your job this year? ¨ Have you learned any new skills? ¨ Did you earn any certifications or licenses? Record this information in a success journal. This can be a Microsoft Word file on your computer, a note in Evernote, a series of emails you send to yourself (be sure to use email tags so you’re able to find the emails again!), or even a physical notebook. And in the coming year, take time to record your accomplishments as you go through the year instead of waiting until the end of the year. Next, look at opportunities for improvement in your career. How does your salary stack up against your peers? Is your current position in alignment with your priorities and your core values? Where is change needed? This is when it helps to use a detailed career planner. Step 2: Articulate Your Goal Decide what you want. What is your goal for professional development? Spell it out: What does it look like; what does it feel like? You have to really want it to invest the time and energy to follow your dream. Describe your ideal job:
Think about the person that you want to be, and imagine the possibilities. If a career change is in the horizon, it helps to take a career change quiz. Then, identify 2-3 goals you want to tackle. Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal system to articulate your goals — goals should be “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Oriented.” For example, let’s imagine you have worked as an Accountant for the past three years, but you really want to work in marketing. Your goal might be: “By Jan. 1, 2023, I will be working as a Marketing Assistant in a Fortune 1000 company” You should also write down why you are interested in making the change. In other words, what is your motivation for taking this path? Another good question to ask yourself is, “How will I know when I’ve achieved my goal(s)?” Step 3: Make a Plan Take time to prepare a game plan and use a career planner for how you will reach your goal. But don’t use planning as an excuse to procrastinate. You want to get to Step Four as quickly as possible because actions create momentum. Take each of your goals and write down the list of steps under each of them that you will need to take to make the goal happen. The more individual steps you can map out, the easier it will be for you to reach your goals. The steps should be practical tasks that will lead you to achieve your goal for professional development. For example, with our goal of making a career change from accounting to marketing, here are some sample steps:
Give yourself milestones so you can measure your progress. How will you know when you’re on the right track? Include specific dates and numbers in your milestones. Step 4: Take Action The tasks you’ve outlined in Step Three, give you a checklist of items to use to take action. If you are working through the steps and discover you need to add additional items, update your task list. You may also discover additional projects that need to be completed to make the next step — and the overall goal — easier to accomplish. You may also find that you need to make adjustments to your timeline. For example, if you discover that a six-month program to learn about professional social media marketing would help you land your new marketing job, you might adjust your goal deadline to March 1, 2023, if the program won’t be completed until late December 2022. This would give you time to put some of the new skills into practice before you put them on your résumé. As you work your way through your task list, focus on the actions you are taking, realizing that if you are taking the right actions, these should eventually lead to the results you seek. If you’re not getting the results you want, change the plan, not the goal. Re-examine your tasks and see if there is something you are missing. It can also be helpful to get outside feedback. Enlisting the help of an accountability partner — a friend, family member, career coach, resume writer, or therapist — can provide valuable perspective on your progress. This individual can also keep you on track, making sure you are working through your task list. And if there is a specific area where you need help in order to cross the task off your list, make sure you ask for assistance. For example, writing a resume to support a career change can be difficult. Enlisting help from professional resume writing services can help you cross that task off your list. Step 5: Measure Your Progress When you’re on a journey, it can help to periodically assess where you are to make sure you’re on the right road. If you miss a step along the way — or take a “wrong career path” — you can find yourself a long way from your intended destination. So, plan periodic assessments of your progress along the way. This can be a monthly “check-up” where you review your plan and make any necessary changes or a quarterly review. Taking the time to think through — and plan out — your career roadmap is an important step in helping you create the career you want for yourself. If you don’t, you may find your career stuck or stalled. Or you may wake up five years from now and wonder, “How did I get here?” If you want to achieve more in your professional life, invest the time and effort in completing the Career Roadmap Worksheet below. SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/career-development-planner-2023 Career Development WorksheetUse this worksheet with your career planner STEP 1: TAKE STOCK
STEP 2: ARTICULATE YOUR GOAL
STEP 3: MAKE A PLAN
STEP 4: TAKE ACTION
STEP 5: MEASURE YOUR PROGRESS
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About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. There are many types of content marketing. Blogging is very popular. Writing articles and eBooks are other ways to market yourself and your products. Social media is also very popular. Podcasting is another option. A podcast is a digital audio file that you can stream from the internet or download and listen to. Podcasts can be free or sold for a fee. You can set up a podcasting site or “channel” and make daily podcasts like a radio show. . REASONS TO CONSIDER PODCASTING
Work out Wash the dishes Take a walk Mow the grass Drive Sit in a bus or train Vacuum the carpet Sit by the pool
GETTING STARTED WITH PODCASTINGYou can get started quickly with only a couple of tools:
CREATING YOUR FIRSR PODCAST
What could be easier? It can be a little more intimidating to put your voice online than writing a blog post. But that also makes it more effective. You’re putting a part of yourself out there for the world to experience. Once you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to make it available to others. GETTING YOUR PODCAST OUT TO THE MASSESYou can send out your podcast in several ways:
Use your imagination. Market your podcast any way you can. Every loyal listener is potentially another dollar in your pocket. Marketing is the key. Now that you have a podcast and listeners, the next step is monetization. It’s time to boost your income. MAKING MONEY WITH YOUR PODCAST
There are other ways to make money with your podcast. Find sponsors. Get donations. Use the podcast to build your brand and market your services. Whenever you have an audience, the possibility for making money exists. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination! Consider podcasting as a means to boost your income. There are many ways to monetize your podcasts. All you need is a microphone, computer, and a little free time. Provide value, and the money will follow. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: https://www.market-connections.net/career-podcasts.html About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. In some circles, discussions about work-life balance have shifted to talking about work-life integration. Whatever you call it, many people are searching for a way to juggle their personal and professional roles. More than half of all employees say that job demands sometimes interfere with their responsibilities, according to a study by the American Psychological Association. Try these suggestions to help you meet your daily challenges. Guiding Principles
Time Management
Additional Suggestions
It’s a big job to coordinate all the facets of your life. Think about your how to use your successes and failures to your advantage and plan to align your personal and professional responsibilities. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. |
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AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Archives
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