I feel passionate about how much time we waste comparing ourselves to others. We make assumptions about their lives, rather than recognize that they, too, struggle with their own limiting beliefs, challenges and self-doubts. If we compare ourselves only to the superachievers, we’re always going to walk away thinking we’re not good enough. We need to acknowledge that we are doing our best daily and give ourselves credit for all our efforts.
Consider two administrative assistants within the same company: Tara forges relationships across departmental lines while Max is mainly interested in meeting his team’s needs. When it’s time for company leadership to tap employees to work on a new, interdepartmental project, whom do you think they’ll pick?
Many of the mistakes people make when job hunting could be avoided, says Robin Ryan, a vocational counselor. “I divide my time between talking to hiring executives, HR folks and working with job search clients. This gives me a very broad view of what people do that works, and what trips them up—often without realizing it,” Ryan says. The top reasons job hunters fail:
If you often think to yourself at work, “Whoa, I didn’t see
that one coming,” then it’s time to take steps to stay in the loop and learn about things in advance. Tips from
Careerealism.com:
Only some brains can multitask, says a new study from the University of Utah. In the study, only 2.5% of the participants could talk on the phone while navigating a driving simulator. Everyone else’s performance dropped by 20% to 30%.
Trend alert: The Wall Street Journal recently noted, “Many companies … are encouraging employees to sit for certification exams—and some are flat-out requiring the effort. Companies say the certifications are proof that their current or prospective employees meet an industrywide standard.” Which certification is right for you? It depends on your career goals.
More companies are promoting from within, according to a recent survey by CareerXroads. When asked how they filled open positions in 2009, 51% of survey respondents said they filled positions with internal candidates. Just one year earlier, a mere 39% had filled full-time positions with internal transfers and promotions.
It pays to build a positive online “brand.” Example: 77% of recruiters are using Google to pre-screen job candidates, says a 2006 ExecuNet survey. So resist the temptation to post negative comments on blogs.
The last thing you need is to spend time pursuing an online degree or certificate, only to find that no one recognizes it. Before you pursue a degree program, check for accreditation on the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation web site.
Question: “Although I’m viewed positively at work, I believe my reserved demeanor is holding me back. I’m not shy, but I have trouble making small talk. In meetings, I give input whenever I’m asked, but seldom volunteer information … Can you suggest some communication strategies for meetings and social situations?”
Page 156 of 191«1…154155156157158…191»