Scholarships_CareerTips
4 Ways To Get Noticed By Your Dream Company
By Sera Kazungu
It is neither an abnormality nor is it a daydream to have your sights set on working for a particular company. This is basically you having a career goal in mind. It is what keeps you striving to be the best at what you do.
If you are passionate about your goals, there are certain steps you have to take in order to ensure that you achieve them. Below are steps that will help you get noticed by companies that you covet working for.
Ways To Get Noticed By Your Dream Company
1. Make a list of important and relevant persons in the organisation
This sounds strange, but it is very workable. Making this list will make it easier for you to know who specifically you will need to impress. It will also give you a clear hierarchy of the organisational structure which will help you focus more.
Every company has people responsible for finding new potential hires. With the tools at your disposal, you can start looking for the persons who have a say in recruiting new hires. This involves recruiters as well since many big firms outsource their recruitment to agencies and consulting firms.
2. Participate in LinkedIn groups
The importance of LinkedIn in today’s job market cannot be underestimated. When properly used, it is a powerful job searching tool. Participating in your dream company’s Linkedin group gives you a chance to showcase your prowess . Show that you are worth a second and third listen.
Potential employers like innovation and ‘out of the box’ thinking. Use this to your advantage and always post comments that suggest growth or development to the company. Eventually, you may just get that call.
3. Volunteer at industry events.
Volunteering, apart from being a great way to learn new skills, is a great way to get noticed. Pick something you are passionate about and volunteer. You will be giving back to the community.
Charity organizations tend to have well-represented boards and plenty of ties to their local communities. You never know who will notice your charitable work.
4. Start a blog
Your passion should be your driving force in the blog. Share your recommendations about the industry and the company as well. However, be careful not to be too controversial as this will bring more negative attention your way than positive.
Stay focused and keep the blog as engaging as possible. It may one day open doors of employment for you.
Every goal you set for yourself is achievable. All you have to do, is decide how you want to get to your destination. Wishing you all the best in your job search.
What It Means To ‘Be Yourself’ In An Interview
Source: Ask A Manager
“I am a recent graduate looking for an entry-level job. I have been trying to prepare my answers ahead of time to some of the common questions, and I have examples of my previous work experience with things like “dealing with an angry customer” and all that.
I am trying to improve my interviewing skills because I am frustrated that I haven’t been hired anywhere, but my mother told me not to over-prepare and I should “be myself” and “say what I really think” instead of trying to tell them exactly what they want to hear. I’m not sure this is the best advice and I’m confused. What should I do?”
Well, it’s certainly true that you should be yourself rather than telling them what you think they want to hear, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t prepare. Thoroughly preparing and practicing for an interview is one of the best ways to do well in them. Let’s break this down a bit.
What “Be Yourself” Really Means In An Interview
“Being yourself” is important so that you’ll end up in a job and culture that’s a good fit for you, rather than one where you’re miserable or don’t do well. So that means that you shouldn’t hide your personality or put on a very stiff and formal interview persona. You need them to get an idea of what you’re going to be like to work with day-to-day, because if it’s not a good fit, you both need to know that now.
Otherwise you risk ending up in a job where you’re either uncomfortable with each other – or worse. For instance, if you’re naturally chatty and they hate chatty, it’s important that they see that in the interview so that you don’t end up in a job where they’re constantly nagging you to be less chatty, when you can’t. You might be thinking that you just want the job anyway, but truth is, you don’t want to work somewhere that wants you to be something you’re not.
Now, obviously, your professional self is probably a bit different from your social self. So “be yourself” really means “be your professional self.” You’re not going to slouch halfway down in your chair during the interview, or tell a dirty joke, or refer to a customer in bad faith, even if you do those things outside of work.
What you need is your professional self. You probably still have some personality at work, but you put a professional sheen on it, right? That’s the self you need to be in the interview. And if you haven’t had a job before and you’re totally baffled by all this, then just be warm, friendly, and polite. And considering you’re a recent graduate, just being really polite and eager to work — not eager to make money, counts for a lot.
However, none of this has anything to do with whether or not you work on your answers ahead of time and rehearse for the interview. Preparation is key to you doing well in an interview. Go through questions such as “tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer” or “tell me about a time when…” question.
Practicing answers ahead of time means that when you’re sitting in the interview and get asked one of these questions, you actually have a good answer ready, rather than trying to wing it and maybe not being able to come up with a good response right away.
That said, remember not to over-prepare. This is where you’re doing so much that you’re stressing yourself out. Ask yourself; is how you are preparing making you feel more confident? If you’ve passed the more-confident stage and gone into the agonizing-and-freaking-out stage, then you might want to pull back a bit.
In general, preparing is incredibly helpful and a good thing to do, even when you only need to be yourself.
4 Key Qualities Kenyan Employers Look For In Job Seekers
By Jane Okoth
As a job seeker, do you always wish you could unlock the “secret formula” to winning the hearts of Kenyan employers?
This is because every employer is looking for a specific set of skills that match the job requirements. However there are certain general skills are sought by nearly every employer.
So what are the most sought after skills that every employer is looking for nowadays?
Qualities Employers Seek In Job Seekers
1. Communication Skills
Have you ever wondered why most job advertisements specify that they’re looking for candidates with effective communication skills?
This is because it is the most important quality sought after by Kenya employers regardless of the profession.
The ability to listen, write, and speak effectively is a very critical component in any workplace setting.
2. Reliability
Are you the type of employee who is motivated by money rather than your career advancement? Can you be trusted to handle responsibilities and live up to the expectations of the employer?
Kenyan employers are looking for candidates who can be relied upon to do the job effectively.
If you are the type of person who keeps hoping from one job to the other, you may find it challenging to be considered for a job.
3. Leadership Qualities
This is a criteria used by a majority of the employers. A candidate with leadership qualities has the ability to manage him or herself with or without supervision.
How good are your leadership qualities? You will need to acquire this skill or work on it if you want to be in the list of the best candidates.
4. Willingness To Listen And Learn
It is obvious that employers want to hire professionals who have the skills necessary to do the job. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing to learn while in the job. Being a Mr or Ms Know it all is not going to help your career.
Remember that every profession is dynamic and giving yourself a chance to learn will put you far ahead of other job seekers.
When you’re job hunting, you need the right skills, education, and experience. But that is not enough. The above skills are also what your potential Employers are looking for.
What To Do When Your Boss Catches You Job Searching
Source: About Careers
Your boss just discovered that you’re interviewing for a new job or are making applications to different jobs. What do you do then? How you react to being caught will depend solely on the situation.
The first thing you need to understand is, it’s time for damage control and you’ll need to act quickly. Start by assessing the situation, were you caught on the phone talking to your employer, were you interviewing on Skype, or was it an email inviting you to a job interview?
What you do next will depend on what you were doing exactly at the time of being caught, and how much your boss has discovered or seen.
What To Do If The Boss Catches You Job Searching
This will depend on various situations.
1.You weren’t actively seeking employment, but have been invited to an interview
Tell your boss that you love your job, you want to stay, and you were simply interested in hearing what the company had to say.
Make it very clear that you don’t have plans to leave in the near future, if, in fact, that’s the case.
2.You were considering a Job Change
Were you considering a job change? If so, explain to your supervisor that your standard operating procedure for career management is to do continual assessment of your short and long-term career goals.
If you present your participation in an interview as a chance to learn more about your marketability and competitiveness in the job marketplace rather than a rejection of your current job, your boss may (hopefully) take it less personally.
3.You hate your job and really want to move
Do you hate your job and can’t wait to find a new one? Then maybe getting caught isn’t such a bad thing. This might be a good opportunity to review the issues you have and perhaps even resolve them.
At the very least, it will clear the air and get the problems on the table. Your boss could then change the situation for the better and you just might decide to stay.
Your boss catching you job searching could have different results, it will be helpful if you have an explanation ready.
Should You Include A Cover Letter If It’s Not Required?
Source : About Careers
Do you really need a cover letter if a company doesn’t ask for one? Composing a lot of cover letters during a job search can be very challenging for job seekers.
It can be time consuming to write a letter specifically for every job you are applying for. So, it’s not surprising that applicants often ask if they need to include a cover letter when it is not explicitly required by an employer.
Do You a Need Cover Letter if the Employer Doesn’t Ask for One?
The simplest answer is Yes, if you really want the job. A well-written Cover Letter enables you to frame your candidacy and draw your employer’s attention to your most viable qualifications. An effective, customized cover letter will also make it clear that you are highly interested in the job, and that you want the job enough to take the time to write a cover letter.
A cover letter also provides an opportunity for explanation that your resume doesn’t allow. If you are applying from a distance, your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for relocation and/or to mention that you will be in the area shortly for a possible interview. You can also address gaps in employment that have reasonable explanations in the letter.
Employers often expect to receive cover letters even though they didn’t actually list letters as a requirement in their job advertisements. Candidates who don’t take the time to compose a letter are often viewed as less motivated for the job.
In some cases, employers won’t even look at a job application that doesn’t contain a cover letter or letter of interest.
Keep it Short
Some job seekers are concerned about burdening busy recruiters with letters when they are not asked for. Make sure that your cover letters are concise (not more than one page with 3 – 5 paragraphs) and that every statement conveys something significant about your candidacy.
When Not to Include a Cover Letter
No letter may be better than a poorly written one. A well composed cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability but, unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you don’t have time to write a strong cover letter that pitches your skills for the job, don’t bother to write one at all.
If the job application instructs that you should not include a cover letter, then it’s definitely best to follow directions so as not to annoy your potential employer.
The Cover Letter is of great importance as it supports the information on your CV by providing a deeper explanation, so handle it with great concern.
3 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Job Searching
By Sera Kazungu
Job searching takes a toll after a while, especially if you have been tarmacking for months on end without any visible results. This does not have to be the case.
Did you know that job searching can be made fun and that it can serve as a learning platform for you? You can effectively job search and reap some benefits from it.
How To Benefit From A Job Search
1. Use that time to network
When on the search, make time to network with different people who may or may not be with you in the job search. This will help you create healthy connections that you may need on the way up your career ladder.
That network is also what will ensure that you get a job, perhaps sooner than you anticipated. How? They will alert you anytime they hear of a job that requires someone with your qualifications.
2. Use it as a learning experience
Truth be told, when you are on the search you tend to see and hear a lot of things. Use that opportunity as a learning experience. Whether it is a new trend in the job market or a new marketable skill, these will make you know what you require to make you a more valuable job seeker.
Have an open mind that sees every occurrence of your job search as a well learnt lesson. Whether it is being denied access to an office or finding yourself in a larger group of job seekers seeking for the same job. Learn from all your experiences.
3. Use most of your time on social media wisely
Social media is a fun place to be. It is where you chat with friends and find out what has been happening here and there. Spend as much time as you can on social media as this is where most employers are looking to find you. Invest on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.
However, you have to be careful about he type of content that you put up on social media as negative post will achieve negative results. Social media can be used as a means to do research on the companies you want to work for.
Doing all the above will make you a smart job seeker. Apart from the usual job searching, you will be picking up on those extra skills and experiences that will prepare you for the job. Let your search work for you, not the other way round.
11 Differences Between Busy And Productive People
Source : Lifehack
Do you find yourself saying to people how busy you are or how you cannot make time for coffee or to share in a celebration because you will be busy working on something. Most people can confirm having said this one time or the other.
While everyone may want to convey how busy they are, this does not always result to a successful individual. You may be busy all the time but at the end of the day, have no results to show for. Why? Because there is busy people and then there is productive people.
So, What’s the difference ?
1.Busy people want to look like they have a mission.Productive people have a mission for their lives.
Busy people hide their doubt about the destination of their lives by acting confident in their little steps.
Productive people allow others to see the doubt in their little steps because they are clear on the destination.
2.Busy people have many priorities. Productive people have few priorities
Nobody is ever too busy, if they care they will make time. Life is a question of priorities. If you have 3 priorities, you have priorities. If you have 25 priorities, you have a mess.The pareto priniciple is that 80% of your desired results come from 20% of your activity.
Henry Ford built a fortune not by building better cars, but by building a better system for making cars. Busy people try to make better cars, productive people develop better systems for making cars.
3.Busy people say yes quickly. Productive people say yes slowly
Warren Buffet’s definition of integrity is: “You say no to most things”.
If you don’t say “no” to most things, you are diving your life up into millions of little pieces spread out amongst other people’s priorities. Integrity is that your values are clear and that your time is going to serve those values.
4.Busy people focus on action. Productive people focus on clarity before action
To focus on the top 20% of activities, you must gain clarity about what those activities are for yourself. The greatest resource you will ever have to guide you to live a good life is your own personal experience.
Sadly, most people only document their life in Facebook status updates. Keep a diary and take 5 minutes every day to reflect on the past day, on what worked, on what didn’t work; and some time on what inspires you.
5.Busy people keep all doors open. Productive people close doors
As a young person it is good to open options. It is good to want to travel, to learn languages, to climb mountains, togo to university, to work in tech, to live in another country. However, there comes a point in life where one must let go of most options and focus on what they must do.
6.Busy people talk about how little time they have. Productive people make time for what is important
Any time we spend on excuses is time not spent on creation. If you allow yourself to practice excuses, you will get better and better at excuses. Productive people don’t use time as an excuse. An action either supports their highest values and mission, or it does not. If it does not, they don’t do it – even if they have a whole day off.
7.Busy people multitask. Productive people focus
Productive people know about focus. Identify a task to be done,.Set a timer to 20 minutes. Work on the task until the time sounds. Any distraction (I must check email, I must get some water, I must go to the bathroom) and you reset the timer to 20. How much will you have done at the end of the day?
8.Busy people respond quickly to emails. Productive people take their time
Email is a handy list of priorities. The problem: they are other people’s priorities, not yours. If you respond to every email, you are dividing up your life into a thousand tiny bits that serve other people’s priorities.
There are 3 choices when you first review your email inbox: Delete, Do, Defer.
9.Busy people want other people to be busy. Productive people want others to be effective
Busy managers measure hours of activity, frustrated by others looking relaxed, looking like they have time or looking like they are enjoying their work. Productive managers measure output, love seeing others enjoy their work and love creating an environment in which others can excel.
Busy people are frustrated. They want to be valued for their effort, not for their results. Productivity is about valuing the journey towards excellence.
10.Busy people talk about how they will change. Productive people are making those changes.
Spend less time talking about what you will do and dedicate that time to creating the first step. What can you do with the resources, knowledge and support that you have now? Do that. It is amazing how the universe rewards the person who stops talking and begins.
Choose to become a productive person and success will come to you.
Are You In The Right Job? 5 Ways To Find Out For Sure
By Selipha Kihagi
Have you taken the time to think about your job and where you want to be in the next few years? Do you wonder if the job you have today is the right one for you?
Most people do not realise the reason they keep complaining about their work or are always too tired is because they are not in the jobs they are supposed to be.
So, How do you know if you are in the right job?
You know you are in the right job if you can relate to these 5 signs;
1.You have vibrant mornings and look forward to the day’s work
If you are among the few who have a multitude of energy every morning, even when you’ve been stuck in Jogoo Road traffic for almost an hour, then whatever job you are in must be right for you.
You do not feel pressured to go to the office and sometimes you even look forward to complete a task.
2.Your day passes by too fast
Do you find yourself saying that the day went by so fast? More often than not, this feeling comes when you were entangled in something you were really engrossed in but time does not allow you to complete.
If you enjoy what you are doing so much that you would like more working hours, you are where you should be.
3.Your Company’s goals have become your personal goals
When your goals blend in with those of the company, then know you are in the right job. This happens when what you want to achieve in a day, month or year is what your company is headed for or how your employer wants to handle a task is agreeable to you.
Know you are in the right job if your objectives and goals do not contradict those of your company or employer.
4.You are all about being positive
If your team is working late to a deadline but you are still calm and collected convincing your team members that all is fine or are keeping them from being consumed by pressure, then you clearly are in the right job.
It’s hard to keep a positive mind all the time when you are in the wrong job
5.You enjoy being of assistance to co-workers
Are you always helping out colleagues but not bothered by it? Do you love being of assistance around the office? If you do, then you clearly love your job and will go out of your way to see that things are done as they should, even if you’ll have to do them yourself.
The only way to a successful career is knowing what you want, identifying what works for you and doing something about it.
Job Searching: How Long Does It Take To Get A Job In Kenya?
By Sera Kazungu
“I have been job searching for five straight years. Since I graduated in 2010, I have never gotten formal employment. I am at that point where I just want to give up,” says Davis Gitau via email.
Do you find yourself in a similar situation? The Kenyan job market may be a very unforgiving one, especially for fresh graduates and those with no clear or marketable skills. Job seekers will usually tarmac for long periods of time with no success.
According to Mr. Perminus Wainaina, a Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services, getting a job can take you at least a month and at most a year, depending on your procedure or job searching tactics.
If this is the case, then why are you still jobless? Why has it taken you so long to land your dream job?
Reasons For Unemployment In Kenya
1. Lack of planning
Having a plan is usually key to achieving goals and getting things done efficiently. You could be going into the job search unaware of what exactly you are hoping to find. This will ensure that you wander around aimlessly for a long time.
Absence of a plan will usually be characterized by one or all of the following;
- Applying for the wrong jobs
- Not following application instructions
- Casual approach to applying( typos, forwarding string emails e.t.c)
- Being too choosy about the jobs you apply for
Before embarking on a job search, ensure you have a clear plan of what you want, then make a list of all the things you are hoping to achieve. Give yourself a time period to achieve these things. This will ensure that you remain focused.
2. Not having the right documents
The current job market in Kenya is a competitive one. As such, the job qualifications and specifications are much higher than they ever were. Keeping your documents neat and in order is an important part of securing yourself that job.
The right documents will include the following;
- A well written and formatted CV
- Academic Certificates
- Cover Letter
- Any other document that supports whatever skills you have acquired over time
3. You are no longer competitive.
The truth is that the job market is evolving. You have to strive to remain at par with the current market trends. Do your research and see what is expected of someone in your particular field. Whether it is in terms of skills, education, etc, ensure that you remain on the same page with all other professionals like you.
4. You came into the job market too late.
Are you that fresh graduate who waits to job search months after graduation? Or are you that professional who waits until they are fired or the company shuts down to start job searching? Timing matters. There is no ‘too soon when t comes to job searching, but there is definitely a ‘too late’.
Start your job search early enough to avoid frustration and desperation. If you start early enough, you will not have the sense of urgency where you feel like you are already out of time. This will give you ample time to research, make a plan and set goals.
5. You have a bad attitude
The importance of having the right attitude cannot be overemphasized enough. Your attitude plays a big part in your life, whether you are willing to admit it or not.
Having a bad attitude in the job market will slowly lead you to depression. This is because you will be searching frantically for a job that might never come.
The following are bad attitudes in a job search;
- Having unreasonable expectations- e.g. an entry level job seeker seeking a salary of 50K and above
- Focusing on landing a job only with a specific company- Start somewhere!
- Expecting to get a job at the snap of a finger- Job searches may take some time.
The key to a successful job search is in your hands. Strive to be a smart, efficient job seeking Kenyan today. The market is all yours to conquer.
Wishing you the best in your job search.
5 Bad Habits That Are Keeping You From Success
By Selipha Kihagi
Success is what every one wants, or at least it is what every person should be looking forward to achieve in their career or life. Success is when you accomplish something you set yourself to do and requires a lot of input and determination.
Most of you are not there yet. You are still wishing and praying real hard to become successful in life, but are you doing something about it? Just what is keeping you from succeeding?
Here are some of the habits that are holding you back from success.
Bad Habits Keeping You From Succeeding
1. You are never on time
It could be at the office, a romantic date, a doctor’s appointment or even a party. According to you, the other party will always be late or you just enjoy when people wait for you or don’t find importance of being early.
Whichever the case, if you do not observe punctuality and keep making excuses for being late then success is gradually pulling away from you. Be the person that keeps time.
2. You don’t listen
To be successful you have to listen from all corners and avoid being the person who is always talking and doesn’t like to be told. Ask Chris Kirubi and he’ll tell you, the one thing he valued most on his way up was listening to what the better experienced had to say.
For you to be successful, you have to be willing to hear what others have to say, allow to be corrected and take in criticism.
3. You are too familiar with colleagues
Do you think your co-workers are the best and spend the first 30 minutes of your time catching up on how the weekend was? Or do you think it’s cool that you can have a conversation as you work?
While it’s a good thing to be cordial with your colleagues at work, it could delay your success even further without realising it. Catch up during lunch hour or on your way home instead.
4. You never finish what you start
This could stem out from not finishing your salad or keeping it for a later time when you’re up to it. Not finishing what you start working on is a recipe for failure and you will not be seeing success any time soon. Successful people identify the battles they can win and stay away from those they can’t, so in this same way, you must finish the tasks you begin if you are to succeed.
Avoid always postponing duties.
5. You never take responsibility
Are you always blaming somebody else for something done wrong? Do you always have an excuse to delayed work or poorly done assignments? If you do, that means you do not take responsibility for anything and this could keep you miles away from succeeding.
When something goes wrong, evaluate the process and identify what you could have done different.
Success is when you achieve what you always dream about, but will require you to put in extra effort.
Do You Dread Losing Your Job? 4 Things To Do Now
By Selipha Kihagi
Being laid off from your job is probably the worst fear for most employees in Kenya. You never know when your company has been hard hit by the economy and is now cutting down on staff to save itself.
Earlier in June, it was reported that Standard Group would be laying off over 200 employees following a performance review. Such situations are bound to cause anxiety among the staff and may result to dire consequences; everyone reacts differently to bad situations.
To get through the lay off phase in your company, here is what you should do.
4 Things To Do When Your Company Is Laying Off Employees
1. Always assume you are on the list
The common mistake that most employees make is believing they are not among the people being cut off from the company. This assumption could ruin your career when you get the surprise notice that your time at the organization is finished.
To avoid this, always believe you are on the list and plan your exit. It may be tough but having a strategy on the go will be better than not having any.
2. Become a little more valuable than your co-worker
Do not just work at being the best at what you do,but ascertain you are the best among your colleagues. Knowing for sure might give you the edge you need during the lay off, so try and do as much as you can even when you think the job is not part of your duties.
When you become more valuable than the rest, it is easy for your name to be crossed off the list.
3. Keep your attitude in check
A bad attitude is a sure recipe to get you fired. You may have been hired because you were extremely qualified for the position and you passed your aptitude and personality test, but if you developed a bad attitude along the way, then expect to be on the list.
Sometimes being the best is not enough when your attitude is at risk of putting the company’s reputation at risk.
4. Work for an extra hour every day
Do you always check in and leave work at the exact time stipulated in your contract? Do you meet a full house when you get to the office and clock out among the first? If you do, chances are you are at the top of the list despite you finishing your tasks in time.
Employers will keep the staff they know can work extra time when need be and you don’t meet the profile.
Being laid off can be tough but make sure you have an exit plan for when your company stops depending on you.
Job Skills: What Are You Learning Today That Your Next Employer Would Desire?
Source: Simple Dollar
The title of this article is the one fundamental question I would ask everyone who is currently employed and expects to stay that way for more than another year or two.
What are you learning today that your next employer would desire?
Let’s break down this question a little bit.
First of all, it’s a mistake to assume that you will be with the same employer for your entire career. This may have been a regular thing fifty years ago, but that model simply doesn’t hold true today. People hold onto jobs for an average of about three years.
In other words, you should pretty much expect change in your career.
Given that as an assumption, it is reasonable to also assume that you’ll be going through a hiring process sometime in the next several years – assuming, of course, that you’re remaining in the workforce.
Build Job Skills to Put on Your CV!
There’s an obvious principle that also needs to be stated here – in a hiring process, companies often rely on a CV and personal recommendations. Both of those things play a role when you’re getting hired at a new place.
Add all of these things together and what do you get? Every single person working today should approach their work with an eye on their CV and their professional network. Each day, you should be doing something that either boosts your CV or boosts your professional connections in a positive way – and, ideally, you’re doing lots of those things.
There are a lot of ways to do that, of course.
Tips to Build Your CV
Within the workplace, focus on tasks that lead directly to things you can write on your CV.
Don’t shy away from big projects, as big projects are great CV material.
Take advantage of every educational opportunity.
If there is any opportunity to improve your education and certification within the workplace, you should grab that opportunity quickly.
Take advantage of any leadership opportunities that you see.
People who step up to the plate to lead projects and manage small teams always look good to prospective employers.
Do everything you can to maintain good relationships with everyone at work.
Those people will be migrating to different employers, just like you are, and there will often come a time where you will find yourself applying to a place where one of your previous co-workers or supervisors is now working. A positive word or two from that person will make all the difference.
So, cut out the negative talk at work. Find ways to speak positively of people and, if you can’t, say nothing at all. Save your frustration for times when you’re alone.
If you have opportunities, build professional connections with people outside your workplace.
When you’re at work and you interact with people from other businesses, take that chance to get to know them a little and make their job a bit easier if you can. They’ll remember – and that can often help you in surprising ways.
It all comes back to one simple question – what are you learning today that your next employer would desire?
5 Ways To Keep Your Career Moving Forward
Source: Monster.Com
The wisdom expressed in the adage “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is applicable to job seekers. It is easier to find another job if you’re already employed.
But how can you ensure that the worst never happens to you — that you’re never left without a job and possibilities for your next opportunity?
Here are five suggestions to keep your career on the move
1. Keep Thinking Positive
It sounds deceptively simple, but try embracing the power of positive thinking when you’re thinking about your career.
When you tell yourself something bad will happen to your job, something bad will probably happen.
If you tell yourself that you are marketable and confident and that you will always be working, your words can make this true.
2. Keep Thinking Ahead
If you’re not following trends within your particular industry, you could be caught off-guard by a layoff. Is your position or division vulnerable to outsourcing, further automation or elimination?
If your job is being eliminated or outsourced, you will want to know about it before you are in the room with the human resources person telling you that your job is going away
Look for trends and then train yourself in growth areas. Having the right skills at the right time ensures that no matter what is happening around you, you will be needed and employable
3. Keep Your CV Ready
Having your resume at the ready gives you confidence. You always know that if opportunity casually knocks, you’re prepared to answer.
Even if you are not looking for work, your resume reminds you of the contributions you make on a regular basis, something you can easily forget when you are immersed in the day-to-day
Whether you are looking for a job, or you already have one, an updated CV is essential for your career.
4. Keep Cultivating Your Network
Networking should always be a part of your professional life. If you start to network only when you need something, you will have a lot of catching up to do.
Wherever there are people, there is an opportunity to network,
5. Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open
You’re up on the trends. You’re networking. You’ve got a current resume. You’re thinking positive thoughts. Now it’s time to get creative — by creating your own opportunities.
Read up on what your peers are doing and what you aren’t. Consider how you might strike out on your own — or on the side.
Rather than thinking, ‘It cannot happen,’ believe that what you want is possible and is within your reach
