3 Must Do Things before Quitting Your Job

3 Must Do Things before Quitting Your Job

It is normal to fall out of love with your job. In fact, on average every adult has two jobs that they didn’t exactly love. So if you hate your job, know that you are not alone – and having a job or two you don’t like is part of growing up and learning through experience.

But that doesn’t mean that it’s normal to stay in a job that makes you miserable. Remember: Whatever your situation, you have a choice – and when you think about every job as a choice, it opens a whole new world of opportunity and abundance.

So what do you do if you are in a bad working situation? The obvious options are to quit your job.  But did you know that there is a right way and wrong way to quit your job -- and how you do it can affect how successful you are after quitting.

3 things you must do before leaving to make sure you are prepared for the next phase of your career journey.

1. Knowing Exactly Why You Are Quitting Your Job

This may sound obvious, but at times people think they know why they are quitting their job, but they ended up being mistaken. It is a humbling experience.

Example, you might think you want to quit your first job because you don’t make enough money. So you would set out to fix that problem. After doubling your salary and still feeling miserable, it would be obvious you had fixed the wrong problem. Or the wrong why!

This is important because if you quit for the wrong reasons, you are likely to repeat the underlying problem again down the road.

Get to the bottom of why you are quitting. Is it the Money? Flexibility? Management? Or maybe everything is great but the commute is unbearable? Dig deep and ask yourself questions to find out exactly what makes you want to leave this job. That's your first assignment before you quit.

2. Come Up with 3 Exit Strategies and Put at least 1 into Motion

Trust in yourself and have faith it will all work out but at the same time, you don't just want play it by ear and "see what happens". And you don't want to just go applying to every job because any job would be better than this one. Trust me, things can get worse.

Instead, put together at least 3 ideas as part of your exit strategies beyond this job. Maybe you want to work for a particular company or start your own business or switch industries. Be specific. Be intentional about your choices.

Then choose at least one of those ideas and learn everything about it. Do as much preparation as possible for it while you are still in your job. Take action in the evenings and on weekends. Build out your exit plan with super smart strategies and put at least one of those plans into motion before you quit. That’s your second assignment.

3. Make Your Exit Smooth and Easy

Your Boss or Management may have not been nice to you and you want to show them by leaving the job. But don't. Take the high road. Because, this is a terrifyingly small world. Things come around. You will cross paths with them again. So be professional and coordinate your exit with your boss so you don't break the trust you have built overtime.

Make sure you do everything to make it smooth and easy and agreeable to them. Leave on very good terms, even if you have had a hard time there. And remember, as you do this difficult third assignment, that you are actually doing all of it for yourself and your future opportunities.

Whatever your situation may be, if you feel that your current job is not the right direction for your career, take these 3 actions sooner than later. If you wait until you are absolutely miserable, then it's hard to focus and think clearly because your emotions get in the way. You want to make the decision to quit your job and the relevant preparation well in advance so that you are always prepared and in charge of your own career.

3 Salary Negotiating mistakes

Negotiate Salary, but don’t appear GREEDY!!

Read on the 3 Salary Negotiating mistakes

Candidates have the biggest fear of being perceived as Greedy while negotiating salary with the Hiring Managers

Worst case scenario: Offending Hiring Managers may cause them to rescind your offer.

Best case scenario: You might get a bump in salary and walk away with a win-win situation.

Here are the ways to avoid the Worst case scenario:

1. Asking for More than Industry Standard

First & Foremost thing is to do a salary research before pitching. It is essential to look what folks in your position make at other companies.

If you are asking a price which is far beyond then, you may come off greedy.

Another key thing you should take into consideration and research is how much your boss makes. If you are asking for more than even the manager makes, you may seem unreasonable. Unless you want to make your boss’s eyes pop, research your boss’ salary too.

It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the financial health of the company, if you can.  Make sure the salary you are requesting will not financially harm the company and you can account for it in a return on investment for the value you produce. If you can make a strong case about the value you will add to the company, you won't seem greedy.

2. Negotiate Successfully, then Come Back to Ask for More

This is the major point why many prospective candidates actually lose job offers.

If you did negotiate and you did get more pay or benefits and then decided you should have asked for even more is the worst situation. You negotiated. You were successful but you were unprepared to know what to get. Wait at least six months before you go to bat again. This truly is the one time companies will ding you for negotiating.

One good rule of thumb: Try not to keep asking for more repeatedly, coming back three times irritates many managers. They may agree to the raise but could also conclude the employee is dissatisfied, will probably leave and consider their alternative structures.

3. Not Sticking With Your Initial Word

People should not negotiate unless they are prepared to walk away from the negotiation. If you ask for way more than they offered get turned down and then decide that you’ll take what you can get, you’ll come off as flighty and unsatisfied.

Consider keeping your negotiation flexible. Offer options. For instance, if you can’t offer a bump in the base pay, perhaps you can consider raising the bonus limit? Or could you allow me to work from home on Fridays to compensate for a salary below market value? Whatever floats your boat!

High Pressure Job Interview??? Nail it!!!

High Pressure Job Interview??? Nail it!!!

 

Job interviews have a tendency of taking a toll on nerves. While some interviews are more like friendly conversations, others may be more of a grilling that could very well make you loosen that carefully knotted tie and gulp that entire pitcher of water on the table. Here’s help at hand. Read on the tips to handle a high-pressure job interview:

1. Do NOT Rush

Rushing to an interview just adds unnecessary stress. You want to be calm and collected. Create a good impression, and acclimatize yourself to the environment, by arriving 10 to 15 minutes early.

2. Relax!

Regardless of how you feel inside, you must exude confidence. Sit straight without crossing your arms or legs. Don’t clench your jaw while talking and maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Take three deep calming breaths. Doing this will give your brain the right amount of oxygen and will help you think clearly.

3. Modulate Your Tone—Don’t Rush Your Words

In a hurry to make the right impression, you may rush your words. When posed with a question, think about what is really being asked. Focus on the question, gather your thoughts, organize the information and articulate it clearly.

4. Keep Your Cool

The interviewers will have a few tough questions up their sleeves. They may want to know how you respond under pressure and what qualities you have that differentiate you from others. So, some tricky questions may come your way which might throw you off guard.

If you don’t know the answer, be honest. It’s ok to say “I don’t know”. Remember, your interviewers do this for a living. They can tell when a candidate is faking their way through an answer.

5. Be Well-informed

Thorough research always does the trick. If you’re well-informed about the company, you’ll make the interview more of a two-way conversation rather than an interrogation. Before the interview, Google the company, try and read industry reviews on it, follow informal grapevines and discuss the company with your knowledgeable friends.

This way, you’ll have an arsenal of information from which you’ll be able to ask educated questions regarding the goals and future objectives of the company and how you’ll play your part in seeing them through.

6. Stick to the Questions Asked

Going into unchartered waters won’t do you good. In your haste, you might start talking about irrelevant things. Keep it short. Remember to KISS: Keep It Simple and Sequential.

7. Focus on Keywords in the Question

Always remember that there are three different types of questions: ‘what, how and why.” Think about which of these three key questions is being targeted. If they ask you why something happened and you answer them with how it happened, it just won’t work out.

8. Avoid Interrupting

If you think you have a valid point, it can be tempting to blurt it out. Resist all urges of interruption. Interrupting your interviewer is considered impolite and can create a bad impression overall.

9. Observe How the Interviewer Reacts to your Body Language

Be a chameleon. Adjust your body language and style to that of your interviewer. If he or she speaks in low measured tones, do so yourself. If he uses hand gestures to explain things, follow his example. As long as you don’t take it too far, this is a great way to show that you’re engaged.

10. Be sure to thank the Interviewer

When the interview is over, remember to formally thank all interviewers for taking the time to see you. If they prefer a hand shake, do so warmly and firmly and with a confident smile. Many times, interviewees mumble a thank you and move on. Follow up your interview with a polite thank you note as well.

Got a Telephonic Interview?? Ace it by not making these mistakes.

Got a Telephonic Interview?? Ace it by not making these mistakes.

Telephonic Interview is becoming popular amongst the Hiring Managers. Telephonic interview is an employer's initial screening, many think the phone interview isn't as important as the real, face-to-face conversation.

However, Hiring Managers wish more candidates treated phone chats the same as in-person meetings. Too many candidates make the mistake of breezing through the call. Avoid these common phone interview mistakes:

1. Zero Enthusiasm and Confidence in Voice

Hiring managers want to hear a strong, positive voice as soon as you pick up the phone.

A great start can shape up the rest of the phone interview in an unbelievable way. If you aren’t confident in the phone interview, the hiring manager is going to assume you aren’t confident in person, so you probably won’t get a second chance to make a better impression.

To convey confidence and enthusiasm— always be professional, energetic and positive in your tone of voice. Smiling can help boost your tone and project your voice positively.  Practice your pace.

2. Interview While Driving, Outside or in Public

Driving while interviewing, apart from being ridiculously dangerous can make you lose the job opportunity as it distracts and at times makes one very unclear.

You might be super busy, but always make time to take the call in a private, stationed area with strong reception. Making it tough for your interviewer to hear you is a fast way of losing their interest in you.

3. Forget to Turn Off All Other Notifications

Landline is anytime favorable in this case. It simply removes all risk of low reception and offers minimal distractions. But in case one has to use cell phone, you should make sure you’re not distracted by incoming emails, texts, Facebook notifications, Instagram hearts, etc. (the list can go on for miles).

4. Assume the Interviewer is Male

Doing background research before you have an interview is essential. Avoid making the gross factual errors by researching the company thoroughly. Check out the company website, social media profiles, recent news articles and LinkedIn members to double check names and events.

5. Cut Answers Short

Since you can’t really see the interviewer’s reaction, it can be hard to gauge whether or not you’re doing well or answering thoroughly enough.

Best solution is to explain your task given, action taken, and the result derived. Don’t forget to share the result, which is the most important part. It helps to print a list of achievements that you want to make sure you cover in the conversation.

6. Being Unprepared for the Most Common Interview Questions

Since phone interviews are usually the initial test to see if you fit the basic criteria, be prepared to handle those questions effortlessly. Have a look below:

• What type of position are you looking for and why?
• Why do you want to leave your current job (or previous job)?
• When are you ready for an in-person interview? When would you be able to start?
• Do you have two professional references?
• Do you have any questions?

BORED at Work??? Challenge Yourself.

BORED at Work??? Challenge Yourself.

 

 

In case you are spending most of your days clock-watching & have started to feel like you’re stagnating, and you’re doing just the bare minimum, don’t fall into the black hole of boredom! The best way to stay on your toes is to make a conscious effort by pumping again.

When you’re emotionally invested and actually identify with your work, you’ll find yourself naturally more engaged and happier—which leads to more success. You can see where this is going. It’ll become a self-perpetuating cycle of engagement, success and happiness at work! Check out how:

1. Change Your Mindset: Work as if You Own the Company

“Challenge yourself by working as if the company is your own,”

When you’re working for yourself, work for yourself and you will be much more effective and definitely not bored.

2. Automate the Boring Tasks

If you're busy doing something that's very repetitive, explore options for automating that task. Constantly question if something could be done easier, better, or cheaper. For instance, use of MS Excel, can make your reports and number related work simpler. Work smarter, not harder!

3. Get Involved With Other Teams

Getting into conversations & networking within the company is an easy task.

Chat about what other folks are working on and challenge yourself to add value to their team with your unique skills.

Even if the suggestion is for another department and they reject the idea due to resource constraints, offer to help them implement your suggestion. Coming up with new ideas is okay, but it’s when an individual helps to get that idea implemented that they become challenged and excited.

4. Turn your job into a game

You can do that by setting timer & creating a realistic goal for your task at hand. If you are able to hit that goal within the time frame, reward yourself with a piece of candy, a soda break, or quick peek on FacebookJ. Or anything that motivates you within few minutes.

5. Learn a New Skill

Quickly finish the task at hand & then go help someone in another department if they promise to teach you about what they do. It is never late to learn a new skill.

6. Create Tough Soft Deadlines and Goals for Yourself

Maybe you’re bored because you’re not realizing your potential. If your goals right now are easy and breezy, create your own goals!

Sometimes you will find managers don’t have the time or inclination to tailor goals to you as individual goals that challenge and motivate you. So, the best way to challenge oneself is to set own goals.

7. “Done is Better than Perfect”

Another reason boredom strikes is when you’re too afraid to fail. If you haven’t started yet because you’re waiting for the perfect time and the perfect idea, you’ll naturally become too overwhelmed to start.

So, a great way to break out of this bad habit is to work with the mantra “done is better than perfect.” Even if you make mistakes along the way, you’ll have grown a lot higher than if you succumbed to your boredom!

Staying engaged and fending off boredom can help you in so many ways that it’s silly not to at least try. Your career happiness will benefit for both the short and long term when you make the decision to proactively end the cycle of boredom.

3 Mistakes of Secret Job Searching

***3 Mistakes of Secret Job Searching***

Taking smart precautions can help you keep your professional relationships intact. In our age of access to unlimited information and fluctuating privacy settings for popular websites, it’s worth going the extra mile to ensure privacy. Wrong impressions or hard feelings can cost you future recommendations, opportunities and connections.

This article covers the biggest mistakes folks make when job searching while employed. However, you have the right to conduct your job search privately.

Make sure your job search is discreet. Read the biggest mistakes of secret job searching below:

 
1. Forgetting to Manage Your LinkedIn Privacy Settings

In case, you are changing your job title to your target job title rather than your current job title, LinkedIn will automatically publish this update in your entire network’s newsfeed and possibly even email them. One of LinkedIn’s latest updates includes a privacy setting that could announce your job searching intentions.

LinkedIn sends out an automated email message to your entire network encouraging them to congratulate --- “Congratulate Mr. ABC on the new job” and also slams their LinkedIn activity feeds with ---- “Say congrats on the new job!” message.

Many of you might have experienced it more recently. This can be awkward, especially if people assume you got a promotion or a new job!

HELP AT HAND --- To prevent this from happening to you, go to:

Privacy & Settings >> Turn on/off your activity broadcasts

Make sure the box is NOT checked! This is the safest bet while you make changes you wouldn’t want everyone in your network to see. 

2.  Taking Appointments, Phone Calls or Submitting Documents at Work

Why risk it? Using company time and resources for your personal job search just adds another layer of disrespect on top of the existing bad news that you’re looking for another job.

You never know when your boss or IT team may be monitoring your work devices. Beware, because you current employers have every right to monitor what you’re doing on company-owned equipment & of course in office hours.

Since most of your time is spent at work, it can be tempting to take that phone screening interview during lunch. Better yet, it’s more fruitful to keep bridges intact and stay amicable with your team by respecting company time and resources.

3. Publicizing Your Resume and Job Search Online  

Be incredibly careful about what you say online. Also, if you post your resume on public job boards, you risk the possibility of your current boss stumbling upon it. If you know your boss looks at dozens of resumes all the time, you might consider concealing your name and company name on your resume.

However, if the role is a more general role (i.e. HR Manager or Director) we wouldn't recommend you listing yourselves as a confidential candidate because no recruiter is going to reach out to you if you don't have the basic information listed.

The more niche your job is, the more willing hiring managers will be of checking out your resume without basic name info.

Bonus: Not Taking Advantage of Job Alerts

Well, this point isn’t exactly a mistake—it’s more like a missed opportunity if you don’t take advantage of it. As an alternative to No. 3, rather than posting your resume online publically, you can sign up for job alerts and let new, relevant job openings come to you. If you’re interested, you can apply specifically to the jobs you love.

Create as many job alerts for similar jobs as possible so that you don’t miss a beat!

 Happy NEW JOB finding to you!!!

5 Habits of Amazing Conversationalists

5 Habits of Amazing Conversationalists

All of us are not Born Conversationalists...Next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable networking situation, try to practice these 5 habits. 

You know the type:  That colleague of yours who can charm her way to a brand new opportunity. If that sounds like you, consider yourself lucky!

For the rest of us, it can be really uncomfortable to build rapport with a stranger without running into awkwardly long pauses, immediately followed by a quick getaway. “Excuse me; I need to use the restroom!” Who hasn’t used that one? It’d be a lot easier if it was an innate skill, but here’s the good news: Conversation is a skill that we can hone just like any other soft skill.

1. Practice Talk: Listen Ratio ----   1: 10

In case we truly want to understand the person we are with, our talk-listen ratio should be 1:10.

If you make it a goal to try and get the other person to talk 90 percent of the time, you’ll be better off than most people who “listen with the blatant intent to talk. Don’t be that guy who’s just waiting for his turn to speak & who eagerly injects words whenever possible, or worse, interrupts in between.
Ten out of 10 communication experts agree that to be a great conversationalist, the most important thing you can do is listen, think and respond in a way that shows you’re truly listening.

A great, simple way to build rapport is to refer something she mentioned before. “Hey, I visited that place you mentioned and it was amazing!” Boom!!! She’ll not only know that you listened but also respected her opinion. It’s the little things that earn trust and boost conversational IQ!

 

2. Genuinely Ask Great Questions

Your [conversational] IQ goes up when you ask a question that exhibits genuine curiosity. Done authentically and with integrity, it's natural for a conversation to then move into new territory. Inspiring questions create that elusive thing we call chemistry between people.

Communications experts can’t emphasize this point enough: We find others to be interesting when they are interested in us. So if you want to be an interesting person, be interested in her.

3. Avoid telling someone they’re wrong

Great conversationalists want to make others feel good about them during the conversation. If one makes someone genuinely feel good, he/she is one step closer to making an ally.
Even if one comes across someone whom he thinks is totally wrong, it’s crucial to respect their opinion. This also doesn’t mean we necessarily agree but no one likes to be told their opinion is wrong. It’s always better not to be too argumentative in a great conversation.

4. Body Language is the Key

The way you present yourself while chatting can convey a lot more than you might assume. For instance, the general consensus is that tensely folded arms mean you are closed to what someone is telling you, while if you like what you hear, you’ll likely adopt an open posture, and even lean forward a little.
Standing too far away can signal discomfort. Lack of eye contact can have the same effect. Touching your hair too much is a dead giveaway that you’re nervous. If you simply focus on making good eye contact (without being creepy) and mirror their body language, you’ll have a stronger connection.

5. Read about Issues from Different Point of Views

“Read newspapers!” Whether print or online, one should take time out to read newspapers from around the world. To get a sense of what is happening from different perspectives.
This way, while conversing one can dig into something one has read about and add cool, new information to the conversation. For a totally holistic perspective, one may pick an issue and then read five articles about the issue from five different countries. This can help an individual to relate to brand new people from all walks of life.