Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom 4 Ways to Encourage Intrapreneurship

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom 4 Ways to Encourage Intrapreneurship I’ve long been a fan of intrapreneurship, or the practice of entrepreneurial strategies within the context of, and leveraging the resources of, an established organization. I wanted to come up with some good intrepreneurship programs pioneered by HR for this piece, but it was more difficult than I expected. Beyond the open allocation topic, which we discussed earlier this year and which is mostly limited to the startup community, a Google search revealed very little. I’m realizing that while intrapreneurship may be growing in popularity, the majority of initiatives have nothing whatsoever to do with HR. Forbes contributor Adam Hartung shared a story about a consulting meeting he had with a company that makes nails and screws and was getting clobbered by adhesive manufacturers in Asia. “The company had become myopic, and did not even realize it. The people were so much alike that they could finish each other’s sentences,” Hartung related. “The HR head was very proud of his ability to keep the company so harmonious.” “Only, it was about to go bankrupt. Because it wasn’t diverse at all, the company couldn’t see see beyond its locked-in business model. And there sure wasn’t anyone who would rock the boat by admitting competitors were outflanking them, or bringing up wild ideas for new markets or products.” Hartung’s main point was that some HR best practices actually kill innovation â€" both inside and outside the department. HR professionals who want to be perceived as strategic contributors must adapt to change and put forth ideas that will help their businesses remain competitive. To that end, here are four ways to foster intrapreneurship in your organization. Hire Different Often, HR is the gatekeeper for ensuring that recruits fit within the established culture of the organization. But this often means that diversity is sacrificed and we bring in employees like ourselves, people with the same experiences and perspectives. So, if you’re a brick and mortar electronics behemoth based in the Midwest, hire a startup queen from one of the coasts who has no desire to conform. It’ll be scary, but I guarantee you’ll see a difference. Listen to Your Junior People Younger professionals, or members of the millennial generation, routinely look for the most efficient and effective way of doing something rather than adhering blindly to the status quo. Keep an open door and an open mind when your employees share their ideas for transforming the HR function. For the rest of the post, head on over to the SilkRoad blog.

Resume Letter Writing Services: A Great Option to Rely On

Resume Letter Writing Services: A Great Option to Rely OnThe importance of resume letter writing cannot be overstated. It is so important that it's even mandatory that you get an agent to edit your resume and this is an expensive option. Your resume should have a professional appearance and with a professional content too. The right kind of content, as seen in the correct company profile would definitely make an impression on people.Employers check out your resume every single time you apply for a job. It is your sole reason to get an interview, or a phone call back. Your resume is the best advertisement you could possibly get out of a person you interview. However, the cost of creating a professional looking one can really add up. This is where resumes writing services come in handy.There are many benefits of hiring an agency to produce your resume: you don't have to be bothered about the format, the resume is done for you, your information is fresh and new, and you will have a prof essional image. The risk factor is totally eliminated since you don't have to worry about the quality of your own resume anymore. There are agencies that offer professional in-house resume writing services. You can choose any of these to produce a quality resume and you don't even have to work on your own.A professional resume is your ticket to success at the interview table. Having a professional resume will ensure that the employer considers you for a job instead of a mere casual acquaintance. This means that he will prefer to keep you on board for a longer period of time than someone who only seems to be in it for the money.If you are looking for a way to get your resume noticed and work, then look no further than resume writing services. These agencies have an experience with professionals who offer to write professionally for employers. They use language that shows you have a professional background and are confident with what you have to say.Most such providers offer you two c hoices - pre-write and pre-edit services. Their expertise in both fields is apparent because they not only know the best way to make a resume professional but also know how to edit the resumes that have been produced by their clients. This way you can be assured that your resume is something that is professional, but also a reflection of your current status in the workplace.When you sign up with a provider, you are guaranteed to get your resume noticed and acted upon by the prospective employer who has been carefully selected by them. You also have a chance to see the professionalism of the resume written by the agency. From there, you are free to choose the best professional resume writing company for you.Consider a professional writing agency to help you get your resume noticed by the company that is in line for your dream job. Get your career started today with a well-written resume.

Workplace Leadership Challenging Accepted Dynamics

Workplace Leadership Challenging Accepted Dynamics Theres a lot of myths about how to be the best in the workplace. To be a great leader, you have to show everyone whos boss. The only way for your employees to learn is to stop hand-holding. Working longer hours means youre working harder than everyone else. Workplace leadership begins with you, no matter where you fall within the company heirarchy. You can institute a positive attitude, enhance workplace communication, and use organization as a tool to stay ahead of the game. Often its not about being the most dominant, or having a position at the top of the pecking order, its about mentoring and guidance. While allowing your employees to work through problems on their own may be conducive to their comprehension of the process, throwing them into the deep end with no resources and no guidance will not cultivate long-term retention of knowledge or overall comprehension of their role. Instead of being afraid that youre hand-holding, ask questions to gauge comprehension and knowledge of the people you are teaching. Provide the facts that they need in order to achieve the task at hand, and be available to answer inquiries as they move along in the process. Be present. One of the greatest opportunities for you to be the jumping-off point for change in your office lies in how you treat others. One of the most disappointing methods used in the workplace, often mistaken for leadership, is pressure through intimidation. This is just a fancy way of saying office bullying. While forcing people to meet deadlines or assist on projects through a show of force and knowledge is usually effective, it is miserable for all of those involved. Asserting power over another employee is the wrong way to go about it, and theres many alternative methods that are more appealing and that simulateously cultivate team building. While it is necessary to be persistent in order to meet your deadlines, try not to be demanding and do your best to give others enough time to work. With that approach, no-one is feeling unnecessary pressure. If you think you may be experiencing workplace bullying, subtle or obvious, check out this article for more information on how to identify and combat it. Burnout prevention starts with you. Work smarter to more effectively minimize overworking. It is not uncommon to see people who are peers or senior members of your team working long hours and answering work emails late into the night. You know the type- they come in looking exhausted every single morning, are generally grumpy, and never seem to have enough hours in the day to complete all that is on their to-do list. The reality is that many people need a lesson in time management, and you can do your best to combat burn out by   efficiently managing your time. It is inevitable that we will have to put in long hours at some point in our careers, but we do have a say in how we cope. If your work email is linked to your cell phone, commit to only looking at it and responding within a certain time frame outside of normal working hours. For some quick tips on how to cope with too much on your plate, both inside of and outside of the workplace, read this piece on how to get it done. No matter your role or experience level within your company,   you can play a major role in the institution of change. Challenging accepted work dynamics may seem daunting, but the beginning of new habits begins with you. Be an inspiration! Do you have any examples of how youve been a role model in your workplace? Share your experience with me @sncueto or @MsCareerGirl!

Tips to Telling your Boss youre Pregnant

Tips to Telling your Boss you’re Pregnant Breaking the news of your pregnancy to your work colleagues and your boss can be a stressful experience. The truth is that there is no perfect time to tell them, its a personal choice that will feel right when you make it. The most important thing to remember is to tell your boss first. Try and raise the nerve to tell your boss before your pregnancy bump starts to show.  Here are a couple of tips to help you with easing the news to your boss. Are you sure that you are Pregnant? You don’t want to announce your pregnancy if you are not completely sure about it. The early warnings signs of pregnancy can go undetected for the first two to six weeks after conception. During this time, the signs to look for if youre pregnant will include fatigue, increased urination, and sensitive breasts. Finding the Time that Feels Right for You There are a number of factors that can affect the timing of your announcement. Here are some points that you may want to take into consideration. If you are showing and how you are feeling. If you are feeling nauseous all the time and running to the bathroom every five minutes, then it might not be the best time to pop the news. Wait until you feel physically and emotionally stable before you confront your boss. The environment of the workplace. If you work with chemicals or other hazardous materials, then rather tell your boss sooner than later. Damaging your baby with exposure to harmful substances simply isn’t worth the wait. Preparing the Announce the News to your Boss Before you march into your bosss office, take the time to do a bit of due diligence on your benefits owed to you. Calculate any leave that may be owed to you and read through the company policy manual to gain a clear understanding of the policies toward pregnant employees. Prepare your handover process and round up any current projects you may be working on. You will need to be replaced and a smooth handover process is determined by how well you prepare for the transition. Be sure in your decision about whether you will decide to return to your job after the birth, or move on to other things. This should be clearly decided upon before you step into the office. It’s Time to Do the Deed Tell Your Boss When you feel that you are prepared, its time to make your announcement. You may feel some butterflies and jangling nerves but that will subside the moment you break the news. Whatever your boss’s reaction to your news, you will feel a wave of relief knowing that you have put it out in the open. Don’t apologize for your pregnancy, stand your ground and tell your boss that this is your decision and you are sticking with it. Make sure that you do the announcement in person, not over the phone or email. It needs to be a personal conversation or your boss will feel like you do not respect them. The best time of the week to make your announcement is on a Friday afternoon before the weekend. This way you have the entire weekend to let things cool down and the word to get out at the water cooler to the other employees.

Self-Referral Techniques For Writing Resume For Owner Operator

Self-Referral Techniques For Writing Resume For Owner OperatorA good self-referral technique to consider is to give yourself an offer in writing. When someone does a free self-referral on you, it gives you the opportunity to ask them questions about your case. This can be tricky, but it's a very effective way to attract a lot of attention to your self-referral.The thing about using this method for writing a resume for owner operator is that you need to be very honest in the process. You need to know what you have to say, and you need to convey the true essence of you and your business, before someone else can write about you.In order to do this, you will need to practice the right way to write quality words. It's important to make sure that you always use the correct language to express yourself. Most people when they try to talk about themselves, they find it difficult to properly describe who they are, and what their strengths are.You are no different, because while you are trying to get the job of owner operator, you need to communicate with someone who knows what you're about, and what you can do for your business. So, it's essential that you find out who that person is before you start working on your resume.The whole point of doing a self-referral is to find a prospect who needs what you have to offer. And that means that you have to have some sort of self-assurance. Without it, you cannot be self-reliant, and you cannot be prepared to be a self-referral.Many people when they apply for the owner operator position are often unsuccessful. What this means is that you want to find a prospect that fits the profile that you're looking for.Once you find a prospective employer, the next step is to have an interview. If you can, make sure that you bring in the same questions that you will answer during the interview. It's best to be able to ask a lot of questions during the interview, so that you can focus on the things that you're looking for, and on what you can offer to the new owner operator.In conclusion, when you are writing a resume for owner operator, you have to understand that there are lots of potential applicants who are out there. You can't really rely on free self-referrals, because they don't have the required self-confidence to do the job.

Dear Career Coach- I Need a Job! - CareerAlley

Dear Career Coach- I Need a Job! - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway. Warren Buffett Author Byline: Peggy McKee Author Website: http://www.career-confidential.com Dear Career Coach: Ive been out of work for a while, and it seems that its getting harder to get an interview. I keep applying for every job I can find, but Im not getting any response. I think that my unemployment is hurting my chances, and its getting worse the longer it goes. What can I do? Signed, Job Seeker Joe Dear Joe, You are not alone. Many qualified job seekers are finding that its taking longer to land a position in this economy, and employers realize that, too. The good news is, I believe things are starting to turn around and well see hiring start to pick up soon. Meanwhile, there are some solid steps you can take that will significantly strengthen your position in the job search. First (and this is probably the hardest one), try to keep a positive attitude. Your optimism and energy reflects in your voice and words, and they have a powerful effect on your successboth in how you present yourself as a candidate and in how others perceive you. One of the best ways to do this is to use your between jobs time to learn a new skill, or volunteer for some organization that could benefit from your experience, whatever that happens to be. Not only will it help get your mind off your struggle, it will help you network (you never know who youll meet), give you some additional skills, and provide you with a story that illustrates how you can be proactive. Second, realize that online applications are often a black hole of cyberspace, but you can improve your chances. If your resume isnt getting you the response you want, figure out what you need to do to change it. Do you have the right keywords on it? Check out job descriptions in your field to see if you match up. If not, find a way to legitimately include them on your resumetake a class, do some job shadowing, figure out how your skills transfer, etc. Research resume writing online for tips on how to write a killer resume. Third, make sure youre harnessing the power of social media. Are you on LinkedIn? If not, create a great LinkedIn profile, start connecting with others, join groups, and contribute to discussions. Research hiring managers in your industry, and start contacting them directly. Show them how you are a great solution for whatever problem theyre facing in their company. And last, check out all the resources available to you onlineblog articles, YouTube videos, and more that will give you a steady stream of information, tips and strategies to continuously improve and stay motivated. Best of luck, Peggy McKee Career Coach Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities. Good luck in your search.

21 Powerful Tips to Get the Job - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

21 Powerful Tips to Get the Job Those who have recently applied for a job have certainly noticed the tough competition ruling the job marketplace. When there are tens or hundreds of applicants, recruiters and employers can be pickier when hiring new employees. But, for the applicants it can be a vicious circle when every single application gets followed by a rejection. And, as we all know, rejection hurts. You may be doing all the right things and still be rejected. You might be asking yourself what you are doing wrong. The answer is simple. There is probably nothing wrong with you. The point is that from the perspective of the hiring person, you just look exactly the same as all the other applicants. There are just so many people who all do the same old thing. Thats why creating a CV in the traditional, outdated format, and sending it to as many employers as possible won’t lead to anything but rejection. You need to capture their attention! You need to get noticed. You have to realise this is a COMPETITION, not a homework or assignment. It is not about passing. You have to be the best. And for that, no matter what, you need to stand out from the crowd. Stand out from the Crowd and Land the Job Check these 21 tips gathered by Market Inspector and success in your job search: 1. Your resume is your ticket to the interview You have about 6 seconds to grab the recruiter’s attention. Many recruiters nowadays appreciate resumes no longer than one page long. It shows the ability of the applicant to pick and highlight his or her skills and experience in a concise manner. Resumes should not be a showcase of everything you have ever done. Instead, always ask yourself: “Will this sentence help me to get the job?” If the answer is no, consider editing or removing the sentence. CHECKLIST TIP #1 ? In the CV keep only relevant information ? Keep it as short as possible 2. Research the company before applying Spend some time getting to know the company. What are their achievements, what language do they use on their website and social media profiles? Looking into this will give you an idea of the company culture. Start following the company on LinkedIn. You can also subscribe to the company newsletter to stay updated. Mentioning this to the recruiter when (fingers crossed) you get to the interview will give you some extra points. CHECKLIST TIP #2 ? Research the company website and social media posts ? Follow the company on LinkedIn ? Subscribe for the company’s newsletter 3. Create a strategic plan This is a competition. A fight. And to win the fight one needs to prepare a strategy. Create your action plan. Mind map is probably the best tool to organise your ideas, thoughts, and goals. Our brain does not work linearly but rather in clusters and using multiple directions and visualising all the keywords leading as branches to the main goal may help you plan your next step. See how to use mind mapping to focus your job search. CHECKLIST TIP #3 ? Create a mind map 4. Apply for your dream job, not any job Don’t waste your time applying for ‘maybe’ jobs. Unless you feel like changing your career path, dont apply for jobs that are outside your field of experience and interest. Instead hunt down the job where there are lot of matches to your profile. CHECKLIST TIP #4 ? Focus on jobs in your field 5. Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter Look at your application. Do you feel tempted to get to know more about the candidate? Remember that the there is a real person who will be reading your application! Their job is to pick the best candidates and present them to the employer. Be empathetic and make it easier for them. Let them get excited about you. Make them want to have a talk with you. Give them confidence that they chose the best match when presenting your name amongst the selected interviewees. CHECKLIST TIP #5 ? Think like a recruiter 6. Address a specific person Check out whose name is mentioned in the job ad. Visit the company website and find out who is the HR person. Use this name in the cover letter. This way you show you don’t just aimlessly send out applications; you also do your research. This minor effort will be appreciated by the person assessing the application. Gone are the days when “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” was satisfactory. CHECKLIST TIP #6 ? Address the person who is in charge of the recruitment 7. Be friendly and likeable If you get the opportunity to have an interview, remember to keep smiling while at your potential workplace. Be it the receptionists, security guy, or even the interns. Don’t be afraid of small talks. CHECKLIST TIP #7 ? Smile (and the world will smile back at you) 8. List your references Contact your former colleagues and supervisors ahead and ask them for permission to have them added on your list of references. You can also ask your LinkedIn connections to write a recommendation of your work that you can display on your profile. CHECKLIST TIP #8 ? Create a list of references ? Ask your LinkedIn connections to write you a recommendation 9. Avoid getting discouraged Dont take it personal. If your job hunting is not producing the desired results, don’t blame yourself, just keep trying. Try changing up your strategy and see what works better. Stay motivated and focus on the small steps. Success will come in the form of those minor goals being reached. By achieving those micro goals you certainly get closer to finding the job. CHECKLIST TIP #9 ? Keep trying! 10. Keep your resume consistent If you used bold text in one title, do the same thing in other titles. Beware of too-small font, use appropriate headings and bullet points. Make sure that all text, headers, paragraphs, and bullet points are aligned correctly. This way you demonstrate that you have made an effort and that you pay attention to detail. CHECKLIST TIP #10 ? Be thorough, even meticulous 11. Compile a list of target companies and contact them directly You don’t necessarily have to find the job openings via job portals. Many companies do not even list the job openings there. Even if there are no job openings at the moment, many employers keep unsolicited applications in their system and may contact you later when such a job opening comes up. CHECKLIST TIP #11 ? List companies you are interested in working for and contact them directly 12. Go through the job description and list some key phrases and keywords Try to implement these into your CV and motivation letter. Remember to keep it in moderation and beware of copying chunks of text from the job description. CHECKLIST TIP #12 ? List keywords form the job description and implement them in your CV 13. Make a phone call before sending the application Picking up the phone to contact the potential employer is always a good idea. It gives you a chance to establish a connection, show confidence and high degree of initiative, and differenciate yourself from the others. Think things out before you call so you know what to say and what to ask. CHECKLIST TIP #13 ? Make a phone call, prior to sending the application 14. Turn your social media profiles into powerful self-promotion tool Social media has evolved to become an essential part in the hiring process. As more and more recruiters check the social profiles of potential candidates, they want to see how you take care of your online reputation. Therefore, you should keep your profiles clean and relevant. Remember to show some personality. Your profiles should represent a consistent story. Google yourself and check out your entire online presence. Create an about.me page where you connect all your online profiles in one place. CHECKLIST TIP #14 ? Get rid of any pictures and comments that could harm you in the hiring process ? Keep your social media presence as a consistent story ? Create an about.me page 15. An importance of thank you note A thank you note after an interview represents a good deal of professionalism and good manners. Always remember to follow-up. Such habits show the hiring person you really care about getting the job. CHECKLIST TIP #15 ? Follow up and express your thanks for the interview 16. Keep the cover letter short and sweet Cover letter templates that are not edited will show a lack of creativity. Remember to avoid hackneyed phrases and clichés. Most recruiters can tell a random template you found on the internet from a unique personalised piece. Start with something catchy and engage their attention. The best cover letters focus on the need of the employer not on the needs of the candidate. Try to prove to the recruiter that you are the right person to solve their problems, fulfil the tasks efficiently, and make a valuable impact. CHECKLIST TIP #16 ? In your cover letter start with something catchy ? Keep your cover letter as a story ? Mention what you can do for the company’s well-being 17. Don’t repeat your resume in the cover letter You have one page to impress the recruiter. Don’t waste the precious space saying the same thing twice. Choose the most important accomplishments from your resume and include it in the letter. Beware of being repetitive; instead use vivid and professional language to describe the accomplishment. CHECKLIST TIP #17 ? Pick your biggest accomplishment and mention it in the cover letter 18. Focus on results and numbers Focus on results and numbers, not only on responsibilities and competencies. You may have helped your previous company save some money, but can you back your achievement with some statistics and hard numbers? Then throw them in. Recruiters love that. CHECKLIST TIP #18 ? Mention some numbers and results related to your previous professional performance 19. Prepare some questions for the interviewer If you get to the interview, remember to prepare two or three questions beforehand. It always looks good when you show some curiosity and interest. What are the challenges you will face if you get the job? What is your typical working day going to look like? Who will you be typically working with? What does the hiring manager appreciate the most about his job? How long has he been working there and what makes him stay? The answers can give you insights into the company culture and working environment. CHECKLIST TIP #19 ? Before you go to the interview, have some questions prepared 20. The power of the first impression Never underestimate the power of the first impression. You only have ONE chance to make a FIRST impression. Don’t waste it. Wear appropriate clothes, look confident, keep smiling, and remember to give a firm handshake and have good posture. CHECKLIST TIP #20 ? Act as your best self 21. Save, save, save Always save the job description, cover letter, and resume for each position you apply for in case you get contacted by the recruiters after the job ad has expired. If you save the job posting somewhere offline you can always get back to it and use the information for potential interview. CHECKLIST TIP #21 ? Once you apply save your CV, cover letter and the job description Stay positive, patient and persistant Remember to follow all of these rules when you find yourself in a situation where you can implement them. Think every detail through. Be smart. And see it as a journey to your dream job that may be full of challenges and obstacles, but the reward at the end, is worth it.