Mistakes That Lead To Low-Ball Salaries

Rule #1 of salary negotiation: the first offer is never the best one. All companies build in padding in anticipation of a counteroffer, and anyone who tells you otherwise or tries to frame it as a take-it-or-leave-it situation isn’t dealing squarely with you.

Here Are Some Other Mistakes Which Can Result In Low Salaries:

1. Not Providing An Accurate Range

Here’s a simple formula to calculate your salary range:

Total Salary + Perks 3 Years Ago versus Total Salary + Perks Today = Your Salary Range

In other words, if you made $90K base salary 3 years ago with an additional $30K in perks (health, school, discounts, bonuses, and so on.) your first number is $120K.

If today you make a $110K base with $40K in perks, your second number is $150K.

So your range is $120K to $150K.

Expert tip: if you’re looking to make a major jump in terms of job title, your salary range is only part of the story. Once you’ve determined what your current range is, visit sites like Glassdoor.com and Payscale.com to get a clear sense of what professionals who currently hold the job title you want to make.

The difference between what you currently make and what people at this higher tier make will need to be defended by your experience, your unique skill set, and other factors. But you need to have both your present salary range and the target salary range clear in your mind to effectively make this transition.

2. “Winging It” When It Comes To The Resume And Interview Process

Your resume needs to communicate your unique worth, demonstrate excellent fit for the type of role you’re after, and back it up with quantifiable accomplishments at every turn.

The interview process needs to translate these attributes into a powerful, value-based presentation which shows an employer how you’ll be addressing their greatest challenges.

Excel in these two areas and you will receive a higher initial offer. Fail to do so, and you give an employer free reign to determine your worth. And when that happens, they will always low-ball.

3. Trying To Negotiate At The Moment An Offer Is Made

Time is your best friend when an employer makes that first offer. They want you, they’re willing to put a dollar amount to prove that, and of course they’d prefer to wrap things up quickly.

Hold on!

Be positive. Listen to every word, but offer zero thoughts on the merits (or lack thereof) of the offer itself.

Get all the details at this point, including Days Off, Vacation, Personal Days, Signing Bonus, 401K, Commission, Company Car, Telecommuting/Work from Home, Travel, Expense Account, Health/Life/Disability Insurance, Bonus Structure, Job Reviews (Pay Increase Opportunities), Who You’ll Be Reporting To. Make notes on all of it.

Thank them for the offer, and politely ask for a day or two to review the details and get back to them.

4. Flubbing The Counteroffer

You’ll be broaching the counteroffer either over the phone or in-person. If you have the choice, always negotiate in person (it’s a lot harder to say no to someone face-to-face).

Start right where you left off. In other words, say thank you again for the offer, it’s an honor, can’t wait to work with you, very exciting, and so on. The goal here is to make it clear that you are very much leaning towards accepting an offer with this company.

Now comes the flub…

“Everything about the offer is great. The base salary is workable but based on my years of experience and the responsibilities of the position I was hoping for something closer to __________.”

Don’t say anything after making this counteroffer! Many people make the mistake, when confronted with silence, to over-explain or provide additional details into how they reached this figure, and so on. Nothing you say at this point will strengthen your case, so don’t say anything further.

If they say ‘yes’…

You answer, “Great!” and quickly move onto negotiating any other points. Base salary negotiation is the hardest part- anything after this should be much easier. Just be sure to provide some insight into why you’re asking for something instead of just stating a higher demand.

More Vacation Time: “two weeks of vacation time is doable, but at my level I have received three weeks for the past few years. I give everything I have at work, and this time off has been valuable to reconnect with my family. Can we agree to 2.5 weeks?”

If the say ‘no’….

Show zero defensiveness. Stay positive, regardless of how they phrase the refusal.

Step one is to reassure them that you’re serious about this position (and competent in a high-stress situation). So, answer with something like,

“I understand, it’s not a problem. I know we can come to an agreement that works. I really want this position and believe that it’s a perfect fit.”

Now, counter with an ask that’s based on more perks, not a higher base salary.

“Let me throw something out here that might work better. How about [ex. higher signing bonus followed by 6-month review to discuss salary, more relocation benefits, significantly greater vacation time, and so on.]

Do not close out negotiations without honestly getting to a point where you feel happy and excited to take the job. Otherwise, you’re poisoning your success before you’ve even started.

5. Not Keeping Track Of “Hidden Factors” That Can Allow You To Secure More Money

Listening and asking the right questions during the interview process can offer insights into a company’s particular situation, and tilt the odds towards a higher salary. These can include:

Urgency. The position’s open, the company’s losing money, and they need to find a great candidate today.

Special skills. Beyond what’s required for the job, do you possess advanced knowledge and training in areas that will prove useful to the company in the future?

Fear of competition. Do they seem afraid that you’ll jump ship to go to a competitor?

Shorter ramp-up time. If you need way less time to jump in and start delivering results, that’s an advantage that should be reflected in salary.

Phone Interviews: How To Put Your Best Voice Forward

Today, more and more employers are conducting phone interviews before inviting job candidates to an in-person meeting. With more applicants available for each opening, employers do not have the time to invest in a meeting for every candidate that simply looks good on paper. Phone interviews make it easier to screen a candidates.

Some of these phone interviews may include standard questions that ask about facts, such as your experience and any specific skills you have. However, there are also employers who dive right into some of the most challenging questions, such as giving you a scenario and asking for your response and plan to handle the situation described.

As a job applicant, there are benefits and disadvantages to a phone interview. Some people are well-spoken and are great on the phone, but in person, their nervousness gets to them. Some are more comfortable speaking in-person and lack personality on the phone. Under both situations, it can be a challenge when you don’t have feedback that may typically appear through face-to-face contact.

Regardless of the situation, you need to put your best voice forward to leave the employer with a good impression. This may be the only shot you have at getting a step closer to securing a job offer with them. Remember that the employer may change their mind about inviting you in for an interview if you fall short of their expectations or leave a negative impression on the phone.

Note that in a phone interview, your intonation is most important in how you come across, so you should be energetic and enthusiastic and change your tone to better engage the interviewer. You should also be prepared to ask some basic questions, although save the big ones for a formal interview.

Putting Your Best Voice Forward In Phone Interviews

Take the tips offered here to help put your best voice forward and further advance on an opportunity to a job offer:

Treat Every Call You Receive Like It Was An Interview

Phone interviews may not always be scheduled. An employer may call you to respond to your submitted cover letter and resume, and the moment you pick up the phone an interview may occur right then. Most employers will be courteous to first ask you if this is a good time, but that does not always happen.

So, if you believe there is a chance an employer may be calling, be prepared by providing a professional greeting on your voicemail or when you pick up. Also be conscious of what the caller may hear in the background if you pick up the phone. If it’s not an appropriate time or place to talk, let it go to voicemail, but try to call back immediately when it is more appropriate for you to talk.

Talk Enthusiastically

Since the interviewer will not see your face, all they have to work off of is the voice you present, so make sure it sounds enthusiastic and energized with confidence. Try keeping a smile on your face as you talk and be aware of your tone and pitch so you do not come off sounding monotone.

Watch Your Words

Keep a “can do” attitude when you talk. It will leave a more positive impression than if an employer were to hear, “I can’t,” “I don’t,” or “I haven’t.” Also be conscious of how you speak, to avoid the “Ahs,” “Errs” and “Ums.” You can come across as unsure of yourself and lacking in confidence.

Use A Clear Line

Many people list their cell phone number on job applications, cover letters and resumes, which is fine, as long as when the phone is answered you are under good reception. If you are the one initiating the phone call, use a landline to avoid static or dropped calls. It’s also important to find a quiet location where you will not be disturbed or distracted.

Treat It Like An In-Person Interview

Keep in mind points that you can use to help explain how your previous experiences or skills make you a good fit for the open position. Also, always have questions in mind to ask during the interview that show your interest and desire to work with the company. Don’t forget to also keep your resume, a sheet of paper and pen on hand. You’ll need these items for reference or to take notes while on the call.

Find Out The Next Steps

Interviews, whether in-person or over the phone, should end with an understanding of what the next steps are. If it was not covered, be sure to ask. The employer may also view this question in a positive way that you care about this opportunity and have a desire for it.

Remember, phone interviews deserve a follow up thank you note or e-mail to the individual(s) you spoke with – just as you would do after an in-person interview.

Treat phone interviews as important as a face-to-face interview. The impression you make on the phone will also be taken in to consideration when the employer is trying to decide between you and another candidate for the position.

Ace Any Executive Job Interview With A 30-60-90-Day Plan

How can you prove yourself in a demanding executive job interview and give yourself a blueprint to success in your new job at the same time?

How Can A 90-Day Plan Help You Get An Executive Job Offer?

For an executive-level position, companies are looking for individuals who can prove knowledge and fit for the job, strategic thinking skills, communication skills, and motivation to do the job. Ideally, they want a peek into the future with you in that seat, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will take the department, the facility, or the organization in a positive direction.

There is no better way to prove that you are the right person for the job than by taking them through how you would plan and execute on key tasks in the first three months (or in some cases, six months or a year).

Prove Knowledge And Fit

To create a 90-day plan, you must research the company and the position well. That research will not only make your plan stronger, it will help you answer interview questions in a smarter, more strategic way. Other executives who have used a plan tell me that it caused them to be the most-prepared they’d ever been for a job interview.

Show Your Strategic Thinking And Communication Skills

When you talk about the plan in your interview with the CEO, the Board of Directors, or a panel of top company executives, you communicate at a much deeper, more significant level about the organization’s future and how you fit in it.

Demonstrate Your Motivation To Do The Job

Putting together a written plan for success demonstrates your work ethic, drive, and commitment to success. Your competition will be talking about their commitment to success in other organizations, but you will be demonstrating your commitment to success in theirs—before you even get the job offer.

Crush Your Competition

Think about the impact on the decision makers when they consider the differences between candidates: Your competition may be extremely qualified and answer questions well in the interview, but you answer questions well AND you show them your plan for how you would approach the job. You have a substantial, in-depth discussion about strategies and goals that helps them see you in the job. Who will get the offer? You will.

Guarantee Your Success

One study showed that the three biggest reasons executives fail in the first 18 months of a new job are (1) difficulty establishing credibility; (2) inheriting a crisis without a plan for solving it; and (3) having undefined performance metrics.

A well-discussed plan eliminates all three of those barriers to success. It ensures that you are all on the same page and defines what will constitute success for your position. You will start your new job with a blueprint for success.

How To Answer 5 Tricky Job Interview Questions

Why do hiring managers ask tricky job interview questions? They ask because for them, hiring you is a risk. They try to minimize the risk by asking questions designed to uncover problems with you or your qualifications. Answer them well, and they will feel comfortable offering you the job.

Tricky Question #1 – Tell Me About Yourself

This is commonly asked in social settings, so many people respond with a social answer—this is a big mistake.

Always answer this question as if you were answering “Why should we hire you?” because that’s what they’re really asking. What will matter most to them?

• Your education or experience?
• Your skills? Maybe you’re a great communicator, a fast problem-solver or a skilled motivator.
• Your achievements or awards?

So your answer may be something like,

“My background is in X, I am known for Y, and I have accomplished Z.”

Everything you mention should be a reason why they should offer you the job.

Tricky Question #2 – What Bothers You Most About Co-Workers Or Bosses?

Everyone has things that bother them, so it sounds false to say that you don’t. At the same time, you don’t want to seem negative, easily angered, or quick to embrace conflict.

Choose something very general that probably bothers most people, and be sure to speak about it calmly. For instance:

“I don’t like negative attitudes. It doesn’t help anyone, even the person who’s being negative. If there’s a problem, they should focus on how to fix it.”  That says you’re someone who’s focused on solutions rather than problems.

Tricky Question #3 – Why Have You Been Out Of Work For So Long?

Why haven’t you been snapped up—is there something wrong with you? Alleviate their fears by being positive and helping them see that is YOUR choice: you haven’t found the right fit yet.

If it’s true, tell them you took personal time before you hit the job search (maybe because you had a nice severance package), so you really haven’t been looking that long. Say that you’ve been on some interviews, but nothing that was a really great fit. As soon as you say that, say something like: “But it’s REALLY picked up lately, so I don’t think that I’m going to be in the search for much longer.”

That’s an important psychological tactic: everybody wants what someone else wants, so give yourself a little bit of that aura of unattainability by pointing out that you are going to be snapped up soon.

Tricky Question #4 – Why Weren’t You Promoted In Your Last Job?

Not getting promoted isn’t as bad as getting fired, but it still leaves the hiring manager wondering if there’s a problem with you. The best answer indicates that it was YOUR choice:

“I was offered a promotion, but I didn’t want to take on that additional responsibility.” Give them the reason—maybe you had small children, family obligations, or something else that may not be a factor now.

“I was offered a promotion, but I wasn’t interested in moving in that direction in my career.” If that promotion wasn’t a good stop on your career path, that’s OK.

Maybe the lack of promotion opportunities in your old company is exactly why you’re in the job search—so it makes perfect sense that you’re looking for advancement in another organization.

One thing that will help you any time there’s some question about your background: your references. Cultivate good references and prep them before your interview.

Tricky Question #5 – What Are You Most Proud Of?

The worst mistake job seekers make is answering this question with something personal: they completed the Ironman competition, or they’re proud of their kids.

Your answer to this MUST be work-related—and not only that, it must be specifically related to this job.

Think about your proudest accomplishments at work and choose one that would be especially impressive to this company, for this position (this is not necessarily the one YOU are the most proud of). Read over the job description and think about what may match up with those requirements. In your story, provide details—quantified if possible. Don’t be afraid to brag, and show your enthusiasm.  That’s what this question is for.

In all your answers, be strategic—everything you say in a job interview should give them another reason to hire you.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to prepare answers to as many interview questions as you can.

6 Resume Writing Strategies That Will Make You Shine In The Job Market

What is it about resume writing that sets people’s knees to knocking, anxiously sweating? In a competitive job market, the anxiety only deepens.

Is everything worded correctly?

Am I remembering every detail?

I know I’ve missed a simple spelling error. Wait–I spelled my name wrong?!

The truth is, before the resume ever reaches the hiring manager’s desk, prospective employees are first in competition with their own way of thinking. Getting past fears and insecurities is the groundwork that must be laid.

Settling the debate in your own mind that you’ve presented yourself at your very best is a starting point toward presenting a captivating, confident option to employers and generating interviews that result in dream-job offers.

So the question is: how do you get to that point? How do you get to the point where you are confident that your resume is effective in helping you stand out from the crowd?

After all, you don’t want to ‘almost’ be the best choice: you want to be THE person who can meet the challenges, solve the problems, and excel at the offered job.

Let’s take a fresh look at your resume, to look through the lens of some of the best strategies and solutions and determine what can be done to transform your resume from flat and boring to fully the best.

Strategy Tip #1: Know Your Resume Goal

Understanding where you are going on a journey makes the ride more satisfying. The same is true of your professional resume: why are you writing it? What is the purpose of applying? Do you understand the job, what the company stands for, how you will fit in the corporate culture?

In essence, the GPS for your career journey can be skewed if you don’t answer these questions before listing past experience or education. If nothing of what you write applies to the job at hand, the chances are higher that your resume will be nothing but tossed aside.

Strategy Tip #2: Know Your Resume’s Audience

Nearly every hiring manager or human resources personnel could easily give you their “Top 10” list of the worst mistakes that an applicant can make. I wager that somewhere on that list is the complaint of impersonal resume writing, as if the sender copied their information without taking into account the actual position needing to be filled.

Think about your resume’s audience. The hiring manager is looking for someone with not only the skills and qualifications to meet the basics of the job, but also the person who has taken the time to understand the work involved and has real value to add. They seek the candidate who understands the goals of the position and has taken the time to align their own qualifications to those goals, submitting a resume that emphasizes those relevant qualifications.

Can you imagine the main problems or challenges that may come with the job? Do you envision ways you can solve those problems or meet those challenges? Can you increase something (increased sales…increased customer satisfaction…increased cost savings) and improve in places that need a little extra attention (improved efficiency? improved profitability? improved productivity?)

Thinking about your audience and what their needs are can change your perspective and afford you the opportunity to shine where others fall short.

Strategy Tip #3: Know Your Competitor’s Resume

It would be illogical to say ‘know your competitor’; you obviously can’t be privy to the individuals also applying. Every successful professional is, however, well aware of what the competition is bringing to the hiring process. Their qualifications, experience, education, and personality will be in the ring right alongside yours.

Don’t underestimate the reality of the situation. Unless you own the business, no one is a shoe-in for any job in any company. So take your resume and its potential effectiveness seriously. Go ahead and promote the baseline qualifications for the position, which are likely similar qualifications to those which your competition brings to the application process. But to really shine, showcase the qualifications and potential value add that make you stand out.

Strategy Tip #4: Know The Challenges & Problems On Your Resume

With the first three strategy tips, you’re well under way in creating a stellar resume that secures the job you want. You’ve set your goals, identified your audience, and assessed your competition.

Recognizing problem areas on your resume is a critical next step in the process. Perhaps your education isn’t quite what the job post listed, or maybe your skills don’t exactly match up with the expectations mentioned for the position. Is there a gap in your work history, or a period where you changed jobs frequently? In assessing your competition, did you discover ways that your own history might come up lacking against someone more experienced?

Defining the problems will lead you toward a realistic plan of solution and resume writing success. Oftentimes the solution will require rethinking the structure or format of your resume to minimize the problem areas. That’s okay. The traditional reverse chronology isn’t best for everyone. You must be meticulously honest and must structure your resume so that it is clear, well organized, compelling, and easy to read. Beyond that, there is room for creativity.

Strategy Tip #5: Know How To Color Outside The Lines Of Your Resume

While structure and order–and above all, honesty–are critical components of resume writing, never forget that you must be able to shine. When the hiring personnel has been looking at a sea of black and white portraits all day, opening yours to a cornucopia of personality and originality will make you stand out.

Differentiate yourself by infusing your resume with your personality, enthusiasm, and distinctive experiences, without using worn clichés or tired jargon. Give examples of what you have achieved, and illustrate your accomplishments with specifics.

Strive to make your resume professional but not stodgy, honest not wordy, neat not boring. Make your words bring your unique qualifications to life.

Strategy Tip #6: Know When It’s Time For A Remodeling Project

Remodeling isn’t just for drab kitchens–it’s also a great way to freshen up your resume and draw attention to what makes you a winning candidate. Just like any remodeling project, there are a dozen ways you can attack the job: a full demo, slight modifications, and everything in between. Look honestly at your resume and determine what can stay and what needs to go.

Based on the job description, and on all that you’ve learned about yourself, your audience and your competition, decide which aspect of your resume needs to be switched around or freshened up to shine a spotlight on the best possible version of you.

Resume writing is not for the faint of heart–but it is for champions of the job market, and it is a way to show that you have what it takes to be every hiring manager’s dream. More to the point, remember that your remodeling does not need to be a DIY project, and perhaps shouldn’t be. 

The 8 Delegation Myths Of The Office

Managers may come up with dozens of reasons as to why they shouldn’t delegate a specific project – or at all – to their team members.

Here are the eight myths about delegation:

1. I don’t delegate because my team can’t handle the task.

In reality, the reason your team may not be able to handle the task is because you haven’t delegated it to them. Assume they will succeed and they probably will. It may be rough at first, but the more involved your employees are, the more experience they will gain and the more competent they will be.

2. I don’t delegate because training takes too long.

Sure, it may take some extra time in the beginning, but in the long run you’ll save countless hours of time by appropriately delegating. As your team becomes accustomed to the tasks, they’ll be able to accomplish them more efficiently than you would on your own.

3. I don’t delegate because they don’t do it right.

This myth is twofold. One, just because they do something different doesn’t mean they aren’t doing it right. Maybe they have a valuable insight. Or two, if they’re not doing it right, it may be because they weren’t properly trained to do so.

4. I don’t delegate because I don’t want to be fired.

Some people worry if everyone else is doing the work, then they’ll be considered dispensable and lose their job. In reality, being able to properly manage a team – take a more administrative role – is a valuable asset to a company and may get you a promotion.

5. I don’t delegate because I like to be in control.

If you have to be in absolute, full control then you probably aren’t suited for a management position (and you probably need to lighten up a bit). It’s important to trust your team and their abilities, and then train them to produce in a way that gets the job done.

6. I don’t delegate because employees don’t like responsibility.

This simply isn’t true (most of the time). Employees want to succeed, want to prove themselves, and want to move up in the company. Giving them a chance – and being forgiving if they mess up – will help everyone.

7. I don’t delegate because people already have too much on their plates.

The reason they have too much is because of improper management. And the reason they’re being improperly managed is likely because you’re too busy trying to do your own work. Delegating is all about efficiency and synergy. With proper delegation, you’ll be able to get more done as a team than you each would individually.

8. I don’t delegate because if they mess up, I’m still responsible.

While this may technically be true, there are two issues with this statement. One, you likely won’t be as responsible as you would be if you did it by yourself. And two, this is more of an indication of your inability to properly delegate and train than it is a reflection on the employee’s ability to complete the task.

So, learn to delegate properly and everyone involved – you, your team, and your company – will all see the benefits.

2016 Cover Letter Trends

Microsoft published an interesting study in May documenting research on how our attention spans have changed over the past several years. In 2000 we had a 12-second attention span—which dropped to a mere eight-second attention span by 2013. We now have a one-second-shorter attention span than that of a goldfish. Let that sink in for a minute…What influence does our ever-shrinking attention span ultimately have on our job searches—and our cover letters? What are the repercussions? It means the cover letter as we know it traditionally is dead.

Related: 11 Tips For Creating Compelling Cover Letters

The Old Cover Letter:

• Makes up an entire page in length, is too long to fit on a mobile device screen without having to scroll, uses multiple paragraphs, and is text-dense.
• Has a lengthy introduction with 3-5 sentences on how they found out about the position, what they do, and their interest in the opportunity.
• It has a 2-3 paragraph body that elaborates on experience in the industry or position; may list a few experiences or accomplishments and the connection to why they want the opportunity or feel they’re a great fit.
• Closes with reiterating why they’re a good fit, restates interest, may share contact information or offer to follow up.

The New Cover Letter – Also Referred To As An E-Note, Power Note, Or Value Proposition Letter:

2016 Cover Letter Trend #1: The Shrinking Attention Span

Not only have our shrinking attention spans changed the way we consume information, but our brains are changing—and it’s affecting more than just how we use our mobile devices or consume content online. It’s changing the landscape of how we job search and demanding we communicate only the most vital information in the most concise way possible.

It’s creating a real dilemma for those who don’t consider themselves to be professional writers, or who have a hard time writing about themselves, or who find it hard to spare everything but the details. So what’s a job seeker to do? First and foremost…forget the traditional cover letter as you know it. Consider it a part of the past, and let’s move on to better strategies for job searching.

2016 Cover Letter Trend #2: Easily Readable On Mobile Devices

Cover letters—which I’ll now refer to as e-notes, power notes, or value proposition letters—must meet the demand of an increasingly mobile device-dependent audience. Your e-note, which is essentially the e-mail that your resume is attached to, should be short and fit on a single screen. Don’t expect to be able to write an incredibly concise e-note with your first draft. Go through and write your first version, and then go back and edit. Aim to use fewer than 150 words so that the entire text will be optimized to fit on a mobile screen without any scrolling.

2016 Cover Letter Trend #3: Give Them Space

When you’re writing your e-note be sure to incorporate plenty of white space. Using white space in your e-note will make the content more easily digestible by the reader. Consider the impact Twitter has had on our entire generation! We’re forced to say what we want to say in 140 characters or less—but the brilliance behind it is that Twitter had the foresight to know that their audience’s attention span was short, and they wanted to accommodate it. Whether your audience’s attention span is short, or they’re just pressed for time, use Twitter’s 140-character limit as your guide and create shorter sentences.

2016 Cover Letter Trend #4: Engage Or Fascinate Your Reader

When we teach job seekers how to write a Value Proposition Letter we advise them to always start with an interesting question or fascinating fact. For instance, my value proposition letter might start out by saying:

Are you a busy CEO with no time to write your resume?

Or it might say:

Are you a time-pressed executive being vetted for an opportunity that requires a resume yesterday?

Notice how I’m targeting my audience? Busy CEOs and time-pressed executives—while I’m also addressing their problem; they need a resume NOW—and they don’t have the time to do it themselves.

Start your e-note, power note, or value proposition letter the same way. Speak to your audience, ask a question or state an engaging fact that relates to them and their most pressing need. You always want to speak to the need.

2016 Cover Letter Trend #5: You’re The Answer

Once you’ve touched on the need or the problem they have, show them how you’re the answer! How are you the solution to your problem?

For example you could use three short bullets with provable results:

My clients enjoy results like these:

• In two weeks or less my clients are interviewing.
• Their resume response rate increases by 75%.
• 85% are employed in three months or less, obliterating the average job seeker’s search time by more than 50%.

Then you could tie the problem and how you’re the solution into your brand and what you do:

I work with busy top-level executives on tight deadlines to create interview-winning resumes within 3-5 business days.

I could change the wording to accommodate my audience, the result I want to share, the problem I need to address, the space I have, or any number of other variables. The beauty is that it’s completely customizable.

2016 Cover Letter Trend #6: Follow A Formula

Keep your e-note creation easy by following a formula. You won’t feel like you’re starting from scratch every time you write a new e-note, and before long you’ll know the formula so well that writing by it will be easier and faster.

Remember to keep each point short!

1. Start with a question or engaging statement.
2. Target the biggest need they have.
3. State how you’re the solution.
4. Prove it! Give them three bullets that prove you’re the solution.
5. Don’t forget the money. Employers want to know how you made it, saved it, or contributed to it.
6. How does this fit into your brand?
7. Call to action close.
8. Edit – Remember…150 words or fewer.

2016 Cover Letter Trend #7: Close With A Call To Action

When we write value proposition letters for our clients we always end with a great call to action. Mine might say:

Ready for results like these? Let’s chat!

Yours could say:

Ready to learn more?

Or:

You can customize your call to action. However, remember that the idea is: you want them to take action—whether that action is to call you, e-mail, check out your LinkedIn profile, or visit your web resume. You don’t want it to stop with your e-note; you want them to be so compelled by what you’ve said that they have to take a next step.

Keep these points in mind as you sit down to write your next cover letter, and you’ll be ten steps ahead of your competition.

 Tips For Working Women With Families

Working women with families: Are you getting what you deserve at work? I once responded to a concern from a woman who worked for a government agency. She reported winning several awards a year, but not being promoted because she has special needs children. “The employer felt [her] ‘family responsibilities’ might interfere with [her] ability to handle increased responsibility.” She felt burnt out at work and stressed at home.

The employer has control in an employer/employee relationship. As an employee, you can’t force your boss to give you apromotion, more benefits, a raise, and so on. Sure, if an employer does something really egregious, you might spend a lot of time and money in a legal battle. I doubt this would enhance your life!

Women struggle with work and family issues, especially. They have concerns, but employers have concerns as well. Having been on the hiring end of business, I have often considered potential for pregnancy (and maternity leave), sick children (time off from work and productivity), work interruptions (spouses, schools, sick children).

These possibilities may be unofficially factored in to a final decision for hire or promotion, trust me. That having been said, ours was a family (and dog) friendly office where there were frequently children or spouses who were known and addressed by name.

Tips For Working Women With Families

Follow these tips for women in the workplace. Any woman looking for work, or looking to change jobs should consider the following:

1. Realistically Assess Your Abilities, Goals, And Family Needs

This is sometimes difficult to do. Women, especially, are barraged with media and societal messages that push them to climb the corporate ladder and/or demand what they’re due. I know many woman who have left the corporate zoo for better quality of life in a “lower” level position.

Most readily tell me it was the best decision they made and they wish they had done it sooner. Many share they worked hours more than they needed to in the hopes of climbing the proverbial ladder only to realize in hindsight they never had a chance of climbing up one more rung.

2. Find A Position Within Your Abilities In A Work Culture That’s Comfortable

You can tell a lot during an interview, but it still behooves you to ask for a tour and/or to meet or even interview some of the employees. How was your reception upon arrival – formal? Warm? What are you comfortable with? If you do have special considerations at home try to gauge the employer’s tolerance by asking questions that might clue you in to whether or not the culture or your supervisor’s approach would be a good fit for you.

3. Talk With Your Spouse And Family About Your Desires At Work And Home

It helps to have a clear discussion BEFORE something happens or there is an issue. Think about it now. Will your current position be a match for you three years from now when you plan to start having children? If not, what will be? How much unhappiness should you expect to have at work and feel like it is worth what you are being paid? What are your options? All things to consider and talk about, now.

4. Share Concerns From Work Rather Than Try To Handle It Yourself

If something is causing stress at work, don’t be tempted to internalize it and keep from worrying your spouse. This does not work. Even if you can pull it off in the long run, you won’t be able to for long. You will find that it will strengthen your relationship and relieve your stress as well. In truth, it will likely relieve your stress at work as well.

5. If Possible Share Concerns From Work With Your Supervisor

Your supervisor may not be approachable if your situation is tenuous. However, in most cases they are. Take the time to identify your concerns. Write them down. Say them out loud. How will you present them to your boss? Actually right out full sentences of what you will say and practice voicing your concerns out loud.

It may feel silly, but it will help you control your emotions when you are actually in front of your supervisor. Remind yourself it is “just business” and work very hard to keep emotion from clouding your concerns.

6. Don’t Wait To Seek Another Position If Your Current Position Is Not A Good Match

Consider ending your employment on YOUR terms at if your situation is untenable. Your family and your well-being should come first. Sometimes the type of treatment received from the company culture and sometimes it is from your supervisor or next line supervisor. You may be able to figure out the real agenda and who is responsible, but it won’t change the bottom line: This job is not a good fit for you and your family.

Once you accept the need for a change and plan to do so, you will find that the stress and pressure you are feeling will disappear almost immediately… do it today!

Lessons To Heed When Seeking Your Dream Job

3 ‘Shark Tank’ Lessons To Heed When Seeking Your Dream Job

I love me some Shark Tank. Nervous entrepreneurs. Millionaire & billionaire investors. Life-changing deals… What’s not to love?

It’s the American dream – people like you and me standing in front of five investors who have the power to make their dreams come true, or break their hearts and crush their dreams…

When you think about it, it’s not all that different from applying for your dream job.

There’s a lot at stake. Win, and you get what you’ve wanted for a long time.

Lose, and you go back to the pain of whatever situation you’re in.

You’ve got to make a great first impression. You don’t have a lot of time to do it. And you have to sell yourself and the value you can provide.

(See the bottom of this article for a free resource that will help with this.)

The 3 ‘Shark Tank’ Lessons You Need To Heed…

Whether or not you love the show as much as I do, these three lessons apply to you in a big way.

1. Tell Your Story In A Powerful Way

In a competitive job market where everyone has a degree, being able to tell your story in an authentic and powerful way can really make you stand out.

Stories pull people in, help them relate to you, and make a great first impression.

The best Shark Tank pitches have a compelling story, and it works. The investors are attracted to the person, their story, and their mission.

And you can apply the same principle to your job search.

Here’s the thing: This starts right from the beginning… as soon as they first hear about you, when they check out your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and anything else you use for support.

We’re all born with the ability to tell stories – it’s a uniquely human trait that you can tap into to multiply the results of your job searching efforts.

So, give it a try… ask yourself, how can I frame and present my story in an engaging and persuasive way?

2. Know What You’re Worth

An honest look at how much others in similar positions get paid and what you deserve to be paid is critical when applying for your dream job.

People make this mistake all the time on Shark Tank – they come in thinking their business is worth $42 Billion dollars… and they haven’t made a sale yet.

On the flip side, people sometimes come in valuing themselves too low, and can wind up being taken advantage of or not taken seriously.

It can be a difficult decision to make, but when you’re applying for your dream job – it’s one that’s well worth putting serious thought into.

3. Take A Holistic View of the Opportunity

It’s not just about money, is it?

You want to have great perks, work with a fun team, enjoy your work, and feel like you’re growing and contributing to something worthwhile.

In the Shark Tank, entrepreneurs want to work with an investor for many other reasons besides money – they want access to their connections, resources, and wisdom.

And it’s the same for you.

Consider if you’ll ONLY be getting a paycheck out of the job…

Or will it help you move forward in your career and life so you can achieve even bigger goals?

So, there are your three Shark Tank inspired job seeking lessons….

And if you want more tangible, effective strategies for getting your dream job – especially with some of the most inspiring companies in the world, then check out my free video here.

In this free video, I talk about how to find and access some of the best organizations to work for in the world, and how to get their attention and get the job.

Happy job seeking!

The Goldman Sachs Elevator guide to getting ahead in your new job

Get ready. Thousands of bright-eyed graduates are set to enter the workforce for the first time – with their Brooks Brothers suits, canvas duffel bags or backpacks, and enviable hairlines.

To mark the annual deluge,Esquire released some advice for the newly employed, along with a list of gift ideas to “ease the transition into adulthood.” Suffice to say, it’s dreadful — written by some beta male with seemingly zero real-world experience.

For the sake of these kids, I have a moral obligation to set Esquire straight. Its recommendations include:

An "elegant pen"? Sorry, but if you — some 22-year-old kid — show up to a meeting with colleagues who have already forgotten your name and start taking notes with a Mont Blanc fountain pen, you’ll get side-eyed out of the room.

A "business card case"? That’s possibly decent advice for women, but guys, your suit jacket already has a pocket for that. Flash a monogrammed or silver-plated card case on a trading floor, and you’ll get a punch in the face. Fine, fine — if you’re cool enough to not work in finance and don’t wear a suit, you get a pass. Just keep it discreet.

An "old-school turntable" to "dampen the frenetic energy" of a tough day? If you want a way to unwind, it makes way more sense to get a PlayStation. It’ll also save you thousands of dollars from all the nights you choose to stay in playing Madden on a Friday night.

A versatile Timex chronograph watch? The only message that sends is that you come from a poor family, have no taste, and take yourself too seriously. If you can’t afford a decent starter watch (I wrote a guide for that), just get a funky Swatch or a Nike sports watch. This tells people you’re either whimsical or disciplined about fitness. Or just don’t wear a watch at all.

An Oxford-collar button-down? Esquire says there is “no greater sartorial staple for a professional man.” Sorry, but Oxford collars have no place in the corporate world. What happens when you get dragged into an impromptu client meeting and need that tie that you keep in your desk drawer for such occasions? Now you look like a community college professor. Instead, memorize this definitive fashion guide for dressing like a man, and you’ll be just fine.

The only decent idea that wasn’t painfully obvious ("a pair of good dress shoes" or "a tailored suit") is to get a gym membership. This is obvious too, but it’s important to clarify. Chances are, you’re about to start spending more time sitting at a desk or wining and dining, and less time enjoying active leisure time. So going to the gym is more important than ever. But do not waste your time with the office gym. It’s no fun being surrounded by colleagues, and it’s too easy to get needlessly sucked back up to your desk after working out. Besides, there are way more attractive people at your nearest Equinox.

Now that we’ve fixed that, you should also memorize these tips for getting ahead in your new job:

1. People love to talk about themselves, so ask your new colleagues questions that get them in their comfort zone. A big part of your first impression is how you make people feel about themselves.

2. Buy at least three decent suits. Keep it simple; if a suit has too much flair, the only thing people will notice is how often you wear it.

3. Don’t wear a tie every day unless you have to; you just look like a kiss-ass. But always keep a spare tie in your desk drawer.

4. Come up with dismissive and condescending nicknames for fellow trainees you consider to be possible threats. Work at it until they are adopted office-wide.

5. If you are exchanging “stock tips” with friends at other firms, use an app like Cyber Dust. Just don’t buy short-dated, out-of-the-money options.

6. Show some leadership by organizing drinks and nights out with fellow trainees; get them wasted, especially in the presence of senior colleagues.

7. Do the coffee runs. It shows confidence. Just don’t screw it up. If you can’t be trusted with coffee, how can you sell bonds or manage risk?

8. Leave a jacket on the back of your chair so people can never be 100% sure if you’ve left early for the day or are taking a long lunch.

9. Never tell the first offensive joke, but always have a good one saved up for when your seniors finally trust you enough to share one with you. 

10. Ask the secretary for the travel schedules of the senior members of the team for the week ahead. They will think you are being proactive, but now you know when you can sleep in, hit the gym, or beat the traffic to the Hamptons.

11. It’s OK to make a mistake or ask a question. But don’t ever ask the same question or make the same mistake twice.

12. Don’t offer to buy drinks when out with your seniors; you can’t afford them, and it won’t score any points.

13. Your boss’s jokes are always funny. Period. And if you are at the receiving end of a joke, laugh with it. If you take yourself too seriously, no one else will. There are no “safe spaces” in the real world.

14. Shut up about where you went to college.

15. Let your boss set the tempo when it comes to rowdy nights out. Don’t be afraid to join in; just make sure you’re the first one in the next morning.