Q: Dear Seymour: I am about to begin a new job search, something I haven't done in nearly 15 years. I'm beginning by updating my resume. I have heard some debate over the years about whether or not to include an objective at the top. Can you help?
- Submitted by Gissele Aspen, Nashville, TN
A: Dear Gissele,
To say there is a debate about the benefits or lack thereof, to including an objective on your resume, is accurate. This topic has split career consultants and experts right down the middle. Many believe objectives are often unfocused and take up valuable real estate that could be used to showcase additional accomplishments. Others say omitting an objective signals to potential employers that the job seeker doesn't know what they want, or frustrates hiring managers because they want to read quickly what you can bring to the organization.
There is one thing that most career coaches and employers alike agree upon - most objectives are poorly written and are way too vague. Whether or not you choose to include an objective on your resume is a personal decision. However, if you do opt for inclusion, make absolutely sure it is well-written and specific to the job you are targeting.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine whether an objective is right for you, and if so, how to make sure it doesn't leave a negative impression with potential employers:
- If you cannot be specific about the job you are seeking, or you believe you are qualified for a range of jobs within a company, you probably shouldn't include an objective.
- If you are attending a career fair or a networking event, use a resume without an objective.
- If you are a recent graduate or are changing careers, it is generally advisable to include a well-written objective. First-time job seekers should state that they've recently graduated and are seeking a job in a specific field. Those who are changing careers must include how their previous skills and talents will be applied to the new field they are seeking.
- Consider using a "summary" section instead. Summarizing your skills and qualifications can make employers more receptive and has the added benefit of including many keywords that are picked up by electronic scanning.
- If you choose to include an objective, make sure it is customized and specific to each job you are applying for. Just have several versions of your resume with objectives that are tailored to each job opportunity. Be concise, and make it about the employer, not you. The objective should tell employers about what you can bring to the table, not about what you are looking for in a job.
To include or not to include, is your own decision. However, most importantly, if you decide to use the objective statement, make it a well-written, tailored, employer-centric one. An effective objective can be just the high-impact tool you need to get yourself noticed.
Do you have a wacky, bizarre or crazy temporary employment story? Tell us about it in 100 words or less and you could win either a $50 or $100 American Express gift card*! Use the 'Comments' box below to share submit your story. By submitting your story, you agree to contest rules and regulations. Contest winner will be announced here on The Big Time the week of December 17th.
So share your temporary experience with us soon, contest ends December 10th.
According to a recent Spherion study, 16% of U.S. workers are currently working from home 1 or more days a week and another 63% would be likely to telecommute if given the option. However, limiting distractions that come with working from home can be a challenge. Check out our posts on how to set up a home office
Q: Dear Seymour: After five years with my current employer and numerous outstanding performance reviews, I still haven't received more than a standard merit increase every year. I just don't feel like I'm being paid what I'm worth. What can I do?
- Submitted by Octavia Humin, Asheville, NC
A: Dear Octavia,
Octavia, it sounds like you've been waiting for your boss to call you in and offer you a raise. While that might be nice, chances are overwhelming that it won't happen. So, if you want to earn more money this year than last, it's up to you to initiate the process. Be prepared and keep an open mind. Here are some key tips to help you successfully negotiate a salary increase:
- Do your homework. Planning and preparation are keys to the success of any negotiation. Know where you stand relative to your peers in the company and industry. Research salary ranges on the Internet, look at job postings and talk to peers in the industry to determine your actual worth and to build a strong case for the figure you are targeting.
- Phrase your request assertively, not aggressively. Base your request for a raise on a set of clear and objective criteria that include industry salary standards and your recent performance. Communicate honestly and directly about the value of your recent contributions to the company, and gather documentation to support your cause.
- Define your goals. Have a clear and well supported set of objectives. Start the conversation with a figure above what you are aiming for and be prepared to negotiate back to a figure closer to your minimum acceptable raise. Leave yourself leeway to compromise without having to be priced out of your target range.
- Aim for a win-win. Realize that both you and your boss need to walk away feeling you have gained. Your boss needs to be aware of what the company is getting in return for your higher pay. Ask your boss if you can assume more responsibility or redefine your role to justify the raise. Consider taking a training course to broaden your skills to expand the boundaries of your role.
- Prepare yourself for all possible scenarios. Anticipate all the concerns and possible objections your boss may have and prepare your responses. Concerns may include department downsizing or that you are already overpaid for your role in the company.
- Listen. Don't feel pressured to do all the talking. Listen to what your boss has to say and make every effort to understand what his needs and concerns are so that you can tailor potential solutions accordingly.
- Don't get emotional. Keep your tone professional and be prepared with logical rational arguments to counter any issues. Don't say anything you will later regret or make ultimatums.
- Get it in writing. To ensure there is no question of commitment and no room for ambiguity or retreat, get the terms you reached in writing with the right signatures.
- Take time. Don't make any hasty decisions. Request time to think over the final terms offered. If needed, revisit the terms with a new set of information or a more realistic agenda. Your boss may also need time to think, but set a time limit for getting a response.
- The final step. Give your boss all the supportive documentation needed to make a solid case should he or she have to justify the raise to even higher management. Always keep track of your accomplishments for future negotiations.
Whether you succeed or not in obtaining your pay raise, it is important to remember to be proactive in creating the right environment and conditions to negotiate. Securing a pay increase will become easier as you gain more experience doing it.
It's the end of the year and for many workers, two words come to mind: performance review. For some, this can stir up feelings of anxiety and stress. For others, it can be an exciting time to really gauge how much work and progress you have made throughout the year.
Despite these feelings, this experience is supposed to be a helpful one. One that will praise you for all the hard work you have done and make you aware of things that need improving. These evaluations serve two main purposes: to help you progress and help businesses develop their talent, thereby increasing productivity.
Here are some helpful tips to make the most out of your performance review:
- Be receptive. No one is perfect. Be aware and prepared that you may receive less than stellar feedback.
- Speak up. If your manager gives you a low rating in an area where you disagree, speak up. Ask them to share certain circumstances when the situation occurred. Remember to respond diplomatically.
- Know your weaknesses. Yes, everyone has weaknesses. Be aware of them. The last thing you want is to be blind-sided by your boss. You can avoid this by doing an honest self-evaluation of yourself prior to the discussion. If your weaknesses have a reflection on your salary, you are clearly going to have to make changes.
- Think about what you want. Utilize this one-on-one time to mention a few skills that you would like to hone in on for the next year. For example, if you would like to improve your public speaking abilities ask your boss for coaching or possibly take a class.
- Keep your co-workers out of it. Do not bring up your neighbor's lack of performance or annoying habits. This reflects poorly on you and this is your review, not theirs.
View your performance evaluation as an opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and enhance your professional development. If needed, take this time to go over what is expected of you and what responsibilities you have. This could be a great time to ask for more of a challenge or mention something outside your realm that you may be interested in working on.
Remember, don't think of it as a bad thing if your boss gives you some points to improve on. It is highly unlikely that your evaluation will be entirely positive. Take those areas of improvement and follow up by acting on them and making your manager aware of your accomplishments. It is management's job to help you strive for better. Remember, no one is perfect. But, top performers always strive for more.
Social networking has become the most popular way to network and find business connections. Every week or so, the trend evolves into a difference technique. The newest form of social networking is 'friending' people through Facebook, LinkedIn or the social networking site of your choice.
A recent post on the blog EXCELER8ion, discusses the idea of friending and how it works. The basic idea is to develop a legitimate friendship first, and then let it naturally turn into a business relationship.
Friendships can take you much further than regular business networking. They ensure a level of trust and intimacy, where business relationships are just that: business.
'Friending' is a good way to make connections, but also develop relationships that you can rely on outside of the office. Additionally, your new friendships could pay off in the long run, as you would probably be moved to the top of your new friend's list if a job opportunity or connection come their way.
This month's video touches upon a situation that many candidates in today's hot job market find themselves in - can you work with multiple recruiters or are you shooting yourself in the foot if you do?
It's highly likely that if you're looking for a job and you're the right fit for the position, multiple recruiters will be contacting you. While casting the widest possible net seems like the best way to get your resume out there, there is a right way to go about doing it.
One recruiter's portfolio isn't going to have all the job openings available. That being said, doing the right thing can build respect, trust and a stronger recruiter-candidate relationship. Be sure to check out the additional installments in my Recruiter Tips series in the coming weeks. I hope that you find them useful. Good luck in your job search!
But what I would like to discuss is from the first article, "Preparing for and Making a Career Change," which provides reasons for why workers want to change careers in the first place. They are:
1. For some people, staying in the same job for too long of a time is unthinkable.
2. A 'career midlife crisis.'
3. Dissatisfaction with the current employer (this could be a variety of reasons).
4. Boredom.
5. Lack of feeling fulfillment or accomplishment.
While these are all sound reasons for wanting to change a job or career, I can't help but wonder if some of these reasons are areas that workers can improve at their current employer.
For example, take number four - Boredom. We all feel that our job can become stale, but this may also be a symptom that you are not stepping up and doing more to challenge yourself. Don't be afraid to speak with your manager and ask for more responsibilities, or to take on more projects. This could also be a lead in to help out with symptom #5 too.
Overall dissatisfaction may not be something that can change for the better, but a 'career midlife crisis' may be. After a few years of working, you might find yourself at a crossroads for reinvention. Perhaps now is the time to hone your skills in other areas, differing from your current responsibilities. Also, check out options for job-sharing or internal internships that cross train you for a different position.
Changing careers is certainly an option if you are unhappy with your job or employer, but having the opportunity to reinvigorate your career may also just be at your fingertips.
If you aren't already a fan of NBC's "The Office," I highly recommend that you check it out one Thursday night. The premise: hi-jinks at a branch office of a paper company. You can check out a fellow bloggers' top 10 scenes from The Office or search "The Office" on You Tube.
Some speculate the reason this show is so popular is because employees wished that their own work environment was as fun, or funny, as the one at Dunder Mifflin Inc. (the name of the show's fictional company).
Me? I think it's been a breakout hit because it mirrors some of our own co-workers (the brown-noser, the know-it-all, the prankster) and work experiences (a visit from corporate, diversity training, office birthday parties), adding funny elements, even if a bit exaggerated.
What I also like about "The Office" is that it also presents cases of what NOT to do, and how NOT to act in a real work environment. Funny as the episodes and situations are, the bottom line is that the antics that take place in the show, are completely inappropriate for a real office environment.
So how do you keep things light without crossing the line? Easy. Get to know you co-workers and their personality on a more social level. At staff meetings, suggest a monthly office lunch where everyone can get together and unwind, even for an hour. Or, periodically go out to lunch or after work happy hours to get to know your colleagues better.
Work isn't meant to be a "laugh a minute" way to spend 8-10 hours a day and collect a paycheck. But it also doesn't have to be a buttoned-up, nose to the grindstone four-walled box either.
Two sides of one coin, a catch 22. Both terms mean the same thing. Two options, with equal consequences. It seems to be the current trend regarding employee time off. One day, you will read an article about how much employees enjoy their flexible schedules because it helps with work/life balance. The next day, you will read another story about how little time Americans take off for vacation, and disconnect from work completely.
Now, companies are trying a new trend recently written about by a fellow blogger. Allowing employees to take time off as they please, without making formal arrangements and without having a set amount of time to take. IBM is one such company, and the Herald Tribune recently wrote an article about it. Sounds like a great idea, right? But there is an apparent drawback.
Turns out many of the employees offered an arrangement of unstructured vacation time, admit that they are more likely to check email and work while they are supposed to be taking time off. It appears this new approach isn't relieving Americans from being overworked or those who don't take advantage of their alloted vacation time.
One might argue that structured vacation time allows employees to make plans to actually be away from the office. Taking time sporadically may not allow employees to do this, or might make them feel like their "vacation" time comes with a price.
How do our readers feel? Would you like the IBM style time off benefit, or the traditional paid vacation?
Woken up lately and thought to yourself "great, another day of the same old job, same old office, same old co-workers?" Then you realize that you creativity and enthusiasm for work have disappeared?
If so, you too might enjoy this recent post about getting stuck in the mud at a bad career. The blogger focuses on finding your passion and turning that into a career - essentially getting paid for doing what you love. Believe me, the idea of it sounds appealing, particularly for those folks who are burned out of the whole 9 to 5 monotony. But I do caution against leaving the "normal" workforce immediately to turn a hobby into a full time job.
For example, you may dream of being a chef and opening your own restaurant. But you probably cook because it's relaxing and you enjoy it. Be wary that once you cross that line into cooking full time that means it becomes a job, and that makes it harder to cook for "fun."
So here are a couple of tips for those who would like to turn their passion or hobby into a career.
First of all, test the waters. If you want to change your career, especially to a hobby, try it out on a semi-part-time basis to see if you can actually handle your hobby as a career. It isn't easy holding a full-time job while starting a new one, but it's better than quitting your job and then having the next career not work out.
Second, choose a hobby or passion where you can actually make income. If you like to paint, don't spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on art supplies. Instead, consider a job at a museum, or volunteer first to see if it's your calling.
Furthermore, think about giving your current career a chance, but in a different setting. If working in the non-profit sector is where you really want to be, perhaps you can take your accounting and finance expertise and use it to work for an organization or cause you feel passionate about.
I am curious to hear what others' dream jobs are, and whether or not you have tried to turn it into a career. How did it go, and what steps did you take to get there?
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