ManpowerGroup says Workers Must Become Cross-Functional

ManpowerGroup says Workers Must Become Cross-Functional ManpowerGroup says Workers Must Become Cross-Functional To experience more 2013 job growth spikes, across industries, particularly in the wake of federal job losses, the U.S. job market must reinforce its educational infrastructure, says Jeffrey A. Joerres, chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup. With budget cuts to education, companies are under increasing pressure to invest in modernizing school curriculums and preparing todays workers and students for fast-growing industries. Employers have always been the most knowledgeable sources of what skills will accelerate industry growth. Yet the responsibility they now bear to invest in skills-training the American workforce is inescapable.ManpowerGroup has found that millions of long-term unemployed workers are located near employers in dominant industries unable to find candidates with the right skills.To build a long-term career across many industries, individuals at all career sta ges must first examine which industries are growing and then seek the skills and career development expertise that will open doors for them across these industries, says Jonas Prising, president of ManpowerGroup. Essential career-planning resources are found in ManpowerGroups widespread presence in U.S. communities. The ManpowerGroup network is critical for acquiring the insight into the top skills demanded by todays growing employers.

Founder of Jaclyn Johnson on book WorkParty

Founder of Jaclyn Johnson on book WorkPartyFounder of Jaclyn Johnson on book WorkPartyThough you would think Jaclyn Johnson, the woman behind Create Cultivate the fastest growing nationwide conference platform and online platform would have a seamless career trajectory with nothing but praise, promotion and adoration, you would be quite wrong. No one has that. Even Johnson who can call upon people like Issa Rae, Gloria Steinem and Kim Kardashian to headline one of herbei conferences found herself crying in the bathroom during work on more than one occasion.Her dream had been to work in magazines, but unlike every female character in a 90s RomCom, she couldnt survive on an editorial assistant salary in New York so she ended up taking a job in marketing and advertising. She climbed the rungs in that field and ended up moving across the country to LA for a promotion only to be laid off shortly after which was devastating at the time but gave birth to her accidental entrepreneur journe y.Having no luck getting a full-time job at first she began freelancing and soon built up an impressive roster of clients. A year later she had founded her own marketing and events agency, No Subject, with clients includingLevis, Farmers Insurance and Nasty Gal. She also had a super successful fashion and lifestyle blog called Some Notes on Napkins that started getting featured in major fashion magazines, helping her brand become even more powerful.Create Cultivate came about as a side project as she knew she was the person that could always bring creative ideas to a meeting but she wanted more geschftsleben knowledge and she had a feeling that other women were also looking for that educational component. She organized a small conference with keynote speakers Emily Weiss and Aimee Song and even though she says it was a disaster the many attendees were thrilled. Today the conferences are held all over the country with over 800 attendees at a time.Like everyone, Johnson was challenge d and had failures and was treated terribly at time and experienced burnout, but ultimately it led her to create something incredible because she figured out what so many entrepreneurial women needed a place to come together and be inspired (and have plenty of Instagram opportunities.) And now she has put her sage geschftlicher umgang advice as well as somefun anecdotes in her bookWorkParty (because work doesnt always have to be depressing.)Ladders spoke with Johnson about her new career guide and why work should always be a party.On what exactly a WorkParty isWorkParty is a movement for a new generation of women who are redefining the meaning of work on their own terms. Women who are creating and cultivating their careers having fun while doing it.When it came to writing WorkParty, I realized Ive been working now for over a decade and have been through a ton. I wanted to give women an insight on how I achieved my accomplishments and also share the very real struggles that come alo ng with being an entrepreneur. I want women to be able to use this as a guide to learn and grow in their own careers and respective fields.On crying at workThe truth is that we all have our days and if youre going to cry, youre going to cry. If youre having a moment, just quietly step out and give yourself that time. And if you see a colleague is visibly upset, be sure to have her back too.On embracing our failuresAs time passes we realize that our failures can actually bring gifts, but thats something we need to realize with ourselves first. But of course, its important to talk about and be open with the people around you so its something that we can all learn to do. Sometimes a pizza cry fest cant hurtOn how to find your whitespaceWhitespace is the unique value your business adds to an industry. Its innovation or another concept referred to as disruption. I think of whitespace as a canvas of opportunity, as more of an emotional and instinctual theory than a line item in a dense bu siness plan.On why women respond so strongly to Create and Cultivate conferencesBecause we get them. We know our audience so well We see their comments on social media, get feedback from every event and conference that we put together, and we put all of that into fruition and give them what they want. Were also bringing in panelists from all different backgrounds whether its fashion, tech, financeyou name it. We really try to cater to every woman out there and encourage them to explore different industries, rather than telling them they should stick to one thing and one thing only. Theyre all creative and entrepreneurial spirits, and we encourage them to finally go after their big idea.On the worst career adviceThere were people who told me I shouldnt start a project until its perfect. I think that just going for it and listening to any feedback along the way is so valuable and teaches you what youll need in order for your business to grow. Were all bound to make mistakes, but we sh ouldnt let striving for perfection hold us back.On her best morning routine hackA lot of us have the habit of checking our phones first thing in the morning, and thats okay. But I still think its important to slot in a few minutes for yourself and clear your head in the morning, before diving into your workload for the dayeven if thats after checking your email and Instagram feed.

What to Do If Your Job Is Stressing You Out

What to Do If Your Job Is Stressing You Out What to Do If Your Job Is Stressing You Out According to The American Institute of Stress, job stress is the top source of stress for American adults and it has escalated progressively over the past few decades (The American Institute of Stress. Workplace Stress). Not only can it make you unhappy with your job and cause your performance to suffer, but it can also impact your physical and mental health. It is essential that you learn how to manage job stress before it leads to long-term problems from which it will be difficult to recover. Lets look first at some of the top causes of job stress and the issues associated with it. Then explore some ways to manage it. Causes of Job Stress It is helpful to identify what is causing your job stress. Only then can you attempt to manage it. Here are some possibilities: Overwork When engaged in a big project at your job, it may be necessary to spend a lot of time at the office or be forced to take work home with you. If it happens infrequently, it is unlikely to become a problem, but if you regularly have to stay late or continue to work from home after hours, you may begin to feel stressed out. Job Insecurity It isnt surprising to be worried if you are afraid you are going to lose your job at any moment. Impending layoffs are very stressful. Career Dissatisfaction If your career isnt a good match for your personality type, aptitudes, work-related values, and interests, you are unlikely to be satisfied with it. It is critical to consider these traits when  choosing a career. Job Dissatisfaction Working in a job that doesnt fully utilize your abilities and talents or in one in which you dont have the right skills is stressful. Before you accept a job offer, make sure the position is a good fit. Conflict With Your Boss or Coworkers Considering the amount of time you spend at work, good relationships with your colleagues are imperative. They can make a good job better, and help you survive a bad one. Effects of Job Stress Seventy-two percent of people who have daily stress report that it interferes with their lives. Thirty percent of respondents say they have taken medication to manage their anxiety and related problems like nervousness and sleep disorders (Anxiety and Depression Association of America [ADAA]. Highlights: Workplace Stress Anxiety Disorders Survey). Job stress can lead to chronic health problems like cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders, according to The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you catch symptoms early, you can resolve problems before they lead to more severe consequences. NIOSH points out that some of the early warning signs to look for are job dissatisfaction, sleep disturbances, headache, trouble concentrating, a short temper, an upset stomach, and poor morale.  Also be aware of a change in personal relationships, increased use of drugs or alcohol, and teeth grinding. The ADAAs Workplace Stress Anxiety Disorders Survey found that workplace stress can also cause problems on the job. Individuals who suffer from it report problems with job performance, work quality, and relationships with coworkers and superiors. Managing Your Job Stress Here are fixes that can help you solve some of the problems that are causing you to be stressed. Each one is specific to a specific cause that was previously discussed. Take a Break If overwork has become a problem, find a way to get away from your job for a bit. If you can take a vacation, that will provide the best relief. If you cant get away for an extended period, try to leave on time at least a few days a week. Avoid bringing work home with you every day. Take a lunch break as often as possible and use that time to go for a walk or engage in another relaxing activity. Prepare for a Layoff While a looming layoff can be very unsettling, being proactive can reduce some of your stress. Have a plan in place should you end up unemployed. Change Your Career If you find that you made the wrong career choice, or your career is no longer fulfilling, it may be time for a change. Choose carefully. Quit Your Job While resigning may seem like an extreme action, it may be your only option if your job is making you miserable, and especially if it is making you sick. Improve Your Workplace Relationships Look for ways to resolve conflicts with your boss or coworkers. Although it may be difficult, it is worth the effort. Get Professional Help Finally,  If your stress is having a profound effect on your well-being, dont be afraid to get professional help. Identifying the sources of your job stress, and finding ways to manage them can improve your overall mental and physical health. It can, as well, have a positive effect on your career and life in general.

Help Desk Analyst Salary and Job Description

Help Desk Analyst Salary and Job Description Help Desk Analyst Salary and Job Description The help desk analyst is one of the most visible IT roles- as well as an evolving one. In fact, it’s one of the few public-facing IT jobs. But what does an average workday look like for this professional? Here’s a quick overview. A tiered role Help desk analysts are on the frontline of customer support. They are focused on helping to resolve technical issues end users encounter, or connecting those users with more intensive IT support, when needed. Here are the three levels of analysts: A Tier 1 help desk analyst typically takes the initial inquiry and manages relatively simple hardware, software or network issues. If they can’t address the problem, they escalate it to a Tier 2 analyst. A Tier 2 analyst is able to resolve more complex systems and applications problems. These help desk analysts generally decide whether or not to generate a trouble or work order ticket, or escalate the issue to the next level. Tier 3 analysts research and resolve the most complex issues that other help desk levels have been unable to fix. They also identify trends in issue reporting and come up with preventative solutions. Remote assistance A help desk analyst spends the majority of the day performing remote support. This can take a number of forms: Over-the-phone support Screen sharing or remote control Live chat support Email support Performing any kind of technical support is challenging enough, but remote support can require even more skill. If screen sharing or remote control tools aren’t available, help desk analysts must depend on users to be their eyes and hands when trying to resolve a problem. The help desk analyst must visualize what the user is seeing on his or her screen and know exactly what suggestions to give, and how to word that guidance so the user can follow it. Providing remote support can be particularly tricky during busy periods of the day when the volume of calls picks up, queues get longer and pressure mounts. The help desk analyst therefore needs to know how to keep cool and work efficiently â€" and it doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor, particularly when receiving requests like these. (Although laughing at end user requests while helping them is obviously not a good idea!) Ticket maintenance Help desk requests are tracked using a ticketing system. The most efficient help desks have standards set for ticket quality, like average time to resolution and percentage of tickets that are escalated to higher levels. These standards are used to measure the quality of service, as well as to detect trends in product quality. This is why a help desk analyst must regularly maintain tickets. These professionals typically spend a portion of the workday reviewing existing tickets and looking for cases that should be closed, following up with users where appropriate, and setting reminders for future action. Help desk analysts who deal with especially time-sensitive issues will spend a larger share of their day on ticket maintenance and following up on reminders to make sure their tickets are on track for a speedy resolution. We can help you get your next help desk or desktop support job: UPLOAD YOUR RESUME Training, coaching and advising A more experienced help desk analyst, such as a Tier 3 technician, will likely spend time training and coaching others in addition to solving more complex IT issues. Tier 3 professionals are also expected to maintain documentation such as knowledge base articles or FAQs, and inspect the ticketing system for trends to help drive improvements to the help desk as well as IT products. Devising preventive solutions is one example of how a Tier 3 help desk analyst specifically adds value to the organization. A promising career path If you’re looking for a technology role that will keep you on your toes and exercise your interpersonal skills, help desk analyst can be a great job. A help desk role can also be a great way to break into the technology industry. Help desk analysts are in demand and can expect to see significant increases in starting compensation this year, according to the 2019 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide. The midpoint salary for a Tier 1 support role is $38,750. The midpoint salary for a Tier 2 role is $45,750, and for Tier 3 it's $58,500. Use our Salary Calculator to adjust these figures for your city. Keep in mind that industry certifications are important to help desk analyst career success, and can have a direct impact on a professional’s earning capacity. Some of the most in-demand credentials are CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Professional, HDI and Cisco. This post has been updated to reflect more current information.

15 easy ways to keep yourself accountable this new year

15 easy ways to keep yourself accountable this new year 15 easy ways to keep yourself accountable this new year New year, new you, right? Well, it’s not always that easy. We’ve all been there - New Years Eve  comes and we make promises to ourselves; we’re going to be  the healthiest, happiest, and best we can be! Sounds like a good goal, doesn’t it?But then the end of January comes to a close, and our motivation starts to waver as the joy  of the holidays trickles into hard, busy days and a routine that leaves us unable to catch our breath. March comes in the blink of an eye, and by the time July rolls around, our New Years resolutions seem like a far off dream. You know this cycle all too well, don’t you?Well, it’s time to break the cycle - 2019 is going to be  your year. You really can be the healthiest you’ve ever been this time around, because we’ve found the secret formula that the vicious, endless cycle has been missing: accountability. Holding yourself accountable to reach your goals ensures that when  the going gets tough, you don’t  give up.And you know what happen s when you don’t give up, right? It snowballs  into  bigger goals  and even  more motivation. By the time 2020 rolls around, maybe you won’t even feel the need to make any New Year’s resolutions at all.With 15 easy ways, here’s how to hold yourself accountable to achieve your healthiest self, ever:1. Get in the right mindsetBefore setting your goals, you must know your “why.” Take some time reflecting or journaling on why accomplishing this goal is important to you, and how it will make a difference in your life. So when you’re going through the day-to-day, you won’t be thinking, “I  have  to wake up  at 6am  to exercise.” You’ll be thinking, “I  want  to wake up at 6am to exercise, because it makes me feel so much happier and healthier throughout the day if I get a workout in in the morning.” Know your “why” and remind yourself of it daily.2. Prepare  what you need in advanceDo you prefer morning workouts? Lay out all your clothes next to your bed, and even untie your sneakers so they’re ready to go in the morning. Pack up your gym bag or prepare  anything else you need, like  setting out your water bottle  and car keys.  If you workout in the afternoons and your lifestyle allows it, consider wearing your workout clothes before your workout, like when you’re running errands or doing work.  Having everything ready to go will make it so much easier to get yourself to workout, and will put you in the mindset that this workout  will  happen. Preparation also works for nutrition goals, too -  meal prep  makes it much less likely for you to resort  to takeout after a busy workday or  snack on unhealthy choices like chips and cookies.3. Get an accountability buddy!Have a friend or work wife who also wants to stick to health goals? Make them your accountability buddy and motivate each other by exchanging healthy recipes, sending motivational quotes, and checking in to see how the other is feeling or keeping up with their goal. Yes, you should be holding yourself accountable, but it doesn’t hurt when someone else holds you accountable, too! You’ll be much more motivated feeling like you’re in this together.4. Set specific small goals every week“Lose  20 pounds” is a far off goal that will leave you disappointed and unmotivated - trust me. If you want to be healthier, set smaller, more specific (and non-scale related!) goals throughout each week to be a healthier you. On Sundays, think about what you want to achieve that you can manage in your lifestyle - fit in four workouts total, run three miles instead of your usual two, lift 10 extra pounds, or add  greens to two meals a day. And then work up towards achieving your goal, so by the time the week is over, you’ll feel accomplished, proud of yourself, and more motivated to set harder goals for the next week.5. Use apps to track your statsSince it’s hard to always  keep yourself accountable, why not let an app do it for you? There’s a reason he art rate monitor workouts like Orangetheory are so popular - you see the stats, so you  know  how hard you’re working, and whether or not you reached your goal. Consider a fitness tracker that will track  activity  like heart rate and steps, and then set goals based on what you can track (i.e. 13 minutes of 80 percent maximum heart rate, or 12,000 steps a day), so you know if you need to be working harder or putting in more effort. For nutrition, it’s also helpful to use a food tracker like My FitnessPal to see if you’re overeating or not getting all the nutrients your body needs. There’s no arguing with the hard facts!6. Plan  your workouts like you’re scheduling an appointment.Try signing up for a workout class - the cancellation fee in itself will be enough to keep you accountable! If you workout with a trainer, that means you both must agree on a meeting time.  Having a set plan will hold you accountable to show up, making it  harder to make excuses not to. If  you p refer solo workouts, don’t just plan to workout “sometime tomorrow” or whenever you “have time.” Guess what: you will never “have time!” Schedule  workouts in advance, write them  into your planner or calendar, and honor that workout - show up on time, be prepared - like you would any other appointment or meeting on your schedule.7. Reward yourself for reaching small goals.If you plan to workout four days a week for two weeks and reach that goal, or plan to eat healthy and end up resisting office rice krispy treats not once, not twice, but three times!? You deserve to be rewarded! Of course, your rewards should not be counterintuitive to your goal, like a “cheat meal” or piece of cake. That’s just training your brain to see your  efforts as a  have  to  and making unhealthy food the goal, instead. Try rewarding yourself with the leggings you’ve been wanting, a sports bra that you’ll love, or even a facial. Or plan yourself a movie night in at the end of the week, complete with  homemade popcorn  and a glass of wine (even goals can have a little fun!).8. Workout  with friendsEven with our busy lifestyle, we  still want to fit in social time with all our best friends! That usually means an after work drink or meeting up for dinner, but why not make your social schedule healthier and more attune to your goals? Go on a walk to catch up with a friend instead of meeting for coffee. Cancel the brunch plans one week and schedule a spin class and post-workout smoothies with your girl friends. Not only will you get the quality time in a healthier way, but working out with a friend or two will hold you accountable to make sure you don’t skip the workout.9. Journal your progressHere at The Everygirl, we could talk about the benefits of journaling until we’re blue in the face (and often  do!). It creates a space for mindfulness, thoughtfulness, and purpose, and can help you achieve all of your goals. Get a journal that’s specific for your he alth goals (like  here  and  here), so you can record your progress. You can also use any blank notebook (or the notes in your phone!) and every day, write about what you did towards your specific goal, and how you felt during the day.Not only will  journaling about your goals on a daily basis keep you motivated and proud of yourself, but  knowing you’re tracking your daily progress  will  hold you accountable. It’s a lot less tempting to skip the workout or order takeout when you know you’ll feel so much less proud of yourself when you’re writing about it later.10. Have a plan BSo you slept through your alarm and missed your morning workout? Or are feeling under the weather and just don’t want to go to spin class? Have an easy and flexible backup plan so that you just don’t completely give up when your plan doesn’t work out. Going on a 30-minute walk after dinner or doing a yoga YouTube video before hopping in the shower are great ways to fit in movement and keep your self feeling motivated and good about your goals, even when your plan doesn’t work out. Having a backup that you  don’t  need to schedule when your plan falls through is crucial to staying on track.11. Create a vision boardSurround yourself with images and words that are motivating to you. If mantras are your thing, come up with your own, write it down, and post it on your mirror or somewhere where you’ll see it often. You can also start a vision board filled with motivating images like a picture of yourself from when you remember feeling healthy and happy, or a  magazine cut-out of someone achieving your goal (like crow pose or running a 5k). You can also post healthy recipes you’ve liked, or pictures of women you admire for their drive and ambition. Visually seeing your goal as often as possible will keep you motivated.12. Find ways to stick to your goals that are enjoyable for you.If you want to eat healthy but hate salad, don’t eat salads! If you want to get fit but ca n’t run a mile to save your life, don’t force yourself to run right off the bat. Instead, find the things you enjoy - the foods you like, the exercises that  make you have fun or feel centered.  Learning  how to  enjoy  achieving your goals is much more likely to make them stick long-term than forcing yourself to eat or do things you don’t enjoy. Instead of the same old salad and chicken breast every day of the week, get invested in cooking and trying new things. Experiment with healthy recipes like crockpot  curries or spaghetti squash, and test out workouts to find one that you’ll not only enjoy, but will look forward to  doing, like a dance class or yoga routine. It will be the easiest and most fun way to reach your goals, ever!13.  Build your own habitsThanks to Beyoncé, we know that it takes 22 days to create a habit. Think about what little habits you could make to help yourself achieve your goals. Would an hour of uninterrupted phone time a day help you stay motivat ed? Would getting to bed an hour earlier  make it easier for you to wake up for your morning workout? What about snacking on carrots instead of pita chips when you’re hungry before dinner? Commit to building smaller, healthier habits for just 22 days, and watch how easy it is for you to stick to them. After a while, getting enough sleep, choosing the healthier snack, or doing something good for yourself really will just become, well, habit.14. Read, listen to, or watch something positive every day.I love  Real Housewives  just as much as the next girl, but let’s be real - bingeing it every night before bed  certainly does not help out with health goals. Instead, listen to a  motivating podcast  on your way to work, read a chapter from a  self-improvement book  before bed, or if reality shows really are more your cup of tea, stream a show like  Queer Eye  that will inspire you to be your best self. Filling your time with inspiration and motivation will make you excited to reach your goals.15. Look for one small victory every day.Every single day, look for a victory you made towards your final end goal. It could be that your jeans are fitting looser, or that you did an extra 10 crunches, made a smoothie for breakfast instead of getting an Egg McMuffin, or successfully turned down the donut at the office that day.  Feeling like you’re accomplishing something, no matter how small, and making one small step (or pant size) towards your final goal feels much more motivating than a distant goal that feels  out of reach. Let the victory in itself be its own goal, and get excited for whatever victories the next day will bring - you’ll reach your end goal in no time! 2020 will be so impressed.This article first appeared on The EveryGirl.

3 Common Job Search Challengesand How to Overcome Them

3 Common Job Search Challengesâ€"and How to Overcome Them 3 Common Job Search Challenges- and How to Overcome Them Let’s face it- the job search is no walk in the park. It seems like just when you have things figured out and are making progress, yet another stumbling block swoops in and threatens to stand between you and that dream job of yours. Yes, there are plenty of job search challenges to overcome. But, fortunately, they don’t need to stop you in your tracks. There are a few different things you can do to move past those frustrating roadblocks and make it to the other side of your search- with as little stress as possible. Here are three common job search challenges  and how you can conquer them: 1. Avoiding the Resume Black Hole You’ll fill out your fair share of online applications when you’re looking for a new gig. And, while they’re convenient (hey, it sure beats needing to drive to the office to wait unannounced in that lobby with copies of your resume in tow!), they can also make you feel somewhat invisible. You click that “submit” button on that application you spent hours polishing, and you’re instantly met with that sinking feeling that it’ll never actually find its way in front of human eyeballs. It’s destined for a life floating aimlessly in that dreaded resume black hole. How to Deal: First of all, rest assured that this is a totally justified concern. Thanks to the prevalence of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), job applications typically need to make it through plenty of filters and screenings before they ever land on the hiring manager’s desk. So, how can you battle with those pesky robots? There are two things that will help you more than anything else. First and foremost, you need to tailor your resume to the job description- yes, for every single job you apply for. That ATS will be set up to look for certain keywords or phrases. If they don’t appear on your document? You’re well on your way to the trash bin. So, take the time to ensure you target your materials to the position at hand (and, of course, be honest!). Secondly, don’t forget the benefit of following up. If a week or two has gone by and you haven’t heard anything, don’t hesitate to find a contact at the company that you can reach out to to check on the status of your application. Sometimes that human connection (and that demonstration of your interest!) is all you need to push your application to the next round. 2. Finding an “in” with a Company Are you sick of the whole, “It’s not always what you know, but who you know” cliché? It might be a tired sentiment, but it still holds some water. Statistics say that anywhere between 70-85% of open jobs are filled through networking. But, what if you don’t have any sort of personal connection to that company? Do you need to resign yourself to being yet another number on their applicant list? Or, is there a way to get your name in front of the right people and ensure that your resume stands out from all of the other anonymous ones that are in the pile? How to Deal: When it comes to leaping this hurdle, researching the company will be your very best friend. In addition to getting familiar with the overall company, you should also dedicate some detective work to researching current employees. Are you able to dig up the name of the relevant department leader? Or, maybe somebody in human resources? If you’re feeling extra brave, you can send a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message stating that you’re excited to find out more about the job opportunity. It’ll go beyond that anonymity you often experience in your job search and allow the employer to put a face with the name. It’s also wise to continue networking (even outside that company!) as you’re going through your job search. You never know who can connect you with who. And, if that one job doesn’t end up panning out, an expanded network will be a huge asset to you as you pursue your next opportunity. 3. Knowing What to Expect in the Interview Job interviews are nerve-wracking. Your palms get sweaty, your knees get shaky, your mouth gets dry, and you’re feeling anxious about having all of the right answers to whatever questions the interviewer throws your way. Unless you have a crystal ball, there’s no way to know exactly what you can expect out of a job interview (every single one is different!). However, there are some things you can do to make sure you’re adequately prepared- even for the unexpected. How to Deal: When you’re feeling nervous about knocking the actual interview questions out of the park, it’s helpful to practice. Look up some of the most common interview questions and then run through your responses to each. Of course, you don’t want to come off as an overly rehearsed robot. But, knowing some of the major points you want to touch on will give you some added peace of mind. Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to the person who set up the interview to get some of your more basic questions answered. Whether you’re wondering where to park, who you’ll be meeting with, or how long you should anticipate that interview lasting, go ahead and ask. Having those details sorted out will clear your mind and allow you to walk into that interview with a little more confidence. The job search comes with its fair share of challenges. But, they’re nothing you can’t handle. Put these strategies to work, and you’ll make it through your hunt in one piece- and hopefully with a brand-new job! Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- you’ll get a month free service and they’ll get 30% off!

This is why top performers ultimately become bad bosses

This is why top performers ultimately become bad bosses This is why top performers ultimately become bad bosses We’ve all heard the cautionary tales of good workers becoming bad bosses. We watch top performers suddenly struggle to lead a team, wondering what happened. We learn from watching newly promoted managers flounder that the skills of your initial job do not necessarily translate to your promoted job. This is a theory that’s been circulating since the 1960’s. In 1969,  Canadian educator Laurence J. Peter co-authored a satirical book, “The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong” detailing a harsh truth: Good rule-followers get promoted by management until they become bad leaders.As Peter wryly puts it, “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” Although the business examples within the book were fake, the satire of managerial incompetence struck a chord with workers everywhere, topping bestseller lists. Now there’s data to prove it.Researchers: Good job performance does not correlate with good management skillsResearchers from Minnea polis, MIT and Yale University decided to put the question posed by the Peter Principle to the test: Do the best workers become the worst managers? In a new paper published in the National Bureau of Economic Research, they lay out  evidence to support the Peter Principle.Looking at the performance of sales workers at 214 firms, they found that firms would prioritize “current job performance in promotion decisions at the expense of other observable characteristics that better predict managerial performance.” Sales workers increased their chances of earning a promotion by about 14% each time they doubled their sales.  But just because someone is great at closing deals doesn’t mean they are fit to lead a team.Researchers found that workers who were the best at sales had a lower success rate with getting their team to meet sales goals when they got promoted to management. In fact, sales declined an average of 7.5% on teams led by managers who had doubled sales when they were just in charge of themselves.Team players show better leadershipThe study challenges us to look beyond certain numbers when defining top performance.  The independence and autonomy skills you excelled in as worker do not necessarily help you collaborate with a team. Newly promoted managers who were not stars at increasing sales numbers ended up becoming good managers when they were great at collaboration - a skill overlooked in promotion decisions. Employees who excelled at sales collaboration, or “the number of colleagues with whom a worker shared credit on transactions” ended up being great managers who increased sales by 30% for their teams.To find good managers in a sea of hard workers, companies need to restructure what good performance actually looks like, so that skills like collaboration get rewarded.“The costs of not promoting the best potential managers are high,” the study warns. “Firms appear willing to forgo a 30% improvement in subordinate performance to achieve better incentives or to avoid costly politicking.”