Concrete Tips for Outstanding Informational Interviews

Concrete Tips for Outstanding Informational InterviewsThe world is changing, and one of the real benefits is that employees now have mora control over their careers than ever before. One of the best ways to get the job you want is to know everything you can about the sttte and industry youre striving to work in. An informational interview is an exceptional method for gaining the insight you need to climb the ladder in any career field. Below are tips for a successful informational interview that will help you seek advice, network with people in your industry, and learn more about the corporate culture of any potential future workplace.Start With Those You KnowI advise job seekers to start with people they know. Reach out to friends, classmates, colleagues, and friends of friends first. Social media such as LinkedIn and Facebook are great resources for reaching out to people who may be able to help you realize your career goals. Mixers, career fairs, and holiday parties are also great places to network for advice.Touch Base With Experts in Your FieldLinkedIn is a wonderful tool for finding experts in your field. Find people who do what you want to do and send a message through LinkedIn. You can also look up companies verbunden that you may wish to work for and reach out via email or with a telephone call to someone that already works there in the position you want.You may find it difficult to call on a complete stranger to conduct an informational interview, but you can make it easier by preparing a short script in advance. You can write something down to read off of such as, Im very interested in pursuing a career as a (fill in the blank here) and I would love to hear about your experience and advice for someone like me just starting out. While people are busy, most will feel flattered that you asked them for information and will gladly accommodate you.Keep It Short and SweetAn informational interview doesnt necessarily have to be in person. It can be conducted in five minutes over the phone, via e-mail, or on Skype. If you wish to meet in person, offer a short meeting for coffee or a quick visit to their office. However you wish to hold the informational interview, keep it concise as time is money.What to SayWhat should you say in the initial outreach? The key is to always ask first for their permission and if they have the time to help you. Let them know you have only one or two questions so they understand that you wont be taking up half their day with a long e-mail or more than five minutes on the phone.Be specific with your requests. For example, tell them, I have only two questions to ask about how you got to where you are todaymay I send them via e-mail? Or, I hope one day to be as successful as you in a corporate auditing role. Im just starting out in my career and I was wondering if you have no more than five minutes to answer two or three questions for me about how you got where you are today?If youve been following the person, start with what you admire about their work, what theyve published, or how youre connected. Once youve let them know what you admire about their work, request permission to ask them two to three questions about what they do and how they achieved success in their industry. Remember to ask politely and never assume they will want to help. A genuine compliment on their accomplishments (I find your monthly blog is always an interesting read.) is also often helpful.Be PreparedAs any rookie reporter can attest, interviewing someone can be difficult, especially if you are not prepared. Do your homework in advance. Learn as much as you can about the person youll be interviewing, their position and successes, and the company they work for. Preparation pays off.Ask QuestionsOnce you have their permission, send your questionsno more than threeso as to be respectful of their time. Interviews of any sort should flow like a great conversation. To prepare, put together a list of questions you have about the position, industry, or company you are interested in learning more about.Questions you might ask include what a typical day in their position looks like or what the most difficult aspects of their job are. You could also ask about the educational requirements for the job you want, or who has been influential for them in achieving their career goals. As you are listening, you may come up with a more pertinent question than one you have written down. Its okay to skip the prepared questions and go with the flow, but remember to end on time.Network Through Your ContactAs your informational interview is coming to a close, be sure to thank them for their time and ask for recommendations of others you should talk to who may be able to give further insight into the field you are pursuing. This allows you to network even further in the industry and you may garner additional information you can use to assist in your career search.Always Send a Thank-YouWhether you send a letter or thank-you card, you always, always need to follow up on an informational interview. In addition to just being good manners, this solidifies your connection with the person who has just given of their time to share with you their hard-earned career knowledge. They deserve the thanks, plus, the world is a small place and you never know when your paths may cross again. If they remember you were interested, brief, and polite, they will be more inclined to help you in your career later if they have the opportunity.Follow Up on ReferralsBe sure to follow up on the names your source referred you to. You could conduct another short informational interview with them to learn even more, and it is another networking opportunity. This may lead to your name being discussed in circles that could lead to a job offer, so remember to always present yourself as a professional.In conclusion, the informational interview is a great way to gather information and advice about any career field. It is also a terrific way to meet new people who may be able to give you some good advice and point you in the right direction for career success. Using the above tips is a step toward getting exactly where you want to be in your career.If youre searching for tips on how to create a cutting-edge resume or bring your resume up to speed with 2017 resume trends, check out this article that includes my top 10 2017 resume tips.In the meantime, Id love to connect on LinkedIn and expand both our networks Feel free to send me an invite here. You can also find me online at Great Resumes Fast where I help time-pressed job seekers create interview-winning resumes within three to five business daysand more than 85% of my clients get multiple interviews in two weeks or less.

UK Companies Have Pay Gaps Up to 36%

UK Companies Have Pay Gaps Up to 36% What do you think would happen if companies were required to publish what they pay women vs. men? You dont have to think too hard...because its happening. A new law is requiring companies in the UK to calculate and publicly disclose the difference between how much their male and female employees make. Employers will compare the average and median hourly earnings for men and women, both with and without bonus factored in. All companies in the country will have to report their findings on their websites by April 2018.In anticipation of this new law, some British companies have released reports indicating they have pay gaps of up to 36%, which is reportedly twice the national average of just over 18%.According to The Independent, Virgin Money, a bank, has revealed that its male employees earn 36% more than women on average, while at asset manager Schroders, men earn 31% more than their female counterparts.The Independent points out that Virgin Moneys findings arent totally off kusine within the financial services industry (where the pay gap is 34% on average) and also points out that by other measures, the company is ahead of some of its peers four of its 10 corporate directors are female, including its chief executive.Still, the company has realized its wage gap is in part due to the fact that there are not enough women in senior roles at the company and there are too few men in customer service positions. As a result, The Independent reports, men make up 67 per cent of the best-paid employees and just 26 per cent of lowest-paid.Matt Elliott, the companys people director, has acknowledged how problematic behauptung inequities are and says hes resolved to make sure the company better supports women so they can rise to higher level positions.At Fairygodboss, where were all about increasing transparency in the workplace, we crowdsource information to maintain a salary database and also provide a salary calculator via Payscale to help job seekers find out whether theyre being compensated fairly. Needless to say, we recognize that this UK law is game-changing in that it will likely encourage employers to become more self-conscious about how women perceive their company culture. Moreover, when women have access to this kind of data, theyll feel more negotiating a raise, asking for a promotion, or advocating for more equal work conditions overall.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women. Join us by reviewing your employer

Most Noticeable Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume

Most Noticeable Writing a dezentral Managerial Skills Resume Youve got to present yur qualifications and your skills in a sense that will catch the interest of a hiring manager, and among the best approaches to do that is via the target statement on your resume. It is possible to read more about the way to compose a strong career objective here. A strong resume objective will highlight your unique attributes that help the geschftsleben reach its objective. What Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume Is - and What it Is Not A great sample manager resume will include things like keywords a number of times throughout the document. A Microsoft positiv document may appear funny, based on the monitor. Resume templates are reliable tools to that it is possible to use if you arent sure with the formatting and other relevant particulars. What to Expect From Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume? In smaller companies and classrooms, you will need to have the ability to ma nage more than 1 task at one time without losing sight of your final goal or losing charge of your charges. Switching careers can appear to be an intimidating task, especially in case you feel as if youre starting from scratch. Attempt to comprehend the market of the organization youre asking for work, and identify what sort of difficulties they could be going through. Leave out the ones which you just have a simple grasp of. Both resume objective and summary can do so, but only as long as written properly. Then show you comprehend the work description. Just be sure that the work description doesnt clamp back on PDF resumes. The info above should explain to you how sample manager resumes are best structured, to find an interview and find that job. Details of Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume If youre asking for a management position, your resume needs to showcase your management-related abilities and experience. Its important to get a comprehensive work experien ce also. Hard skills can be classified in various ways, based on your job title. Though some skills will be different based on your industry, there are several which are universal across just about any work atmosphere. If youre angling for your initial managerial spot, its vital that you demonstrate a keen comprehension of the business for a whole. Our cover letter sample and writing tips below can help you write one that is going to get you the job that youve always desired. In addition, there are a few handy ideas to help you craft a successful resume. If you want more help with the writing process, take a look at our final writing guide. The Basics of Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume A management resume should demonstrate that, whether youre a restaurant manager or an operations manager, you comprehend the significance of your position. If youre an assistant manager whos seeking to be a shift manager, then youll require a management resume that shows off you r value to the company, and a management resume that shows your professional development too. Having sales experience is essential for a retail manager as it usually means you could identify with your employees. General managers oversee several stores in a particular region. Regional Sales Managers are accountable for units in a particular geographical place. The Basic Facts of Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume You need to personalize your letter for each position youre applying for so that you just discuss skills that are relevant. The education section ought to be brief. If you dont have a business background, its still important to include your qualifications. Hard skills are quantifiable and frequently learned from school or at work. The Lost Secret of Writing a Regional Managerial Skills Resume Communication is important in every facet of retail management. Management skills are important for many factors.

Quitting a Job the Wrong Way

Quitting a Job the Wrong WayQuitting a Job the Wrong WayQuitting a job can evoke a variety of conflicting emotions, from nostalgia for the job youre leaving behind to great relief to anticipationfor the new position. But emotions should not drive how you quit a job.We surveyed mora than 600 human resources managers about the most unusual way they have heard of someone quitting a job. Here are nine real-life examples of how not to quit, in plus-rechnen to some tips on exiting gracefully.1. Sticky businessThe employee who used a sticky note to explain why he was quitting gave new meaning to the term thinking small.2. Extended bathroom breakOne employee went to the bathroom and didnt return. Enough said.3. Tell one, tell allThe employee who quit by sending an email blast to the entire staff may be limited in future endeavors - unless town crier comes back as a hot job.4. Bricking itAn irate employee tossed a brick with I quit taped to it through a window. Not exactly a great way to bui ld your career.5. Informing the wrong peopleOne employee told coworkers it was his last day but forgot to let his boss or the HR manager know. I knew I was forgetting something6. Spousal assistanceDont delegate uncomfortable conversations. One employee had his wife call in to say he wouldnt be returning to work.7. Going shoppingMaybe the woman who went out to buy boots and never returned was hoping to get a salary hike at a new job.8. Antisocial mediaQuitting a job through a Facebook post, as one employee did, wont get you a lot of likes.9. This one takes the cakeBaking a cake with your resignation letter on top isnt in good taste - unless youre leaving to open a bakery.Quitting a job the right wayHow you end up quitting a job can have lingering repercussions. In the OfficeTeam survey these outlandish examples were taken from, 86 percent of HR managers polled said the manner in which someone quits a job will affect that persons future career opportunities. Consider these tipsLet yo ur boss know first. Your manager wont be pleased to learn of your departure through the office grapevine. Give him or her the courtesy of being the first to know youre leaving.Offer enough notice. Give your boss a least two weeks notice so he or she can begin the process of identifying your replacement and plan for someone to cover your workload.Keep it low-key. Making a dramatic exit might sound exciting or cathartic. But the impression you leave will last - and it wont be a good one. Even if youre fed up with your job, resist the urge to tell your boss what you really think on your way out the door. Youll only burn a bridge.Remain focused. Remember that you are still on the company payroll until your last day. Dont check out. Rather, use your remaining time to tie up loose ends and makes sure colleagues have the information and instructions they need to keep things moving once you leave.Leave the counteroffer on the table. Counteroffers are often more of a temporary bandage than a cure. While you may feel valued in the short term, the issues that prompted you to consider leaving will likely surface again.Stay in touch. Give your colleagues your email address. Be proactive and reach out via LinkedIn.Quitting a job and looking for another one? Robert Half can help you find a new opportunity in a variety of professional disciplines.Submit Your Resume Today

How to Interview Candidates, Not Educate Them

How to Interview Candidates, leid Educate ThemHow to Interview Candidates, Not Educate ThemHow to Interview Candidates, Not Educate Them HerrenkohlA director of sales was frustrated by the fact that her boss was always more impressed with certain sales candidates than she was. She bewerbungsbewerbungsinterviewed these people when they rst came into the ofce and did notlage nd them to be all that remarkable. Then other sales managers interviewed each candidate.Finally, the candidate met with her superior, the senior vice president, at the end of the day. By that time, the interviewees really knew how to sell themselves and wowed her boss. Why?It turned out that that the other sales managers were spending too much time talking about the company and not enough time asking good questions. Instead of digging into peoples past sales accomplishments, these interviewers were educating job candidates about the company and its industry. Being salespeople, the candidates used this information t o hone their personal sales pitches.To remedy this situation, the company moved to a team interview approach. It controlled the questions that were asked and the amount of information that was provided to job candidates early in the interview process. This helped to reduce its hiring mistakes. Heres how to make sure job candidates do their homework and you dont do it for them.Ask the Right Interview QuestionsOpen-ended questions always trump closed-ended questions in the interview process. Take a look at these two sample interview questions and ask yourself how effective they are. In this case, the hiring manager wants to probe into a candidates leadership skills.Open-Ended Interview Questions Tell me about a time when you had to lead your team in a new direction. Candidates will have to provide you with one or more challenges that they faced and the specic steps they took with their team to meet them. It will be clear to you if they fudge their answer and if the experience is genui ne.Closed-Ended Interview QuestionsDo you consider yourself to be a leader? This question lets candidates off the hook by allowing them to give a one-word (or at least very limited) answer.You have learned nothing.Unlike mutual funds, interview questions about peoples past performance is the best indicator of their future results. A simple but powerful approach to interviewing is to use open-ended questions to get people talking about their accomplishments at every stage of their life and career. If you ask the questions correctly, you will obtain an accurate picture of what theyve achieved up to this point. Then you can decide if they are likely to realize the results you want from your next hire.A-Player Principle A well-conducted interview always focuses on getting people to elaborate in detail about their past accomplishments. Use open-ended questions to encourage a conversation, not just yes-and-no answers.Always Ask Follow-Up QuestionsEven when you ask open-ended questions abo ut peoples accomplishments, you often receive rehearsed answers. Dont just accept these responses and move on. Always ask one or more follow-up interview questions.Dr. Kurt Einstein was an executive recruiter who conducted research on interviewing techniques. One of Einsteins key points was that follow-up questions force job candidates to reveal if there is any substance behind their initial programmed responses. If candidates can describe in living detail how they accomplished something, they are likely telling the truth. If they provide broad-brush generalities in response to repeated follow-up questions, they are probably embellishing their achievements or overemphasizing their role in some way.Using follow-up questions makes your job as an interviewer easier, since there are as many follow-up questions as there are accomplishments to discuss. You can simply ask about specic accomplishments and then follow up with Tell me more and Why so? and run a very effective interview. In ad dition, you can ask questions such asWhy did you choose that strategy?What made you believe that layoffs were the right answer?What steps did you take to make purchasing more efcient?What specic things did you do to reduce the time to close the books from 30 days to7days?This tactic puts less pressure on you to come up with a lot of creative interview questions. Instead, you spend your time listening in the interview process. If you follow this simple approach, you will conduct a strong interview every time.A-Player Principle The most important question to ask in an interview is the follow-up question. Dont let candidates get away with just providing their rehearsed answers to your inquiries about their past accomplishments.Reprinted with permission of John Wiley Sons, Inc., Copyright 2010 by Eric Herrenkohl Herrenkohl Consulting.Author BioEric Herrenkohl is the author of the book, How to Hire A-Players, (John Wiley Sons, 2010) and is President of Herrenkohl Consulting. Herrenkoh l Consulting helps executives create the organizations they need to build the businesses they want. To receive Erics free monthly e-letter Performance Principles, go to herrenkohlconsulting to subscribe.Know exactly what to ask job seekersThere is a time and place in the recruitment process for educating people about your organization, but make sure not to overdo it early in the interview process. You want to spend valuable interview time asking questions that will help you understand the candidate sitting in front of you. Could you use some help with that?Sign up for exclusive https//www.youtube.com/ adviceand well send you the latest recruiting tips, hiring trends, management strategies, and even some awesome deals.You can rely on expertise tohelp you craft smart, insightful interview questions that will help you make your next terrific hire.

How to Get Ahead With Payroll Classes

How to Get Ahead With Payroll ClassesHow to Get Ahead With Payroll ClassesWhether youre fresh out of school or a payroll expert, professional development can seem like a never-ending journey. From basic PayTrain Fundamentals to global payroll operations, there are myriad courses that might have value to your career. And then there are classes to get relevant certifications - and to remain certified.Are payroll classes really worth the time and financial investment? Can they help you progress up the corporate ladder or land higher-level positions? In a word Yes. Absolutely. Definitely.Here are six things you can do when you pursue continuing education at all stages of your career in this fast-moving field1. Expand your skill setTheres always something to learn. As a clerk, you start out with payroll calculations, making deductions and refunds, auditing the payroll register, and preparing reports. But to qualify for a job with mora responsibilities, you need to deal with compliance an d operational issues, oversee payroll policies and procedures, supervise a team, and submit quarterly payroll taxes. Then there are the mora complex points of multistate and international payroll, virtual employees, contractors and freelancers.In addition, many companies are blurring the boundaries between payroll, human resources and basic accounting functions. Formal training is key to learning about these and other payroll-related fields.2. Keep your knowledge currentWhen it comes to payroll, learning doesnt stop once youve passed an exam. Keeping up to date with constantly changing tax laws, payroll procedures and reporting requirements is essential for businesses to remain in compliance. Whats mora, year-end procedures often shift, and a smooth close depends on having the latest information. You should also be versed in the latest advances in payroll technology, such as business process automation.Whether youre learning the basics of payroll administration or taking an advanced course on artificial intelligence, continuing education courses help you keep doing your job well.3. Earn and maintain a certificatePayroll is one of the few well-paying professional fields where a four-year college degree is often elend a requirement. But to show hiring managers you have the basic know-how to do the job, you can work toward the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). This credential does not require previous payroll experience. The more advanced Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification has more prerequisites, including a minimum of three years in payroll, but attests to the holders extensive knowledge base.To remain in good standing, the FPC requires at least 60 Recertification Credit Hours (RCHs) in three years, while the CPP requires at least 120 RCHs in five years.4. Demonstrate commitmentStudying for payroll classes and attaining/maintaining a certification takes time and money, but consider what going through with all that says about you. When your boss or hiring managers see that you highly value continuing education in payroll, they realize youre serious about staying in this field and are committed to payroll best practices. And the more you demonstrate your professionalism and dedication, the more likely you are to get promoted or land new positions with more responsibilities.5. Earn more money and respectCertified payroll professionals dont just have the potential to earn more money they actually do earn more money. The combination of practical experience and specialist knowledge makes them stand out from the crowd as sought-after candidates. Many employers are willing to pay more to get that level of expertise.Whatever your level of qualification, upskilling yourself through payroll classes improves your chances of commanding a higher salary. To find out what you could earn as a payroll clerk, coordinator or supervisor, check out the Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals.Visit the Salary Center, where yo ull be able to adjust salaries for staff accountant jobs in your city with the Salary Calculator.6. Meet other payroll professionalsMost payroll classes are virtual and on-demand, which is handy for busy workers. But theres also the option of enrolling in live seminars or attending conferences - which typically have a host of workshops and general sessions. These are fun and efficient ways to quickly earn a large number of RCHs or continuing professional education (CPE), and a nice break from the office.Whats more, you meet dozens of like-minded professionals and expand your network of contacts at events like these - and possibly even get leads on exciting new career opportunities.Making payroll classes a priorityThe payroll field does not stand still, and neither should your knowledge base or career. Whether youre building skills, updating your knowledge, earning certifications, demonstrating dedication, boosting your salary or meeting others in your field, youre not wasting your time.By pursuing continuing education and regularly taking courses, you help your organization as well as your professional future.

Military College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)

Military College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)Military College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)The College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) is an enlistment incentive for new recruits to the U.S. military. Like other such incentives authorized by Congress, each of the services is free to offer the program as it sees fit in order to meet established recruiting goals. Under CLRP, the military will repay a portion of eligible college loans for non-prior service military members. This program is for enlisted personnel only officers are not eligible, and not every military occupational specialty (MOS) is eligible for CLRP. Congress has limited the maximum amount of payment to $65,000. However, within these limits, each of the services has applied their own maximums. At present, the Army and Navy will repay the maximum allowed by law for non-prior service active duty enlistments. The Army will pay up to $20,000 for Reserve enlistments (including the Army National Guard). TheAir Force will repay up to $10,000 for non-prior service, active duty enlistments. Additionally, the Navy Reserves will repay up to $10,000 for Navy Reserve enlistments. The kriegsmarine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force Reserves do not offer the College Loan Repayment Program. However, the Air National Guard offers CLRP of up to $20,000, for designated shortage AFSCs (jobs). Qualifying Loans for CLRP To qualify for CLRP, a loan must be entered into before joining the military. The following loans qualify for the College Loan Repayment Program Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students (ALAS)Stafford Student Loan, formerly known as the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL)Parents Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Must be incurred for the use of the individual contracting for the program (not others such as relatives)Consolidated Loan Program. Only covers the members education expensesFederally Insured Student Loans (FISL)Perkins Loan, formerly known as the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL)Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) Eligibility for CLRP These criteria will vary based on the individual branch of the military. But for active duty personnel, they must have no prior military experience to qualify. In the Air Force and Navy active duty, personnel must be enlisted for a minimum of four years in the Army active duty, the minimum enlistment is three years. The enlistment requirements to receive CLRP are somewhat longer for the Reserve units.For the Army and Navy Reserves, and Army and Air National Guard,a minimum enlistment of six years is required. For the Army, soldiers must have a high school diploma and an overall score of 50 or higher on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).For Army active duty, Army Reserves, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard must enlist in a specific MOS that qualifies for the program. These are subject to change based on need, so its best to check with a local recruiter to see which jobs are eligible for CLRP. For the Army Reserves, Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard, the maximum amount repayable (up to $20,000) varies by MOS as well. Within the Army and Navy Reserves, those with prior military service are eligible. And perhaps most importantly The CLRP must be included in the recruits enlistment contract in order for it to apply. CLRP and the GI Bill An important caveat to be aware of when considering whether to request CLRP. Any active duty personnel seeking CLRP are not eligible for theMontgomery GI Bill for the same enlistment period. To be clear Active duty members may participate in the GI Bill during a subsequent enlistment period, even if they used CLRP during their first enlistment. One would not be able to use the GI Bill, however, until after 30 months into the second enlistment. These provisionsdo not apply to members of the Reserves and National Guard, who can use the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill, and the CLRP during the same enlistment period. Member Responsibilities fo r CLRP To qualify for CLRP, military members must remain on enlisted active duty while enrolled in the program. Loans must be in good standing, i.e., not in default, and the member is responsible for paying any fees and accrued interest. CLRP payments are made directly to the lender, not the military member, and are considered taxable income. Payments CLRP payments are made directly to the lender. The first payment is not made until after the member has completed one year of service. For active duty personnel, the military repays 33? percent of the outstanding principal balance of the loan annually, or $1,500, whichever is greater, for each year of service. The Army and Navy Reserves will repay 15 percent of the outstanding principal balance of the loan annually, or $1,500, whichever is greater, for each year of service. The Air National Guard will pay 15 percent or $5,000 (whichever is greater) annually against the outstanding principal balance.