The Generation Game

The Generation Game We are, on average, living longer, and demographic changes will have implications in all areas of life. The aging workforce will soon become one of the main challenges facing organizations. What people want from work is broadly consistent across generations but some older workers may be much less likely to have had opportunities for training, development, and progression. Investment in skills and retraining can redress this imbalance, allowing older workers to reskill and progress in the workplace. Generational differences in the workplace and the successful management of a diverse body of employees have obvious business benefits. A failure to recognize and account for generational differences and values can cause problems with employee engagement and staff turnover which may lead to distrust, misunderstanding, and even hostility. People of all ages have recognized that they will need to work for longer. Generation X, in particular, face retirement largely without defined benefit pensions, facing more complex retirement decisions and finding it harder to build up assets. Better understanding Intergenerational work has been shown to have a range of benefits for participants. It can help individuals to express their identities, improve their wellbeing, to share a sense of reciprocity, and to develop a better understanding of each other and of community connectedness (Gaggioli et al. 2014). Good relationships, empathy, and perspective taking lead employees to be more supportive towards colleagues from different age groups. A key driver of supporting people to work for longer is to improve the quality of work. Improving employment practices for older workers will make the workplace better for everyone. Making work better for all workers will benefit individuals the economy and the state, now and into the future. Talent is at a premium, so anything an employer can do to make themselves attractive to the brightest and best of all ages is worth consideration. Job quality and role design can also help retain your best workers. Employers need to find innovative approaches to role design and use of technology to assist and support employees and enhance the employee experience. Flexible working Older employees are most likely to say that working part-time or flexible hours would encourage them to delay retirement but it’s also true that young workers may welcome flexibility to continue studying or bringing up small children. Workplace flexibility from the point of hire onward is crucial to help people manage work-life balance with personal and professional commitments. There is growing evidence of the benefits of flexible working in broadening the talent pool and improving staff satisfaction. Employees of all ages who are able to work flexibly are more likely to be positive about their job (NIESR, 2017). Research by the BITC suggests that by 2022, the UK economy will need to fill 14.5 million job vacancies created by people leaving the workforce and by new positions being created. It is estimated that there will only be seven million young people available to fill them â€" leaving a labor shortage of 7.7 million people. Career Conversations At 10Eighty we consistently urge the use of meaningful career conversations with all staff on a regular basis. Open and productive workplace conversations about future career planning benefit all parties. Failure to understand what engages and motivates staff prevents both workers and employers from planning for transitions, enabling agile and flexible working and adversely impacts succession planning and knowledge sharing. Real communication with staff of all ages, at all levels with allow organizations to reap the benefits of an age-inclusive workforce for workers, business and customers. ACAS point out that a cross-generational workforce can create a natural and positive dynamic where age and experience feed off one another.

Tips for Creating a LinkedIn Profile that Gets Noticed - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Tips for Creating a LinkedIn Profile that Gets Noticed - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career If you are in business you need to be on LinkedIn. This is also true if you want to be in business. Meaning, if you are in school … now is the PERFECT time to get started on LinkedIn. No matter where you are in your career NOW is the time to spend some time insuring your LinkedIn profile describes you, your goals, your accomplishments and what you bring to the table. Your goal should be to help the reader decide: Do I want to do business with this person? There should be no debate about this point. Your career may depend upon it. There is nothing wrong with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ or any other Social Networks. It’s just that LinkedIn is the place to be for business. Why LinkedIn? LinkedIn has become the de facto place for business people to connect. People you want to do business with are on LinkedIn. They will look for you there too. Depending upon what they see they may decide to go all in with you or take a pass on you. Your LinkedIn profile says a lot about you… or it should. Taking the time to insure you put your best foot forward is time well spent. If you still need convincing: The goal is to make sure you Stand Out, Inform and Engage. The ultimate goal is to help you Stand Out In Your Career A few initial tips for your profile Current Picture (It should tend towards a professional look) Current Role (Be candid if you are looking for your next challenge) Current goals / deliverables (What are you doing now / What have you accomplished) Degrees / Awards / Activities Professional Associations / Clubs / Non-Profit Work Recommendations (Ask for them AND Reciprocate) Endorsements (Appreciate them) Have a Call to Action (This can help people move in the way you prefer) Your profile defines you Your Profile should include  your goals, your accomplishments, the value you add and the role (or types of projects) you are seeking. This is not to imply you are putting  yourself out there to work for another company. Maybe that is your goal, but whether you are staying put or considering a move… Your LinkedIn profile lets people know what they can expect when working with you. When writing your profile Spell Check  â€" Take special care to insure you have no errors. People DO notice. Grammar Check  â€"  An incorrect word or odd turn of phrase can be off-putting and distracting from your message. Pro Tip: Ask a Friend to read your profile. Be Brutally Candid  â€" Ask them to read with a critical eye. Ask them to Read, Review and Rip it to Shreds A friendly face and voice reviewing your profile now can save a lot of time and potential headaches later. Provide guidance if needed. For example, if you are looking to make a dramatic shift in careers ask them to read your profile through that lens. Read, Edit, Re-Read  â€" Be a brutal self-editor, but not too brutal. Let your trusted advisors voices and thoughts come through. Endorsements Recommendations In follow on posts I will talk more about these. They are important elements to your overall LinkedIn Profile and deserve a dedicated post. Pro Tip: Continuity and Brevity Matter Make sure your LinkedIn profile makes sense. And that it does so in a quick and consumable manner. People are busy. They may genuinely be interested in you, but they will appreciate you more if you can get your points across in  Bite Sized Chunks. Why do any of this? It’s simple. To Stand Out To Inform To Engage Remember: Your goal should be to help the reader decide: Do I want to do business with this person? In future posts I’ll be discussing how to leverage your LinkedIn profile to get job offers, to connect with industry leaders and to advance your career. In the meantime I’m always open to ideas, suggestions and feedback. I’d like to hear your thoughts. For example, How do you use LinkedIn? and What clever uses of LinkedIn have you seen? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s start a dialogue. Also, if you want to connect with me on LinkedIn… click here. dolphfyn / Shutterstock.com

How to Make Your Customers Feel Valued - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How to Make Your Customers Feel Valued - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career When your customers feel valued, they stay loyal to your business. Loyal customers also help you get new customers by telling about your business to their friends and coworkers. They do free word of mouth marketing for you and as a result, your business grows. Therefore, you need to value your customers and make them feel special. Below are 5 ways for it. Say “Thank You”: Express your appreciation and thank your customers for doing business with you. You can thank them by sending a card on holidays or a coupon via email for their next purchases. Also, don’t forget to celebrate your customers’ birthdays or anniversary days if you have this information. Doing business is not always about bringing in new customers but also about keeping the existing ones. Therefore, make your customers feel remembered and thought. Pay Attention: Pay attention to your customers’ inquiries. Customers can use a variety of channels to communicate with you. You need to track all of them and be responsive. The rule of thumb is to solve the customers’ problems within 24 hours. Also, you always need to have a staff available during business hours to get customers’ calls and you can also take advantage of the automated tools to respond emails, chat messages or social media messages. Listen to Feedback: Try to find out what your customers like and dislike by listening to their inquiries and feedback. If you can update your product or service according to your customers’ needs, then, you can be a more successful business. Moreover, let them know that you are releasing a new product or service that will cater to their needs to make them know that their opinions are cared. Use CRM: Take advantage of the CRM tools and create a VIP list of customers. You can give these VIP customers special discounts or host an event just for them. Having a VIP list is a must for every business in order to thank the customers who make the most business with you. This way your customers will feel valued and keep making business with you. Be Presentable: Always be presentable as a business. This means that your workspace and employees should be clean, neat and professional. If you have an online business, your website and mobile app should always be updated with the latest technology. You can make changes in your website or mobile app design according to latest trends. Moreover, make sure to keep your design as simple as possible for easier navigation.

How to Handle Oddball Interview Questions

How to Handle Oddball Interview Questions Most of the time, interviews at the entry- and mid-level involve a straightforward list of questions that candidates can answer by speaking the simple truth. Classic interview questions are classic for a reason: they provide reviewers with meaningful information and offer a jumping-off point for an organic conversation. These classics include questions like “how would you say your last job prepared you for this kind of work?” and “how would you describe your approach to conflict in the workplace?” But some interviewers are starting to view these questions as clichés, and these employers are looking for ways to gain the same valuable information using questions that are quirkier, more original, and harder for candidates to anticipate. What happens when your prepared, rehearsed answers aren’t necessary, because your interviewers are asking you only one question, and it’s a question like “how do you eat an Oreo?” or “can you give me instructions on how to use a seatbelt?” We divided some of these oddball questions into categories, and though you can’t predict and prepare for questions like these, this breakdown may help you stay on your feet. Practical Math “How many slices of pizza have been sold in the United States this past year?” “How much should one jelly bean cost?” “How many number two pencils could fit inside the Ohio State football stadium?” Employers aren’t looking for a single correct answer to a question in this category. They just want to hear how you would approach this issue and what steps you might take to find a solution. You can start by talking about calculating weights, volumes, and costs per unit, or you can start by discussing who you would call to handle this task and how you would engage their help. Practical Problem Solving “How would you get to the top of the Empire State Building with only some glue, string, and a broken cell phone?” “How do you build a bicycle?” “How would the use of scissors benefit a pizza delivery service?” Again, there’s no way to get this question right or hand over the single correct answer that your reviewers expect. Just don’t freeze up. Take a deep breath, think for a few seconds, and then talk your way toward the best solution as you see it. Communication Tests “How do I make a peanut butter sandwich?” “Why do volcanoes happen?” “What were the first five things you did when you woke up this morning?” These simple questions aren’t designed to test your knowledge of sandwiches or volcanoesâ€"they’re meant to determine how well you explain and communicate simple facts or instructions. Personality Quizzes “What crayon color would you be?” What color crayon would you be? “What three items would you take to a desert island?” “What’s your favorite cartoon character and why?” If these questions amuse you, go ahead and laugh. Your reviewers thought carefully to come up with silly questions that might encourage you to reveal your sense of humor. But when you’re finished laughing, answer honestly. And if you feel baited or embarrassed by these questions and find them irrelevant to the job, that’s okay. Just smile and ask what your reviewers would really like to know about your personality, so you can just tell them. LiveCareer, home to America’s #1 Resume Builder, connects job seekers of all experience levels and career categories to all the tools, resources and insider tips needed to win the job. Connect with us on  Google+  and  Youtube  for even more tips and advice on all things career and resume-related.

The Art of Following Up CareerMetis.com

The Art of Following Up â€" CareerMetis.com Photo by bruce mars from PexelsWhether you’ve sent a job application, been for an interview, presented a business pitch, or just sent an email to someone, following up can be an awkward thing to do. On the one hand, you want to appear interested and enthusiastic, but on the other hand, you don’t want to seem pushy or needy, so how do you get the balance right and when should you do it?Choose Your Time CarefullyevalIf you want to follow up with someone without it being annoying, then don’t email or call them first thing on a Monday morning. Most people are inundated with emails and calls from over the weekend, and the first few hours are usually hectic.evalDon’t add to this, be patient. Perhaps wait until after lunch or even Tuesday or Wednesday when they can give your request their focus. Think about when it’s a quiet time for you, when would you usually respond or catch up on emails. When are you generally free to take a call? Although it’s not the same for everyone, itâ €™s an excellent place to start, and it’s always good to think about their needs ahead of your own.Be PoliteThis goes without saying, but it’s worth mentioning. Don’t be annoyed that they haven’t got back to you yet, don’t ask them why and don’t give an opinion on this. Be kind in your emailor phone call, ask them about their day, compliment them, and always say your pleases and thank yous.Acknowledge that you know they must be busy and you don’t want to chase, and you were hoping that you would be able to find a few minutes for you both to catch up. This will go a long way; no one wants to do business with someone who is rude, so it’s one of the easiest things so don’t lose out on a job or sale because you fail on this part.Don’t Over Do ItDon’t email or call every day; it doesn’t look good; all it shows is that you don’t have any respect for that person’s time. Give it at least a week before following up the first time because if you leave too much time , then it can look like you’re not interested.Finding the balance is critical if you speak to someone else like a receptionist or a colleague and they tell you to call at another time then make sure you stick to that, listen to what they say and respect them.Be CreativeMake yourself stand out…in a good way. Find out something about the person you’re reaching out to, make your contact with them personal and different than anyone else. If you’re going to be sending more than one email to this person, then don’t send the same one each time either.Mix it up a bit. Otherwise, it’s not only, but it makes you look lazy too. Have a look on their Linkedin pageor their company’s website, mention the post they have just published or the blog they have just written. It shows you’re interested in what they’re doing and it can never hurt to give them a compliment. As they say, flattery gets you everywhere.evalYour SubjectevalMake sure that the subject of your email is relevant t o the email, something that will stand out but something that is also easy to find when the recipient is searching through their inbox. Don’t be vague, don’t be irrelevant and don’t be boring.Don’t Send The Email To Anyone ElseWhile it can be very tempting to send your email to other people to give the person you are after a nudge or in the hope that this other person can help you, it’s really not a good idea to send your email to anyone who it doesn’t concern, this can seem very pushy and also disrespectful. Don’t CC othersin too unless it’s essential.Take Tips From Other PeopleHave a look at your emails and think about which ones grabbed your attention, who you felt you wanted to respond to, who sent you a follow-up email which made you take notice.All industries and professions deal with these same issues when it comes to emails and calls and generally following people up, so don’t be disheartened or take it personally, it’s just part of life. There are some g reat tipsonline which you can adapt for whatever situation it is that you’re in.

You Need a Strong Boss; 4 Tips to Get Them There.

You Need a Strong Boss; 4 Tips to Get Them There. While most of us have heard of “micromanagement,” the condition where bosses provide much more direction and feedback than an employee needs, there is another management problem on the opposite end of the spectrum. We call this “undermanagement.” Even if you are being properly managed, at least one expert insists that it is still your responsibility as an employee to get the work done and do it well. You are expected to work longer, harder, smarter, faster, and better. Theres no room for downtime, waste, or inefficiency. You must learn and use new technologies, processes, and skills. So, as an employee, what can you do? I spoke with Bruce Tulgan, founder of the New Haven-based workplace research and consulting firm, RainmakerThinking. Bruce has researched management techniques and generational dynamics in the workforce for 23 years, and has written a number of books including It’s Okay to Manage Your Boss. “Your ability to manage these relationships will have the single greatest impact on your productivity, quality, morale, and ability to earn credit and rewards for your contributions,” Tulgan says. “You need strong bosses, so you are going to have to help them get there.” Here are Bruce’s top four tips for effectively managing your boss: 1) Determine the best way to talk to your boss. In Tulgan’s view, the fundamental key to any management success, whether managing “up” or “down,” is consistent quality communication. Because every person has their own unique preferences and tastes, it’s important to find the best way to speak with your manager and do it consistently. The most important things to remember to make each of these conversations successful are consistency, clarity, and discussing the step-by-step instructions or guidelines for your work tasks and responsibilities. 2) Understand what is really expected of you every step of the way. No matter how self-reliant, capable, and hard-working you may be, it’s impossible to do your best work without knowing the expectations. While some might think that empowerment in the workplace comes in the form of total autonomy and little supervision, Tulgan argues that real empowerment comes from clear guidelines. “You need to know exactly what you are expected to do. At the very least, you need to know the bare minimum requirements, the rules of conduct, and the outer limits of your discretion,” Tulgan says. 3) Assess and plan for what you need. Too many bosses will lay out an assignment or task without also outlining the specific resources you need, or how to get them, to get the job done. This kind of planning should be the first thing you talk about with your boss once you’re assigned a new task or responsibility, Tulgan asserts. Go over, with your boss, an inventory of what is currently available to you and what is not, what it will require or cost to obtain those missing resources, and if there are any potential “workarounds” in the event that you can’t get the resources you need. 4) Track your own performance, so your boss doesn’t have to. Documenting your own performance is one of the most effective steps you can take towards better recognition and reward from your boss. Tulgan argues that this is something your supervisor should be taking on themselves as good management, but if they are not, it becomes your responsibility to do it for them. “If you want to be considered meticulous and trusted by your boss, then you need a tracking system to document your own performance on a daily basis. You need a system that is simple, practical, and easy to use so you and your boss can stick with it,” he says. Follow these steps and work closer with your boss(es), and you will get more work done better and faster, run into fewer problems, solve problems more quickly, waste fewer resources, achieve greater success, and earn more credit and rewards for your effort. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available!

Using Technical Writing on Resume

Using Technical Writing on ResumeIn some industries, including technical writing on resume, it's not an option to leave the technical work out. It's a must for keeping up with the latest developments. For example, some specialized job fields, such as legal writing, have replaced the usual resume with a new system. The old resume may still be useful in some cases, but it needs to be updated and treated with caution.With the introduction of new laws, the old resume is outdated. When dealing with new legislation, regulations, and standards, it's advisable to update the resumes of job seekers who want to do this type of work. For that reason, it's important to research current trends and conditions. One of the most common reasons why this happens is the requirement of computer literacy. In order to be professional in this area, it's important to have your computer skills up to date.Being a technical writer is not something that you can get done easily. You need to possess specific charac teristics, including knowledge and skills. Even if you're employed as a technical writer, you should know how to operate a computer. The best thing to do is to have a working knowledge of what is available on the market. You can also get help from family members or friends to gain more insight into this field.The job of a technical writer is not simple and easy; it requires a lot of experience and understanding. It will also require continuous learning as time goes by. In order to become a better technical writer, it's important to practice, study, and train as much as possible.If you are applying for a technical writer position, don't forget to include technical writing on resume on your resume. It can serve as a preview to potential employers. By including technical writing on resume, you will increase your chances of getting hired. Most employers are looking for writers who can apply the latest standards and technologies. By including it on your resume, you'll be on your way to s ecuring a position that may prove rewarding.When writing a resume, you should be aware of where to include the word technical. It should go in between the word administrative or managerial. The technical writer should be introduced as a skilled professional who can apply current standards and technologies in this field.It is important to be precise when describing the qualifications and experience you have. You need to avoid wording that's too general, meaning that you need to be accurate and precise. Employers may be more interested in knowing your work experience in this field. It will help them determine whether you will be able to meet their expectations or not.If you are a technical writer, don't hesitate to include technical writing on resume. In this industry, it's not enough to possess skills; you need to have the knowledge as well. Try to incorporate technological changes in your resume so that potential employers can easily understand your skills and capabilities.