ECG : Expert Career Guidance

Sunday, October 08, 2017

Have Big Career Goals? 5 Steps That Will Get You Closer Today

We all set goals and aspire to achieve them. But do we all really accomplish them? The answer is disappointing since only a small percentage does so. When we meet and see achievers, one question that strikes us is, “What qualities they have that I don't? This adds to annoyance and much chagrin to us. What we need to say ourselves at such a juncture is to take steps towards achieving goals and we alone are in charge of our destiny. When pursuing your goals, it is important to remember the adage “Rome was not built in a day.” After all, big things do take time to form. But this does not mean they are impossible to achieve. The trick in realizing goal is planning and taking actionable and manageable steps to keep spirits alive and push towards dreams.

Big Career Goal Steps That Will Get You Closer Today

Here are five steps that will inch you closer towards your career goals.

1. Assess yourself on tough questions :

The fact is, doing things over and again will yield the same results. Hence, instead of being content with the results, it is time to do some soul-searchingand scrutinize career journey. To figure out where you see yourself a few years down the line, first understand where you stand at present. At the same time, don't be get disillusioned by your mind. Assess yourself by asking questions like 'what professional accomplishments are there in your name,' 'did I learn any new skill,' or 'what additional responsibilities have I addressed.' It will help to determine whether you are on the right track or have lost the path midway.

2. Plans your goals :

With a clear picture in mind, it becomes easier to work towards it as all your actions get directed towards the goal. Once the goal is decided, be verbal about it. Understand what it feels like to be in a particularjob or work in a dream company. As time and energy is invested, it is always better to have a good idea about the dream job. Have answers ready for questions like 'what kind of employer I want to work for,' 'what salary package and benefits I expect,' and 'what types of responsibilities I am willing to handle.' In addition, remember to have realistic short-term goals that can help achieve ambitions.

3. Create a realistic career road map :

If you want to reach your goals, make sure to work on it every single day. It does not matter how much time is spent on it. It could be just ten minutes or a couple of hours. Working every single day can nudge you closer towards your aim and complete the checklist. When steps are taken to achieve goals, there is a possibility to discover additional things that need to be done before starting the next task. So, be flexible to adjust timeline and have realistic deadlines. It is important to assess the results of actions and check if they are as planned. If the answer is negative, rework for the missing things or try having a feedback from a third party.

4. Strive for excellence :

When you desire something, it is necessary to have a check-list at regular intervals to ensure moving in the right direction. Failing to recognize a 'wrong turn' or following crucial steps can divert from the intended destination and push backwards. At such times, even if the destination is fixed, a proper road map is must. Also, do not set tough targets, or be in a haste to attain goals. Be sure to achieve expertise in every level before moving on to the next.

5. Have a success mantra :

To go from imagination and wishful thinking to actually realizing your dreams, being motivated is vital. Pin a favorite quote on a wall that can remind and motivate towards goals. Recite the quote when feeling blue or drop in confidence.

As Paulo Coelho states, 'When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.' The more time you spend working on yourself, the faster you will move towards the goal. Implementing these simple steps can guarantee a better tomorrow if determined to achieve those spectacular goals in career.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

5 Unexpected Ways Career Can Make Your Life Better

Harmion Morris Tuesday, September 26, 2017 Career Can Make Your Life Better , career change 0 Comments

Working in a 9 to 5 job can cut down your free time and also reduce the daily meetings with your friends or college mates to a great extent. As you step into a world of profession and try to get acquainted with an entirely new routine, you will find yourself following a disciplined lifestyle instead of just lazying around. While the initial few months are a testing time of a career, grumbling over the limited holidays and workplace challenges faced will be obvious. Nevertheless, doing a job can transform you completely and make a better person. Eventually, a self-realization on how the career has made your life better will occur.

Unexpected Ways Career Can Make Your Life Better

1. You will adhere to a strict schedule :

As it will be mandatory to report to duty on time, and one cannot give out lame excuses for coming late or taking frequent sick leaves, following a proper routine and healthy diet will become the norm. Activities like boozing around on week days or catching up for late-night movies will become a thing of the past as you need to be present each day at the workplace. In addition to this, you will learn to go to bed early and even refrain from hitting the snooze button for some morning exercise. You will have a fixed schedule and also plan the day's schedule to avoid being distracted from goals.

2. You will recognize your sense of purpose for life :

Since reporting to senior authority is given in a job, procrastinating things will be a passé as making an impression is important. Aligning job duties with career goals will not only motivate to work harder, but also help you push yourself to bring out the best. Similarly, unproductive and unhealthy activities after the work will also stop drastically as there will be focus on self-improvement. Once there is a clear idea on how to be potential, there will be a motto. As a result, instead of spending an evening discussing the latest flick, changing TV channels to watch an interesting news or checking on social media accounts, you will find out ways to invest in yourself and grow as an individual. You may listen to motivational speeches by the person you idolize, do certificate courses that are relevant for the job or take steps to improve performance in the office.

3. You will have a better understanding of yourself :

When a particular stage to reach in a career in identified, setting a benchmark , applying mind and energy to achieve it will become your aim. Hence, you will not give importance to petty issues and will learn to ignore things that do not have any significant value. Furthermore, you will be able to recognize what you admire and which things do not matter to you. In addition to this, you will cultivate close bonds with people who have similar thinking abilities and also learn from them as well as avoid toxic people who do not contribute to your development. Doing a job will help to understand the balance between success and failure and also develop ability to digest things when circumstances are not in favor.

4. You will become an inspiration for others :

When you strive to become better in a profession, you indirectly serve as a role model for others. The attitude you carry for completing a task can become an example for other team members and thus increase the productivity of the team. At the same time, you can act as a motivator to friends or peers unwilling to take a step to shape their future just because it seems too risky or requires giving up on things they are fond of. When a perfect work-life balance is achieved, you will be in a better position to explain the benefits of pursuing a career to others and also encourage them to carry out tasks that will surely make them happy. Also, when they finally decide to take the leap, you can play the role of a supporter and motivator when they face issues.

5. You will become more responsible :

Working in an organization can make you a responsible individual and also take out the clumsiness. It will instill a drive in you to excel and make more active to learn different facets about the profession. Apart from this, there will be an improvement in understanding the importance of meeting deadlines, developing quick thinking abilities, and overcoming any adverse situations in life. When following a career dream, you will become more organized and always have a 'to-do list' before carrying out any task instead of randomly going about things.

When you are jobless or have no specific aim, the mind usually wanders in various directions as rightly said 'an empty mind is a devil's workshop'. Having a fixed goal and an aspiration to become successful in the career can make you a better individual and even transform your life. To get a career in your chosen field, take a look at resume samples.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

How To Get A Job With No Experience Or Qualifications?

Harmion Morris Thursday, September 21, 2017 career development , career goals 0 Comments

Do you find yourself lost in the crowd of job seekers? Are you questioning yourself which job is better for you as you have no experience or required qualifications? Hunting for a job without any relevant experience or qualifications can become frustrating after a while when you get no positive outcome. At such times, instead of giving up, demonstrate your abilities to a prospective employer and convince the hiring manager to hire you.

How to Get a Job With No Experience or Qualifications

Here are ways in which you can land yourself with a dream job that you have always aspired for :

Embrace the reality :

When you are applying for entry-level positions or are a complete novice in the field, it is a fact that the recruiters do not expect the candidates to put up experience in their resume. You can use this shortcoming as a motivating factor and show your willingness to learn. Hiring managers are often on a lookout for candidates who express curiosity, dedication and show commitment to do hard work and learn. To present these skills on your resume, refer resume samples.

Identify your potential skills :

Do not get discouraged after reading job description and just lose hope because you do not have the listed skills. Before applying to any job, inspect yourself and understand what are the things you do exceptionally well. Understand what you enjoy doing and what help do other people usually ask for. Are you having a problem-solving approach or can communicate your ideas well to the audience? In this way, you will recognize your true potential.

Make the link between your strengths and job relevant skills :

When you have identified the job that suits you the best, have a self-belief that you will excel at it. Perform analysis of the given job responsibilities and match it with your personal traits. Once you have an idea about why you fit the position, you will be in a better position to explain the same to the employer.

Know your worth :

Even if you do not have the relevant experience, understand what other background can be used to demonstrate your worth to the employer. It could be your graduate-level internship, a part-time job at a popular food chain restaurant or a short stint in theater during school-days. Experience does not come in traditional options always, there can be many more ways to it. However, to land a job, don't fake something just to make the cut.

Be willing to learn :

An individual who is starting new in a field has plenty of opportunities to learn. When you are a beginner, you get a chance to make something from scratch and excel in it. Always have a curious attitude and show willingness to learn new skills. This will definitely prove useful in the long term of your career. At the same time, confidently show that you are capable of doing the task while maintaining a modest attitude.

Become a volunteer :

The job hunt is a lengthy process and is bound to take time before you start your new gig. As you are not going to be hooked to the job application process the entire day, in the meantime, try some volunteering activities. You will not only learn something new, but also it will help you get some skills and add an extra section that will make you stand out in an interview process. Also, it will increase your contacts and the interactions with different people might help you have a foot in the door.

Grow your professional network :

If you think you have excellent skills that will help you excel a field, think of ways in which you can sell the same to others. Exceptional self-marketing proves you have the ability to bring about transformations and want to improve each day. Develop your own personal network and even connect with friends of your friends to avail the job opportunities at the right time.

Look beyond the specified requirements :

The vacancy advertisements often come with a phrase stating the required years of experience. However, most of the times, the entry-level jobs or openings do no have a hard requirement. It is mentioned just to filter out probable candidates and is usually used to describe the kind of candidate an organization is looking for. If you think that you have the required skills and can prove it to the employer, you should give it a try and persuade the recruiter for scheduling an interview.

Lying about yourself and fudging with the contents in resume is a terrible way to market yourself as an able candidate. Selling yourself to a prospective employer is an art, and you must have a realistic mindset when you are applying for a position. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter and understand what qualities will make him/her take interest in your profile.

Wednesday, September 06, 2017

5 Ways to Convince Your Boss to Start Letting You Work From Home

Harmion Morris Wednesday, September 06, 2017 career goals , career opportunities 0 Comments

'Work from home' or 'Telecommuting' is a preferred option as it provides flexibility and the comfort of being at home and work for the office. Working from home is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as employers have started to shred the skepticism that was once prevalent, and have realized the mutual benefits that are accrued in exercising the option. According to a 2016 study by consultancy PWC, around 38% of workers in the United States can work from home at least one day a week. The number is a fourfold increase when compared with the statistics of 1995.

According to two-third of the managers interviewed during the survey, granting employees the permission to work from home is at their discretion. So it can be inferred that even though it is an open option, it still requires convincing your manager or boss in a way that it serves in the best interest of both the parties.

Convince Your Boss to Start Letting You Work From Home

1. Self Assessment :

Convincing your boss can be a difficult task. Before you pitch the idea, it is important that you weigh all the factors at play and come up with ideas that would make a solid argument. The first thing you must be contemplating upon is the 'type of work'. If it is a desk job and can be carried out using nominal means such as a computer and perhaps an internet connection, then it will be a lot easier for you to justify your situation, as working from home becomes an option that is feasible in your case. On the contrary, if the job mandates you to work in a team, in that case, you might have a hard time convincing your boss.

2. Give Reasons That Are Mutually Beneficial :

In the majority of the cases, the reasons that are cited for 'work from home' option are personal and serve only the employee's interests. If the reasons that you quote are travel flexibility, and spending more time with you kids and family, there is a chance that you might fail in convincing your boss and would also imply a lack of interest. Therefore, it is a point worth contemplating upon, and instead you should give reasons that are mutually beneficial. For example, according to a study, remote workers tend to be more productive as they work in a more familiar environment and are more engaged in their work. So it can yield productive results and also help you in keeping up your end of the bargain.

3. Address All The Concerns :

Your boss might have concerns of you losing touch with your colleagues thereby affecting the overall performance. Hence, it is important that you assert him while addressing these concerns. And also ensure him of your availability in important meetings and during emergency.

4. Ask For A Trial Period :

Demanding flexibility to work from home' over the entire week can raise a lot of questions as it can nudge other employees in following the suit. Therefore, try convincing your boss on working remotely only on a trial basis initially. Demanding a day or two for the same can be an option worth exploring and would be a reasonable to ask. On the other hand, it also provides you the opportunity to prove your mettle. If you perform at the expected level and demonstrate productivity, you might be given a green signal.

5. Demonstrate Results :

Once you have got the green signal from your boss make sure that you don't fail him and try giving your best. Make sure you answer all the calls and respond to e-mails and messages. By responding to such protocols you can ensure that you remain available as you were earlier, and show that there aren't any setbacks in working from a remote location. Further, enhancing your productivity is possible by setting up an environment in your home, which is conducive for working. Besides making changes in the physical environment try maintaining a working schedule that suits you, and make sure it doesn't cause inconvenience to your family.

Studies have regularly pointed out that working from home can be good for your health and productivity. A Stanford University research conducted on employees of a Chinese travel agency concluded that employees who worked from home showed a 13% surge in their performance, while performance of the people who stayed in the office remained the same. The employees working from home reported a greater work satisfaction and less 'work exhaustion'. So the research that was conducted is a testament of surge in productivity as well as job satisfaction amongst the employees. Given the multi-faceted gains that telecommuting offers, it is an option worth pursuing on the part of employees as well as the employers.

Sunday, September 03, 2017

5 Things That Can Help to Overcome Gaps in Work History

Harmion Morris Sunday, September 03, 2017 career change , career development 0 Comments

Professionals switching jobs is not a novel phenomenon. Given the opportunities that are available today, people are willing to hop jobs or wait until they land a job that offers them the right opportunities and job satisfaction. However, the quest for an 'ideal job' may not be easy, and the person might end-up losing time thereby creating gaps in his/her work profile.

Overcome Gaps in Work History

Functional resume:

Graduates entering the workforce for the first time may find it difficult to land a job. The job search may take weeks or even months for entry-level jobs. In that case, the time that has elapsed during the search can be an impediment in your future endeavors as you would have a tough time mentioning it on a resume. Similarly, holding a number of different jobs during a short period of time can have a negative impression on the minds of the recruiters as you might be labeled as a job-hopper, thereby ebbing your chances of fetching an interview. However, you can overcome all the shortcomings using a functional resume. Functional resumes typically rely on grouping skills into specific categories to demonstrate a candidate's qualifications and expertise for a particular job. They provide a skill-based focus on your profile, which can be used to conceal the shortcomings that persist. This type of resume can also be helpful for people who were forced to quit their job in unavoidable circumstances such as death of a love one or treatment of an ill family member.

Mention years instead of months on your resume:

People who are in the process of moving from one job to the other are said to be fictionally unemployed. The period for unemployment can last for several months. While applying for a new job, providing details regarding your job history is critical. If the time period between quitting your previous job and applying for a new one exceeds over a several months or quarters, mentioning it on a resume will not serve in your best interest. It can raise a lot of questions in the mind of recruiters as you might appear lethargic and sedate in terms of your approach. You will certainly go through the ordeal of fending-off questions relative to it during the interview. Therefore, it is advisable to mention the year in which you left your previous job without mentioning the month.

Mention extracurricular activities and skills that you acquired during that period:

Even an entry-level job these days requires professionals with additional skills. In that case, a college degree won't suffice, thus the candidates are required to have additional certifications and skills that justify their credence for the job profile. However, in order to re-skill themselves, they have to undergo training and skill development programs that involve classroom training. The people who are out of work and are mandated to undergo additional training for securing a job are said to be structurally unemployed. The time involved in the training can be several months and can extend to a year. Therefore, it is advisable to mention the same in the skills section of the resume as it can enhance your chances in the interview and mitigate the adverse effects of being structurally unemployed. No matter what profession you are trying to pursue or already in, check resume samples and know how to highlight your skills.

Cover letter:

A cover letter is a document sent along with your resume. It is used as a tool to provide detailed information on why you are qualified for the job. However, it can be used as a bargaining chip by a candidate in case of gap in his/her employment. Providing a genuine reason in the cover letter along with a strong resume can be a good sales pitch.

Reference letter:

A reference letter and a strong recommendation from your previous employer can be a silver lining if you are applying for a job after a long interval of time. A strong recommendation endorsing your skills and work ethic can be a boon. Therefore, getting a reference letter can tilt the odds in your favor.

Having a gap in your work history can put you in jeopardy. However, recruiters these days are aware of the situations that lead to such circumstances. Therefore, in genuine cases they do provide a leeway. Thus deploying the aforementioned means can help you meet the ends.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

How Does Negativity Around You Hamper Work Productivity?

Harmion Morris Tuesday, August 29, 2017 career goals , career opportunities 1 Comments

Organizations over the globe are grappling with low productivity. Subsequently, they have invested heavily in H.R. technologies that can help manage resources better and improve productivity. However, all the provisions are intended to solve problems of low productivity at a material level, and less emphasis is given at an individual level. A positive work environment is the most significant variable that drive productivity. It is a fundamental factor in achieving high level of growth and productivity since it can bring the best out of the employees, whereas a negative environment can do exactly the opposite thereby hampering the morale of the employees and impacting productivity negatively.

Negativity Around You Hamper Work Productivity

1. Unhealthy competition :

It is an undisputed fact that competition improves productivity. We have often come across examples of healthy competition across companies operating in the same vertical. But the outcome of the competition has yielded fruitful results. A healthy competition has nudged companies to be productive and improve their performance constantly. The competition is prevalent to the extent that companies launch new products of cutting edge-technology at the end of every quarter of a financial year (for example, smart phones). However, competition amongst counterparts is not the only way of nurturing productivity. Its prevalence within an organization can also be a boon when it comes to achieving high level of productivity. But in order to achieve that, it is imperative that the environment within the company is conducive for a healthy competition. If the workplace environment is engulfed with negativity, there is hardly any scope for a competitive environment. Also, an enmity amongst employees can make them adopt illicit means to stay ahead of their counterparts, with ethics taking a backseat and thereby putting their organization years back than rivals. Therefore, a healthy competition enhances productivity, and an unhealthy one impedes it.

2. Lack of enthusiasm at work :

Just like a single rotten mango in a crate spoils the rest; a negative person can do the same to the work environment. A negative attitude amongst the employees can be detrimental to a workplace as it radiates and creates an unproductive work environment. Such an attitude is detrimental as it also affects the people willing and capable of performing. With negativity brewing around a workplace, the probability of a person being acclaimed for his/her hard work and performance is zilch. Therefore, the person willing to perform doesn't have any credible incentive to show a progressive attitude and keep performing with the same attitude. This leads to lack of enthusiasm at a workplace, which takes a toll on productivity.

3. Lack of will to take new challenges :

Companies today have to walk an extra mile when it comes to being innovative and retaining their existing customers. It is only possible to achieve the said goal if they have productive human capital. With people lacking the positive attitude at a workplace, it is difficult for them to be progressive in terms of their performance. Even if they have a think-tank which is wiling to implement new policies instrumental in improving productivity, a negative outlook of the people who actually operate on the grass root level can deter such initiatives. People with negative mindsets lack the will to perform in a responsible manner subsequently affecting the productivity.

A negative work environment is detrimental to an organization. But it is a challenge that can be surmounted with the right approach. Companies have to pro-actively draft policies, which can make the environment devoid of resentment and negativity amongst the employees. Since it is a two-way exchange, it is obligatory for the companies to have empathy towards its employees and create an environment that nurtures positivity.

Wednesday, August 02, 2017

How Education Affects Income

Harmion Morris Wednesday, August 02, 2017 career goals , career opportunities 0 Comments

Education is a significant factor in evolution of the mankind. The practice of imparting education is an age-old phenomenon, and as a discipline, it has evolved based on the needs of the mankind. In ancient times, imparting education involved the art of making weapons, poaching of animals, understanding sign languages, and all other factors essential for survival. During the medieval period, it was archery, horse riding, and war techniques. Nowadays, education is not only constrained to survival, but has become a tool in order to stay relevant. The purpose of acquiring education is also to be employable and earn a regular income.

Education Affects Income

With the industrial revolution and technological advancements, the appetite of consumers has increased significantly. The demand for a comfortable and an opulent lifestyle has led to an increase in consumption of goods and services manufactured and offered using a cutting-edge technology. That's why costs of consumables and services are exponentially high. Manufacturing of such commodities requires a great deal of skill and dexterity, which can only be imparted with a high-quality education. And in order to purchase those commodities, it requires a huge amount of money, as individuals at a high income level are the only ones who can afford the same. Therefore, increase in manufacturing and consumption of these commodities implies that the level of education and income has grown on the same trajectory.

Illiteracy is a vicious cycle that leads you astray from the path of development, and drags you into poverty and misery. People that attain dismal quality of education or no education at all, are devoid of essential skills to earn their livelihood. With poor skills, the likelihood of a person getting employed and earning a high income is very low. And if such is the case, the descendants of the person suffer the same fate since a person born in a poor environment is generally deprived of the basic amenities that are instrumental in the overall development. Consequently, the demon of poverty never ceases to exist in their case. Whereas if you compile the data of nations that have high-level of literacy, you can see their per capita income is also higher.

A. Hamilton's study points out that the earnings of those with a college degree have grown substantially, while the with just high school education or college dropouts have a stagnated income. There are reports of rising unemployment and loss of jobs as artificial intelligence, automation and other technological advancements have led to the replacement of hands by machine. The wage gap between those who are graduates and pose quality skills, and those who are bereft of it, is rapidly increasing. If the quality of education doesn't run in tandem with the technological advancements, there is no way in which this predicament can be mitigated. Thus, it is imperative on the government's part to empower their citizens with necessary skills, and have a significant amount of budgetary allocation for educational programs, as well as have subsidized education for the people in low income band.

Given the following nuances, education can yield a high level of income. It can be a vital tool for those who are deprived, and struggle to meet their ends. It can be a mediator in reducing the income gap that persists, and to address the problem of income inequality that has plagued many countries. However, along with education, a good resumes is also essential to earn a job one wish to do.