Quick tip – identifying your professional skills
If someone asked you what your professional skills are, could you name them? Most people are aware of their skills in relation to a specific career field or industry. For example, software engineers possess programming skills and editors are adept at content management. While it is important to know your technical or subject matter-specific competencies, you also should identify and communicate your foundational skills to your network or a potential employer. Consider your career as you review the skills below to see which ones you have developed and can apply to a current or future position.
read moreCareer tips for seasoned professionals
When you start your career, everything is new and exciting. You’re beginning a journey where you will encounter adventure, opportunities, and challenges. As you settle into your professional life, you’ll develop valuable skills and adjust your career goals to suit your emerging interests. You’ll be more experienced, and possess a broader sense of what work means to you. Consider the following suggestions regarding how you can continue to advance your career.
read moreIs a side hustle right for you?
You most likely know people who have side hustles, which are ways they earn income outside of their regular jobs. Side hustles, which come in many shapes and sizes, can suit your interests and talents. A side hustle can be something like a part-time job, a business you own and operate, or freelance work that you do. Some people are content to work a side hustle and keep it on the side, but others want to turn it into their main source of income. While a side hustle may be appealing, is it right for you? Let’s review some pros and cons to help you decide.
read moreAre you aware of this change in resume content?
Resumes are traditionally required to apply for jobs in most industries. Their formats, however, are always evolving. One current trend involves the header section of your resume, and it applies to most formats. It’s a result of the changing times, the way organizations currently do business, and how hiring managers manage their candidate pipelines. Are you curious about what this trend is? It’s omitting the street address on your resume. The reasons why are related to technology, security, and discrimination.
read moreWhat does leadership look like in the workplace?
Companies and organizations want leaders. There’s value in an employee that brings leadership to a role, especially if it extends beyond the job description. Leaders can help increase productivity and create an environment that is engaging and motivating. It’s important to understand that there’s not just one way to lead effectively. Many people envision a leader in a one-dimensional way. It’s a common misconception that if you’re not managing other people, you’re not a leader. This is not true! Consider the different ways that you can be a leader in your organization.
read moreLinkedIn: Quick tips, big impact
LinkedIn can be an extremely valuable professional social networking tool, if you know how to use it! The LinkedIn platform allows you to connect with professionals and organizations, find jobs, and gain knowledge that is specific to your career field. To take advantage of all that LinkedIn has to offer, it’s critical to effectively create and cultivate your profile. These quick tips that involve your headline, keywords, skills, and accomplishments, can significantly enhance your profile!
read moreWhen and why should you update your resume?
When you are entering the professional world for the first time or making a career change, of course you’ll create or update your resume. But what about when that’s not the case? Regardless of whether or not you are looking for a new job, it’s important to maintain a current resume. A good guideline is to update it at least twice a year, possibly at the beginning of a calendar year and during the summer. Still not convinced? Here are some important reasons why you should update your resume regularly!
read moreThree ways to build your professional community
Chances are you belong to at least a few different communities related to factors such as where you live (geography) and what you like to do (interests and hobbies). Doesn’t it make sense that you should have a professional community as well that is related to your work? If you are currently employed or have work history, you most likely do. At the core of each community is the presence of relationships. These are associations and interactions that you have with people. Does this sound like networking? Shhh…yes, in many ways it is, since networking is essentially connecting with people, sharing information, and maintaining relationships. However, for our purposes we will use the term building a professional community because it sounds less intimidating for some than the term networking. There are so many ways that you can build your professional community including connecting with people that have similar work-related skills and interests through professional organizations and social media platforms, securing mentors, and accessing resources specifically related to professional development.
read moreHow can your priorities guide your career?
Developing and fulfilling career goals can be daunting tasks given all of the jobs that currently exist, plus the opportunities that are evolving as the world constantly innovates. There are many ways you can combine your skills and interests to fit with work opportunities. To set the course for a successful job search, it’s important to determine your priorities. Priorities vary, and it’s critical to identify what is most important to you. When it comes to professional priorities some things to consider include job title, company mission, work culture, location, salary, and benefits.
read moreHelp others and enhance your career through volunteering
Volunteering features many benefits, but do you know it can boost your career as well? Many people engage in volunteer work to help a cause or a community. Doing so gives them a feeling of satisfaction and the benefits for both the individual and initiative can be plentiful. Now, consider how that volunteer experience can support your career development, whether it’s in a personal (supporting a local nonprofit) or professional (serving on a committee for an industry association related to your job or career) context. Another thing to consider is that employers highly value volunteer experience, and in some cases, regard it as just as important as paid work experience! Consider how volunteering can help your career in terms of developing skills, building your network, and communicating your professional brand.
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