11 signs your employees are bored at work and how to fix it

11 signs your employees are bored at work and how to fix it11 signs your employees are bored at work and how to fix itAccording to Gallups State of the American Workplace Report, 67% of workers are not engaged or are actively disengaged. The old command-and-control style of leadership does not work today. Dont be afraid to try new things because the old way isnt working anyway. In progressive organizations coaching is replacing managing, a culture of purpose is replacing a culture of paycheck and employee development is replacing the employee benefits package.Here are practical indicators that you are not connecting with your employees.You dont say thank you and recognize employees on a one-on-one basis every day.Human beings want to know they matter for their individual contribution as much as their function on a kollektiv.You dont delegate, forgoing achievements mora appropriate for your level.This results in micromanaging and underdevelopment of your team. It also results in them undervaluing you. People want responsibility and thrive when they are given creative freedom. Instead of telling them what to do, coach them. Ask what they think should be done. Who else will it affect? What date will it be complete?You implement change without an explanation of why and how.Your employees cannot read your mind. If they dont understand the Why? behind the plan, determining How? is uninspiring and meaningless.You havent assessed workflow.Is there useless work being repeatedly done because the entire process has not been dissected to see what can be streamlined or eliminated?Youre afraid to ask your team how you are doing as their leader.Humility exemplifies good character. Asking for feedback and providing a safe environment for honesty instills trust and growth. Dont take anything personally. Please keep me updated on how Im doing.You neglect to instill a sense of urgency and relevance.Relate their work to their lives.If you were our clientIf we dont succeed, what wi ll happen?You mistake physical presence for buy-in.Are they sitting there? Or are they smiling, innovating and surpassing the goal?You categorize people.Labeling people for the sake of judgment makes people wonder how you classify them.You manage everyone the same.Why would an employee be a high-performer if she gets the same direction, feedback, raise, perks and accolades as an under-performer? Have you given your team assessments to help them understand their strengths? How do you draw out the ideas of the introvert?Whos the right person on the team to define process versus build rapport.You are indecisive and dont speak with certainty.Employees need you to lead them more than they need you to be their friend or anything else. Manage your doubt and fear before it manages you. If you make a bad decision, admit it. No one is perfect. Including you. Speak with confidence.You need to be right.If you need to be right you dont have trust, a safe environment or a team who will advance be cause they are too afraid of you. Ask them, Tell me something you dont want me to know. And say, Thank you for that.MaryLeeGannon, ACC, CAEis an executive coach and corporate CEO who helps busy leaders get off the treadmill to nowhere to be more effective, earn more, bemore calm and enjoyconnected relationships with the people who matter while it still matters.Watch her FREE Master Class training on Three Things to Transform Your Life and Career Right Now atwww.MaryLeeGannon.com.

Whats The Best Thing You Can Do to Complement Your Job Search Volunteer!

Whats The Best Thing You Can Do to Complement Your Job Search VolunteerWhats The Best Thing You Can Do to Complement Your Job Search Volunteer4Many job seekers know that looking for a new position is a job in and of itself. There are lots of things that need to be done to find that perfect role- improving your resume, weeding through listings, filling out applications, and networking. However, a less common task that job seekers add to their routine is being a volunteer. Volunteering is a fantastic way to complement your job search and perhaps even aid in shortening the job hunt.Here are a few ways volunteering offers a host of advantages to job seekers, along with how to use a flexible job to increase your volunteering.How Being a Volunteer Can Complement Your Job Search1. Builds Skills or Keeps Them CurrentVolunteering can build your skills, keep them current, and even give you new skills to add to your repertoire. Job searches can be time consuming, and it can take weeks or months before you arrive at day one of your new job. Volunteering can be a great way to fill in this time frame and keep you sharp. Whether youre looking for a job in your current career industry, or looking to go in a new direction, a volunteer gig can either enhance the skills you already have, or give you some solid experience in a new area.2. Enhances Your ResumeBe sure to add your volunteer activities to your resume. Depending on how long your resume currently is, and how long youve been job searching, this information can be added just like any other job by listing the employer and your duties performed. You could alternatively list volunteer work and skills gained in a separate section from your jobs.Some job seekers tend to think that volunteer work isnt real work. But hiring managers will most likely be more impressed to see volunteer work than a large resume gap. To prove the point, a survey from Deloitte that questioned over 2,500 professionals who take part in or influence hir ing decisions found that82% of respondents said they are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience.85% are willing to overlook other resume flaws when a candidate includes volunteer work on a resume.80% of survey respondents agree that active volunteers move into leadership roles more easily.3. Fosters New ConnectionsVolunteering can foster new connections, likely both professional and personal. Professional relationships can be forged that could lead to job openings, mentorship, informational interviews, or simply someone in your industry to grab lunch with. Be open to making friends as well- like-minded people working on the saatkorn project or for the same company can have a lot in common. Your volunteer gig could be a way to expand your social circle.4. Provides a Foot in the Door to a Possible EmployerA huge benefit to volunteering is the potential to get your foot in the door at a company and/or get a job offer. Case in point is Greg, who was featured in a success story. His volunteering with a nonprofit eventually led him to a part-time position with the company.Acting professionally and doing your best work in a volunteer role can help get you on the radar of a hiring manager. Showing interest in the employers mission, and even explicitly stating that youd be interested in any future job openings can be a great way to a potential job.5. Keeps You InvolvedThe temptation to stay on the couch all day or surf the Internet can be strong when youre not working. In fact, a New York Times article that profiled the daily activities of unemployed men and women, found that the main activity for many was watching television and movies.While a job search should be your main focus, volunteering is a better way to fill in the remaining hours of your day or week. Staying involved in something outside of yourself can be key to increasing your happiness during a time that may be stressful.6. It Feels GoodVolunteering is a feel-good activity that ca n make you happier- and healthier too. A Harvard article notes that there are both mental and physical benefits to volunteering. Mental benefits include decreased depression and loneliness due to feeling socially connected, and physical benefits can be lowered blood pressure and an increased lifespan. Those who volunteer often find themselves moving and being more active during volunteer activities. Eating healthier can also be a result of increased movement. Helping others and giving freely of your time and energy can be just the thing you need to feel good mentally and physically.Using Flexible Work to Increase VolunteeringAt were passionate about flexible work, not only for all of the benefits flexible work provides individuals, but because it can help you volunteer more easily. Heres a few ways howUsing a flexible scheduleA flexible schedule is the perfect way to take a few hours off during the workday to volunteer.With this type of schedule, you can cut out an hour of your tim e here and there to dedicate time during prototyp business hours when nonprofits, schools, or organizations are operating and need assistance.Remote volunteeringYes,remote volunteer opportunitiesdo exist Youll be able to squeeze in some volunteer time without having to leave your house. This is also a great option when you live in a rural location.Company volunteeringCompanies that volunteer together can build team camaraderie, also build a positive image of the company in the community. employees have used their flexible schedules to volunteer and give back to their communitiesVolunteering at kids schoolTherapy dog trainingAssisting at an animal shelterPromoting a local nonprofitProviding Christmas gifts for children in needLeading a Girl Scout troopConsider using your job search to find a remote and flexible job. You may just find that your volunteering will extend past your job search, and into your new flexible workday.

Tips for Industry Switchers

Tips for Industry Switchers Tips for Industry Switchers Committed to a change? Make yourself less of a gamble for recruiters.If you’re a job seeker trying to break into a new industry or field, the odds are against you. The tight labor market allows hiring companies to set very specific criteria for job candidates, and that typically includes industry experience. For the executive recruiters who help companies find new candidates, anyone who doesn’t have that experience is a risk.But steep odds don’t make changing industries impossible, and the high barrier of entry is not insurmountable, said executive recruiters who spoke to Ladders.The No. 1 tip from all recruiters is to make it clear that you possess the skills required, regardless of the industry.“I had a client who spent years in operations at a custom cardboard-box maker â€" basic corporate work â€" but he also took care of his mother, who had debilitating lung disease for 13 years,” said Irene Marshall, president of career-counseling agency Tools for Transition and a for mer recruiter at Robert Half International.“He got a master’s in gerontology and on his resume, we listed all of that as qualifications for primary care of the elderly. And he brought with him deep experience in business as well.” He had no work experience in the industry, but his resume made it clear that he possessed the skills, she said.Here are some other tips:Be upfront. “Paint a picture of what you can do for (the recruiter),” said Carole Tomko, executive vice president and partner of the Woodmansee Group, an executive placement firm. “You have to make it really clear why they’re talking to you.”Don’t drop your salary too much, said Marshall. If you decrease your salary from $100,000 to $50,000, it does more than harm your bank account; it makes you look desperate, which makes you an unattractive candidate, she said.Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Given the weak economy and the decreased chances of landing a job in a new industry, try forming a conso rtium of people with complementary skills â€" IT, HR, finance, marketing - to handle contract work in the meantime and possibly start a business on the way, said Lynn Hazan of Chicago executive-search firm Lynn Hazan and Associates.Don’t make your personal choice the employer’s problem. If you moved across country or left your previous industry to pursue a personal goal or care for a family member, great. But don’t mention it in the cover letter, Marshall said. The employer should focus on your qualifications, not your personal issues.Have someone consult on your resume. Most people have no idea what their transferrable skills are or how to explain them Hazan said. Have someone interview you to help identify what your real skills and accomplishments are and explain them, as if to a stranger â€" that’s who it’s intended for. A certified professional resume writer is your best option.Build a new network. Through social, professional or civic groups, find a way to get togeth er with people in the industry you’re targeting, ask their advice and get their help, Tomko said. It’s the best way to make you stand out from the other candidates cramming their inboxes.“You need someone to stop and pay attention,” she said. “So when someone says no one who’s been in distribution at Wal-Mart has anything to do with what we do at Scots Lawn, there’s someone who can say, ‘Actually he’s a great guy, and I’d like you to have a 15-minute conversation on the phone.’ Then that person has to be ready with the elevator speech to the person on the phone, whose day you’re interrupting, explaining what you can do for him.”

Outline for Creating a Resume

Outline for Creating a Resume Outline for Creating a Resume Not sure what to include on your resume? A resume outline or template shows you all the information you need to put on your resume. It will help save you time when you write. Tips for Using a Resume Outline A resume outline is a great starting point for your resume. Before you write your resume, collect all the information you will need. Then fill in the outline with that information. However, a resume outline is only a jumping-off point. You can, and should, make any changes to the resume outline that you want. You can reorder some of the elements of the resume outline. For example, if you are a current student, you might include your education information right after your resume summary statement, rather than towards the end of your resume. You might also remove or add some information. For example, if you do not want to include a resume summary statement, but instead want to add a briefer resume branding statement, you can do so. Finally, you can also change the style of the resume outline. For example, if the resume outline is in Arial font, and you want your resume to be in Times New Roman, you can change the font. Make sure that your resume includes information specific to you, and is organized in a way that highlights your skills and qualifications. Be sure to proofread your resume before submitting it. Resume Outline Resume HeadingThe heading section of your resume should include your name, address, phone number, and email address (be sure to use a professional email address). It might also include the URL of your LinkedIn profile or personal website: First Name Last NameStreet AddressCity, State, ZipPhone NumberEmail AddressLinkedIn Profile  URL (optional) If you are concerned about privacy or are relocating, you may want to consider other options for including your physical address on your resume.   Branding Statement (optional)A branding statement is a very brief (15 words or less) phrase that highlights your most relevant expertise and skills. If you choose to include a branding statement, you can elaborate on your skills and experiences in a resume summary statement just below it. Resume Objective (optional)A  resume objective  is a brief statement (a sentence or two) stating your employment goals. If you choose to include an objective on your resume, tailor it to match what the employer is seeking in the job posting youre applying for. However, many employers now prefer a resume summary statement rather than a resume objective. Career Highlights/Profile/Summary Statement (optional)A  career highlights/qualifications  section also called a resume profile or a resume summary statement, is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the job for which you are applying. This section, if you use it, should be customized as well. Professional ExperienceInclude a list of the most recent companies you have worked for in the Experience section of your resume. If you have extensive work experience you dont need to include more than the last 10 to 15 years on your resume. Include the name of the company, its location, the dates of employment, and your job title. Also, include a bulleted list of job responsibilities and achievements: CompanyCity, StateDates Worked Job Title Responsibility/Achievement #1Responsibility/Achievement #2 EducationInclude college, graduate school, continuing education, certifications and relevant seminars and classes in the education section of your resume. If you are a recent graduate, you might move this education section to the top of your resume. You might also choose to include your GPA if you are a current student or very recent graduate: College, DegreeAwards, Honors Qualifications and SkillsInclude a list of qualifications and skills related to the job for which you are applying in this section. A bulleted list is the best way to format this section: Skill #1Skill #2

The Different Types of Job Rejections (and How to Handle Them)

The Different Types of Job Rejections (and How to Handle Them) The Different Types of Job Rejections (and How to Handle Them) The Different Types of Job Rejections (and How to Handle Them) Don't let rejection get the best of you. Here's how to approach it during your job search. Rejection is part of the process when you're searching for a new job and, like every step in the process, the way you respond can speak volumes about your character and integrity. There are three types of job-search rejection you can receive: (1) no response, (2) an automated email, and (3) a personal call or email. Here are the right ways to respond to each type of job rejection. Job rejection #1: The silent treatment It's incredibly tough to respond to a hiring manager when they seem to be giving you the cold shoulder because there is no way to easily discern whether the employer is just taking a long time to complete the hiring process or if they've decided you're out of the running. A good way to get a heads up on this is to ask the employer during your job interview about the prospective time frame to fill the position. If you are told, for example, two weeks, then after three weeks it is a safe (although not necessarily always accurate) assumption that the position has been filled. About a week after the estimated fill date, it is appropriate to check back in with the recruiter or hiring manager. This can be done via email (as often times employers request no phone calls) along the lines of I'm just following up on the interview. I enjoyed hearing about the position and am inquiring about where you are in the decision-making process. You may or may not get a response; no response is usually an answer in itself. At this point in the job interview process, you can safely move on. Job rejection #2: The robotic response Other times, you may get an email informing you the job has been filled. The only way to be sure it is an auto-response (machine generated) is if the sender is marked as 'noreply' or if it says in the body of the email that it is an auto-response and not to respond. If this happens, you may or may not choose to respond. If you really felt strongly about the position and felt a rapport with the hiring manager, you may email him or her and state that you received notice that the job had been filled and extend good wishes and restate your interest in the company and any additional opportunities that come up. Job rejection #3: A human connection If someone from the company calls you or sends you a personal email to let you know they've decided to go a different direction, consider yourself highly regarded, as this doesn't happen very often! Despite any disappointment or even angerthat you may feel about being rejected, remain professional and cordial. Make sure to thank them for the personal attention and, if warranted, state your interest in being considered for future opportunities. Above all remember, that rejections are not the end of the world, they are merely one step closer to landing your dream job! Ready to find your dream job? Hire a TopResume writer today! Recommended Reading: How to Create Your Own Job-Search Luck Free Download: Job-Search Jumpstart Plan 7MotivationTips for Job Seekers to Keep You Going Related Articles:

Gender and Sex Discrimination in the Workplace

Gender and Sex Discrimination in the Workplace Gender and Sex Discrimination in the Workplace Gender discrimination, sometimes referred to as sex-based discrimination or sexual discrimination,  is the unequal treatment of someone based on that persons sex. A civil rights violation, its illegal in the workplace when it affects the terms or conditions of a persons employment. It is addressed by federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, as well as other legislation. States also have their own laws making sex or gender discrimination illegal. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment falls under the umbrella of gender discrimination. According to company policy, a woman may be entitled to the same perks, advancements, pay and other benefits as her male counterpart, but behavior toward her in the workplace may be untenable and its usually related to her gender. I am sure youre familiar with the 2017 #MeToo movement birthed by sexual harassment claims made against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein when actress Ashley Judd shared her story with major news outlets. Years earlier, Weinstein threatened Judd if she didnt agree to a sexual act. Hollywoods examples are extreme, but this would be the case if Judd were subjected to unwelcome touching or even offensive jokes aimed at her sex or sexual identity. And while a single joke may seem appropriate (to some), repeated jokes on a daily or frequent basis constitute harassment. Harassment can also involve promises of advancement in exchange for sexual favors. Not Just Men The womans harasser does not necessarily have to be a male. And the victim doesnt always have to be a woman - men can also be the target. Women can be just as guilty of sexual harassment. Similarly, the harasser does not necessarily have to be the womans boss or supervisor. Its still harassment if a coworker or client is the source of the behavior and the companys management does nothing to put a stop to it. What Constitutes Discrimination The proverbial glass ceiling is a classic example  of workplace gender discrimination. This is the unwritten code that women cannot hold certain senior positions and are prevented from advancing beyond a certain point because of gender despite their skills, talents, and qualifications. Promotional Bias The glass ceiling situation falls under the category of promotional bias. There are various reasons for this - having children being the main one. The glass ceiling  movement, birthed in the late 1900s, was supposed to shatter the barrier (i.e., ceiling) that prevented women from moving up the corporate ladder.  And, although women have come a long way, theyre not there yet.   In 1990, there were six women on the Fortune 500 list of CEOs. In 2017, there were 32 women. Thats more women, but not enough - considering were talking about 500 CEOs.   But sexual discrimination goes further than CEOship. A man and woman may hold the exact same position and perform the same duties within a company, but the job title is different. The man may also be paid more, or he may be entitled to raises or promotions on a different schedule, and at a faster pace than his female colleagues. Interview Questions The interview process should be similar (if not the same) for both genders. But women are frequently expected to field different types of questions. Women are often asked if they have children or if they intend to have children. These types of questions are illegal, and more importantly, have no bearing on a person’s ability to do a job well. However, many employers predicate hiring potential employees on the notion that they might need to take maternity leave.  Employers need to consider that fathers (whether straight or gay) may need to take paternity leave. Neither gender should be asked the  question. Terminations All too often, terminations are handled with gender bias. It can be especially prevalent in male-dominated industries (such as manufacturing) where sexual harassment is not taken seriously. There are cases of women who have complained about gender bias and found themselves unemployed. A female engineer at luxury car manufacturer Tesla, AJ Vandermeyden, accused the manufacturer of ignoring her complaints of sexual harassment and paying her less than her male counterparts. Then, she was fired in what her lawyer alleged was an act of retaliation. Vandermeyden, who went public, also claimed she was taunted and catcalled by male employees and that Tesla failed to address her complaints about the harassment, unequal pay and discrimination. But this is just one example, and there are many more people who experience sexual harassment out there. Most people arent as brave as Vandermeyden was to speak up for fear of a blemished work record and/or a bad reputation in their industry. How to Report Discrimination If you or someone you know is a victim of gender discrimination in the workplace (male, female, bi or trans), write it down. Make sure you document what happened, who was involved, the date and time of the incident, and anyone who may be a witness. And be sure to ask them to also make notes on what happened. Next, youll need to report it. There is usually a chain you need to follow. First, speak to your supervisor to address the problem. If your supervisor is the cause of your complaint, go to that persons boss. If you feel the problem is not dealt with to your satisfaction, go to your companys human resources department. If the situation persists, you can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  and file a charge of discrimination - a first step before you resort to suing your employer. But, before you sue, meet with an attorney to determine what the requirements are where you work. You may have as little as six months to file a charge and the EEOC typically must investigate your complaint first before youre permitted to take other civil action.   The Bottom Line Gender or sex-based discrimination is against the law. The target doesnt have to be a woman, just like the harasser isnt always a male. There is no place for it in anyones place of employment. If you or someone you know experiences it, be sure there is proper documentation and that the incident is reported. Remember, no one should ever have to experience gender or sex-based discrimination.

6 Ways to Pump Yourself Up Before Asking for a Raise

6 Ways to Pump Yourself Up Before Asking for a Raise 6 Ways to Pump Yourself Up Before Asking for a Raise Displaying self-assurance at work is critical, particularly when asking for a raise. Here are ways to raise your confidence prior to requesting a higher salary. Nervous about negotiating with your boss? Does the thought of asking for a raise sound more painful than a root canal? You’re not alone, according to Robert Half’s new Confidence Matters survey, which looks at workers’ confidence levels and attitudes about a range of career and salary issues. Yes, salary discussions can be unnerving. But you’re doing yourself a disservice if you allow your fear of an awkward conversation or being turned down keep you from requesting the pay bump you feel you deserve. Simply put, if you have strong professional skills, you can’t afford to let a shortage of self-assurance impede your earning potential. Following are six ways to increase your confidence before approaching your employer for more moolah: 1. Know the going rate. Research begets confidence. Do your homework by reviewing the average salary range for your position in your area. Consult reputable resources such as the Salary Guides from Robert Half. Twenty-seven percent of workers admitted they have never checked their salary against the market rate, according to the Confidence Matters survey.  You’ll be more confident if you arm yourself with current data that supports your request. You might even find you merit a higher percentage raise than you initially thought. Knowing the numbers also helps ensure that you don’t hurt your chances - and credibility - by demanding too much. 2. Build a business case. Develop a list of speaking points that highlight specific ways you’ve added value to your company. Think about extra responsibilities and projects you’ve taken on as well as the ways you’ve positively changed your role and helped the organization save time, money and resources. Beyond building a persuasive case, reflecting on all the good work you’ve done will also give you a jolt of confidence.   3. Rehearse and refine. Don’t wing it when asking for a raise. Rehearse until you have your pitch down pat. Then, do a practice run with a trusted friend or family member. You’ll likely receive valuable feedback that will enable you to further fine-tune your approach. Plus, sharing your plan - and hearing yourself deliver it aloud to someone else - can make your request feel more concrete and help you fully commit to it. 4. Project confidence with your body language. No matter how polished your pitch, be mindful that it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. While asking for a raise can be nerve-wracking, smiling and maintaining good posture during the discussion will help you both look and feel more confident. Eye contact is also crucial to connoting confidence. In a one-on-one conversation, holding eye contact for 7 to 10 seconds at a time is ideal. 5. Think positive. You might remember Saturday Night Live’s Stuart Smalley and the famous daily affirmation he delivered to his mirror: “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!” While you don’t need to take things that far, there truly are benefits of an optimistic attitude and positive self-talk.  Before you walk into your manager’s office, tell yourself that you are going to get that raise. If you enter the discussion feeling like your request is a Hail Mary pass, your manager is more likely to adopt the same view. 6. Don’t overthink the process. The Confidence Matters research indicates some workers would rather tackle decidedly un-fun tasks than ask for a raise. (In fact, a notable percentage of people would prefer to clean their house, while others would pick getting a root canal or being audited by the IRS!) Yes, you want to be prepared, but don’t build the conversation up to be more than it is. Remember that workers have been asking their employers for more money for a very long time. Your boss is likely quite accustomed to receiving raise requests. In fact, according to a recent Robert Half survey, 43 percent of executives interviewed said the number of requests for raises or promotions has increased from two years ago. The bottom line: Craft a compelling case, be confident, and go for it. As hockey great Wayne Gretzky famously said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Check out the infographic below for more intriguing findings from Robert Half’s Confidence Matters research: