4 Ways to Find Your Best Career Fit

4 Ways to Find Your Best Career Fit4 Ways to Find Your Best Career FitBut as in any hunt, fear can hold you back. If youre someone whos been in the job market for a while, or parteicularly a mid-career candidate competing with younger candidates, the job hunt can be especially daunting. Being flexible and adaptable puts you ahead of the pack, but how can you muster the courage to push past your fears and find your best career fit?Since this is a hunt, after all, here are some thoughts about how to find your prey a job thats right for youTake a test driveFlexible work options are ideal for helping job seekers decide which careers work best for them. Part-time and work-from-home jobs can help help you figure out whats out there, and what kind of work might be most fulfilling for you. Many companies now offer some form of flexibility, or are open to the idea. Even its not offered at the outset as part of the job package, ask and negotiateTackle your fearsFear of the new can be paralyzi ng. Were all comfortable with what we know whether its in our personal lives, our day-to-day interactions with people were familiar with, or in carrying out our job functions. But if youve done your research, you wont be diving head-first into the unknown. Instead, youll have a well-thought-out job search plan that serves as a reliable guide.Survey the landscapeCareer options are always evolving, especially in the technology sector. As you do your job research, keep an eye out for new or unusual jobs that might really catapult you into something invigorating and challenging and fun.Grow your ambitionsSometimes, being unhappy in your career can be a matter of having outgrown where you were just a few years ago. Your job may be as good as it ever was what may have changed are your outlook, interests, and ambitions. Think strategically about ways to grow your career,whether youre frustrated in your current job, between jobs, or just brain-storming for the long run.Readers, tell us how you finally found the job or career thats a good fit for you

How to Make the Move Into UX Design

How to Make the Move Into UX DesignHow to Make the Move Into UX DesignConsidering a move from graphic entwurf to UX design? It might not be as difficult as you think. Here is some expert advice on making the transition.The importance of the UX designer role has become more apparent in recent years, as weve all grown increasingly attached to and invested in our various digital devices. But making an app or website functional isnt the same as making it enjoyable to use.If youre a graphic designer who thinks youd be good at developing an experience thats appealing and fun for users, UX design may be for you. And this career shift may come naturally to those who already possess strong design skills.UX sits at the crossroads of a lot of fields, says Chris Hass, senior vice president of experience design at Mad*Pow and a past president of UXPA. Generally speaking, specific degrees or certifications arent necessarily required, just experience with related endeavors. As a result, people who work solidly in one area, such as graphic design, or whose work spans multiple categories can be valuable.And UX designers are highly sought after today. According to The Creative Group Salary Guide, the average salary for UX designers with one to three years of experience ranges from $49,000 to $75,000. Those with three to five years of experience can expect to make $71,250 to $97,250. With five years or more of experience, the average UX designer starting salary range rises to $87,750 to $128,000. Use our handy Salary Calculator to adjust these salaries for your city.Given the demand, leaving graphic design for UX design could be a move worth making. But how do you start the transition? Consider these tipsReflect on yourselfStart by asking yourself why you want to make this career change. UX design includes many aspects beyond visual design, such as psychology, computer science and storytelling. The UX designer role requires sternbezogen communication and collaboration skills. As such, introverts who prefer headphones to conversations and who desire hours of uninterrupted pixel play should, perhaps, continue to wield their power for feats of graphic greatness.But if youre intrigued by UX design, youve done your homework and youre still confident that you could excel in a UX position, go for it.Start thinking (and practicing) like a UX design proJoy Liu, a senior user experience designer with Samsungs Product Innovation Team, says graphic designers can help themselves by getting into the habit of soliciting more feedback on their work. UX design is a process. It requires exploration and dialogue to understand each users unique point of view and motivation of using a product, says Liu, instructor of CreativeLives Become a UX Designer class. (Check out this clip from the CreativeLive course.)It is easy to assume what people want, but it may not be the most suitable for them, Liu adds. Dont be afraid of showing your work to others and let people test your thinki ng. You learn a lot from knowing what worked and didnt work. Self-study, practice and experimentation are also important. When envisioning and building my very first websites, I found that studying the combination of information architecture, taxonomy, self-publishing, visual design and coding pushed me to learn new things in all of those fields, Hass says. Bolstering multi-disciplinary skills while putting them into use led me from creeks to rivers to oceans of information and opened a lot of doors.Network and learnUX design requires excellent people skills, and networking will help you hone your social dexterity. Liu advises getting involved with your local UX community and finding the nearest UXPA and IxDA chapters. Join the UX Community on Slack and also subscribe to the UX Thought of the Day for a nice daily dose of UX tips, she says.Hass agrees that forging connections within the UX community is key. He initially broke into the field by finding ways to get to know those who un derstood more about UX than he did.While designing by day I started attending professional membership organizations at night, Hass says. Monthly UXPA - then called UPA - meetings were free, provided snacks, and most of all professional guidance and networking. I could talk shop with professionals engaged in UX pursuits. This inspired me to seek and win a job as a professional usability researcher.In addition to UXPA, Hass says there are other professional groups to check out, including CHI, Girl Develop It and Code for America.As you network, keep your eyes peeled for potential mentors who could help direct you in your educational choices, guide you toward the appropriate UX specialty and introduce you to valuable contacts. Hass recommends asking yourself these questions when you meet UX experts you want to learn from How can I get close to them professionally? and How can I use my current skills to support them?Focus on building a UX design portfolioCareer-switchers often face th e same dilemma as recent graduates looking for their first jobs To get hired for a UX design job you need UX experience. But how can you get that experience?Again, dont overlook the value of professional organizations and volunteer projects, Hass says. UX organizations bring passionate people together in a volunteer capacity to flex their skills for the common good. Theyre fantastic opportunities for your nascent skills to bloom in a largely consequence-free arena. You can learn from others while providing real-world challenges and outcomes that you can point to as positive contributions to society.Pursuing pro-bono work on your own by finding a local nonprofit that could benefit from your help is another option. Volunteer projects enable you to try new things and demonstrate proficiency despite what your current resume says, Hass says. Theyre a great vehicle for fake it till you make it as well as a safety net in the event that you find yourself looking for a new job. And they are funYou also might ask to observe UX designers at your company or even sign up to pitch in on one of their projects.Making the move to UX design may be an appealing choice for graphic designers who have a keen interest in product development and design implementation. Career-changers willing to follow this advice can look forward to a bright career in a field with great growth potential. Does the idea of a career in UX design interest you? Search our available UX designer jobs now

What Its Like to Transfer Internally at Work - The Muse

What Its Like to Transfer Internally at Work - The MuseWhat Its Like to Transfer Internally at Work If you told me a year ago that Id wind up changing jobs, theres no way I wouldve believed you. I felt really lucky that my first role out of college welches at a company with a mission I believed in- and I had no complaints. Fast forward and Im working in a completely different field as an HR Coordinator. I love my current role, even though I hadnt always been planning on it.So, what happened in between? I transferred internally from the profiles gruppe at The Muse to a role in human resources, and the process was nowhere near as scary as I imagined it would be. That said, there were three steps that helped make the transition go smoothly that Id recommend to anyone contemplating a similar move. 1. I Tried the Sort of Work Id Be Doing FirstMy first hint that I was interested in abedrngnisher field came out of a project I worked on for fun in which I helped organize a way to formally ce lebrate employee anniversaries. (Yes, this was something I thought was fun)After testing it out and seeing the success, I kept going- despite the fact it was in no way a part of my role.The fact I looked forward to this was a big sign to me that I wanted to be a part of helping people feel recognized and appreciated for their time at work. Heres How You Can Do the SameIf youre drawn to opportunities outside of your job description, take them on. Yes, it can mean more work in the short run, but its a great way to find out how much you enjoy it- before you set things in motion to change roles. Not to mention, when something opens up in that other department and you want to apply, youll have concrete examples of how you can contribute.Hanging out with my first team at The Muse in the office2. I Talked to My BossAfter I read the job description for the HR Coordinator role, I decided Id like to pursue it. So, my next step was to have a long talk with my manager about what it would mean i f I applied- whether or not I ended up getting the job. I was torn between wanting to apply, and not wanting to leave the team that Id grown so close to. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the right decision since I wasnt unhappy. My manager was extremely supportive and let me know that my current position would still be there for me if I didnt end up getting this new job. Heres How to Have That ConversationBefore you sit down with your boss, be prepared to discuss why you want to apply. Assuming youre on good terms with your manager and he or she cares about your growth, itll be a positive exchange (albeit a little awkward). Think of this discussion as a good time to talk about what you like and dislike about your current position. If you end up staying, youve started a dialogue about the work youre most passionate about, and if someone else needs to take your place, your manager has the information they need to help the team move forward. Since youll remain working in the s ame vicinity, its incredibly important to keep this conversation positive (so no burning bridges or turning this into a venting session). That said, I know not everyone has a good relationship with their boss. So, if you think they may start excluding you from good projects if you share your desire to change roles- and then stay put- thats something to think about before moving forward. Hanging out with my second team at The Muse on our ski retreat3. I Stayed Considerate of My Old TeamWhen I found out that I got the position, I was thrilled for this new chapter to start, but also anxious. I knew why I wanted it, but since I hadnt been unhappy or actively looking for a job before applying, how would I explain it to my co-workers? Would I have to explain my move to people one by one as I ran into them at the Keurig machine?I informed the people I worked closest with first and worked with my team to make sure all of my daily responsibilities would be covered before I moved. The week be fore I started, my new manager sent out an email to the whole team announcing my new role (and saving me from having to explain why I was suddenly sitting at a different table). Heres How to Leave on Good TermsIf you get the offer Congrats Once everythings official, have a conversation with your manager letting them know youve accepted and offer up any details about the timeline. Fortunately for your team, your transition away from the role will be a little less scary since youll still be around for any questions. Be sure you speak personally with anyone who reports to you or who relies on you to get their own job done before any wider announcements are made. If you dont get the job, spend some time thinking about what motivated you to apply and focus on ways you can grow your current role- or if thats not possible, ways you stretch outside of work. At most (reasonable) organizations, applying for a job internally will not affect your current role. Though, if you find yourself incre dibly bummed that you didnt get it- or you do feel repercussions- it might be a sign that its time to explore other similar opportunities outside of your current company.WANT TO SEE WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO WORK IN HR?...You know, just like, take a quick peek at what the roles look like?Yes? Check Out HR Openings Here Once everyone knew, my inbox flooded with supportive and congratulatory messages from my co-workers. I learned that if you take the initiative to explore what youre really passionate about, its hard for people not to be excited for you. So, if you find yourself being drawn to a new opportunity, see it through. And when youre happy at your current company already, an internal transfer is really the best of both worlds.

3 Job Search Hacks That Actually Work

3 Job Search Hacks That Actually Work3 Job Search Hacks That Actually WorkThe 2019 job search is far and away different from the 1999 job search. To make sure you search moves forward with consistency, with bewerbungsinterviews, and with offers, take advantage of these job search hacksHack 1 Customize Your Resume for Each Job in Under 5 MinutesTargeting your resume for each opportunity is important. Think about it mass emailing a resume evokes the same response as if you were on the receiving end of a mass email. What if this were a dating scenario and the person texted you at 7 am with some long poem, except that youve only been on 1 date? That poem was not for you specifically. It was for everyone in the Rolodex.You need to treat each organization you approach as a unique, individual entity. Literally, speak their language. Youll know their language based on what they wrote in the ad.If youre a Sales Director and the ad says the ideal candidate has skills in lead generation, then m ake sure your resume says, lead generation, as opposed to, business development. Yes, theyre the same thing. But reflecting the language in the ad demonstrates that youre more in tune with that particular organizations corporate culture.To customize your resume in 5 minutes or less, simply adjust the top sections your profile and your expertise. These are the sections that set the tone for what the employer is about to read.There should be no need to overhaul your experience section experience is a point in history. It already happened. Therefore, it need not be different for every version of your resume.Hack 2 Find Out Who The Employer Is, Even If The Ad Doesnt SayThe key to success in job search is to make direct contact with a real human being. Doing so increases your chances from 1-2% to 40-70%. But how do you begin to find a real human being of the ad youre looking at doesnt even say who the employer is?Google is how. Read the ad. Look for any unique or distinguishing wording. The put that wording encapsulated inside of quotation marks into Google. Doing so may just land you on the employers web site.So what do you do once you find out who the employer is? You can apply for the job the regular way you see on the job hauptplatine where you originally saw the ad. But take things a few steps further. Now that you know who the employer is, look them up on LinkedIn to identify the relevant decision maker. Then reach out to that person directly.Hack 3 Say This When They Ask You (Too Early) About Your Salary RequirementsIn a perfect world, no one would talk about salary until the 3rd interview. But in the real world, the first time you talk to the recruiter over the phone, shes going to ask you how much youre earning right now.Flip the script. Employers already have the salary range in mind. They formulated that long before they published an ad. Since you know there is some basis for the salary they already have in mind, simply respond to the salary question with a question of your own What do you have budgeted for the position?WAIT for the answer. I know the silence is uncomfortable. However, successfully risking the urge to fill the silence pays off with them telling you what the salary range is. Then youll know whether even pursuing the position at all is worthy of your time.You can find out exactly what to say about salary, especially if youve already heard a few times that youre overqualified, in our fee job search training, The Perfect Job Game Plan. In this training, I show you exactly how to line up one interview after the next, after the next. And youll see the people who used The Perfect Job Game Plan to not only get employed, but also increase their salaries by the double digits.

Kids, Work and Food Service Resume Examples

Kids, Work and Food tafelgeschirr Resume Examples The Argument About Food Service Resume Examples Odds are you could wind up not including some important places and including others that are not that necessary. Next up is Kenny, that has been working in restaurants for over 12 decades, and wishes to revise his resume to take advantage of chances to step up. Next up is Kenny, that has been working resume restaurants for over 12 decades, and wishes to revise his resume to resume advantage of chances to step up. Doesnt incorporate any specifics and promises no positive aspects. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Food Service Resume Examples The continue builder is the simplest approach to create a work application that could help you receive your fantasy job. Your resume objective is a fast overview of what you could supply the employer succinctly captured in few sentences. The matter with resumes is certainly the simple fact that its near impossible to represent yourself o n a single collection of paper. Be ready to offer certain examples. Potential employers want to understand that youve got a passion for food service--this will force you to stick out among applicants that are working within this industry on their way to something else. The capacity to edit your work application from any place in Earth is an impressive asset youre in a standort to utilize to work with you acquire that upcoming congrats. Paying attention to the particulars of orders is a significant part of your work and one which matters to the total caliber of your work. To make a productive objective for the server resume is to understand what the employer is searching for in the most suitable person for the position. Fortunately, there are a lot of resume-writing tips which can help you begin. The following suggestions can help you spruce up your resume. Enormous understanding of mathematical calculations utilized in fixing the range of servings in a specific amount of foo d, modifying recipes, and determining food expenses and projections. Supervised students or temporary employees during some of the employees work time whilst in the dish room. Whatever They Told You About Food Service Resume Examples Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why This sample of Food Service Supervisor Resume will provide you with a fast start in your job application procedure. A hiring manager searching for a Customer Service Representative is searching for a well-spoken individual with a strong understanding of the company mission, and superior communication abilities. Customer Service Representatives can be liable for many different tasks depending on the company they work for. Specialized Food Service Resume Samples If you only wish to see general food service resume examples and ideas, continue reading Then, its followed by the expert skills that the professional is very good at. Simply take an internet class or two. Must be self-motivated with the capacity to work ind ependently. Superb customer relation abilities. When you apply, you might have to read the work description carefully. Recruiters will continue in order to find you in various ways, including through your on-line profile. Even in the fest the work only serves food, do your best not to think less about this job. Food Service Resume Examples the Ultimate Convenience Working in food service may be a priceless experience. In addition, you can learn more on the subject of food service careers on Monster. Experience will be crucial for management slots. Your capacity to keep yourself focused and on task is crucial to your success for a food server. In some instances, you can consist of things besides direct work experience on a server resume. Serve guests in a pleasant fashion, always prepared to help where required. Brings 5 decades of experience for a waiter and very skilled at customer support. Top Food Service Resume Examples Secrets Writing a thriving paper incorporate s many necessary factors no matter what type of academic work you need to finish. Crafting a strong resume is among the most significant things that you can do if youre searching for a new job in the restaurant services. The examples provided above are guaranteed to direct you in crafting one. You could really like to create headings including Skills, Strengths or Interests and collection info and facts that may be highly pertinent to the task youre trying to get. Now, take a look at a restaurant resume sample. In the event that you were on the wait staff for five years at the same restaurant or five, be certain to put that toward the peak of your resume. Their dining experience is dependent on you. Follow written procedures for cleaning the dining space, dish space, kitchen and restrooms in order to keep a clean working and serving atmosphere.

The Honest to Goodness Truth on Can Anyone Recommend a Good Resume Writing Service

The Honest to Goodness Truth on Can Anyone Recommend a Good Resume Writing Service Can Anyone Recommend a Good Resume Writing Service - Overview If that is the case, its an indication theyre a good resume writing service to employ. You can readily find many examples throughout the use of the web, or often through resume writing software programs. Writing a resume is an art and you have to discover an artist who can create a real masterpiece for you. Resumes Planet is a sizable popular writing service with a versatile group of competent writers. Employing a professional resume writer is a worthwhile investment and might even prove to be among the best decisions in your career. Additionally, the geschftliches miteinander gives career planning assistance and interview advice. Remember your resume is the most essential tool youve got to acquire work. When youre looking for work, you are aware that you might have to prepare a curriculum vitae which is what you will pass on to prospective employers that you wish to work for. In case you decide you want expert aid, its time to come across writers. You want a writer who can create a strategic advertising and marketing document one that will resonate with the folks responsible for hiring. Your resume writer will request that you send them links to any roles you desire to submit an application for. Your own personal writer can help you create a modern resume, dependent on your career story and meeting all of the high standards of your industry. Resume writing fees vary greatly and it can be inviting to look for the most affordable option. The service employs an individual approach for writing all sorts of personalized documents, including cover letters and other sorts of employment-related correspondence. You save plenty of time, as our online helpers are all set to assist you succeed with a wonderful application document. Your resume will be completed in compliance with the deadline. The 30-Secon d Trick for Can Anyone Recommend a Good Resume Writing Service There are a lot of distinct sources that you are able to check out for resume writing help. Since you may see the practice of locating a resume sample is much less straightforward as it first seems. Learn about a few of the choices that you have for getting help on your resume here. A work search is a tough procedure, so candidates need professional and timely support. The Upside to Can Anyone Recommend a Good Resume Writing Service The more you look around, the greater your probability of locating a dependable company that delivers the high-quality services and product that you deserve. Its also important to review what kinds of services are provided by the organization. Our services wont only demonstrate your value as an employee to prospective organizations, theyll also convince you of your very own expert worth. The service of Resumarea is offered to clients at a fair price that correlates to the value of you r self-presentation. Anywhere which you can discover free resume writing advice will assist you when writing your resume. Resume writing is the most essential step in presenting your abilities and receiving the job that you desire. Help writing resumes is difficult to come by, should you not understand what it is you are looking for. Seeing examples of resumes is another wonderful method to learn about exactly what you should bear in mind when writing your own resume. If you receive an idea about How to compose a resume. A superb schablone can help you save you a good deal of time and create the procedure for building a resume more straightforward. By making use of a sample for the particular job you wish to get, youre going to be in a position to compose a resume specifically for the job that you are attempting to get. You most likely already know that one of the key keys to getting a specific job is writing the resume which will force you to stick out from everyone else, to the point at which an employer will choose to hire you.

How Woman Have Changed the Technology Industry

How Woman Have Changed the Technology Industry How Woman Have Changed the Technology Industry This post is the first in our new Women in Innovation series. Why focus on women, specifically? Because they will have a significant impact on the success of the technology industry in the years to come.The U.S. tech sector is facing a shortage of skilled technology talent In a recent survey by Robert Half Technology, 67 percent of chief information officers (CIOs) said it is somewhat or very challenging to find qualified IT professionals. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2022 employers will be looking to fill more than 1.3 million computer and mathematical job openings.However, by helping to address the so-called gender gap in its workforce - that is, increasing the number of women working in technical roles that require specialized skills - the technology industry has an opportunity to alleviate, if not resolve, its talent crisis.Ample room for growthSome of you m ay wonder, Is the gender gap in the technology field really that significant? While many women throughout history have made tremendous contributions to and pursued successful careers in tech and related fields, women have long been a small population in that workforce. Consider these recent statistics from the BLS23 percent of computer programmers are women7 percent of software developers, applications and systems software professionals are women5 percent of network architects are womenIn time, the number of women in technology positions of all types will hopefully increase significantly as more women pursue degrees and careers in tech.Accelerating changeAccording to recent research by the Center for Talent Innovation, only 38 percent of women in the United States who work in platzdeckchen (science, engineering and technology) organizations get leaderships endorsement for their ideas, compared to 44 percent of men.Fortunately, there are many people and organizations trying to connec t women with the right resources to help them succeed. Just some examplesSheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, recently announced that Facebook plans to launch a mentoring program specifically for women in technology. Facebook and other companies are partnering with Telle Whitney, president and CEO of the Anita Borg Institute, a social enterprise on a quest to accelerate the pace of global innovation by working to ensure that the creators of technology mirror the people and societies who use it.Million Women Mentors looks to grow the interest and confidence of girls and young women to persist and succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs and careers. By engaging one million mentors, male and female, Million Women Mentors is working to increase the percentage of high school girls planning to pursue STEM careers U.S. young women pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields and U.S. women staying in STEM careers.National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT), a gemeinntzig community of more than 575 universities, companies, nonprofits, and government organizations nationwide, is committed to increasing womens participation in computing and technology. As NCWIT notes on its website The lack of girls and women in computing and technology represents a failure to capitalize on the benefits of diverse perspectives in a world dependent on innovation, it can bring the best and broadest problem-solvers to the table and at a time when technology drives economic growth, it can yield a larger and more competitive workforce.In the months ahead, well track the progress of initiatives like these through our Women in Innovation series. We will also explore how women, including famous women inventors, have been catalysts in the tech industry, and how leading women in technology are transforming the sector now. And well take a look at best practices that organizations are applying to recruit, develop and retain women techn ology professionals, and encourage and invest in their ideas.Finally, each post in this series will end with an assignment. This is our way of motivating readers to think about how they, as individuals, can help to grow womens influence in the tech sector. The first assignment Join a professional network or membership association that actively promotes the advancement of women in the technology profession.Check out our other posts on women in technology here and here.

8 Sneaky Sales Techniques to Try in Your Next Job Interview

8 Sneaky Sales Techniques to Try in Your Next Job Interview8 Sneaky Sales Techniques to Try in Your Next Job Interview When you think about it, closing a abverkauf deal and scoring a job offer really arent that different from one another. In both cases, you have to identify the right contacts, thoughtfully reach out to them and convince them that you, above all others, are the right person to help them solve their problems. The only difference is, while salespeople pitch prospects on a product or service, job binnenseekers are pitching prospective companies on themselves as a candidate.Given the parallels between the two, job seekers can learn a lot from salespeople. In fact, there are a number tips, tricks and best practices that have emerged in the sales world over the years that those in the market for a new job should keep in mind as they start submitting applications.We reached out to a handful of sales and career experts for their favorite examples of sales te chniques that can also be applied to the job search - try them out today to set yourself apart from the competitionWhether youre trying to sell a product or apply for a job, you need to take the time to do some research on the opportunity at hand first.No salesperson would ever call into a prospect without thoroughly researching the company and tailoring their approach. Your job search should be no different, says Jeff Monaghan, Marketing Lead at staffing firm Akraya, Inc . Your resume, titelbild letter and any emails you send should have content specific to the company and position you are applying for.Novice job seekers and salespeople often think this will take longer, but a generic mass blast will yield far less results than an informed, targeted approach.In my 20 years in the staffing business, I can tell you that you will get better results taking the time to customize 10 resumes and cover letters than submitting 30 that are generic. You might spend more time on the 10, but it will result in a shorter amount of overall time to land that perfect job, Monaghan adds.Salespeople often talk about prospects in terms of gatekeepers versus decision-makers. Decision-makers are those who will have the ultimate say in whether or not they will purchase a product or service, while a gatekeeper is somebody who serves as an obstacle in the path to the decision-maker (think an Executive Assistant compared to a CEO). In order to streamline the process, salespeople often try to reach out to the decision-makers from the get-go.For job seekers, recruiters are gatekeepers, Monaghan says. Sure, they source and screen candidates, but they rarely have the final say in the hiring process. For that, you need to reach out to the hiring manager (or above).Figure out who runs the department of the job you are applying for and email them directly. Cant figure out who that person is? Go even higher. Are you applying for a marketing position? Check the website to see who the VP of Marketing is and email them directly, Monaghan advises. Chrome extensions like Hunter will help you find email addresses. Just make sure your email is short and to the point and really showcases why youd be a great fit. The VP will likely refer you to the manager. You have now been referred to the decision maker and are on your way.One strategy savvy salespeople use is the SPIN technique (Situation, Problem, Implication, Needs-payoff). This is a way of engaging a prospect by identifying what their pain points are, and discussing how you can address them.SPIN selling is a proven sales methodology and is based off a comprehensive study of over 35,000 sales calls, says life and career coach Nick Hatter . Hatter recommends that job seekers wishing to leverage this technique ask the company what the situation is with the role, what are their key problems as a company and how those problems affect the company (eg. time, money, stress, etc.). Then ask them how the company could benefit if those problems could be solved. Finally, ask them that if you could help solve those problems, what would stop them from hiring you.One thing the best salespeople and the most effective job seekers have in common they both prioritize building relationships with others. As the old saying goes, its not about what you know - its about who you know. One easy hack for developing an instant rapport with your interviewer is to mirror them.Mirroring is a technique in which one person actively adopts the behaviors and mannerisms of another person, attempting to become their mirror image. It is based on the premise that individuals subconsciously trust and like people that exhibit similar qualities, says Mollie Moric, career advisor and hiring manager at ResumeGenius .This isnt to say you need to change your entire personality, but even something as small as mimicking an interviewers hand gesture or repeating a phrase you hear them say can earn you points.If done successfully, candid ates form a bond with the interviewer that will make them more likely to be selected from a long list of interviewees. This is an especially helpful technique when candidates are looking for a way to stand out in a crowd of equally qualified and personable competitors, Moric adds.Another classic way of endearing yourself to a sales prospect is complimenting them. After all, people do business with who they like, and its pretty hard not to like someone who makes you feel good about yourself. However, you need to make sure it comes from a genuine place.Flattery really can sell - as long as it is sincere. Perhaps the company did an impressive project a few years ago, or maybe they have a high profile client or they have a prestigious award. Tell them how youre really impressed by the company because of it, and what you loved about it, Hatter recommends. Directors, C-Level and founders love this kind of flattery, as they feel they can take some of the leistungspunkt for it given they o perate at such high levels. It also shows youve done your research on the company, and youre not just applying for yet another job, which makes them feel more special.Many companies with an active sales presence will highlight case studies on their websites to show prospects how theyve been able to help similar clients in the past, which in turn allows prospects to envision how the company might be able to help them. As a job seeker, you wont be expected to produce case studies, but you can share anecdotes that illustrate your prior success.Just as salespeople tell of how their product or service has solved a problem for X number of customers, or how it saved them on average X dollars per year, show how you have advanced company objectives for your previous employers and clients, recommends Christopher K. Lee, career consultant and founder of Purpose Redeemed . Tell stories, and where possible, quantify them to show the scale of your work. At the end of the day, most employers (i ndeed, most people) are risk-averse. You want to make them feel confident that hiring you is undoubtedly the right decision.Sure, companies want to get to know you - but you should also show that you want to get to know them.Top sales pros listen to their prospects more than they do talk at their prospects. Creating this conversational attribute is unlocked by informed curiosity and asking questions, says Zac Kerr, VP of Business Development at Sales Rabbit .This is especially important to keep in mind when your interviewer inevitably asks if you have any questions for them.Use online research to arrive at a few questions that are from your heart and mind, so when asked they are felt , not just heard. Then, when the interviewer responds, be ready to ask another question that unfolds or unpacks more detail about what they just said, Kerr adds. An easy method to quickly formulate questions on the fly as to ask a what, why, when how question, i.e. What caused that to happen? Why di d you feel that way? What did you do about it? How long did that last?It might not be the most creative or fun task, but following up with a prospect can (and often does) mean the difference between radio silence and a successful sale - and the same is true for job seekers. Follow-up emails offer an opportunity for candidates to ensure their application has been received, thank an interviewer for their time, reiterate their enthusiasm for the role and restate what makes them an ideal candidate for the position, Moric explains.There are two scenarios in which it is appropriate for a candidate to use follow-up correspondence to communicate with a hiring manager. The first is if a candidate has not received a response one week after a company has stopped accepting applications for the position. In this instance, the candidate should send a follow-up email confirming their application has been received and restating their interest in the position, Moric continues. Second, a candidate should send a follow-up correspondence within twenty-four hours of receiving an interview. In this instance, many hiring managers use follow-up correspondences after an interview (or lack thereof) as a way of actively assessing a candidates proactive work ethic.While theres no universal way to guarantee that you get a job offer, there certainly are a number of things you can do to improve your odds. Who knows? Using these tried-and-true sales techniques might just help you get that much closer to your dream job.

The 5 best jobs for ambiverts

The 5 best jobs for ambivertsThe 5 best jobs for ambivertsKnowing your personality helps when trying to find a satisfying job. While some people easily identify themselves as introverts or extroverts, others possess tendencies toward both sides. If youre among this group,commonly called ambiverts, recognizing this dual nature can be critical to career happiness.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreSince ambiverts get their energy from both extroverted and introverted activities, the key is tofind balance between the twothat feels natural for them, says professional career advisor Melissa McClung, owner ofLBD Careers, LLC(and herself an ambivert). I personally find my balance by combining training and consultation (extroverted) with strategic planning and social media management (introversion).Fortunately, there are many jobs and careers for ambiverts that make use of their interestin g place on theintrovert-extrovert continuum. Heres a look at five jobs for ambiverts that tap into their diverse needs and strengths.Best Jobs for AmbivertsParalegalWhy might a career as a paralegal prove intriguing to ambiverts? Activities such as interviewing witnesses, collaborating with lawyers, and serving as a principal point of contact for clients require comfort around people. However, conducting legal research, drawing up and proofreading documents, and assembling material for meetings indulges an ambiverts solitary, focused side.Public Relations ManagerFor ambiverts who enjoy mixing up which face to put on, PR offers quite a bit of diversity. Traveling to unfamiliar places, attending networking events, and boldly promoting clients appeals to extroverts. Thoughtful strategizing, crafting promotional material, and writing reports are more up an introverts alley.SalespersonThink extroverts make the best salespeople? Studies showambiverts actually lead the packin performance. While their extroverted side enables comfort around new people and sufficient assertiveness to seal the deal, their introverted nature makes them good listeners who pick up on customer desires and potential barriers to finalizing the sale.Likewise, ambiverts understand both extroverted and introverted customers. This empathy allows an ambivert salesperson to adjust behavior accordingly to come off as neither pushy nor boring, making it a great job for ambiverts.TeacherStanding up in front of a classroom and engaging with students certainly corresponds with an ambiverts social side. However, teaching involves plenty of solitary, thoughtful tasks as well, such as planning out lessons and grading papers. Virtual instructor positions appeal to some ambiverts. Such jobs still involve interacting with learners but in a less socially overwhelming environment.Virtual AssistantBecoming a virtual assistant can fit the bill for administrative professionals who enjoy interacting with others but not in the bustle of an office. The remote setting provides introvert-friendly quietness and solitude perfect for focusing, while tasks requiring interaction with executives, vendors, and customers allow ambiverts their people-fix.Whether you identify as an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, FlexJobs has you covered. Withflexible and remote job listings in more than 50 categories, somethings bound to strike the perfect chord with your individual personalityThis article first appeared on FlexJobs.com.