How to Make a Potential Employer Fall in Love With You

Looking for ways to impress a potential employer? Want to make your résumé or job application stand
out from the pack?

This from an employer: “In the past few weeks, I’ve reviewed 480 résumés and applications for 16
different positions. I’ve interviewed 22 candidates and brought 6 back for a second, more intense round
of interviews. Believe me, I can tell you what rang my chimes!”

“Some of this advice may surprise you. Some may even make you angry because it doesn’t seem fair
or right to you. I can’t guarantee that all employers will agree with me, but why take a chance in this
employers’ market?”

Only apply for jobs for which you qualify. The “NO” pile of applications is increasingly made
up of people who don’t even remotely qualify for the advertised position. Why waste the time? If
you find yourself applying because it’s an area of work you might want to get into, or think you’d
like, don’t bother UNLESS you can make the stretch and fit between your qualifications and
background and the described opening. Otherwise, you are wasting your time.

Each application or résumé gets less than 2 MINUTES of time; usually it’s a 30 SECOND SCAN! You need to quickly qualify yourself as a potential candidate because the employer doesn’t have or take the time to do it for you.

Write a targeted cover letter that introduces your key qualifications and highlights your “fit”
with the position for which you are applying. Address the letter to the person conducting the
candidate search, when known. DO NOT presume familiarity and write, “Dear Carol.” Until
someone knows you, the name is “Ms. Landry.” Additionally, the cover letter needs to
specifically address the available position. Spelling and correct grammar do count. So does the
spacing of words on the page or email screen and an attractive overall appearance.

Target the résumé to the job. Would you like to know how many people are looking for a
“challenging opportunity to utilize my skills with a progressive employer who will provide
opportunities for growth?” Customization counts. Customization is everything when you are
looking at substantially different opportunities, too. Say, you are looking for a training position or
a marketing position. The identical résumé won’t sell your skills for either field.

Lead with your strengths. What makes you different from 40 other applicants? On your
customized résumé, start out with the background and experience most important for the
position you seek. The stage of your career is also highly relevant to the placement of
information on your résumé. If you are just graduating from college, lead off the first portion of
the résumé with your education and degree.

The key is to make it easy for the résumé reviewer to see that you are qualified for the
position. You want your résumé in that “YES” pile awaiting an interview!

These Are The 4 Work/Life Resolutions You Should Make for 2021

By Jessen O'Brien

Although only about 60 percent of us bother — and just eight percent of us achieve them — New Year’s resolutions are well-worth making.

Resolutions give us an opportunity to reflect on our lives; think about the changes we want to make; and set goals for ourselves. Whether or not we succeed in keeping them, resolutions help us close the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

Particularly after a year like 2020, which has been chaotic for so many of us, it can be invigorating to sit down and make a plan for what you want to accomplish in the year ahead. And if you’re stuck for ideas, you’re in luck: We sat down with personal and executive coach Keren Eldad for her thoughts on what resolutions you can make to improve your personal and professional lives in 2021 — plus, a tip on how to keep them.

Focus on yourself.

Feeling burnt out, stuck, or overwhelmed? It’s possible that “you are, at some level, unaware of what you really want and why you have made the choices you have this far,” Eldad says. “To that end, I recommend that anyone make personal development their 2021 resolution.”

If you want more clarity, Eldad suggests working with a coach; signing up for webinars on different areas of personal growth, such as how to get past imposter syndrome or grow your network; or trying the old DIY method of reading books and watching videos. If you’re looking to make a career change, Eldad recommends “Life’s Great Question: Discover How You Contribute to the World” by Tom Rath. As for videos, Eldad points out that experts such as motivational speaker Tony Robbins and research professor Dr. Brené Brown have talks available on YouTube you can watch for free.

Organize everything.

Here’s another reason you might be exhausted: There’s too much on your plate. “[Feeling] overwhelmed is primarily a time management issue,” Eldad notes. Being more organized can help you juggle the many demands on your time and energy so that you can approach each day with an attainable set of goals.

To help you manage your time better, Eldad recommends reading cleaning consultant Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” which will teach you to treasure the things in your life that spark joy instead of focusing on what you can do without, and “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” by entrepreneur Gary Keller and writer Jay Papasan.

Get your finances on track.

“I own my own business, and if there is one lesson I have learned in 2020 it is be financially prepared,” Eldad says. “Too many Americans and American businesses struggled in 2020. While we could not predict a worldwide pandemic, we can safely assume that there’s more uncertainty ahead.”

Having your finances in order gives you the flexibility and safety net you need to tackle whatever life throws at you. If you have debt, resolve to pay it down in the new year. Eldad also recommends creating an additional income stream “to hedge your bets and create more financial security.” One more thing to add to your financial checklist: Learn how to manage your money. Eldad suggests adding titles like “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi and “You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth” by Jen Sincero to your reading list.

Adjust your mindset.

As for Eldad’s own resolution, she plans to focus on what she calls the “Spiritual Gym” this year: working with her own coach, reading books that inspire her, meditating daily, volunteering, and writing in her gratitude journal. In other words, the activities and exercises that help expand her mind and add to her happiness.

“I’m an executive coach, so, obviously, I do care about career goals and efficiency, performance, and productivity. But for me, mindset matters most — especially after a year like 2020,” Eldad says. “How we feel is how we lead.”

Make a resolution you can keep.

Most of us don’t even make it two weeks with our New Year’s resolution. If you generally struggle to keep yours, Eldad recommends being more reasonable in your goals, no matter what resolution you end up making.

“Resolutions should be focused and attainable. Don’t resolve to read 50 books in 2021 if you can barely make it through two,” Eldad says. “The key here is to make your goals as realistic and as enjoyable as possible.”

Read original article here

2020 HOLIDAY HIRING

Source: AnnElizabeth Konkel, INDEED

The holidays often seem to sneak up on consumers. In fact, hiring surveys show that over half of shoppers plan to buy gifts within 2 days of Christmas. Retailers, on the other hand, think about the holiday season year-round. Employers usually start their holiday hiring as early as September to deal with surges, as 21% of retail sales come during this time.

However, low sales leading up to the holidays can mean a significant blow to a company’s annual revenue. With the global pandemic still spreading and the U.S. unemployment rate the highest it’s been in nearly a decade, this year’s holiday season will almost certainly be different. Consumer spending was down 10% in the second quarter, while air travel in September was about one-third of what it was in 2019, in terms of traveler throughput.

WHICH MEANS – We are heading into a holiday season that will likely involve a lot less spending than usual. In turn, this may significantly impact retail businesses as well as their current and potential employees.

SO – what can we expect as employers begin holiday hiring? Here is whatIndeed Economist AnnElizabeth Konkel reveals from her research on seasonal job postings and what it can tell us about the current economic situation.

WHAT ARE THE KEY FINDINGS?
Typically, we see retailers amp up holiday hiring in September, with a rise in job titles that include “holiday,” “seasonal” and “Christmas.” This year we see a similar trend but progressing at a slower pace. As of Sep. 22, seasonal job postings lagged 11% behind last year’s trend.

Traditionally seasonal positions are being offered as permanent positions this year.

In Konkel’s words – “There’s no mystery as to why: It’s the coronavirus and the uncertainty of the economy.” According to Konkel, COVID-19 is impacting holiday hiring in a few major ways. First, there has been a general economic slowdown — you don’t need as many seasonal workers if people are shopping less. Second, people are now buying different things. For example, spending on home goods, such as food, furnishings and exercise equipment, is up, while spending on services that involve face-to-face interaction, such as transportation and restaurants, is down.

Lastly, online shopping increased 31% between the first and second quarter of 2020, as people began limiting inperson contact. This trend also explains why one area traditionally associated with season hiring is booming: Loading and Stocking

AnnElizabeth also discovered that many of the seasonal jobs that would typically be temporary are being offered as permanent positions this year. In 2019, 54% of seasonal jobs were temporary, but this year, only 37% of them are. This trend indicates that the job market is seeing a mild bounce-back from the huge job losses of the spring, rather than a true reflection of holiday hiring needs.

What does this mean for employers?
‘Work from Home’ is still one of the most common job search terms 6 months into the pandemic.

Just because things have slowed down doesn’t mean the holidays are canceled. Many employers will still need additional workers to bolster their seasonal operations.

However, the types of employers that need extra help may be different than in years past. Due to restrictions such as store capacity limits and concerns about the spread of the virus, shoppers may be less likely to purchase gifts that involve human interaction, such as spa gift cards, and more likely to buy items that can be used at home.

What’s more, “winter impacts the entire economy,” as AnnElizabeth says, and this is truer than ever this year. It will soon become difficult for some eateriesto offer outdoor seating in cold climates, and activities such as outdoor fitness will be much more challenging when temperatures become frigid. This will likely lead to fewer job postings in fields that have become weather-dependent due to the coronavirus.

What does this mean for job seekers?
While more workers are enjoying permanent employment in sectors previously dominated by temporary jobs, they’re also showing less interest in seasonal jobs when compared to previous years. As of September 22, searches for seasonal jobs were down 38% from the trends in 2019 and 2018.

But if unemployment in the U.S. is so high, why would there be fewer searches for seasonal jobs? Yet again, all signs point to coronavirus. Many seasonal jobs, such as retail and customer service, involve in-person interactions, triggering concerns about job seeker safety. Lack of childcare is another common factor keeping workers close to home.

As a result, AnnElizabeth explains that “job seekers are interested in remote work. Again, 6 months into the pandemic, ‘Work from Home’ is still one of the most common job search terms.” This year’s holidays will involve fewer meals out, less travel and more gifts to use at home. But they will still be celebrated, even if traditions are forced to change. Only time will tell if retailers and job seekers increase their postings and searches, respectively, as the season gets closer, or if this year’s holidays will just involve smaller swells in economic activity.

Definition:
“Seasonal job postings” defined as those with one or more holiday-related terms in the job title, including, but not limited to, “holiday,” “seasonal” and “Christmas.” “Seasonal job searches” are defined as those containing one or more of the same list of holiday-related terms.

IS YOUR JOB SEARCH LOOKING SCARY?

by Carolyn Greco – Sources: Psychology Today, The Muse, ZipRecruiter

Conducting a job search in the month of Halloween seems right to us because many job seekers find searching during these challenging times – a little scarier than usual!

Will you have enough to conduct an unpressured job search? How will you manage your search in the midst of the pandemic? Am I up to speed on technology and techniques that are needed now for interviewing? And all of the stiff competition now! These questions and more, especially this year, with all its uncertainty, can be scary.

SO – when it comes to complicated matters like intentionally planning what you want your career path to be, it’s important to step back a little.

STEPPING BACK
Job searching. It’s simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. Thrilling – there’s a certain element of excitement that comes along with hunting for a new gig. It’s the optimism and promise of something better coming your way—that golden job that will make your entire life seem like a bed of roses.

Terrifying – when you aren’t feeling all tingly and excited about the prospect of a new position? Well, more often than not, you’re positively petrified with fear.

SO – let’s redefine the process and be the ones DOING the scaring instead of RECEIVING the scare!

Scare Off Threat #1: You’ll Have to Spend All Your Free Time Doing It
You’re right. This process can be quite time consuming. First, you need to sift through the many postings to find opportunities that actually fit you and your interests. Then, you have to dedicate time to putting together a solid application, which can include a resume, cover letter, references, writing samples, and more. And then, if you get an interview, you have to spend time prepping. You get the picture—it’s not just one click of a button.

But here’s the good news—there are ways in which you can optimize your time spent searching. Block off specific times in your week to sit down and focus solely on this process. And when we say specific times, we don’t mean “I will work on this over the weekend.” Instead, we are thinking more along the lines of “I will do this on Wednesday night from 7 to 9 PM.” And then at 9 PM – you’re free!

Once you choose times, assign goals to each session. These could be along the lines of:

• Find three positions to apply to
• Write cover letter for X position at X company
• Revise resume

Without designated times and specific goals, you’re likely to just keep prolonging the process. Because admit it: If you just troll openings while you’re watching the latest episode of The Walking Dead, you’ll most likely get distracted by the creepy drone of the zombies. Additionally, you’ll probably spend many a minute scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon.com. Choose your poison – you know you have one!

Scare Off Threat #2: You Aren’t Qualified for Anything
An open position grabs your attention, and you get really excited. But when you get to the list of requirements at the end of the page, that excitement quickly fades. I have to have how many years of experience? And be proficient in all of those systems?

You’re not the only person’s who’s asked yourself, “How am I supposed to gain experience if I can’t fulfill the requirements to get a job in which I will gain experience?”

But as Muse writer Sara McCord points out, “Some requirements are listed because they ‘sound good.’” And, furthermore, when companies are writing these blurbs, they often tailor them to describe who their “dream applicant” would be.

“But truthfully,” McCord says, “companies aren’t going to stall the hiring process until the dream applicant saunters in—solid, qualified applicants – like YOU! get interviews, too. So, if there is a dumping ground of desired skills at the end of the description, see them as bonus skills, and focus your application on all of the core skills you do have.”

But keep in mind, while you’re probably more qualified than you give yourself credit for, you’re not right for everything. As long as you’ve ruled all the “definite NOs” out and you aren’t applying to be, say, an orthopedic surgeon when you went to school for art therapy, apply away.

Scare Off Threat #3: You Won’t Stand Out
It can be awfully daunting to apply for a job when you know the recruiter probably already has a mountain of resumes on his desk. And it can be really easy to start doubting yourself and your chances of getting picked out of that pile. But if you’re trying for a position you’re qualified for, you deserve just as much of a chance as the other faceless applications—and maybe even more.

But here’s the thing —you’re not done once you hit “send.” It’s only just begun. If you want to stand out, you have to take action and go above and beyond. As Kat Boogaard, Muse writer and owner of Burst Communications says, “You should never hesitate to go the extra mile, show some initiative, and share some other materials that a potential employer might care about. Go ahead and send them a link to your portfolio or personal blog. Anything that helps them to get a better sense of who you are as a Candidate will benefit you!” (SEE THE HINES STORY ARTICLE!)

Going the extra mile doesn’t have to be fancy though. In fact, it can be quite simple. Jenni Maier, Managing Editor for The Daily Muse, has read many cover letters and says one quick and easy way to be noticed is with an untraditional cover letter opening, i.e., saying something other than “Hi, I’m writing to express my interest in this position”.

“It’s always a treat when a Candidate starts with a fun fact, a memorable anecdote, or a clever line. By doing this, you immediately have my attention.” TAKE NOTE THOUGH! Your creative kickoff should relate to the position in question to some extent. Completely random tidbits are fun but will leave the hiring manager feeling very confused. I’m really happy that you’ve tasted every cheese in Wisconsin, but can you remind me how that makes you a good software engineer?

There are many other ways to stand out, such as creating a portfolio of your work, thoroughly researching the company, and connecting with individuals at the companies you’re applying to – and by connecting we mean more than just pressing “Connect” on LinkedIn.

Scare Off Threat #4: You’ll Hate the Job You Get
When looking for a new gig – or your first one, there are bound to be many thoughts rushing through your mind. But what if I hate it? What if I’m absolutely miserable? What if this isn’t even the right field for me?

You’ll be spending a lot of time at work—if you aren’t happy there, it’ll start to negatively affect your whole life. So – you definitely don’t want to settle.
But before you let this threat make you turn around and run for the hills, consider the following:

Just as there’s no guarantee that you’ll love it, there’s no guarantee that you’ll hate it.

The only actual guarantee is that you have no idea how the future will pan out. One of the best pieces of advice we give is: Don’t make something a problem before it’s actually a problem. Pursue jobs you believe are a great fit for you. If the one you end up with turns out to be the worst ever, you can deal with it then.

Nothing is permanent – well, most things aren’t. If you end up absolutely loathing the company—guess what? You can start to look for something else. I know, going through the process again?

But that’s the reality—you’re not signing your life away. Simply learn the lesson from the experience – and move forward better equipped.

RE DEFINE WINNING!
Research has shown that when you feel threatened you are less likely to be able to solve complex problems and more likely to make mistakes, so just perceiving a job search as a threat could be a major cause of failure in the process.

We at FACET are dedicated to help you break down big career transition concepts into smaller, more manageable bites, built on a strategy that reflects your values. Together we can create a mission statement on your ideal career path then develop strategic objectives to help move
along the path.

So – SCARE OFF those threats with increased confidence for a brighter future and focus on the OPPORTUNITY of this life event!

Your Body Language Speaks Louder Than Your Words

By Rick Christensen

A majority, 58 percent to be exact, of the message we convey is through our body language, this is known as non-verbal communication. Only 7% of our message is made of the words we use. In preparing for job interviews most of us concentrate on making sure we have the “right” answers to the questions we expect. Most of us don’t prepare to be sure that we are sending the right message with our body language.

Body language is a large indicator of our confidence and comfort level in any given situation, and it can make or break your chances of landing the job. Here are four common body language mistakes:

1. Eye Contact

One of the most important skills to master for a job interview is maintaining appropriate eye contact. In a 2018 CareerBuilder report, 67 percent of the 2,500 hiring managers surveyed said that failure to make eye contact was the top body language mistake job seekers make.

That’s not to say you should be intensely staring down at your interviewer the entire time. Start the contact when you first meet them at the initial handshake. Express warmth by smiling often and avoid making shifty eye movements.

2. Posture

No slouching – always keep a strong, straight back. Lean forward slightly from time to time to show interest. A strong posture will not only make you look more confident, it can also help you feel more confident and perform better in your interview.

3. Smiling

Succeeding isn’t as simple as just smiling. Smiling at the beginning and end of your interview – but not as much in between – will make you seem more approachable and likable. It’s all about balance. Do what feels natural and don’t overthink it. A simple trick is to try and match the energy or demeanor of your interviewer.

4. Fidgeting

Too much fidgeting will make you look anxious and nervous, which might cause your interviewer to question your assertiveness and interpersonal warmth. Avoid the temptation to fidget your fingers or, even worse, nearby objects! By embracing stillness, you can display the persona of a confident and capable leader. If you have a hard time doing this, practice answering questions while keeping as still as possible in front of a mirror.

Remember that in an interview you can say all the right words but if they are delivered in a slow, monotone while slouching and staring into space you will be regarded as less confident and intelligent than those that exhibit good strong body language.

PAM’S POINTERS – Preparing for a job interview

Pam Venne, MA, LPC
Certified Management Style Coach

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Preparing for a job interview the right way is critical. It’s the difference between a friendly conversation and a new job offer.

If you are prepping for an interview, please keep in mind the five factors listed below:

1. Understand the format

Each different interview type will require you to prepare differently. There are several specific formats where you would need to adjust your actions. For example, if you had to prepare for a behavioral interview, you would be wise to spend the vast majority of your time focused on stories of past experiences. For a more traditional interview, you would want to focus more on job fit and collect insider information to ace the interview.

The easiest way to find out which format you will face is to ask your interview coordinator. Though to find out the real juice, like whether you will experience a problematic stress interview, try to speak with other job candidates who recently applied to this company.

2. Understand the medium

A long time ago, every job interview took place in person. These sessions occasionally may be held over lunch or dinner or at another specific location outside of the office. Still, you could at least count on a real face-to-face interaction. Today, people can get hired without actually meeting anyone.

During COVID-19, you most likely will be using SKYPE or ZOOM – so there are some extra steps you need to take. Do your homework to learn what to do for a phone interview and the realize that you will have to do things a bit differently to prepare for a Skype or virtual interview. Also, take the time to test out any technology that you will use before the big day. Nothing can shake up the nerves like a last-minute crisis!

3. Prepare answers for an interview

A select few can walk into an interview completely cold and deliver fantastic answers that guarantee a job. For the rest of us, it’s worth investing the time to prepare for an interview the right way.

To prepare persuasive answers, you have to understand what the employer needs fundamentally. Then, you shape your responses to fulfill those needs.

Once you know how to demonstrate this fundamental fit, you are ready to add all of the bells and whistles that impress and set you apart. Even the specific words you choose can make a difference.

4. Prepare yourself for the interview

A one-hour job interview is much more mentally and physically demanding than your average hour at work. However you slice it, that meeting is determining your future. You know it, and so does your body. Take the extra steps to make sure your brain is running at 100% peak performance.

Like an athlete before a big event, there are several steps you can take to prepare for an interview physically.

First, one thing you absolutely must do the night before an interview is sleep. Even if you don’t spend a single minute on real preparation, you are better off having slept than walking in as a zombie.

Second, be mindful of what you eat before your job interview. Certain foods will make your brain function better. Others can make you more nervous and sweaty. As a first step, avoid spicy and fatty foods and eat a sufficient amount of carbohydrates.

To feel your confident best, you also want to prepare for your next job interview mentally. In this case, you may want to take a cue from the theater. Actors are masters of getting themselves focused and in character. They focus on the role they will play and on communicating the core message of their character. They also visualize how the scenes will play out. As you prep for a job interview, use these same techniques to gain your mental clarity and focus.

5. Prepare others

Yes, you will be the only person in the interview. Yet, outside of that interview, there are still other people who must sell your skills. They are your references. Getting the best recommendations for your next meeting is very important.

If you haven’t spoken with these individuals in a while and updated them on your plans, set up a meeting or make a phone call. Tell them about the job and even remind them of relevant experiences that make you a good fit.

Remember, how you prepare for a job interview will, in large part, determine whether or not you land the job. The most qualified person doesn’t always get the offer. Instead, the person who makes the most compelling case and communicates effectively will!

The Secrets Of Decision-Making Amid Chaos

You can’t remove your company from the chaos of the moment, so the ability to be highly analytical, rather than emotion-driven, is more important than ever.

By Major General (Ret.) Spider Marks

How do you define chaos? How do you recognize when you’re in the middle of it? More significantly, as a leader, what do you do about it? How do you continue to move your organization forward and drive to the outcome that you want?

Although you may have a definition of chaos and can visualize what chaos looks like, no two chaotic circumstances are the same. Chaos follows bad news as well as good and usually involves some form of randomness—people running around directionless or simply frozen in place. For example, the award of a contract requires delivery for which you may not be fully prepared (people running around) not unlike the loss of a contract that requires a contraction (people frozen in place), waiting for the next shoe to drop.

How about a global Black Swan pandemic to define chaos? The coronavirus is stretching our public health system to a breaking point. Our economy is in a free fall. Industries are being shuttered. Over 20 million Americans have applied for unemployment. We are experiencing unprecedented chaos.

The trouble, however, is that we did not see this chaos coming. History will assign blame to our failures to see the indicators and to respond more swiftly to this virus. However, what can we learn from it now?

The inevitability of chaos should sharpen our awareness. Sadly, the indicators, like those presaging the global coronavirus pandemic, can hide in plain sight or be discounted as unreliable. In today’s environment of “big data,” they may lack a discernible pattern not unlike a drunkard’s walk. As your corporate world collides with your private world, as you seamlessly blend your digital data inputs, chaos can seem the norm.

One thing is certain; chaos results in change.

So within this environment that increasingly is more chaotic, more random, often inexplicable, you exist; you thrive; you make decisions. And those decisions must be made under pressure, truncated timelines, high emotions, higher expectations and lower margins. Can you remove yourself from your environment? No—nor should you. However, if want to make decisions that are more antiseptic and less boiling over with emotion, here’s how.

• Know your team. Every leader has a kitchen cabinet, a coterie of advisors with whom you have a special and trusting relationship. Shine the light on them. Praise them in public, and they’ll speak honestly with you in private. Bosses don’t empower their subordinates; subordinates empower themselves. These folks will empower themselves and demonstrate routinely why they are your most trusted and able teammates. Napoleon had “directed telescopes,” trusted aides who went forward in combat (chaos) to assess his Army and the enemy. Find your directed telescopes and honor them.

• Delegate down. At the very moment a crisis hits, let go. Following a thoughtful process, you must delegate clear authorities to your subordinate leaders so they can act without hesitation. This does not suggest taking your hands off the controls. It does mean that those around you must know that they are authorized by you personally to act. Empowerment of the team in uncertainty is a must. Too many unknowns, too many decisions. Let your horses run.

• Control up. In chaos, keep the board informed. It’s non-negotiable and is ignored at your own peril. The board is there, at least in large part, to help, so assume they want to be part of the solution. You will be expected to own the outcome as you emerge from chaos, so own the message as you work your way through it.

As an intelligence officer in combat, I had to control the message, the assessment of the enemy’s capabilities and intentions, that my commander (my boss) received. My technique was to brief my boss personally, in private sessions with key advisors, multiple times during the day. I chose not to delegate the messaging my boss received. The significance of that assessment could not have been more consequential. Soldiers’ lives were at risk.  Lives may not be in the balance in the chaos you experience in business, but keeping your boss informed is no less important. Control the message. Own it.

• Show up. Very simply, be visible. In chaos, your people want to see you. From you, they expect calm, to get solid guidance, and to know you care. You must never undervalue the healing effect of the leader “in the trenches” with a team that’s “under fire.” In the military, it’s known as the “point of decision.” Good decisions come from good leaders who have a good view of the environment and that means being where the action is. Usually, that’s up front. Know where your “front” is and get there before everyone else, intellectually and physically.

• Prioritize. First things first. In chaos, prioritization is critical. There’s already enough energy, so do everything in your power to focus it. When I was the senior intelligence officer for the invasion of Iraq, the missions were limitless: What is the status of Iraqi chemical forces? Where is Saddam’s senior command-and-control headquarters? Where is Saddam himself, his Top 55? Will Iraqi citizens accept coalition forces?

The intelligence requests came from every unit in our command and many outside our command.  I established a priority task list to answer these requests based on a single criterion—to keep “first things first.” My priority task was to provide the Marine forces detailed intelligence of the southern Iraqi oil fields, the first objective of our invasion.  If we did not get that right, there was little chance of overall mission success. The Marines’ mission was to secure the oil fields and ensure Saddam could not destroy them as he did in Kuwait a decade earlier. Seems like an easy decision but the intellectual competition pulling us in other directions was crushing. We understood our priority, remained focused and stayed deaf to criticism.

Recognizing chaos is less important than recognizing that within chaos good decision making is essential. Too much is at risk especially when emotions on your team are raw.  Remember, your boss and the market have votes in the outcome of your efforts.

While competitors pray for your demise and some on your own team may anticipate it, quiet your critics. Be calm, be focused, stay prepared

The Post-Pandemic Workplace Will Hardly Look Like the One We Left Behind

By Jena McGregor

Contact-tracing apps for co-workers, elevator ‘safe zones,’ infrared body temperature scanners — businesses are beginning to reimagine office spaces after the coronavirus.

“Sneeze guard” partitions. “Safe zones” demarcating spots to stand in elevators. Contact tracing apps to detect interactions between co-workers and infrared temperature readings.

As Florida , Georgia , South Carolina and other states took steps to reopen their economies this week, and Boeing workers came back to their jobs after a three-week furlough, businesses, design firms, real estate developers and corporate advisers are starting to envision how a return to the office will work.

The transition is likely to be slow, uneven and cautious as employers navigate workers’ continued fears, government and public health restrictions, school and child-care closures, and — most of all — the prospects of a second, and possibly even more deadly , wave of the coronavirus.

Much depends on the availability — and accuracy — of virus and antibody testing kits. Antibody, or serological, tests might show who has developed an immune response to the disease and can safely return to work, but there are concerns about the tests’ accuracy .

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5 Tips To Make A Career Change In The New Year

The New Year is traditionally a time for fireworks, celebrations, resolutions, and now, career change. A new study from Fiverr and YouGov shows that nearly 6 in 10 U.S. workers are looking to change something about their work or career in the New Year. Some of the changes they are considering include their company, industry or job location. These results underscore the fact that work has dramatically shifted over the past decade. People no longer have jobs for life and are prioritizing purpose over profit.

“As we enter a new decade, it is important for everyone to consider the opportunities that exist for them now that might not have ten years ago,” said Gali Arnon, Chief Marketing Officer at Fiverr. “Technology has made it possible for people to earn a living right from their phone or computer, work from anywhere and collaborate on a global scale. It has allowed people to be measured by their skills and their talent, regardless of anything else. People nowadays are not looking for that ‘job for life.’ Rather they want to be part of something that has purpose and stands for something bigger than itself.”
If you are yearning for a career change in the New Year, here are five tips to guide you through the transition.

1. Take a step back

If you are considering a career change, this is a good time to ask yourself why. Take a step back to understand your motivation. Are you considering a change because you hate your boss or because you really don’t like your job? Try not to make a fear-based decision. If you’re thinking of starting a business because you are afraid of company layoffs, that’s not a good reason to pursue entrepreneurship. Your goal is to run towards something you love, not away from something you hate. To feel fulfilled, you’ll also want to ensure that your future career aligns with your values and priorities. For example, if your number one priority is your family, a job that has you on the road 42 weeks out of the year won’t be a good fit.

2. Consider freelancing

The Fiverr and YouGov study also confirmed that many workers are looking for increased flexibility, the ability to work remotely, and a career that they’re genuinely passionate about. If that sounds like you, you may want to consider a freelancing career. According to the sixth annual “Freelancing in America” study sponsored by Upwork and Freelancers Union, more people than ever see freelancing as a long-term career path. The share of those who freelance full time increased from 17% in 2014 to 28% in 2019. Not only that, but at nearly $1 trillion (approaching 5% of U.S. GDP), freelance income contributes more to the economy than industries such as construction and transportation. Skilled services are the most common type of freelance work, with 45% of freelancers involved in other areas such as programming, marketing, IT and business consulting.

3. Start a Side Gig

Thinking about going from employee to entrepreneur? One of the best methods to test a new business idea without immediately abandoning your day job is to launch a side gig. It’s also a rewarding way to acquire valuable skills while generating a bit of extra income. As your side gig grows, you’ll get a sense of whether this is a more meaningful and fulfilling career path. Eventually, you’ll have the potential to turn your side gig into a full-time business.

4. Hire a Coach (Or Contact Your FACET Coach!)

As someone who is a coach and has hired coaches for myself, I can attest to the power of coaching. They are sometimes referred to as career coaches, life coaches, or business coaches. If you are feeling stuck, wrestling with what to do next or wondering how to put your ideas into action, a coach can help. Coaches are especially valuable in terms of holding you accountable and assisting with the creation of short and long-term action plans. They essentially keep you on track and moving forward toward your goal. Ultimately, getting an outside perspective from a professional can be extremely helpful when navigating a career change.

5. Revamp your personal brand

Has your LinkedIn profile gone untouched for months or even years? Did you send your last Tweet back in 2012? Or, worse yet, do you lack a social media presence altogether? The New Year is an ideal time to revisit your personal brand. Your personal brand is the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you who you are and allow you to stand out from the crowd. Cultivating a personal brand has become more important than ever. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process. Personal branding is also essential if you are a consultant or a small business owner. By effectively managing your online reputation, you will be able to control the narrative and differentiate yourself from the competition.

If you are contemplating a career change, the New Year is the perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months, inventory your skills and chart a new course forward. In the words of author Melody Beattie, “The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” Get out your pen because the best is yet to come.

Here’s a Story About a Nearly 300% Increase in Compensation!

Day 1:

First Outplacement session with an exiting senior marketing executive, who was poorly career focused and felt under-paid.

A Personal Strength Inventory (PSI) Assessment clearly showed the individual had talents that were under-used. This, coupled with FACET’s unique “Consultant Intensive” (one-on-one) Outplacement coaching, led to…

6 Months Later:

A 297% increase in salary, bonus and executive perks/benefits.

There have been no lawsuits or bad press initiated by this executive. In fact, quite the contrary!

And, since FACET’s “Consultant Intensive” (rigorous one-on-one) coaching created faster-than-expected re-employment, the sponsoring company’s Unemployment Insurance rate likely will not increase next year.

For more information about how FACET’s “Consultant-Intensive” Outplacement creates faster re-employment, please click here, or contact us.