Apr 25, 2017 | Career Coaching
Finding a mentor is one of the most powerful strategies for making faster progress with your career or business. No matter what your goals are, someone accomplished and knowledgeable in that area is extremely valuable for guiding and inspiring you. How do you find such a person? Let’s explore some of the most effective strategies to find and keep a mentor.
Benefits of a Mentor
A mentor is someone who teaches, guides, advises, and inspires others to improve or excel. There are all types, such as people who mentor children, academic mentors, and business mentors. It’s really the latter we’re concerned with here, but the basic principles are the same in every case.
Above all, they are a role model. If you want to achieve a certain outcome in your life, nothing is more helpful than the support of someone who has already accomplished this. It’s one thing to read about such a person but something else to develop a personal relationship with him or her. They are not the same as a coach, although there are similarities. You pay coaches to help you. You have a less formal and usually unpaid relationship with a mentor. They are more like a trusted friend or family member with the experience and expertise to guide you.
Mentors are helpful at all stages of your career or business. They help you start out with new ventures, set goals, and develop strategies for achieving your goals. Just as important as any practical advice they provide is the psychological support. When you’re feeling confused, discouraged, or overwhelmed they help to ground you and let you know that overcoming obstacles is part of the journey to success.
How to Find a Mentor
The precise way you find a mentor varies according to your personality and circumstances. There are, however, a few general rules to follow.
- Identify someone you want. Focus on someone whose accomplishments are a good match for your goals. For example, if you’re pursuing a career as a compliance officer, look within your own company or perhaps a successful author or lecturer in this field. This is someone most likely to help you find compliance jobs and provide guidance for advancing in this career.
- Make contact. Don’t wait for a mentor to approach you. If it’s someone at your place of work, approach him or her in person. If it’s someone you follow on Twitter or LinkedIn, you’ll have to make contact on one of those platforms. There are benefits to choosing someone in your area, as it’s easier to meet up in person. However, communicating via phone, Skype, or online messaging is certainly viable nowadays.
- Don’t immediately ask someone to mentor you. Start by introducing yourself and asking some questions. It’s always good to explain why you admire this person and reference some of his or her work.
- Let the relationship evolve. Not every potential mentor works out. Don’t try to force it. Over time, you’ll discover if you have a good rapport with the person.
- Examine the results. Assess the relationship. Are you getting tangible benefits from your association with your mentor?
How to Keep a Mentor
A true mentor is extremely valuable and worth keeping. While some people will give you a few helpful nuggets of advice and disappear from your life, a true mentor is someone who sticks around for a while. If you’re lucky, it’s a long-term or even lifetime bond. Here are a few tips to help you keep a mentor.
- Find ways to help your mentor. Don’t think of mentorship as a one-way relationship where you receive all the benefits. Do what you can to help the person, such as by promoting his or her work when you can.
- Take responsibility. Don’t expect them to give you all the answers. They point you in the right direction, but it’s still up to you to do the work.
- Understand that your mentor is busy. They are usually professionals with busy schedules. It’s okay to make requests but don’t make demands or feel entitled to their time.
- Show that you’re listening. Mentors like to see evidence that you’re listening to them and using the tools they provide. This doesn’t mean you’ll always succeed, only that you take their advice seriously and try your best.
For help with resume writing, interviews and other essential career skills, contact us.
Apr 18, 2017 | Career Coaching
Many people fail to realize the power of salary negotiation. If properly undertaken, salary negotiation can do more than simply increase your income. Successful negotiation will impress your superiors, illustrate your desire to work for your employer, and help you enjoy a more comfortable living. Below is a look at the benefits of salary negotiation and ten tips to help you negotiate the salary you deserve.
Why is Salary Negotiation so Uncommon?
Despite its benefits, salary negotiation is surprisingly uncommon. Most people receive a job offer, agree to the terms of the offer, and start a position without even thinking about discussing money. There are many reasons why people don’t negotiate their salary. Here are a few of the most common reasons why people are reluctant to negotiate their compensation:
- They don’t know how to negotiate
- They are afraid they will offend their boss or hiring manager
- They fear the possibility of rejection
- They are making enough money to “get by”
Why Should You Negotiate Your Salary?
Salary negotiation shouldn’t be abandoned due to fear or a lack of negotiating expertise. There is simply too much to lose. Below are three ways that salary negotiation will benefit an employee:
- Successful negotiation can fund a more comfortable retirement
- Managers are often impressed by employees who negotiate
- Negotiation illustrates motivation and initiative in employees
10 Tips for the Negotiating Table
Preparation and confidence are key elements for success in fruitful negotiations. Failure to properly plan or a lack of awareness of your value can hinder your chances of success when you’re negotiating your salary. Below are 10 tips to help you succeed at the negotiating table.
1) Do your homework. Arrive at the negotiating table well-prepared with current job market statistics and salary information. Being armed with concrete statistics will lend more support to your negotiations than speaking in general terms.
2) Choose the appropriate time and venue to negotiate. Timing and choice of can play a critical role in determining the outcome of negotiations. Choose a quiet location free of distractions to command your manager’s full attention. Additionally, do your best to refrain from initiating negotiations during a chaotic or stressful time such as the end of the business quarter.
3) Have a firm grasp on current salary averages for people in your field. Research current salary trends that are specific to your job, geographical region, and level of experience. Make sure the salary you request is not unrealistically high compared to similarly accomplished peers in your field.
4) Do not arrive at the negotiation table empty-handed. Bring your brag book or another well-organized snapshot of your career successes. Zero in on achievements that are the most relevant to the job under discussion.
5) Be positive and speak with confidence. A confident, positive attitude can be instrumental in helping you convince your superiors that you are worth more than their initial offer. After all, if you lack confidence while delivering your presenting, how can you expect your managers to have confidence in your abilities?
6) Identify the key attributes that set you apart from others in your role. Don’t be shy about highlighting your strengths and special skills. Cite any unique job-related certifications or achievements that you possess, which will enhance your value as an employee.
7) Prepare yourself for potential rejection. Recognize that there’s a chance that you may not succeed with your negotiations. Be prepared with a response that will make your manager rethink his or her decision.
8) Demonstrate that you are willing to compromise. Sometimes your employer will increase his or her offer, but stop short of meeting all of your personal compensation requirements. Your willingness to compromise shows an employer that you are a reasonable person who understands the importance of meeting in the middle.
9) Respond with professionalism and grace – regardless of the result of your negotiations. Do your best to maintain a positive attitude for the duration of the negotiation process. This can be especially challenging if the result of the negotiating process is not to your liking.
10) Enlist the guidance of an industry expert. The best way to prepare for the salary negotiating table is to seek the support of a professional career or interview coach. With the guidance of an industry leader, you will gain the skills that will help you succeed in the salary negotiation process. Contact Elite Resume Writing Services to find out how we can help you negotiate the salary that you deserve!
Apr 10, 2017 | Career Coaching
Whether you’re currently unemployed or looking for a position better suited for you, it’s important that you have a good strategy while you’re conducting a job search. The perfect job isn’t going to fall into place by chance; you have to put forth effort and sometimes get creative to acquire the right position. Here are 4 tips to help you enhance your job search strategy.
1.) Develop a job-search strategy, and know what you want.
As part of your job-search strategy, you may have identified your targeted position, profession, or industry. On the other hand, you may find it challenging to decide which direction to take, especially if you’re willing to consider positions in different fields. However, there are likely some aspects you’re already sure you want or don’t want. For instance, you may need a schedule that will accommodate your family obligations. You may desire a position that pays more than you’re currently making, or you may want to work for a company that’s known for treating their employees well. While it’s unlikely you’ll find a job that you’ll never have a complaint about, you should determine which employer characteristics are most important to you.
2.) Don’t limit your options.
Use every tool available to search for open positions, including local and national newspapers, social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.), and company job postings. Also, don’t forget to let your friends and family members know that you’re looking for a new position including the type of work you want. Of course, if you’re currently employed, you’ll want to exercise discretion.
To expand your job search, identify different businesses and industries you’d like to target. Even if a company hasn’t officially announced that they’re hiring, you may still be able to find employment. Take the initiative. If they’re willing to hire, you have the advantage of standing out from the crowd, and it’s likely there will be less applicants.
3.) Be resolved to continue your search, and don’t get discouraged.
The best job-search strategy will not yield tangible results if you lack determination and give up before you reach your goal. If you don’t get a position you really wanted, you may feel disappointed, but don’t stop your search. You can succeed in finding a really great job, perhaps even a better one! On the other hand, if you’re really convinced that a particular position was what you wanted, continue your search elsewhere, and perhaps you can reapply after some time has passed. Persistence can pay off, but make sure you don’t equate your job success with one position at a single company.
4.) Be prepared, and carry extra copies of your resume.
It’s important that you dress appropriately, not only when you go to an interview, but also when you apply in person. You goal is to make a favorable first impression on hiring managers, staff, and any employee that you meet during the course of the interview. Make sure you have several copies of your resume on hand.
At Elite Resume Writing Services, we know how essential a great resume is to the outcome of your job search. We would love to assist in your job search by developing an interview-winning resume that will highlight your skills and experience. To ensure you deliver a flawless, organized presentation during basic and complex behavioral (STAR and CAR) interviews, we also provide mock telephone and video interview (Atlanta clients only) coaching services.
These are just a few tips to help steer your job search in the right direction. By creating an effective job-search strategy, conducting a thorough search, being prepared, and remaining positive, you can succeed in finding a great job.
Apr 3, 2017 | Career Coaching
The type of career you choose is a significant decision. It affects every aspect of your life. Pursuing a career that you find meaningful, enjoyable, and allows you to have the time you need with those you care about is important. Sadly, many individuals are unhappy with their current employment. This could be for a variety of reasons ― perhaps they don’t see the point of what they’re doing, or they come home exhausted, overworked, and underpaid. Others may want to advance in the field they’re already in, but their current job provides no opportunities for promotion. The good news is that you don’t have to remain discontented with your employment. If you’re in a career ‘limbo,’ with circumstances similar to these, career coaching can help. At Elite Resume Writing Services, this is one of our specialties. Here are 5 ways you’ll benefit from career coaching:
1.) Career coaching can help you gain clarity, identify strengths, and reveal areas that need improvement.
A good career coach will help you gain clarity, identify strengths, and reveal areas that need improvement through use of common assessments, such as the MBTI, Keirsey, or DISC models. The results are essential to helping you pursue a career you will enjoy. There are likely abilities and experience you already possess that a future employer will find valuable. On the other hand, by strengthening areas that could use improvement, you will be better-equipped to reach your full potential.
2.) Career coaching can motivate you.
We’re confident that you can achieve your career goals. We will work closely with you every step of the way, and develop a reasonable action plan for you to follow. As your career coach, we’ll also serve as an accountability partner.
3.) A career coach provides guidance.
If you’re unhappy with your current job, but don’t know how to make a change, contact us today to schedule a free telephone consultation. We will get to know you and discuss suitable career options. We can steer you in the right direction, and give you specific instructions to help advance your career. If additional experience and/or training is needed to fulfill your ambitions, we’ll provide the guidance needed to accelerate your career goals and make steady progress.
4.) Career coaching can help you get ready to compete.
By providing you with valuable information and instructions, you will be prepared to succeed with confidence. We’ll also help rework your resume in a professional manner so that your experience, skills, education, and qualities stand out to potential employers. We can help formulate other career documents as well, such as a career marketing plan, value proposition letter, executive biography, reference dossier, or other tools needed to highlight your skills and expertise.
Additionally, we can help polish your interviewing skills and give you tips on how to skillfully negotiate salary. Your goal should be to find a position that’s a good fit and compensates properly.
5.) Career coaching can maximize your job search.
With our assistance, you will save time and effectively channel the effort you expend reaching out for employment opportunities. You will be more capable of pursuing good job prospects, and know how to avoid making costly errors.
Our aim is for potential employers to see you as unique and valuable. We want you to be able to utilize your experience, education, and talent to the full, and find a position where you can reach your potential. We have a high success rate among our clients, and have helped many kick-start their careers and find job satisfaction.
These are just some of the benefits you’ll experience with career coaching services provided by Elite Resume Writing Services.
