Set Yourself Up For Success Archives - Page 3 of 16

Looking to Travel While Working Remotely? START HERE!

One of the best parts about being able to travel while working remotely is you can work anywhere you can bring your laptop and find a secure internet connection. This superpower allows remote employees to travel more and digital nomads to live like locals in new locales for as long as they please.

Though the pandemic may have put a damper on this perk over the last few years, more people are working remotely now and eager to start traveling again.

The only downside? If you’re not prepared to work remotely while traveling, you could set yourself up for a stressful getaway.

That’s why we’re sharing everything you need to know about working remotely and traveling like a pro in this guide. But before you start looking for cheap flights, let’s start with WHY it’s important to plan.

Why You Need a Plan

Whether you’re taking a bucket list vacation or going out of town unexpectedly, it can be challenging to work remotely while traveling.

You won’t have the cues of your regular routine and workspace to get you in the productive zone. And the novelty of a new destination and all its distractions can easily tank your ability to focus. That’s why it’s best to create a game plan before leaving.

Sure, you may be tempted to wing it and take a relaxed approach to your time away. But if you don’t prepare for all the nuances of travel and work ahead of time, you may not get to do as much sightseeing, parasailing, or feasting as you’d like.

Seven Tips to Travel While Working Remotely

Follow these seven tips, and you’ll be able to make the most of your work day and maximize your time off:

1. Decide If You’ll Be Checking In or Checking Out

Unlimited vacation days are one of the best company benefits every remote team should get. But this time off might come with a few caveats for checking in, especially if you’ll be traveling for a while.

So look over your company’s work policy to see what’s expected of you. Speak with your managers to see how many hours you’ll need to clock in, how often you’ll need to touch base, how you’ll manage your remote team, etc.

Working this out ahead of time lets you flex your flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness, all transferable skills that make you look like a pro.

Looking to Travel While Working Remotely? START HERE! Read More »

Prepping for the “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” Question

Blog, Interview Tips, Job Search, Set Yourself Up For Success

All right, you’re well underway in your search for a new job, and you even have an interview (or a few) on your calendar. As you’re preparing for your interview, you think of one question you just know will come up: “Why do you want to work here?” Hopefully you’re interviewing with a company that has a mission you believe in, but if not, it’s wise to have a good answer for this question before you sit down with a hiring manager. So, what’s the best way to answer “Why do you want to work here?” Keep reading! I’ll share a few tips and scripts to set you up for success when it’s time for you to answer this common interview question.

The Reason Behind “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

When you’re preparing for a job interview, no matter what the company does, you can expect a few of the same questions. Aside from the classic “Tell me about yourself?” question, another predictable question you’ll hear during an interview is, “Why are you interested in this position?” Employers ask this to find out how much you really know about the company and position and to see if you’d be a good, long-term fit—for the culture and for the position. They’re looking for the right fit just as much as you are, and they want to offer a job and invest in hiring someone who’s prepared and ready to take the reins. They’re also curious about how well you explain yourself and the connections you see between your top skills and passions and what the company needs from its team.

How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

This is one of the most popular interview questions, which is good news because you know it’s coming. You can research and prepare a great answer ahead of time—one that will set you apart from other job seekers and position you as an excellent candidate for the role.

So, when you’re planning how to answer “Why do you want to work here?” keep these points in mind:

1. Talk About the Company’s Mission

It’s easy enough to explain why you’re looking for a new job, but if you can explain why you’re excited about the company’s mission, you have a better chance of standing out in the interview process. Research the company’s mission and vision statements on their website for more information.

2. Be Honest About What You’re Looking For

But not too honest. You don’t want to bash your old company and use this new opportunity as an escape hatch. Instead, explain how this new role could be a great fit for your long-term career goals. Keep it positive. Review the job description and see how your skills and goals match up with what they’re looking for.

Prepping for the “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” Question Read More »

Feeling Stuck In Your Career? Let’s Change That.

Ask An Expert, Blog, Set Yourself Up For Success

According to a study by Oracle, more than 75% of people feel “stuck” personally and professionally. There are a wide variety of reasons you might feel stuck in your career. Maybe you’ve worked in the technology industry for years when you don’t even have a passion for it. Or you’ve remained at the same company for decades because the pay and benefits are great, yet the work doesn’t energize you. As time goes on, those “golden handcuffs” slowly tighten. You may even feel like something is missing or holding you back from having greater satisfaction. If you’ve been struggling with the feeling of being stuck in your career for a while, it’s a sign that it’s time to do something about it.

Yet, change is always difficult, even if it’s for the better. That’s because humans don’t like uncertainty. We’re hardwired for survival and prefer to know what’s coming next. Over time, too much uncertainty causes anxiety and eventually turns into full-blown fear. But uncertainty can be redefined to work in your favor. As Eckhart Tolle wrote in his book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, “If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.”

Stop Feeling Stuck in Your Career

You need to make a critical decision. Do you want to settle for the life you have now or take action to create the life you deserve? If you’re ready to break free, here are some ways to stop feeling stuck in your career.

Gain Some Perspective

One of the first things you should do is determine why you feel stuck in your career. Is it because you always seem to be passed over for a promotion? Or maybe your salary and benefits are so attractive that you find it hard to leave—even though you don’t feel challenged. Whatever the case, do some soul-searching, so you understand what is potentially lacking in your life.

Understand Your Values

People are happier when their value system aligns with their careers. In fact, job satisfaction is determined more by how your values align with your work environment than by any other factor. Therefore, it is important to analyze your work values to clarify your priorities.

Feeling Stuck In Your Career? Let’s Change That. Read More »

How To Explain Your Career Change in an Interview

Ask An Expert, Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

There’s a pervasive and convincing lie circulating through colleges and workplaces everywhere: You get an education in a certain field (formal or otherwise) and then work in that field until you retire or collapse on your desk one day. A career change is not an option.

Unfortunately, this belief causes a lot of distress for people who desire a career change. They believe they’ve invested their resources in a certain area, and shifting to a new field means starting from scratch. Yes, this process often does mean backtracking at least a bit. But it’s not like you revert to being a newborn. Making a change simply means applying your knowledge and experience to a new area and filling in the gaps as needed.

How to Positively Explain Your Career Change

Thankfully, landing an interview means you succeeded in selling your experience on paper, so you’re well on your way in the career-changing transition process. Now, your job is to help an employer see the value that your experience will bring to the team. Read on to see how you can do exactly that.

1. Know Your Worth

If you’re going to convince a new employer you’re the best candidate for a job, you have to believe it yourself first. When you value yourself, you start to describe your work history and experience in another language. Start by writing out everything you do, in detail. Include all of your tasks and your accomplishments. This will help you to see your experience in a fluid way that can apply to many settings. You weren’t a “customer service representative for Caris’ Cupcake Emporium;” you were someone who “assisted customers with orders, promoted new products and services, and addressed customer complaints professionally.” Learn to spin your past positions in this way, and you’ll find it much easier to explain how your work history lends itself to the transition you’re seeking.

Examples paint a picture of your experience and abilities for an employer, versus answering questions with a hypothetical, “Well in that situation, I think I would…” With a career change in particular, examples help an employer understand how your experience fits into a new role.

So when asked about working with customers, for example, incorporate an anecdote about your interactions with people from your current or previous jobs, even if those people weren’t customers, per se. Then, explain how you would put that experience to work in your new role. The skills you used to manage conflict with a co-worker or to explain a difficult concept to management are the same ones you would use with customers, after all. If asked about problem-solving, talk about a time you actually worked through a conundrum or came up with an innovative solution. Even if the industry was entirely different, the ability to think critically and problem-solve speaks volumes of your competence level. When you provide examples, an employer knows you’ve actually done the things you’re claiming, and that ought to give you a leg up in the interview process.

2. Provide Evidence of Experience

Go out of your way to show an employer—literally—that you’re capable of taking on this new role by bringing evidence with you. This might include sample work, training certificates, or a mock grant proposal, marketing plan, or something else that makes your abilities concrete. Are you shifting into a writing-heavy field like communications or journalism? Bring writing samples. It’s OK if you haven’t written a news story; a well-written annual report still demonstrates your mastery of language and ability to weave complex details into a coherent whole.

How To Explain Your Career Change in an Interview Read More »

Looking to Support Your Working Parent Employees? Here’s How!

Blog, Set Yourself Up For Success

Working parents are still struggling post-pandemic. According to Pew Research, about half of them said the pandemic has made it harder to manage childcare responsibilities. Working mothers in particular, reported experiencing professional hurdles such as feeling like they couldn’t give 100% at work or needing to reduce their work hours due to parenting responsibilities.

Even as the country has returned to pre-COVID protocols, working parents and employees with family responsibilities are still dealing with COVID complications, such as long absences from work and school when someone in the family gets COVID. This is in addition to everything else that parents and caregivers are juggling.

If you’re looking for ways to retain and support your working parent employees and caregivers, here are some benefits you might consider:

Flexible Options

It can’t be stated enough: flexibility is crucial for anyone managing responsibilities outside of work, whether that’s children, aging parents, or even a pet. Unless you’re a business that requires dealing with customers or on-site work, giving working parent employees the freedom to complete their work on a schedule that works for them is a key benefit.

Stipend for Remote Work

A stipend that allows your workers to purchase supplies that make it easier for them to work remotely can increase their efficiency at home and make things easier. For instance, a parent working from home could benefit from things like a divider, noise-canceling headphones, a good microphone, or even a seat cushion that makes their chair more comfortable.

Offer Flexible Time

COVID-19 hasn’t gone away completely and may have a resurgence. With COVID absences requiring at least five days at home, workers can go through their sick days in record time. For instance, an employee may have to leave work just to pick up a child from school who’s tested positive for COVID.

Looking to Support Your Working Parent Employees? Here’s How! Read More »

Re-Entering the Workforce? Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

Deciding to stay home for the family is a big one, but returning to work after being a stay-at-home parent can feel like quite the transition. But with the proper preparation, some personal investment and a confident, realistic outlook, you can make the return to a gratifying career.

In this article, we explore career tips for stay-at-home parents returning to work, the importance of preparation and best practices on how to re-enter the workforce.

Preparing for re-entering the workforce

Preparing before re-entering the workforce helps you focus on a job search, gets you ready for an opportunity when it presents itself, and establishes realistic goals. It also can reduce anxiety, boost confidence and concentrate your energy.

Finding a job after being a stay-at-home parent is more common than in years past. Companies can find talented candidates in those returning to work, though it’s important to recognize the transition. A lot may have changed in your profession, and while gap years between employment are not rare, it requires a thoughtful explanation.

Even if your field saw dramatic changes or you no longer hold licenses or certifications, your highly transferable skills can apply to other professions, roles and perhaps even a career pivot. Re-entering the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent can be a time to align your new interests with a career change, which may even prove more rewarding than your previous line of work.

Advice for re-entering the workforce

Focusing on what kind of job to pursue and how to best present yourself to follow it is a task in itself. Consider this career transition guidance for returning to work and see how it can help you navigate finding the right role:

1. Discover what you really want

List out your needs and wishes—the clearer you are, the easier it is to narrow down the number of job openings and focus on those that match your wants. Start by asking yourself what kind of company and position you’d like. For example, you might be interested in a corporate role with room for growth and higher-level opportunities, or you might desire a low-key role that contributes valuable work without intense demands or additional time.

If you’re unsure, use career self-assessment tools to understand your interests and uncover new skills. Consider asking yourself these questions:

Would I like to work part-time or full-time?
What kind of career growth am I seeking?
What are my financial goals with re-entering the workforce?
What are my passions, skills, training, education and experience?
Do I want to find a job, or is there an opportunity to be my boss?
Am I able to do consulting, contract or freelance work?
What roles fit with the rest of my schedule and responsibilities?

2. Revise your materials

Updating your resume is a given with any job search. If your employment gap as a stay-at-home parent is long, consider a skills-based resume outline rather than a typical chronological one. Add important causes and accomplishments that call attention to your strengths!

Re-Entering the Workforce? Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents Read More »

7 Ways to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

Whether this is your first job interview or your hundredth, I can guarantee there’s one question you’ll want to prepare to answer. And that’s the standard “Tell me about yourself” interview question. The good news is, you’re the expert on you! But it’s always a good idea to have a plan for how to answer any question related to “Tell me about yourself.” We’re going to walk through why hiring managers ask you to do this and how you can respond with confidence and clarity…and set yourself up for interview success.

Why Do Interviewers Say, “Tell Me About Yourself”?

“Tell me about yourself” is one of the most common job interview questions. But interviewers aren’t listening to your personal elevator pitch because they want to know where you were born, what you do in your free time, and what your Enneagram or Myers-Briggs results are. What they really want to learn is how you present yourself under pressure, if you’ll mesh with the company culture, and a little bit about your background and why you’re interested in this opportunity. Think of this as a chance to practice your sales pitch before the rest of the interview questions start rolling in. Answering “Tell me about yourself” well is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression and get the interview off to a good start.

Other Versions of the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question

When you’re preparing for an interview, keep in mind that interviewers might ask this question in different ways. But even if the question changes, they’re looking for the same information: Are you well spoken? How do your skills match up? Do you have a good understanding of the job? Here are a few ways an interviewer might ask you to share who you are and what you’re all about:

“Walk me through your resumé.”

“Why do you want to work here?”

“Tell me about your previous experience.”

“What’s your story?”

“What brings you here today?”

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview

Okay, so you’re interviewing for a great job opportunity—or a role that’s one step closer to the career you’d like to have. Now, how do you prepare to answer this question? There are a few things I want you to keep in mind so you’re ready with the best possible answer. Not only will this impress the hiring manager, but it’ll ease any feelings of anxiety and set you up for confidence in the rest of the interview.

1. Keep your answer related to the job.

I know you’re proud of them, but now is not the time to gush over your pets or your son’s recent baseball tournament grand slam! You’ll have time to share your personal interests later in the interview. For now, keep your answer focused on your professional interests and what you appreciate about the company.

7 Ways to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview Read More »

Building Career Growth Opportunities to Attract Gen Z Employees

Blog, Set Yourself Up For Success

When it comes to attracting the new generation of talent, Gen Z has some pretty big demands. From salaries that start at six-figures to having the ability to work from anywhere in the world, Gen Z is redefining the way employers approach talent acquisition and retention.

Make no mistake—this generation is one that is motivated to find meaningful, long-lasting careers and understands that it won’t be handed to them without first putting in the necessary work. For employers looking to hire these up-and-comers, learn why providing career growth opportunities can help drive your Gen Z talent acquisition efforts.

What New Grads Want From Their First Jobs

Gen Z may have a long way to go up the career ladder, but they know they won’t rise unless they are given opportunities to learn and grow within their careers. When it comes to securing their first job out of college, finding a company that provides job training, career coaching, and room to grow is incredibly important to them. In fact, Monster’s 2023 State of the Graduate report found that 54% of new grads would turn down a job at a company that doesn’t offer career growth opportunities (up 33% from 2022).

This Generation Won’t Wait Around Long

As the first fully digital native generation, Gen Z has grown up with virtually everything at their fingertips. For instance, they’ve never had to wait for dial-up internet; they simply open their smartphone and are instantly online. Just like they don’t have to watch ads on TV or listen to a sitcom’s intro song; they press “skip” and immediately start binge-watching their favorite show. It’s no wonder, then, that when it comes to their careers, Gen Z doesn’t want to wait for growth and advancement opportunities to come around—they want them now. According to Monster’s State of the Graduate report, 37% of recent college graduates said the most important aspect of a job is immediate growth and advancement opportunities.

Providing Career Development and Learning Opportunities

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to provide growth and learning opportunities not just to Gen Z, but to all employees within an organization, many of which can be free or of low cost to employers. “Mentorship is one, and it’s so important for underrepresented demographics,” says Ursula Mead, CEO of InHerSight, a company-reviews platform for women. “Our data shows that if ‘you can’t see it, you can’t be it’ remains true, especially for young women considering futures in leadership positions. Other learning opportunities include cross-training, job shadowing, stipends for certifications, career coaching, tuition and conference reimbursement, subscriptions to learning platforms, etc.”. Mead also adds that mental health resources are a good sibling benefit to learning opportunities because they can help employees, especially young employees, deal with stress and prevent burnout early on.

Building Career Growth Opportunities to Attract Gen Z Employees Read More »

How to Interview Prep to Get the Job You Want [10 Key Steps]

Blog, Interview Tips, Set Yourself Up For Success

So, you’ve done your part to find the CRE job you want and land an interview. You’ve networked and connected with the right people to get the job you want. They have your CV. And they want to talk with you.

Now it’s just time to shine.

No sweat. You’ve got this. But before you show up, you need to make sure you’re prepared. Interview prep is often overlooked or minimized. But if you want to stand out, feel at ease, and make a positive impression, proper preparation is crucial.

Below are 10 key interview prep steps you can take to help you get that job. You’ve done so much to get you this far. You’re in the home stretch. Now, just follow these steps to cross that finish line:

Step 1: Research Your Company

Research your prospective employer thoroughly. Know their history, culture, and industry position. Understand their products or services. This knowledge shows your commitment and genuine interest in the company and helps convince them you’re the right hire.

Step 2: Prepare Your Questions

Craft thoughtful, relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your engagement and helps you gain insights into the role and company culture. But don’t plan on discussing salary or pay – those negotiations come later.

Step 3: Get Your Story Straight

Prepare concise, compelling stories, anecdotes, and responses to set yourself up for success. Highlight your skills. Discuss your experiences. Point out your alignment with the job requirements. This helps you present yourself effectively as a good fit during the interview.

Step 4: Practice Common Interview Questions

Rehearse responses to common questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This helps you articulate your qualifications and build confidence.

Step 5: Mock Interviews

Go the extra mile. Conduct practice interviews with a friend or career counselor! Receive feedback and refine your interview style.

Step 6: Body Language & Etiquette

Practice strong body language – a firm handshake, eye contact, and attentive listening. These non-verbal cues may need rehearsal, but they help you come off as more natural and relatable, enhancing your professional image during the interview.

Step 7: Dress Appropriately

Choose attire that aligns with the company culture and the role you’re applying for. Especially in the CRE field, professional appearance is crucial for making a strong first impression.

Step 8: Bring Necessary Documents

Part of the best pre-interview strategy is simply to gather, prepare, and organize all essential documents. These likely include your resume, cover letter, references, and identification at a minimum. It goes without saying that being prepared ensures a smooth interview process.

Step 9: Study the Job Description

Thoroughly understand the job description and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences match the role’s requirements. Your knowledge of what the company is actually looking for helps you show them you’re the perfect fit.

Step 10: Follow-Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude and reaffirming your interest in the position. This courteous gesture can leave a positive lasting impression and put you ahead of the competition to get the job.

It’s that simple!

With a little interview prep under your belt, you’ll be more confident in meeting with the hiring team and landing the job you want. And when you connect with them, answering all their questions smoothly and getting the answers you want, the interview will be far more enjoyable, too. Yes, CRE can be a competitive field, but now you’ve got the edge.

How to Interview Prep to Get the Job You Want [10 Key Steps] Read More »

Tell Me About Yourself

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial and one of the most popular interview questions out there. Here’s the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some background as to how you got there and experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be perfect for—this role.

Possible answer to “Tell me about yourself.”

“Well, I’m currently an account executive at Smith, where I handle our top-performing client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center.”

Tell Me About A Time You Made A Mistake

You’re probably not too eager to dig into past blunders when you’re trying to impress an interviewer and land a job. But talking about a mistake and winning someone over aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, if you do it right, it can help you. The key is to be honest without placing blame on other people, then explain what you learned from your mistake and what actions you took to ensure it didn’t happen again. At the end of the day, employers are looking for folks who are self-aware, can take feedback, and care about doing better.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you made a mistake.”

“Early in my career, I missed a deadline that ended up costing us a really big account. There were a lot of factors that contributed to this, but ultimately, I was the one who dropped the ball. From that experience, I went back and thought really hard about what I could’ve controlled and what I would’ve changed. It turns out that I was not nearly as organized as I thought I was. I sat down with my boss, asked for suggestions on how to improve my organizational skills, and a few months later I was able to score an even bigger account for the department.”