How being different can always beat being better

How being different can always beat being betterHow being different can always beat being betterI always thought that the best wins at anything. That might be true for sports. But not for life and business.If youre trying to build a profitable business or stable career, you might be approaching it all wrong. At least, I was. And I think that the common belief about success is also totally wrong.I get it when it comes to sports. Theres only one place at the top. And to get to the top, you have to be the best. I only applaud that. In fact, Im inspired by athletes like LeBron James, Christiano Ronaldo, Serena Williams, and others.But business is different. Instead of being the best, you must strive for becoming the first. Al Ries and Jack Trout put it best in their classic marketing book, The 22 Immutable Laws Of MarketingEveryone is interested in whats new. Few people are interested in whats better.Who cares about a marginally better product or service? Thats the problem with most busi nesses and even people. We compete with each other for the same market. Thats the basic idea behind Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Rene Mauborgne.The authors argue that most companies find themselves in markets with too much competition, called red oceans. They writeBlue ocean strategy challenges companies to break out of the red ocean of bloody competition by creating uncontested market space that makes the competition irrelevant. Instead of dividing up existing- and often shrinking- demand and benchmarking competitors, blue ocean strategy is about growing demand and breaking away from the competition.But how do you break away from the competition?Be different.I look at entrepreneurship like the music industry. Every artist that is at the top of the charts is different from everyone else. Theres only one Drake, Rihanna, Lady narrisch. These artists didnt try to become better versions of Jay-Z, Madonna, Beyonce, or whoever came before them. No, they created their own genre.D rake is the first rapper that sings and who gets away with it. Rihanna broke out with a song called Pon de Replay which is a combination between pop and reggae, a new sound. Lady Gaga, well, she doesnt need an introduction. Shes Lady Gaga and you cant compare her with anything.You see, its not about being better, its about being different. And when youre different, youre often the first in a new category.Tim Ferriss was the first lifestyle entrepreneur. He popularized the idea in his book, The Four Hour Work Week. Did he invent the idea? Who cares? Hes known for it.Al Ries and Jack Trout sayWhen you launch a new product, the first question to ask yourself is not How is this new product better than the competition? but First what? In other words, what category is this new product first in?You can apply this to your career as well. Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip Dilbert, is the first cartoonist that writes about life advice and business. Hes different. And hes the first.Dont ask yourself, What am I better at?Ask, How am I different?The easiest way to be different is to combine skills that are new in a certain area. I also learned that idea from Scott Adams in his book How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big Kind of the Story of My Life. (I love that title, btw.)Adams says that every skill you acquire, doubles your odds of success. He writesNotice I didnt say anything about the level of proficiency you need to achieve for each skill. I didnt mention anything about excellence or being world-class. The idea is that you can raise your market value by being merely good- not extraordinary- at more than one skill.Adams strategy is practical, and more importantly Realistic.Anyone can become different in their field become becoming better at one or more of the following skills (check out Scott Adams book for a more comprehensive list)Writing Were all writers. And by writing well you can stand out from the crowd.Public Speaking Getting comfortable wi th speaking in front of a group makes you a better leader.Selling We all have something to sell Our art, products, services, and even ourselves.Can you think of a surgeon that can also write and speak well? Atul Gawande, the author The Checklist Manifesto comes to mind.Think different.I know, its been used to death, but the old Apple commercial hits the nail on the head. Once you get the concept, you start noticing the patterns everywhere. Think different is not some marketing slogan.Its at the core of success. Every business or person that succeeds is because they did SOMETHING different.The question now is What are YOU going to do differently?This article first appeared on Dariusforoux.com.

Optimize Your Job Search Using LinkedIn

Optimize Your Job Search Using LinkedInOptimize Your Job Search Using LinkedInSo many ways exist for job seekers to improve their job search usingLinkedIn. More and more employers use LinkedIn to post job listings, as well as to reach out to possible job candidates. At the same time, many LinkedIn users credit the site with being a primary platform for connecting and networking with people in their industry. Effective networking is about building relationships. It is critical to take the time to build your LinkedIn profile, add to your connections, and effectively use them to aid in your job search. It is equally important to give back and help your connections when they need advice and referrals as well. Complete and Update Your Profile The more complete your LinkedIn profile, the greater your chances of being found and contacted by an employer. Use your LinkedIn profile as a resume and provide prospective employers with detailed information about your skills and experiences. Cr eating a catchy headline and detailed summary, including a professional photo, and listing your skills and accomplishments are all ways to enhance your profile. You can also strengthen your profile by adding links, such as a link to your professional website or online portfolio. Connect With Your Connections The more connections you have, the better your chances of finding someone to help with your job search. Employers often look for referrals from their own employees to fill positions before opening up a job to the masses, so someone who is employed at the company or has connections there will have a leg up in referring you as an applicant. While you want to have a number of connections, make aya you only connect with people you know, or to whom you plan to reach out. The goal is to maintain or establish relationships with people working in your field or with whom you are already connected. Check Out Job Search Options Search for jobs on LinkedIn by clicking the Jobs tab, and then entering a keyword, country, and zip code. Use the Advanced Search Option to refine your search and to search by date posted, experience level, specific location, job function, company, and industry. You can save job searches, and even receive emails about new job listings. You can also find job openings by searching for and clicking on specific companies. Many companies post job openings on their LinkedIn pages. Capitalize Your Connections Recommendations and Referrals If you find a job listed directly on LinkedIn in which youre interested, check out how youre connected to the hiring manager. You may also consider requesting a LinkedIn recommendation if you know someone at the company, which can help boost credibility in the eyes of employers. LinkedIn provides a template for recommendation requests thatyou can edit and personalize to your liking. Endorsements from network contacts for various skills and competencies are another way to go. An endorsement emphasizes tha t you do, in fact, have a certain skill listed on your LinkedIn profile. The best way to receive endorsements is to give some to your contacts first. They will then be more likely to do the same for you in return. Use LinkedIn Company Profiles to Learn About Employers LinkedIn company profiles are a good way to glean at-a-glance information on a company in which youre interested. Company profiles provide an excellent window to your connections at the company, past, current and future projects, new hires, promotions, jobs posted, related companies, and company statistics.Whats more, LinkedIn company profiles often provide solid insight into a companys culture - events they celebrate, causes they espouse and the ways in which they support them, goals they set for themselves as a company and for their employees and the paths they take to achieve them. Consider following your dream companies on LinkedIn. This will allow you to keep up with their achievements (which will be useful t o bring up in a cover letter or interview) and will help you spot any job openings.?

How to Answer Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Interview Question Career Advice

How to Answer Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years einstellungsgesprch Question Career AdviceHow to Answer Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Interview Question Career AdviceQuick NavigationWhy employers ask, Where do you see yourself in five years?Surprising ways employers ask, Where do you see yourself in five years?How to answer, Where do you see yourself in five years?Example answers to use in an interviewWhere do you see yourself in five years? is a common interview question you are likely to encounter during your job search. Employers often ask this question to gauge whether your professional goals align with those of the company and its mission. In this article, we will review how to answer this question in such a way that will help the hiring manager see you as a future employee and platzdeckchen you apart from a potentially long list of applicants.Why employers ask, Where do you see yourself in five years?Your response to the question, Where do you see yourself in five yea rs? will give the interviewer a better understanding of your overall career goals and motives for applying for the job. They want to hire someone who fits within the companys culture and who can have a positive impact on their own business goals. If your professional goals seem to coincide with the job, the employer will be more likely to see you as a dependable employee they can rely on and invest in.Motivated and proactive employees tend to remain in a position for several years. Since companies spend a lot of time, effort and money training new employees, having an idea of your five-year plan can help the interviewer determine whether you will be a good investment for them.Surprising ways employers ask, Where do you see yourself in five years?The interviewer might frame this type of question a different way to better understand how you can grow with the company and what you expect from them. You can prepare a relevant answer if your interviewer asks any of the following questions What is your ideal position at this stage of your career?What is fruchtwein important to you in your career?What are your long-term career goals?What is your dream career?What are you looking for in a career?RelatedHow to Answer What is Your Greatest Weakness Interview QuestionHow to answer, Where do you see yourself in five years?To position yourself as a candidate who will succeed in this role for the long-term, try to prepare your answer by focusing on stability and dedication. Even if you do not plan to remain at the company for more than a couple of years, you can still emphasize the skills and experience you hope to gain from this role. When preparing your answer, consider these steps to help you craft the perfect responseBase your answer on the job.Companies want to hire people who are excited to work for them, so make sure you give specific details about why the job interests you.Research the industry.Consider how you think you could grow in this position and how your develo pment might coincide with the companys long-term needs and goals. Remember to read about the company before your interview and learn all you can about the department you are applying to.Be enthusiastic.Hiring managers choose candidates who are excited about their job prospects. Show your enthusiasm for the job and the future you see yourself having with it. You may want to emphasize how the position can help you achieve certain professional aspirations. For instance, the job in question might help you gain more expertise in your field or lead to certification options.Give a two-part answer.If you do have specific long-term career goals that are relevant to the position you are applying for, answer the question in two parts. The first part should focus on the immediate position and why you are excited by the opportunity. The second part can address your expectations and future plans.Learn MoreHow to Answer What Makes You Unique Interview QuestionExample answers to use in an interview Use the following examples as a guide to help you answer this question.Example 1 Bank tellerSee alsoAnswering the Trickiest Interview Questions With ConfidenceOver the next few years, I hope to learn as much as possible about banking services. In the short-term, I want to become an excellent teller and then possibly move into a position with more responsibility. Within five years, my goal is to become a supervisor, preferably in loan processing or some other area of financial services.Example 2 MarketerI come from a traditional marketing agency that focused on print material and websites. Within five years I see myself having gained a greater understanding of social media and digital marketing to the point where I can use it- along with my experience in traditional marketing methods- to start managing clients social media and digital campaigns.Example 3 Software test analystIn earning my computer science degree, I discovered a passion for finding practical solutions to technical pro blems. I welches drawn to this software test analyst position because of your companys reputable mentoring program and internal training, which I strongly feel will help me further my skills over the next five years.

How to Write Your Formal Letter of Resignation

How to Write Your Formal Letter of ResignationHow to Write Your Formal Letter of ResignationA new position has come along and the time has come to write your formal letter of resignation. We will show you a polite, classy and professional resignation letter template below and why it is important.Keep your letter for resignation conciseThere is no need to reminisce about the good times or get emotional and creative. This is also not the time or place to take stabs at the company. Instead, stay on topic and let them know the followingDear insert name,Please accept this formal letter of resignation from my position as insert job title. My brde day with the company will officially be insert date.It is a good idea to give your company two weeks notice in your letter for resignation. Give your company a chance to prepare for your departure. It is the right thing to do for your colleagues.Remember your mannersThere is an odd psychology behind saying, Thank you. Whether you leave the company for good reasons or not, you should always say, Thank you. It shows you are appreciative, not petty, and professional. Try writing something like thisThank you for the opportunity to work in this position. Over the last insert number of years I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with all of you. Ive learned insert valuable lessons you learned, which will stay with me throughout my career.The above section of a formal letter of resignation shows that you appreciate the people you work with and the time spent with them. It will leave them hoping to work with you again, one day.Note how you will help in the job transitionA great career skill to have is knowing how to leave a position while transferring into a new role. Companies with toxic work cultures often inspire employees to leave in negative, dramatic fashion. This is not you. You want to remain professional in your formal letter of resignation. If it is hard for you, just stick to the template offered so far and b elowIn my final two weeks, I will do my very best to make my transition as seamless as possible. I will schliff all job duties and train staff to take over for me.If there is anything you think I need to do in the next two weeks, please let me know how I can help you.Cheers to your continued success.Thank you again,insert your nameThe most important thing to remember about your formal letter of resignation is to exit with your head held high. You want to be remembered as a classy, professional colleague. As the saying goes, Always leave them wanting more.Your formal resignation will show everyone that you are a true professional to be missedHow to Write Your Formal Letter of ResignationA new position has come along and the time has come to write your formal letter of resignation. We will show you a polite, classy and professional resignation letter template below and why it is important.Keep your letter for resignation conciseThere is no need to reminisce about the good times or get emotional and creative. This is also not the time or place to take stabs at the company. Instead, stay on topic and let them know the followingDear insert name,Please accept this formal letter of resignation from my position as insert job title. My last day with the company will officially be insert date.It is a good idea to give your company two weeks notice in your letter for resignation. Give your company a chance to prepare for your departure. It is the right thing to do for your colleagues.Remember your mannersThere is an odd psychology behind saying, Thank you. Whether you leave the company for good reasons or not, you should always say, Thank you. It shows you are appreciative, not petty, and professional. Try writing something like thisThank you for the opportunity to work in this position. Over the last insert number of years I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with all of you. Ive learned insert valuable lessons you learned, which will stay with me througho ut my career.The above section of a formal letter of resignation shows that you appreciate the people you work with and the time spent with them. It will leave them hoping to work with you again, one day.Note how you will help in the job transitionA great career skill to have is knowing how to leave a position while transferring into a new role. Companies with toxic work cultures often inspire employees to leave in negative, dramatic fashion. This is not you. You want to remain professional in your formal letter of resignation. If it is hard for you, just stick to the template offered so far and belowIn my final two weeks, I will do my very best to make my transition as seamless as possible. I will finish all job duties and train staff to take over for me.If there is anything you think I need to do in the next two weeks, please let me know how I can help you.Cheers to your continued success.Thank you again,insert your nameThe most important thing to remember about your formal letter of resignation is to exit with your head held high. You want to be remembered as a classy, professional colleague. As the saying goes, Always leave them wanting more.Your formal resignation will show everyone that you are a true professional to be missed

Gardeners and Groundskeepers Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Gardeners and Groundskeepers Resume Template 2018s Top FormatGardeners and Groundskeepers Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatCreate ResumeMackenzie Myers100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019 H( 555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comCareer OverviewLandscaping with 20 years experience. Extensive background in groundskeeper.SkillsGood verbal/written communication skillsFlexible work scheduleManual labor skillsTeam playerStrong work ethicStrong organizational skillsStrong interpersonal skillsGood at following instructionsCustomer service skillsExcellent plan comprehensionProfessional ExperienceLanscaping supervisor 02/2004 to 12/2006 Sandals Resort Negril, JamaicaLandscaping designland beautificationReviewed work orders and communicated with prior shift to assess work needs for the day.tree cutting and shapinggrass mowing,ground fertilizationGround Supervisor 03/2001 to 01/2004 Beachess Resort Ocho Rio, JamaicaProcessed work orders and prioritized jobs.Planned work and determined ap propriate tools and equipment.Responsible for promoting safe and clean working environment.Took care of facility equipment, grounds, roads and fences.Used measuring instruments to inspect parts.Managed work with little supervision.Education and TrainingHigh School Diploma General Studies 1981 Mile Gully mile Gully, Manchester, jamaicaCustomize ResumeMore Installation and Maintenance Resumes

Choosing Good Career Resume

Choosing Good Career Resume What is Actually Happening with Career Resume Because most managers spend under a minute scanning your resume, ensure that the very first thing they read ties straight to the work description. If youre applying for different kinds of jobs, you must update your resume to reflect that difference. To be sure you are using your resume effectively youll need to actively keep an eye on your resume return rate. A great ratio implies your new resume is effective, and a poor ratio implies that you can want to revise or scratch the one which you are presently using. People who have an expert certification have a lot increased probability of employment and a greater salary. Senior care positions always demand a caregiver to finish each senior care companys custom caregiver job application, due to the expert liability insurance requirements in the business. A caregiver resume will definitely make your work application stick out. It ought to be job specific i n addition to informing the employer what youll be able to offer the business. The Argument About Career Resume If you are pleased with one profession, you cant consider altering your career. Youre a career changer. Modifying your career to another field doesnt signify youre at a disadvantage. Perhaps you tried to be a freelancer for some time, but now need to re-enter your prior career. Career Resume and Career Resume - The Perfect Combination Transferable Skills There are a lot of core abilities and competencies that could be applied to a number of different careers. Writing a resume can be an intimidating task. Crafting an excellent resume can be hard. Emphasize your leadership abilities. The Lost Secret of Career Resume ur resume builder is the quickest approach to create a resume that will allow you to get your fantasy job. Quite often, your professional title is the very first thing on your resume following your name. Key Pieces of Career Resume In your objec tive statement demonstrate what youre able to add to the new position and the organization and why youre an excellent fit for your new career. Include a summary paragraph at the peak of your resume and tie everything in the work description with all youve accomplished before, she states. When it has to do with making a very first impression with your resume, its about the information. If you are not certain of what kind of job you should train for, it is logical to first take a career aptitude test to set up your core abilities and interests. The web is fast becoming the easiest means to acquire extra educational qualifications. The peak of your resume is prime real estate, and that means you dont squander it by utilizing vague filler material. Go with Top resume writing services which offers you the very best in the industry. Your network may not only help you land a job in the area, but in addition provide feedback on your resume, Khare stated. There are a lot of job abili ties and behaviors that are essential for successful job performance in an array of different career fields. Now lets go into a bit more depth about what constitutes a very good career summary. Once theres an offer, they will likewise assist you with salary negotiations. Finally, a superb career coach will aid you with salary negotiations, so you become paid dependent on the value you bring to the table. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Career Resume Change career resume examples demonstrate that you should begin with personal info. Begin with a well-formatted document and be sure it has been proofread. If you are thinking about a career change, you should think about the professional resume writing services provided by Distinctive Documents. Writing a resume for a career change is among the most difficult kinds of resumes for the majority of people to write. Perhaps you thought you needed to find out your struggles on the job on your own, because youre, after all, an ad ult. Getting involved in a team that solved significant problems is a remarkable way to demonstrate your leadership potential. Useful for those that have gaps in work history, those that are trying to change careers and people with a wide number of skills. Dont despair if change career resume examples appear to be not working as its quite possible that youll need some expert assistance whos a specialist in the area. Choosing a professional resume writer is an alternative for the work seeker. Although the work seeker has over six decades of experience, and it has worked in three or more positions, her resume is only 1 page long. Resumes are quite predictable in features and data, but some choices need to be made. fruchtwein resumes show a great deal of work history that suits the work description. Essentially, you recognize too much and its tough to make a decision as to what to leave out, what to emphasize and, obviously, what your competition is doing. Keep in mind, empl oyers start looking for potential along with actual management experience. If youre targeting work within the defense business, dont hesitate to use military jargon. You must highlight a USP (unique selling point), whether its an internship or skilled training. How to Get Started with Career Resume? A lot of my readers know that I put a great deal of emphasis on following your passion. So, you cant know when you will require a resume in a rush. Finding the right type of job will offer focus to your career. You dont need to give up your present job as you can study in your free time and at your own pace. Youve been working at the exact company in the exact same position for many years. Its helpful to generate a list of all your high school and college experiences. Today you are able to take career training courses online from which ever institution delivers appropriate career education provided, obviously, the price tag is affordable. Keeping your career resume up to dat e is important because you cant ever know when you might want to submit an application for a new job.

Video Interviewing Lending a Helping Hand Finding Great Volunteers

Video Interviewing Lending a Helping Hand Finding Great VolunteersIt can be tough to find great volunteers. Organizations need people dedicated to the mission with skills to donate and passion to spare. Just like one bad apple can spoil the bunch, a bad volunteer can really bring down the atmosphere of the whole organization. Video interviewing is lending a help hand to organizations looking for dedicated volunteers.For charitable organizations and nonprofits, its possible these passionate volunteers could become your next superstar employees. With often limited budgets, it makes sense to test out profil employees through volunteering before welcoming them into the family on a more permanent basis. Even if your organization is only looking for volunteers to help out these video interviews can help you find individuals excited about your cause and ready to jump in.Both organizations and individuals benefit greatly from the act of volunteering. Organizations, some with limited budgets or social good in mind, get skilled workers willing to dedicate their experience and energy.Volunteers, however, also receive great benefits from doing good. For instance, a recent study by the Wall Street Journal found individuals who volunteered actually felt less time-deprived, despite giving up more of their free time. Volunteering has also been gaining more traction on the hiring front. A few months back LinkedIn added a section to list volunteer activity. This makes sense since 41 percent of employers believe volunteer work is as important as paid work.With unemployment hovering around 8.3 percent and more workers looking to pad their resumes with volunteer experience, its important for organizations to find volunteers who really care about the mission and are enthusiastic about helping. This is where video interviewing can really assist organizations strapped for time and cash to bring in only the best, more relevant volunteers.Here are some ways video interviews are helping those who helpNo Time to WasteOrganizations who need volunteers the fruchtwein are often the ones with the least amount of time to screen these potential do-gooders. With limited time and resources, these groups will most likely skimp on screening volunteers. Video interviews, however, can be worked into even the most packed schedule.If an organization or volunteer coordinator utilizes one-way video interviews, they can even avoid spending precious time on the phone with candidates who just dont have the drive or experience to help. By posing questions and watching candidates answers on video, these time-strapped groups can more easily weed through applicants. This will allow them to spend their limited time speaking with only the best potential volunteers.Its All About PassionThe main reason to use video interviewing when looking for great volunteers is the fact that video interviews give a better idea of personality earlier in the process. When it comes to volunteering, a good vol unteer has passion and dedication to the cause. If youve found a candidate with the skills you need but they lack this drive, you will have found a poor volunteer. For a volunteer, giving over time and energy is truly a labor of love. If this love shines through in the video interview, you know youll have a dedicated worker.Bridging Vast DistancesNot every volunteer or volunteer opportunity is in your own backyard. Many individuals volunteer their time and energy using the online medium. This means you may never actually sit across from some of your volunteers. Its mucksmuschenstill crucial, however, to make sure these virtual volunteers are a good fit. Using live video interviews, you can have a face-to-face chat with your potential volunteer and begin to build up essential rapport.Video interviewing is really helping groups find great volunteers passionate about the mission statement and willing to help your cause. Instead of bringing on people just looking to pad their resumes, y ou will ensure your volunteers are truly dedicated to helping.How would you use video interviewing to find great volunteers? Share in the commentsSOURCESWall Street Journal, The New York Times,Washington Post IMAGE Courtesy of Flickr by Calotype46

Hiring Climate For Creatives, December 2015 Update

Hiring Climate For Creatives, December 2015 UpdateHiring Climate For Creatives, December 2015 Update*/Read the infographic text.HIRING CLIMATE FOR CREATIVESDecember 2015 UpdateWhat are your companys hiring plans for full-time creative employees?*First half of 2016Second half of 2015Expanding/adding new positions11%21%Maintaining/filling vacated positions76%65%Freezing/not filling vacated or new positions10%13%Reducing/eliminating positions1%1%Dont know1%0%How challenging is it for your company to find skilled creative professionals today?13% Very challenging45% Somewhat challenging28% Not challenging13% Not applicable/not looking1% Dont knowTop areas creative executives expect to hire for in the first half of 201627% Content absatzwirtschaft27% Creative/art direction26% Brand/product management26% Print design/productionMost challenging areas for companies to fill1.Brand/product management2.Customer experience3.Account services4.Web design/production5.Marketing research and content m arketing (tie)Source The Creative Group survey of more than 400 U.S. marketing and advertising executives in the United States*Responses may not total 100 percent due to rounding. 2015 The Creative Group. A Robert Half Company. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Heres what to do if you need a reference later after firing

Heres what to do if you need a reference later after firingHeres what to do if you need a reference later after firingWhether or bedrngnislage youre the reason it didnt work between you and your last job, youre gonna need a reference letter to help you land the next one. In an ideal situation, a letter of recommendation from a previous employer is the perfect way to advertise your assets via a third party source.Your resume gets you in the door, and a good reference letter can often seal the deal. Because professional vouches are so important heres a roundup of tips on how to acquire a reference letter from a scorned employer from some experts and a noted incompetent.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreGet em before you need emBefore we attempt to assist those that have already turned in their key cards, it might be good to share some sage advice to those that are both actively empl oyed and ambivalent.After youve worked at a place long enough to prove your worth, it doesnt hurt to request a letter of recommendation before youve set your eye on a new gig for safety. This is prudent for several reasons. The first and most relevant this gives you a safety net in case of unexpected termination. It also gives you the freedom to accept potentially better opportunities completely on your own terms, without worrying about the effect of jumping ship. Moreover, who needs the headache of chasing down reference letters when youre in between jobs-no need you have one (maybe a couple even) locked and loaded.Strike while theyre still feeling guiltyEven Vader got a guilt headache after dismissing Admiral Ozzel,so chances are your last boss will too make sure you capitalize on it.Author Beth Winston of Chron.com writes, The person firing you probably is experiencing some guilt or emotional reaction to the turmoil that you are about to face. Remain polite and professional when you get the news of your firing, but ask immediately for a recommendation as a way to ease your transition into the job search. Some employers are concerned enough about the possibility of legal action that theyll do what they can to help.Along as you yourself are not in fear of the possibility of malicious comments, or accusations of illegal activity, you should certainly request referral information, as soon as possible, even if its crystal clear that your former employer hates you with a passion. It takes maybe five minutes to write up a perfunctory, whatta guyemployee reference letter.When they go low, you go high..or lower dependingIf playing to your firees humanity doesnt work, remember that you can always go higher or lower even. Unless you were an absolute incompetent menace, there will always be someone at your company that will have a good word to say about you. Of course, in a perfect scenario this said person is either in a position that is higher above, or in a potion c omparable to the person that gave you the boot, but if not, take what you can get.Ashley Putnam of Idealist Careers adds, In any company you interact with multiple levels of people clients, co-workers, colleagues from another department. List someone who can speak to your virtues and strengths. You choose your references, and we anticipate you will choose someone who will speak about your strong points.If nothing can be done, address concerns immediatelyIn the instance where you cant secure a positive word from your employer, or anyone that would hold weight at your former firm, your only method of recourse is to defuse whatever spawned the rift as early as possible while being speaking to your next recruiter.Ralph Heibutzki of Career Trend, suggests the following Admit the problems, but stress that theyre not relevant anymore, and refrain from going into detail. Dont try to explain, or make excuses, which only digs the hole deeper.Repudiate any and all false claims, deflate any sco rnful attempts of career stultification, and ensure you admirably represent the professional intimated in your resume.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (Tips and Examples)

How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (Tips and Examples)How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (Tips and Examples)Youve probably heard that you should send thank you schmelzglass after your interview.Youve probably also wondered Does it really make a difference?Is it worth your time?And what happens if you dont send one?Im going to reveal how employers really view thank you emails and the situations where it can make a difference in deciding who gets hired.What employers really think of thank you emailsFirst, Im not going totell you that every hiring manager cares about thank you emails.Some do, while others dont.However, its impossible to know which hiring managers care and which dont, and theres no real down-side to sending a thank you email to a hiring manager who doesnt require or want it.Theres no real down-side to sending a thank you email.Theyll simply note that you were thorough enough to follow-up and made the extra effort (and thats not a bad thing t o demonstrate after an interview).Im also not going to tell you that sending a thank you email will put you over the top and get you hired if you seemed unqualified, if youwalk in without researching the job and company, etc.However, in most cases where your interview went pretty well, the employer is considering you along with a few other candidates. This is where sending an interview thank you emailmakes the biggest difference and is why I believe you should always send one.Benefits of sending a great thank you emailSending a thank you email can be the tie-breaker between you and another candidate.It shows employers that you care about their job and are interested in what you discussed in the interview.Sending a thank you email can be the tie-breaker between you and another candidate.Employers NEVER want to hire you if you dont seem to want the job andshow that youre excited about the work youll be doing.Their fear is that even if youre qualified, youll lack motivation and may get bored and leave soon after being hired.This is a significant fearfor employers because it costs a lot of money and resources to hire and train someone.Sending an email to thank them and reaffirm that youre still interested will remove any doubt they have about you wanting the job.That can go a long way toward getting you hired.Thanking them after the interview also shows that you dont take things for granted and are grateful overall. This suggests that youll be easy to work with and have a positive impact on the company culture.Hiring managers care a lot about the character and personality of who they bring onto their team. Sometimes its as important as your job-related skills.Finally, a thank you email is a chance to remind them why youre a great choice for their position from a technical perspective.Maybe theyre on the fence between you and another candidate, and pointing out one of yourbiggest strengthscould be the tie-breaker.ThankyouemailexampleFor example, you might writeHi B eth,Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I enjoyed hearing about what the day-to-day work would look like as a Senior Account Representative.Im confident that my 2 years of experience in customer support at XYZ Company would give me an advantage in this role, especially since both positions involve responding to a high volume of customer requests primarily via email.Ive learned that communication via email requires a unique approach, since you cant gauge their reactions in the moment, and its easier to have miscommunications if youre not careful.This is something Ive worked on mastering in my previous position and Id love to continue working in this area.Thank you again for your time yesterday, and I look forward to hearing about the next stepsIn the meantime, dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.Best regards,Your NameKey pieces to include in your thank you emailId recommend including the following in any thank you email you sendThe p ersons name. You want this to be a personalized email, sent to one person. Dont send one email out to multiple people, and dont send it without a personalized greeting like Dear Robert or Hi Robert. If you met multiple people, send a separate, customized email to each.A sentence showing appreciation for their time and thanking them for meeting with you.A comment on something specificthat you enjoyed hearing about.Customize this part and make sure they know this email is written just for them, based on the conversation you had.Reaffirm your interest in the role. Tell them youre excited by what you learned in the interview, and that youre eager to hear about the next steps. If youd like, you can also remind them of why you feel youre a great fit for the job (see the full email template above for an example of this).Id recommend sending this at lunchtime the day after your interview.If you interviewed on a Friday, you can send itthe same evening when you arrive home, so that youre not sending it on a weekend.The bottom line isWhile sending a thank you email isnt a substitute for walking in prepared and ready to impress the employer in your interview, it can be the difference between a job offer and a rejection, especially since most companies have multiple candidates they like for each role.By following the steps above, you can send thank you emails that show employers you value their time and truly want their job, which will help you stand out from other candidates and win more job offers.Biron Clark is a former Executive Recruiter and founder of the job search website CareerSidekick.com . As a recruiter he has partnered with Fortune 100 companies down to six-person tech startups while helping hundreds of job seekers advance their careers.