A Career is More Than a Job

Many people have used the two terms “career” and “job” so interchangeably in their daily lives that the two concepts have blended into one absolute notion that only means “work”. In fact, a career is so much more than a job. A job is a means to achieve the end of a satisfying and intellectually stimulating career. In light of this, we should even change our understanding of what a job seeker is and what a career seeker should be. A job seeker looks for the temporary, the next stepping-stone, whereas a career seeker is a true seeker of future prospects, growth and professional recognition.

All that being said, it is of course much harder to find the right career, and some people take years looking for one, changing from one to another before they are finally set in their path, if ever. The first and most important factor in finding a career is to find something that truly makes you happy. The best way to do that is to find a job that you would wake up every morning to do even if you weren’t being paid. Not that money isn’t an important issue of course; it’s an essential factor to consider because it rules our practical lives. However, a true career is one that runs in parallel to financial compensation and is not determined by it. Salary is a critical component of any job, because it is the only way to monetize people’s appreciation of our work and it is the means to build a better life. Therefore it may be one of the most important factors to consider, but it is by no means the only factor to consider. Don’t make the mistake of allocating greater weight than necessary to short-term financial gain, because you may be missing out on long-term professional and financial success.

This means that you would need to look at other issues in addition to salary when looking for a career. One of the most important things to realize is that on your first job interview with a specific company, it is not only you who is being interviewed; the company is as well. Let the interviewer ask you all the questions they want, but if you initially like the company and want to work there, don’t forget to ask the interviewer lots of questions too. Questions about the company culture, promotion and career prospects, atmosphere and even seeing the desk you would work at are all good examples. Remember that the company may be interviewing you for a job, but you are interviewing them for a career. And when interviewing a company for a career, you need to know where that company is going and where it will take you. You need to know things like your boss’ management style and how that fits in with how you like to be managed. And after all that, it is also helpful to talk to and ask your future co-workers about the company.

Now all this is great, but there is one big problem in all this, what if you don’t know what you want? It’s not such a simple problem to solve, because most people end up working in a lot of jobs that they end up hating, and all that they get out of the experience is the knowledge of what they don’t want rather than what they do want. That knowledge is invaluable, however, career seekers need more than that. They need to be able to recognize the right career and jump right into it, in addition to identifying the wrong job.

Looking for a Job is a Job in Itself

We have all been active job seekers at one point in our lives. Whether it was the search for our first job right out of college or during one of those transitional periods between jobs, the conclusion was the same: looking for and finding a job is not an easy task!

In fact, the irony of it is that looking for a job is actually a full-time job in itself. Don’t kid yourself, if you are in the job market and actively seeking a job then you should take it very seriously. This article highlights the most important points that you need to keep in mind and diligently follow in order to land that dream job.

The Art of the Search

Searching for information is a skill, and searching for information about potential vacancies is a downright art. The biggest mistake you can make is to think that the right job will come to you. It won’t. You have to be proactive and actively search for opportunities. This means that you need to ask around, work your networking skills, read up and get informed. The world is a different place these days, and the explosion of information on the Internet means that your next job is literally at your fingertips. Almost all companies have an online presence these days, and many of those companies are advertising their vacancies on online recruitment 

The Stellar CV

A lot has changed in the job market with the digital revolution, but one thing hasn’t: an impressive CV is a foot in the door. A good CV should be well written and straight to the point, it should be informative (after all, it’s a snapshot of who you are) and above all it should look good. You should work on formatting your CV and take the extra effort to save it as a PDF. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes and as a rule of thumb if you are under 30 years old your CV should not be more than one-page!

The mind of a recruiter is one of skimming and first impressions. The person looking at your CV is also looking at hundreds of other CVs, so put yourself in their shoes and make sure your CV grabs their attention as a professional qualified applicant and they will take the extra few minutes to read your CV and call you in for an interview.

The Interview

OK, you found a great opportunity, you created a stellar CV and it worked… you landed the interview. Well, the easy part is over, all that work was to get your foot in the door, now comes the hard part. The interview is everything and these are just a few things that you must remember:

Dress to Impress
Remember that this is the first time anyone in the company sees you in person, so make sure that you look professional, that you are well groomed and that dress appropriately.

Be Prepared
Expect to be drilled about your CV. You should know it by heart and be prepared for specific questions about your experiences and educations. You should also be informed about the company and the job that you are applying to. There is nothing worse that being ignorant about the job description, and there is nothing more impressive than a candidate that knows the company and the job description very well.

Ask the Right Questions
Asking intelligent questions shows your interest and also conveys how knowledgeable you are about the company. Questions about corporate culture, about the job itself and anything that you are curious about are fair game. But stay away from questions about salary during the first interview unless the interviewer brings it up. You should show excitement about the company and don’t be too presumptuous and ask about financial compensation early on, because that rubs some interviewers the wrong way.

Follow up
It is always good to follow up with a phone call or an email that is polite and straight to the point. Make sure that you get closure and clearly understand what the next steps are or when you can expect to hear back from the company.

The Extra Mile

The above advice represents the backbone of your job search. However, you should always remember that it’s a competitive world out there, and in order to get the best job you must really stand out. You must go above and beyond the ordinary, take that extra mile and show prospective employers what you are made of. 

Interview Advice

Make a Good First Impression

Remember that this is the first time anyone in the company sees you in person, so make sure that you look professional, that you are well groomed and that you dress appropriately. Greet your interviewers with a friendly smile and a confident handshake. Keep eye contact at all times and do not sit back in a relaxed casual position, lean forward with your hands on the table or on your lap. This gives the interviewer the impression that you are prepared for anything.

There are also other ways to make a good first impression. You should always ask intelligent questions. Asking intelligent questions shows your interest and also conveys how knowledgeable you are about the company. Questions about corporate culture, about the job itself and anything that you are curious about are fair game. But stay away from questions about salary during the first interview unless the interviewer brings it up. You should show excitement about the company and don’t be too presumptuous and ask about financial compensation early on, because that rubs some interviewers the wrong way. Also, when asked questions that require some thinking or solving, it is always a good idea to ask for a pen and paper and walk the interviewer through your thought process.

Avoid Common Mistakes

In addition to what you should do, there are things that you should not do during an interview. Do not talk too much. When asked a question, answer it clearly and concisely. If you talk too much then you give the impression that you are either uncertain or exaggerating.

You should also keep in mind not to talk negatively about past employers. If you don’t have anything good to say about past jobs, then attribute your departure to a difference of opinion. Talking badly about previous employers sends out the wrong message to potential employers: it says this person is not loyal and may one day talk about your company in this negative way.

If you follow this advice, you should be more prepared than most when sitting for an interview. When the interview is over, it is always a good idea to follow up with a phone call or an email that is polite and straight to the point. Make sure that you get closure and clearly understand what the next steps are or when you can expect to hear back from the company.

Your First Day at Work

Have you uploaded your CV yet? If you did, then chances are that you have already landed your dream job. Congratulations. Let the first day begin. Whether you are still a fresh graduate or you simply want to switch jobs, your first day can seem overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect.

If you want to have a successful first day you need to be prepared, and knowing some basic workplace rules will help you survive.

So what can you do to make sure that you make a lasting good impression on your first day at work?

Do Your Homework

Before you even start your new job you should research the company and their competitors to get a clear idea about the industry as a whole. Most of the information you need is readily available on the company’s website as well as other places on the Internet.You should also study the company brochures and read their press releases and annual reports to get a solid background and understanding of the company. This will show your employer that you care enough to learn about your new organization.

Dress Appropriately

First impressions are really hard to change, especially in the work place. Play it safe when it comes to your outfit, or at least until you get a clearer idea of what is acceptable and what is not. Try to keep your attire as simple and professional as possible. Keep in mind that each company and specific position within that company has a different requirement when it comes to dress code, some companies don’t require a formal outfit, and other companies do. Sometimes the same company may have a different dress code depending on whether your position is client facing or not. When in doubt, basic black will solve the issue in most cases.

Don’t Be Late

Now that you are preparing to join the workforce, get used to hearing the words: “Don’t be late to work”. Being on time is essential if you want to hold on to your job and make sure that you gain the approval of your supervisors. In order to make sure you arrive to work on time, leave your house much earlier than you usually would in order to account for unforeseen circumstances such as traffic and accidents on the way to work. Arriving late will not only create a bad impression, but you will have a bad start to your day.

Ask Questions

Ask questions, even if they seem a bit silly to you. Remember that there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. It is always better to ask a question rather than assume something and do something wrong. Show that you are interested. Listen more than you talk. If you listen carefully you will be in a much better position to add value to the organization, and your opinions and suggestions will be that much more constructive. We cannot stress enough the importance of listening; it is a key component for career development and promotion within any company.

Meeting Colleagues

Expect to meet lots of people with different backgrounds and from diverse cultures on your first day. Introduce yourself to those you meet and make an effort to remember their names. You probably won’t be able to remember everyone’s name or what they do during the first week. Don’t worry, if possible, try to remember the names of those who sit directly around you. It makes it a lot easier when you need to ask for things. Writing down the names of your colleagues might sound a bit boring, but it definitely works if you are bad with names. One very important thing to remember is not to participate in “gossip” sessions, even if the person you are talking to seems trustworthy, it might come back to haunt you one day.

Let The Real Work Begin!

Asking if there is anything you can do is very important because members of staff will be busy for sure. You can’t just sit around looking bored, you will be forgotten and you will have nothing to do all day. Try to come up with some things that you can actually do without being told to; the staff will be grateful and perceive you as mature, proactive and ambitious person.

It’s OK to make use of some things that you learned at your previous job or at university, but you must never forget that each company has its own way of doing things and that you’ll eventually need to adjust your working habits according to the way things are done at your current company.

Being the newest member in the company can be both stressful AND exciting. You’ll be faced with many difficulties at first, but things will get better over time.

Just look around you, each one of your colleagues had to go through the same process at some point; they all sat there confused, anxious and even a bit unconfident. But they all survived, and so will you.

Keep in mind that you made it through the application and interview process; which means that the company must have hired you for a reason. You have earned this opportunity. So relax, try to enjoy your first day, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, and bear in mind that there is always a first time for everything.

Switching Jobs

Are you having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning knowing that you are actually heading to the place that you hate the most? Is your current job negatively affecting your personal life? Do you feel unappreciated in your current job even though you work hard everyday? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then are you ready to quit? Ideally, the answer would also be “yes”. However, real life circumstances are often a lot more complicated.

Most people who work in a job they actually hate choose not to quit right away, maybe because of the paycheck they get or maybe because they are worried they aren’t competent enough for the job they really want to do. There are all sorts of reasons or excuses for not seeking out a “dream job”. However, finding the job that you have always wanted is closer than you might think, if you can only prepare yourself properly.

You must know someone who has gone from job to job, always leaving because they were unhappy. This person would always find themselves at a new job that also made them unhappy, simply because they didn’t take the time to figure out what it was about their current job that they didn’t like.

Let us explore the steps that you should take to make sure that your career transition is smooth and that you are fully prepared for the switch.

Assess your Situation

You must truly understand the reasons behind the dissatisfaction with your current job, and you will have to ask yourself a few critical questions before starting the search for new employment. If you don’t, you might end up in a situation with similar problems. Questions such as: Why am I not happy? What motivates me? Is the current work environment a healthy one? Is the current job too stressful? Are there any better opportunities out there? Am I fairly paid?

Once you have answered these questions (and others you might think of) sincerely and objectively, ask yourself whether you are willing to try and make your current situation work. Once you have identified the problems, it becomes easier for you to try and solve them. In many cases, a conversation with your boss, a change in attitude or an increase in responsibility could be all that is needed to give you job satisfaction. If, after some thorough reflection, you still decide that you need to take a break from your current situation, proceed armed with the knowledge of what you DON’T want from your next job in addition to what you DO want.

Get to Know Yourself – 

The next critical junction in your job-switching journey is to determine your strengths and weaknesses in a career context, in addition to what environment you like to work in. Are you happiest working in teams, or alone? Do you enjoy motivating others or do you prefer to be motivated? Do you work well under pressure? Do you like to be given strict deadlines or general milestones?

Knowing your own work style and how well you fit within a certain type of company gives you a more realistic expectation of your next potential job.

Explore Your Options

Nowadays, job seekers (and even job switchers) are spending hours on the Internet looking for new career opportunities.Also keep in mind that the competition is fierce, so try and increase your chances for a successful application by refining your search and applying only to relevant jobs.

The Power of Networking

Another valuable career search tool is “networking”. This means you purposefully develop relationships with others in order to expand your social and professional sphere of influence. Networking is an essential part of career exploration and job searching. It is also a critical component of success in general. Networking is usually done offline, but My Career Success has developed a true online career network that will help you build and retain a professional network of business contacts to help you succeed at finding your dream job.

Be Honest With Your Current Boss

Once you find a new job, you should talk to your boss about it. Chances are that your current boss won’t be too excited about your decision, but if you are sincere and honest about your reasons for wanting a change, most probably, your boss will understand. Always be open to what your boss has to say at this point, and try to be respectful and to leave on a good note.

A former employer can be an incredibly helpful resource for you in your career, and it pays to leave on friendly terms. It is always useful to have a former boss that is willing to give you a good recommendation and to put you in contact with the right people that can help you develop your career.

Give Proper Notice

Once you have made up your mind to leave, be sure to give your employer the appropriate notice that is considered standard for your position. The amount of notice will normally be set out in the contract with your current employer. Typically, it is one month. However, many senior positions will require that you provide even more notice before you leave. Be aware of what your boss expects and give him or her as much time as you possibly can. You should also make sure that your new employer is aware of this notice period as well as of any time you need to take off in between jobs.

Offer your Training Services

Your current company has spent a lot of time and money training you and honing your working skills. It will naturally cost them just as much time and money (if not more) to find a replacement for you and train them all over again. In the spirit of cooperation and good relations, it will go a long way if you offer to train another employee prior to leaving. After all, you would not want to leave your former co-workers in a state of confusion after you are gone. Make a list of notes with tips that you have learnt while at your current job and hand it over to your boss and the new employee that will replace you. It will be greatly appreciated and noticed by the entire office.

Remember not to burn bridges, just make sure that you do what you can without inconveniencing yourself or your future employer.No matter what your reasons are, it is important to make your exit smooth for all parties involved. While you may be moving on to a bigger and better position, your current employer still has a business to run. You must maintain your professionalism at all times, no matter how much you feel like dropping everything and walking out the door today.

8 Simple Techniques to Getting Promoted

Have you been in the same position with the same company for a while now, although you feel like you are ready to move up? Does it seem like all the employees who get ahead in your company don’t work nearly as hard as you do, but somehow they are the ones who get rewarded?

My Career Success is coming to the rescue by unveiling the most successful techniques that you should master in order to get noticed by your boss and get the promotion that you have always dream of and know that you deserve.

Whatever industry you are in, your success depends on how well you promote yourself. Fortunately, there are ways to do this without giving people the impression that you are self absorbed or greedy. So without any further delay, here are the 8 Simple Techniques to Getting Promoted.

1. Take On Extra Responsibilities

Simply doing what is expected of you, and even being the best at what you do, are not guarantees for advancement. You should proactively look for other responsibilities that you know you can do well and that would be useful to the company. To qualify for a promotion you need to do more than what you are already being paid to do. Taking on extra responsibilities will not only give the impression that you are interested in your current job, but it will also help you earn the respect of your supervisors and co-workers as well.

Remember that extraordinary employees are not stuck within the job description box; they take the initiative to make their jobs better.

2. Be a Team Player

Know your part within the team you are working in and provide your co-workers with positive drive and inspiration. Offer to help your co-workers even if the problem doesn’t concern you. If you believe you have the ability to solve it, then lend a hand! Supporting your colleagues in achieving their goals will create a loyal group of people who will support you in the long-run.

3. Arrive Early

Always arrive at work a few minutes before others, this will give the impression that you are always at work and committed to your job. Showing up a little early also reflects your interest and desire to do a good job. Being on time might sound like a cliché bit of advice, but it is a cliché bit of advice that works! Someone who respects the value of time will always be chosen over someone who doesn’t when it comes to promotions.

4. Dress the Part Everyday

Extraordinary employees dress for success everyday. They take pride in their appearance everyday. If you are capable of doing the work and taking on extra responsibility AND you dress like you already have the job, there will be a better chance of being chosen for the promotion. Investing in a good suit right now will surely pay off later on.

5. Make Yourself Replaceable

This may sound like an odd piece of advice and somewhat counter intuitive, yet it is critical to getting a promotion. You will make it easier for your boss to promote you if you have made yourself replaceable. In many cases, employees who deserve a promotion don’t get it simply because there is nobody who is qualified enough to take on their existing responsibilities. Your boss can’t promote you if it means that leaving your position will cause his or her organization to fall apart. You should always take on apprentice and mentee and teach that person how to take over your responsibilities so that you can go on to bigger and better things one day.

6. Act Professionally

Extraordinary employees don’t whine and complain when things go wrong. Instead, they ask intelligent questions when they aren’t sure how to do something and always keep a positive attitude towards everything that surrounds them.

Saying please and thank you, greeting customers and co-workers, speaking nicely, and being patient are essential elements of success in the workplace or anywhere else for that matter. In short, work on your people skills!

There may also be someone in your company who wants the same position that you want. Don’t feel threatened. Work hard to distinguish yourself and make yourself stand out.

7. Upgrade Your Skills

Kick off with a quick analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. Identify what skills and personal characteristics are required for the role you aspire to fill one day. 

8. Get Ready to be Interviewed Again

Most companies don’t just promote their employees overnight. Instead, they require that you go through a whole new interview and selection process. As with any interview, preparation is the key to success. Provide an updated CV including a cover letter. The letter should explain in detail the reasons why you be the one they choose to fill the position in question. Make sure that you produce an accurate and professional document that clearly demonstrates the value you have added to the company during your current position and highlights the skills you have developed along the way that make you a perfect fit for the new role.

Getting a promotion is about working hard and making sure the right people notice it. It is all about pushing the limits of your current responsibilities and showing everyone that you are ready to take on new ones.

If you apply these 8 techniques yet you still feel like you are getting nowhere in your company and that the hard work you do everyday goes unnoticed, then maybe it would be best to look for work elsewhere. It’s only worth the effort to work in a place where the people appreciate the work that you do.

5 Different Personalities That You Will Definitely Meet at Work

Interpersonal skills are just as vital as technical know-how. After all, your coworkers (ranging from an Administrative Assistant to the CEO) represent a broad spectrum of personality traits that you will eventually have to deal with in order to survive and shine in the work place. I bet you can come up with at least three coworkers with whom you really find difficulty interacting with. Since it is impossible to change these people, you must learn to accept them.

Mastering essential people skills will not only dramatically increase your chances of achieving the best outcome but it will also enable you to effectively improve the way you communicate with others at work.

Here are five types of difficult people you may meet at work along with some advice on how to handle each one.

The Know-it-all

We all know someone who always has an answer to every single question ever asked, whether or not that answer is correct or accurate. The know-it-all is typically someone who thinks he knows everything about everything! He is usually opinionated and assumes that he can do everyone else’s job and would never hesitate to turn every single mistake you have ever made into a never-ending soap opera. He likes to show off in front of management by correcting you even if you are not wrong and no one asked him to.

How to handle a know-it-all?

The most effective way to discourage a know-it-all is to ignore him, because responding to him or feeding his ego encourages him to continue his abuse. Don’t ask him questions or seek his advice. You may also be surprised to discover that management has already noticed his inappropriate behavior.

The Big Mouth

The big mouth is someone who can’t keep their mouth shut. No matter what happens at work, no matter what you say, the next thing you know, everyone knows about it. You can hear them talking to people as soon as something happens.

How to handle a big mouth?

You need to be careful around this kind of person so you don’t become the topic of their next juicy gossip session. Don’t bet on them keeping any secrets. If they try to gossip to you, just let them know in a polite way that you are not interested. You can out smart a big mouth by putting him to work for you, tell him things you want others to hear like how nice everyone is or what a hard worker she is.

The Mentor

The mentor is someone who is willing to provide guidance to those who ask for it. He is someone whose work ethic, accomplishments, management style and professionalism you admire. A good mentor will share information gained from their experience, offering insight into your own career future while helping you avoid the same detours and drawbacks he encountered along the way.

How to approach a mentor?

When you actually find a mentor, approach him, let him know why you’re contacting him, and create a relationship that is beneficial for both parties. In most cases the mentor will be flattered. Finding one who will be the best fit for you is a matter of individual preference based on the goals you are looking to accomplish. But one thing is for sure, a mentor can support you through your self-development and career maturity journey.

The Whiner

There is nothing worse than working with someone who whines all day long about every little thing and never does anything about it. Whiners usually focus on the problem itself without bothering to find a solution for it; they are insecure about their own abilities and are often afraid to take risks. As harmless as they might appear to be, whiners create a general atmosphere of negativity that affects everyone around them.

How to handle a whiner?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should never allow a whiner to drag you down to his level. A positive shift in his attitude will not happen until the whiner recognizes the primary root cause of his complaints. You may be able to help him or her recognize this with a compassionate and understanding approach. This approach might take more effort but it will surely pay off in the long run.

The Delegator

No, we are not talking about those who have a legitimate right to delegate a certain task to a subordinate. We are actually talking about those who either don’t know how to do all the work they have been given or don’t want to do it because they are lazy or incompetent and they try to hand off the responsibility to you.

How to handle a delegator?

If you work in a team environment and deal with all your teammates on a daily basis and you feel like you have the time to help those who are in need, then you should. However, if supervisors are the only ones who have the right to delegate and you already have your own thing going on, then you have to rebuff the request. Apologize politely and tell your coworker you have your own work with which you have your hands full.

There is no doubt that the environment you choose to work in can have a tremendous impact on your ability to do your work. Unfortunately, the only way to really know what a certain company’s work environment is like is to work there. 

Remember that the workplace is an environment that mixes a large variety of personalities. Stay true to yourself; be a professional and always try to be the bigger man or woman in any situation that comes your way.

Turn Yourself into the Company SUPERSTAR

Have you ever heard of the Pareto Principle or the 80-20 rule? This principle states that in many cases, 20% of something is always responsible for 80% of the results. You’re probably wondering what this principle has to do with the topic at hand; actually it has everything to do with it.

You may have noticed that your office or team always seems to have someone who is outperforming, delivering above and beyond what seems to be the average performance. This person may actually be you. But if you’re not, then let My Career Success help you turn yourself from an ordinary employee into the company superstar.

Since 20% of the employees produce 80% of the results, you should learn how to leverage your performance in order to stand out and earn yourself a spot in the “20% gang”!

Plan Your Career

It’s really important that you start planning your career as early as possible; if you’re still a student, try to know exactly what you want to do after college. Don’t worry if you are long past your university years, just don’t waste any more time and start planning immediately.

Your career plan should be flexible, clear and realistic. Do not set impossible goals or wait for the perfect job to come your way. Create your own opportunity to sell your skills to the right company at the right time.

Re-assess your career plan every now and then to make sure it makes sense or if you need to modify it.

Learn, Learn and Learn Some More!

Superstars never fail to learn something new everyday, they don’t just settle for what they already know, but instead they constantly ask for feedback on the work they’ve done and are open to new suggestions. Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of every learning opportunity that comes your way.

Superstars have no problem saying, “I don’t know”. They try to understand “the box” and are ambitious enough to venture out of it as well.

Work On Your People Skills

Superstars are always willing to give coworkers a helping hand; they show interest in others and take the time to know someone as a whole person.

You might even notice that your coworkers feel threatened by you for fear of being replaced, but there are many ways that you can get these people to like you. Try to win them over by letting them know you’re one of them, be nice, ask them questions about their background, interests and family.

If your coworkers think highly of you, your job will be easier and you are more likely to shine.

Bounce Back, Every time!

Winners bounce back every time they fall. They come back better, stronger and smarter. A temporary setback should not hinder your progress, so don’t give up, instead analyze what led to the relapse and try not to fall into the same pattern.

Keep things in perspective, the setback should never prevent you from fulfilling your career goals; just learn from it, accept it and rise above it.

It’s Not All About Money

Although the name “superstar” suggests a higher salary, money shouldn’t be the only reason you work to become a superstar. Superstars don’t think in terms of cash, they are actually motivated by long-term growth and the potential of the job itself.

They may even consider a pay cut because they are confident their new employer will recognize their achievements and contributions, which will result in them being promoted to a better and more lucrative position later on.

Let Your Ego Die

Don’t let your ego run your career. When it comes down to learning something new, your ego shouldn’t be around. Don’t settle for your current level of success and be open to new ideas on how to do things.

Always fix what you screw up, be the first to admit your mistakes and the first to congratulate a coworker when they succeed.

We all have something unique about us that makes us special, but some people always seem to get faster promotions, stand out and make more money.

Success isn’t simply a matter of money, power or prestige; it’s all about work and knowing what you want out of life.

While there’s no one thing that can guarantee equal success for every one of us, it’s really important to remember that success doesn’t happen overnight; there’s always a period of reflection, trial and disappointment before the pieces start falling together.

Despite the fact that we are all surrounded with opportunities, few of us really have the nerve to take advantage of them. The fact that you are actually reading this article proves that you are already far ahead of your coworkers.

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Great Leader

What is a leader? By definition, a leader is someone who leads others towards a common goal, influencing them to do things and creates an environment of trust, support, and teamwork.

Being a leader is not as glamorous as the job title may suggest; it takes tremendous commitment, dedication, and selflessness.

For centuries, people have debated whether leaders are born or made? Actually, there are several answers for this question and all of them conclude that leaders are both, BORN and MADE.

In today’s workplace, we have many managers and supervisors, but few of them are truly leaders. So what are the main characteristics that you should embrace in order to become a truly effective leader?

Think Big

A leader is someone with a vision; he looks at the big picture rather than just focusing on one issue at a time. A leader always has a specific plan according to the situation at hand while maintaining a considerable degree of flexibility that allows him to embrace change and experience new things together with the team.

Be Decisive

Being decisive means more than just making decisions; you should be able to take risks, listen to your intuition and act upon it. That being said; you must never forget that it’s not a one-man show but teamwork and coordination. Anyone who thinks he can make it on his own is doomed to fail. Involving other employees in the decision making process will definitely create an environment of cooperation, teamwork and loyalty, but keep in mind that eventually the final decision is yours to make.

Learn to Have Empathy

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes. You should be able to understand other people, how they feel, what motivates them, and the best way to influence them. Showing sensitivity towards others means being receptive to both the verbal and non-verbal cues. The more you understand those who surround you, the more you can help them and help yourself. All in all, greater empathy gives you greater information.

Be Ethical

An ethical leader is someone with integrity. Defining your integrity and ethics gives you consistency in your actions and relationship with others. Being an ethical leader means that you must be able to take a stand when no one else is on your side. Exceptional leaders never say one thing and do another, they actually practice what they preach.

Growing Others

Before you become a leader, success is all about growing yourself. However, the moment you become the leader success is all about growing those who surround you. Invest your time in helping other employees overcome their weaknesses and encourage them to speak their minds; this will encourage them to return the favor through hard work and loyalty. Eventually, leadership is all about getting someone to do something you want done because they want to do it!

Be Consistent

Make sure you have a consistent leadership style, this will help you avoid any confusion or mis-communication in the future. Define the roles and responsibilities clearly and follow through with reasonable and consistent rewards for when goals have been met or exceeded. Being consistent will not only enable you to get through the situation, but you’ll gain the respect and trust of your employees.

Admit Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. However, making a mistake as a leader can be more serious since you’re the person everyone is looking up to. Admit your mistake, correct it on your own time and make sure you learn from it. The best thing about admitting your mistake is that it allows you to grow. 

People seek out leaders unconsciously, and leaders would never hesitate to step up to the plate instinctively. Leaders are recognized, not chosen. They have something within them that others just don’t possess. It is an intangible quality that can’t be explained, but when you come across it, you will recognize it immediately.

Some people are born that way and some need to work on their leadership skills in order to stand out. It’s not so much your technical abilities as it is about inspiring other people to become better at what they do. Anyhow, if you are suddenly put into a leadership position, and are lost for ideas on how to use your influence, simply recall those qualities you admired in others you previously followed.

Wanting to lead is not enough; you have to have the capabilities, the skills, the talents and the ideas.

Looking to make a career change

Many of us get caught up in the daily routine of going to work without assessing their progress on the job or carefully managing their careers. Remember the times when it was a good thing to hold on to your job for the rest of your working life even if you were unsatisfied? Well, those days are long gone. Considering a new career direction has become an option that a lot of people are thinking about and exploring as we speak.

Making a major career change is not as easy as it sounds, since we all have responsibilities and bills to pay. Worry no more; My Career Success is here to help you move up to the next level and to take your career in the direction you want to take it.

But how can you be sure that you want to change careers rather than just get a new job? Any job has its ups and downs; we have all had days when we were not excited about our jobs. But if you find yourself constantly reading articles such as this one, asking friends in other careers questions about their jobs or even attending “career change” events, then most probably you are ready for change. Let us discuss the steps that you should follow in order to make a smooth transition into your new career.

Likes and Dislikes

Think about your previous jobs, what were the things that you liked and did not like about them? This will give you a clearer idea about what you might be naturally good at, which will eventually lead you to the career path that leverages your strengths. Of course, having the chance to do what you like most is not always the case, but if you have your clear career path in sight then you are more likely to get to it. 

It is vital, at this stage, to research the careers that interest you the most. By doing so, your career path will gradually become evident to you. There are many career research methods. One excellent method is to turn to friends or mentors for advice, especially if they were working within the industry of your interest, they will definitely help you get established in your new career. 

Tweak Your CV

So you have identified your strengths and done your homework, now is the time to work on your CV. It is true that few companies will hire you as a Marketing Manager if your CV highlights your 10-year experience in Finance! You can’t just present your old CV since it will only emphasize your old career path. Try to draw attention to the aspects of your past experience that matches the current needs of the new industry you want to enter into. A CV writing service might be just what you need at this point, and there are plenty out there to choose from. 

Test-Drive Your New Career

Now you can test-drive your new career before you take the plunge and switch careers. It’s really not easy to walk away from your old job and start over, but there are many other options that can help you gain the necessary experience in your new career field before you quit your current job. Find an internship program, volunteer, or find a part-time job within your new career industry. This will not only equip you with the required knowledge but will also provide you with the confidence and contacts that you will definitely need along the way.

Start the Job-Hunting Process

It has probably been a while since you have had to look for a job. It is time that you re-used your job hunting skills. It’s OK if you are feeling a bit unsure or insecure; it is a natural part of the career change process. The Internet has simplified the way you search for jobs, and the way employers find employees. 

You must really understand that career transition is not easy, but if you know exactly what you want then follow a precise career plan, stay focused, and really believe in yourself and that your perfect job is out there and you will definitely find it. The whole process might require a lot of your time and effort, but ultimately, the reward of having a gratifying and inspiring career makes it all worth the hard work.

Getting Along With Your Co-Workers

Each year, thousands of students graduate from university, yet there are few qualified candidates out there. Remember the days when a university degree guaranteed instant success? Well, those were the days my friend! In these changing times, candidates are not hired solely on the basis of their academic accomplishments; a degree might be a basic requirement nowadays, but employers are looking for a wide range of other skills when it comes to hiring and retaining a certain candidate; and since this will continue to be the case in the near future, you will need to work on a number of other necessary non-academic attributes. One of the main skills employers look for in a potential candidate is “interpersonal skills”, which is basically the ability to communicate well with others and to maintain good working relationships.

Your relationship with your coworkers is really important for your job improvement and can definitely make for an exceptional career, it can also help you do your job better and turn your everyday job into an enjoyable experience. However, this is not always easy to achieve. As a matter of fact it can be very difficult at times especially if you have to deal with many colleagues of different backgrounds and personalities.

So, how about you try these helpful tips in order to improve your interpersonal skills?

Wearing the same shirts doesn’t make you a team

“Team Player” is now the buzz term for companies in all fields.Being a team player is an essential interpersonal trait of outstanding employees. It involves the ability to communicate clearly and to share your knowledge and expertise with your coworkers. Although some employees might be hesitant to share their knowledge for fear that once their knowledge is spread, they might no longer be considered indispensable. It’s really important that you understand that knowledge hoarding is for the weak. The more you share your knowledge, the more valuable you become.

A good listener is not only popular, but after a while he actually knows something

Being a good listener is the most important, yet the most forgotten, communication tool that we have. You can find many courses on how to speak but not even one on how to be a good listener. Effective listeners don’t simply hear what is being said but what is not being said as well. Always listen with an open mind and be receptive to new ideas even if they go against your own. This will create an atmosphere of cooperation in the company and will help you as a group in achieving the company’s goals.

They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel

Just like you, coworkers like to be treated with respect, and respect is not given, it is actually earned. Always give credit to those who come up with new ideas, others will do the same for you and your good ideas. Make sure that you maintain a positive and cheerful attitude at work. Being negative not only brings you down; it also brings down the team as a whole. Do whatever it takes to reduce your stress level. If you still find yourself in a bad work situation and you can’t help but spread the negative energy, consider a job change.

The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you refuse to take the turn

Gain a reputation for being a flexible employee, be open to new ideas, and put your need to “be right” on the side, even if for a while. Don’t jump to conclusions before you’ve heard the whole thing. While team conflict is unavoidable, it could be both healthy and productive, if properly managed. In order for your coworkers to view you as a competent mediator, you should be flexible and inventive when in comes to solving problems and handling conflict.

Now that you’ve read all of these tips, you must have noticed that they all have one thing in common, “Selflessness”. In order for you to thrive in your career, you’ve got to learn to put others first. It might seem like a backward way to achieving your own goals, but it works for sure. Show your supervisors and your colleagues that you are all about the common interest, and you will be rewarded with career advancement no matter where you find yourself working in the future. Working well with others involves understanding and appreciating individual differences. It is all about using these differences to your best advantage.

If you find yourself constantly being accused of being an uncooperative team player this is an early warning for you to seek out a company where individual performance is rewarded. Better yet, why don’t you start your own business and hire only people who are not team players!