Careers

Tips for managing your career on social media

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:29:00 GMT

(BPT) - Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, at some point you'll likely find yourself searching for a new job. And as you start your job search, it's important to understand the impact your use of social media may have on your career.

The hard truth: You can't be too cautious when it comes to participating in social media. According to a 2012 CareerBuilder.com survey, 37 percent of employers check sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter in their research of candidates. And the employer scrutiny of social media takes on a whole new dimension for many once on the job as a growing number of employers are establishing policies about the use of social media on and off the clock for their employees.

The clash between employee use of social media and employers has come to a head with the dramatic rise in the number of legal cases involving employees and their use of the Internet both on and off the job, according to FindLaw.com, the nation's leading website for free legal information.

"The photos and comments you post on social media websites can follow your career for years to come," says Solomon Gresen, an employment law attorney with the Law Offices of Rheuban & Gresen in Los Angeles. "When you start posting online, you create a digital trail that's available for all to see - including current and future employers. And, in many ways, what you post remains forever."

In one case, an employee was fired when she posted photos of herself dancing and throwing a Frisbee at a festival on her Facebook profile. Why? She was on a temporary leave and claimed she was in severe pain from an old back injury.

"I would strongly urge parents to talk to their high school- and college-age children about the importance of building a reputable online presence," adds Gresen. "One careless Facebook post or inappropriate tweet could wind up damaging your reputation and negatively impacting your career potential."

Here are some additional tips from FindLaw.com on how to avoid career-limiting social media mistakes:

Ask about your company's social media policies. With more companies adopting social media policies, educating yourself is key. If there aren't any policies at your workplace, it's best to use common sense.

Search yourself. Want to check out what your potential or current employer may see about you online? Do a search of your name on any of the leading search engines to get a snapshot of how you appear digitally to others. If you see any red flags, manage them right away - or be prepared for the situation should an employer bring it up with you.

Complete your LinkedIn profile. Many recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates. This is one place to put your best foot forward and attract employers. Don't treat it as an online resume with every career detail - just include highlights of your work history and accomplishments.

Don't lie or exaggerate your work experience. The Internet offers employers the opportunity to corroborate information you claim about yourself. Therefore, it's wise to not lie or exaggerate on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Avoid sharing sensitive work-related information. Don't share privileged or confidential information about your company or customers. It could put your career and the company at risk.

Don't vent about work. Don't complain about your boss. Don't gripe about how boring work is. Don't play hooky and then post photos about your incredible day off. Always assume that someone from your company may be watching what you say or post.

Be careful about what photos you share. With smartphone cameras connected directly to social networks, photos can easily be posted without a second thought. Photos of you participating in inappropriate or risky behavior can quickly tarnish your professional reputation. Employers want employees who mirror company values. If they're looking for ways to quickly whittle down a large pool of candidates, this is one of them.

Be cautious about who you connect with. In the world of business you're known by the company you keep. The same rule applies to social media. Everything you like on Facebook or follow on LinkedIn or Twitter factors into your online reputation.

Use your privacy settings. Want to limit some of the problems mentioned and put space between your personal and professional life? Adjust your privacy settings. Many social media platforms have controls that allow you to fine-tune how your information and posts are displayed.

To learn more about employment law, visit FindLaw.com.

Your first resume - dos and don'ts

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:52:00 GMT

(BPT) - If you're heading out into the workforce for the first time, there's plenty of prep work to do. An employer's first impression of you could very well be your resume.

Christine Pacheco, director of career services at The Art Institute of Colorado, and Kristin Frank, director of career services at The Art Institute of Phoenix, share the top dos you should include to get noticed and get your foot in the door - and the don'ts that could get your resume tossed in the trash.

First, the dos:

Do look at the job description and then tailor your resume to the specific needs of the job, advises Frank. Your skills need to match what the employer is looking for. Pacheco stresses the importance of key words that should be included in your resume. "Your resume could be scanned electronically and if key industry words and words from the job description are not in it, it will get tossed before it ever gets to a human being," she says. That means you should be tweaking your resume for each job.
Do ensure you've completed at least one internship to include on your resume, even if your program of study did not require it. Explain how you contributed to the organization and how you made yourself stand out. Make sure to stress the professional skills you honed during that time. If you've done freelance and contract work in your field, create a 'freelance/contract work" section and list all your clients.
Do list your membership and participation in professional organizations, and if you haven't joined a professional organization for your field, do so immediately. "It's important to show a genuine interest in your industry," explains Frank. Make sure to also list any professional certifications you've earned while still in school.
Do utilize your college's career services department. Advisors can assist you in formatting and tailoring your resume and may be able to provide you with job leads. They can also help you prepare for the actual interview.
Do list your work-related and non-work-related accomplishments. Make sure the non-work accomplishments still showcase your benefit to a potential employer. For instance, if you planned your sorority or fraternity annual philanthropy, focus on the leadership skills you utilized and the organization the event benefitted. If you've completed a marathon, list that as well. It showcases your ability to stick with a project and follow through. It could also wind up being a pretty interesting topic of conversation during the interview. Just be prepared to discuss your skills and accomplishments, when asked.

Which brings us to the don'ts:

Don't embellish. Because you will be asked about your marathon or how you increased your company's ROI during your three-month internship, make sure everything you put on paper is true. If not, it could come back to bite you.
Don't send before you proofread. "We still see typos and missing names, email addresses or phone numbers," says Pacheco. Few things annoy hiring managers more than that kind of easily avoided carelessness. It tells an employer that you do not have attention to detail and that you complete sloppy work. In an era with spell-check, most of this can be easily avoided.
Don't use that "cute" email address you created in college. A hiring manager will be hard-pressed to take "partygirl@email.com" or "lovetheladies@email.com" seriously, warns Frank.
Don't include irrelevant info on your resume. A philanthropic event you organized for your fraternity is a plus, the spring break trip you spearheaded may not impress, nor will your award for most parties attended in a semester. Make sure the information you include showcases your responsible side. Your future employer does not want to imagine you calling in sick because you stayed out too late the night before.
Don't go on and on. "I've seen executive-level resumes that stuck to a page or two," says Pacheco. Make sure your resume is clear and to the point.

Budgeting 101: How new graduates can conquer entry-level income challenges

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:37:00 GMT

(BPT) - Spring is the perfect time for young Americans to take a look at their budgets and become financially fit. Not only is April Financial Literacy Month, complete with nonprofit organizations around the country offering free seminars and online resources, but millions of high school and college students are also preparing for graduation and the next phase of their lives.

But are new grads ready for the financial challenges that lay ahead? The average student loan debt for borrowers in the college class of 2011 was about $26,500, according to a report by the Institute for College Access and Success's Project on Student Debt. While the National Association of Colleges and Employers projects that 2013 college graduate hiring will increase about 13 percent, budgeting for the start of a new career can be overwhelming. Budgeting money from that part-time job at the mall for movie tickets and other entertainment expenses is quickly replaced by rent, utilities, food and transportation costs as well as student loan payments.

Fortunately, many tools and tips are available for new graduates to get started with budgeting and saving. Microsoft Office offers a free personal budget worksheet to help track income and expenses each month. Several organizations offer free tips for saving money and budgeting on a lower income, which is typical for entry-level jobs.

"Effective budgeting and saving is essential for young adults to reach their personal and professional goals," says Matt Chevalier, senior vice president for TD Bank. "Being able to afford everyday living expenses, transportation to work, and essential insurance coverage all begins with understanding your income, your expenses and how and where to save money."

The not-so-obvious expenses

Recent graduates must also prepare for those under-the-radar expenses, such as auto insurance premiums, health insurance contributions and banking costs. While in school, most students can stay on their parents' or guardians' auto and health insurance plans, but not long after graduation, they will be required to purchase their own plans, either independently or through their employer.

Student bank accounts can also change soon after graduation, but many banks, such as TD Bank, feature a checking account selector tool that compares checking account options to best fit customers' needs and help them save money on fees. To help facilitate saving, new grads should set up direct deposit with their employer and connect a savings or money market account to their checking account, automatically transferring a manageable amount from each paycheck to build savings.

"Joining the professional workforce is an exciting and challenging time for young adults, and all the new expenses can seem overwhelming at first," says Chevalier. "Take it one step at a time, use the tools and resources that are available, and don't forget to budget for entertainment. Remember, just because you are out of school it doesn't mean you can't have any fun."

Where the tech jobs are: in the 'clouds'

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:47:00 GMT

(BPT) - The sky is the limit for cloud computing as it continues to drive job growth - garnering interest from Main Street, Wall Street, corporations and governments. A 2012 Microsoft-commissioned report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) indicated that spending on cloud services will generate nearly 14 million jobs worldwide by 2015.

In the past decade, cloud computing pioneers such as Amazon, Salesforce, Google and Apple-have developed comprehensive cloud services, platforms and applications. Now, traditional businesses of all kinds - even those that don't operate in the technology space - are incorporating cloud services more frequently, laying the groundwork for cloud-related career paths that are rich with opportunity and growth.

In fact, a related study from the Sand Hill Group suggests that cloud computing - driven by the 21st century surge in mobile computing, social networking and big data - may generate more job growth in the coming years than the Internet itself did during the 1990s.

Cloud computing provides the means through which technology-based services - from computing power and infrastructure to applications, processes and collaboration - can be immediately accessed by users through the Internet, or the "cloud." This instant access can result in greater flexibility, reduced environmental impact, lowered costs and tightened security for businesses.

Due to heightened demand for these benefits, business intelligence company WANTED Analytics reports more than 12,000 cloud-related jobs - from software engineers and software developers to cloud architects and security specialists - were advertised online in April 2012. That represents an increase of 50 percent from the previous year and more than 275 percent since April 2010.

As the nature of information technology continues to evolve, requiring its workforce to obtain cloud-based knowledge, understanding and technical skills, some higher education providers have launched degree programs that align with cloud-related fields.

DeVry University, for example, offers bachelor's degree programs in computer information systems and network and communications management, as well as a master's degree program in network and communications management. Each program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to implement software solutions for major corporations, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies that can also be used in cloud-related applications.

"As cloud providers grow the scale of their service offerings, and more businesses embrace and capitalize on them, there will be increasing demand for professionals who possess cloud computing skills," says Thomas Bieser, a solution architect for HP and graduate of DeVry University's bachelor's degree program in computer information systems.

Hiring managers seeking to fill cloud computing and related positions desire candidates with problem solving skills, an eye for security concerns and good communication skills for working with professional teams or clients. Job seekers with these attributes and an applicable educational background may find career success in cloud computing.

After the offer - negotiating your way to a better salary

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:41:00 GMT

(BPT) - Your job search has finally paid off. After all the networking events, resume re-dos and mock and real interviews, you finally got an offer for the job you wanted. So now what? Do you just take it or do you dare negotiate?

"You should always negotiate a higher salary," say Vanessa Jackson, assistant director of career services at The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago. Jackson adds, "Hiring managers expect this so they do not offer the highest salary in their range."

Be polite. "Say 'Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am so excited to join your company.' Then move into the negotiation," adds Shannon Delecki, assistant director of career services at The Art Institute of Michigan.

But before you ever get that offer, make sure you've done your research caution Jackson and Delecki. "Know the average salaries for the position and for the market," says Delecki.

And this isn't a time to be modest about your potential value to the company. "Tell the company why you are worth more than you are being offered. Show them how you will contribute to the company's profits and help their bottom line," advises Delecki.

How much should you ask for? Jackson recommends anywhere from $3,000 - $5,000 above the company's offer. After thanking your future employer, you should say something like: "but I'm hoping to negotiate a salary closer to $XX."

There are times that companies may not be able to budge on the dollar amount. This could be an opportunity to negotiate other benefits like vacation time. "Ask the company whether they can be more flexible about vacation or PTO days," says Delecki.

And those extra benefits don't end there. Companies sometimes pick up the tab for day care, can offer flex time and even allow employees to work from home on certain days to defray commuting costs. "I've known people who negotiated immediate vesting in the company's 401(k)," observes Jackson. She also stresses that the higher you are on the food chain the more perks you'll likely be able to negotiate. If you've just scored your first job, your new employer may not accommodate as many requests.

And speaking of requests, make sure yours don't sound like demands. If they do, you could negotiate your way right out of a job. The negotiation is a balancing act. You want a higher salary but you have to remember that you're looking to work with the person on the other end of the negotiation. So be gracious. "That's why it's important to say 'thank you' and 'I was looking for a salary closer to,'" says Jackson.

Finally, make sure you can live with and on your salary. Jackson counsels job seekers, "Know what you need to make to sustain your lifestyle."

Steps to revive a stalled job search

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:40:00 GMT

(BPT) - With record numbers of people seeking employment, competition is fierce for any job in any industry. If you're looking for work, it might seem difficult to know how to stand out from the crowd. For anyone feeling stalled in their job search, a few simple steps could put the wind back in their sails.

"When I talk with students who are discouraged, the first question I ask is, 'What are you doing?' Nine times out of 10 they're on the computer," says Chasity Trzop, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College - Louisville. "The computer is a passive job search. You are one of a thousand online, with about a 10 percent chance of getting an interview if you have done nothing face-to-face with the company. You must get out and interact with people," Trzop says.

Treat a job search like a job.

Trzop reminds graduates that searching for a job is a job, and should be treated as such. A good rule of thumb is to do 10 things each day in support of your job search. "Five of those things can be done online, like finding and applying for jobs, and writing e-mails to strengthen your career network. The other five things should be personal contact with people who may be able to help. Get up and meet with people face to face," says Trzop.

Join professional associations.

Students at Brown Mackie College - Louisville learn early during their academic program the importance of building a professional network. They are encouraged to join student clubs and professional associations in support of their major. The affiliations are helpful in securing an externship, and indispensable when searching for employment. Attending association functions puts you in front of people who may be hiring. "No one knows how wonderful you are if you're hiding behind your computer," Trzop says. "Go to events, and carry your resume with you."

Volunteer to apprentice without pay.

Volunteering to work without pay can go a long way toward finding a job. "Offer your service to someone in the field you want to enter. Ask if you can shadow him or her for a few days," Trzop recommends. "Who wouldn't want free labor? It's no skin off your nose if they say no." Trzop has seen many students gain on-the-job experience this way. Several proved to be so useful that the company created jobs for them.

Volunteer for community service.

Make productive use of your time. "Volunteer for any type of community service that interests you," Trzop says. It provides numerous benefits. It gets you out of the house and introduces you to new people. "You never know when you'll meet someone who may be hiring. The experience also looks great on a resume, and can fill gaps in employment," she says.

Use the phone to your best advantage.

Trzop tells graduates to keep in touch. After meeting people in the industry, call them to solidify the relationship. Ask for information on which companies may be hiring. "Make excuses for calling," she says. "If your profession requires certification, call your contacts when it comes through."

Social websites aren't just for small talk.

"More and more people are turning to social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn in their search for employment," says Trzop. "The websites make it easy to connect with others who share your interests." Brown Mackie College - Louisville has even begun to use LinkedIn to find intern candidates and promote internship fairs.

Now you are armed with specific knowledge on how to conduct your job search from a career service professional. "Keep a positive attitude and do the legwork that will put you out in front of people," Trzop says. "I tell our school's graduates, 'School is boot camp. Now go out and be a soldier.'"

Three things you'd never guess would affect your chances of getting a job

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:16:00 GMT

(ARA) - Whether you are a new graduate or recently unemployed, competition remains fierce in the current job market. Things you may never guess could be eliminating you as a candidate. Are you making some major interview mistakes without even knowing it?

In fact, your first impression may be eliminating you as a candidate before you even get started.

To put your best foot forward, avoid these critical mistakes:

Mistake: Unprofessional online presence
In today's modern world where sharing personal information happens 24/7/365 on the Internet, it's very important to monitor your online presence when applying for jobs. That means even before you submit a resume, you should do an Internet search on your name to see the results, update your social media pages, and make sure your activity on photo and video sites is appropriate.

Start by cleaning up your online profiles, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Delete inactive accounts and update the privacy settings on current ones. With Facebook's recent timeline switch, it's important to look back at old activity, since the new format makes it simple to see information even from years ago. Inappropriate posts, photos or videos from you or your contacts can be enough to land your resume in the trash. In a tough job market, employers want responsible, trustworthy employees, or at the very least, someone who can keep their personal life out of the public domain.

Mistake: Not smiling and crooked teeth
Nearly one-third of Americans say the first aspect of someone's face they typically notice is his or her teeth, according to a recent Kelton study. Teeth also influence perceptions regarding an individual's potential for professional and financial success. The study found that, when looking at images, Americans perceive those with straight teeth to be 45 percent more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a job when competing against someone with a similar skill set and experience.

The importance of a nice smile and straight teeth cannot be overlooked when trying to get a job. A smile can convey friendliness, and having straight teeth can project trustworthiness, success, wealth and more. Given the emphasis placed on straight teeth, it may be worth investing in an increasingly popular treatment option for adults and teens such as Invisalign. These clear aligners straighten teeth like metal braces, yet are nearly invisible, more comfortable, and make maintaining good hygiene simple because they are removable.

"In recent years I've had many patients requesting Invisalign treatment to straighten their teeth so that they have an edge in the job market," says Dr. Ken Fischer in Villa Park, CA. "My job-seeking adult patients really appreciate being able to improve their smile without 'railroad tracks' on their teeth. This is a worthwhile investment because straight teeth help give you confidence. A healthy, beautiful smile always makes a positive first impression."

Mistake: Bad posture and body language
During an interview, it's not just your experience and answers to questions that gets noticed. Within the first few minutes of an interview, your body language provides many different cues to the hiring manager. Every interview is stressful, but how you respond to this stress gives the interviewer a taste of how you perform under pressure and how you may conduct yourself as a future employee.

Be confident, yet relaxed. Remember to make eye contact and have good posture. If you have a briefcase, purse or jacket, find an appropriate place to put them, not on your lap. Don't cross your arms or hide your hands, it makes you appear passive and nervous. Gestures can be a good way to convey your enthusiasm for the job, but don't overdo it. Practice makes perfect, so run through the interview process with someone in advance and have him or her critique your nonverbal cues. You might have a nervous tic or other bad habit of which you're not even aware.

Avoiding these mistakes and heeding advice like updating your online profiles and straightening your teeth with Invisalign will help you make a great first impression, opening the door for your experience and skills to truly take the spotlight.

Working like a dog: Study confirms benefits of bringing pets to work

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:10:00 GMT

(ARA) - Harvey is no ordinary canine. The 3-year-old boxer has a full-time job, working almost every day at Greensboro, N.C.-based Replacements, Ltd.

"Every morning he's standing by the front door, waiting to go to work," says Harvey's owner, Sara Vestal, restoration manager. "He's been coming with me since he was 6 weeks old, and he truly thinks this is his job. If he sees me taking something out of a box, he grabs a box too and is by my side trying to help."

Pets in this workplace may sound a bit farfetched, considering the company is known as the world's largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. But among Replacements' inventory of 13 million fragile items, you'll find a pit bull in this china shop, along with a beagle, several miniature dachshunds and dozens of other canines every day. And look out for the cats, and yes, a fish. An opossum has even graced the company's retail store with her visit.

Replacements implemented its pet-friendly policy more than 17 years ago, after Founder and CEO Bob Page received a dog for his birthday and couldn't bear to leave him home alone. Once Page started bringing his dog, he realized his employees might enjoy having their pets as well, and opened the company to animal friends. In fact, the company's front doors read, "All Well-Behaved Pets Welcome." Replacements is one of the top tourist destinations for central North Carolina, encouraging customers to bring pets to shop, while its monthly employee pet feature is popular on the company's website.

At a company known worldwide for its diversity and progressive workplace policies, many employees, including Vestal, believe this is one of the best benefits.

"Having Harvey here is a comfort; it relaxes me. If I have to stay late, I don't have to worry about getting home to let him out or what he's gotten into during the day. If I'm having a bad day, doesn't matter, he's in my corner. And taking him out for a walk on my break really allows me to catch a breath I generally wouldn't allow myself, giving me the chance to refocus."

Scientific support

A recently released scientific study reinforces Vestal's perceptions. Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University spent a week at Replacements delving deeper into the impact of dogs at work. The VCU team surveyed and monitored stress levels among three test groups: those who brought their dogs to work every day, dog owners who left their pets at home, and those who do not own any pets. Their work marks the first quantitative study conducted in the workplace on the psychological and physiological impact of pets.

"What surprised us most is the fact stress actually decreased throughout the day among those participants who brought their dogs to work, while stress levels significantly increased for those who left their dogs at home or don't own pets," says principal researcher Randolph T. Barker, Ph.D., professor of management at VCU's School of Business. "We also found it very interesting that about half of those who bring their dogs to work said their productivity increased with their dog present. Additional findings indicate having pets in the workplace also increases cooperation among coworkers."

Barker also notes employees as a whole had higher job satisfaction than industry norms. He believes establishing pet-friendly policies could be a great benefit that doesn't hamper a company's bottom line.

"I think leadership in many organizations may be hesitant to allow animals in the workplace, but our study indicates pet presence may serve as a low-cost, wellness intervention readily available to many companies and may enhance organizational satisfaction and perceptions of support."

Getting started

Replacements' formal pet policy requires all animals must be current on vaccinations, polite to people and other pets, and stay on a leash near their owners unless contained in an office or cubicle space. Owners are also required to clean up after any "accidents."

"Companies interested in starting pet-friendly practices might want to start small," suggests Public Relations Manager Lisa Conklin. "Consider having a pilot day to gauge how pet presence works for your organization. You might try it for a half-day, on a slow day or even a Friday to determine the best fit for your employees and your business."

Conklin adds pet owners must be sensitive to the fact some people have allergies or may be fearful of animals. Likewise, other employees should not be permitted to aggravate or intimidate pets.

"We've seen many instances where employees actually got to know each other better through their pets. I do think it means a great deal to us here - it's hard not to smile when you're greeted by a wagging tail and friendly face!"

The importance of marketing your soft skills in the job search

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:33:00 GMT

(ARA) - As many Americans continue to search for employment, everyone is looking for ways to make the most of every interview opportunity. Of course, a good resume will reflect your technical training and experience. However, there is more to your overall qualifications than that. Your soft skills are an important part of the whole package.

Two professionals at Brown Mackie College - Boise offer advice to help you make a more comprehensive case as an optimal candidate for the position you seek - a case that includes your soft skills.

Barbara J. Schafer, director of Career Services, and Carilyn Penrod, Human Resources coordinator, work daily helping students and graduates to be ready to enter today's workforce or preparing them to enhance their current professions.

"The workplace remains highly competitive in terms of finding a job," says Schafer. This is evidenced by the current unemployment rate. A U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics press release reports a slight drop in the national unemployment rate, dipping to 8.2 percent in March 2012. While the number of new jobs created was fewer than the job gains in recent months, the sectors showing growth include hospitality, health care and financial services.

No matter what field interests you, it is beneficial to include your soft skills in your pitch. "Before you can market your soft skills, you must know what they are. Soft skills are personality traits; the things that make you who you are," says Schafer. "You seldom learn soft skills in trade school or college. They are life skills that you develop through your experiences."

"Confidence and a positive attitude are important soft skills that many employers value as much as technical ability," says Penrod. Examples of other soft skills include a strong work ethic, flexibility, time management skills, good communication skills and working well in a team environment. You may already have some of these characteristics listed on your resume without realizing that you are marketing your soft skills.

"The main items I look for in interviewee, apart from hard skills, are self confidence, eye contact and a firm handshake," says Penrod. These soft skills, combined with integrity, appropriate dress and good grammar, can be collectively defined as professionalism. "Listening skills matter, too. Is the candidate paying attention to what I'm saying? Is the candidate providing thoughtful responses?" All of these attributes combine to create an element of trust between employer and applicant.

Listing your soft skills on a resume is a good way to introduce them to a prospective employer. However, you will need to prove you actually have them by providing examples of how each manifests in your work. "If you say you have good communication skills, you must be able to explain this well in an interview," Schafer says. "Failure to do so will convince the employer that you really don't have good communication skills. This holds true with any skill, hard or soft. Know yourself and address it confidently with the employer."

"The initial interest a prospective employer will have in you will be for your hard skills, your ability to perform the technical part of the job. In the end, however, the things that will help you seal the deal on that interview will be your ability to market your soft skills and match them to the position," says Schafer.

The art of navigating corporate culture

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:30:00 GMT

(ARA) - Learning to navigate your career while grasping the culture of a company is one of the greatest challenges a new employee will face. Whether you're a recent college graduate, or at a crossroads in your career, steering your way around a company's 20,000 or 1,000 employees and figuring out the unwritten rules of corporate culture can be challenging and confusing.

You can't use Google maps here

Throughout the interview process, you probably heard how great the culture is at your new place of employment, how you too can have a long and rewarding career at Company A, which offers flexibility, mobility and interesting projects. But, come day one, all you can concentrate on is getting through the first day, meeting your boss's high expectations, getting along with your peers and hoping you made the right decision to join the company in the first place.

According to Ebony Thomas, director of diversity and campus recruiting at Prudential Financial, "New employees often find success by relying on a few simple tasks that you didn't learn in the classroom: focus on learning your role, ask clear questions and observe how to navigate through your new organization."

Now, you're the professional

For recent college graduates especially, it is important to remember that you are a professional and that often means managing the delicate balance of work relationships, among peers, management and senior leaders. "Your peers are your instant support network; building strong relationships here will go a long way when working late nights and meeting tight deadlines," Thomas says. "But, keep in mind that you now work together and, even if you are friends on Facebook and had a 'long' night out, you may still have to face them at 9 a.m. the next morning, so use sound judgment."

Thomas also advocates "managing your manager" to make your life easier. "First, understand your supervisor's expectations of your role and responsibilities. Make sure you both have clarity on tasks and ask for formal and informal feedback periodically." Observe what motivates him or her. Once you know these things, flex your working style to create win-win situations. "If your boss is a stickler for details, schedule a meeting and create a plan that communicates how and when you'll deliver information. This allows you to have some control over your schedule and will eliminate constant requests for information," she advises.

Senior leadership can appear to be intimidating, but they are most often genuinely grounded individuals who enjoy interacting with their employees. Thomas cautions one pitfall that recent college graduates may fall into is addressing their manager's boss as "Mr./Mrs. Last Name," even when they have asked you to address them by their first name.

"You're a professional now," she says. "Ultimately, you want to be taken seriously and have your contributions valued. That's not going to happen if you can't listen and follow directions."

"The First 48"

"The First 48" is a popular reality series on cable TV that chronicles a group of homicide detectives' search for clues in the initial 48 hours of a murder. They understand those initial few hours are critical in solving the crime. Similarly, the first 48 months of your new role or first job are crucial building blocks for your career.

Year one is all about learning, asking the right questions and performing at a level beyond your peers. "This is the foundational year. If you don't get this right, then you'll play catch up for the next few years," Thomas says.

In year two, you still need those foundational competencies of "learn-ask-perform," but now you can add "challenge" to the list. This doesn't mean that you challenge decisions or instruction, but know how to push back when appropriate. The next 24 months are vital because you continue to add more and more to the list while you build on the basics.

By years three and four, you can add "evaluate" and "lead." Evaluating at this point means you can now see and measure your progress. You may have an important decision to make. Do you drop anchor and stay awhile? Or do you set sail for a new opportunity? If you decide to leave, evaluate if it is better in terms of responsibility and potential; if not, pull into port and continue to learn.

By year four, you are now ready to lead and motivate yourself and others. Corporate circles still ask the age old question of whether leaders are born or taught. But, leaders are developed. And they are nurtured by building on core competencies, including their successes and failures.

Thomas noted that there is no clear science to successfully navigating the complexities of corporate culture. "Finding a way to balance heavy weights like performance and achievement with skills like judgment, networking and mapping your career development is a skillful art."