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How to define your career objective and get what you want

Choosing the right career path can come with an array of obstacles — both expected and unexpected. From applying to a job that actually isn’t a good fit to attracting the wrong type of clients for the business that you want to run, career roadblocks can happen. Knowing how to define your career objectives can help mitigate some of these challenges and set you up for long-term success. Whether you need to assess your career goals so that you can perfect your resume and apply for the right job
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If you find yourself asking “What career is right for me?” here’s what to do

When you’re doing something you enjoy — or better yet, something you’re passionate about — your job can actually feel a lot less like actual work. So, choosing the right career is of the utmost importance. When you find yourself wondering, “What career is right for me?” there are steps you can take to figure out the best options. Not knowing where you’re headed in your career can be scary, and the uncertainty and indecision of having to make this choice can feel overwhelming. But there are st
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Here are all the tax deductions you need to know about before filing for 2020

After a year unlike any other, it makes sense that filing your 2020 taxes will be different from years past. Understanding which tax deductions apply to you and your specific situation could decrease the amount you owe to the government and increase your tax return. There may even be a few things you aren’t thinking about after a year filled with so many changes. Tax filing deadline is now May 17 The COVID-19 pandemic turned the working world upside down in 2020. The number of employed America
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6 cover letters that will get you any job (including templates)

Regardless of where you are on your career path, or what industry you’re in, crafting the perfect cover letter is a necessary part of seeking a new role. In addition to a resume and any requested application materials, a cover letter is a way to communicate directly with a company’s hiring manager in order to explain why you are the best person to fill their available role. Fundamentally, a cover letter should address the qualifications that you possess which make you the perfect hire. It sho
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All your big questions about job searching during the pandemic answered

It’s no secret that our world has changed dramatically thanks to COVID-19. If you are on the hunt for a new position during this time, you probably have more than a few big questions about job searching during the pandemic. Maybe you were furloughed or laid off from your previous position due to the pandemic and jumping back into the job hunt right now is necessary. Perhaps you just need a change of pace due to the stress of it all. Or, maybe you’re unhappy with how your current company is ha
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How to optimize your resume for an applicant tracking system

As our world becomes more and more automated each day, so does the hiring process. Sure, there are still actual humans involved, but it’s imperative to learn how to optimize your resume for an applicant tracking system (ATS) in today’s competitive job market. If you’re not already familiar, an ATS is an automated tool used by hiring professionals like recruiters and hiring managers. Although every system is slightly different, they generally collect resumes and information during the applica
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These are the smartwatch etiquette rules you must follow in the office

Technology like smartwatches and cell phones are heavily integrated into society, so their presence in the workplace isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Although problems can arise, seamlessly incorporating the use of these devices into the workday could increase productivity by allowing people to stay connected to their personal lives and simultaneously maintain optimal job performance. To accomplish this, both the employee and employer must engage in a modicum of smartwatch etiquette. The pro
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Is the staggering cost of childcare driving women out of the workforce?

Although recent reports by the U.S. Labor Department show that women now hold more than half of the payroll positions in the country, the high cost of childcare remains a deterrent for many working mothers. Gender pay disparity and the motherhood gap are two mainstays in conversation among professionals because of the societal perception of women in the workplace. It is for this reason that programs like Ellevate Network, a community for professional women dedicated to fostering equality in the
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How to respond if an interviewer asks about kids

Knowing how to answer common interview questions, like these very common behavioral interview questions, is a key part of any job search process. You can likely rattle off the answers to questions about your education, work history, or career path in your sleep. But, when an interviewer throws in a question about your personal life do you know what to say? Getting caught off guard by questions about whether or not you have kids if you plan to have kids, and other similar questions can potentia
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15 fun icebreaker games for meetings

An icebreaker game is an interactive activity that can help “break the ice” and give participants the opportunity to get comfortable with one another. Playing a fun icebreaker game at the beginning of a meeting is a great way to boost morale and keep your team motivated before diving into your business agenda. This is especially true for new teams who may be unfamiliar with one another and seeking to form new relationships. Although it may seem counterproductive to play a game first when there
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How to find what motivates you with a few simple questions

Do you know what drives you? What is the thing that makes you want to do what you do? Motivation is what gives you the urge to get up and get to work on a goal, a dream, or even just do your job. But do you know what motivates you? Other people’s motivations may be totally different from yours, and you may have multiple motivating factors, but ultimately you do have something deep inside that lights a spark that ignites your flame and pushes you to do what you do. Knowing what motivates you ca
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7 ways the workplace will drastically change in a post-pandemic world

With stay-at-home orders throughout the country slowly expiring and states testing the waters of increased person-to-person interaction, a return to the physical workplace is inevitable for many. Exactly how that will look though is yet to be determined. Will everyone return to work just as they did before the novel coronavirus, or will our workspaces continue to evolve to meet ever-changing societal needs? Only time will tell, but expert insight into the workplace post-pandemic shows an array
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How to request a sabbatical and actually get your boss to agree

Sometimes, we all need a break from the daily grind of our professions. A sabbatical can give you time to mentally unwind, unload, and recharge, as well as reflect on your career choices. Sabbaticals can be a great way to ensure that you return to work refreshed and ready to work hard. With 67% of employees reporting some level of burnout at work, according to a Gallup study of 7,500 employees in the US, an extended break could be exactly what both you and your employer need to succeed. But, y
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This is exactly what a headhunter does

Although some companies have specific employees designated for recruitment and hiring purposes, those who don’t may need assistance from a headhunter to find the perfect person to fill a specific role. But, what exactly does a headhunter do? Simply put, a headhunter identifies potential job candidates and approaches them about filling the role. They then act as a liaison between the company hiring and the applicant to place top talent quickly and efficiently. You may wonder how this is differe
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How to write an email cover letter

When you’re looking to impress a potential employer and land a new job, how you write an email cover letter matters. Regardless of the way you send it, the words within your cover letter create the first impression an employer has of you. When writing an email cover letter, the standards of a traditional cover letter still apply. However, formatting details, your tone in the email message which presents your cover letter, and the email subject line and signature can all make a difference
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The email format you need to get noticed by recruiters

If you’re searching for work, connecting with a recruiter can help increase your odds of landing your dream job. Using the email format you need to get noticed by recruiters is a crucial part of standing out among a sea of applicants clamoring for their attention. When you’re writing an email to a recruiter the same standards of professionalism you would use when writing a cover letter, sending an email to your boss, or other similar written communication apply. The tone of your email, the subj
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How to decline a job offer in 5 steps (with examples)

Turning down a job offer can feel incredibly daunting. If you’re looking for the perfect way to decline an offer, following the steps below will help ensure that you do so in an honest and eloquent manner. You might think that telling a company “no” will burn a bridge. However, when done in a polite, tactful way it will do just the opposite and could leave the door open for future opportunities. The reasons for turning down a job opportunity are numerous. Perhaps you don’t feel that the compan
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How to write a thank you letter after a remote interview (with examples)

In today’s changing job search landscape, knowing how to handle a virtual interview from start to finish can truly set you apart from competitors — including how to follow up with a thank you note after a remote interview. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote interviews are now part of the new normal for many potential employees. From the research you do to prepare for your interview to the conversations you have with a potential employer, many aspects of the interview process remain the sam