How To Successfully Reach Out To a Stranger and Connect - Kathy Caprino

How To Successfully Reach Out To a Stranger and Connect Courtesy of Photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net As one who is in the media a good deal through my Forbes, Huffington Post and AARP writing, and through speaking and coaching, I’m approached literally every day by scores of folks who are strangers hoping to connect, speak, get free advice, or inquire about my coaching services. I’m truly honored and happy to receive requests to connect from those I don’t know (in fact, that’s how I built my LinkedIn connections to over 2,300)!), and I understand that it is a given for me in my line of work to be contacted by folks who want to connect and also need help.  All good. But having been on the receiving end of hundreds of emails and LinkedIn invites that I LOVE to get, and others that don’t work,   I’d like to share with you my perspective on the right â€" and the wrong â€" way to reach out and ask to speak or connect with someone you know only from their online presence. From my view, there are three vitally important ingredients that need to be present in your communications and in the manner and style of your outreach for you to be successful.   If these are missing, you’ll fail to make a positive connection at best, and annoy and offend your potential contact, at worst. What 3 ingredients need to be reflected in your outreach? 1)           Do your homework, and demonstrate that You’re reaching out to this individual presumably because you’ve heard about their work through word of mouth, or an article you read, or a LinkedIn update that resonated with you.   That’s great, but here’s what must come next.   If you want to make a connection with this individual, do your homework, and a lot of it, before writing to them. Read everything you can about him/her â€" blog posts, videos, interviews, vlogs, guest posts, his/her book â€" the works.   Understand as much as you can about the individual and about what you want to know from them, so that when you connect, you have informed and intelligent questions/input to offer. As Sheryl   Sandberg mentions in her new book Lean In (which I highly recommend, BTW here’s my review of it on Amazon), she’s put off by people who connect by asking questions like “What’s the culture of Facebook?” Why? Because you can read her answers to that (and Mark Zuckerberg’s as well) everywhere online.   Avoid asking the obvious and don’t pose questions that you can easily find the answers to.     Reach out instead with a unique insight, a positive comment, or a new point of view or question that will be helpful and welcomed by the new contact. 2)   Understand how it truly works to find a mentor There’s been so much written about how to find and ask for a mentor (here are some great tips via Kerry Hannon on Forbes), and again, I’d echo Sheryl Sandberg in Lean In in her advice about this.   If you have to formally ask “Will you be my mentor?” you are missing the boat and most likely won’t get one.   As Sheryl points out, “the strongest relationships spring out of real and often earned connection felt by both sides.”   The best way to approach it is to find someone currently in your life and career with whom you can build a mutually-beneficial relationship that will help you grow. This needs to be someone who has observed the potential in you already because you’ve demonstrated it to them, and who would enjoy nurturing that potential.   It’s not a complete stranger but someone with whom you are already intersecting in your career or field and who has shown interest in you and would love to be supportive. If you don’t have anyone in your life that fits that bill, I’d suggest that you endeavor to enlarge your sphere of influence.   Go out in the world in a bigger way, and start connecting online and in person with other professionals who inspire and enliven you.   Check out my Forbes, Huffington Post and AARP blogs for more tips on getting out there, bringing yourself to market, networking, joining organizations and associations that bring you together with exciting, aligned people.   Start sharing your expertise   and learning how to shine (start your own blog, write articles, mentor others, sit on a board, etc). 3)   Take into consideration where your new contact is coming from Finally, when you reach out to someone who you don’t know, be considerate, respectful and put yourself in their shoes.   In all your communications (at work and in your personal life), think about the receiver of your communications and how they need to be treated and approached in order to able to respond in a positive way. Be considerate of their time, and understand that building relationships online is exactly like building them in person.   You wouldn’t come up to a stranger at a cocktail party and grill them with questions  about you and your life.   You’d ease into the situation, listen deeply first, and learn about who they are and what they care about. Then, and only then, would you respectfully pose a question or offer a comment that you know is a good fit with their passions, skills, and interests. * * * * * I hope these tips are useful as you go out in the world and build your fabulous support network and “ambassadors” for your work. Developing a powerful community and network is truly essential to your growth and success, as is learning how to connect with strangers in ways that enliven them as well as support you. Incorporate these three ingredients in all your outreach efforts, and go out and connect powerfully! And feel free to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn â€" I’d love to hear from you, and leave a comment on this post! (Need some career coaching now? Join me in my new series of FREE monthly career coaching calls.   Come and ask your career or business questions â€" no matter how big or small!)

5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your LinkedIn Profile - CareerAlley

5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your LinkedIn Profile - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. With well over 400 million users on LinkedIn, the site has become the number one site where recruiters (both independent and corporate) go-to source talent for open positions. Just having a LinkedIn account wont help if youve not fully developed your profile. While your resume should be the major source for your LinkedIn profile content, it should not be just a cut and paste of your resume. Similarly, once your profile has been created, LinkedIn should be the first place you list major new accomplishments. Your profile then becomes the best source for keeping your resume up to date as well as informing friends, business acquaintances and recruiters of what youve been up to (not to be confused with Facebook updates). Tweet This While the vast number of LinkedIn users further validates the site as the go-to source for recruiting, it also complicates the age-old job search problem of getting noticed. The noise of 400 million users can be overwhelming and just adding stuff to your profile will not (necessarily) get you noticed. Adding the wrong stuff to your LinkedIn profile can be just as bad as not having a LinkedIn profile at all. Buzzwords Youve done your homework and have managed to include the top 10 LinkedIn buzzwords in your profile. Job well done? No this is a BIG MISTAKE. You dont want to be part of the crowd, you want to stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, your profile (and all of the action words you decide to use) should reflect your experience. The best advice for resumes does not necessarily work as well in your LinkedIn profile. What to do? Take a look at some of at this article Understanding the Importance of Keywords in Your Job Search Dont Write a Biography Hiring managers do not want to know how you helped Save the Whales (a very noble cause, but not for your LinkedIn Profile unless you are hoping to get a job at Sea World). Nor should your profile just be a regurgitation of every accomplishment youve ever achieved. Your profile should reflect accomplishments and skills that appeal to hiring managers. Think of it this way, if you were hiring your replacement, what would you want to see in their profile? This resource is worth a look. How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile Price: $9.97 Specific line by line instructions on how to create your LinkedIn profile to maximize your job search. Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 2, 2020 Whos Viewed Your Profile If the answer is no one, then Im thinking this is a pretty good indication your profile needs a rewrite. But besides the advice given above, there could be something fundamentally wrong with your profile if you are not getting any hits or they are very low. The first thing you should do is click the Whos viewed your profile link. Some great stats here. The middle of the page shows the most recent viewers and the right-hand side of the page shows a neat graph of your profile views over the last few weeks/months. Directly below this is the How many times you appeared in LinkedIn Search stat along with the weekly change (increase or decrease). Once you tweak your profile, you will want to keep an eye on this stat to see how effective your changes have been. LinkedIn is Not Facebook Having thousands of people in your LinkedIn network is not necessarily a good thing. You should only accept a link request if you actually know the person (business first, family probably not). I get lots of requests from people Ive never heard of. Many of these requests are so they will have access to the links in my network. While having a large network is a good thing, it only helps if the links are valid and can help in your career. Should I accept LinkedIn invitations from people I dont know? Recommendationless Not a typo, I wish I can say that Ive just made a new word, but its been used before. Anyway, recommendations are a must on LinkedIn (not to be confused with Endorsements a topic for another day!). How many recommendations is enough and whats the best way to get more? TopResume Free Resume Review Price: TopResume writes and analyzes more resumes and LinkedIn profiles than any other service in the world. Let our resume experts provide you with objective feedback and personalized recommendations to improve your resume and land the right job sooner. Get a free, confidential resume review from TopResume Get Your Killer Resume We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to identify and land your dream job. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

Navigating the Roadblocks to an Encore Career - Hallie Crawford

Navigating the Roadblocks to an Encore Career Have you ever wondered how some people are able to create an encore career and wish you could be one of those people. Those who achieve encore career goals are those who have a bias toward action. They realize there is no perfect time and plow through the following five roadblocks to success: 1. Analysis paralysis. Gather the hard data, but at some point you should be armed with enough information to make a decision. Give yourself a decision deadline and commit to it. 2. Fear of failure. Acknowledge it. Allow it to propel you forward to action. Develop a contingency plan (Plan B). 3. Inaccurate assumptions. Expose yourself to others thinking, including a devils advocate. Hire a coach to ask you the tough questions. 4. Approval from others. Remain focused on the objective. Often those closest to you have a vested interest in your decision and are biased. This is the time to respectfully damn the grenade throwers and to thy own self be true. 5. Fear of change. It is more comfortable to live in the status quo. Recognize there is a cost to not changing. Successful encore thinking dwells in the realm of possibility and a few questions can move you to action. · What would success look like? · How can I overcome the five roadblocks above? · What are the benefits of making a change now? · What are you waiting for? · How much more must you endure living in the comfort zone? · What would be the worst thing that that could happen by making this decision? · What is just one step you could take to move yourself along? · What legacy do you want to leave? Combined with the provocative, make us think questions, should be an air of curiosity, introspection and trusting your gut. Take the time to be by yourself: · Go someplace new to stimulate your thinking and creativity. I personally love going on cruises because I am away from phone calls and client commitments. The change of scenery always sparks my writing. · Exercise. Often, the combination of sweating and taking care of your body often leads to positive thinking. Yes, you can do it becomes your mantra! · Relax in the shower or bath. Everyone knows the greatest ideas are born this way. · Listen to music. Studies have shown that creativity is boosted by listening to background music while working and studying. · Engage in happy activities. This is the spoil yourself/put yourself in a good state of mind option whatever that may be. For some it is getting a massage, cooking, playing with grandchildren, etc. While there will never be a perfect time to launch an encore career, there are ways to overcome roadblocks and set yourself up for success. As Nike says Just do it! We hope this is helpful to you! Katie Weiser, Career Coach at HallieCrawford.com. Need help with your career? Certified Career Coach is a career coach that specializes in helping professionals identify their ideal career path, navigate their transition and nurture their career. To schedule a complimentary consultation and find out more about Hallie visit https://www.halliecrawford.com. Schedule a free consult with HallieCrawford.com today

What You Dont Know About Tcs Resume Writing Samples

What You Don't Know About Tcs Resume Writing Samples The Technical Writer can help to prepare instructional manuals and other important supporting documents which are technically complicated for most readers and communicates them in a much simpler to understand language. You may also Book Writing Template. Samples will provide you with a notion of what information to put in your cover letter, and the way to format the letter. Resume writing samples provided will offer you a peek into the sort of resume you desire to have according to your profession. Now, ask your master list and pick out the skills that you saw in the work ad. When you start writing the resume, select the resume in accordance with your profession. You must modify each resume that you send out dependent on the work description. Finally, you should have excellent writing skills. The Benefits of Tcs Resume Writing Samples Nonetheless, it doesn't always mean resume is not hard to produce. Needless to say , it actually is fine to acquire over five resumes employing the similar components. While Canadian resumes are available in many distinct formats, they share some standards that you ought to know about. If you're browsing for resume samples for a career change, consider researching resume templates of individuals that are in that field to determine what the norms are. One of the greatest methods to receive your foot in the door at an organization you would really like to work for is to mention an expert connection to one of their existing personnel. It is essential that you know what to place. Introducing Tcs Resume Writing Samples There is an extensive array of free resume writing samples on the web that will assist anyone develop a better resume. It may be quite so helpful because the sample will steer you in constructing your very own personal edition of resume. Resume writing formats incorporate whole collection of categories of profession to select the most suitable f ormat. Tcs Resume Writing Samples Explained There are varieties of general resume types you're able to follow based on what type of approach you want your resume to have in applying for your preferred job. Broadly speaking, there are 3 distinct forms of resumes which are well accepted in the business. However much or what type of work experience you've got, there's a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. Resume writing templates are segregated into various types based on the profession and achievements of an individual. The Fundamentals of Tcs Resume Writing Samples Revealed Well, luckily, there's a fairly straight forward way to ascertain which resume format would work the very best for you. Using resume templates as a foundation is a great place to begin. Have a peek at these examples to choose which format is most appropriate for you.

Graphic Designer Resume Ideas

Graphic Designer Resume Ideas The conventional education requirement in the sphere of Graphic Design has at all times been an Associate of Arts degree, but since the field has gotten more competitive a Bachelor of Arts degree is getting more necessary because it will help job seekers stick out in the pack. Graphic designers have a vast number of duties and obligations. Part-time work could be possible. Even internships are extremely vital as much time as it is possible to list what you've learnt from them! You're a skilled and you want the recruiter to comprehend that. Consider what experience you have that will allow you to do the work well. If you aren't confident that the job is appropriate for you, it will be picked up promptly. Obviously, each job will call for various abilities and experiences, so make certain you read the work description carefully and concentrate on the skills listed by the employer. The next graphic designer resume template will provide you one o f the easiest formats to draft your resume. Needless to say, you would focus more on the plan and contents of your resume but remember the sort of paper you will utilize. Instead, a fundamental font can be more impressive than one which is not possible to understand. You may use beautiful fonts and graphics to display your skills, but make certain that the key resume information is clear. An enjoyable component of the graphic design field is that there's the chance to induce change. Given that it is skill based, it also helps to include projects that you have worked before. A graphic designer usually manages more than 1 design projects at one time and appropriating the appropriate period of time depending on the value and urgency of the job. Freelance graphic designers get the chance to combine art and technology so as to communicate ideas with a huge audience. Graphic designers need to work closely with different colleagues involved in projects, including copywriters, pho tographers and sales staff. They must be creative thinkers. They are expected to keep up to date with the latest trends in the industry. Creativity Graphic designers have to be creative thinkers. Making the right resume is one particular key to receive your preferred post. Possessing a well-designed graphic design resume with the ideal contents would become your key in receiving the job that you want. Your CV is your very first impression. Developing a standout CV is a significant portion of the work search. How to Get Started with Graphic Designer Resume? It's also crucial for graphic designers to have a fantastic attitude and see that the client is always perfect. Crafting a strong fashion designer resume isn't only important, it's fundamental! Selecting an entry-level graphic designer is almost always a huge danger of a companynot only does the designer should have excellent taste, but he must also fit with the business's style. Graphic Designer Resume at a Glance Gr aphic designers should know how to create legible, well-designed type. Photo Editing A number of graphic designers are continuously dealing with numerous projects at the same time. Be sure you have selected a font that's readable. Your typography is extremely essential for it is what employers will truly start looking into. Often designers may have to promote a business's mission by means of a logo, website or design that can help sell an item. For professionals, it truly is beneficial to have a skilled design and style because it is going to give an outstanding impression to all your potential businesses. Learn as much about the business you are applying to as possible. Just ensure the organization will accept one.

When To Make a Multiple Page Resume

When To Make a Multiple Page ResumeWeve all been told the cardinal rule of resume writing. Concision. Get as much information into as few words as possible, present everything cleanly and clearly andno matter whatstuff it all into one easy-to-read page. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Thats fantastic advice 99.9% of the time. For the most part, you dont want to give too much away. Save some details for the interview, and make sure everything in the resume is screaming that you deserve one. You want to make sure you stand out from the crowd and make the cut.However, there are certain situations when a multiple page resumemight be called for. Here are some good general rules of thumb.One Page ResumeWhen you have fewer than 10 years in your fieldwhether youre just starting out or are making a major career change and have yet to gather the requisite wealth of experience. Or if youve had multiple positions with the saatkorn company or employe r.Two Page ResumeIf youre pushing 10+ years experience in your field, particularly in your particular sphere. Or if you are in a field requiring a good deal of technical, engineering, or other specific bits of knowledge and background qualifications which you need to list out in detail.Three Page ResumeIf youre an academic or a scientist and you have numerous speaking engagements, publications, patents, professional service, courses, etc. to list. At this point, this is less a resume and more of a C.V. Also if youre in a senior level or youre an executive and you have a massive laundry list of leadership accolades to list.If youre new to your field, or to the workforce in general, follow the well-established rules youre told. But if you feel youve developed past the one-page point, try expanding your space and landsee how it pans out.

How paid parental leave benefits kids too

How paid parental leave benefits kids too By now it is well-known that the United States lags behind the rest of the developed world in terms of paid parental leave. Its not simply that the U.S. offers a lesser policy. Its that the nation offers no policyas in zero uniform plan of guaranteed paid parental leave on a federal level.Yes, there are parental leave options available to new working parents, such as private disability insurance benefits, unpaid FMLA leave, and the paid leave offered by a handful of states. However, these options still leave many families without adequate benefits following the birth of a child.Ensuring that working families receive adequate parental leave is important for both mothers and fathers, and, according to academic research, it is important for children as well.In National Review, Abby M. McCloskey addresses this idea and discusses recent research on the interaction of parental involvement and early childhood development.According to the article, re search suggests at least six months to a year of parents being present with their children is whats best from a childhood-development standpoint. McCloskey acknowledges that this ideal goes beyond the leave currently offered and also goes beyond the duration of paid-leave proposals on either side of the political aisle.As such, this information places concerned parents in between the proverbial rock and a hard place, providing them with knowledge of a problem, but no real solution.As McCloskey notes, this can be a difficult topic to address since many working parents feel on edge regarding their choices and the difficult realities regarding work, parental leave, and infant care.I know that when I returned to work from maternity leave with my first child three years ago, the absolute last thing I would have wanted to hear was that my absence from his days could adversely affect his development. That would have been an immense fear realized, a burning insecurity affirmed.However, McCl oskeys piece also acknowledges that paid parental leave on its own does not guarantee that a parent will spend that time being present and invested with children. Nor does it solve other significant work-family challenges faced by working parents today.Thus, the topic and the research are fraught with contradictions for American parents.Rather than going on the defense, however, we should accept what the rest of the world already seems to understand that the earliest months and years of a childs life are a crucial time for development during which he or she greatly benefits from the presence of loving, involved parental figures.We should push for parental leave reform because it is good for parents and because it is good for children. Because it is good for families. Because it is good for society. Because we are an advanced nation that should lead in this area rather than lag.Until a better policy is realized, however, working parents shouldnt despair. Rather, we should continue to persevere knowing we have made the best decisions for our families within the framework weve been provided.Candace is a practicing attorney, working parents advocate, freelance writer, and proud mom. Her legal practice focuses on workers rights. She can be found writing about law, motherhood, and more on her blog as The Mom at Law.