Your job interview may be over but the interview process isn't done yet. There's another crucial step that could mean the difference between getting hired or getting looked over. That step is sending an unforgettable thank you note to your hiring manager.
Will a thank you note really make a difference?
Yes, it definitely will. Writing a thank you note gives you the opportunity to keep on making a good impression after the interview process is complete. It shows that you care about the company and appreciate the time people put in to meet you. Plus, it shows that you care about the next step in the hiring process and want to take an active part in it.
If you have questions about your thank you note strategy (like what to put in it or how to send it along), here are some tips on how to write a thank you note that will really wow your potential employer.
There's a good chance the hiring manager is super busy and wants to make a hire soon. You need to keep up with them. If you write a note by hand and send it in the mail, it may not reach them by the time they make a decision.
To ensure that you're up to speed in the hiring process, send the thank you note via email. It will get to the hiring manager much faster.
The hiring process moves fast, so it's important you make a good first impression—fast.
The optimal time to send a thank you note is within 24 hours of your job interview. That way, the hiring manager doesn't forget you or the conversations you had during your interview. A quick turnaround on your thank you note also shows the employer you're a proactive and eager job candidate.
Saying "thank you" in your thank you note is a given. Take it a step further by telling the hiring manager why you are thankful for the interview.
You could mention that you liked learning more about the company, meeting members of the team, and getting to know more about the position. This shows the hiring manager that the job interview was more than just a formal part of the hiring process for you.
During your job interview, learn the names of those you come in contact with and mention some of them in your thank you note. You could mention a question they answered for you or give them a shout-out for making you feel comfortable.
This shows that you pay attention to the details and care about those who have helped you throughout the hiring process.
Now that you've gone through the interview, reiterate why you think you'd be a good fit for the job. You got a glimpse of how the company functions, so now's your chance to add what value you think you bring to the table.
You can also express your excitement about the position and the company. It will show that you care about the job and it will help you further stand out in the hiring manager's mind.
At the end of the day, a thank you note will make you a memorable job candidate, someone the employer would love to have on their team. So, don't forget to send a thank you note after your next job interview!
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It can be hard to turn down a job offer, especially if you're currently unemployed. But just because you got an offer doesn't mean the job or the company is the right fit for you.
Even getting an interview in a competitive job market is an achievement in itself, but you need to be very clear from the start of the interview process what the most important aspects of the job are to you and then prioritize them accordingly.
Obviously, salary is important, especially if you're not working right now, but we're all looking for different things. For some, it might be work-life balance which is the most important; for others, culture that fosters innovation, or maybe location or opportunities to grow and develop.
Most of us have had an experience of the job not turning out to be as promised during the interview process. But, how do you know if you've found your perfect company? How do you determine what the red flags are, which means that the job might not be a good fit for you long term?
Here are some signs a company might not be right for you:
As much as you need to impress a prospective employer during the interview process, the employer also needs to impress you. If the hiring manager is half an hour late or rushing around, this can be a sign of what the work culture is like and it shows that bringing in new talent clearly isn't a priority.
You want to connect with your interviewer on some level during the hiring process. That will be impossible to do if they're disorganized and not giving you the time of day. No matter what happens in your interview, if you're left with a bad taste in your mouth after interacting with your interviewer, that's a red flag that shouldn't be ignored.
If you're not going to get on well with your boss, chances are you won't enjoy your work. Ask yourself whether you have a good feeling about the person who will be your manager. Will they offer you good feedback and career advice when needed? Do they know how they will measure your performance on the job? Are they approachable?
If you don't feel your prospective manager is someone you want to work with, you might want to think twice before accepting their offer.
Even before the interview, there is a lot of research you can do to determine if the company is a safe bet for you. You might want to look at changes the company has gone through in the last few years to get a sense of their stability and general direction. You might also want to research current and previous employees on LinkedIn to see what their career path has been and how long they've stayed in the job. You might even want to reach out to previous employees in similar roles to find out their reasons for leaving.
Also, have a look at what the employees are saying about the company on Glassdoor. I remember seeing an ad for a job that looked great, but before applying, I went to Glassdoor to read reviews of others who've interviewed with the company. Every single review was negative and provided specific details. Needless to say, I did not apply.
We all have different work preferences. Some prefer to work in an open office space, which is probably noisier but offers more interaction between employees. Some companies have a lot of cubicles and separate offices. It provides quieter spaces to work but also less interaction with others. Other companies have a remote workforce, so could you handle working from home every day?
Does the layout of the company suit you? If you're social and like interacting with others during the day and you're stuck in a tiny office, you won't enjoy it.
It's easy to ignore red flags in the hiring process when you're desperate for a job. To figure out whether a company is really the right fit for you, make sure you consider the four points above before accepting any job offer.
Feeling stuck in your job search? We're here for you!
The longer your job search drags on, the more you start to doubt your interviewing abilities. Or worse—you start to doubt your skills and experience as a job candidate, which in turn affects your interview confidence.
You may begin to ask yourself, "What are employers really looking for in a job candidate?" The good news is we can help you understand just what you need to convey in a job interview to stand out to employers and finally land that dream job.
Employers want you to answer three questions they won't ask you directly. So, it is your job to answer those unasked interview questions in order to move on in the hiring process. Here are three things you should be sharing in your job interview to make the right impression and send the correct message to potential employers.
The first thing you need to convey in your job interview is how your skills and expertise save or make a company money. You are a business-of-one. As an employee, you provide a service to an employer. So, in your job interview, you have to prove to the employer the services you can provide for the company will either save or make them money.
It comes down to your ability to justify the initial cost it would take to hire you. Most professionals don't know that it costs an employer between 130% to 140% of their salary to hire them. It's a big investment for a company to hire a new employee. That's why you need to convey your efficiency and effectiveness as an employee in job interviews.
To prove you could save or make a potential employer money, quantify your past experience (on your resume and in the interview) and cite examples of how you've saved or made your previous/current employer money. Once a potential employer understands that you will provide a good return on investment, they will automatically consider you a great candidate for the position.
Make sure you talk about how you deliver value, too. No employee performs a job the same way. We all do tasks differently, and go about accomplishing goals with different processes and strategies. If a company doesn't think you'll be able to do the job the way they want you to do the job, you probably won't be offered the position.
In order to explain how you deliver value, you need to know exactly what you do and how you do it. During a job interview, let the employer take a peek inside your brain, to help them get a better idea of how you would perform certain tasks that the job requires.
A great way to explain how you deliver value is through answering behavioral interview questions with the STAR technique. Begin answering a behavioral interview question by describing the situation or task you were faced with. Then, explain how you took action, walking the employer through your decision-making process. Finally, quantify your results so the employer can clearly see how you deliver value.
(If you're not sure how you deliver value, take this free quiz! You may be surprised by the results.)
The last thing you absolutely want to convey to an employer is how you feel connected to their organization. Consider the company culture and their mission, and use that to your advantage.
During a job interview, it's important to explain to an employer how you feel like you're a part of their "tribe." Why do you want to be a part of the team of people dedicated to solving this specific problem? You can also talk about why you admire their products and services, why you understand and identify with their customers, and what you love about the way they do business.
Tie all your pre-interview research back to what excites you about working for the company. Employers want to hire people who would integrate well within their organization. By talking about the above factors, you'll connect with employers on a deeper level and show that you're passionate about the job. Therefore, you'll come across as a great cultural fit.
You can also begin to convey that connection to a potential employer in your disruptive cover letter. A disruptive cover letter catches an employer's attention and gets them excited about you as a candidate. So, even before you walk through the door to your interview, an employer will already feel a connection to you.
Knowing what to say in an interview in order to make the right impression can feel incredibly overwhelming, maybe even impossible. If you follow these three tips, you'll be sure to send the correct message to an employer, and ultimately increase your chances of landing the job!
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For some professionals, working from home is the best thing that ever happened to their career. For others, being in the office every day is their ideal way to work. But, what if you like both remote and in-office work? Is it possible to find a good, high-paying job that let's you enjoy the best of both worlds?
The short answer? Yes. Absolutely.
Being a hybrid employee—a person who splits their workweek between the office and home—can help you improve your work-life balance while maintaining a healthy level of camaraderie with your co-workers and colleagues.
If this sounds like the perfect work schedule for you, check out these seven high-paying jobs to make your goal of becoming a hybrid employee a reality.
As the Senior Director, Customer Experience at Reverb.com, you'll manage the customer experience team, develop policies and plans, and test new support processes. This position requires 10+ years of customer support experience and over five years of experience managing managers.
Check out other job opportunities at Reverb.com.
As a controller at Latitude, you'll support technical accounting and cost accounting for manufacturing and medical device industries. This position requires a master's degree and at least 10 years of progressive experience in both accounting and finance.
Check out other job opportunities at Latitude.
As a senior data engineer at Arthena, you'll design and implement major tool and infrastructure projects, collaborate with data science and operations, and design systems. This position requires a bachelors' degree and three to four years of relevant work experience.
Check out other job opportunities at Arthena.
As the Major Gifts Officer at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), you'll oversee major gifts and development functions for a nonprofit organization, which includes managing foundations, strategies, meetings, solicitation, and relationships. This position requires five years of fundraising or sales experience and a BS/BA degree. Travel is expected.
Check out other job opportunities at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
As a senior recruiter at AngelList, you'll own the full cycle recruiting process, work with leadership to create scorecards and interview loops, and iterate on the company's recruiting process. This position requires at least three years of recruiting experience.
Check out other job opportunities at AngelList.
As an account executive, enterprise at InGo.me, you'll drive revenue by meeting or exceeding sales goals, represent community-based event growth, and develop strategies. This position requires five years of enterprise B2B sales experience and strong sales preparation. Travel is expected.
Check out other job opportunities at InGo.me.
As a DevOps engineer at Cloud Elements, you'll support public cloud deployments, collaborate with internal teams to identify business goals, and work to improve operations. This position requires three years of Linux and scripting experience.
Check out other job opportunities at Cloud Elements.
These seven high-paying jobs give you the option to work in the office and at home with a hybrid work model. If you want to be a hybrid employee in your next job, one of these positions could be perfect for you!
Your resume and LinkedIn profile are incredibly important to your job search. They not only speak to your past accomplishments, but also act as a predictor of your future capabilities. However, these two things can't successfully complete this task if they aren't packed with quality information. This includes an outstanding personal branding statement.
What is a personal branding statement? It is a statement that communicates who you are in the workplace. Borrowed from the marketing world, it reflects your professional reputation.
On your LinkedIn profile, the personal branding statement is used to summarize, in just a few words, who you are, what you've done, and what you hope to do in your career. This is why it's so important to take formulaic steps in order to develop one that gets the job done.
To get started, take a look at a personal branding statement that delivers the goods:
I am a community affairs manager with 10 years of experience visualizing, developing, and organizing company-wide philanthropic events, maintaining connections with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, coordinating diverse employee volunteer opportunities, and creating dynamic external and internal event communications.
Why is it successful? It gives a snapshot of your history in the field while providing branding attributes that describe what makes you successful. Also, it gives examples of previous accomplishments that offer insight into how you can help an employer succeed.
So, which formula could you use to create your own?
It may seem a bit far-reaching to say that your overall outlook on life can create a great personal branding statement, but in actuality, it is your outlook that has guided you to your profession and has helped you develop your talents.
So, take time to write down your vision. Do you want people to communicate better with one another? Do you hope to expand the breadth of our already-expansive technology? Think about what it is that can help you create the broad umbrella encompassing all of the specific goals your personal branding statement will incorporate.
Again, a personal branding statement is all about showing an employer that you have goals—and that you not only intend to achieve them in the future but already have in the past.
So, what are your career goals? How do you want to make a difference? Write down what you'd like to achieve—along with those skills you possess that can help you attain your goals.
Finally, it's important to recognize your brand attributes, then apply them to your professional history. To identify your attributes, come up with at least three nouns to describe yourself as a professional.
Are you a great communicator, leader, visionary, or organizer? Then drum up three sentences that round out your professional history in relation to those attributes (e.g. I have 15 years of experience leading groups through philanthropic efforts). Make sure to quantify this work experience!
After completing these goals, you'll have enough information to create a truly outstanding personal branding statement that not only gives an employer confidence in your ability to succeed but boosts your own confidence as a top professional.
If you're looking for a job, your personal brand determines how much you'll stand out to potential employers in the job search. If you're not branding yourself as a specialist, you could be hurting your chances of landing an interview. So, follow the tips above to write an outstanding personal branding statement today!
The job search process can take time, but there are things that job seekers do to themselves along the way that negatively impact their own efforts.
Some job seekers make the mistake of thinking that, since they're unemployed, searching for employment is now their full-time job and they need to spend 40 hours a week job hunting. That's actually not the case!
When you spend that much time searching for a job, you run the risk of burning out and you start to dread the process.
The key to a successful job search is learning how to job hunt efficiently—and intelligently. Here are some ways to accomplish this goal.
Before jumping into an efficient job search routine, most job seekers will need to do some legwork.
Those blindly applying to as many jobs as possible ("spray and pray") are just wasting their time. It's important to do some early research and put together a bucket list of companies where you want to land a job interview.
You'll also need to take some time to think about what your best skill sets and accomplishments are. This is essential to putting together your strategy for marketing yourself to employers and will also impact how you put together your resumes and cover letters.
Taking some time early in the process to get all your materials together and do a little research on the job search process will save you time in the long run as you build an efficient job search that fits into your schedule.
It's important to still have a life while hunting for a job, so it's a good idea to block off a period of time for your job search efforts and do your best to stick to that time.
Ask yourself, "When am I the most productive? When will I get the most done—morning, afternoon, or night?"
Job seekers also need to take into consideration their own attention span as they schedule out blocks of time. For example, if you're a morning person who works best in one-hour blocks, you could block 8 a.m. to noon for your job search, with 15-minute breaks after every hour.
Obviously, not everyone can stick to the same schedule all the time, so there's always room for flexibility. But in general, it's a lot better to schedule blocks of time for job search efforts, rather than trying to do them sporadically.
Job hunting doesn't mean that you have to spend five days a week in front of a computer!
Theoretically, a person could spend four hours a day, three times a week on the job search, leaving the rest of the time to attend to personal matters, work a part-time job or side hustle, volunteer, or spend more time networking. All of these things may actually complement your job search, especially networking.
The key is to not drown yourself in the job search. By putting in some early work, job seekers can job hunt efficiently and still have a life. They may even find the job hunt enjoyable, as it's a great chance to learn a little bit about yourself as a professional and meet some new people.
Even if you do land a great job, there are still some career strategies that can put you in a better position for the next time you're on the job hunt.
Are you still struggling with the job search? Work It Daily can help!
By joining our career growth club, you'll get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunities—all in your back pocket!
In line with changes in the workplace, today's managers require different characteristics and qualities to succeed compared to the managers of yesteryear.
The world of work is undergoing major developments in both technology and staff dynamics. Hence, a manager who was effective in the past might not be effective today.
Here are the five characteristics of successful managers:
Not to be confused with being a techy. It is not essential for all managers to suddenly become computer engineers. Nonetheless, managers should be aware of the broader technological landscape, and the way it impacts the workplace. This means keeping up to date with e-commerce developments, understanding which collaborative and social technologies are emerging in the market, and what the wider implications of these technologies are.
Managers with a good knowledge of the latest technology will always stay one step ahead of the competition.
Managers used to rule the roost in organizations and have access to all the necessary data to make decisions. The manager would give orders and the staff had to obey those orders without questioning them. However, modern managers do not hoard information. Rather, they embrace collective intelligence by sharing as much data as possible.
Managers have to ensure that their staff can engage with one another, and with the data they require to do their job, on any device and in any location or time zone. Nowadays, instead of marginalizing staff input, managers depend on staff to help with the decision making.
Modern management is focused on eliminating obstacles standing in the way of staff so that they can be successful. This is about more than just people management. It is about motivating and empowering those in your team.
In the past, managers adopted a fear-based approach which was centered on the concept of command and rule. Previously, staff members would work hard to ensure the success of their managers. Nowadays, the managers have to work hard to ensure the success of their staff.
This is part and parcel of being transparent and open. Historically, businesses have been modeled on the military. Obviously, military commanders have to be anything but vulnerable. Notwithstanding, times have moved on and we do not run our businesses like the army anymore.
Indeed, the well-known publication Daring Greatly by Brené Brown points out that vulnerability is a courageous way of standing up and being counted. The book claims that vulnerability is integral to creativity and innovation. Brown believes that, without vulnerability, progress would be next to impossible because people would be too self-conscious to risk failure. Hence, it is not weak to show your vulnerability. In contrast, it is actually a sign of strength—an important characteristic that anyone pursuing a management career should possess.
Historically, it was always okay for a manager to state that they approved of something. The manager would just have to agree to a spending plan and say, "Go ahead." However, in the modern, collaborative workplace, this is not sufficient anymore.
Managers have to do more than simply authorize a funding proposal. They have to be there on the front line, using the same equipment that all the other staff are using. Understandably, it is impossible for the staff to grow and develop unless they are set an appropriate example by their manager.
To be a successful manager in modern times, you must possess these five characteristics. Start being a better leader at work today!
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Have you ever felt like you totally rocked an interview? You had all your questions and answers prepared, the hiring manager really seemed impressed, and they even hinted at a call back. You wake up the next morning with a huge grin on your face expecting an email or a phone call, but you receive nothing. No worries, right? “They will probably get back to me tomorrow," you think to yourself.
However, tomorrow comes and goes, as does the next day and the day after that, all without a phone call or an email. Days turn into a week, and you begin to get a bit antsy. Hope starts to dwindle as the questions begin to mount.
As time goes on, you are consumed by these questions and can think of nothing else. This is a dangerous time for any job seeker. This inner state of turmoil is often referred to as job offer anxiety.
via GIPHY
Job offer anxiety is the anxiousness and stress one feels usually while waiting for an interview or a call back. This anxiousness is frequently accompanied by tense behavior and rumination. People who suffer from this are in a never-ending search to discover why they haven't received an interview/call back when everything seemed promising.
In a struggle to answer this question, job seekers start to second-guess their interview and writing skills as each day passes. They blame themselves for not getting the call and their confidence all but disappears. Job offer anxiety can even affect job seekers after they have received an offer.
For instance, a job seeker may receive a job offer that happens to be their second choice. The question of whether to accept the offer or wait for their first choice now arises. This may cause unnecessary panic in the applicant which can lead to a misguided decision. Even just waiting for a call back is extremely destructive to the job search. You end up losing focus and wasting valuable time that could be spent pursuing other job opportunities.
If you have ever suffered from job offer anxiety, have no fear. Here are some specific causes of job offer anxiety and ways to overcome them.
The Solution: Apply for other jobs.
This advice seems obvious, but many people become so focused on the call back that they forget about the end-goal: getting a job.
What better way to distract yourself than to continue looking for other jobs? Continuing your job search allows you to take your mind off the call back and get back to using your time wisely. Sitting around and waiting for the perfect job to get back to you isn't productive and won't get you anywhere closer to realizing your goal.
And who knows? While you are being focused and productive, time will pass a lot more quickly and you might finally get that call back you were waiting for, and if not, at least you expanded your job opportunities.
The Solution: Exercise.
All that stress and anxiety can inflict heavy damage to your body and overall health. Those at WebMD.com recommend people with high anxiety to "relieve tension with vigorous exercise or massage." The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has found that "regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem."
When it comes to reducing stress and anxiety, exercise should not be overlooked.
The Solution: Realize that HR is on a different time frame than you.
There is no doubt that, when searching for a job, time appears to creep by at a snail's pace. Some like to believe that hiring managers sit at their desk with an evil smirk tapping their fingers together (think Mr. Burns from The Simpsons) purposefully making candidates wait in despair.
Yet, it's easy to forget that employers may have responsibilities other than hiring candidates. Hiring managers would love nothing more than to get through all the applicants in a timely manner. But like every job, things tend to pop up unexpectedly that require immediate attention. It's important to remember this, take a deep breath, and give the hiring manager the benefit of the doubt.
The Solution: Use proper follow-up etiquette.
It's important to remember that the interview doesn't end until you have sent a follow-up thank you letter. Susan Adams of Forbes advises applicants to send a follow-up letter as soon as possible. If you wait too long, other prospective employees might beat you to it.
While sending a handwritten note is a nice thought, it takes much too long for the employer to receive it. So, email is always the best choice for sending your follow-up thank you note. It's also a nice touch if you add a high point from the interview in your message.
However, even after the follow-up thank you letter, applicants can still find themselves without a response. In this case, it is appropriate to follow up again.
In "4 Things You Need To Do After The Interview To Get The Job," Sudy Bharadwaj believes that periodically following up every few weeks is a great way to stay on the hiring manager's mind. He recommends that: "Instead of asking, 'Have you made a decision yet?' forward a recent article you've read that you believe he'll find interesting and helpful. Following up in this way demonstrates that you're a great network connection instead of a pesky wannabe employee."
The Solution: Check if you made common resume mistakes and/or get your resume reviewed by trained coaches.
One last measure to reduce stress and anxiety during the job search is to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. Knowing that your resume is up to par can be a great boost to your confidence.
An excellent way to get some tips on your resume is pass it out to your friends and colleagues. They might be able to bring some fresh ideas to your resume and suggest edits to improve it.
We hope you found these tips for overcoming job offer anxiety to be helpful, no matter where you are in your career. And remember...only worry about the things you can control. You'll avoid a lot of stress and anxiety this way!
Spotify considers its workforce as a giant band, and like any band that consistently produces hits, everyone needs to play a role.
Are you interested in making some beautiful music at Spotify? Here's some insight into what it takes to work at Spotify.
If you're listening to music or podcasts on the go, at the gym, or at work, then chances are you probably already know what Spotify is and are an avid user of the platform.
But for those who are not familiar, Spotify is the world's largest audio streaming platform. Whether it's on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, Spotify gives its users access to millions of songs, podcasts, and video streaming content.
Spotify has 345 million users, including 155 million subscribers, across 178 markets.
Spotify was launched in 2006 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 50 office locations across 25 countries.
1. It's an opportunity to be part of a band
You're not literally making music or going on tour, but Spotify considers its business as "a band" and its employees as "band members." This isn't just meant to be a cool play on words, but rather a reminder to band members that their mission to create the best audio experience possible helps bring music to millions—which in many ways is what a band does.
A band also needs all of its members to be working together at a high level to produce the hits, or in the case of Spotify, a great product and customer service. So, if you missed out on your chance to be in a garage band, a career at Spotify could be your chance to make up for it.
2. It's an opportunity to embrace chaos
"Welcome to controlled chaos," is a phrase often said to new members of the Spotify band. It's not said to scare them off but rather to encourage them to throw themselves into the workforce and not be afraid to show off their creative side. Things can change fast at Spotify and band members need to be willing to adapt and bring ideas to the table.
Spotify is willing to give band members all the support and autonomy they need, but band members must be willing to bring their best selves to work.
Band members who make the best music at Spotify typically meet the company's five values:
3. It's an opportunity to work from anywhere
Given Spotify's worldwide presence, job seekers already had many options but remote work has brought that flexibility to another level. Spotify launched its Work From Anywhere Program in February 2021 that allows employees to work from the office, work from home, or a combination of the two. (Employees need to consult with their immediate supervisors.)
"We believe we're happier and more productive when we have the freedom to choose where we work. It helps us find better ways to communicate and collaborate with one another. It means we can work with the very best people for the job, regardless of what city or country they call home. It helps us to become a more diverse place to work - a place that can flex with our people as their lives and ambitions change. And perhaps best of all, it supports a better work-life balance. A life-work balance," the company states on its website.
Spotify is treating this policy as a workplace remix and is always exploring other ways to make the workplace more flexible.
4. It's an opportunity to experience great entertainment
Prior to COVID-19, it was very common for band members to bond at trips to concerts, industry festivals, and other events. These experiences are a big part of Spotify's business and culture and they will be again. You can't stop the music forever!
@workitdaily Reply to @siren_ee 200+ remote positions open?!? #workitdaily #AerieREAL #jobtok #jobportalabroad #wfhjobs #remotework #remotejobs #hiring #hiringnow
Reply to @siren_ee 200+ remote positions open?!? #workitdaily #AerieREAL #jobtok #jobportalabroad #wfhjobs #remotework #remotejobs #hiring #hiringnow
Spotify is hiring in the following departments: Engineering, Data, Research & Insights, Design, Product, Content, Finance, Sales, Business Support & Operations, Global Affairs, Marketing, and Human Resources.
Spotify also offers multiple internship programs throughout the academic year and summer, so students are urged to check the company's website frequently.
Spotify's interview process usually begins with a video or telephone interview with a recruiter, and those who make it past the screen are invited to a second interview with one or two Spotify band members. The final round of interviews usually involves meeting multiple band members across the business. Job seekers are told in advance of all interviews who they'll be meeting with at each step of the process.
Here are some of the benefits and perks that come with a job at Spotify:
If you're interested in working at Spotify, visit the company's careers page to learn more.
An informational interview is a great way to learn more about a job or career path you're interested in. It's also a great way to connect with someone who is already doing that job.
However, if you've never set one up before, you could be confused about how to do it properly.
Your strategy for setting up an informational interview doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, you should keep it simple so that your intentions for the interview are clear.
Here are three simple steps you can take to set up an informational interview.
Make a list of all of the career paths that interest you. If there are a lot on your list, narrow it down to the top two or three that really get you excited.
Then, identify people in your area or on LinkedIn who work in your selected fields. These should be professionals who work at one of your bucket list companies in your ideal career path.
Once you've made your list of people to reach out to, invite each one to connect on LinkedIn using a personalized note.
If you send these people a generic invitation, they'll think you sent an invitation to LOTS of other people. That can make your invitation look like spam.
Also, if you don't add a personalized note to your invitation, you risk these people ignoring you. Think about it: if they don't know who you are, or why you want to connect, they're more likely to brush you aside.
Not sure what to say when connecting with someone on LinkedIn? Just remember to talk about something you two have in common and don't ask for any favors right away. Be curious about their career and the path they took to get to where they are.
In your note, explain that you've never met, but you saw that they worked in your target industry and wanted to reach out to learn more about what they do. Then, simply ask them if they'd be willing to connect.
If someone accepts your invitation, send a follow-up message thanking them for connecting, and tell them you're curious about their industry.
Once you've exchanged a few messages, ask if they are willing to chat more about their work.
They won't always say yes, but it's always worth asking! People generally want to help you out, but people are also busy. It's important to be understanding and respectful of their time.
So, give your contact some options and find out the most convenient time for them. Throw out a few different dates and times. Offer to buy them a cup of coffee, or see if you can set up a quick 15-minute phone or Zoom call.
There are plenty of ways to connect with people to have informational interviews. Figure out what works best for your contact.
Networking plays such a critical role when it comes to landing a job, especially if you're trying to learn more about a career path or company.
In order to be successful, though, you need to be very intentional with your efforts and respectful of a connection's time. The simple strategy above is the best one to use if you're trying to ask for informational interviews.
Need help finding the right company to apply to?
Remote job opportunities have skyrocketed in every corner of the economy, including the nonprofit sector. If you're looking for a mission-based career, without sacrificing pay or work-life balance, a job in the nonprofit sector could be a perfect fit.
The following 10 companies are hiring remote employees who are passionate about their mission and want to change the world for the better. Does that sound like you? Here are 10 high-paying, remote job opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
As a talent development trainer at ActBlue, you'll deliver existing training programs to a diverse set of managers and staff, create new trainings and curricula, and monitor training trends. You have the option to telecommute and must have at least eight years of experience managing high-performing teams.
ActBlue is a nonprofit tech organization driven by the belief that "our democracy works better when more people participate in civic life and when our campaigns and nonprofits are powered by the people they serve." With its fundraising platform, the organization is working to help Democratic campaigns, progressive organizations, and nonprofits build campaigns or movements fueled by small-dollar donors.
Check out other job opportunities at ActBlue.
As the Director of Communications and Outreach at Pacific Institute, you'll develop a communications plan for environmental nonprofit, analyze outreach metrics and create online blogs and newsletters, manage PR duties, and evaluate marketing messaging. You must have five or more years of experience.
Pacific Institute builds solutions to the world's most pressing water challenges. Their ultimate goal is to create a world in which society, the economy, and the environment have the water they need to thrive.
Check out other job opportunities at Pacific Institute.
As the Chief Communications Officer at Keshet, you'll work cross-functionally to develop and implement communications strategy for efforts in social change. Strong leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and related experience are required or this position with the option to work remotely.
Keshet strengthens Jewish communities by working for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families. They want to create a world in which all LGBTQ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity.
Check out other job opportunities at Keshet.
As the Associate Vice President of Digital Strategy at Do Big Things, you'll run strategic planning processes and create actionable deliverables for clients. You must possess excellent project management skills and have prior relevant experience.
Do Big Things fights for powerful, lasting change by uplifting candidates and causes through "digital storytelling and tools that amplify diverse voices and empower communities." They want to create a future where everyone has the security, opportunity, and resources to be the most genuine, fully-actualized versions of themselves.
Check out other job opportunities at Do Big Things.
As a human resources manager at Youth Collaboratory, you'll manage HR activities, programs, and policies, prevent relationship violence or trafficking of youth, support opportunities to build communities, and develop relationships.
Youth Collaboratory builds the resiliency of the youth services community and harnesses that power to "innovate, evaluate, and drive effective strategies that assure the safety and well-being of youth and young adults, unlocking their limitless potential." Some issues they are passionate about include youth and young adult homelessness and violence, exploitation, and trafficking.
Check out other job opportunities at Youth Collaboratory.
As the Associate Director, State Communications at Voting Rights Lab, you'll work with regional directors to develop and drive communications plans, draft press releases and letters to the editor, and provide support to in-state campaign partners. This position requires three to six years of relevant experience.
Voting Rights Lab is a nonpartisan organization that fights for the voting rights of all Americans. They work with organizations across the country to build winning state legislative campaigns that secure, protect, and defend the American citizen's right to vote.
Check out other job opportunities at Voting Rights Lab.
As a senior policy and research analyst at Community Solutions of New York, you'll coordinate the work of a policy team, help create and implement policy strategy, write, edit and produce department materials, create reports, and present research findings. You must have four years of relevant work experience.
Community Solutions of New York wants to end homelessness in their community. They envision a "more equitable society where homelessness is never inevitable, inescapable, or a way of life."
Check out other job opportunities at Community Solutions of New York.
As the Director of Development at Plastic Pollution Coalition, you'll oversee fund development activities, manage a donor portfolio, and support fundraising events and digital fundraising efforts. This position requires five years of experience in fundraising.
Plastic Pollution Coalition is "a growing global alliance of more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, and thought leaders in 75 countries working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impact on humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and the environment." Together, they believe we can stop the use of single-use plastic and, ultimately, all plastic pollution.
Check out other job opportunities at Plastic Pollution Coalition.
As the International Director of Communications at Animal Equality, you'll manage all external communication, develop and implement innovative marketing strategies, and represent the organization at key events. You must have five or more years of relevant experience for this position with the option to work remotely.
Animal Equality is an international animal protection organization working with society, governments, and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. They are guided by compassion, determination, and effectiveness, and work to expose and abolish the cruel practices of the animal agriculture industry.
Check out other job opportunities at Animal Equality.
As the Manager of Public Funding and Grants at Chesapeake Bay Foundation, you'll manage public funding and grants activities for an environmental agency to increase sources and revenue, fundraise, and oversee grant proposals and reporting. A bachelor's degree and three to five years of experience is required for this position with the option to work remotely.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the largest independent conservation organization solely dedicated to saving this national treasure. The foundation serves as a watchdog, fighting for "effective, science-based solutions to the pollution degrading the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams."
Check out other job opportunities at Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
A career in the nonprofit sector can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. The 10 job opportunities above are only a snapshot of the kinds of high-paying, remote jobs out there. If you want a meaningful career, without sacrificing pay or work-life balance, don't be afraid to check out the nonprofit sector.
Informational interviews are an essential part of a successful job search. Not sure what you need to do? Marcy Twete, author of You Know Everybody! A Career Girl's Guide to Building a Network That Works, offers some great tips for nailing your next informational interview.
"The good news is, most people will want to help someone new to the business world," says Twete. "The bad news is, people are busy!"
When you reach out to a potential networking connection, be respectful of his or her time by providing more than just a handful of dates you might be available to meet.
Instead, offer to come to their office or to a coffee shop near them, even if it requires a long drive or a train ride on your part.
Or, ask for a quick 15-minute phone call. "Someone is much more apt to give you 15 minutes on the phone than an hour in person," says Twete. "If you come to the table with great questions on that call, they'll be more likely to want to meet you and mentor you."
A virtual informational interview is another great option, especially if the company's employees are remote.
"No one wants to dedicate an hour to a meeting and spend the first 20 minutes talking about things you could learn from a LinkedIn profile," says Twete.
Come with questions that are pertinent to that individual's background and be curious about how that relates to your own potential career path.
Not only will it make you feel more confident, but it can give you topic ideas. Twete suggests finding the answers to these questions before you meet with someone.
"When a college student or recent graduate meets me armed with great questions and it's clear she has done her research, that's when I'm ready to open my network and help her grow," she says.
"Your online persona introduces you to anyone you're meeting well before you do," says Twete.
In this day and age, you should expect to be googled by employers, recruiters, and other professionals, especially if you're meeting with them.
Make sure your social media profiles are either private or 100% appropriate for business consumption. The last thing you want to do is show off that infamous picture from Spring Break 2010. Not a good look.
In addition to managing your social media presence, consider creating an online portfolio with a .com in your name. Start a blog. Upload your portfolio. Showcase your personal branding statement. This will help you control your online reputation and make you look super professional.
Nothing can help your job search quite like an informational interview. By following the tips above, your informational interview will surely be a success!
When you go into a job interview, your goal is to make a good impression, right? Kind of.
The goal is to make a memorable impression—you want them to automatically think of you when someone asks, “Who should we hire?"
How can you make such a powerful impression? Here are some ways to be memorable during an interview:
We've hired several people since I started at Work It Daily.
Since we're a small company, I've been lucky enough to be a part of the hiring process. One thing that we always remember in a job candidate is enthusiasm.
We, like many other companies, want our employees to be excited about the work, the team, and the culture. If we sense a lack of enthusiasm—or worse, no enthusiasm at all—that candidate won't move on to the next step.
No one wants to work with a robot. Don't act like one in your interview!
You have a great personality. Show it off! Be yourself. People remember personality. Your personal brand represents who you are and what you're all about—professionally and personally.
When you strip your brand of any flavor, how do you think anyone is going to remember you?
This is a biggie. If you don't send a thank you note after an interview, you're pretty much out of the running.
Why? Well, first off, it's only respectful to thank the people you interviewed with for taking the time to talk with you. But also, if you really want the job, you'll do everything you can to get an edge over your competition. If you skip the thank you note and your competition sends one, it could mean the difference between you getting the job offer or them when it's time to decide (and, believe me, you're not getting points for skipping this step).
Sending a thank you note also gives you one last chance to connect with your interviewer/potential teammates. It's worth it, and it's the last thing that you can do to be memorable instead of just another job applicant.
The goal of every interview is for you to stand out from other candidates. The more top-of-mind you are to your interviewer, the better your chances are of moving on in the hiring process. So, follow the tips above to be memorable in your next job interview and clearly stand out from the competition.
Need more help with interview prep and your job search strategy?
Who isn't a little curious about what a successful professional does differently than the average person?
It's not about what they do with their money. It's how they approach their careers.
Passenger Or Pilot: Which One Are You?
It's easy to think we are all doing what we can to take control of our careers. However, this article points out a misconception some people have: thinking they lack control over certain aspects of their career. Or worse, not even bothering to try to take control.
In our careers, we are either a:
A) Passenger - an employee held hostage by golden handcuffs.
B) Pilot - a business-of-one who is in charge of our destiny.
I can see why being a passenger in your career might be attractive. You get to leave the scary, intense work of navigating to the pilot. But, is that what you really want? Currently, I'm seeing a shift in our workforce's mentality.
More and more people are seeking professional emancipation as part of the natural evolution of the employee. They are tired of being a passenger and want to learn how to become the pilot of their career. That being said, here are seven tips for those seeking to become an ultra-successful professional.
Your career has equity. Recognize it and start to determine how to use it to your advantage.
Inventory your assets as a professional and determine who is willing to pay top-dollar for them. If you don't have valuable skill sets that are in-demand, start acquiring some.
You must negotiate with employers. Don't take what is given to you without a discussion. An employer is a customer who is always looking for the best deal, and you're the business-of-one providing a service for them. You want to do business with a customer willing to pay for the quality of work you provide.
Learn to effectively negotiate salary, perks, and other benefits so you feel good about the partnership. You don't work "for" an employer. You work "with" an employer.
Remember that doing things well is more important than doing new things.
Get focused on building your expertise and understanding how you are the aspirin to an employer's pain. You must be great at a few things, rather than okay at a bunch of things. What is your specialty as a business-of-one?
Look for the smartest people you can work with. Find companies you admire and respect. Not for their pay and benefits package, but for the kind of products or services they deliver.
You must seek your professional tribe and partner with them to up your career game.
Want to do better in your career? Don't be so self-centered. It's not about your needs and wants.
Instead, focus on the needs, wants, and business objectives of the people you are partnering with. You'll be able to offer more value and get more in return if you do. They are your customer. Exceed their expectations and you'll have them eating out of your hand.
Get yourself in a financial position that enables you to quit a job and survive without income for one year. Every job is temporary. You may lose a job. You may want to leave a job. In either case, having the security of savings will give you the power to make the best decisions for your business-of-one.
Who wants to stay in a bad situation just for the money? Ask anyone who held on to a life-sucking job only to get laid off how that worked for them. They'll tell you they wish they could have left at the first sign of trouble.
There is no real failure. We experience, learn, and grow. Stop playing it safe and start embracing your fear. As the old saying goes, "Life begins where your comfort zone ends." You will not survive and thrive in your career if you don't constantly learn new things.
Making mistakes teaches us what not to do. That's a good thing! Stop worrying about what others think and start worrying about what will happen if you don't take control.
How are you taking ownership of your career? What other tips can you share for becoming an ultra-successful professional?
Looking to grow your career? We can help!
COVID-19 changed the workforce, and as companies begin returning to the office, or revamping how things are done, it's important to think about what employees need.
As 2021 moves forward, some companies are looking to return to normal, some companies are going to stay fully remote, and others are still trying to define their new normal. One thing is for certain, though: there are many things that employers can do moving forward to help put their employees first.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, there was already a growing trend of employers putting extra focus on employee well-being and mental health, and that will need to continue in its aftermath.
There are both small and large steps that companies can take to invest more in employee well-being. Some companies offer employees free subscriptions to Headspace, an app that focuses on guided meditation and healthy lifestyles. There are also several other mobile apps that focus on mental well-being.
Some companies have altered their employee benefits packages to include a certain amount of counseling sessions and telemedicine options. It's also likely that companies will take a closer look at sick time policies, based on lessons learned from COVID-19.
The coronavirus pandemic has been stressful, and stress affects everyone differently. That stress may still be evident as people return to work, and it will be important to be mindful of that.
How people return to work following COVID-19 is still an ongoing process. Some businesses that are able to do work remotely are keeping their workforces remote.
Some businesses are only having a small number of employees return to the office and keeping the rest of the workforce remote. As far as long-term impacts, some businesses have fallen in love with the remote work model and decided to give up their offices and save on their real estate costs.
Whatever the case, businesses should continue to allow remote work flexibility, and even improve their remote work infrastructure.
With so much attention and resources out on remote work over the last year, it only makes sense to have a strong remote work structure in place moving forward. In addition, when companies start to hire again, remote work flexibility also makes companies extra attractive to top talent.
Now that more companies have adapted to remote work, it would be silly to go backward.
With all the changes taking place as a result of COVID-19, and in some cases mass layoffs, it's as important as ever to keep employees in the loop.
Employees may be concerned about their futures at the company or changes to their jobs. Share what information you can with employees, and share the information often.
The combination of changes from COVID-19 and the stress that comes with it will make some of the workforce uneasy at first.
Transparency will not only help ease some of these concerns, but it makes for a healthier workplace overall.
All of these potential changes brought on by COVID-19 have the potential to make the workplace better and improve employee happiness. If employers can keep these things in mind, it may ensure the long-term success of their companies.
Are you an incredible company?
If you're an incredible company, Work It Daily wants to hear from you! Qualifying companies could be featured on our blog, podcast, and TikTok account.
What if you discovered that everything you've been taught about creating success in your life was wrong? What if the system society has in place to help you create a great life and get a job you love…didn't work any more?
See, most of us were raised with the belief that the clear path to success, happiness, and our dream job is to go to school and get a degree. However, more people are realizing every day that this old model is broken.
The bottom line is that the high costs of tuition, books, and living you endure during your 4+ years of college no longer guarantee you a great job, and with more smart, ambitious, and qualified people graduating every year, the competition for your dream job is fierce.
There are three rules for getting your dream job. Here's how to win...
For many people in many different fields, a college degree is a necessity for getting a job. However, accept the fact that if you want to stand out and get your dream job, then your degree is NOT going to give you everything you need to succeed in life. And if your chosen field requires a university degree, then make the most of it. Just recognize that your real key to success lies in seeking education outside of the university walls.
I've gone through thousands of dollars worth of education outside of college to develop myself both personally and professionally. And I can honestly say that my return on investment has likely been ten times that of my formal education. One day, these big education system challenges will be solved. But right now, we all have to do the best we can with what we have. So, find the leaders in your field, and learn from their books, courses, and conferences. Take ownership of your career. That's how you'll get ahead.
Is the job market tough? Yes. Is the education system less than perfect and more expensive than ever? Yes. Is it going to take a lot of effort, time, and money to achieve your dreams? Yes.
In many ways, this is an incredibly challenging time for young people to make it in the world. Yet, the silver lining is that it may also be the most opportunity-filled and rewarding time. The internet has made getting educated and working easier and more flexible than ever. If you want to have fun at work, travel, and make a difference in the world, then you don't have to be tied down to a traditional 9-to-5 job. There are more successful companies popping up all the time who are making a profit as well as a difference in the world, who offer unique opportunities for their employees, and who are environmentally conscious.
You can live a life of adventure and freedom while working for a company you love, on a mission you care about. You just have to put the effort into doing so, and choose to win rather than whine.
I have a newsflash for you: you're not the first person trying to get your dream job. Plenty have come before you, and plenty more will come after you. And those who succeed will be the ones who studied successful people and modeled what they did.
When I was looking for my dream job, I used the strategies of someone who's now my good friend, Andrew Hewitt. Thanks to him, I was able to get my foot in the door in an industry I'd been trying to get into for years. So, who woke up today with the life you want to have? Find a way to contact them, and ask them how they did it. You'll get some fantastic insight on where to start, and potentially even a lead on someone to contact for a job or internship.
Remember, don't rely solely on your formal education, choose to be a winner, and model the best, and you'll get your dream job.
Need help finding your dream job?
Work-from-home opportunities have increased tenfold due to COVID-19. It's much easier to land a remote job now more than ever before, but is this true for recent college grads?
If you're a recent college grad looking for your first "real" job out of school, here's what you should know about entry-level remote jobs.
Remote job opportunities have increased for even those just starting out their career, like recent college grads. In fact, there are so many that sites like Remote.co now let you filter for entry-level remote jobs. FlexJobs, another popular site for work-from-home opportunities, recently listed the top companies that hire for entry-level remote jobs.
Ultimately, if you're a recent college grad who likes the idea of working from home, now is the perfect time to find that perfect entry-level remote job for you.
As a recent college grad, you might not know the best way to land a job, never mind a remote job. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to stand out from the competition and earn a virtual interview for a remote position.
1. Customize Your Resume
For every job you apply for—remote or not—you need to customize your resume so it gets past the ATS. A well-optimized resume will catch an employer's eye and make you stand out from other applicants. List relevant hard skills, follow the right resume format, and quantify your work experience to accomplish this.
2. Write A Disruptive Cover Letter
The best way to beat out other job applicants for an interview is to write a disruptive cover letter. Tell your story, explain why you're passionate about the company, their products and/or services, and the remote job opportunity, and emphasize your connection to their mission as an organization.
3. Focus On Previous Remote Work Experience
Yes, this includes the work you did as a student. COVID-19 forced millions of college students to do their studies remotely. Those classes you took, and all of those projects you completed online, count as remote work experience. Highlight those in your resume, your disruptive cover letter, and in your job interviews. Whatever skills you developed or technologies you became familiar with while working remotely as a college student can be applied to your future remote job. You have more relevant experience than you think.
By doing the three things above in your job search as a recent college grad, you'll be sure to land a great entry-level remote job.
An entry-level remote job may not be right for you—and that's okay. Think about your current situation as a recent college grad and what kind of job makes the most sense for you at this moment in your life. If you'd prefer to be in the office at least some of the time, a fully-remote job when you're just starting your career could be tough. Focus on growing your career wherever you are, and down the road a remote job opportunity might fall into your lap at the perfect time.
Looking for a remote job?
Check out Work It Daily's Incredible Companies page to see snapshots of companies hiring! Work It Daily also highlights job opportunities on a daily basis on TikTok.
Want more career advice? We're here for you!
Remember that old cigarette ad that proclaimed: “You've come a long way, baby?" It was introduced in 1968 by Virginia Slims, which linked smoking with female empowerment and equality. When we look closely at women in the business world, however, we may not have come as far as we think.
Sure, women have made great strides in the corporate climate, but it appears we still do have a long way to go.
Here are 10 things that have not changed all that much for working women.
The gender pay gap is the biggest, and by far the worst, thing that hasn't changed. It's even more shocking considering President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act more than 50 years ago and President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009.
Although these pieces of legislation were intended to level the paying field for men and women, in 2021, women still only earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by male co-workers.
It's exhausting to put in a full day at the office, and then come home only to face mountains of household chores and responsibilities, not the least of which is cooking dinner and running errands.
Unfortunately, these duties still traditionally fall to women, although more men are increasingly volunteering to pitch in. That's great, but women are still expected to be in charge and delegate household responsibilities. This so-called second shift can be draining.
Having a baby may be one of the most momentous events in your life, but too many American companies treat motherhood like an inconvenience.
Among the 34 nations that make up the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, only the U.S. lacks a formal, national maternity leave program. Compare that to Sweden, which offers 60 weeks off at 80% salary.
Come on, we can do better!
Girls today are raised to believe they can be and do anything in life, but only a paltry number end up becoming CEOs of major corporations. In fact, only 7.4% of Fortune 500 company CEOs are women.
It's not just Fortune 500 companies that lack female leadership. Many professional fields, such as medicine, law, and finance, are still primarily dominated by men. Women remain severely underrepresented in many areas.
One recent study shows that only 19.8% of equity partners in U.S. law firms are women. This needs to change!
Work can be quite stressful at times, and it's women who bear the brunt of work-related stress. More women than men report feeling stressed at work, which affects health and emotional well-being, according to an American Psychological Association survey.
Thankfully, women are also becoming more empowered when it comes to calling for flexibility and ways to tame the stress.
Although we wish gender discrimination were a thing of the past, unfortunately, this isn't the case.
Discrimination still affects women in the workplace, in many subtle ways. Attitudes of male co-workers towards their female peers, treatment of female compared to male subordinates by male managers, and the stigma that accompanies a working mom. These things can make the workplace a frustrating rather than a liberating place.
We've all heard of that glass ceiling, but there is another one that has also been tough to crack. Women are still having trouble breaking into traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction or plumbing.
Perhaps if we familiarize ourselves with technology or other methods of getting to know these industries, more women will get involved in these professions.
Although many women choose to become mothers and continue to work, most companies do not provide day care services or even offer reimbursement for the cost. As a result, families are forced to spend a good portion of their paychecks on child care, which can make working feel pointless.
In addition, it's often the mother who chooses to stay home in these situations.
In 1980, the movie 9 to 5 introduced us to the concept of flex time, but it has not taken off as a trend. Only about half of U.S. companies offer some sort of flexible arrangement. In addition, a recent study has found that most companies grant flex time to senior-level men rather than women, which is surprising given the fact that it's women who need more flexibility in order to care for children (in traditional gender roles).
As you can see, working women may not have come as far as we thought. This means we need to keep pushing politicians and business leaders for change and continue to keep these workplace discrepancies in the spotlight.
Are you a working mom looking for career advice? We can help!
A lot of people ask, "Do recruiters even read cover letters anymore?"
The answer is yes, they 100% do. That's why it's important for job candidates to write one that stands out to recruiters in a good way—NOT a bad way.
There are things on your cover letter that could be sabotaging your chances of getting an interview.
If you do these two things when writing a cover letter, there's a good chance a recruiter won't give you a call.
Starting your cover letter off with the phrase "To whom it may concern" is very impersonal, and it shows that you didn't do your homework.
It's also an abrupt way to start your cover letter. To top it all off, it's an outdated approach. People used this phrase on cover letters decades ago.
Instead, you want to start out with a phrase like "Dear hiring team," "Dear hiring manager," or if you can find the name of the person who posted the job, address the cover letter to that person. These phrases help you put a personal touch on your cover letter, which can make you more memorable to recruiters and hiring managers.
Often, job seekers will put all sorts of information about their job history and accomplishments in their cover letter.
The big issue with that? The hiring manager or recruiter is already going to read that information in your resume.
Quite frankly, by recapping your resume in your cover letter, you're wasting a recruiter or hiring manager's time. You're essentially making them read something twice since they've already had to look at your resume.
This is also risky because a job candidate can put something in their cover letter that makes hiring managers decide that they're not the right fit for the job even before looking at their resume.
Instead of recapping the resume, you want to get the hiring team at "hello" by writing a disruptive cover letter. This disruptive cover letter will help you stand out from other candidates and make a connection to the company you're targeting.
Writing a disruptive cover letter that recruiters will love isn't as hard as you may think. In fact, it can be pretty fun if you know what to put in it!
Here's how you can write a stand out cover letter, and why it's so important to make that initial connection with recruiters or hiring managers.
Hundreds of our members at Work It Daily have used a disruptive cover letter and have gotten calls for their dream jobs!
Feel like you could use more help with your cover letter? How about help with your resume, or LinkedIn profile?
There are some questions you should avoid asking in your first job interview. These interview questions make you look a little desperate. Why?
Because employers might think you want the job for the wrong reasons, like you just need something temporary fast until you can find something better.
This is NOT the impression you want to give employers. Here are some interview questions you want to avoid during initial job interviews:
While this is something everyone needs to know, it's not something you want to bring up in your first interview. The purpose of the initial interview from the employer's perspective is to get to know you as a professional, see how you can handle common situations related to the job, and ultimately decide if you're a good fit (or could be).
Money is kind of like the elephant in the room during the first interview. Everyone is thinking about it, but no one is talking about it because it's irrelevant at this point in the hiring process. Don't bring it up until they do.
Again, this isn't relevant at this point in the hiring process. The last thing you want to convey is that you only care about the perks of the job. Employers want to know that you're excited about the opportunity itself.
If you're only in it for the money and benefits, employers might worry that you'll leave their company in an instant if you get another offer with better perks and salary. So, why would they waste their time and money on you to begin with?
You don't even have the job yet and you're already asking how fast you can get promoted? While you might think this question makes you look like a go-getter, the hiring manager might think otherwise.
You're only in the initial stages of the hiring process and you haven't proved your abilities to the company yet. So, for some employers, it would seem ridiculous to estimate how fast you'd be promoted. You haven't even gotten a job offer yet!
We know how nerve-wracking a job interview can be, especially that initial interview with a company when you don't know where you stand against the competition. If you avoid asking these three questions during an interview, you won't appear desperate, even though you might be!
If you really are desperate to find a job, or are just struggling in your job search, we can help.
Everyone knows LinkedIn recommendations look good, but few are aware of the most persuasive ways to use them to aid their job search.
When you're hunting for a job, what you're really doing is marketing yourself to an employer, and LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to sell yourself.
Employers are in the marketplace looking for the best candidate, and you're in the marketplace looking for the best position. Now, LinkedIn recommendations are essentially testimonials to your character and ability. And to marketers, testimonials are GOLD—especially focused ones that highlight the areas most important to your prospect (your future employer, in this case).
A marketer will tell you that you can make any claim you want, but it's not believable or effective unless you have solid proof. And testimonials are the proof you need. They're a testament from a credible source saying that you're able to do what you claim you can.
Here are the three kinds of testimonials you need:
Expert testimonial - This can be from a mentor, boss, or teacher. Try to get one from a leader in your field if possible, since they'll be easily recognizable as an authority to your future employer.
Character testimonial - Friends, peers, and co-workers are great character testimonials. They can testify to your positive qualities and provide a more personal perspective.
Mentee testimonial - If you've helped someone along their way and they'll testify about the impact you've had on their life, that can be really powerful. Serving others shows strong leadership qualities, which is highly desirable to your dream employer.
There are two solid ways to get quality testimonials. The first works like karma: give recommendations to others—especially to people you would like one back from—and they'll likely return the favor. This is also a great way to serve your network.
You can also reach out to anyone in your network with a personal message saying something along the lines of:
"Hey [x], hope you're doing well. I'm looking to start my career in [y], and would really appreciate it if you would write a brief LinkedIn recommendation for me. I want to show my future employer that I'm [quality #1], [quality #2], and [quality #3], and I believe you're the best person to testify to that. By the way, if you'd like a recommendation touching on anything in particular, I'd be happy to write one for you as well."
Here are some ways you can use your LinkedIn recommendations:
Resume - The top of your resume that contains your contact information should also contain a link to your LinkedIn profile. This will give employers the option of looking at your profile, and if they're going to take the time to look at your profile, they'll likely look at your recommendations. Nowadays, most if not all employers will look you up on LinkedIn regardless of whether you include the link on your resume or not.
Website & Portfolio - If you have a personal website or portfolio, then this is a great place to put them.
References - Most job seekers have a good idea about who they want to use for professionals references, but if you're struggling, you could go back and look at your LinkedIn recommendations and put together a potential reference list based off your best recommendations.
The key to mastering the job search is finding a way to stand out as the best candidate, and there are cases where powerful LinkedIn recommendations can give you a major boost.
Are you struggling with your LinkedIn strategy (or job search in general)? Work It Daily can help!
I'm here to give you some advice on what to wear in the professional workplace. I'm no fashion expert, but I've had numerous occasions for professional attire, including presentations, interviews, and jobs. Over the years, I've accumulated a good amount of work clothes, but there are a few items that I consider office staples.
Here are my top five work wardrobe essentials for the working woman:
The white button-up is great because it looks clean and professional, and it pairs well with virtually anything. You can wear it with any color and it looks good with a skirt or with a pair of pants.
My suggestion is to invest in a shirt made of a material that you love—be it cotton, linen, silk, or whatever else shirts are made of these days. Clean, white shirts will never go out of fashion so buy one that you're confident you'll want to wear for a long time!
This classic skirt is definitely a key item in my book. It makes for a professional look with a feminine touch. This is my go-to piece of clothing whenever I have an interview, presentation, or first day at work.
My first pencil skirt was a black one, but other shades and colors work just as well. If you're more into the softer look, go for a sand color. For the daring: go for a bright color, like electric blue, pink, or yellow. For the really daring: go for a bold print.
Trousers are great because they're comfortable (if you buy the right pair), while giving you a polished look. Trousers come in all different shapes and colors so make sure you try them on in the fitting room before purchasing your perfect pair.
Personally, I prefer slim and cropped, but some women look better in flared trousers. It also depends on the type of shoes you want to pair with your pants. Be creative, and choose a pair you love and can see yourself wearing for years to come!
I wear blazers whenever I want to look my best in a professional setting. Cardigans are acceptable, but blazers make you look like you mean business. If I were you, I would invest in a high-quality blazer that I would be proud to wear for many years.
When choosing the color and texture of your blazer, consider the pants and skirts you're going to pair this blazer with. A classic black or navy one will go with anything, but if you tend to buy plain pants and skirts, try pairing it with a fun texture, like tweed.
Chances are, your workplace does not permit barefooted workers. This is good news because shoes are a great finishing touch to the perfect outfit. Nice, clean heels are always a good choice, but if you're not comfortable wearing heels throughout the workday, try a polished flat. Loafers and ballet flats will most likely give your feet comfort without sacrificing the professional look.
And there you have it—my top 5 essentials for workplace attire. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck on your interviews, presentations, and jobs!
Looking for help with your career?
We've all been there, right? You connect with someone on LinkedIn, start a great conversation, and then when you reach out again, silence. You never hear from that person again. Ouch—looks like you got ghosted by a LinkedIn connection.
Ghosting is when someone abruptly stops communicating with someone else, and it happens all the time when it comes to online networking. But, why did this happen to you? What went wrong?
When you've been ghosted by a LinkedIn connection, a few things could have happened. Here are some reasons why they haven't gotten back to you.
We live in a crazy, busy time. Everyone has things going on, and answering LinkedIn messages might not be everyone's first priority. Cut this person some slack—they might just be swamped with other commitments right now.
Just because you live on LinkedIn doesn't mean that everyone else does. In fact, there are tons of people out there who have a LinkedIn profile because they're required to have one or because they feel they should have one, but they don't actively use it.
So, if you haven't heard back from a LinkedIn connection in some time, don't take it personally.
This person might have gotten distracted and forgot to return your message. Again, we live in an incredibly busy time and things come up. Just because they didn't respond doesn't mean they weren't intending to do so.
Sure, sending LinkedIn messages, commenting on his/her updates, and liking his/her activity on LinkedIn is fine in moderation, but if you're too aggressive, you can scare away or irritate your LinkedIn connections.
Did you make an effort to get to know them and their goals? Or did you make it all about you? Monopolizing the conversation with your story, heartaches, and needs is one of the easiest ways to get ghosted by a LinkedIn connection.
Who wants to talk to someone who just talks about him/herself? Boring. Selfish. No thanks.
Asking for favors too soon can really turn people off. You need to take time to get to know them, offer value, and establish a relationship. Otherwise, they might feel like you're just using them. No one likes that!
Whether you meant to or not, you might have done something that gave this person the creeps. If you were too aggressive with your networking strategy, this person might have gotten a bad vibe about you. Or, if you straight up said something inappropriate (i.e. commented on his/her looks, confessed your love, sent messages/images that are NSFW, etc.), this person very likely isn't going to be a fan.
You might laugh at this, but it actually happens all the time. Don't be a creep!
Oh what a plot twist! You've been M. Night Shyamalan'd. You might not realize it when you do it, but if you connect with someone on LinkedIn and you don't reach out, you're ghosting them from the get-go. If you reach out weeks, months, or years later expecting them to return your message, they might not know who you are, why you're connected, or why they should talk with you.
Always start a conversation when you connect with someone on LinkedIn!
If you've been ghosted by a LinkedIn connection, think about what you could've done differently. Are there problems with your current strategy? Also, take into consideration that it's not always your fault that you don't hear back. Sometimes it's on the other end. If that's the case, try following up again in a few months to get a conversation started again. Or, move on to someone else.
Want to improve your networking strategy? We can help!
We've all heard different variations of the saying "if it's too good to be true, it probably is," and often apply it to many of life's situations.
I think this saying particularly resonates with job seekers who put value in company culture when looking for their next career.
The truth is there is no foolproof way to tell if a company can back up everything it says about its wonderful culture and values. But, there are steps that job seekers can take to arm themselves with as much information as possible, and make the best possible career decision.
Keep in mind every individual has different expectations, and just because a company didn't meet one person's expectations, doesn't mean it's not meeting the expectations of the majority of the workforce.
Here are four easy ways to find out if a company is really committed to its culture.
Job board sites like Comparably, Glassdoor, and Indeed don't necessarily tell a company's whole story, but they can provide you with some insight into what it's like to work at a company.
These sites typically provide job seekers with a rating or grade on things like company culture, pay, benefits, and job interview process. These sites can also tell you how many awards a company has won for its culture or other initiatives. Perhaps most importantly, these sites contain employee reviews.
It's important to remember that you can't take every review at 100% face value, because every employee experience will be different, especially at large companies.
Sometimes the most helpful reviews are the well-thought-out ones that are somewhat down the middle (not too positive or negative). In these cases, employees aren't necessarily trying to push an agenda, but are instead trying to give objective feedback about the company, the good and the bad.
This doesn't necessarily mean you should ignore overly negative or positive reviews. It's just important to try to keep things in context.
Another thing to consider is how often an official with these companies responds to these reviews, and how they respond. This can potentially offer great insight into how concerned the company is about its image, and how it deals with negative feedback.
Let's say "Company A" has a job posting for a project manager and the posting goes on to brag about the company's amazing culture and values. Sounds great, doesn't it? However, upon further review, you're unable to find supporting materials about this culture on the company's website and social media accounts.
This is a potential red flag that the company's culture isn't all that it's cracked up to be.
Companies that are really focused on their company culture and employee experience put a lot of effort into employer branding. Employer branding is a company's effort to tell its story and promote its brand. Good employer branding can make a company look desirable, therefore helping recruitment efforts by attracting talented job candidates.
A company with good employer branding will:
This is just some of the basics of good employer branding, but needless to say it's a bad sign if you can't find any of the above examples for the company you're researching.
Hopefully you're already leveraging your network if you're on the job search. And, while you're at it, networking is another great way to learn about a company's culture.
Reach out on LinkedIn to those who work at the company you're interested in. Tell them you're doing research about the company and would love to talk with them about what it's like to work at the company, and what it takes to work at the company.
Not everyone will respond to your request, but those who do typically like sharing their personal experiences to help others.
@j.t.odonnell #stitch with @leileikaleilei 2 WAYS TO ASK ABOUT COMPANY CULTURE #companyculture #dreamjob #work #workplace #interviewtips #interviewquestions #jobs
#stitch with @leileikaleilei 2 WAYS TO ASK ABOUT COMPANY CULTURE #companyculture #dreamjob #work #workplace #interviewtips #interviewquestions #jobs
If you applied to a company and landed a job interview, then chances are your initial research about the company alleviated most of your concerns about its culture. However, you do get an opportunity to ask questions during the interview, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the company culture and values.
Take an example of something that you learned about the company's culture in your research and follow up with the hiring manager about it.
"You talk about the importance of flexibility as being essential to your company culture. Can you give me a recent example of something that happened at the company that really validates that?"
With this question, you're asking for an example that proves they stand by their company culture.
Another sneaky good question that reveals a lot about a company's culture is, "Can you tell me about one of your most successful employees and what makes them successful?"
If the answer includes an employee who takes on a lot of extra work and puts in well over 40 hours a week, that could indicate the company's values are only grounded in work, rather than the combination of work, creativity, character, and culture.
By employing the above four strategies in your company research, you'll be well on your way to making an informed decision about your career and finding a company that matches your values.
Having a flexible work schedule is becoming one of the most sought-after job perks. According to a survey conducted by FlexJobs, 97% of respondents said a job with flexibility would have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.
Here are a few reasons why a flexible work schedule might change your life:
Erik Freeman, a benefits advisor representing Aflac, strongly believes today's employees work far more hours than those of past generations. However, he lives by a different credo. "I work to live, not live to work," he explains. "With Aflac, I create my own schedule around my life goals, like raising a family and producing rock albums with my band."
Luis Correa, who is also a benefits advisor representing Aflac, says that working as an independent agent allows him to thrive both at work and outside of work. "It has provided me with the flexibility and financial resources to create my own schedule in a way that allows me to pursue my passions and still be fully committed to servicing my clients," he states.
Freeman believes having time to focus on mental health, wellness, and hobbies is huge, and his opinion is shared by many others. According to the FlexJobs survey, 79% of respondents said a flexible work schedule would make them healthier, and 87% said it would lower their stress levels.
Freeman, who once worked long hours in retail for another company, says he often went home completely exhausted from helping so many people and meeting high expectations. As a result of stress, he ended up gaining weight, losing energy, and developing harmful personal habits to cope with the stress. "If companies really want healthy employees that create efficient results, they need to take a big look at how they're helping their employees stay up with their life goals," he says.
For Heather Siems, a district sales coordinator representing Aflac, having the flexibility to spend ample amounts of time with her family while still working full time was a huge selling point when she accepted the opportunity with Aflac. "I knew that I wanted the flexibility as I started a family, so I could go to dance practices and soccer games but still work full time," she says.
Having a flexible schedule as well as the ability to work from home has allowed Siems to spend more time with her family and watch her children grow.
Do you wish you had more time to travel? You're not alone. More than half (58%) of FlexJobs' survey participants said they want a flexible work schedule for that reason.
For Shyla Syverson, an Aflac benefits advisor from Montana, being able to take vacations and trips on her own time is a huge bonus. "I started working as a benefits advisor with Aflac for a variety of reasons, and one of those was for the flexibility that being an entrepreneur can offer," she says. "As a result of really hard work and taking care of my policyholders and clients, I have been able to travel more than I ever imagined possible. I can enjoy the great outdoors of Montana and also travel the world."
Working in an office atmosphere 40 hours a week may affect your productivity. Between interruptions from co-workers, a loud atmosphere, and other distractions, it can be hard to focus on your projects. Studies show that having a flexible work schedule can actually make you a more productive employee. Having the ability to work whenever and wherever you want can help you to complete your tasks more efficiently.
Syverson says she believes workplace productivity is enhanced by a healthy time-off policy. "When an employee knows they can take time off without there being backlash or feelings of guilt, they will want to work hard for the company," she explains.
A recent study conducted by Leadership IQ revealed that people who work from home are 87% more likely to "love" their job than people who do not.
Being able to spend time with your family, having the ability to travel, and being able to pursue your passions outside of work all contribute to a solid work-life balance. This makes sense, because when you are happy outside of work and productive when you are working, you are generally more satisfied.
Do you want a flexible work schedule?
These are just a few of the benefits stemming from a flexible work schedule—there are many more. Aflac offers flexible, independent contractor (or agent) roles that can give you the power to do the things YOU want to do. If you are interested in pursuing a career that allows flexibility, check out opportunities with Aflac.
Want to land a new job with a flexible work schedule? We can help!
This post is sponsored by Aflac. Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. This post was originally published at an earlier date.
Working women with families: Are you getting what you deserve at work?
I once responded to a concern from a woman who worked for a government agency. She reported winning several awards a year, but believed she was not being promoted because she had special needs children. “The employer felt [her] 'family responsibilities' might interfere with [her] ability to handle increased responsibility." She felt burnt out at work and stressed at home.
The employer has control in an employer/employee relationship. As an employee, you can't force your boss to give you a promotion, more benefits, a raise, and so on.
Sure, if an employer does something really egregious, you might spend a lot of time and money in a legal battle. But I doubt this would enhance your life!
Women especially struggle with work and family issues. They have concerns, but employers have concerns as well. Having been on the hiring end of business, I have often considered potential for pregnancy (and maternity leave), sick children (time off from work and productivity), and work interruptions (spouses, schools, sick children). These possibilities may be unofficially and unconsciously factored into a final decision for hire or promotion, trust me.
For any working mom looking for work, or looking to change jobs, follow the tips below for career success.
This is sometimes difficult to do. Nowadays, women are barraged with media and societal messages that push them to climb the corporate ladder and demand what they're due.
I know many working moms who have left the corporate zoo for better quality of life in a "lower-level" position. Most readily tell me it was the best decision they ever made and they wish they had done it sooner. Many share they worked more hours than they needed to in the hopes of climbing the proverbial ladder only to realize in hindsight they never had a chance of climbing up one more rung.
You can tell a lot during a job interview, but it still behooves you to ask about the company culture. How was your reception upon arrival? Formal? Warm? What are you comfortable with?
If you do have special considerations at home, try to gauge the employer's tolerance by asking questions that might clue you in to whether or not the workplace culture or your supervisor's approach would be a good fit for you.
It helps to have a clear discussion before something happens or there is an issue. Think about it now.
Will your current position be a match for you three years from now when you plan to start having children? If not, what job will be? How much unhappiness should you expect to have at work and feel like it is worth what you are being paid? What are your options?
These are all things to consider and talk about now.
If something is causing stress at work, don't be tempted to internalize it and keep from worrying your spouse. This does not work.
Even if you can pull it off now, you won't be able to handle it in the long run. You will find that talking about your concerns will strengthen your relationship and relieve stress at home. In truth, it will likely relieve your stress at work as well.
Your supervisor may not be approachable if your situation is tenuous. However, in most cases, they are.
Take the time to identify your concerns. Write them down. Say them out loud. How will you present them to your boss? Actually write out full sentences of what you will say and practice voicing your concerns out loud.
It may feel silly, but it will help you control your emotions when you are actually in front of your supervisor. Remind yourself that it's "just business" and work very hard to keep emotion from clouding your concerns.
Consider ending your employment on your terms if your situation is untenable. Your family and your well-being come first.
Sometimes the type of treatment you receive stems from the company culture and sometimes it is from your supervisor or upper management. You may be able to figure out the real agenda and who is responsible, but it won't change the bottom line: this job is not a good fit for you and your family.
Once you accept the need for a change and plan to do so, you will find that the stress and pressure you are feeling will disappear almost immediately.
We hope all you working women out there found these tips to be helpful. Whatever career challenges you face, we'll be right here guiding you along the way!
Need help with your career?
At one time, job boards were the way to go for job seekers. It's where you could post your resume for employers and recruiters to view, and apply to job openings.
But today, it's a different story.
The modern-day job search has changed, and finding your dream job is about personal branding and leveraging your professional network.
Think about if you were a hiring manager. Would you be more likely to take time to interview a candidate you don't know except for what's been given on a submitted cover letter and resume, or someone who's been referred to you? A referral has much less risk, and that's why networking has a higher success rate than job boards when it comes to securing a position.
This doesn't mean that job boards are dead because there are plenty of niche job boards worth going to as a job seeker. But you can't build an effective job search strategy around applying for jobs on job boards.
Here are a few other things about the limitations of using job boards when you're a job seeker:
Just because you apply for a job on a job board, doesn't mean an actual person will ever look at your cover letter and resume.
More than 85% of companies are now using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to review and rank resumes according to skills, experience, and keywords. The simple fact is that companies use internal algorithms, so ensuring a strong ranking is extremely difficult. A recent HR manager told me that they get an average of 400 resumes for each position and only look at the top 10-20—meaning 380 resumes are not even reviewed.
In many instances, before a job posting goes up on the job board, it's already been shared around internally at the employer and by trusted sources. So, it's likely hundreds applied before the posting even made it to the job board.
Big job boards can be overwhelming with job postings (both relevant and irrelevant) to you. This is a similar perspective for the employer when they get an overwhelming number of applicants for the job opening posted to a job board.
It's also reason why some may prefer to work solely with recruiters or find other means to source the right talent. If you're not networking with the right contacts, you're missing out on opportunities that will never be found on job boards.
Recruiters and hiring managers have professional networks too! Whether it's a professional acquaintance, or reaching out to their own workforce, they can put together a list of potential candidates before even posting a job.
In addition, many recruiters also use LinkedIn to find talent.
Resumes that get posted to job boards are still viewed, but there's a good chance the information is outdated, which is one reason why hiring managers and recruiters are relying more on LinkedIn where information is generally more current.
Networking is the answer!
The best way to get a job is to put together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and network your way onto that company's radar before they even post a job opening.
However, if you do want to apply for a job that you come across on a job board, make sure you go the extra mile to get past the ATS. Instead of applying to the link on the job board, do some research and find out who the hiring manager is, and take steps to get your updated cover letter and resume in front of them.
Are you looking for an added advantage in your job search? Work It Daily may be just what you need!
Join our career growth club today and get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunities—all in your back pocket!
Did you know?
Work It Daily highlights job openings on a daily basis! You can find these opportunities on Work It Daily's Incredible Companies page or on Work It Daily's TikTok page.
With organizations and communities dedicated to supporting women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, the opportunities for women to break into the IT field are increasingly plentiful. Despite this growth, however, it can still be challenging for women to stand out in their field and land senior roles.
For women who have all the necessary qualifications in IT, it is immeasurably motivating when a company recognizes their contributions to the industry and welcomes their advancements. Companies like Amtrak embrace diversity and the concept of "moving together." This support is often showcased by the number of women it employs in higher-IT positions and leadership roles.
First and foremost, to fast track your career in IT you need to be skilled. The qualifications and experience you bring to a position will set you apart from other candidates and also give you a leg up in earning leadership positions. To maximize your opportunities, continue to develop your skills even after you've landed a job you love.
"I love learning new things and being challenged every day. Amtrak provides such opportunities. I've been able to utilize my IT skills in many different areas since coming on board and recently was pulled into a project that enables me to learn more," says Jeannie Remsberg, Acting Director Service Assurance at Amtrak.
IT is an exciting field that lets you unlock innovative ways to solve problems. Your curiosity will help you take advantage of this. It will lead you to learning new skills, push you to test the boundaries of your field, and help you feel engaged with your work.
Because they have an inquisitive eye, successful women in IT are able to improve systems and resolve complex problems in many capacities.
You can't achieve greatness in any industry without the ambition to get there. Successful people share this trait, and women in IT benefit from embracing it, too. Your drive will help you tackle new challenges and motivate you to acquire skills because you are self-motivated and have a clear vision for your goals. Once you determine where you see yourself in the future and make plans to get there, you will succeed in both your career and in helping people on the way.
"Technology is dynamic. We always have something new to learn, so you never get bored. The most rewarding part of technology is using it to serve a purpose. I believe it's a tool that exists to enable its users to succeed in their fields," says Vanda Reis, Director of IT Application Development at Amtrak.
Like any truly good job, your best work comes when you care as deeply about the process as the outcome. In overcoming the inevitable and exciting challenges of IT, it shouldn't feel cumbersome when you're invested in the work because you love what you do. Instead, it should be the reason you look forward to going to work every day and what motivates you to grow professionally.
Moreover, as a successful woman in IT, you will set the bar for pouring your passion into your work and for your commitment to progress.
Successful IT leaders find the people who bring out the best in them. As a result, they inspire those around them, too. Part of your success stems from the support system you have, the like-minded individuals with whom you collaborate, and the team with which you celebrate achievements! If you accomplish a lot on your own, imagine what you can attain when you combine your strengths with those of a great team. The potential for success can only be amplified!
"It's exciting that so many new things are happening in IT, and what makes it even better is that everyone here [at Amtrak] is so nice and helpful—we are all one team. They make you feel like you are part of the Amtrak family from day one," says Jeannie Remsberg, Acting Director Service Assurance at Amtrak.
Are you a successful woman in IT? Do you want to be one? Look for a company that welcomes these traits and encourages your advancement. You have the chance to impact your career and an industry, so don't wait to take the lead!
Need help landing an IT job? We're here for you!
Do you want to be part of a world-class IT team?
Amtrak is hiring! The company would love to welcome individuals to its team who share the vision of being part of a world-class IT team that proactively delivers cost-effective business solutions and services while exceeding its business partner's and customer's expectations. From a SAP system to award-winning mobile applications, Amtrak wants to challenge and excite its team. Are you ready to succeed with Amtrak? Learn more about open positions and apply here!
"There is a lot of problem solving in IT and it's fulfilling to overcome difficult challenges. Ultimately, you make things better than they were before." —Jeannie Remsberg, Amtrak, Acting Director Service Assurance
More and more professionals are looking for remote jobs as a result of COVID-19. In response to this demand, and to attract top talent, an increasing number of companies are relaxing their previously strict rules on working from home, and are now open to, and hiring for, fully remote positions.
There are many benefits of working from home—for both professionals and companies—so we can expect this remote work trend to continue and become even more popular in the years to come. In honor of International Women's Month, we've put together a list of five women-led companies that hire remote workers.
If you're looking for a remote job, check out the women-led companies below!
Safra A. Catz is the CEO of Oracle and has been since 2014. The cloud technology company provides organizations around the world with "computing infrastructure and software to help them innovate, unlock efficiencies and become more effective." They also created the world's first autonomous database that aids in organizing and securing their customers' data.
Check out Oracle's jobs page for remote positions!
Phebe Novakovic has been chairman and CEO of General Dynamics since 2013. The global aerospace and defense company employs over 100,000 people in 43 countries. They build everything from "Gulfstream business jets and combat vehicles to nuclear-powered submarines and communications systems" and rely on their employees to innovate, develop, and produce safe and secure products and services.
Check out General Dynamics' jobs page for remote positions!
Tricia Griffith is the President and CEO of Progressive Insurance. She's led the insurance company since 2016, but for more than 80 years, Progressive has offered "a wide range of insurance choices to customers, including Auto, Home, Renters, Commercial Auto, Small Business, Motorcycle, Boat policies." They are the third largest auto insurer in the country and employ over 40,000 people.
Check out Progressive Insurance's jobs page for remote positions!
Abigail Johnson has been the CEO of Fidelity Investments since 2014 and chairman since 2016. The financial services giant provides financial guidance to millions of people and thousands of businesses. They offer many financial products including investment management, retirement planning, and portfolio guidance, and employ close to 60,000 people. Fidelity's goal is to "make financial expertise broadly accessible and effective in helping people live the lives they want."
Check out Fidelity Investments' jobs page for remote positions!
Gail K. Boudreaux is the President and CEO of Anthem, Inc. The company provides health insurance and benefits to millions of members, and serves "over 79 million lives across 27 states through its broad portfolio of health insurance and services subsidiaries." Anthem believes that "our health connects us all."
Check out Anthem, Inc.'s jobs page for remote positions!
Although women are still underrepresented and underpaid in many leadership positions, the five companies above are led by amazingly talented and accomplished women. Plus, they offer remote work opportunities for qualified candidates! If working from home is a priority, a position at one of these five women-led companies could be perfect for you.
Looking for a remote work opportunity?
Check out Work It Daily's Incredible Companies page to see snapshots of companies hiring for remote work opportunities. Work It Daily also highlights remote work opportunities on TikTok.
Need help landing a remote job? We're here for you!
Although negotiating salary should come naturally to women, it's not usually the case. We are good at handling all sorts of negotiations at home—the contractor we hire for the bathroom renovation, the amount of screen time allowed to our teenager if grades improve, the next vacation spot—but when it comes to negotiating salary, we're not that great.
I would contend, however, that women in particular have all the critical skills necessary for successful negotiations in the workplace, top among which is negotiating salary. We're consensus builders, emphatic, good listeners, and we have a collaborative style.
The problem is that, too often, we don't manage our careers as closely as we should and in not doing so we leave money on the table.
Why does this happen?
According to research, there are a few key reasons why we stay away from negotiation situations:
If you are committed to your career and are serious about being recognized for your work, you will have to engage in negotiations along the way. Nobody will do it for you, so you might as well give it all you've got.
Here are a few things you can start doing right now:
This is not your grandmother's workplace. It's yours. It's more flexible than even a few years ago, and companies everywhere are struggling to help their women advance. Let's do what is in our hands to make sure we continue landing positions of leadership and that along the way we are compensated for our efforts as much as our male counterparts.
Need help negotiating the salary you deserve? We're here for you!