This blog covers the topic of “The first 90 days in a new job and the tips for nailing it”
The first 90 days in a new job are an important time for many reasons. You are getting to know your new company, responsibilities and colleagues and they are also getting to know you. Impressions are formed on fairly limited information in both directions and as a new starter, it is important that you make the first 90 days count. So why 90 days? For most roles it is the standard probation period, a time in which an employer retains the right to terminate the contract of a new employee if they are not deemed to be performing to the required standard in their role. So you want to make sure that you excel during this tricky period. Today I will share with you the tips I’ve learned on delivering value to your organisation when starting a new position within the first months. #1 Start as you mean to go on The first day on your new job doesn’t need to be the first time you interact with your new team. Why not take the initiative to contact your new employer and ask for information about your new role and how it fits into the existing team and business goals so that you can formalise your thoughts and questions before you start. #2 Be Prepared to Absorb as much information as you can Absorb as much as you can about your colleagues, their roles and responsibilities and how the company operates. Form meaningful personal and professional relationships with your new colleagues as this is an important step in settling into any new role. #3 Be proactive Take the initiative and ask for work. There is always a tendency to underwork new employees which can be a good way of allowing them to bed in, however, there is a risk that you do not get to show what you can do and by being too passive it can be hard to make your mark. #4 Secure an early win Proving your worth early on is a huge way to build your reputation among your employer and colleagues. The early win does not have to be massive, just a tangible indication that you are capable. That might be delivering a task ahead of schedule, collaborating on a task or achieving a positive result. #5 Ask for Feedback Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on how well you are doing. Be open-minded, and coachable: you will be seen as easy to communicate with, and people will be more likely to give you honest feedback. #6 Pitch your new ideas Show how you’ve approached the problem in the past, and present the outcomes. Find credible case studies or sources to support your pitch. And give time for your team and manager to digest the information. The first 90 days will most likely fly by and you’ll be firmly established in your new role before you know it. But keep in mind these tips and you’ll be sure to excel from day one. By preparing ahead you can show your eagerness before you have even started. Absorbing as much information about your role and colleagues will equip you to succeed. Being proactive and getting involved will show your colleagues and employer that you are serious about your new job. And finally, securing an early win is one of the best ways to really make your mark.
0 Comments
In this increasingly busy world we live in it is not uncommon for people who are older, unemployed, overstressed, balancing family or caring responsibilities or simply tired of working too hard to seek a lower-level position.
If going for an interview for a role which is a step or several steps lower than you previously worked in you may be asked why. You need to convince the interviewer that you will be fully committed to the role and not just looking for an easy life. They want to make sure that you fully understand that the salary and responsibilities will be lower than in previous roles and that you are willing to give this up. They naturally don't want you to get bored or realise that the reduction in salary is too great within a few months. From a recruiter's point of view that is a bad outcome since recruiting and onboarding a new employee is time consuming and costly. The best approach is to focus on the attractive elements of your target job so why you are moving towards the lower level job as opposed to moving away from your current higher level role. Tip: Make a list of the most appealing aspects of the new role and relate these to your previous roles and what you enjoyed the most. It can also sometimes be helpful to share more personal reasons why you are interested in a lower-level role e.g. a more manageable schedule or lower stress levels. An example answer could be "I am sure you are concerned whether I won't stay in this role long-term. Actually I am eager to move into this role as I will be able to use the same skills I am using in my current role in a less high-pressure environment. I like to make a difference to an organisation but would like to step back from some of the high stake stresses of my current role". Remember to clarify that you are in this for the long haul and how you can add value to the organisation through picking things up faster (show your expertise and qualifications as a plus not a drawback). You could also strengthen your case further by ending the interview with the question "Are there any concerns you have about my employment that I haven't yet answered?". The key is to alleviate any worries your potential new employer might have. In conclusion, frame your answer in terms of what is appealing about taking on a lower-level position. #lowerposition #careerchange #stepdown When the word “networking” is mentioned, what springs to mind?
For me what instantly springs to mind is attending a meeting with lots of people associating it with awkwardness, cheesy events and where you have to “sell” yourself using an elevator pitch. However, networking doesn’t have to be this way. Networking can be completed on a 1-2-1 basis and is very much about building long-term relationships as well as a good reputation over time. It focuses on finding people who you can assist and who can potentially help you in return. It can mean the difference between a mediocre career and a phenomenal career. How can networking help your career (whether seeking a career or just wanting to widen your support)? 1.Strengthening your business connections Regularly engaging with your connections, and indeed finding opportunities to support them, will help strengthen the relationship you have and may lead to assistance from them when you need to. 2.Get fresh ideas or support Discussing common challenges or opportunities will give you an insight into a new sector or role before you actually make the move. 3.Raise your profile Raising your profile within professional circles will help you stand out to recruiters and you may get more offers as a result. 4.Get access to job opportunities Active networking will keep you at the forefront of people’s minds and increases the likelihood of receiving introductions to people who could help you or indeed a referral for a role. 5.Gain more knowledge The opportunity to gain new knowledge as a result of networking is an area which is often forgotten. Your network connection may be able to assist you with developments or techniques and offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered. 6.Build confidence Part of finding a new role is being confident to put yourself out there and showing others why you. Networking encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and you develop social skills and self-confidence that you can use elsewhere which will help you to make lasting relationships. 7.Gain a different perspective Asking for insights from contacts you admire will help you to see things in a different light and overcome any roadblocks that are currently stopping you. 8.Develop long-lasting relationships The benefit of networking is to develop and nurture long lasting relationships not necessarily for the benefit of finding a new role but also to help grow people around you who can champion you. 9.Get an answer to every question Having someone as a sounding board and help you bounce ideas off will let you put things into action step-by-step. As the saying goes “sharing is caring”. 10.Find a job you love You never know who is hiring for a role or might know someone who is hiring for a role and the more people you have in your network the likelier you are to be the first one to hear about an opportunity. So how do you start networking? The thought of starting a conversation with a stranger might fill you with dread but don’t worry if you follow these tips it will help you to overcome these concerns and master your networking skills.
In conclusion, network should part of your career toolkit and will help you stand out from the crowd. #networking #careerpathway #careertips In all of our working lives, finding our way through, reflecting and respecting our journey is important, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone. A philosophy called 𝙄𝙠𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙞, loosely translated to mean "𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨" encourages you to do this. Ikigai provides a framework for you to analyse the four components of your life.
⭐ What I love (your passions). ⭐ What I am good at (my vocation). ⭐ What I can be paid for (my professions). ⭐ What the world needs (my mission). Knowing your ikigai can help you:- 🍀 Design your ideal work lifestyle 🍀 Create strong social connections at work 🍀 Create a healthy work-life balance 🍀 Pursue your career dreams 🍀 Enjoy your work You may face some challenges along with the way as you will have to ask yourself some difficult questions which might push you out of your comfort zone. 🔆 Feeling overwhelmed - set some little goals to achieve step-by-step which won't then lead to this feeling of climbing a mountain and not reaching the top. 🔆 Lack of time or perceived lack of time - schedule in that focus time in your day to truly identify what is most important to you. 🔆 Worry and anxiousness - it is natural human behaviour to feel scared or anxious when having to push yourself out of your comfort zone. However it will get easy over time. Once you find "your thing" it will help you truly focus on what is most important to you in a career and indeed your life. My "Planning For Your Future Career" toolkit helps you with identifying what is most important to you in a career and is available from the shop priced at £10.00. Just remember ... this is a continuously developing model as you move through life but acts as a framework or foundations for you to build upon and help give you some stability and structure to what you truly want from a career. #ikigai #careerreflection #careerreview #futurecareer Congratulations if you have got an interview, be proud! Statistics today show that only about 2% of applicants receive an interview and making it this far is impressive. Are you sat there worrying about how you will demonstrate your skills, capability and experience to the interviewers? This blog will give you some hints and tips on how to show that you are the right person for the role. #1 Research the Company Often you will be asked what you know about the company usually through a question such as “What do you know about the Company?”. The interviewer is looking to see that you are you curious about the company, ask the right questions and know how to ask the right questions. Tip 1: Look at the company values, mission statement, company news, board reports and blog posts so that you can demonstrate that you are fully aware of what makes the company different and how you would apply your qualifications and interest not just to the job, but also to the company as well. #2 Research the Interviewer Find out a little bit about the interviewer or hiring manager through LinkedIn. Do you have any shared interests or connections? Photo by George Milton from Pexels Tip 2: Take a look at the profile prior to the interview but I would recommend holding off connecting until after. #3 Review the Job Description prior to attending the interview Look at the skills required – how do your skills align to these and think of some examples where you have excelled at this. Tip 3: Create a table with the following headings to assist you in reviewing the job description.
#4 The length of your responses – remember to be concise A general rule is to speak for no less than 30 seconds and no more than 2 minutes per answer. Photo from Pexel Tip 4: Consider using STAR & CARE when responding to answers (see section later on #5 How to handle the introductory questions often asked 1. Tell me about yourself Rather than giving a long-winded answer and risk rambling when asked this question consider responding by saying “I’ve had a lot of different experiences in my career, where would you like me to start?” 2. Why did you apply for the role? Remember your research on the company and job description. The interviewer wants to give you the opportunity to show your wisdom, insight and understanding about the job. Ensure you show:-
3. What are your goals over the next 5 years? Focus on the value this role has on your career: how it will help to develop your skills and how you are passionate about helping the company to achieve its objectives. Photo by Oziel Gómez from Pexels Tip 5: Remember an interview is a 2-way process! When answering the question on your goals it is perfectly acceptable to ask to interviewer at the end of your response what growth path they see for the role. #6 Owning the Interview Start the interview as you mean to. You need to show the interviewer why you are the best person for the job. 1. Express your appreciation for the opportunityFor example, “I’ve been really looking forward to this meeting today. I think that <insert company name> is doing great work in <insert particular field, work or project> and I am really excited by the prospect of being able to contribute”. 2. Prepare 3-5 key selling points in mind
3. Anticipate any questions around gaps in your knowledge or experienceFor example, “I know you may be thinking that I might not be the best fit for the position because (insert reservation) but you should know that (why they shouldn’t be overly concerned). 4. Pause before answeringWhat are they really looking for you to answer. If you are not sure about a question it is perfectly fine to ask “did you mean?” or “could you rephrase the question”. Tip 6 : You must sell yourself in creative ways and every answer you give should be tied with how it will benefit the company or the job. #7 Shifting your answers from operational responses to more strategic thinking if applying for management roles This is very much about showing your ability to look forward, encompassing both internal and external factors and setting a course of action for the business to yield the best results. 1. Think strategically
2. Talking strategically
3. Influence
4. Be open to criticism
Photo from Pexel Tip 7: Rather than only thinking short-term and focusing on what’s right in front of you, consider long-term, big-picture questions. This will expand your thinking and help you gain a broader perspective.
#8 Follow-up after the interview Many people fall into the trap of thinking that your work is done once you leave an interview. In a highly competitive recruitment market that exists in some sectors, it is important to stand out and demonstrate that you serious about the role. Send an email to the interviewers within 24 hours to re-iterate your passion for the role. Photo by Cup of Couple from Pexels Tip 8 : An example of what you could send can be found below:-
Dear<name>, Subject: – Interview on <Date> at <Time> Thank you for your time <yesterday / date of interview>. It was a pleasure speaking with you about <insert job title> role. I am very excited about the opportunity to join <insert company> and making a difference in <insert details>. I particularly enjoyed learning more about <insert any specifics or stand out from interview>. I'm convinced that the position is a perfect fit for this stage in my career and that my experience, qualifications and strengths will allow me to fulfil the job requirements effectively and support your company’s objectives. I very much looking forward to receiving an update from you. Also, feel free to ask me any follow-up questions that may have come up since we last spoke. Looking forward to hearing from you, Kind regards Name Originally posted to the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) website on 7th October 2021. LinkedIn is one of the most untapped resources for people to utilise to raise their profile, whether seeking to build network connections or indeed to find a job. Whilst a large majority of people create an initial profile it often gets left alone until there is a need to find a job. This blog will give you some easy and quick wins on how to make your profile work for you even when you are asleep! 1.Make yourself memorable with great stories Your LinkedIn Profile needs to be a living, breathing document that clearly represents at all times who you are and what makes you unique. a. Share updates on topics related to your field adding your advice and insights on this to reinforce your experience. b. Make your profile visual by using videos or infographics to enhance your posts and add these to your featured posts. You could use your stories to advise network connections that you are seeking a new role. 2. Building Connections Image by Gordon Johnson at Pixabay When LinkedIn was initially set up it was designed primarily as a networking tool, effectively a Facebook for business! It is a great way to stay up to date with the latest developments in your field and to share information with others in your field. There are a few ways of building connections. a) Connecting with people you don’t know When connecting with someone you don’t know on LinkedIn, such as a person who works in a similar role at another company, add relevance by letting them know why you’re messaging them. You might say, “I’ve seen your posts and noticed some of your work. I really appreciate your perspectives and would love to connect.” LinkedIn has a section called “People also viewed” which gives you suggestions of people in similar fields or industries that you might want to connect with. b) Using the search box to find people from past organisations you worked in Building connections with people you know is particularly useful as you will able to ask them to complete a recommendation and give credibility to your profile. c) Choose to follow certain organisations You could use the search box by clicking on companies and selecting location and stating where you would like to look. d) Join LinkedIn Groups LinkedIn Groups are a great method to find like-minded professionals in your job role or industry. You can use to share ideas and discuss key topics and show your engagement and expertise within your chosen field. You also can use these groups to further expand your connections. You never know if one of these connections holds the key to your next role! 3. Using LinkedIn to find a job Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay LinkedIn has two main advantages when looking for a job. 1. Use your network connections to let them know that you are seeking a new role. You could do this by writing a post to add on your profile which says something like Hi everyone – I am seeking a new role as …………………….. and would appreciate your support in finding my next opportunity. I have x years of experience as a ………………… plus qualifications in ………………………………… What makes me different? Insert your key strengths / key skills Thank you in advance for any connections, advice or opportunities you can offer. #opentowork #journeytoajob #jobsearch #jobhunting 2. Find a job via LinkedIn Many organisations have recognised the power of advertising their roles through LinkedIn Jobs portal. As a candidate you can use the search box to restrict your search using elements such as job title, location and type of role (such as Hybrid, Remote or Onsite – a recent update to LinkedIn). Just one final point …..Remember your online footprint
Think about what other sites you are on and your security profiles for these. Are there any posts on sites such as Twitter that might affect your employment in the future? Posting something at the age of 16/18 could have repercussions for the rest of your employment life. Think before posting and ensure that your settings are secure and only accessible to your friends and not friends of friends. Some recruiters now check out candidates as part of the recruitment process to see that they fit with the visions and values of an organisation. #linkedin #linkedinprofile #linkedintips #linkedinjobs #opentowork #linkedinstories Originally posted to the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) website on 7 October 2021. As of 2021, LinkedIn had over 756 million users in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide and is an incredible platform for networking. That is 756 million people who could help you with finding your dream career or helping to develop that skill you have always wanted to do! Think about LinkedIn as a gigantic spider’s web that stretches around the world multiple times and allows you to show people your value, skills and achievements in multiple locations not just in the UK. In the age of technology remember that “the world is your oyster” and you don’t necessarily need to be based in the country that the company is based in. Your LinkedIn profile is your 365 day a year window for recruiters and network connections to truly tell your story about who you are and what you want to be known for. With LinkedIn “first impressions count” the more complete and professional your LinkedIn profile looks the better the impression you’ll make to a prospect, contact, recruiter or potential employer.
You need a great LinkedIn profile that draws attention, says the right things and helps you really connect with the people who can help you expand your career. The following tips will help you on your journey to creating an “All Star Profile”. a.Have a profile photo Put a photo as this puts a face to your name and makes it more likely for people to view your profile as people buy people. b.Have an eye-catching headline This is the first thing that profile visitors read and often people will leave it with just their current position. You have 220 characters that you can use as a small advertisement for you and what you do. Consider your target audience and show them what you do, what you bring to the table and shows your credibility. c.Use the Blue/Green banner/cover photo to enhance your profile Remember to make a good first impression with this and make it as inoffensive as possible. There are a few options available to you.
iii. Use words or a quote that sum you up iv. Use it as a call to action with details of key strengths, skills and contact details. d.Craft an interesting summary for the About section You have 2,600 characters to use to show what you do well and what you can bring to a new employer. Paint a picture of what makes you unique and how you can fix the problem that an employer might have.
e.Highlight your experience Rather than just regurgitate every duty completed or responsibility held in your current and/or past roles use this section demonstrate the impact you’ve made along with 2-4 interesting and impressive bullets for each job. f.Customise your URL Your URL is the web address for your profile and is set up with your name and some gibberish numbers. Try to make it more relevant and memorable. You can adjust it within the edit your profile URL down the right-hand side of your profile. g.Ask for recommendations This section is key when looking for another role as employers want to know that others have approved your work. By asking for recommendations this gives real examples of how you made a difference to previous organisations. h.Make yourself accessible Being clear on how a network contact or recruiter can get in touch is really important especially as most people only have the free version and are restricted at sending messages. It is therefore important to list your email and phone number in both your contact section along with prominently within the about section. Remember to weave any specific words or phrased that are used within your industry or job role as this will help you appear more within searches. i.Avoid using Out of Work or Unemployed or Seeking New Opportunities in your Headline Recruiters don’t use words such as out of work, unemployed, seeking new opportunities or job seeker in their searches. There are a couple of options available to you.
location and type of work e.g. hybrid, remote, office based etc. iii. If you are unemployed create a role listing the job titles you are interested in and open to opportunities or seeking new opportunities. Download this free checklist to check that your LinkedIn Profile has all of the required elements to make it an “All Star” Profile. Conclusion The LinkedIn profile page is the foundation for your personal branding and needs to form part of your weekly strategy, whether using it for networking or indeed searching for a job. #linkedin #linkedinprofile #linkedintips #opentowork Originally posted to the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) website on 2nd August 2021. Are you at a career crossroads and don’t know what to do? Are you new to the world of work and don’t know where to look? The driving force guiding your career must come from you and requires you to clearly think about what you truly want by treating yourself as a business with a product to sell and show why an employer should attract, hire and retain you. The following steps will ensure that you will be set up for a successful job search before you even start applying. #1 Know what you are looking for The key in any career review that will enable you to move forward is to analyse your past, being honest about what was good and what wasn’t so good so that you can plan your future career pathway. This applies even for new entrants into the world of work as you should analyse what you are ideally looking for from a job. Analyse the why to bring clarity to what the right job will look like for you. Don’t just assume that the grass is always greener…..!
Ask yourself ….
Sometimes roles are not advertised with salaries. The following sites will let you research the average salary for jobs and give you an idea of where the role might be positioned. Total jobs Payscale Hays Randstad Establish a clear vision for what you want your ideal role to be. This will help align your professional interests, aspirations and skills to the jobs that ensure that you perform at your best. What is your wish list for your next role? Try to be specific as this helps narrow down search parameters and means that you are more likely to find your dream role. Would you be content and confident in this role? #2 Spruce up your documents and social media Do your CV, LinkedIn Profile and other social media showcase your brand appropriately? Is there anything that could affect your application? There is a good chance that a future employer will check out your online profiles, both personal and professional, before making a job offer and sometimes even before interviewing. Employers are also using LinkedIn to find candidates. Do your CV and LinkedIn profile show how you can fix the problem that an employer has? Weave your narrative into what they are looking for. Try to work on your personal brand. Write down what you want to be known for and what you want people to think of when they look at your profiles. #3 Fill in the gaps Having completed initial research into your dream role are there any gaps in your knowledge?
Before you start approaching businesses and/or network connections you need to be able to clearly articulate the question “tell me about yourself”. This can be achieved through creating a great elevator pitch which is engaging, short and tells a story clearly and concisely. #5 Network/schedule informational interviews
70% of jobs are filled by employers using their connections and networks, the so called “hidden jobs market”. Below are some examples of different sources of networking opportunities. •Customers •Suppliers •Colleagues – past and present •Parents and teachers at children’s schools •Fellow worshippers at a place of worship •Volunteers in a community project •Friends •Relatives •Alumni •Acquaintances •Referrals from people you know •People from social clubs or sports clubs •Neighbours – past and present •Book club members •Fellow dog walkers •Online friends in social media groups •People from other social gatherings •People you meet in your job search through referrals/cold calling •People you meet through volunteering, hobbies, community events etc. #6 Handling job rejections The journey to finding your dream career may not be a smooth affair. You may be faced with receiving rejections which can be a bitter pill to swallow, especially if you have prepared a lot as it was your dream role. With the right mindset you can turn this is into a career development opportunity which will help you in the future.
In conclusion, the journey to a job could take you between 3-9 months so the overall key is to build resilience – you need to try to develop a thick skin and recognise that things happen for a reason and that it might take time to find and secure your dream job. BACVW, career journey, career pathways, jobhunting, jobrejection, jobsearch, journeytoajob, thecareerowl Originally posted to the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) website on 8th July 2021 The journey to finding your dream career may not be a smooth affair and it is hard not to take it personally or feel discouraged when you are hoping for a ‘yes’ but hear ‘no’, especially when you have spent a long time preparing your application or for an interview. Rejection can often strike at the very core of your confidence and be viewed as a sign of failure, a feeling that many of my clients and myself have experienced, particularly as our world and the way that we live, work and play has changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst it is perfectly acceptable and understandable to wallow for a minute or two you should use this as an opportunity to deconstruct your failures and extract all of the learning points thereby creating stepping stones to build on your core strengths, address development points and ultimately find a job that suits you best.
As Aristotle stated “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” and with the right mindset you can turn rejection into a career development opportunity, keep your spirits up and provide you with SMART solutions for handling future applications. The tips below may assist you in how can you overcome this and move things forward.
Mahatma Gandhi wisely said “The future depends on what you do today.” — Your dreams can and will come true, it might take you a while, but you will eventually get there if you plan the steps to achieve. BACVW, career journey, careerpathways, jobhunting, jobrejection, jobsearch, journeytoajob, thecareerowl There are so many different elements that make up job hunting so I thought it would be useful to break it down into an A to Z listing to help you.
A Apply | Ask | Achievements | Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
B Be your Best | Bounce Back | Buddy
C Craft | Commit | CV | Cover Letter
D Differentiate | Develop | Discuss
E Endurance | Engage
F Friends | Follow up | Forgive Yourself
G Grin | Go forward | Give
H Help Yourself and Help Others
I Ignore | Invest | Interview
J Jargon | Job Description | Job Sites
K Kick Back | Keep Promises | Kindness
L Learn | LinkedIn Profile
M Motivate | Monitor | Measure
N News | Networking
O Organisation | Own Results | Offer | Opportunities
P Part-time | Problem Solving | Process | Priorities
Q Qualify | Quantity | Quick Responses | Question
R Reward | Review | Routine
S Social Media | Sell yourself with pride | Second Interview | Strengths
T Talk | Think professional | Track | Training | Threats
U Umbrella | Unleash potential | Utilise
V Value | Volume
W Work Experience | Weak Ties | Weaknesses
X X-ray | Xcel
Y You | Yes
Z Zero Response
#jobhunting #jobsearch #a-zjobhunting |
AboutKathryn Hall "The Career Owl" helps you to explore your career options, whether you are seeking to enter the world of work for the first time, seeking a career change or returning back to work from a career break. Archives
July 2022
Categories |