Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

How to learn new career skills

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http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-skills-word-sphere-ball-required-experience-job-career-to-illustrate-many-different-skillsets-knowledge-training-image35557201Is it time to think about your next career move? Perhaps you’ll want to add to your arsenal of skills before you seek your next job. Lucky for you, resolving to add some professional development to your schedule doesn’t mean you need to factor in extra commuting time to take a class, adjust your schedule or add a new line item in your budget. There are many free educational content providers out there, from Duolingo to Coursera to Codecademy. If you’re motivated, you can download content to your phone, and learn for 20 minutes during your commute, on the treadmill or before you go to bed at night.

Choose one of these four career-driven goals:

1. Learn a new language. In 2010, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said only 18 percent of Americans claim to speak a language other than English. When you can add a new language to your résumé, you demonstrate initiative and cultural competence, and you distinguish yourself from other candidates.

  • Duolingo (Duolingo.com): Choose one of nine European languages, and learn for free from this crowdsourced platform.
  •  Chinese for Beginners (Coursera.org): Want to learn a non-European language? Try this on-demand course from Peking University. The instructor teaches the language phonetically, so users can easily master daily expressions and basic conversations.

2. Brush up on your business and marketing skills. In a 2014 joint study by Duke University and RTI International, 73 percent of employers said they would appreciate job candidates who completed an applicable Massive Open Online Course, otherwise known as MOOC. Impress your future employer by taking initiative to learn the basics of business finance, content marketing or even entrepreneurship.

  •  Introduction to Finance (Coursera.org): This course from University of Michigan will teach the frameworks and tools to measure value. It will help you be a better decision maker in both your personal life and in your business.
  •  Content Strategy for Professionals (Coursera.org): Want to learn to develop better content to engage audiences? Or do you want to brush up on your current skill set and virtually meet other content professionals? This free course from Northwestern University will help you improve the written, graphic and video content you produce.

3. Learn to code. Here’s a New Year’s resolution for the aspiring techies out there. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 200,000 job openings for software developers between 2012 and 2022. The median salary for these professionals? $96,660. If you were ever considering becoming a developer, now is the time to act.

  •  Codecademy (Codecademy.com): This free site teaches coding classes in six programming languages, including Python, PHP, jQuery, Javascript and Ruby. Learn the basics of coding, or brush up on your skills before an interview.
  •  Programming for Everybody (Coursera.org): If you prefer to take courses from official universities, try this offering from the University of Michigan. It has no prerequisites and “avoids all but the simplest mathematics,” meaning it should be easy for anyone with basic computer skills.

4. Become a Data Scientist. Data science is quickly becoming a high-demand field. A 2011 McKinsey Global Institute report estimates that by 2018, “the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions.” This is the perfect time to start building data science skills.

  •  Data Science (Coursera.org): This “specialization,” or group of courses from Johns Hopkins University, offers users the chance to learn the basics of data science, including R Programming, data analysis, research, regression models and even machine learning. Take all these courses to get a solid foundation, or try out just one to learn a specific skill. The courses are offered for free, or you can get a certificate verifying your identity starting at $29 per course.

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  •  Intro to Data Science (Udacity.com): This series of lectures and instructional material, taught by a data scientist at Airbnb, also teaches the basics of the field. You can watch instructor videos for free or enroll in the course for $199 per month to get coaching and project experience.

Appeared on U.S. News & World Report.

How to deal with 5 types of bosses

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Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 10.19.37 PMMost people would agree that a boss could help make or break a job. A great boss can make even the most mundane job seem more worthwhile, and a terrible boss can create a toxic work environment and ruin an otherwise perfect career opportunity. In fact, it’s often said people don’t leave jobs; they leave bosses.

Tom Gimbel, founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, a Chicago-based staffing and recruiting firm, notes that there are many different types of supervisors. He categorizes them as: “the narcissist, the friend, the buzzword boss, the cheapskate and the uncaring.”  Perhaps you think your boss is a clown! No matter what you think of your boss, consider the following advice to help manage it.

The narcissistic boss. “This manager makes everything about them. Everything is about their schedule and about how senior leadership views them,” Gimbel says. How can you adjust if you have a self-centered boss? Gimbel suggests you try to focus on what you are passionate about at work and see where there is overlap between that passion and what appeals to your boss. “If the boss wants to be the star, then do the work and execute, because when that boss is promoted, the employee will be brought along for the ride,” he explains.

If you can keep your own ego in check, you may be able to access new opportunities. Another typical scenario with the narcissist: He or she will delegate work but won’t get into the trenches to understand all the intricacies. This could provide opportunities for you to be invited to speak to an executive team if you’re the subject matter expert on a topic. Instead of being frustrated, take advantage of the opportunity to shine whenever possible.

The “I’m your friend” boss. This is common in workplaces where people are promoted from within and wind up supervising their previous colleagues. These bosses still want to be included in lunches out and happy hours and may even already be your Facebook friend. Gimbel suggests that these managers may worry more about being liked than about getting results. Be careful when this happens, as this scenario could negatively affect your career.

Speak up if you’re concerned. If you don’t, you may find your career stagnating as your new boss tries to be your friend and not your mentor. Explain that you want to be held accountable for your results and understand what’s necessary to do in order to succeed.

The buzzword boss. We’ve all had managers who seem to spout nothing but cliches. For example, they consistently use terms, such as “synergies,” “symbiosis of relationships,” ” win-win situation” and others. This language seems to replace real action or activity on the boss’s part. If your assignment or goal is lost in translation, Gimbel suggests you ask for clarification. “Come to each meeting with questions requiring direct answers,” he says. “Don’t be offensive and cut the boss short, but be sure you walk out of each meeting understanding exactly what is expected.”

The cost-conscious boss. This overly frugal boss looks at every penny people spend. This can go as far as asking employees why they’re using new notepads when they can use scrap paper. “This type of boss is the easiest to manage. It’s easy to identify the issue,” Gimbel says. “Play within their rules. Don’t purchase new stationary or extra staples. Skimp. With all the lunacy out there, a cheap boss isn’t all that bad.” Plus, with a cost-conscious boss, you know the way to his or her heart. Save money, however small the amount, and you could be a big winner.

The uncaring boss. Even in a time when work culture and caring about employees seems in vogue, you still hear stories about insensitive bosses. These are the bosses who don’t seem to care whether or not an employee’s family member is having surgery or passes away and who don’t understand pressures from outside work.

“The key here is to kill this type of boss with kindness. Be compassionate and show you care about what’s going on in his or her life,” Gimbel says. Perhaps “killing with kindness” will help. If not, it may be time to look for a new job with a different organizational culture.

If you’re dealing with a difficult boss, at least you’re learning how not to manage people when you have the opportunity. Use these tips to turn the situation to your advantage, and you won’t miss a single career step.

Originally appeared on U.S. News & World Reports.

5 tips to achieve work-life balance

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Resolution - better time managementWork-life balance is a topic on the minds of many professionals and job seekers. WorkplaceTrends.com, a research and advisory membership service for forward-thinking human resources professionals, and CareerArc, a global recruitment and outplacement firm, recently announced the results of the 2015 Workplace Flexibility Study. They surveyed 1,087 professionals nationally, both employed and unemployed, and 116 HR professionals.

Interestingly, 67 percent of human resources professionals think their employees have a balanced work life, yet 45 percent of employees believe they don’t have enough time each week to handle their personal business. Plus, 20 percent of employees surveyed spend more than 20 hours per week working during their own time.

Yair Riemer, chief marketing officer of CareerArc, suggests the following tips to help employees achieve work-life balance while reducing stress and increasing productivity.

1. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. “Prioritization is the key to success and is a lesson that can be applied across a wide variety of industries – not just startups where product and engineering teams often prioritize tasks weekly,” Riemer says. When you identify the most important items on your to-do list, it’s easier to know where to start and when you can finish for the day or week. Prioritization helps you focus on what is really important and decreases unnecessary stress that comes with an urgent focus on less timely or unimportant tasks.

It’s a good idea to touch base with your supervisor if you have multiple projects and need help deciding which one is most important.

2. Be proactive – not reactive. “When you’re reactive, you lose touch with what’s really important,” Riemer says. “And thus, you fail to operate at peak capacity, causing stress.” When you take the time and effort to plan ahead and anticipate what your colleagues or managers may request, you’ll be better prepared to juggle multiple tasks and schedule your time. “With your schedule planned, you can attack those tasks proactively, rather than waiting for external inputs to land on your desk, increasing your stress levels and leaving you overwhelmed,” he says. Hopefully, this will prevent you from bringing a lot of work home on a regular basis.

3. Use your vacation. The average American takes only about half their paid time off per year. “That’s not enough time to recharge,” Riemer says.

Plus, studies show that many workers don’t disconnect from work, even when they’re on vacation. They are still glued to their devices and screens to check work email and keep up with colleagues. Riemer believes taking a vacation and truly disconnecting is key to recharging and getting re-energized once back at the office.

4. Trust in your peers. “The best managers trust their employees, and the best employees have trust in their company’s leadership,” Riemer says. “If you believe in your colleagues – in their intellect, in their work ethic, in their skill set – then share the load.” Even if you believe you have to do everything yourself, it’s unlikely you’re expected to carry the entire burden at the expense of all of your personal time.

If you work with a team, be sure to collaborate on projects, and don’t own tasks for the sake of ownership. “You may be a Type A perfectionist or love control, but winning organizations are made up of teammates, not individuals,” he says. “Your work-life balance will improve significantly with a little bit of help from your friends.”

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5. Exercise. Don’t put off taking care of yourself. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to exercise. Even a brisk walk in the morning or at lunchtime can be invigorating and help clear your mind. “Research shows regular exercise helps keep you clear-headed, which improves control of work-life balance, reduces stress and increases self-efficacy,” Riemer says.

The 2015 Workplace Flexibility Study found that 75 percent of employees ranked workplace flexibility as their top desired benefit. Whether or not your employer is actively seeking ways to enhance your flexibility, use these steps to protect your personal time and to make an effort to tip the balance in your work-life hours.

Appeared on U.S. News & World Report.

Kick start your job search

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http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-future-action-thinking-actions-regarding-life-career-image39521718No one said looking for a job was easy, but if you keep certain advice in mind, it can be much easier to successfully land an opportunity. Rachel Elahee, psychologist and author of “Choose You! Reignite Your Passion For Life,” offers the following suggestions adapted from the book to help you make the best choices during your job search.

1. Your life is not a democracy. “When it comes to the opinions of others, majority does not rule,” Elahee says. “Let others’ opinions remain their opinions only and not the linchpin that your life becomes contingent upon.”

While you may ask your colleagues, friends and family for advice and assistance, make sure they do not insert their agendas into your life without your approval. While you may be vulnerable at this time, keep your eyes on your target and goals, and you’ll be less likely to veer from your chosen professional path. “Consider opinions and advice, but do not let your life be dictated by them,” Elahee says.

2. Ask yourself: “Are you living accidentally or intentionally?” “Accidental living is reactive,” Elahee says. “Intentional living is living with a plan, and that plan includes a contingency plan.”

She reminds job seekers that planning things intentionally helps increase the likelihood that you’ll achieve your goal in a timely way. The other option is to wait until you’re accidentally in the right place, at the right time, which could take forever. “If you’re going to be serious about job hunting, you have to plan and be strategic,” she says. “Don’t sit waiting for the phone to ring. Be laser-focused about this project as if it is your most important assignment you have ever had.”

3. Do not take “no” personally. One thing most job seekers can expect is rejection. Even if you do everything else right, you’re likely to be turned away and told “no” during your search. “Most likely, it is not about you. A ‘no’ only means, ‘no’ to your request or ‘not right now’ in many cases. It does not mean the person does not like you,” Elahee says. “’No’ does not mean you are not intelligent. It does not mean your idea is ridiculous. It does not you will never get a job, or there is something wrong with you, or any other catastrophic result.”

Elahee suggests you (politely) ask the reason for the “no,” and ask if it’s OK for you to check in with the contact or employer again in a certain period of time. “Regardless of which choice you make, lighten up,” she says, “The ‘no’ is not always about you.”

4. Get in position, and be patient. You need to position yourself for the opportunity you want. “When a young child excitedly anticipates something they want, they run to get into position. When my toddler wants milk, dinner, snacks or a toy, I tell him to go get in his high chair, for example,” she says. “When you are seeking a job, even before you get one, you have to get in position to receive it.”

You have to prepare while anticipating its arrival. For example, will you need to train in new skills to be well qualified for your target job? Do you need to expand your network so you’ll have a better chance of meeting the person who can introduce you to an employer at your target company? Don’t just sit there – get in position to accomplish your goals. Take the steps to make sure you are successful, whether that means signing up for classes, joining and becoming active in new social networking groups or attending more in-person networking events.

5. Be able to answer the question, “who are you?” Our jobs are so much a part of our identities that it’s not uncommon for people who are between positions to feel disconnected from who they are. Elahee suggests you think differently. “Your job is what you do. Your job is not who you are. When your sense of self is tied to your occupation, it is easy to lose sight of who you are when you are unemployed,” she says. “To combat this phenomenon, write a list of your life roles, excluding your former jobs or positions. In this list, you may identify yourself as a friend, husband, wife, sister, brother, lover of music, chess player, etc. Remember: You are not your job title.”

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When you’re able to separate who you are from what you do, you’ll have a better chance of successfully identifying the best professional course for you, and you’ll be better prepared to engage fully in all of the activities you need to accomplish in order to land a new opportunity.

Originally appeared on U.S. News & World Reports.

How to prove to employers you’re a catch

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http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-skills-word-sphere-ball-required-experience-job-career-to-illustrate-many-different-skillsets-knowledge-training-image35557201In a survey of millennials and hiring managers commissioned by Elance-oDesk and Millennial Branding, Jaleh Bisharat, Elance-oDesk senior vice president of marketing, and Dan Schawbel, Millennial Branding managing partner, showcase how professionals can thrive as millennials tip the scales as the largest workforce generation next year.

Bisharat and Schawbel offered the following analysis and suggestions for succeeding in the workforce:

1. Focus on hard skills. “A majority of hiring managers (55 percent) revealed they prioritize hard skills over personality (21%) when hiring,” Bisharat notes. “With the rapidly changing tech landscape and a persisting skills gap, it is more important than ever for businesses to find people with the specific skills they need to deliver results.”

Employers will appreciate your efforts. “Whether you’re a millennial or a more seasoned professional, there’s no excuse not to keep up to date on skills relevant in your field,” Schawbel adds. “With free and low-cost online learning platforms like Coursera and Lynda boasting courses ranging from Photoshop for beginners to the ins and outs of Bitcoin, a world’s worth of hard skills are at your fingertips.”

2. Be the change you want to see. Millennials are known for innovation. The survey notes that hiring managers believe millennials are open to change (72 percent), creative (66 percent) and adaptable (65 percent) – far outranking their Gen X counterparts for these desirable traits.

“Many companies still run up against the digital divide and shrink from pushing past the old way of doing things. That’s why, if you’re a millennial, you should play up your unique ‘digital native’ talents (real and perceived) to spur innovation on your teams,” Schawbel says. “Companies are hungry for new ideas, and while millennials are champions of change, all professionals should strive for adaptability.”

3. Prove you’re a team player. While they appreciate seeing specific “hard” skills on résumés, more and more employers are considering the work culture they wish to develop and seeking team players to create it. “Although millennials are seen as providing critical advantages thanks to their fresh thinking and entrepreneurialism, findings of our study showed that, when asked which generation was more likely to be team players, only 27 percent of hiring managers chose millennials rather than Gen X,” Bisharat explains. “This perception, whether reality or not, is a demerit that can slow career growth. If you’re a member of this youngest generation of professionals, make sure to develop teamwork skills to prove this impression wrong. If you’re a more established professional, be open to working closely with and mentoring millennials.”

4. Stand out as a “loyalist.” No doubt, employer loyalty is waning with good reason. All employees are realizing that they cannot count on a corporate entity to return the favor. Despite this, it’s helpful to be able to tap into your passion and interest for an organization. “Simply showing you are dedicated can help you build trust with your team and organization,” Schawbel says. “With 58 percent of millennials reporting they expect to be in their job fewer than three years, displays of loyalty will certainly nudge employers to invest in your professional future.”

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5. Consider alternative paths. While it’s great to be able to articulate and demonstrate your interest in a particular company, facts are facts. The majority of employees will not be able to expect to stay in one job for many years, and being agile and flexible enough to shift – even to an entrepreneurial path – will be key to success for many workers.

“Even if you venture out on your own, you will never be successful without involving others.” Bisharat explains. “Sara Horowitz, founder of Freelancers Union, believes freelancing is all about networking. She says, ‘Freelancing successfully means building a network to line up new gigs, passing assignments to others when things are busy and getting referrals from friends when they’re not.’ You never know when these connections will turn into opportunities down the road.”

Originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report.