Career Tips

Career Tip #31: When looking to fill a position, there will never be a 100% perfect fit for the job, including personality, price range, skill set, experience level and educational background. Seeking an impossible ideal candidate will only delay your hiring process and cost more money in the long run as critical openings are left unfilled. Aim to find someone who has 80% of what you are looking for. A little on-the-job training and grooming can achieve that last 20% to create the optimal match.

Career Tip #32: Disclosing why you left a prior position or why you would consider leaving your present position can be a potential pitfall in the interviewing process. Never speak negatively of a prior employer. Be factual but keep things positive. Reaching out for new opportunities, greater responsibilities and possibilities for advancement are all viable reasons for pursing a new position.

Career Tip #33: Body art/tattoos have become much more mainstream in recent years but in a conservative business world, visible artwork on your body may still prevent you from being hired or promoted, especially into public facing positions. When contemplating that next tattoo, consider not only your current company and position but where your career path might lead you in the next 20+ years. Tattoo placement in an area that is completely covered by business attire would probably be a wise choice.

Career Tip #34: Is fear keeping you from leaving a job you dislike? During the recent recession, many people took or kept unsuitable jobs due to rampant unemployment, thankful they at least had a job. But times are changing and new opportunities are opening up every day.

Don’t let fear of change or of the unknown paralyze you and cause career atrophy. Investigate thoroughly, do your due diligence, and never make rash or emotional decisions. If you follow those guidelines, change can be a positive force in your career and life.

Career Tip #35: The thought of asking your boss for a raise may raise your blood pressure, but here are a few tips to help you be successful. Choose your time wisely – after the successful completion of a major project, a banner billing quarter or a large sale. Do your homework on typical salaries for your position and have that information with you. Prepare to speak on how you have impacted the company and its bottom line with concrete examples. If you are turned down, ask what it would take to earn that raise.

Career Tip #36:If you aren’t having any fun in your career anymore, it might be time to think about making a change. Take a good look and try to identify specifically why you aren’t enjoying your job.

Can a few adjustments help you regain some of that excitement and enthusiasm you used to have? If not, a major change – to a new company, a new position, or if your skillsets translate, a new industry might be something to consider.