How to Look for a New Job When You’re Already Employed

 Article Originally Posted on Levo League

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It’s time. You've weighed the pros and cons. You can check “yes” to all the items on those “should you leave your job” surveys, and you know you’re ready. Time to move on to bigger and better things.

The only problem is, you've still gotta bring in a paycheck until you can find that bigger and better thing. And job searching while still employed can be tricky business.

Here are some must-dos and don’ts to make sure you keep that paycheck while exploring other options:

 

Don’t job search on company time.

The easiest way to get yourself sacked is to give your employer reason to believe you’re looking for something else when you should be doing what you’re paid to do. If you really need to communicate with a hiring manager during normal working hours (such as to do a phone interview), set it up for your lunch break, and take the call on your cell phone out in your car.

The same goes for interviewing. Whenever possible, see if an interviewer is willing to meet you early in the morning, on your lunch break or after work hours. Many will understand that you’re employed and will work to accommodate you if they’re really interested.

And if you absolutely need to claim a couple of faux “doctor’s appointments” to make an interview - keep them at a bare, bare minimum to avoid raising suspicions.

Also watch out for “My, you’re dressed up today!” remarks if your normal work attire isn't quite as fancy as your interview outfits. Be armed to meet such remarks with comments like “Oh, I just got some new work clothes and thought I’d start rotating them into my wardrobe. Do you like them?”

 

Be honest with potential employers—but not too honest.

You will inevitably be asked why you want to leave the company you’re currently working for. This is where many people get into trouble.

You don’t want to say things like, “They’re overloading me with projects,” because that makes hiring managers wonder if maybe you’re just not cut out to handle stressful periods. You also don’t want to complain about a bad boss or coworker issues, because that just makes you look like someone who has trouble getting along with others. You don’t want to imply anything that will make a prospective employer think you might eventually start looking for a new job on their time.

The best way to frame your response to this question (even if you are overloaded and you do hate your boss) is to say something like, “I don’t feel my abilities are being used well” or “I’d like a position that challenges me more”—something that demonstrates you’re a good worker who has simply outgrown your current position.

 

Keep it professional at the current job.

You may have already checked out mentally and emotionally, but don’t let it show in your performance. Remember that this job will become a potential resume reference, and you don’t want to burn any bridges by letting your results slide right before you quit. (You also want to avoid being fired before you quit.)

 

Tie up loose ends.

If you have unused paid vacation time, try to use it if you can do so without letting the cat out of the bag. In other words, don’t schedule all your remaining days in a row if you have an offer on the table, because chances are a) someone will wonder why you’re not saving a few days for later in the year, and b) your boss will probably not approve your being out of the office for two-thirds of the month.

Also don’t take two weeks in a row, then come in the following Monday to give your notice. That’s just inconsiderate, and you may need this employer as a reference down the line. (See above note on not burning bridges.)

If you work in a position that doesn’t have a specific handbook-designated job description (like in a small office where everyone does their own thing as needed), start making short memos detailing your job duties and any pertinent information your successor will need to know. This will make it easier to train them if your replacement is found before your two weeks are up—and if they’re not, it makes it easier for your employer to fill a new person in after you’re gone. Which, again, earns you some much-needed “you’ve quit, but we still like you” brownie points.

Searching for a new job while still employed can be tricky, but it is doable. Just make sure you’re careful and considerate, and you can find yourself a better position while still leaving your current job on good terms.

What other tips do you have for looking for a job when you’re already working?

How To Deal With A Difficult Boss

Article Originally Featured on Levo League

Photo Courtesy of Levo League

 

We've all had to work with that person: The clueless colleague who keeps putting her foot in her mouth because she can’t read the tension in the conference room. Or that strange boss who latches onto an idea as “the next best thing” when everyone else agrees it’s a walking disaster.

If your day at work regularly plays out like a scene from “The Office,” you’re not alone. A whopping 94% of managers surveyed by the authors of “Toxic Workplace! Managing Toxic Personalities and Their Systems of Power” said that they worked with a “toxic” person. And the behaviors that drove them crazy weren’t necessarily as obvious as bullying or harassment; acts like passive hostility or team sabotage were among the causes for stress.

Want More?
It’s possible that the executive who constantly gives you backhanded compliments isn’t just being Ms. Insensitivity. She may lack emotional intelligence, or EQ, defined as the ability to read the social signals around you and react appropriately. Those with a high EQ have greater self awareness; better control over their emotions; the ability to motivate themselves; show greater empathy toward others; and have good interpersonal skills, which is useful in areas like conflict resolution and team building.

This means saying what you mean, without the frills. In other words, don’t use sarcasm; the coworkers you’re trying to reach aren’t going to pick up on that. And always tell the whole story; organizational psychologist Sigal Barsade explains that emotionally unintelligent people need to know what data or information they are missing.


Give constructive criticism.
As awkward as it may be, people with low EQs need feedback, and even in real-time, if possible. And you should always give it with a calm demeanor, because they are more likely to mirror that behavior back. If you need to schedule a time with your manager for a more sensitive conversation, read author and consultant Judith Glaser’s seven tips for how to prepare for the talk at Fast Company.


Remember, however, that a high EQ doesn’t necessarily mean you are virtuous (as Fast Company’s Drake Baer points out, both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Adolf Hitler had high EQs)—it’s more about whether you can read your environment and react accordingly. Still, those with high EQs are more likely to be successful in their jobs. And those with low EQs can make others feel like they are talking to a brick wall.

So how can you get across to your emotionally unintelligent bosses and coworkers who can’t seem to get a clue? Follow these tips to improve communications:

Don’t condemn them.
Most people want to vilify low-EQ coworkers, but don’t fault them for skills they don’t have. “Emotions are information,” Barsade tells Fast Company. “In essence, people who are low in [emotional intelligence] are lacking the ability to take in, understand or process a really critical part of the way that we communicate in the world. If they can’t read your emotions, they won’t be getting all the info you’re naturally sending them.”

Be as clear as possible.

Now about that coworker who won’t stop clipping his nails in the office …

Article Originally Featured on Levo League

5 Reasons to Look for a New Job

Article Originally Featured on  Levo League

A few weeks ago, I caught up with one of my friends for a chat over coffee. After a while, the conversation steered towards work. She told me that while she was pretty happy with her team, she felt things were getting a bit stagnant at work. Projects were being put on hold, promises of new experiences and responsibilities weren’t being met, and her skill set was not developing.
She questioned whether she should stay in a job that promises new and exciting experiences, but hasn’t yet delivered, or leave. Would she fall prey to the fickle Gen Y stereotype and end up somewhere even worse than where she is now?

When you’re in a toxic work environment, you would probably leave without a second glance. But what about the situations where for the most part you’re happy with your team and your work?

Photo Courtesy of Levo League

5 Reasons to Look for a New Job

1. The people, the work, the money

Money isn't everything. It only helps enable you to do the things you want to do. If you’re already doing those things, then why do you need more? If you’re happy with your team and your work, but you feel you could be earning more elsewhere, do some research. There are non-monetary benefits of work as well like good friendships, supportive networks, work location, and training opportunities.

2. Good things come to those who wait… (sort of)

My friend’s problem was that lots of things weren’t being delivered that she was promised for reasons beyond her control. While it is frustrating, sometimes the tide will change—especially if you’re in a new team or a startup business. Focus on the things you can control and set yourself a task list with some hard dates. If they come and go and nothing has changed, then maybe you need to look for a new job.

3. Make your feelings known

It’s much easier stay and work through difficulties within your current workplace than change jobs, face a huge learning curve, new co-workers, and then find out that’s what you expected. Voice your concerns over your pay, your workload, learning opportunities, and see what happens.

Remember that changes won’t happen overnight. Suggest a three-month action plan. If you still don’t see any progress after this period, your choice to look for a new job won’t come out of the blue for your manager.

4. It doesn’t hurt to look

When my friend was feeling frustrated, she searched for new jobs over a few different periods. From those interviews, she found a whole list of skills that she needed to build in order to make the next jump up her career ladder. Do you really want to leave a job only to do the same job in another company or are you looking for a promotion? If it’s the latter, consider your resume and what skills you need to develop to become their ideal candidate.

5. Change is good

Even if you’re still unsure, send out a couple of resumes and test the waters. These things take time. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to tell your manager anything until you get an offer and you accept. The worst case scenario is that you stay in your current job, but you also may receive an offer for a position that will provide you an opportunity to learn new skills, increased salary, and work with an inspiring team. You won’t get any better by being comfortable!

 Article Originally Featured on  Levo League

4 Tactical Tips for Your First Days at a New Job

Article Originally Posted on Levo League

Starting a new job should mean new adventures, new possibilities, and new outfits. However, the reality is usually far less glamorous. During my time at LivingSocial, I’ve trained hundreds of new hires, and I watched as some instantly demonstrated their capability, while others tripped over their shoelaces (figuratively speaking). Even experienced managers sometimes fall victim to amateur mistakes, so here’s a list of four tips to help guide you in your first 30 days on the job.

1. Build Relationships

Being the new person in the room, you may be waiting for a colleague or manager to introduce you to everyone else. However, they may not remember to do it. That doesn't mean you get a free pass. You should never miss an opportunity to introduce yourself. On the crooked path of networking, you never know who’s going to recommend you for your next plum project or future position.

My insider tip is to not just meet everyone in every room, keep notes on who was there. When you go back to your desk, send each of them a personalized email saying that you enjoyed meeting them and you hope your paths cross again. I like to use a uniform subject line for these notes (ex. “Lovely to meet you!”) so when I search my inbox, I have a listing of everyone I met and the date I met them.

2. Show excitement for your role

The most painful new hire interaction I ever witnessed was when someone in his first day on the job openly asked about applying for a new position within the company. Though it may be tempting to put yourself forward as a candidate, most companies expect you to be in your position for three to six months before they’ll even consider you for an internal transfer. Also, asking about other opportunities may cause people to question your loyalty and enthusiasm.
If you do hear about openings in a department that really excites you, see if you can get to know people who work there. When you casually ask them about their projects over coffee, it seems as if you’re demonstrating an interest in both them and the company, not like you’re sniffing out your next move.

3. Know when to ask questions and when to go it alone

As a new hire, there are a lot of things you won’t know. This ranges from not understanding how to use the phone system (a sometimes embarrassing reality) to being unsure of the organization’s strategic priorities. You want to make sure you’re asking the right questions, or else you may seem like the office mosquito.

Keep a notepad by your desk and write down your questions. You’ll be shocked by how many you cross off on your own. After you have four to five questions collected, you’ll be prepared to approach your manager with an organized list. As he or she answers your questions, make sure to take careful notes and listen for how they found the answer. That way, you won’t have to ask them for help next time.

4. Learn how to be a casual professional

Some office environments are extremely buttoned up, while others are far more relaxed. I’ve worked in both, and what I’ve seen is that one type of person always prevails—the casual professional.

A casual professional never compromises on the fundamentals of professionalism: being on time to everything, accountable for her work, and extremely respectful of her colleagues. However, she also understands how to authentically represent who she is as a person. Successful professionals often end up working long hours, and it’s neither fun nor realistic to only talk about work. You should selectively let your colleagues know a bit more about you – it’ll humanize you and make you more fun to be around.

Please be warned that it can be difficult to strike a good balance, so to make sure you’re on the right side of casual, watch the behavior of people who are admired at all levels of the organization. If you think they’d do it, go for it. This may mean telling your co-workers about a non work-related interest (food, sports, and the arts are usually safe), or buying beer for your colleagues at the end of a particularly rough (or awesome!) week.

Whether you’re starting today or in two years, please know we’re wishing you the best of luck in your new role.

Have you recently started a new job? What do you wish you had done differently during your first month?

5 Last Things to Consider Before Accepting an Offer

Photo of person signing courtesy of Shutterstock.

You spent days mulling over your resume, weeks waiting for a response, and long, silent pauses mentally articulating each interview answer—all before enduring another seemingly endless wait to hear back about the potential position.

But the minute you receive an offer, everything is full speed ahead. Once your potential employer wants you to put a signature on that line, things start moving fast. And why would you hesitate? This is the moment you’ve been working and waiting for—you’ve finally landed an awesome job.

For the most part, you’re probably ready to make a decision. By now, you’ve likely talked to your future boss, gauged the office culture, and asked about your responsibilities and how your success will be measured.

What’s left? Well, accepting a new job is a big decision—and you don’t want to find yourself regretting your decision just a few months down the road. So, before you pounce on that new role, slow down and consider these last few factors to make sure you’re 100% confident in your decision.

1. Is There Anything Else You Want to Negotiate?
2. Is There Anything About Your Compensation Package That You Don’t Understand?
3. Do the Benefits Fit Your Needs?
4. Are You Ready for That Commute?
5. Is the Timing Right?

If you’re ready to sign on the dotted line, you've probably already negotiated your salary (and if you haven’t, what’s stopping you?). But don’t forget that, depending on your situation, you may be able to adjust your offer in other ways.

For example, maybe you just received an offer at a startup that’s just getting off the ground—and the base salary is just so-so. Before you make a decision either way, think about other factors that could tip the scales, like flexible work hours or profit sharing once the company hits a specified benchmark.

There are also possibilities in the corporate world—like relocation assistance or the option to occasionally work remotely. Either way, if you’re hesitating because of your compensation, make sure to consider all of your options.

When I was first offered a startup job, the compensation package stated that it included profit sharing, but didn’t specify what that meant, when it would start, or how it would get paid. (And because of that, I never actually saw a percentage of those profits.)

It was also part of a confusing list of benefits that were each given a cash value and added to the total proposed salary at the bottom of the page—including bi-weekly apartment cleanings ($4,000 value) and a business cell phone ($1,000 value). They were presented as dollar amounts added into my salary (which made it appear enticing), but in reality, they wouldn’t actually show up in my paycheck.

In the excitement of getting a job offer, it’s tempting to gloss over these slightly confusing details, assuming that you’ll figure everything out later on down the road. But when it’s not spelled out in solid terms—or you don’t understand it completely—it can work against you when your expectations aren’t met.

If you haven’t seen the details of the company’s benefits package, ask for more information. I’ve experienced both sides of this—for one job, I was given an entire packet of information, detailing exactly what was covered, co-pays, deductibles, and so on. For another job, I didn’t receive any benefits information until after I’d already signed the offer letter.

But by asking for the information beforehand, you can make sure you get what you need, whether that means full coverage for your spouse or children or enough notice for you to purchase your own independent health insurance plan. (And it can help you realize if you won’t be getting what you need—like health coverage or retirement.)

For my first job out of college, I had a 30-minute commute, which I didn’t think was too bad for a city like Atlanta.

Unfortunately, I’d gauged the half-hour commute on a weekend, when I had my interview. When I started making the trip during regular work hours, it easily turned into more (sometimes way more) than an hour. It was terrible—and it ended up playing a big role in my decision to move on from that job.

Before you make your final decision, evaluate how it will affect your daily routine. For some, an hour commute may be worth it for that dream job or to live on a big piece of land out in the country. For others, that trip will drive you crazy—and eventually erode your job satisfaction.

It may be a small detail, but make sure to consider when, should you make that decision, you’ll begin your new job. Your future employer is probably eager to get you on board as soon as possible—but is it possible for you?

When I started my current job, I wanted to put in my two weeks’ notice and start the new gig as quickly as possible in order to make the best first impression. (I was also fully convinced that asking for a start date more than two weeks out would result in the company revoking the offer.)

What I didn’t take into consideration was that my new job required me to move across the state. So, while I was finishing out a job in one city, I was remotely searching for apartments in a city two hours away—and when I found one, my lease didn’t allow me to move into it until a week after I was slated to start my new job. If I’d thought ahead, I would have given myself another week to make the move without feeling rushed

The point is, figure out what is truly realistic for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for it. (It makes a big difference!)

By now, you should have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision. Maybe, after addressing all your concerns with the hiring manager or HR, this job just doesn’t feel right. Or maybe everything checks out, and you can’t wait to get started. Either way, don’t be afraid to trust your gut (and your carefully collected information, of course).

Have you found this information helpful? Why or why not?