Why LinkedIn is More Important than Facebook or Twitter

Why LinkedIn is More Important than Facebook or Twitter In a study from ROI Research, 59 per cent of respondents say LinkedIn is their most important account on social networks. This is a big gain from last years survey when only 41 per cent said LinkedIn is their number one. The fact that LinkedIn is the most important network to people is interesting as the average user only logs on 2.9 times per month. Compare this to Facebook where the average user logs in every day. Another interesting fact is that LinkedIn never actually call themselves a social network, they prefer the term professional network. We also learn from the study that respondents with active LinkedIn accounts (i.e. not signed up and forgot about it completely), half of them visit the professional networking site once a week and a fifth log on daily.    This is actually less than the figures from the height of the recession a year ago when two thirds visited the site at least weekly. My 10 Reasons LinkedIn is the Winner There are quite a few reasons LinkedIn has passed Facebook in this department: LinkedIn likes to copy Facebooks successful features. You may have noticed the share button and even the like button. These are of course direct copycat tactics that have worked well. Back in the day you couldnt even upload your picture on LinkedIn but slowly and surely they have copied more and more from Facebook. Familiar features on one social networking platform will work on another. Topical. Last years IPO of LinkedIn has made it the flavor of the month. If you want press coverage (and scrutiny), an IPO is probably one of the best ways. Every man and his dog have now signed up after reading that LinkedIn adds 8 new members every second. Having said that, a film is not a bad way of getting PR either Facebook only beat Orkut in Brazil after The Social Network was released. Personal branding. Performicss CEO Daina Middleton  reckons: Individuals have embraced social networking as a means to actively manage their personal viability in the global economy. LinkedIn is loved by Google and if  you want to manage your search results, LinkedIn is your quickest and best bet. The recession. Unemployment in many countries are at an all-time high and LinkedIn is one natural place for job seekers to network their way to the next opportunity. Perhaps more so natural than job boards which have historically been the place to go. LinkedIns hiring solutions are gaining momentum. After a big push last year, many large companies have signed up for premium recruiter accounts that allow them to contact any user of LinkedIn direct without being connected in any way. When people notice this, they realize how vital their own profile has become and thus LinkedIn gains in importance overall. Under the radar in your office. Think about it, most offices have a ban on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and the such just to keep productivity levels up. Is there ever a ban on LinkedIn? Nopes. The big L is seen as a work-related tool and is therefore acceptable to have on your screen even when the big boss happens to look over. Lack of competition. Who are the hot rivals of LinkedIn? Local players such as Xing, Viadeo and Baidu will takes years to reach the size and reach of LinkedIn. Facebook are possibly the only serious contender, if they were to aim for the professional market as well (which they dont at the moment). LinkedIn is safer than Facebook. Again think about it, on LinkedIn there is really nothing to hide. You only get one tiny picture of yourself and a limited space to tell the world about your interests. Above all, there is no wall on your profile.  This means nobody can tag you in drunken photos or write nasties on your wall. This could be part of the appeal of LinkedIn for anyone who is not Generation Y. Word of mouth. Whilst social media is all about connecting online, we only tend to use sites that someone has recommended. Most people have by now heard success stories from friends finding a job or a new client through LinkedIn. Did you ever hear that about Facebook or Twitter? I rest my case. Its real. Apart from a few dummy profiles set up by headhunters to find new vacancies, everyone on LinkedIn are themselves. We have our real names, our real pictures and were listed under our real employer. The terms and conditions of LinkedIn state that you have to be truthful on your profile and you may only have one. Compare this to Twitter or MySpace where youre just as likely to be known as CyberKitten and sport a neon colored avatar as you would be using your own name and image. Do you agree with these 10 reasons? Can you add the eleventh and  twelfth reason behind LinkedIns success? Please add your comment below! And dont miss the 10 Best LinkedIn Headlines of Recruiters.

Skills Required For Resume Writing

Skills Required For Resume WritingTo hire a person you need to first come up with a resume that can make the interviewer get interested in you. In the end, your resume should be able to highlight your most relevant skills as well as relevant experiences. All of these things have to be on your resume so that you can show prospective employers that you are capable of doing the job that they want.There are certain skills that must be incorporated in every resume to make sure that it is presented in a professional manner. These skills include -It is imperative that your resume includes all of the relevant information such as information about your career goals, career and educational background, as well as other personality traits. If you have had experience with a particular job, then provide it too. A good resume will be a mix of the relevant information.As a matter of fact, these skills will be more important than the content of your resume. What most employers consider a good resume should contain these skills in a very positive way. But, if you have any questions regarding your resume skills, then try to contact a resume writing service. These services will help you design your own perfect resume that you can use for the next job interview that you are going to get.Before you contact any resume writer, you should be clear about what you want to achieve. You should be able to express what your goals are. You should also be clear about what your current skills are so that the writer can build a resume around your skill set.With the skills required for resume writing, you will be able to achieve the best job possible. It will be very easy for you to present yourself in a professional manner and this will make the prospective employer get interested in you. Your resume will also prove to be very powerful when it comes to landing a job.These skills are essential for a resume writer because it is the most important part of the resume. The resume is what the employer will look at and the skills that you are able to show and demonstrate on the resume are what he or she will be looking for. You should be honest about your strengths and weaknesses as well as everything else that you may have.The resume writer is able to formulate a resume for you. This is where you will be able to see your skills in action. This is when you will be able to see that these skills are not just talk and you will be able to use them to land a job that you have always wanted.

What Really Motivates Millennials

What Really Motivates Millennials According to US Census Bureau statistics, there are over 80 million people that fit into the bracket of millennials. This is the largest cohort size in history, which means we need to recognise and mould the way we work to fit in with the millennials way of thinking. Over the years, employee engagement and motivation has been a hot topic with employers especially when it comes to the younger generation. What do young people really want from work? What can employers offer that will keep millennials happy and comfortable in the workplace? Forget about the pool tables and Friday afternoon drinks, Ive  put together  a list of the things that really motivate millennials. Include employees in your company vision: Including employees in the true vision for your brand will motivate them in more ways than one. Firstly, it really shows them the reason why they are doing what they do. Their role isnt just a few hours in an office and a pay check at the end of the month, its an integral part of the growth of a company. Sharing the company values and vision will also show them the meaning in their role, which in-turn will lead to higher motivation in productivity. Provide independence and autonomy: Respect the fact that many  millennials will want to work independently or collaborate with a group of people. The more autonomy an employee has with their work, the more passion they feel for it. and if an employee truly cares about the work they do, then of course its going to be of higher quality. Its also a good idea  to let them take on their own projects, as this will keep employees engaged and also encourage innovation and creativity. Be flexible: This is probably one of the most important points. Millennials need flexibility in the workplace. This generation know that work can be done from anywhere that has an internet connection, and it wa seven proven in a study that employees would sacrifice pay in order to have more flexible working hours and holidays. This is a point that employers can often turn their nose up at, due to mistrust of employees. But trust is an important factor in the motivation of  millennials, and if you show them you trust them, theyll feel valued and motivation will spike. Provide immediate feedback and one-on-ones: Millennials thrive on personal growth in the workplace. Regular one-on-ones and continuos lines of communication will keep your employees on-track, whilst providing a channel for you to advise and suggest improvements. If the communication is always open, the employee will recognise the real time feedback and truly appreciate it. This not only makes them feel valued but also helps them grow and improve. Promotion and movement: By making sure there are clear pathways for promotion, millennials will recognise the potential movement  and use this as a motivator for the work they do. Millennials dont like feeling like theyre going nowhere in a company, so make sure you offer chance of collaboration too. Offer training: Millennials are hungry for growth and improvement. Thats why they will always appreciate the opportunity for training and learning in the workplace. According to Adecco,  68% of recent graduates identified good opportunities for growth and development as one of their top professional priorities.

Networking Tips for the Shy Job Seeker

Networking Tips for the Shy Job Seeker I was asked recently to comment on networking tips for the shy job seeker.It’s hard enough to put yourself out there and display your best traits in hopes of an interview.Think about it:job hunting means being on your best behavior, which generally isn’t all that hard, but knowing that your behavior is being judged and examined just adds layers and layers of stress.A little nerve-wracking, right?Imagine all this being heaped onto someone who is shyer or reserved by nature.Jobhunting, networking, and interviewing can feel a hundred times worsethan it is when you’re more on the quiet side.The idea, after all, is to talk about yourself.And talking about/marketing/advertising yourself as a promising employee can be tricky for some.So, I decided to share my thoughts on the shy job seeker in the networking world with you.I had the opportunity to speak at several local job-seeking type organizations in Fresno, CA.What I heard the most when talking with them is seekers hesitate to get out of their comfort zone.Bragging about yourself can be easy.But bragging about yourself with skill in the context of job-seeking and networking is a challenge.So, I challenge the shy job seekerwith the question:“Do you want comfort or a job?”My First Tip for the Shy Job SeekerOne of the best things any serious job seeker can do is prepare their responses to potential questions.Some job seekers may think this applies for only official interviews.Not the case.In social networking situations, just about every interaction can be considered an interview of sorts.In these situations, you are showing potential employers your professional best.Your demeanor and presence answer employers’ questions like:What kind of personality does this person have? Does this person interact well with others? Can this person voice their thoughts effectively?A lot of pressure, right?Luckily you can alleviate some of this pressure by anticipating key questions and deciding what you want to learn about different companies.For the shy job seeker, this is a very crucial tool.Which brings us back to the question:“Do you want comfort or a job?”It’s very important you not let your shy or reserved tendencies make you too picky.But it’s also important that you’re capable of being comfortable in the potential job environment you’ll be in most of your day.Create a description of youridealemployer.This way when youget out of yourcomfort zone and into a networking situation, youcan quickly share youridealemployer story with whomever you’re speaking with.I encourage youto go to as many networking events, groups, and organizations as possible and share who youare, why youare there, and what youwant to find.Of course, this takes a bit of time to prepare, practice, and deliver.My Best Tip for the Shy Job SeekerOne apparent weakness shy and reserved job seekers have is they usually don’t want to talk about themselves.It can feel strange to try and convince a hiring manager or emp loyer why you would be good for a job.The funny thing is, this isn’t really a weakness.Hear me out.Prepare a few killer questions to ask an employer or hiring managerwhen meeting them for the first time so that the other person does all the talking.You’ll learn more about the job and you’ll make a good impression with the employer or hiring manager.You’ll be seen as:A good listener Someone who knows how to ask the right questions A team player who can listen and learnAll the shy job seeker has to do is ask the next question.Here are the top five questions I think they should ask because it will give the job seeker an insight into whom else they may know.Top 5 QuestionsWhat company are you with? How long have you been in your current position? Who do you serve (ideal client)? Do you know of any job openings in the (insert job seekers ideal position) industry? Is there anyone here that you could introduce me to who might know of any job openings in the (insert job seekers idea l position) industry?In general, people like helping people, and business people seem to know where the jobs are.If you have a friend that is currently looking for work â€" please feel free to share this article.For online networking tips, check out LinkedIn Networking Tips For Job Seekers!Preparing for an InterviewLike I said, one of the best things you can do is prepare for potential questions.One source you can utilize is our 50 Top Job Interview Questions and Answers.You don’t need a scheduled interview as an excuse to check it out.Many of these questions have the potential of popping up in conversation while networking.Whether you are shy or outgoing, the best thing you can do for yourself is to anticipate questions and prepare for them!Need Some Help?If you still need some extra help preparing for your next big interview, reach out to us at Find My Profession.Our career coaching servicewill help you successfully navigate your job search.Our goal is to help you find vocationa l success.

Resume Writing Services In Plainfield IL

Resume Writing Services In Plainfield ILNo matter what your specific industry, you can benefit from a resume writing service in Plainfield IL. These individuals know how to write a resume for all of your qualifications and skills. You will be able to get your career back on track if you hire a professional resume writer.The world of resume writing services in Plainfield IL has a lot to offer. You can benefit from this service by adding a few extra details that are necessary to get a job. You can include an itemization of your educational background, work experience, and any other pertinent information you feel will help your application stand out. Your resume can help you land the job of your dreams if you just take the time to learn how to write a good one.Professional resume writing services in Plainfield IL can get your application noticed. You can create a few different resumes for different positions that you are applying for. This is an important step in the process so that the people who are reviewing your applications will see what you have to offer.If you want to benefit from a resume writing service in Plainfield IL, you need to make sure that you have completed all of the paperwork required to become a candidate. You need to fill out the appropriate application forms and send them to the Human Resources department of your prospective employer. This is a simple process that you will not regret.The professional resume writing services in Plainfield IL know that you do not want to spend hours in the office every day making sure that your resume looks great. All of the free tips and templates that they provide for free can be used in less than an hour. You can even use the same templates and tips over again until your resume is filled out properly.The resume writing services in Plainfield IL will send you a copy of your application that is already filled out. You do not have to keep it and deal with the hassle of having to resend applications every day. All you have to do is print it off, sign it, and mail it off.Professional resume writing services in Plainfield IL can help you get the job you want when you know how to write a resume. You should be aware that there are many ways to create your own resume. You can learn more about this by visiting some of the local resume writing services.You should not pay a fee for resume writing services in Plainfield IL. The companies that offer this service do so because they love the business that they are in. You should find a service that you enjoy working with so that you will want to work with them again.

Here is How to Get Ready for the Job of the Future CareerMetis.com

Here is How to Get Ready for the Job of the Future CareerMetis.com “We have no idea what the job market will look like in 2050. It is generally agreed that machine learning and robotics will change almost every line of work…” Yuval Noah Harari â€" 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. My wife and I recently welcomed our daughter to the world. She just turned three months old. I’ve made a bet with my wife, family, and friends that she will never need to learn how to drive a car in her life. In 18 years time, I fully expect self-driving cars to be the norm. Now when you look at that, how do you feel?evalSome people when they see topics like automation and AI embrace it. Some people fear the change coming with it, maybe due to a lack of understanding what it all means. Worst of all though, people fear irrelevance.Back in the early 20th century, workers were fighting against exploitation from their employers. Workers rights, hours, safety in the workplace were all the topics, but people still knew their skills were needed and valued. With the coming wave of AI and automation, now we don’t fear exploitation, we fear the skills we have learned for our job are becoming irrelevant… and that is much harder to fight against. This is nothing new though.In the 19th century, a group known as Luddites fought against the industrial revolution and the machines it brought.“Fears that automation will create massive unemployment go back to the nineteenth century and so far they have never materialized.” Yuval Noah Harari â€" 21 Lessons for the 21st Century.In fact, for every job lost to automation, at least one replacement job was created, and often more jobs were created then those lost.“Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, for every job lost to a machine at least one new job was created, and the average standard of living has increased dramatically.” Yuval Noah Harari â€" 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. Is automation always a bad thing? Close to 1.25 million people are killed annually in traffic accidents, and huma n errors cause more than 90 percent of those accidents. Things like drinking alcohol, sending a text message, falling asleep at the wheel, etc. Would it not be insane to block automation technologies like self-driving cars when millions of people can be saved by it?evalAs Yuval Noah Harri says in his book 21 lessons of the 21st century:“Displaced drivers and doctors will just have to find something else to do.”And that’s where we get into, how do they find something else to do and discover new skills? In days of the past, you could learn one specialized skill and probably do that same thing for the rest of your career. That does not exist anymore.“The idea that a persons education stops at around 25 is no longer relevant. Technology and jobs are quickly and constantly changing, and society needs to recognize education as a lifelong endeavor.” â€" Darrell M West â€" The Future of Work.Skills have changed towards rapid development and continuous improvement. Our education sy stem hasn’t even caught up yet. It’s kind of sad now, but when you enter a 4-year degree program, it’s possible by the time you graduate the skills you learned in the first couple of years are already out of date.“The future of work won’t be about degrees. More and more, it’ll be about skills. And no one school, whether it be Harvard, General Assembly or Udacity, can ever insulate us from the unpredictability of technological progression and disruption.” â€" CNBCevalSo what can we do? You can choose to blame lost jobs on lousy trade agreements, lost manufacturing jobs or immigration but that won’t do anything. The threat to displaced workers goes far beyond these factors, and it is up to us to adapt and change. Our inaction will only make things worse.Try this formula instead. While you can’t predict precisely what the future will bring you can make sure you are ready and always have the skills to future-proof your work life.Almost every top performing person I’v e seen, who excels in their career or business is continually doing the following.1) Scan the horizon for skillsevalEvery six months, block out a few hours and go hunting on the job marketâ€"preferably looking at the leading companies in the world. The goal here isn’t to get a new job but to see what employers are looking for. What skills are sought after for the roles you would be interested in? Find the gaps you need to learn.For example a few years back knowing that Agile methodologies we’re taking on in tech space I decided to learn Jira, an agile software tool. Through learning this new tool, I ended up being one of the first users to pilot it in the company I worked for. After a year of testing the device with great success, it ended up getting adopted throughout the company. I helped other users learn it and was widely recognized for it.All because I searched for skills that the top companies we’re looking for, then the applied the steps below.2) Always be learningOnce you’ve identified the skills you need to learn, here is an exact action plan to use to get them.Research the top books on Amazon for the skill you want to learn and buy the 3 to 5 that are highest rated. Consume them, study them and takes notes on them.Look up online courses for the skill you have selected. There are a lot of providers of classes these days with sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Udacity. Most are free or very cheap. Enroll in one or two of these.Use websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite.com to search out events in your area that talk about the skill you are trying to learn. It’s one thing to study on your own, but your learning will be amplified dramatically if you can find other people interested in it and learn from them.Finally if cost permits, I would try to attend one professional conference for the skill you are learning. This is a great way to further connect and network with other like-minded individuals.3) Embrace change, don’t resist itThis is not in tended to sound preachy or all-knowing, but it’s well known that being adaptable and able to groove with change is one of the most essential skills to being successful. Most people when faced with a chance first have an emotional reaction. This is human nature.A lot of times this reaction is fear as we don’t understand. Do your homework and take the time to understand the change and how you can adapt to it. After that exercise, the change coming is almost never as scary as it seems.4) Teach the skill you’ve learnedevalOnce you’ve mastered the new skill, what’s the best way to show it off to potential employers? Teach it. It’s easiest to start by writing blog posts on the subject. You can then create a following and tech it through videos, webinars, podcasts or any medium of your choosing. Slowly, over time you start to create a portfolio of your knowledge on the subject that could easily be used to show off to employers or gain your followers.For example, I have a friend Josh who loves growth marketing. Some years back he created his meetup group in San Francisco to teach some cool things he had learned.This grew to thousands of followers, branding him as an expert on the subject, leading to some cool jobs with great employers and eventually starting his own company. Many people will learn new skills but going the extra step of sharing and teaching what you know can propel you ahead of the rest.eval5) Rinse and repeatThe formula for success and staying ahead is repetition. Set yourself up with the intentions to learn 1-3 new skills every year.If you do this, you’ll be as prepared as possible to take on the changes in our fast-changing world. Need help creating a system to stay on track? Try this quick tip and see how long you can last.eval

Outplacement Services Humanize Corporate Culture and Brand

Outplacement Services Humanize Corporate Culture and Brand Outplacement Services Humanize Corporate Culture and Brand Outplacement services matter to companies and the people who work for them. All too often, an employer finds itself in a position where there is a need for a reduction in workforce. Economic factors, change in leadership, direction shift, or top-grading demands that employees and their roles be evaluated. Unfortunately, many business see the chopping block as the option, and are rather merciless about it. Employees are brought in, given the bad news, then literally booted out the door, all in a state of disbelief and shock. But what employers really don’t bank on is the hidden cost to such a heartless termination. As much as their corporate culture and brand embraces a “cool place to work” or a “company that cares” â€" the real truth in the pudding is how they treat employees on the way out. And that’s where the danger lies. Once the shock of having a job eliminated, anger sets in. And that’s where things get really, really ugly. It might not be a bullhorn approach, but how employees talk about their previous employers with friends, former colleagues, business partners, and stunned customers erodes the corporate brand that leaders have worked so hard to craft. That’s where outplacement services can help. Time and again, I have seen clients who have received at least some kind of helping hand of assistance in making this difficult transition act as ambassadors for the company… even after they don’t work there anymore. Outplacement services, in general, provide at least a bridge that helps the employee transition from their job which has been terminated to being better prepared to look for new employment. Companies that factor in outplacement services show that they aren’t a cold, heartless, cruel entity.   Part of the reduction in force plan should include some kind of assistance. The long run is that former employees are less likely to “trash talk” a company that actually made an effort to act as a resource during a transition than one who had the “don’t let the door hit you on the behind on the way out” approach. In reality, outplacement services act as an investment towards continued good will towards companies, as well as an important reinforcement of the company’s culture and brand as a company that cares about their customers and employees. It could make the difference as to whether former employees recommend others to work there, or even if they would consider coming back if circumstances allow. This can affect a companys competitiveness and ability to attract top tier talent in the future. And ultimately affect the business image and reputation as a good corporate and global citizen.

Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work - Hallie Crawford

Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work I was honored to be featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times article about moms going back to the work force. Several of my friends have gone through this situation of a career transition and how to re-enter the workforce, so its near and dear to my heart! Plus, I’ll be undergoing my own transition into balancing motherhood and career coach early next year. In the next few posts are excerpts from this article I hope it’s helpful to you. Problem: Said Buckham, “Some mornings I am lucky to make it out the door without someone else’s fluid on me, whether’s that’s spit, spit-up, snot.” Solution: Invest in some new suits, and hit up the MAC counter for something to cover those bags under your eyes. You deserve to look and feel like the professional you are. And these things are worth it. Not only will they make a better impression on your prospective employer, you will feel better and more confident. Purchase things that make you feel great. As my mom always says, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. The money you invest in these items will pay off tenfold. Go here to read the rest of the article. Visit my Free Career Articles page to find other tips, tools and how-to’s for your career search. Work/Life Balance Coach Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work I was honored to be featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times article about moms going back to the work force. Several of my friends have gone through this situation of a career transition and how to re-enter the workforce, so its near and dear to my heart! Plus, I’ll be undergoing my own transition into balancing motherhood and career coach early next year. In the next few posts are excerpts from this article I hope it’s helpful to you. Problem: The house is a wreck. Solution: Prioritize. “I have a laundry basket full of clothes in the middle of my living room right now,” Buckham said with a laugh. “There’s no way that I can do it all, and if I tried to do it all and if I was successful at doing it all, then something else is going to be lacking in my opinion, because it’s physically impossible for me to be able to accomplish all those things.” She said her husband has had to pitch in more around the house, and most nights the two eat dinner in shifts. According to Crawford, if you talk to your spouse ahead of time about the new division of labor, he’ll be less likely to resent the changes. Sit down and discuss what you’ll need help with. If you need to hire someone to come in to keep things tidy, so be it. Come up with a solution that works for both of you. Communicating about it beforehand is key. Go here to read the rest of the article. Visit my Free Career Articles page to find other tips, tools and how-to’s for your career search. Atlanta Career Coach Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work I was honored to be featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times article about moms going back to the work force. Several of my friends have gone through this situation of a career transition and how to re-enter the workforce, so its near and dear to my heart! Plus, I’ll be undergoing my own transition into balancing motherhood and career coach early next year. In the next few posts are excerpts from this article I hope it’s helpful to you. Problem: You’ve been out of the job market for years. If this is the case you may feel less confident than you used to about your skills and abilities. Know that’s natural â€" and it’s not true that you’ve lost the talents before you stayed at home. They are still there! Just because you’ve been working as a mom at home doesn’t mean you’ve completely lost touch with your business side. It’s just a mater of tapping into that part of your brain again and getting back into the workforce to brush up on your skills. Plus, you’ve probably used these skills while you were staying at home. Solution: 1. Review your previous accomplishments and consider taking a class in your field to get up to date. 2. Take a moment to think about what strengths you have that you’ve used with your kids. Organizational skills? Managing projects? Make a list of them. 3. Get out there and do something to boost your confidence. Volunteer or do some consulting work. “If you don’t have the confidence, the employer won’t have confidence in you, either.” Go here to read the rest of the article. Visit my Free Career Articles page to find other tips, tools and how-to’s for your career search. Certified Career Coach Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work I was honored to be featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times article about moms going back to the work force. Several of my friends have gone through this situation of a career transition and how to re-enter the workforce, so its near and dear to my heart! Plus, I’ll be undergoing my own transition into balancing motherhood and career coach early next year. In the next few posts are excerpts from this article I hope it’s helpful to you. Problem: You’re afraid the job will take away all your family time. If you let this happen, it will. If you don’t and make conscious deliberate choices, you can manage your time so you can still have the time you want with your family. It’s up to you. Solution: 1. Give some thought to what you’re agreeing to before you make your decision. 2. Decide what your boundaries are and stick to them Set firm boundaries â€" say, on Mondays you must leave the office by 7 p.m. so the fam can watch Dancing with the Stars together. Know your scheduling options, which may include working part-time, flexing your time to work the same hours your kids are in school, telecommuting and job sharing. “Don’t hesitate to ask. The worst they can say is no,” Crawford said. When my baby arrives, I plan to take four to six weeks maternity leave, then work Mondays through Thursdays while the baby is in day care. I’ll take Fridays off from coaching. Go here to read the rest of the article. Visit my Free Career Articles page to find other tips, tools and how-to’s for your career search. Certified Career Coach Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work I was honored to be featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times article about moms going back to the work force. Several of my friends have gone through this situation of a career transition and how to re-enter the workforce, so its near and dear to my heart! Plus, I’ll be undergoing my own transition into balancing motherhood and career coach early next year. This is the last excerpt from this article I hope you have found them to be helpful. Problem: “Nobody wants to hear 24-7 about my crying children, although that seems to be my world,” Buckham said. I’ve been aware of this myself during my pregnancy â€" not talking too much about my pregnancy, kids, etc. My husband and I have made a pact that we’ll be aware of this after our little one arrives. We’ll see how it goes of course, but we both want to hang onto our current identities as working professionals, and balance that with being parents. Solution: Develop your own interests and keep up with current events so you can hold your own around the watercooler. If your colleagues roll their eyes at the mention of the word “onesie,” then it’s time to change the subject. Keep up to date on what’s going on with your friends, co-workers, your company and current events. Watch the news at night, read the paper when you can, get your news off the internet if that’s the easiest way to get it. Make sure your interests don’t complete fall off the radar not only for your workplace conversation, but also for your sanity and personal fulfillment! Go here to read the rest of the article. Visit my Free Career Articles page to find other tips, tools and how-to’s for your career search. Certified Career Coach Career Corner When Mom goes back to paying work I was honored to be featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times article about moms going back to the work force. Several of my friends have gone through this situation of a career transition and how to re-enter the workforce, so its near and dear to my heart! Plus, I’ll be undergoing my own transition into balancing motherhood and career coach early next year. In the next few posts are excerpts from this article I hope it’s helpful to you. Problem: You feel guilty for leaving your kids. I can’t relate to this yet, but I’ve heard and understand this is difficult. It’s probably much harder at the beginning and part of it is getting over that hump. Once you realize that your kids are ok in their childcare situation, and you are doing something that fulfills you, the guilt should subside. Solution: Rearrange your schedule to address whatever’s causing the guilt trip. For instance, call your kids on a lunch break to help with homework, or ask your boss for flex time so you never miss a soccer game. You have to find a balance that works for you. Some of my friends love being back at work full-time, some would rather have a part-time gig. Get to the root of what’s causing you to feel guilty and address the problem. Go here to read the rest of the article. Visit my Free Career Articles page to find other tips, tools and how-to’s for your career search. Career Coach