Work It Daily

How can any of us resist the urge to reinvent ourselves with the turning of the calendar? Jump on the bandwagon—there’s plenty of room here among the hopeful, the determined, and the motivated.The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on where you are and where you want to be, both professionally and personally. Set goals and embrace the possibilities that come with a fresh start. Whether you’re eyeing a new role, a career pivot, or simply leveling up in your current position, now is the moment to take charge and make it happen.Do Some Inner ExplorationFirst, consider this a fresh start for you. What are you seeking as you dream about your next career opportunity? Some enticing ideas that often appear in my initial conversations with clients include:Autonomy: The freedom to embark on creative projects, dictate your own time, and put your attention where you’re drawn.Meaning: At the end of the day, knowing that where you’re spending your time matches your values at a basic level.Connection: Working alongside people who get you, who respect you, who say “thanks” every now and then.Engagement: Dialing into what you’re doing, using your brain, your intuition, and your other talents.All of these possibilities are compelling, but before you press down on the gas pedal and drive out of where you are right now, ask yourself whether it’s your environment that’s creating the lack of these qualities, the boundaries (or lack thereof) that you put in place, or possibly the underlying ideas you have about yourself and your own worth and power.Usually, it’s a combination of all of these factors, and if you can pull apart the company, your boss, your co-workers, and other dimensions of your environment which you’re unconsciously creating by playing out old scripts, then you’re ready to move to the next phase of the process.Articulate The Most Important Qualities You WantMake a list of what you want in your new career. Imagine that you’re single and you’re searching for a new romantic partner. Sit down and write a list of 10-15 qualities you’re seeking.Next, get very specific about three more categories:Where do you want to be working geographically? Whether it’s a specific city, country, or region, determine where you’re open to living and working, considering both personal preferences and professional growth potential.What are some target companies you’d like to research? Take some time to research organizations that align with your values, interests, and career aspirations. This will help you focus your energy on companies that resonate with your goals.What are the specific job titles that you’re seeking? Be clear about the roles that excite you, and ensure that they match your skill set, experience, and long-term vision. This will help you create a focused job search strategy and avoid wasting time on roles that don’t fit your ambitions.Reach Out And Build Your Sphere Of ConnectionsStrategically expand your circle to be in purposeful conversation with people who can offer intel on the companies and positions on your list.For those of you who cringe at the idea of asking for help (particularly when it seems like you’re almost using people), if you’ve been networking the right way all along, it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Networking and maintaining and building your professional connections is about providing value. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you shouldn’t ask for their help right away. Establish a relationship first. Once you do that, they’ll be more than willing to help you in your career because they know you’d do the same for them. This approach allows for mutual growth. It’s not about transactional interactions, but rather about cultivating long-term, supportive relationships. The key is to be authentic, show genuine interest in others’ success, and offer your assistance where you can. When you approach networking with this mindset, it transforms from a task into a rewarding experience that benefits everyone involved.Whatever you want out of life and your career, you can accomplish. A year from now, you really can be in a completely different spot, one that resonates more deeply for you. So, what are you waiting for?Every small step you take now brings you closer to the life and career you’ve always envisioned. Embrace the opportunities ahead, stay focused on your goals, and don’t be afraid to take bold leaps. The future is waiting for you to shape it, so start building the new you today!Need more help with your career?Become a member today and learn how to earn more, stress less, and truly love what you do.

In the fast-paced world where expectations are high, there is one simple yet powerful tool that is overlooked more than it should be: appreciation. Did you know that showing appreciation is one of the most impactful things you can do for someone else?Think back to the last time you were traveling through an airport and saw a uniformed veteran. Did you pause to say, “Thank you for your service?” It’s a simple gesture that carries immense meaning so imagine the pride the veteran feels. Or when you were little, did you make breakfast for your mom on Mother’s Day? Looking back, I admit my first attempt wasn’t exactly a culinary masterpiece, but she lovingly ate every bite. Why? Because my mom cherished and appreciated my efforts to make her day special. I had the biggest smile and my heart swelled with pride! These gestures of gratitude make others feel seen and valued.Those same principles apply in the workplace. Small, intentional acts of appreciation can have a ripple effect boosting morale and strengthening relationships across the team. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and commitment to their role, which then can reduce turnover.Appreciating the team fosters a positive team culture where team members feel supported and recognized for their contributions which can lead to improved collaboration as team members are more likely to support each other. They can feel more comfortable sharing ideas and perspectives which can stimulate innovation and continuous improvement within the team leading to new approaches and efficiencies. It helps to acknowledge and recognize their hard work, dedication, and achievements. It validates their efforts and contributions, which boosts their morale. When employees feel appreciated, they’re more likely to strive for excellence and go the extra mile.There are numerous ways to show appreciation to the team. It’s important to personalize the approach and consider the organizational culture, team dynamics, and each team member’s preferences to make the appreciation gestures meaningful. In addition to celebrating Employee Appreciation Day (the first Friday in March), some other ways are:Public recognition – one way is to recognize contributions publicly such as in a company newsletter to give them visibility among their peers and the broader organization. At one of my prior companies, we could submit individuals for a “Kudo” which was an organization-wide announcement.Celebrations and team-building activities – celebrating milestones such as project completions or team achievement with a team outing or social event can be a fun way to show appreciation.Professional growth opportunities – supporting continued learning through training, conferences, or certifications. Employee rewards and incentives – providing tangible rewards such as a bonus or gift card can be used to recognize exceptional performance or significant achievements. Verbal acknowledgment – simply expressing sincere verbal recognition and appreciation for a job well done which can be done through one-on-one conversations, team meetings, or company-wide events.Don’t underestimate the power of simply saying “thank you” to acknowledge and recognize efforts and support. It doesn’t cost anything but its impact is immeasurable conveying acknowledgment and respect which can lead to improved relationships. Promoting positive interactions can create a culture of appreciation and gratitude that reinforces that their work matters. I’ve adopted the habit of saying thank you and expressing gratitude daily to each team member.There are multiple ways to show your appreciation. Whatever you choose, I think the most important aspect is the appreciation to be sincere and genuine, which makes it meaningful. Sometimes I’ll write a handwritten thank-you note. It’s that extra step that typically isn’t expected but is greatly appreciated and will make that person feel incredibly special. One of my favorite ways to show my appreciation is by baking for the team. They know that it’s something personal that I’ve given of myself each time I bake. And if I’ve baked their favorite items (albeit chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or apple pie) can make their day.Appreciation shouldn’t be a one-time act but a consistent practice promoting recognition so individuals feel valued, respected, and motivated to perform their best. Take a moment today to thank your team for their hard work, which might be the spark that propels them to even greater success!For more information about how the overlooked power of appreciation and gratitude can transform teams, follow me on LinkedIn!

Are you a prime candidate for a mid-level or senior-level leadership role? If so, you have to shake up the way you tailor your resume for that position.The way recruiters and hiring managers look for leadership candidates is a bit different than the way they search for candidates in other roles. They’re not just looking for technical skills. They want to see evidence of your ability to inspire teams, drive results, and lead through challenges.Your resume needs to tell a compelling story about your leadership journey, showcasing both your achievements and the impact you’ve made on organizations. Before you apply for that leadership position, make sure you leverage these seven strategies to tailor your resume for maximum impact.1. Revamp Your Resume’s KeywordsAs you may know, the computer databases, or applicant tracking systems, that store and analyze incoming resumes for job board, employer, and recruiter sites count the number of times certain words are used in your resume. These keywords are industry-specific and unique to each role in each company. Your resume ranks higher if you include more of these words in the document.Include a keyword section in your summary and stock it with 12 to 15 keywords pulled from the job description of the role you are pursuing.More importantly, use these keywords in each relevant job listing you include in your document. They can be easily woven into sentences in your position overview statements, as well as your achievements.If you’re a new grad, have recently attained an MBA, or don’t have all of the experience sought in the job posting you’re applying for, try listing relevant coursework in your resume’s education section. This will boost your keyword count.Fairly universal keywords include terms such as strategic planning, operations leadership, business management, cross-functional, cross-cultural, global, talent management, organizational restructuring, and P&L accountability.2. Reposition Your Resume’s SummaryEach time you apply for a new role, you need to tweak your summary to highlight the right skills and keywords relevant to the position. You also need to emphasize the right capabilities. When you apply for a leadership role, it is imperative to showcase your skills and experience with strategy creation. In lower-level jobs, you have to demonstrate your tactical execution strengths; in director-level plus positions, designing and implementing strategic plans is absolutely critical.Instead of writing a typical summary on your resume, change your top fold to an experience summary, which is a list of 6-8 hard or transferable skills needed for the specific job you’re applying for.Here are some tips to make your experience summary stand out for a leadership position:Tailor your skills: Identify the most critical skills for the leadership role you’re targeting by studying the job description and aligning your experience to those requirements.Use industry-specific keywords: Incorporate terms commonly associated with leadership in your field, such as “organizational transformation,” “team development,” or “market expansion.”Keep it concise: Each skill or experience point should be clear, impactful, and tailored to the role, avoiding unnecessary detail.A well-crafted experience summary gives hiring managers an immediate sense of your suitability for a leadership position and ensures you stand out as a candidate.3. Clarify The Context Of Each Position, Promotion, Or AchievementOne of a resume’s key tasks is to tell the story of your career. Yours must convey the importance and relevance of each position change you’ve made while simultaneously clarifying the key challenges you faced in the role.Include a brief position overview or introduction to each role on your resume. If the position was a promotion or special assignment, make that clear.Showcase the context of your hire or promotion. Were you the first salesperson in a new territory, or the newest manager in a series of five within a short time frame? Were you hired or promoted with specific challenges in mind? Were you hired or promoted based on specific skills or experience you possessed?If you were placed in the role to resolve specific challenges, it’s vital to note the circumstances of your entry into the position. For example, if you were hired to turn around declining sales, what was the sales level when you started? What sales level or position did you attain during your tenure?Keep it brief. Your position introduction should take up only two to three lines of text. Make every word count!Do the same thing with your achievements by including key details that reveal the larger context of your actions. If you averted a division closure by turning around sales, that’s vital to highlight. If your marketing efforts helped open new market sectors that paved the way for a mission-critical merger, say so. Use numbers to quantify these achievements. Don’t just focus on results; put your results in a larger context that makes your overall contributions more clear.4. Front-Load Your Resume’s Achievements With A Strategic FocusMost job seekers assume that recruiters read resumes the same way that they do. However, that’s not the case. Many recruiters read a resume “out of order” (aka in pieces and parts) to see the big picture of the prospective candidate’s career. This often includes reading achievement statements differently than you do. Before reading them in their entirety, some recruiters briefly review the first few words of each bulleted statement to test the waters, so to speak. They also do this to see if the accomplishments are more tactically or strategically focused. It’s imperative that you front-load your achievements with the strategic focus they’re looking for, assuming you have that experience.In leadership positions, your strategy influence is often a bigger deal than your monetary impact. Begin your bulleted statements by clarifying your strategic impact, then note the specific impacts you achieved.For example, here’s a typical “homemade” bullet written by a real job seeker: “Working on a green field project that would double the capacity of the plant.” Here’s a revamp that shifts the emphasis to strategy: “Road mapped Greenfield plant start-up from strategic planning to on-time, on-budget rollout in 1 year. Outcome: Doubled throughput and increased revenue by $42M.”5. Align Your Education & Extra Sections With A Leadership FocusIt’s always vital to include up-to-date listings of your educational credentials, including certifications, relevant affiliations, and professional development coursework. However, you shouldn’t overlook other details that can bolster the leadership focus of your resume.Any evidence of your present or past leadership experience may be relevant. So, consider adding present or past volunteer leadership roles in professional or community organizations.Make sure you include any for-profit or not-for-profit board or committee roles you have fulfilled. If space permits, include key initiatives you have contributed to during your tenure on these boards or committees.Leadership courses completed at major grad schools deserve emphasis as well.When you list industry-specific certifications, include them in acronym form as well as spelled out because either form is a keyword.If you have won leadership awards or been selected for leadership development programs with any of your employers, make sure you note these.6. Use The Job’s Title As Your Resume’s TitleThis is a quick change but a critical one: make sure you insert the exact title of the position you’re pursuing into your resume as its title. This will add more keywords to your resume, and, more importantly, it will shape the perception of your resume’s readers to see you as qualified for the position you are targeting. Now, this won’t work if you apply for a leadership role for which you have few qualifications. However, if you are well-qualified for the position you’re targeting and meet 75% or more of the role requirements, then this is a wise and appropriate thing to do.7. Harness Your Personal Brand In A TaglineWhether you call it a tagline or personal branding statement, these single-line headlines are the perfect length to encapsulate the problem you solve for employers. These kinds of statements are big-picture by nature, so they encompass the whole of your career rather than just your most recent role. Highlight your leadership value: Craft a statement that emphasizes your ability to drive results, inspire teams, or implement transformative strategies. For example, “Empowering cross-functional teams to achieve record-breaking growth through innovation and strategic planning.”Showcase your unique approach: Use the branding statement to reflect your leadership style or the specific value you bring, such as “Transforming underperforming departments into high-performing units through data-driven decision-making and motivational leadership.”Align with the target role: Tailor your branding statement to the leadership position you’re seeking by aligning it with the company’s mission or industry needs, like “Driving sustainable growth and operational excellence in fast-paced technology environments.”Incorporate quantifiable achievements: If space permits, include a standout metric to demonstrate impact, such as “Proven leader with a track record of delivering 30% year-over-year revenue growth through innovative market strategies.”All of the foregoing are content shifts you need to make in your resume to properly position yourself as a leadership candidate. In addition, consider overhauling your resume’s “look and feel” to call attention to executive-level experience. Use a clean, professional design with consistent formatting to exude sophistication and clarity. Incorporate subtle elements, such as bold section headers and plenty of white space, to emphasize key achievements without overwhelming the content. Finally, ensure your resume aligns with your personal brand and reflects the qualities you bring to a leadership role.If you’re looking to land a leadership role, we can help!Become a member today and learn how to earn more, stress less, and truly love what you do.

Many job seekers mistakenly believe that because corporations and organizations are closing their headquarters for the holidays, they are suspending their search for candidates for jobs they posted a month ago. Nothing could be further from the truth!The fact is that even during the holidays, companies are looking for talent. After all, the new year is just around the corner, and most of them don’t want to be making up for lost time as the new year gets underway. What does that mean for you if you are on the lookout for a new job? It means you need to continue to look by networking throughout the holiday season. It also means that there are additional networking opportunities that you may be overlooking. This is the time for parties, all kinds of parties—office parties, neighborhood parties, family get-togethers, and so on. There is no way to know where you might stumble upon news of an opening or meet someone who is in a position to introduce you to your next boss. You need to get out of the house and attend as many parties and gatherings as possible.The great thing about the holidays is that there are even more opportunities to meet people in a relaxed setting than you have at any other time of the year. So take advantage of it! Here are four ways to network during the holidays.Family GatheringsYou may come from a large sprawling family with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Most of them are employed, and many of them are connected in one way or another with the human resources director of their company. They may know that the company is hiring but holding a posting for the first of the year. Wouldn’t it be great if you could glean that information from them in a casual manner over a cup of eggnog? You won’t get this information, however, if you stay at home as opposed to going to the family get-together. It’s a long shot, but you never know!Attending these gatherings gives you the chance to spark conversations that might uncover hidden opportunities. Even a casual mention of your job search could prompt a family member to connect you with someone in their network. People love to help, especially during the holiday season when goodwill is in abundance.Neighborhood PartiesParties are an opportunity to meet people, and you never know who you’ll meet. You could go to a party given by a neighbor and end up talking to the CEO of Company XYZ. Conversation leads to the CEO learning that you are currently available. “Hey, we could use a guy (or gal) just like you with your skills and experience! Send me your resume tomorrow and let me see what I can do.” Boom! You may be on your way to your next job. If you stay home, however, that conversation will never even have the opportunity to take place.So, say yes to that invitation, even if you’re not in the mood to socialize. Approach every neighborhood holiday party with an open mind and a friendly attitude. Ask about your neighbors’ interests, share a bit about yourself, and let the dialogue flow naturally. The more approachable and genuine you are, the more likely you’ll leave a positive impression that could open unexpected doors.Get Yourself Invited To Parties Where Your Spouse Or Significant Other Has Been InvitedYou aren’t just tagging along…you are the plus-one and you serve a purpose in that way. But you also put yourself in the position of being available to chat with people who know other people who might be in the market for someone with your skill set.This is a golden opportunity to expand your network in a relaxed, festive setting where conversations flow naturally. Plus, the holiday spirit often puts people in a generous mood, making them more inclined to share introductions or advice. Again, if you stay at home, you won’t ever know, so you just have to find ways to get out and mingle with people—and make every interaction count.Find A Toastmasters Group Near YouToastmasters International is a non-profit organization with local clubs all over the world, in over 126 countries, and with over 300,000 members. Toastmasters is a great way to network in a totally safe environment. You can find clubs near you by going to Toastmasters and selecting “Find a club.” Unless you live in the middle of nowhere (literally), you will find a club that meets at a time and location that is convenient for you. Not only will you meet great new people, which will allow you an opportunity to network with folks you might not otherwise meet, but you will also have an opportunity to work on your communication and leadership skills. These are skills you will need on your next job no matter what type of job you’ll eventually land.Networking is a must during any time of the year, but during the holiday season, you may find additional opportunities to get out of the house, meet new people, and network your way to a new job.If you’re looking for additional networking opportunities in the new year, join Work It DAILY! Inside our platform, you’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in your industry and geographic area. You can also network with professionals outside your industry all around the world.Happy networking!

Some people will stay in jobs they’re unhappy with just because they’re afraid to be involved in the job search process. Instead of being held back by fear, professionals should embrace the job search process.Sure, the job search process will have its ups and downs, but there are ways to empower yourself with information that could potentially speed up your job search. By adopting a proactive mindset and seeking guidance, you can navigate the process more effectively and with less stress.At Work It DAILY, many of our members find success by using the three Cs to improve the effectiveness of their job search. These principles not only help job seekers stand out but also provide clarity and focus during what can feel like an overwhelming experience. While the three Cs are utilized heavily within the Work It DAILY platform, they can benefit anyone who is ready to take control of their career.Here are the three Cs to remember if you want to simplify your job search…1. ContentThe job search process is always evolving, and it’s important to make every effort to keep up. The best way to keep up is to consume as much information as possible. Fortunately, there’s a lot of information online about best practices for the job search process (e.g., video tutorials, online quizzes, and articles).We offer a lot of this stuff for FREE at Work It DAILY.No matter where you go to find this content, it’s important that you take personal responsibility to get informed. School doesn’t teach us how to find a job. It’s literally in the hands of the job seeker to learn job search best practices. The sooner you learn the correct way to look for a job, the sooner you’ll find the right job for you. Start by setting aside time each day to focus on your job search education. Whether it’s reading an article or watching a quick video, these small, consistent efforts (aka productive discomfort) can lead to big breakthroughs. 2. CoachingWould Tom Brady have been as successful without Bill Belichick? This is a popular sports debate that we may never truly know the answer to. It’s fair to say that Brady still may have been a good quarterback without the coaching of Belichick, but it’s also fair to say that Belichick’s coaching gave Brady a boost that made his career historic.It’s similar with career coaching. It’s not impossible to find a job without a coach, but having a coach can help you speed up your job search, find the right job, and leave you with lifelong lessons that could help you with future career growth opportunities.Using a career coach is an investment in yourself. There are both long-term and short-term benefits that you can gain from it. A coach can help you identify blind spots, refine your resume and interview skills, and build confidence during the often stressful job search process.If you don’t feel that career coaching is right for you, you should at least tap into your network and consult with a trusted colleague or mentor who could offer you some valuable advice about the job search process. They can provide an outside perspective on your strategy, help you set realistic goals, and share insights based on their own experiences in the job market.3. CommunityIt’s never easy to go through a tough life experience alone. The job search process is no different. It helps to surround yourself with a group of like-minded, positive people who are going through the same thing.You can learn new things by listening to other people’s job search experiences and exchanging ideas about the process.There are many ways to be involved in a community during a job search, such as joining professional groups, attending virtual career events, or engaging in online forums dedicated to job seekers.A platform like Work It DAILY offers multiple networking opportunities for its members to connect with other job seekers and build a support system. You can also tap into your network and reach out to connections that are also going through the job search process.It helps to have a support system to not only motivate you but to share in the setbacks and accomplishments. Plus, being part of a community can make you feel less isolated and more confident, knowing others are cheering you on as you take steps toward your career goals.There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the job search process, but taking advantage of all the resources available to you is a smart move. As you look for your next job, remember the three Cs, and you’ll find a job sooner than you think. Stay proactive, be open to learning from each experience, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed. By staying consistent and confident, you’ll not only simplify your job search but also position yourself for long-term success in your career journey.Want full access to Work It DAILY’s content, coaching, and community?Become a member today and learn how to earn more, stress less, and truly love what you do.