February 1st – The #NumberOfTheDay is 69.
While most business owners and managers understand that people are different, including their employees from one to the next, and their employees when compared to themselves, this often takes on a negative connotation. Different is viewed as bad or wrong.
However, when you understand that people are predictably different, with personality and behavior styles which directly translate to individual preferences for job environments, communication styles, types of tasks or roles within a company, and more, then the difference between your employees can help a company thrive and reach new heights.
The DISC personality assessment shows us four main quadrants or variants of personality, Dominance, Influencing, Steadiness, and Conscientious. The general population breakdown is that 3% of people are classified as D’s, 11% are I’s, S’s are 69%, and 17% are C’s. Where do you fit? Are you one of the 69% that is an S?
To learn more about DISC, watch this brief five-minute video.
February 2nd – The #NumberOfTheDay is 26.
In a recent study, Cultivated Culture analyzed over 125,000 and determined that only 26% of résumé included five or more instances of measurable results.
While recruiters and employers significantly prefer résumés with measurable results, most people have a tough time with this. They go through their careers and don’t stop to think of the benefits they bring to their employer. The fact is, you don’t keep your job because you show up to work and look good. You bring value to your employer. You make a difference!
Why is it difficult for some people to determine what their accomplishments are? Here are two reasons I hear most often:
- “I don’t like to brag about myself.” Understandable, but preparing your résumé is the time to brag on yourself. Give employers a reason to want to hire you by showcasing your achievements and the value you bring to an organization.
- “I never thought of that as an accomplishment.” We get so busy performing our jobs that we don’t stop to think of our impact on our company. Have you generated new revenue? Cut costs? Improved processes? Created a new system? Increased employee morale? Been selected for a committee? Won an award? These things matter. Document your successes weekly.
February 3rd – The #NumberOfTheDay is 78.
According to a recent survey by Jobvite, 78% of hiring managers state that enthusiasm will influence their decision.
One way to subtly show enthusiasm is to ask substantial questions about the position and company. While asking questions is commonplace, challenge yourself to ask questions that provide real insight into the company’s ethos or the hiring process itself.
Instead of asking, what do the day-to-day responsibilities of the position look like, ask what the 30-60-90-day goals are for the position; this type of question provides you with information on their pain points and allows you to formulate answers that align with their needs.
A couple of other examples might be:
- What is one piece of advice that you would give to a new hire to help them be successful with your company?
- What is the company’s biggest challenge, and how can I help?
- What is your favorite part about working at the company?
What are some of your favorites?
February 4th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 85.
Depending on the source, up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Yet, many job seekers make the mistake of relying exclusively on ineffective job boards. One of the primary reasons is that people are often unsure about what networking means, what it is, or how to do it.
Networking is not something you do, but rather it is a way of life. Networking is not a one-and-done event; it is something you do daily. It is all about building relationships. Your network goes far beyond the walls of your office; friends, family, social media connections, neighbors, acquaintances at church or school, virtually anywhere you come in contact with people.
Just like you wouldn’t get married to a person after one or two dates, it takes time to build and cultivate any relationship. In the professional world, as you interact with others, whether it be at a networking event or on LinkedIn, take time to genuinely learn about that person and their business instead of merely wanting to see how they might be able to help you find a job.
Take time to invest in your relationships and provide value to that relationship. Be a giver, not a taker.
February 5th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 70.
In a recent survey of more than 2,800 senior managers by global staffing firm Robert Half, 70% of respondents expected candidates to negotiate salary, yet only 39% of candidates do.
Consider this: let’s say you accept an offer of $50,000 for a new role and are given annual pay increases of 3%. After five years, you’ll be making $56,275, and you will have earned $265,456 during that time. On the other hand, if you negotiate a starting pay of $55,000 (a 10% increase), after five years, your salary will be $61,902, and you will have made $292,000, a difference of $26,544!
Don’t accept the first offer given to you. Research your market value and negotiate a higher starting salary; you will receive more 75% of the time. The worst that can happen is someone tells you no, but the payoff can be huge.
