by Solange Lopes | Oct 12, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
I’m an introvert. Which also means that the way I’m set up, crowded places filled with strangers and small talk don’t exactly agree with me. When it comes to networking, it seems the stage is open and reserved for extroverts. You know, those who can start small talk about just anything and look comfortable in pretty much any setting…Hence the reason why many introverts refrain from engaging in networking at all…
If you happen to be an introvert, and are not sure how to be more effective, and fulfilled when networking, here are 7 rules that will take your networking from blah to wow:
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Be clear about your why!
One of the biggest mistakes that I made was to network for the sake of networking. I wasn’t clear about my goals and why I really wanted to connect with a certain group of people. As it turns out, I wasn’t clear about my why!
Why are you attending this networking event? What are you hoping to get out of it? What connections are your hoping to make and why? What are you open to contributing to this event?
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Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Let’s be honest, I’ve had times when I failed to show up at networking events because I went to the wrong place. Or I would forget to bring my business cards, show up late, or spill wine on the host. With the exception of spilling wine on the host, some of these mistakes can easily be avoided with some advance planning.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Locate where the networking event will be taking place (do a test drive to it if you can)
- Make sure to bring your business cards and an extra name tag
- Go over the list of attendees and tentatively pick at least 2 people you want to connect with
- Brainstorm on a series of questions you can use in your conversations
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Start with women’s networking group
One of the things that really helped me when I decided to push my networking efforts forward was to attend women’s networking groups. Attending networking events with fellow working women can be more comfortable and feel more familiar at first. This is a good place to start practicing your networking skills and get over some of your initial fears. You’ll meet fellow working women like you who may be facing the same or similar obstacles you are.
While you may not want to limit yourself to women’s networking groups, these are a great start if you’re an introvert or just want to hone your networking skills. Organizations like Ellevate Network are great places to begin as well.
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Start with a buddy
It’s normal to dread stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially as an introvert. However, taking a buddy with you can relieve some of the pressure and make the whole experience fun!
Can you find a buddy or girlfriend who can tag along with you at networking events?
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Tap into your listening skills
Introverts have a natural ability to listen. When it comes to networking, it’s an invaluable skill. Learn to tap into your listening skills to learn as much as possible about the new connections you’re making and building a relationship with them.
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Take time out
As introverts, we can only handle a certain amount of socializing time before we need to replenish our mental resources by spending some time alone. Don’t hesitate to take some time out during networking events, so you don’t end up drained and depleted.
This may be stepping out for a minute, or taking a short break to grab a drink.
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Challenge yourself
Challenge yourself to take your networking efforts to the next level. If you’ve attended one networking event this month, why not take it up a notch and attend two next month? Why not join that organization that you’ve been dreaming to be a part of?
The more you challenge yourself, the better you get!
What other tips would you add to this list?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 10, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
As a working woman, how would you like to have a secure space for yourself and other fellow women to discuss your careers? What if you could bypass the rampant sexism, discrimination and good ol’ “Old Boys Club” that still very much exists in our businesses and organizations? What if you could call the shots when it comes to your network, and by extension, your career?
This is the simple, yet powerfully effective premise of Bumble’s latest app, Bumble Bizz. The Bumble app started as a dating platform geared at women, with a social networking side called Bumble BFF focused on female friendships. The product has now evolved into Bumble Bizz, a modernized take on professional networking for women. The concept is the same as the original dating app, whereby women are the ones to make the first move and initiate a professional connection. With over 20 million users, the app makes it easy and empowering for women to establish connections.
Bumble Bizz app – Photo credit: thebeehive.bumblebee.com
The Bumble Bizz app includes a safe photo verification device to confirm people’s identity. When you register on it, you will be able to set up your digital resume, as well as fill out your skills section and even provide work samples. It’s free and has been available in the US, Canada, France and the UK since the beginning of October 2017. It will be available on Google Play on October 18, 2017.
I personally love the concept, as it may very well help bring down many of the barriers and obstacles women face when it comes to networking. Society has unfortunately excluded many women from traditional networking avenues, which has definitely impacted our ability to grow and progress in our careers. With such apps as Bumble Bizz, working women can get re-acquainted and grow more comfortable with networking.
While I salute this innovative app, I also recognize that we mustn’t limit ourselves to networking solely among women. It’s important to also grow and extend our network as much as possible, while still reserving our right to nurture our own “Old Girls Club”.
What is your take on this? Do you agree that this is a great initiative?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 5, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
Resumes is one of the most critical tools in making a first impression on a potential employer or recruiter. If you’ve created your own, you may know that there are a number of templates out there. From super professional to creative resumes, there are many templates available.
Before you even set out to look for the perfect resume template for you, you should first clearly identify your career goals. Additionally, you should evaluate your employment history as well as its length and progress, to determine the type of resume you may need.
Here are 10 resume templates you may be able to use, based on your specific goals and work history:
FREE OPTIONS
If you’re looking for a basic (and free) resume option:
- Microsoft Office Word Resume Templates
For Microsoft Office fans, you can access these simple Word resume templates which are already part of your software package.
Microsoft Word Resume Template
Microsoft Word Resume Templates
- Google Drive Resume Templates
If you have a Google account, then you may have access to the Google Drive Resume Templates. These are free of charge, and are always accessible in the cloud. These may be basic, however keep in mind that they originate from the Google hiring process. Not too shabby for a start…
Google Drive Resume Template
Google Drive Resume Templates
- Resume.com
Resume.com has some free and customizable options. From traditional to creative formats, this will take you through various steps to set up your own. You can simply follow the prompts to enter your education, employment history, professional skills, etc. You can also save and share it to your social networks.
Resume.com Template
Resume.com Free Resume Templates
- Hloom
Hloom also provides great (and free) templates, and even adds in some tips for more creative resumes as well. Hloom also offers 18 free CV templates, to use only if your specific role or position requires one.
Hloom Resume Templates
- Resumonk
Resumonk offers some free templates. These templates can be downloaded on PDF or Microsoft Word. There are also premium templates available at a cost.
Resumonk Template
- Resumizer
Resumizer offers free templates as well. You don’t have to create an account to use these templates. While they may not have as many bells and whistles, they do pack on enough resume punch!
Resumizer Templates
PAID OPTIONS:
- Super Resume offers various template options. You can either start from scratch or upload your original resume for further formatting. The cost is $1.95 for a 14-day access.
Super Resume Templates
- Resume Help
Resume Help offers 23 different resume templates. In order to download your final product, you have to sign up and create an account for less than $2!
Resume Help Templates
- Creative Market
Creative Market offers thousands of resume templates for download. The great thing about these templates is that they let you show off your personality as well.
Creative Market Templates
- Etsy
Etsy offers a wide selection of resume templates, from professional to more creative. These are available at a range of prices, from under $25 to over $100.
Etsy Resume Templates
There are a lot of resume templates on the market that you can use. However, you must first keep in mind that the first and most important step is to determine your own careers goals, history and objectives.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister
by Solange Lopes | Oct 4, 2017 | Find A Job You Love
As an entrepreneur, you also get to be part of teams in which you need to show your strengths and weaknesses. This makes the interview and hiring process critical, which also means that your resume has to be up to par.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to craft a relevant resume for potential startup and other entrepreneurial opportunities, here are five tips to keep in mind:
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Don’t be afraid to show up as who you are
The majority of resumes on the market are very much “Cookie-cutter” style. The general rule out there when it comes to resume is to use standard structures, “action verbs” and specific phrases. This makes it important, especially as an entrepreneur, to be yourself.
How you can show this: Instead of trying to fit into the cookie-cutter mold of traditional resumes, try instead presenting yourself and your personal accomplishments. These may include sophisticated projects, compelling blogs or unique business achievements.
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Demonstrate that you can be a team player
In startups as well as in more formal, corporate environments, there’s an increasingly stronger emphasis on team work and collaboration. In your resume as well, you have to be able to show that you welcome working in team environments, trusting collaborators and dealing with differing ideas.
How you can show this: Highlight the fact that you’ve worked in different types of environments and structures. You may also show your collaborative skills as well.
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Show that you can scale your organization
One of the main qualities of a strong entrepreneur is being able to scale your efforts and by extension, your organization. It’s one thing to have great ideas and accomplishments. However, it’s also important to demonstrate that you can take a project or organization from humble beginnings to success.
How you can show this: Show how you were able to get capital as well as attract the right people to move your goals forward. Instead of vaguely describing your results, turn them into quantifiable results such as increases in leads, new partnerships, etc.
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Turn your failures into lessons
Most will tell you to omit your failures from your resume, especially as an entrepreneur. However, the sign of a true entrepreneur and leader is the ability to move past failures and learn from them. Instead of listing things you failed at, you can strike the right compromise by turning them into lessons.
How you can show this: Demonstrate how you pivoted from original ideas to better, more productive and efficient ones. Explain the lessons you’ve learned in the process and how you’ve successfully applied them.
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Get some help creating and formatting your resume
With any type of resume, it’s always a good idea to run it by other people. If you can get professional help to create and format your resume, don’t hesitate to leverage it. In any case, having someone else take a look at it will help you pick out any confusing detail or mistakes.
How you can do this: Get some advice on how to better present your resume based on the nature and duration of your entrepreneurial work, your traditional work experiences, the overall needs and trends of the company and industry you’re looking to get in.
What other tips would you add to this list?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 22, 2017 | Career, Find A Job You Love, Find Your Purpose |
This post may contain affiliate links.
How many times have you wondered about finding the career you want? Or asked yourself if the career you’re in is a good fit for your personality? There are actually effective personal assessment tools out there to help match you with the career of your dreams.
Understanding your personality, strengths, interests, and values, is critical when picking or transitioning careers. It doesn’t require you to go on some soul-searching journey into the depths of your being. Actually, it can be as simple as using career assessment tools to find out what your best career matches are. Some of these tools are administered by professionals; however, they can be taken alone to get a sense of what your ideal career is.
Here are 30 career assessment tools that will come in handy when you or anyone around you asks the question: “How do I figure out the career I really want?”
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One of the most popular and well-known career assessment tools out there is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This assessment describes 16 different personality traits, and identifies basic personality differences. That’s how I found out I was an introvert after many years of questioning my social skills at work.
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This Values Assessment will help you learn more about what your real motivations are in your career. It will measure and rank various components of work, to help you understand which jobs or industries fit your style.
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This personality assessment test measures people according to their temperament: “artisan, rational, idealist, and guardian.” If you’re ready to go through the 71 questions (yes, it’s pretty long), you’ll get more insight into how you really communicate and what your actions tend to be.
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This free personality test is inspired by the Myers-Briggs test. It will help you gain insight into your type of personality as related to your ability to form and maintain relationships. The good part? It should only take about 12 minutes to take.
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As its name indicates, this assessment tool divides people into five categories: openness, extraversion, agreeability, neuroticism, and openness. It helps you pinpoint your learning style, work preferences, and includes a few hilarious questions too.
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With this tool, you’ll be able to rank school subjects and activities you enjoy, as well as qualities you have. Your interests are then matched to a certain career cluster to reveal what type of work is the best fit for you.
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This assessment test is sponsored by the U.S Department of Labor, and will help you pinpoint your work interests. The drawback? It has a total of 60 questions, so get ready!
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This career assessment is perfect if you hate your job, or are just out of school or college. While it has a free component, the paid “starter package” costs $90 to get a list of your top 20 career matches. If you want the whole enchilada, you may have to fork over $149.95 for the “executive package”, which includes a full 30-page assessment and over 900 career matches. The free test matches you to five potential careers, which is not a bad start.
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This personality assessment pinpoints the area you’re the most interested in career-wise, and translates it into suitable career interests. This is also one of the longer ones, with a total of 87 questions!
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This test identifies your most prevalent workplace behaviors, in order to highlight your management style. It’s also based on your primary personality traits.
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This unique app’s purpose takes you through a series of quizzes to help you uncover your personality traits and match you to your ideal career. It also helps you learn to work better with others.
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This powerful test is meant to help you discover your own Enneagram type to understand your personality and the ways in which you operate. There are nine different Enneagram types, and your test results place you in one definite category.
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This personality assessment, based on the Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance factors (DISC), is geared at providing insight into your communication style as well as ways to build stronger relationships with co-workers. It’s relatively quick and is composed of only 12 questions.
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The Self-Directed Search categorizes people and jobs into 6 categories: realistic, investigative, social, artistic, conventional, or enterprising. It will help you narrow down the 3 types that best fit you and a list of matching careers. It costs $9.95.
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This survey helps you uncover your best qualities in about 15 minutes. It’s based on a scientific assessment of character strengths to help you understand your core traits. Unlike many tests focusing on your shortcomings, the VIA survey focuses on your best qualities.
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Based on a series of mind games, this career assessment tool measures your social and cognitive traits. You’ll end up with a list of your strengths and weaknesses, which can guide you towards your ideal careers.
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This tool is a series of activities developed by the Johnson O’Connor Foundation for Oprah. It tests different skills and your strengths in it. The result is a list of jobs and careers which might fit you best based on your performance.
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If you’re a college student, this personal assessment test is for you. It will give you an idea of what you’re already good at, and will point you to talent themes to achieve your goals. It costs $9.99.
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This free Buzzfeed career quiz is not as comprehensive as the other tools in this list. Yet, it’s a quick way to gain some insight into your career match in between tasks during the day.
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This personal assessment tool helps you uncover your strengths and weaknesses, how you communicate and how much value you add to any team. It’s based on a fun color game system to highlight your personality and style of interaction with others.
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Dubbed as the world’s “leading behavioral style model”, this personality assessment tool’s goal is to help build more effective relationships. It has been used by thousands of organizations to improve leadership performance.
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This romantically sounding tool will help you discover your own love language, so you can improve your relationships. 15 million people have already used this tool to connect better with others.
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CareerHunter helps you explore your abilities and interests through 6 self-assesment tools. At the end of this very comprehensive process, you get a full career report suggesting your best career matches. It costs $9.99.
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The Sokanu Career test is a free platform that takes you through some great career tests to help you discover how compatible you are with over 800 careers. It looks at five dimensions, including your workplace, personality, interests, history and career goals, to compare your test results with certain career paths’ characteristics.
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This personal assessment tool highlights your work personality and ideal work environment. It guides you towards your perfect career. It also provides career research tips, as well as advice to get into the fields you’re most compatible with. Note there’s a free version as well as a paid one (the paid version is $11.99).
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Renowned Psychology Today has come up with its own career assessment tool. The test contains a total of 240 questions, and matches you with one career field at the end of it. However, you can purchase the full report with more career matches.
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You can find your unique career code with this career assessment tool. It’s composed of 180 true or false questions, and promises to provide you with a list of careers compatible with your interests. It’s priced at $49.95.
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The Princeton Review came up with a 24-question career quiz, requiring you to pick the best answer to pinpoint your career wants. It’s relatively easy yet very revealing.
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This career assessment tool takes a look at your skills and interests to help you narrow down your ideal career. It uses seven measures of ability including science, mechanical, mathematics, managerial, communication, interpersonal and artistic.
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This personality assessment calculates your personal DISC profile, based on the Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance factors (DISC). It helps you build your own personality profile quickly, while analyzing your typical behavior.
What other career assessment tools would you recommend?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis
