Category: Job Search & Career Advice

3 Productivity Tips to Get More From Your Workday

Burnout is a serious thing right now. Whether from video conferencing, remote work or any number of stressors this year has brought on, staying focused on your everyday tasks can be difficult.

We get it.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of productivity hacks that can help you get back on track — and closer to accomplishing your daily goals.

1. Wake up earlier.

Catching extra Zs in the morning may seem like a logical method to getting more out of your day. More rested, more productive, right? Well, those few minutes can actually be draining your overall effectiveness. Giving yourself an extra 10 or 15 minutes to focus on you — whether through meditation or to plan your day — can eliminate some of the stress the early morning rush can leave behind. And most importantly, sets you up for success.

2. Use the alarm system.

Do you ever get stuck on a single project — not realizing that you’ve spent hours circling the productivity drain? This scenario happens often, especially when burnout is an issue. But sometimes all we need is a little jolt to get moving. Creating a random alarm system on your phone is an aural signal to yourself to take a step back, evaluate your progress and start on something new, if necessary. Setting the final alarm a few minutes before the end of your workday can also help establish a clear break between your work and after-work life in the evening, allowing you to wrap up what needs to be done before calling it a day.

3. Write down your priorities.

Gone are the days of to-do lists for menial work — it’s all about framing your workday around a few key priorities. Jotting down one to three important goals you want to achieve each morning can help you remain motivated throughout the day, and help fend off those bouts of sluggishness by providing a sense of purpose. The physical process of writing down daily goals can also give you that much sought after thrill of accomplishment the act of crossing things off your list can generate.

Browse our blog for more productivity tips and job-seeker insights.

3 Ways to Build Your Network Virtually

Like most things in the last several months, in-person networking events and seminars have vanished from our social calendars. And in their place — well, not a whole lot.

Lucky for us, social distancing measures have reinvigorated our craving for human connection. And professionals are using this time to develop deeper working relationships and grow their nexuses, even if it is digitally. Don’t put your career development on pause, and use these three ways to successfully build your network virtually.

1. CREATE A GAME PLAN

Be intentional with your networking goals. What is it that you’d like to achieve with your new connections? A mentor relationship? Learn a new skill? These are all questions you should ask yourself before seeking new contacts, warm or cold. And remember: be genuine. People can instantly sense when an approach is coming from a self-serving place rather than a mutually beneficial one. Each new message or introduction is a seed that may or may not sprout — and that should be OK with you. But if you’re generous and can offer something valuable in return, people will want to buy into that.

2. TECHNOLOGY IS YOUR FRIEND

Be proactive with your networking efforts by asking to schedule virtual cups of coffee with new contacts. With stay-at-home orders and other isolation measures in place, people are more open to these type of interactions. Busy schedules have cleared and important meetings indefinitely postponed — take advantage of this unique time by developing these relationships now. Pro-tip: Don’t let the meetings be a one-time thing. Make sure to nurture your new relationships with follow-up video chats and continued conversations.

3. GET ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Just because in-person events are no longer an option, there are still various virtual opportunities to stay active in your professional community. LinkedIn is a great platform for finding topical events in your industry, especially with its unique Pages tool that enables users to drive awareness of their online events. Meetup is also a free, user-friendly online service that allows professionals to find the best, most relevant events for them. Embed yourself in the conversation and look out for ways to engage with people following the event. You never know where your next great connection will come from.

Are you looking to grow your career? Submit your resume to connect with our team of recruiters, or browse our blog for more career advice.

 

 

3 Tips to Help You Land the Job Interview

The job search is a process — a series of steps that get you from finding that perfect career opportunity to actually signing an offer letter. And the first significant hurdle to pass: landing an interview.

Job seekers often bypass this step, and instead choose to focus on preparing for the event before they’ve even been contacted by a prospective employer. Start your search on the right foot and increase your chances of getting a job interview with these tips:

1. TAILOR YOUR PROFILE TO FIT THE ROLE

So you’re the best candidate for the job? Prove it. Creating a clear and consistent professional image across all platforms helps recruiters and hiring managers quickly gauge your skill set, experience and qualifications for the specific role. This includes restructuring your resume, social media profiles and cover letter to tell the same story: that you can successfully meet the expectations of the position and deserve an interview.

Director of Recruiting Anton Cuyugan stresses the importance of forgoing fluff on your resume for tangible information like education, work experience and software skills. After all, hiring managers scan for select keywords and abilities that are applicable to the role — not if you consider yourself to be a “hard worker” or not.

Pro tip: Properly label your resume with your name and the position you’re seeking, and double-check that all files can be opened.

2. FIND AN “IN” WITH THE COMPANY

One of the most effective methods of being invited for an interview is to utilize your network. Companies are more likely to give candidates an opportunity to prove their value with an in-person meeting if they’re referred by someone they trust and have an established relationship with. Our suggestion? Leverage a recruiter’s — or your own — connections.

“If you’re applying online, you’re in a queue of 50 to 100 resumes,” Cuyugan explains. “And if the need is urgent, companies are going to go with someone they’re already talking to. We’re getting your resume to the front of the pile, and you’re also getting a personal recommendation.”

Resources like LinkedIn are also a great option to find professionals working in the company that may already be in your network. First- and second-degree connections can help make those important initial introductions and pave the way to an interview.

3. APPLY THE RIGHT WAY — AND IN A TIMELY FASHION

Following application guidelines is an early indication to future employers that you pay attention to detail and can follow through with projects. Learn the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your communications and ensure your information is getting to the right person. It’s also a great way to lay the groundwork for the research that you’ll need to do once you land the job interview.

And if you find a career opportunity to pursue, jump on it. Applying within the first couple days of a job opening increases the chances that your resume will be properly reviewed. One follow-up email to reinforce your interest and fit for the role is also a useful tip, Cuyugan says.

Are you ready to start your search? Submit your resume to connect with a recruiter today!

8 Proven Methods to Making Your LinkedIn Profile Recruiter-Ready

When it comes to job boards and finding new talent, LinkedIn remains the top resource for recruiters. After all, it’s the world’s largest professional network on the internet — with more than 30 million companies represented and 20 million-plus open jobs.

That’s a lot of data to wade through. To get the attention of recruiters, you’ll need to do some of the heavy lifting — make your profile work for you. Century Group Talent Acquisition Manager, Megan Helgeson, shares eight proven methods to making your LinkedIn profile recruiter-ready.

1. Make a Strong First Impression

“First impression is always going to be their picture,” Helgson says. “It’s proven that having a picture makes recruiters more likely to visit your profile.” Don’t have a professional headshot at your disposal? No problem. Recruit a friend or family member to snap a photo of you in your favorite business attire ensemble. Stage it in front of a wall or clean background. And avoid filters, car selfies and other busy settings.

2. Showcase Your Education

Give yourself credit where it’s due. Helgeson frequently comes across candidates’ profiles who only list their university without including the type of degree completed — eliminating themselves from filtered LinkedIn Recruiter searches. “If the position requires a certain degree, but a candidate doesn’t have theirs listed, they won’t pull up in the search,” she explains. “Recruiters might assume that you didn’t complete your degree and pass by your profile. You worked hard for it — show it off!”

3. Promote Yourself — Not Your Employer

Focus on highlighting your value proposition, experience and skills in the “About” summary. And while it’s OK to mention your current company, best practice is to use this space as an elevator pitch — make it personal. “Don’t be afraid to use first person or showcase your personality,” she says. “Keep your industry and audience in mind. But if a recruiter wanted a play-by-play of your career history, they would scroll to your experience.”

4. Keep Your Contact Information Updated

If you choose to make your contact information public, make sure it’s updated. For example, Helgeson recalls instances where she’s tried to make a connection with a candidate, only to realize the phone number listed was from their previous job. For email, use or create a professional account. “Just make sure you are checking it regularly, so you don’t miss out on opportunities,” Helgeson says.

5. Let Recruiters Know You’re Available

Are you on the market? Signal recruiters by utilizing LinkedIn’s “Open to Opportunities” function. There are two privacy settings: one that notifies you of who visits your page, and another that restricts that visibility to only recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiting. But beware. While LinkedIn tries to hide your availability from recruiters at your current company, your privacy isn’t 100% guaranteed.

Also list the type of opportunities you’re open to, Helgeson says. But use this wisely. Only do so if you’re singularly interested in exploring those type of positions, as this could restrict recruiters from taking a potential job application seriously if it doesn’t match. “This is also a great tool to use if you are looking to make a career pivot,” she explains. “Listing that you are interested in an opportunity that doesn’t necessarily match your career path let’s recruiters know that you are ready for a new challenge.”

6. Make Yourself Visible with Skills and Endorsements

Recruiters regularly use this feature to search for candidates, so make sure to include all that apply to you. Helgeson offers a pro-tip for pairing with opportunities you’re interested in on LinkedIn. “Check out the ‘How You Match’ section to see what skills that opportunity requires. If you have experience in a skill they want but it’s not reflected on your profile, go back and add it!”

7. Use Your Experience to Highlight Your Professional Performance

Ensuring your current and previous roles are listed and up-to-date is an easy, important step to illustrating your professional career accurately. Use this area to share the companies’ mission statements so recruiters can get an idea of your industry experience — as well as your specific job duties and achievements in the role.

8. Engage Your Network

“The way you interact with your network matters, and recruiters can see your recent activity from your profile,” Helgeson says. “Get involved! Leaving words of encouragement on your colleagues post, sharing a helpful article and helping others connect all reflect positively.” Remember: be mindful of your very visible interactions — always keep it professional.

Are you open to new opportunities? Submit your resume and our recruiters will reach out to you if there’s a match. Browse our blog for more career advice and insights.

How to Job Search During the Pandemic

The hiring environment for job seekers has been favorable over the past couple of years — candidates know it, employers know it. But the past several weeks have brought life as we know it to a halt.

Still, that doesn’t mean your job search has to. From working remotely and hiring freezes to industries experiencing new surges, many companies are experiencing a shift in their operation. And your approach to finding your next career opportunity should follow suit. Here are a few ways accounting and finance professionals can alter their job search during the pandemic.

Follow the Jobs

First and foremost: employers are still hiring. Essential sectors like healthcare, emergency services, food and agriculture and transportation continue to run at full speed — and most importantly, all require accounting staff to function properly.

Recruiting and staffing firms are fielding requests from businesses for both temporary and permanent candidates to help fill their open positions. Reach out to these agencies to get your resume in front of hiring managers more quickly. Even if they’re unable to place you right away, developing these relationships now will get you in the queue once the employer is ready to move forward.

Establish Your Remote Work Routine

Well before COVID-19 made working from home the new normal, telecommuting and flexible work environments were already gaining popularity among professionals. But it’s imperative that you develop a work-from-home routine, so you can demonstrate your effectiveness to your future employer. After all, working remotely is a skill set in its own right. Designate an area or surface of your home where you’ll conduct business during the workweek. Stick to the same work hours each day. And make sure you have a transparent communication method in place, so you can be quickly accessible when needed.

Engage Your Professional Network

Successful candidates know this to be true: it’s all about who you know. What better time to connect with people at a time when individuals are seeking it most? Nurture your network. Check in with old colleagues, fellow alumni or people in a similar industry than you. Offer to set up a virtual cup of coffee to discuss how they’re doing during this pandemic. Another way to boost your online identity, if you’ve been itching to write a think piece or put your professional perspective on an important topic in your field, now is the time. This is a great conversation point to discuss with new contacts — and an impressive note to share with recruiters and hiring managers.

Are you looking for a remote employment opportunity? Submit your resume today.

8 Productivity Tips for Working Remotely

Establishing a nine-to-five routine in the office comes with the territory. There’s the morning coffee, lunch at your desk or out with colleagues, maybe a few meetings in the afternoon and a quick look at tomorrow’s agenda before packing it up for the day. Wash, rinse, repeat.

But when working remotely, those well-set parameters go out the window — and that can include your productivity. We’ve rounded up eight productivity tips for working remotely, so your performance can return to business as usual.

1. Create a Designated Work Space

Our home typically functions as an escape from work —  a place to unwind and decompress after a hard day in the office. But you can still create a similar setup for yourself when the space must operate as both. Dedicate a specific room or surface as your at-home office. That way, your mindset can transition into business mode when working in that area more easily.

2. Plan Your Agenda in Advance

This best practice is just as useful at home as it is for your everyday work life. Organizing your desk in the morning can take up a lot of valuable time — save that activity for the end of the day. Remember: this plan is flexible and can change for urgent projects or tasks.

3. Structure Your Workday

The workday can sometimes blend into an unending fog without the boundaries established by in-person meetings and usual office fare. Actively structuring your day’s agenda with the use of your company calendar can help. Once you have your agenda in place (see previous tip), block out periods on your calendar to alert you when it’s time to switch tasks, so you can remain productive. Pro-tip: include stretch breaks or times throughout the day to step away from your computer throughout the day. Your mind and body will thank you.

4. Prepare Your Meals the Night Before

Another productivity hack that can transition to your remote work lifestyle, meal prepping the night before is a great way to develop a work-week routine that sticks. Sure, it may seem tempting to cook an elaborate, home-cooked breakfast or lunch with your kitchen a mere few feet away, but this can create some discord in your now well-structured workday. Remote working relationships require trust between you and your employer — don’t put that in jeopardy by performing non-work tasks outside of your allotted meal break.

5. Protect Your Time

That being said, many workers feel the need to work harder while working from home because those barriers between your office and home life are less defined. Don’t let burnout affect your productivity. Establishing in- and out-of-office hours with your fellow inhabitants, colleagues and managers are key.

6. Communicate Your Expectations 

A follow-up to the former tip, clear up any unnecessary miscommunication with your roommates, family and colleagues so everyone is on the same page. Voicing these expectations, such as establishing a work-only time range for each day or regular check-ins throughout the week, helps keep you and your team moving forward.

7. Get Comfortable with the Phone

We get it. In a time when text and email is the preferred communication method, jumping on a call is typically the last resort. Well, working remotely changes things. To resolve urgent issues, calling the person(s) directly can quickly address the concern, while sidestepping any reason for misinterpretation. Pro-tip: it’s always a good practice to quickly respond to messages, email, phone calls and voicemails in a timely manner.

8. Stay Connected to Your Colleagues

A great company culture usually has something to do with the people you work with. Even if in-person communication is no longer an option, make time to check-in with your teammates throughout the day or week to discuss non-work-related topics. Sharing stories and keeping the company morale afloat through technology can help you feel more connected.

For remote employment opportunities in your area, submit your resume today. Check back for more productivity tips for working remotely and more timely career advice.

10 Best Practices for Handling Criticism at Work

Nobody’s perfect. And at this point in our lives, we’ve had to give and take our fair share of feedback.

But there is an art to its delivery and reception, especially at work. And developing effective ways to get your message across and handle criticism are key to keeping an open flow of communication between you and your coworkers, as well as ensuring the information lands. Whether you’re the messenger or recipient, here are 10 tips to help make the task less painful and more productive on both sides of the conversation.

How to Give Criticism

1. Think about timing:

Something as simple as taking the other person’s head space, schedule and workload into consideration can help make the delivery that more digestible on their end. Pro tip: Ask them if they have time for some feedback. Framing the meeting with this small cue can instantly prepare them for the criticism ahead.

2. Make it commonplace:

Feedback is an everyday part of working with others — treat it that way. Most people want to learn and grow in their roles, and constructive criticism is a key element to developing their expertise.

3. Be specific and use context:

Everyone enjoys a good story from time to time, but the dramatics don’t belong here. Put plainly: don’t amplify or, on the other side, downplay the impact of the person’s actions or work. Clearly explain what you noticed and its effects. If it was a major or minor issue, make sure to portray that accurately and then move on.

4. Pause: 

It’s important to make the conversation a discussion, allowing the other person to respond and react to your feedback. Put yourself in their shoes. Handling criticism at work isn’t always easy, and hearing their perspective may change how you originally saw the situation. It’s a good way to understand where they’re coming from before moving forward on a solution together.

5. Discuss next steps:

So, the person has some work to do. Now what? Take an active role in identifying the key takeaways from your conversation and the next best steps to address them. This shows that you’re invested in their success, and gives them actionable tools to implement.

How to Handle Criticism

1. Go in with an open mind: 

Check your ego at the door, and try to go into the meeting with an open mind. Listen. The intentions of the other person are usually genuine, and the critique is given as a way to help you improve.

2. Be mindful of your body language: 

This includes your physical cues, as well. Relaxing your posture and uncrossing your arms shows that you’re open to what the other person is saying instead of defensive.

3. Don’t take it personally: 

Sometimes handling criticism at work is a challenge because it feels like an attack on you as a person — your value. But by taking a step back and checking in with tips one and two, it’s easier to view the feedback from a different viewpoint. If the person delivering the message is acting aggressive, confrontational or unprofessional, be sure to bring it to the attention of HR or a manager.

4. Ask questions: 

It’s always better to clarify than assume, especially in these type of situations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure you understand exactly what the other person is saying, and you’re both on the same page. This also shows that you’re engaged and looking to learn from their critique.

5. Follow up:

Scheduling a quick follow-up meeting demonstrates that you’re taking their feedback seriously and are making an effort to improve. If you are unsure of how to address some of their voiced concerns, this is a great time to share your experiences and get their thoughts. It’s also a time to explain your rebuttals if you were unable to initially.

For more career advice and insights, browse our blog!

4 Steps to Resign from Your Job Like a Pro

No one likes to be the bearer of bad news, especially in the workplace. But when it comes to your career, tough decisions need to be made.

We say: accept that exciting job offer — your current employer will be OK.

There seems to be a misconception that handing in your resignation means severing important working relationships. The real secret? It’s all about how you do it. Here are four steps to resign from your job that are sure to make the transition as smooth as possible, all while keeping your reputation in the industry intact.

1. Notify Your Manager First

Sorry, procastinators — ripping off the Band-Aid is your best bet in this scenario. The first person you need to notify is your manager. If you work at the same location, in-person is always the better option, but over-the-phone is also an alternative. The conversation should focus on the positive, highlighting the new opportunity’s selling points and your willingness to assist with the changeover process. This shows to your employer that you respect them and their time, and don’t want to leave the company in a bind.

Pro tip: Be prepared for a counteroffer and make sure you consider its ramifications down the road.

2. Give Enough Notice and Put it in Writing

Sure, the general rule is two weeks advance notice, but that can change with the complexity of the role. If you’re in higher-level management, a longer transition period may be needed to help train or find your replacement.

When it comes to the resignation letter, bring it with you to that initial meeting with your boss or attach it to an email after the phone call. It should include the following:

  • Date of the last day you plan to work
  • Reason for leaving (doesn’t have to be too specific — just that you’re accepting another position at a new company)
  • Share your appreciation for your time working at the company and any other true remarks about your experience

3. Finish Your Stay Strong

If you’re leaving to work for a competitor, sometimes employers prefer you don’t stick around and will immediately escort you out. Don’t take this personally; it’s business, after all. But if you do complete your notice period, make it count. Document important processes that will be useful to the position’s successor, relay noteworthy information to colleagues and wrap up any outstanding assignments or projects, if possible.

Pro tip: Retaining a positive attitude — even if difficult — is a must. The payoff will be worth it.

4. Prepare for the Exit Interview

These can be tricky, especially if you want to keep the possibility of working at the company in the future an option. Be honest about your experience, but avoid emotional outbursts or personal attacks on management. Keeping in touch with key team members is also essential, as you never know where your career will take you.

Are you looking for a new opportunity? Check out our latest accounting and finance jobs in your area.

The Ugly Truth About a Counteroffer

We get it. Breaking up is hard to do. And when it comes to a professional split, the same hesitance that may keep you in a safe, often unsatisfying job can be just as prevalent — especially when there’s an incentive added to the mix.

Our advice: don’t give in.

Century Group’s team of Executive Recruiters regularly confronts this issue during the search process. And in in our experience, accepting a counteroffer is never a good idea — for both you or your current employer. In fact, more than 80% of people who take a counteroffer are no longer with the company six months later, according to the National Employment Association.

Here are five reasons why you should never accept a counteroffer:

1.  That sudden raise or promotion is suspect.

Consider this: Where is the money for the counteroffer coming from? Is your next raise early? Almost all companies follow strict wage and salary guidelines.

2. Understand your worth.

Every professional wants to know they’re valued — but a salary increase or promotion in response to your potential resignation doesn’t scream genuine appreciation. Will you have to pose a similar threat every time you deserve better working conditions and compensation?

3. Your employer is aware that you’re unhappy and looking.

The cat’s out of the bag. Now, regardless of what’s said when the counteroffer is made, you’ll always be considered a risk — and your loyalty to the company called into question.

4. A replacement is on the way.

No one likes to think of themselves as expendable, so we’ll break it to you gently: your future with this employer is most likely temporary. A counteroffer is a management technique often used to buy the company time until your replacement is found.

5. Your circumstances haven’t changed.

No counteroffer can eliminate your reasons for considering a career move in the first place. And while the new conditions may make your work experience more tolerable in the short-term — those circumstances still exist.

Are you ready for a career move? Century Group’s team of accounting and finance placement experts can help. Check out our latest job opportunities today.

Boost Your Career by Developing These 5 Soft Skills

AI can seem like a formidable foe to the everyday employee. For one, artificial intelligence has the potential to increase productivity. Joined with enhanced accuracy and reduced costs, and the future looks progressively automated.

Fret not, candidates. Employers don’t underestimate the soft skills needed for a company to thrive — characteristics that bring value to an entire organization and remain wholly human. Professionals looking to boost their desirability should consider upskilling in the indefinable. Because while technical aptitude and educational backgrounds have their place, developing soft skills like communication and empathy in the workplace will help you through your entire career trajectory — wherever that may lead.

1. COMMUNICATION

Communication skills encompass a few things: active listening, clear, thoughtful speech and an ability to effectively work in a team setting. Simple, right? Not always. The best communicators are often the least verbal. Instead, they choose to let others do the talking and process the information before interjecting with meaningful ideas that move the conversation forward.

For job seekers, proving that you’re able to successfully master these areas must be expressed and emphasized from your cover letter through the entire hiring process. Share examples of how your communication skills have allowed you to complete and collaborate on projects, and be sure to be a present participant during interviews.

2. EMPATHY

This soft skill is important in all aspects of life, but is especially handy in the workplace. Empathy allows us to understand perspectives other than our own, as well as ups our emotional IQ. That way, we’re able to read into certain situations, make adjustments and create strong relationships with the people we regularly work with and depend upon.

3. CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING

Stuff happens. It’s how you respond that matters. Problem-solving is a concept that’s prevalent in our everyday lives, but not always done well. Does a roadblock cause more than a stumble in your productivity or does it generate innovation? Learning to detach from the issue and think free of bias are the first steps to developing this skill.

4. PATIENCE

Practicing patience in an era of instant gratification seems less of a virtue and more of an impossibility. Still, it has real merit in the workplace. A company’s culture is largely based on how its employees communicate and interact with one another. Finding employees that are able to remain level-headed in stressful situations and foster a calm, safe space for collaboration with their colleagues are essential to a building a thriving work environment. It’s also a key indicator of leadership potential — something all companies are on the lookout for when building their teams.

5. ENCOURAGEMENT

Motivation is a powerful thing. And for most, positive reinforcement is just the trick to get people — and ideas — in motion. The ability to influence your peers is a crucial soft skill to achieving results, and helps encourage better output and self-confidence.

Ready to put your soft skills to the test? Check out our latest jobs in accounting, finance, tax and audit and apply today!