No matter if you have performance reviews at the end of the year or around an employee’s anniversary date, performance reviews are extremely important for employees. Employees want regular feedback on their work and what areas they can improve. Providing ongoing feedback can help improve employee morale in the workplace and help prevent larger issues in the future surrounding employee performance. Below are a few performance review tips:

• Have employees track their accomplishments. Before writing an employee review, ask each employee to provide a list of what they have accomplished over the year. This will help you remember all the projects that they have worked on and help employees feel good about all that they have accomplished throughout the year.
   
• Schedule times consistently. Depending on when your performance reviews are complete, make sure all employees are on the same page when they are completed. If you perform reviews at the end of the year, try to schedule the reviews on the same day if possible so it is fair to all employees.
   
• Provide honest feedback for both parties. In order to help your employees improve on the job, praise what they do well on the job and be honest in areas they need to focus on. Make it clear during the conversation that the employee can discuss anything that they have concerns with. It needs to be a two-way conversation.
   
• Give plenty of examples. Whether it is positive or negative feedback, try not to be vague during your discussion. Examples for each major strength or weakness will provide a clearer picture to employees.
   
• Focus on the future. Discuss what measurable goals you want your employee to accomplish in the future so that they can strive to achieve them. Also ask your employee if there are any areas of the business or your group they would like to get exposure to. This will show your employee that you want to provide them different opportunities to learn and grow.
   

Remember performance reviews should be a positive experience and something that employees should look forward to. Creating a positive atmosphere during a review will help ease their nerves and have them leave your office with a renewed attitude towards their work and be well motivated for the year ahead.

Now is the perfect time to get organized at work. Not only does being organized at work reduce clutter, but it will help you be more efficient and effective everyday. Here are a few suggestions to help you get organized at work:

• Make a list. It is critical to highlight what tasks/goals you need to complete during the day, week, and month. You can either create 3 separate lists by day, week or month or create one main list and designate which tasks you need to attain by which timeframe. Be sure to review your list (s) at the beginning of each day so you know what you need to do.
   
• Utilize a calendar or planner. Any important dates or deadlines should be marked and tracked in a calendar. You should review your calendar or planner frequently so that you do not lose track of any important dates and deadlines. In addition you will be able to see if you have any conflicts that might occur. You can also consider electronic calendars that will alert you when important tasks are due.
   
• Straighten your desk. Try to keep your desk clean and get rid of any papers you do not need. If you have a filing drawer or compartments on your desk, utilize them to file any information you rarely use. Discard or shred any old papers or files that are no longer needed.
   
• Prioritize your Email and Phone Calls. If you tend to get bombarded with emails and calls, sort your incoming emails and calls by level of importance. Whenever you have some downtime, then you can handle the less important calls and emails.
   
• Commit to be organized. It is great to say that you will try to be organized but a commitment needs to be in place. Spending a few extra minutes at the end of each day to clean your desk and get organized for the next day will help you stay organized and resourceful throughout the year.

So, are you ready to take action?

The biggest salary increases almost always come from changing jobs and companies. These increases can be 20–30% higher than the old job. Some of my clients have seen 40–50% increases, and a few clients actually doubled their salaries. Lately, I find employers are open to negotiating salaries and are paying more than ever.

The biggest salary increases almost always come from changing jobs and companies. These increases can be 20–30% higher than the old job. Some of my clients have seen 40–50% increases, and a few clients actually doubled their salaries. Lately, I find employers are open to negotiating salaries and are paying more than ever.

Moral of the story — ASK!

But, how? What must I say or do to get the best offer possible?

I cover salary negotiations thoroughly in my book 60 Seconds & You’re Hired!, but here are a few key points to guide you:

Know what your skills are worth.

Don’t guess. KNOW! Go to my website and click on Salary to learn what employers are paying for your level of experience and skills. You can also check with your professional association — almost all agencies publish salary ranges based on job title and experience level.

Read the full Smart Salary Negotiation Strategies Can Make You Rich … article by Robin Ryan.

60 Seconds & You’re Hired!

Read 60 Seconds & You’re Hired! and get more of Robin’s advice.

Are you working on your career goals or just going through the motions? Are you in one day and out the next? Are you waiting for your goals to inspire and motivate you, and then you will jump in completely?

Many of us want a guarantee before we fully commit to our goals. If only we knew it would work out, then we would not question our choice or the direction of our future. Guess what? Your career will not give you the guarantee you are seeking. What you will get is a strong feeling inside guiding you in the right direction. Then, you listen to your gut, follow what you hear, and work on your goals everyday. That’s when momentum takes over. That’s when you get inspired. That’s when you reach your goals.

The miracles in your career happen when you throw yourself fully into what you want to achieve. Will there be bad days and good ones? Yes. Will you question your future sometimes? Yes. There is a difference between being “in”, versus planning for a time when you are ready to go “in”. What happens if you are never ready? How are you ever going to reach your goals then?

So, How Do You Fully Commit To Your Career Goals?

Follow These Four Steps Below:

1. Decide To Commit to Your Goals

   Decisions are the turning point for real change and transformation. If you are unhappy in your job, decide that you will do something about it. If you want a career change, decide that you will have one. If you want to move up in your present position, decide that this will happen. Decide that today is that start of something brand new. For many of my clients, deciding is the hard part. One the decision has been made, the rest if implementation.

Read the full Are you working on your career goals or just going through the motions?… article by Deborah Brown-Volkman.

Coach Yourself To A New Career: A Book To Discover Your Ultimate Profession

Deborah Brown-Volkman is the author of Coach Yourself To A New Career: A Book To Discover Your Ultimate Profession. Well worth the read.

“I’m comfortable where I’m at. This is one of the more common scenarios when someone doesn’t want to look for a new job even when critical situations arise. I’m talking about those who go down with a sinking ship. The ship being the company for which they’re employed, of course.

You’ve been in a dead-end job for months, or even years now, yet you can’t seem to gather up the courage to look for a new job. Or your company announced there will be a series of layoffs coming this year and you don’t know if you’re going to be affected. Is that enough to make you start job hunting? If not, then you could be considered a job search procrastinator.

Prepare for Layoffs

“I’m comfortable where I’m at.�? This is one of the more common scenarios when someone doesn’t want to look for a new job even when critical situations arise. I’m talking about those who go down with a sinking ship. The ship being the company for which they’re employed, of course.

If your company announces upcoming layoffs, that means the company is in trouble. Possibly not in fear of bankruptcy but it’s not doing as well as planned or expected. You know heads are going to roll but you don’t know if yours is going to be one of them.

I’ve known people who have stuck it out till the very end. And where does that leave them? Without a job. and scrambling. Even if you are offered a severance package, it might not be enough to support you and your family.

Something that employees have to realize is that when this situation occurs, you can’t be too confident about your place in a company. You have to weigh the risks involved with sticking it out. Yes, you want to be loyal to your company…when possible. But don’t let that loyalty blind you to the fact that you could very well be out of a job soon.

Read the full Are You A Job Search Procrastinator?… article by Heather Eagar.

I find it hard to believe that some of us as we approach our fifties and sixties are having difficulty engaging our brains. I always thought it was a matter of use it or lose it. Is it possible that some of us have been spending too much time with our brains in a state of disengagement?

Perhaps the problem is that some of us have nothing worthwhile to think about any more. Maybe the difficulty is that we can find almost all the answers to our questions on Google, and there is no longer any need to think independently. Maybe it is because we think that supplements will exercise our brains for us without any effort on our part.

I’ve got a great idea, why don’t we invent a game that requires us to think independently again. Let’s start by agreeing to calculate our restaurant tips in our heads without benefit of pocket calculators by doubling the bill and placing a decimal point after the first digit as the tip. An example would be a $40 dining bill doubled would equal $80 or an $8.00 tip. Come on let’s be generous for a change. You can round off if you want.

Read the full Brain Games For The New Middle Aged…. article by Arthur Levine.

When you think the right thoughts, when your attitude is right, when rational (as opposed to irrational) emotions drive you to take the appropriate actions, in due time you’ll get the rewards in life you deserve, you’ll be at peace, you’ll forget what it feels like to be depressed and worry will be foreign to you.

The following article is written by Mike Brescia the founder of ThinkRightNow. I have known Mike for years and have used, and benefited from his programs.

Would anyone invest in you?

Warren Buffet is the greatest investor that ever lived. Part of what makes him great is that he is great at identifying talented people. So when he looks for companies to invest in, he doesn’t look for productline this or plans.

He looks for talented people.

I know of a business whose stock he turned down. That business was later sold for nearly 400 million dollars. So why did he decide not to buy it? Primarily, because it wasn’t in business long enough. He wants to see a 15 year track record. The business that was before him? In business only 10. What happened? After it was sold to a multi-billion dollar company, the principles all left within a year and it’s now being run into the ground. Currently it’s losing money by the truckload by the truckload.

See why Warren invests in people and not plans? The people who bought the company, that already had a great plan couldn’t make the proven business plan work.

So, when people don’t follow your advice and when they don’t do what you want to do, its usually because they don’t trust you. What most people don’t understand it is that unless you are enormously, and I mean enormously, persuasive, it can take a long time to earn people’s trust. Typically, it doesn’t have to take 15 years to earn most people’s trust, but it does take time.

So when you don’t get your way in the first 10 minutes, if you have to pick yourself up over and over again, if you have to fail over and over in order to reach some truly worthwhile goal, do it.

Why do most people, including you, set goals and quit before you reach them?

No guiding principles. Short-term view.

Most people live their lives like dry leaves in a high wind unable to keep themselves from following every distraction that turns their head.

If the TV is on constantly, if endless hours are wasted surfing the Internet for nothing in particular, if many important jobs are left undone and ignored on a daily basis, if you are not setting important daily goals for yourself, your department, your family and any organization to which you belong, then stop wondering why you don’t get your way more often than why more people don’t trust you and follow you.

If Warren Buffett or a potential employer or a potential suitor or anyone you want to join or have join you were to study your past actions and decisions, would they invest in you or follow you, or want you to join them?

In many ways the world is not fair.

But in many ways the world is eminently fair.

When you think the right thoughts, when your attitude is right, when rational (as opposed to irrational) emotions drive you to take the appropriate actions, in due time you’ll get the rewards in life you deserve, you’ll be at peace, you’ll forget what it feels like to be depressed and worry will be foreign to you.

Think the proven thoughts of winners found in every Think Right Now Accelerated, Behavior Modification Program and that will be YOU right down to the cellular level.

Mike Brescia
ThinkRightNow

While posting job openings online has become an integral part of most recruitment advertising campaigns, few companies take the steps to maximize the return on their investment. Taking the initiative to compose an effective job advertisement will not only differentiate your company and draw a qualified pool of active candidates, but a dynamite ad can also persuade passive candidates – skilled workers who are already employed, but open to a great opportunity – to click the “Apply�? button as well.

Devote a sufficient amount of time to composing your job advertisement. Too often companies allot substantial resources to the selection of resources and candidate evaluation, but when it comes to writing an effective job ad, many recruiters are given little guidance and even less time. Companies must understand that more effective job advertisements attract more qualified candidate pools, save time, and increase return on investment.

Communicate a mutually beneficial message. To reach out to the most qualified active and passive candidates, your job ad should include more than just requirements and compensation. Tell job seekers about the opportunity, not just the position available. Cite key points of differentiation, like potential for individual growth within the organization, involvement in important projects, unique management style, flexible hours, etc. Workplace dynamic and corporate culture are important factors for candidates, so give them an idea of the type of company to which they are applying.

Read the full Constructing an Effective Online Job Advertisement… article.

When seeking employment, it is critical that you take an active and focused approach to the job search process. To help you, I have compiled a list 10 Keys to help you succeed in your job search.

1. Take stock – know yourself

If you know your strengths and weaknesses and what you want in a career, then you have a much better chance of finding your perfect job. Finding that dream position starts with understanding your personality, values and what drives you. Taking a career and personality assessment is a huge first step towards optimizing your personal career path. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment is the most widely used personality instrument. More than 2 million worldwide assessments are performed each year by job seekers, professionals, and organizations, including 89 of the Fortune 100. Take a Free Personality Assessment now to find out what motivates you and find the perfect job today.

2. Networking – know others

Many jobs are obtained through networking. It is a very important tool for job seekers and is an extremely fast and effective way to find your next job or career. While many employers advertise open positions on internet job boards like JobsWorkCareers.com, you should find out about the hidden job market as well by talking to as many people as possible and letting them know you are looking for a job. You may also find ebooks such as The Last Guide To Networking You’ll Ever Need very helpful.

3. Accomplishment oriented resume – know how to write it well

The purpose of a resume is not to get you a job, but to land an interview. An organized, industry-specific and accomplishment-oriented resume will get employers to take notice. In todays hyper-competitive job market, you simply cannot afford to send out a resume that is less than perfect. The Last Guide to Cover Letter and Resume Writing You’ll Ever Need is an ebook that many job searchers such as yourself have found useful.

2 common yet easily-avoidable resume mistakes

1. Always use a professional email address on your resume. While footballfan@aol.com may be fine for conversing with friends, it will give employers a negative perception of your level of professionalism and commitment to your job search.
2. If your resume includes an objective statement, it should be geared to both your personal goals as well as the goals of the company. Describing how you can add value to the company will give potential employers the impression that your goal is to provide a long-term commitment.

Our professional resume writing Consultants can provide you with quick help to write a job-winning resume.

4. Job proposal – know your value

Get the attention of decision-makers at a company through a Job proposal. It is a one or two page mini business plan that is intended to get you an interview with the decision-maker of a targeted prospective employer. While a resume tells someone what you have done in the past, a job proposal shows in some detail what you are going to do for the company down the road. Specifically, it lays out how you will help them achieve their vision of success. It generally explains the vision you have for a new product or service, how to enhance an existing program, or why to implement a new process. It may also outline your plan to increase company sales or improve accounts receivable. When you challenge the relevance of traditional job search strategies and begin utilizing tools and techniques that clearly distinguish you from the pack, most anything is possible, including winning a dream job with a great company during a down economy. Speak with a Personal Career Consultant to help you with the focus, tools, and techniques to define and achieve your career goals.

5. Industry Knowledge – know your market

During your job search, it is imperative to show initiative and drive while continually looking to improve your industry knowledge. In today's competitive job market, staying up-to-date on your industry is crucial to your future success. To be a truly outstanding business professional, you must not only understand trends and developments in your own industry, but the trends and developments in an average consumer's industry. A great way to stay current is through free industry publications. Choose from over 200 Free Industry Magazines!

6. Research – know the players

There is no substitute for hard work and research. Knowing which companies are hiring in your area is only half the battle. Take your search to another level by getting access to key contacts, decision makers, and hiring managers. Check out sites like Hoovers.com to gain access to these types of lists. Ask one of our Career Consultants for more information regarding customized research to meet your needs.

7. Interviewing – know how to communicate

The biggest mistake in interviewing is not being fully prepared. It is crucial for job-seekers to use every conceivable means possible to prepare for an interview and to allow ample time to fully prepare. Understand that interviewing is a skill; as with all skills, preparation and practice enhance the quality of that skill. Preparation can make the difference between getting an offer and getting rejected.

The Last Guide To Interviewing You’ll Ever Need can help you to practice answering these commonly-asked interview questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Where do you expect to be in five years?
3. Describe a work-related problem you had to face recently. What did you do to deal with it?
4. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

You can also ask one of our Career Consultants for help.

8. Marketing – know how to sell yourself

An interactive personal portfolio of yourself pulls together your accomplishments, education, experience and awards in one place. It is a highly-effective job-hunting tool that you develop that gives employers a complete picture of who you are – your experience, your education, your accomplishments, your skill sets, and what you have the potential to become – much more than just a cover letter and resume can provide. You can use your career portfolio in job interviews to showcase a point, to illustrate the depth of your skills and experience, or to use as a tool to get a second interview. Dont forget to setup your free Personal Portfolio at JobsWorkCareers.com. The best kinds of portfolios can be built and distributed to employers through the internet.

9. Background Check – know your history

With thousands of resumes to choose from, employers often select from pre-screened candidates first, as these job seekers appear more serious in their job quest and commitment. Pre-screening by the job seeker saves the employer valuable time and money, and places pre-screened candidates ahead of the competition. Find out more information on getting a Background Check.

10. Learning never ends – know more

The investment of time and money in continuing your education sends a powerful message to prospective employers that you are serious about improving your skills and abilities. Employers are more likely to hire candidates that show the desire and commitment for lifelong learning. Whether it's a certificate program, associates, bachelors, or masters degree, there is a program to fit your lifestyle, schedule and budget. To find a school that fits your needs, browse our Continuing Education Index of over 200 schools or try out our school matching program.

Ric Ward
JobsWorkCareers Coach

“Sow the seeds of understanding and reap the harvest of knowledge and opportunity�? – Richard Dodd

So you want to be a world class negotiator. You want to both create and claim value with maximum effectiveness. Who wouldn’t?

How do you get there? Where do you start?

The previous article in the Zen Series on Selling as a Trusted Advisor, titled “Business Negotiation – The Pyramid of Power,�? explored the correlation between account positioning and negotiating power. The four levels defined in the Pyramid were vendor, problem solver, business resource and trusted advisor. Vendors had minimal negotiating power and often entered into win/lose business arrangements. Problem solvers moved up the Pyramid and entered into win/win agreements. Business resources entered into expanded win/win agreements. Trusted advisors entered into value creation win/win agreements that maximized the gains for both sides in the business deal.

Of course your ultimate goal is to position yourself as a trusted advisor whose advice and counsel are valued by senior executives. This represents negotiation currency that forges long term, profitable business relationships.

The Seven Steps to Become a World Class Negotiator will help business professionals operating at the top of the Pyramid, trusted advisors, to protect and grow their accounts.

But what if you haven’t achieved this level of account positioning? What if you are viewed as business resource, a problem solver or god-forbid a vendor? This article is perhaps most valuable for these three roles. If fact if you are being treated as a vendor, this article may provide critical concepts and insights that help you to not only survive but thrive in advancing account relationships and negotiating better deals.

You may be wondering if you have what it takes to become an excellent negotiator.

Read the full The Seven Steps To Become A World Class Negotiator… article.