6 Steps to Take When You're Not Feeling Engaged at Work

• 2-minute read •
Boost your productivity and job satisfaction through these tips.
To me, feeling engaged means you feel like your work really matters, that you’re making progress toward bigger goals. It’s a state of flow, where the work almost doesn’t feel like “work” a lot of the time. When you’re feeling engaged, you can work really hard, and it feels satisfying, even when it’s exhausting.

Read More

5 Steps to Negotiating a Raise

Many employers are looking at their budgets and payrolls. So now may be a good time to hit up your boss for a raise. But summoning the courage to ask for more money can be tough -- especially if this will be the first time you've ever done it.

We're not talking about a token cost-of-living increase to keep your buying power up with inflation -- in 2008, inflation is expected to be 2.5%. That's not a raise. Rather, we're talking about a reward for your performance and contribution to the company that goes beyond expectations.

If you want a real raise -- a raise you deserve -- you need to ask for it. It probably won't fall in your lap. But with the right timing and preparation, you'll feel less fear and more confidence in making your request, and you'll have nothing to lose by asking. Just remember: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Here's how to plan your pitch and get the pay you deserve.

Prepare and Make Your Pitch

1. Make a list of your specific accomplishments. Think you deserve more money? Be prepared to prove it. You need to show your boss the value you add to the team and point out specific instances you went above and beyond the call of duty.

Ideally, you should keep a personal log of significant contributions you made to your job from day one. If you haven't, start now. For example, note how you saved the company money or boosted sales, how you decreased hassle or stress on a project, and how you showed leadership under pressure. Use as many details as possible, such as numbers and facts. You'll want to take five to seven of your most recent or biggest-impact contributions and present them in a bulleted list.

If your job description has changed over the past year, or you've taken on added responsibilities, include those with your list of accomplishments. If you've recently completed training, received credentials or obtained an advanced degree that will benefit your employer, make sure to point that out as well. To drive home your case, you might want to make copies of any e-mails, memos or notes you've received from higher-ups, clients or colleagues that praise your performance, advises Teena Rose, president of Resume to Referral, a resume writing service provider.

Remember: your pay raise is based on your contribution to the company. Do not bring your personal financial situation into the discussion at all -- your boss doesn't care that your rent has gone up, you've got a wedding to pay for or you're expecting a new baby. When handing out raises, he or she only cares about the bottom line of the company. You should only ask for a raise if you feel you truly deserve it -- not because you need it.

2. Find out how your salary compares. You'll need to tell your boss exactly how much you'd like to get paid. When you know what others in your field are paid and what your position is worth, you can use that figure as a starting point for negotiations. Use our salary comparison calculator to find median salary information for jobs in your particular metro area.

3. Consider negotiating benefits and perks. A raise doesn't have to come in dollar signs. So before entering negotiations, think of other areas you are willing to negotiate such as vacation time, flexible work hours, stock options or tuition reimbursement. You might also consider bargaining for the right to telecommute, a more prestigious title or a week at a professional conference in Hawaii, suggests career coach Marty Nemko.

If the benefits and perks are as important or more important to you than money, you can include them in the forefront of your pitch. But if you prefer the dough, keep a couple of possible perks in your back pocket just in case your boss says "no" to a monetary raise (see below). They'll give you something else to bargain with if negotiations stall.

4. Time your pitch right. If your annual performance review isn't any time soon, approach your boss after you've done well on a project or taken on extra responsibilities. This will make your case much easier to present because your boss already will have a positive taste in his or her mouth. You don't want to allow him or her time to forget what an asset you are.

5. Broach the topic professionally. Set up a meeting with your boss and approach the subject like two parties trying to reach a compromise. Come with your list of accomplishments neatly typed for your boss to reference and your salary request printed at the top.

When making your case, don't compare yourself to co-workers -- stick to the field in general. And don't be cocky or greedy. If you've only been at your entry-level job for a year or two, expecting a hefty bonus, substantial raise or prestigious promotion is probably unrealistic unless you really, truly outdid yourself. Going into the negotiations with a sense of entitlement may actually hurt your chances.

Oh, and don't threaten to quit unless you really mean it. If you give your boss an ultimatum -- "Give me a raise or else" -- you just may find that "or else" is your only option.

If Your Boss Says "No"

There are a number of reasons your boss may turn down your request, but if it's because there simply isn't enough money available, shift gears. "Suggest an upgrade in your position," says Nemko. "It's easier for your employer to rationalize a higher salary if your job description is changed to include higher-level work." You could also ask to reopen negotiations in a few months.

Ask your boss candidly what it'll take for you to get a raise by that time -- and then do it. This shows your boss you truly are interested in increasing your value to the company and will give you a specific accomplishment to quantify when you reopen negotiations.

Boss still turning you down flat? Simply say, "I understand your position," and leave the room. "An ambiguous response is often more effective than an aggressive one because it leaves your boss wondering what you'll do next," says Nemko.

Indeed, you have some thinking to do. "If they consistently say no, and you are consistently performing well, it may be time for you to start looking for a company that is willing to pay you what you deserve," says Ross MacPherson, founder of Career Quest, a job coaching firm. See "Moving on Up" to learn more about making the decision to stay or go -- and how to look for a new job while on the job.

Simple Steps to Get Your C.V. Into Shape

Writing a C.V. is a lot like going to the gym: it requires initiative, energy and dedication, and, at times, it can be daunting. In the long run, however, the hard work pays off and allows you to put your best foot forward with prospective employers.

This autumn, try out an exercise routine that will improve your career prospects: a five-step C.V.-writing workout. You may not have the muscle tone to show for it, but you'll have an impressive tool to use in your job search. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to your field, you can follow the same simple regimen.

Step 1: Establish an objective.
While the main goal of exercise may be to lose a little weight, a job seeker’s ultimate aim is to be recruited. Start by including an objective on your C.V. It should spell out your career goals and your qualifications for the role. Although it is an optional element, an objective allows you to tailor your C.V. to the job vacancy. Make sure what you include in this section is targeted to the company and the job for which you are applying. Your objective might look something like this: “An entry-level position at a magazine that gives me an opportunity to apply my background in English and my three years’ experience as editor of my university newspaper.”

Step 2: Shift into high gear.
If you expect to see results, whether you're working on your calves or on your C.V., sooner or later, you've got to pick up the pace. Since the work history section is the most important element of your C.V., it’s the best section to work hard on. Most employers prefer that applicants list their work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with their most recent jobs. Be sure to include the position, company, location and dates of employment. Use action words to describe your accomplishments and specifically demonstrate how you made a positive impact on the company. For example, it’s not enough to say, “Grew territory revenue in excess of corporate goal.” A statement such as, “Grew territory revenues 25% in less than six months, exceeding established goal of 15%,” will impress employers more.

Remember that one size does not fit all on your C.V. If you're applying for a variety of roles, what you highlight should relate specifically to each unique job vacancy.

If you have been out of the workforce for some time or are looking to make a career change, consider grouping your work history under functional categories instead of chronologically.

Step 3: Eliminate extraneous activities.
Even the strongest athletes run out of steam when they overexert themselves. Avoid exhausting yourself, and the C.V. reader, by weeding out information that does not directly relate to the job at hand. For example, if you are currently in a finance role and a big fan of the circus, there’s no point in mentioning your affinity for the flying trapeze. Or if you want to show off a particular skill that isn't included in the work history section, such as familiarity with a certain software application, list the training courses you've taken or certifications you've received. Just don't go into detail about personal hobbies that don't directly relate to the job.

Step 4: Don't forget the final stretch.
Feeling the burn of lactic acid build-up while exercising is one thing, but waking up in pain is another. Smart athletes know it’s important to conclude their exercise routines with some final stretches. After you've written your C.V., you should give it one last look for grammar and punctuation errors, misspelled words and typos. Format the document so it’s easy to read and appealing to the eye. Use boldface type for section headings, employer names and jobs titles, and leave ample white space so it doesn't look cluttered.

If you submit your application via e-mail, prepare the file as a plain-text document so it can be read on any computer system. Remove all formatting enhancements, such as underlining or boldface, and replace bullets with asterisks or dashes.

Step 5: Request a quick once-over.
If you've worked hard to develop well-defined abs, you shouldn't be afraid to show them off. Similarly, before submitting your C.V., show it to a few friends or professionals in the field and ask if they think it successfully highlights your background and skills. A pair of fresh eyes also can spot any errors that you've overlooked.

Writing a C.V. can be challenging, but it shouldn't make you break out in a sweat. Approach the task like you would a workout: Break it down into small steps, take your time and give each one your all. With a little effort and willpower, you're bound to strengthen your chances of landing the job you seek.

10 Steps to Improve Your Job Chances

You have decided to look for a new job. But, in the haste to land your new job, you need to make sure that you have covered all the bases and approach your job search in a patient and professional manner.

These 10 tips will make sure that your job chances stay on the right track.

1. Develop a job search plan
The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true now as it has ever been. If you know where you want to be and the job you want, it is easier to get there. Therefore, split your job search into short- and long-term goals and identify the actions you need to take in order to reach them.

For example, will you need to develop new skills or gain a new professional qualification? What methods are you going to use to find a job: The Internet? Newspapers?

The more you know about your goals and the more ways you search for your next job, the greater your chances of finding your ideal job.

2. List your achievements
Employers want to know if you have the skills and experience they are looking for because they need to determine "What can this person do for my business?" They want to see evidence of jobs you have done that went above and beyond the basic requirements of your job role.

Look back over the last 12 months and pick out any notable successes or special projects that you were involved in -- this can then be used to show an employer when you are at interview stage. After all, if you have a trumpet to blow then blow it.

3. Revamp your CV
Your CV is designed to do just one thing: to get you an interview. The average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at a CV which means that you need to make an impression quickly and sell yourself.

Acting as your personal shop window, your CV enables buyers (employers) to see what you have to offer and good presentation is key to attracting their interest.

Writing a winning CV can be a challenge. But, by putting the mileage, in you will have a document that will make potential employers take action and invite you for an interview.

4. Decide the type of company you want to work for
You spend almost 70 per cent of your time at work during the course of a year, so it is important that you work in an environment and culture that you can enjoy and thrive. And, that means targeting organisations that match your goals and career values.

Luckily, many of the advertised jobs on CareerBuilder feature a link to the recruiting company's profile which will enable you to get an insight into their working environment.

After all, you don't want to find yourself embarking on the same exercise again this time next year because you made a decision in haste.

5. Use the Web
OK, so you are already on the Web but are you really using it to your advantage as a tool to help you get your next job? No? Then post your CV online, create your own personal account on different job boards and keep up to date with developments in your chosen field by reading the online community pages which will also give information about working in different sectors within your industry. Knowledge is power, they say.

6. Network
Talk to friends, call old work colleagues and attend industry trade shows or networking events. Networking may sound daunting but the more events you attend the easier it becomes. And, the higher up the corporate ladder you move the more and more everybody knows everybody else and a referral from one of your contact could help your career.

7. Customise your CV and covering letter
It may seem tempting to simply cut and paste the same CV and covering letter to several employers, but it could cost you in the long run. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying and only include relevant information that will demonstrate how your experience links to the advertised position.

For instance, if you are applying for a marketing role, make sure that your CV has a marketing bias highlighting your experience in this field.

8. Dress to impress
Shakespeare once said: "Apparel oft proclaims the man." Your image is the outer reflection of your inner self allowing people to judge and make assumptions of your personality and attitudes. Dressing successfully (or unsuccessfully) can make or break your interview.

Dress for the job you want not the job you already have.

9. Stay positive and avoid neg-heads
Job seeking is never easy and there will be times when you will want to give up and resign yourself to staying in your current job. But don't give up.

Experts estimate that the average job search can last anywhere from two to 10 months. So be patient and have the belief that you will find your dream job just around the corner. As Henry Ford said: "If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right."

10. Be good to yourself
Searching for a job is a job in itself and, unless you take a break away from it, you could start to feel exhausted and burnt out. Don't allow it to consume your every waking moment.

Allow time to relax with friends, listen to your iPod or go to the gym and participate in activities that you enjoy. Clearing your mind and replenishing your energy will enable you to resume your job search feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Making Your C.V. E-Friendly: 10 Steps

It is important to provide a short, clear and concise electronic C.V.! Some scanning systems and databases stop reading C.V.s after a certain number of lines, often after about one and a half pages, so be sure that your most important information appears early in your C.V.

You can easily take your existing C.V. and reformat it for electronic submission. Here are some quick guidelines to do so:

1. Open your standard C.V. file on your computer and select the Save As command on your toolbar, usually located under the file menu. Select Text Only, Plain Text or ASCII as the type.

2. Close the file and then reopen it to make sure you are working from the new text-only version. You'll see that most graphic elements such as lines, images and bullet point symbols have now been eliminated. But if they haven't, go ahead and delete them. You may use equal signs in place of lines or borders and replace bullet points with plus symbols(+), asterisks (*) or hyphens (-).

3. Limit your margins to no more than 65 characters wide.

4. Use an easy-to-scan sans-serif type font, such as Courier, Arial or Helvetica.

5. Eliminate bold, italics and underlining if any remain after saving as text-only.

6. Introduce major sections with all words in capital letters, rather than in bold, italics or underlining.

7. Keep all text aligned to the left.

8. Instead of using bullets, use a standard keyboard character, such as an asterisk.

9. Instead of using the Tab key or paragraph indents, use the space key to indent.

10. When done, click Save or OK. Then reopen the file to see how it looks. Make any additional format changes as needed.

Now test your electronic C.V. by e-mailing it to a friend who uses a different Internet Service Provider. For example, if you use BT, send it to a friend who uses NTL or Hotmail. Also try sending it to someone who works in a large company to see how it transmits via their I.T. system as the body of the e-mail rather than sending it as an attachment. That way, they will be able to tell you how it looks when it shows up in their e-mail system and whether it is legible. After getting their feedback, make any adjustments necessary to fix it.