How to Impress Your Boss When You Work From Home - The Muse

How to Impress Your Boss When You Work From Home - The MuseHow to Impress Your Boss When You Work From Home If given the choice, most of us would likely opt for a flexible work schedule, one that enables us to balance our busy, multi-faceted lives and do our best work in the hours that make sense for us. I know I wouldThankfully, companies are listening. Organizations such as Aflac, Google, and Dell are pioneering innovative flexible work policies for large corporations. As the co-founder of my own company, Ive worked remotely since we began six years ago. When my business partner and I launched, we chose to build the kollektiv in Atlanta and commute there as often as possible from our home base in Charleston, SC. Apart from the one week per month Im in our Atlanta office, I work from home.And although many of employees do work in-office most days, several take advantage of our flexible work offering because of children, long commutes, or a simple desire to work a non-restrictive, micromanaged schedule. As long as theyre accountable and getting their jobs done, my partners and I see no reason to place a strict office-only policy on our team. In fact, I think mora managers would be open to allowing work-from-home days so long as this is the case. If you manage to convince your anfhrer to let you work remotely- whether for a random day you need to be home for the plumber or every Wednesday- heres how to make sure he wont regret it. 1. Honor Your Hours of AvailabilityThe two main concerns for companies considering flexible work policies are efficiency and productivity. Is the remote employee getting as much work done as when he or she is in the office? One of our employees told me she always emails her manager the hours she is working any day shes not in the office. And if she needs to step away from her computer for a long lunch or appointment, she lets them know that as well. Its key to have certain hours during which you can be trusted to work- and to work di ligently during that time.One of the advantages of working remotely, after all, is the opportunity to work free from office distractions. Use your (quiet) time wisely.2. Dont Be a BottleneckOn the days Im in Atlanta with my team, they can ask me a question, such as Whats your favorite photo for this? or What subject should we use for tomorrows email? and get an immediate answer. In turn, I expect the same kind of timely response from them when I seek input, regardless of where theyre working from. Its crucial to reply to emails and calls quickly when working out of the office, so youre not acting as a bottleneck- which can feel frustrating for the people who arent in your position. Something concise that answers their questions sooner is better than a perfectly crafted response sent later or too late. In other words, respond ASAP to your boss and colleagues, and you wont seem so far away.3. Make Time to SocializeNothing beats in-person time for building camaraderie and a sense of te am culture. Building friendships in the office also makes work more fun. Whether you work from home full- or part-time, try to schedule some in-office visits for coffees, lunches, or check-ins to foster personal relationships at the company. Your team will be more understanding when your remote situation poses challenges for them if they know and like you. When one of our employee moved out of state due to her husbands job, we were happy to create a remote position for her because we liked her and knew her capabilities- plus, wed gotten to know her beyond the work she did, and this helped establish her as a member of our team.My prediction is that flexible work schedules will only become more commonplace as companies continue to prioritize employees lifestyle and well-being. For you, that hopefully means no more fretting each time you request a non-office day and no more feeling bad or guilty about taking regular remote days (or even asking for a full week this summer so you can enj oy extra time at the your familys lake house). If youre like me and really enjoy this type of flexibility, remember to keep your head up and prove to your boss and your team that youre being productive. Working from home doesnt mean slacking it means working even if it does make it easier to take advantage of a midday yoga class in between revising the latest portfolio. Photo of person working remotely courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

How to be yourself in a world that wants to change you

How to be yourself in a world that wants to change youHow to be yourself in a world that wants to change youWhen Im in a room full of strangers, I never really know how to interact. I listen more than talk, and I overanalyze every movement, word, and thought a hundred times in my head before I react to my surroundings. Just writing that sentence made me feel exhausted however, this happens more often than I would like to admit.Every day when I wake up, I aim to be myself I dress the way I want to dress, I wear my hair the way I want to wear it, and I walk out the door in hopes that my inner self will align with my external world. But, as much as I want to admit that I do things for myself, I cant help but wonder what others will think if I wear a certain piece of clothing or parte my hair a certain way. I dont know why, but I cant help but create these internal struggles that I can only binnensee and feel. I dont want to believe that these thoughts are my truths, but they sometimes t ake precedence. While I dont compare myself to others usually, I cant help but feel that I have to act, talk, or look a certain way to be allowed to be a part of someone elses world instead of just trusting myself that I am enough to be loved for who I am.So, after feeling like this for far too long, Ive decided to try to put a stop to this way of living. Life is what you make of it, and if Im living through others perceptions, then I cant call this life my own. So if any of the above sounds similar to what youre going through, please scroll below to see how you can be yourself in a world that may possibly want to change you. Because, truthfully, the only person you should be seeking reassurance from is you and you alone. So lets do this.1. Take a break from social mediaIt can be hard to find your own voice when youre constantly consuming others thoughts and opinions. While social media channels like Instagram and Facebook are there to connect you with other like-minded people, they can easily put a damper on your day when you see something that could trigger a negative thought pattern. To prevent this from happening, its best to take a break by unplugging every once in a while. Delete these apps, and put your attention into other things that will validate your voice and wont require validation from likes and comments (i.e. journaling, setting goals, talking with close friends on the phone, listening to inspirational podcasts, etc). Swapping your daily swipes with voice-affirming activities that were mentioned above could help you build your intuition and allow you to get to know yourself on a higher level.2. Resist the urge to constantly please othersSeeking validation from others is a surefire way to prevent yourself from living your best life. If you happen to overthink everything, you probably carefully calculate every move and word you say to appease others so you dont have to deal with the feeling of rejection. Even though rejection is a hard pill to swa llow, nothing is more exhausting than cherry-picking everything you do. Remember no matter what you do or say, youre not going to be able to please every single person in the world. Playing it safe wont allow you to chase after your dreams or make yourself be comfortable in your own skin. Its best to let go of the notion that its your responsibility to make everyone else comfortable when the only thing you should be responsible for is your own happiness.3. Only say things you meanNothing is more damaging to your self-worth than saying things you dont mean. This goes hand-in-hand with trying to please others because youre afraid to rub someone the wrong way. Being true to your values and ethos is the greatest gift you can give yourself. This allows you to be open and honest with yourself in ways you couldnt imagine. When something comes up that either bothers you or goes against what you believe, allow yourself to live in the discomfort and politely speak your truth. Usually, people say things they dont mean because they dont know how to sit with things that make them uncomfortable, so theyd rather avoid it all together by just doing what the other person wants.4. Get to know yourself betterYou wont be able to be your true self if you dont know who you are or what you want out of life. Take a few moments and sit with your thoughts. Write in a journal, take a few personality quizzes, ask your family about their history - heck, check your astrology chart. The more you understand your personality, your likes and dislikes, and where you come from, the more youll be able to gauge who you want to be.5. Try not to overanalyze and be fully present in every momentEngaging in a conversation with someone can be overwhelming for some when you overanalyze every scenario. Why did I say that? Are they bored with what Im saying? Think of something funny to say so they like me just might be a few things that would groe nachfrage through your head. However, by having these conv ersations with yourself, youre refusing to be present.Ideally, you want to switch this dialogue to not critique everything you do but to easily flow with whats going on outside of your mind. Essentially, by being present, youre allowing yourself to focus on whats actually happening in front of you instead of focusing on the assumptions that youre coming up with.6. Be kind to yourself and appreciate who you areAt the end of the day, you should be kind and nurturing to yourself while youre trying to figure out how to be more like yourself. Dont beat yourself up or compare yourself to someone else when it seems so easy for them to be open and honest with their thoughts. Youre assuming that theyre comfortable in their skin, when in reality, they could be having the exact same thoughts that you are.Remind yourself to focus on your own journey. Do everything in your power to find your voice and take the next steps to live the life youve always wanted. As hard as it is to remember, nothing is more powerful than being yourself in a world that wants you to be like everyone else, when being like everyone else is, frankly, boring.This article first appeared on The Every Girl.

Back to School, Back to the Job Search

Back to School, Back to the Job SearchBack to School, Back to the Job SearchWhile we recommended ramping up your job-search efforts during the summer months, we know that many of you still took time off to enjoy the beaches and give yourself a break from the stressful job search.Now that the kids are back in school and autumn is officially here, its time to focus on your job goals and recommit to the searchHere are three tips to help you get back into the job-search groove this fallGo school shoppingJust like your children need supplies to get them ready for school, you also need the right tools to be ready for your job search.If your interview outfit could use an update, take advantage of back-to-school and Columbus Day sales to get something that fits you well and makes you feel good about yourself. Make sure your portfolio or briefcase is in good shape to transport your items to and from interviews in style.Invest in a professionally-written resume to make you 40% more likely to l and the job you want.Find your routineFor many, summer is the time when regular schedules are thrown out the door in favor of Summer Fridays and fun activities if you took a break from your search, nows the time to get back on trackTake out your calendar and block off time each and every week to dedicate to job-search activities.Ideally you should spend anywhere from 15 to 40 hours per week (depending on your employment status) on job applications and follow-up, social and professional networking activities, and recruiter outreach and engagement.Reconnect with classmatesUse the back-to-school season as an excuse to reconnect with people you havent seen since swim lessons and vacations took over the calendar. Check in with your professional and social groups and RSVP to their upcoming meetings and events.Use your universitys homecoming weekend or other alumni events to network.Make a point to introduce yourself to the parents on your childs soccer team and say hello at back-to-schoo l night. These mere acquaintances may turn out to be valuable connections during your search.Use these tips and your search will be gaining momentum in no time

Consulting Annual Review Process 101 (Part 1)

Consulting Annual Review Process 101 (Part 1)Consulting Annual Review Process 101 (Part 1)By Kristine Schoonmaker, MyConsultingLife.comEach year consulting firms go through an exercise to rate their talent and promote those ready to move up. The environment is incredibly competitive and the rules of the game are usually anything but black and white. While there may not be a clear science to the process, if you understand what the landscape is really like, you greatly increase your odds of success. But dont hold your breath waiting for the company training on this one. Unfortunately, no one is likely to tell you the down and dirty skinny on the annual review process when you get hired.A few things HR probably didnt mention to you when you joinedIts subjective. Many firms label themselves as a meritocracy, meaning that those exhibit certain talents, aptitude or skills get rewarded (e.g., get good ratings and move up). The challenge for you as the consultant is that this is also hi ghly subjective. In many cases, even though your firm may outline certain factors used to evaluate your performance, they can often lack clarity and specificity. With the human element so largely in play, its rarely black and white (e.g., do this and get this mark). Space is limited. There are a generally a set number of slots for each rating and a set number of slots for promotions. Landing one depends largely on your ability to justify to the powers that be that you deserve it and are already playing at that level consistently. Nailing one project out of three in a year isnt going to cut it. Promotions and good ratings are awards given for proven ability, not potential. You have to stand out from the Jones. You will be ranked against your peers or the others at your level. This gets interesting because rarely will you all have the same role description. Frequently there will be situations where a test team lead is pitted against a change management consultant for one last spot. Theyre apples to oranges, so it will all come down to how well each is positioned and who has the more compelling story. Air time is short. Everyone, including you, the person speaking on your behalf, and your partners are super busy all the time, making it very hard to remember all the great things you did throughout the year. On top of that, firms often use a series of conference calls or meetings at various levels (team, account, practice, etc) to evaluate performance. If youve ever been in a fraternity or sorority its a lot like the recruitment process. Its not uncommon for your representative at the table to have only two to three minutes to make their argument for why you deserve the rating they recommend. Regardless of what you actually did over the past 12 months or what was written in your performance review, what they say in that short time can very easily determine your fate. Politics are in full play. When disputes happen, and they often do, she who has the mos t respected supporters and compelling story wins. There will be one person at each meeting speaking for you, but the others in the room carry as much weight or more in the final decision.Feeling down in the dumps about your prospects? Dont give up just yet. There are a few very specific things you can incorporate into your routine to combat these challenges quite easily. Stay tuned for Part 2Kristine Schoonmaker is The Career Lifestyle Coach for Consultants and founder of MyConsultingLife.com. Her bi-weekly ezine Accelerate offers practical insider advice and quick tips from a former consulting exec to help YOU take greater control of your career and stay engaged in your personal life from the road. If youre ready to have it all an amazing career in consulting without giving up the lifestyle, relationships and experiences you want, get your FREE subscription now at www.myconsultinglife.com.

Detailed Notes on Resume Sample Format in Simple Step by Step Order

Detailed Notes on Resume Sample Format in Simple Step by Step Order All resume samples are categorised so that it is easy to locate the very best sample resume for yourself. Although resumes are composed using standard elements, there is absolutely no prescribed format is effective equally well for everybody. You are going to see that there are 3 types of format used generally employed for resumes. By selecting a template, you dont need to be concerned about the format itself. Knowing the difference between a resume and curriculum vitae is a lot more essential before deciding on a template. Career aspirants will need to be on the lookout for a resume template rather than a training course load vitae template. Before you choose the appropriate format, it is very important to seem thorough the college resume examples readily available online. The Tried and True Method for Resume Sample Format in Step by Step Detail Any appropriate experience youre able to see in your past wil l assist you, but dont be scared to emphasize the skills you learned outside the work field. Distinct kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a lot of the exact same skills. If you get a significant collection of honors or awards, a distinct category is most likely appropriate. Actually, you could always create a compelling and strong resume that may brandish all of your relevant skills and experience for you to ultimately get the job that you would like. Even in the event youve never held an official job, its still true that you have life experience thats applicable to the work search. Simply because youve got zero experience or its your very first job. When youre working at your present job you arent stressed, seems like everything goes smooth and with no troubles. Our resume builder is the quickest approach to create a resume that can help you get your fantasy job. Possessing a strong resume will permit you find numerous great jobs. There was a time every time a proper Resume meant a review of the academic achievements. Employers understand that youre young and looking to enhance your experience, so give them as much as you can that shows youre be an important employee. It is vital to go through company specific Resume. The Sample Format Of Resume For Job may also be structured in the way which best presents your abilities and experience. Notice how the example resumes are extremely specific when it has to do with technical skills. Youre able to enter your social websites profile address for an extra point of contact. The subject of information technology grows more important each and every day. Ask yourself in case the email address youre using sounds professional or not. If your resume exceeds one particular page, make certain that your name and contact information are listed at the very top of every page. Resume Sample Format Explained You are going to want to settle on a look which best meets your preferences. Resumizer free resume creator allows you to blick auf den kommenden your resume at any location in the creation practice. However tempting it may be to stretch the truth, lying on your resume is always a poor idea. Theres really no reason to wind up with anything under a fantastic resume, and thats what were here to be sure that you do Few errors or mistakes in your resume can lessen your opportunity to find the job which you are searching for. However much or what type of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. You should understand, that resume format is critical, as it can boost your odds to get invited for an interview. Each resume format was made to boost your odds to find the job in 2018. The Most Popular Resume Sample Format You may find it most helpful to decide on a sample resume that matches your existing experiences and is tailored to the kind of position you may be seeking. If you are just about to gra duate explain which youre seeking a permanent position at graduation. If you choose to incorporate an objective, specify the sort of position you are trying to find. If you are in possession of a particular skillset youre potential candidate to fit desired position. You might rather incorporate an objective in a job-search letter instead, especially in the event you wish to be thought about for a variety of positions. My aim is to find the job. Your objective needs to be specific to the job that youre targeting. Generally speaking, an objective on your resume can be useful if it concisely describes your immediate employment goal, but it isnt an important element of a successful resume.

A Startling Fact about Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student Uncovered

A Startling Fact about Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student Uncovered Details of Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student Youre equally as unique and your resume ought to be unique too. In addition, you can look for student jobs on Monster. Key Pieces of Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student Even when you never had a formal job before, theres probably plenty of information you can nonetheless put on an expert document. There are many websites with tips around the internet, but most bring just a small number of them. If you choose to use high school info, make certain its really robust and appropriate content. Analyze job ads You will discover a lot of helpful info on job ads. In addition, you can look for nursing student jobs on Monster. Landing a terrific internship for a college student is an excellent means to get prepared for the challenges of life after the university. If you dont just graduated from college, place your work experience prior to your education. Most college resumes have a large issue. Things You Wont Like About Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student and Things You Will Youve got enough experience to have the job. An interview could also be needed to land the job, but a resume is essential to begin the practice. If you intend to compose a resume since you want to know more about work, its important and necessary to know first what makes up a resume. Objective Tailor your objective to coincide with the job for which youre applying. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student Its possible to also add testimonials from previous employers or coworkers. With some crucial data in the perfect order, everyone can create one. Think about getting qualified help If youre having a difficult time to create your resume, or in case youre receiving no response whatsoever from companies, you could think about choosing a professional resume writing service. Our student resume samples will be able to help you write your own document, but when in doubt, the work listing contains all of the info you really need for a particular job. The truth is it might even hurt your odds of landing an interview. If youre sending a resume to a company, it needs to be a given that youre offered for an interview and you will provide references if requested. Youve got a lot better shot of receiving an interview because of a personal or professional connection. Especially if youre seeking your very first job, writing a resume can help you decide on a work along with help you land an interview. Up in Arms About Resume Writing Tips and Samples Student? Crafting the ideal Education section is essential to creating a thriving college resume. Careful with sample resume templates There are lots of sites that provide free resume templates. Writing a resume is part of business writing. Utilizing a student resume template can help save you time and effort in addition to offer you ideas on which secti ons to include and the way to complete them so as to pull in the correct employers.

How to Prepare for a Performance Review at Work - The Muse

How to Prepare for a Performance Review at Work - The MuseHow to Prepare for a Performance Review at Work Last year, a friend and I had our performance reviews days apart. We both had worked hard and felt good about our work. My meeting went as Id hoped, but my friends went terribly. Her manager had a totally different view of zu sich work, and told her if things didnt improve ASAP shed be on the chopping block. To boot, she was so stunned that when it was her turn to speak, she was at a loss for words. To say she was deflated would be an understatement. Shed worked her butt off all year and the official record said she said sucked at her job. As my friends experience shows, performance reviews dont always go according to plan (especially if your anfhrer doesnt give you a lot of feedback throughout the year). So the best way to approach it is to be prepared- not just for what you expect, but also for what youre going to do if your supervisor binnensees things differently. 1. If You T hink You Did Well...And So Does Your BossMost likely, your success is clear to everyone because its objective. You can point to concrete goals youve hit and exceeded- like money youve earned for the company, or mentions youve gotten in the media, or aufgabes youve solved.You can point to concrete goals youve hit and exceeded- like money youve earned for the company, or mentions youve gotten in the media, or problems youve solved.Before your meeting, think ahead to what youd like moving forward. Is it a raise, mora leadership opportunities, or perhaps a promotion? Muse Writer Sarah Weber points to research that shows a logical argument will be most effective (think I exceeded my sales goal by X% each quarter of brde year which led to amount money for the company and therefore I would like a raise of X%). Of course, there might not always be money for a raise, flexibility in the team structure for a promotion, or whatever the exact perk is youre looking for. So, its helpful to have ot her ideas for how your manager could show appreciation and support your great work (say, a trial of working from home once a week or giving you more autonomy over your workload). ...But Your Boss DoesntThis is the very worst-case scenario Youve followed all of the steps above to prepare and then your anfhrer sits you down and says shes disappointed. The good news is- just knowing this can happen is half the battle. Instead of being blindsided and saying nothing (like my friend), youll be able to power through the conversation.That argument you were prepared to make about all of your good work doesnt go out the window, but its no longer going to be the main focus either. It may seem like your best bet is to counter everything your boss says with facts that show youre actually doing great, but shell see that as being defensive (and its unlikely to change her mind). The only way to remedy whatever your boss sees as the problem is to be crystal clear on two things what it is, and how pr ogress will be tracked moving forward.Instead, really dig into where she sees areas for improvement to get on the same page. Lets take the same example of where you think youre doing great because you exceeded your sales goals. It could be your boss is giving you a poor review because of how you did it. Maybe you undermined a fellow team member and took their client, maybe you promised a timeline that meant other teams had to work overtime, or maybe youve been trying to make close rates a competition when that goes against company culture. The only way to remedy whatever your boss sees as the problem is to be crystal clear on two things what it is, and how progress will be tracked moving forward. Find out whats wrong, then ask what you can do in the next 30, 60, and 90 days to get back on track.That said, you could also get a poor review when a disconnected manager has no idea whats going on (e.g., she cites poor relationships with your clients, but they love you or regular tardines s when youve been late once over the past year). If shes a bad enough manager to be clueless about your workload- and keep her negative feedback to herself all year long- its unlikely things are going to improve, and you probably want to start looking for a new job.2. If You Think Youre Struggling...And So Does Your BossAgain, the silver lining here is that you two are on the same page. While you may feel nervous, you two have the same benchmarks for success, and you can use this meeting to talk about how youre going to work together to get there.To prepare, try to identify where youre coming up short and how your boss can support you.To prepare, try to identify where youre coming up short and how your boss can support you. Are you having trouble meeting deadlines because you feel overloaded with work? Is it because youre never quite clear on whats being asked in the first place? While its possible youll get some bad news in this meeting, if you can clearly point to your challenges- and how youll overcome them- then its reasonable to ask for some time to try your new strategies. ...But Your Boss DoesntYou may be tempted to breathe a sign of relief because your boss has no idea youre struggling. But, truth talk Its not actually in your best interest to keep this a secret.If youve been drowning in work and your boss thinks its all good, then theres no reason for him to think of moderating your workload in the future (and he might even pile on more). Or, if youve just been pretending to be up to speed in meetings, but youre lost what are you going to do when he promotes you to spearheading that new initiative?First, check in and make sure this isnt a case of impostor syndrome, where your own fear of inadequacy keeps you from seeing what an objectively great job youre doing. If you know youre not selling yourself short, then pinpoint exactly where youre feeling overwhelmed and how your boss can support you.If you know youre not selling yourself short, then pinpoin t exactly where youre feeling overwhelmed and how your boss can support you. You could say, I appreciate you noticing that Im always on deadline. Ive been working late four nights a week to achieve that, and Id love to discuss more flexibility in my deadlines so I could achieve greater work-life balance. Or, Im so glad you think Im a strong team player. I feel like Id be able to contribute to our latest initiative even more if I was able to take a course on skill. Remember, bosses arent mind readers- and they appreciate employees who want to do their best- so you shouldnt be afraid to mention an obstacle (so long as its coupled with a solution).In any performance review, the very worst-case scenario is that youre caught off guard. So, prepare for the best- and worst- case scenario, and youll have as successful a meeting as possible. (For even more guidance, check out exact lines to use based on whatever feedback you receive.)

Understanding the Bottom Line in Business

Understanding the Bottom Line in BusinessUnderstanding the Bottom Line in BusinessThe world of business is filled with a variety of terms, jargons, and odd phrases along with an ample supply of acronyms. The term bottom line is often used and refers to the profitability of a business after all expenses are deducted from revenues. Bottom line profits are net profits after all the costs of the business have been accounted for. The remainder is either a positive or negative figure. The phrase has also morphed into everyday business usage in conversations where someone is attempting to communicate a final conclusion, outcome, or recommendation. For example The bottom line is, we are bedrngnis able to manufacture mora than 10,000 widgets per month without an expansion in production capacity. Or, My bottom line price is $4.55 per unit. I cannot go any lower. The Bottom Line Is the Outcome of All of the Work of the Business It is not uncommon to hear some variation of the phrase, we are managing to the bottom line. It is a misnomer. A company may set bottom line profit targets, but circumstances in the marketplace (and the firms strategy and operations) ultimately combine to create the revenues and costs that determine the bottom line. For example, an organization chooses to invest its resources in a strategy to find and keep customers. It develops products or services and markets those offerings, kooperations its customers and then repeats the cycle again and again. At the end of each accounting period, the company calculates what it received from customers (and other revenue sources) and subtracts all the costs incurred in the process. After accounting for these costs (including taxes, interest on debt, and various accounting-driven numbers including depreciation and amortization) the company arrives at a bottom line number. It is either the net profit or net loss number. Planning for the Long-Term What a company can (and should) do to stay healthy is monit or and control expenses while striving to minimize unnecessary (or wasteful) expenses. It should all be done while, concurrently, optimizing the allocation of resources to support the companys strategy. This type of managing to the bottom line is reasonable and healthy. Organizations that focus predominantly on costs and choose not to invest in current strategies (or fund investments to support future initiatives) often struggle in the long-term. The Bottom Line as an Indicator of Business Performance The bottom line numbers are an important component of the scorecard for management. Positive and growing profitability over time is a testament to a variety of factors including Good market and customer selectionThe creation and delivery of products and services valued by customersEffective allocation of investment dollars in support of targeted customersEfficient control of costs across the organizationPositive marketplace and macroeconomic factors Alternatively, declining or low bottom line numbers over time is an indication of challenges in one or more of the areas mentioned above and should be examined by management. Shareholders, the board of directors, and employees all rely on the bottom line numbers after each accounting period (usually quarterly) to assess the effectiveness of the companys marketplace strategy and internal management. Of course, when bonuses or annual salary increases are tied to bottom-line results, employees naturally pay more attentive to these numbers. The Limitation of Bottom Line Numbers as an Indicator of Performance Although profitability numbers are important measures of a companys current success (and are used to compare previous time frames), they are not a tell-all. They do not tell management, directors, shareholders, or employees what worked or what failed. Poor profitability numbers are an indication that something is wrong, ranging from strong competition to adverse economic circumstances to a failed strategy to r unaway costs. Likewise, positive numbers do not highlight what part of the companys overall approach is working. It is possible for strong economic conditions (or competitor failure) to lift revenues and improve profits, in spite of poor cost control or a weak long-term strategy. In financial reporting for publicly listed and traded firms, it is important to look at the detailed notes including footnotes. It helps management (and other stakeholders) understand the assumptions, accounting approaches, and final derivation of the bottom line number. The Bottom Line on the Bottom Line Profit is an outcome of all of the activities of an organization. It is an important indicator of overall conditions in the companys target markets. It is also a barometer of managements effectiveness in selecting strategies, investing in products and services, marketing, and cost control. Profit should be compared over a period of time, and those involved should look carefully at all variables to unde rstand the factors leading to a companys bottom line.

Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Regret Salary Disclosure

Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Regret Salary DisclosureSalary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Regret Salary DisclosureJust because they know your current salary or salary expectations doesnt mean you cant negotiate for a ritterlich market value.The Ten Commandments of Salary Negotiation (Part 2) Salary expert Jack Chapman offers 10 lessons on salary negotiation in the vein of the Ten Commandments.Oops, I already told the interviewer how much I make. Now what?All is not lost Just because she knows your current salary or salary expectations doesnt mean you cant negotiate for a fair market value.Once youve broken the sound barrier, so to speak, on your salary, you at least have one advantage no more tug of war between you and your potential employer about revealing salary.If salary bumped you out of interviewing, it will be hard to gain re-entry at all, and even if you do, it might be at the price of an informal pre-interview agreement that if chosen, youll consider a pay cut.If youre still in the running, however, your disclosed circumstances make it doubly important to do your research well. In this case, you dont need to address salary again until theres an offer. At that point use researched facts about the fair market value for someone with your skill set in a similar job in the region, not your past salary, to substantiate your salary request.When theyve decided to hire you, its time to make the move away from the number you disclosed to your ideal compensation. Dont let your past salary be the starting point for negotiations. Let your own satisfaction and joy of receiving great pay be the motivating force behind you at this point.Remember that what you negotiate now is what youll live with for a long time. A minute or two here can engender months and months of satisfaction - or the opposite if you miss this opportunity. Lets assume theyve made an offer. What do you say?Respond with, I know Ive discussed my current salary/salary expectations. I want to make sure from this point forward that were looking for a compensation package that is not just a raise from my previous job, but rather a motivating, fair, value-based salary we will both be satisfied with. Can we agree on that principle?Once you have your agreement on that, you can return to standard salary negotiation.Read other installments in this seriesPart 1 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Speak Too SoonPart 2 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Regret Salary DisclosurePart 3 Salary Negotiation Tips Let the Employer Make the First Salary OfferPart 4 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not AgreePart 5 Salary Negotiation Tips Know How Much Money Youre WorthPart 6 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Covet Thine Own Benefits and PerksPart 7 Salary Negotiation Tips This Is the Job Thou CovetethPart 8 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Worry about Earthly EconomyPart 9 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of Thy Salary in VainPart 10 Salary Negotiati on Tips Honor Thy Wealth and Prosperity