1. Be Aware

You may think your personal take is unique enough on its own, but do you know that for sure? Research and analysis on how your “personal brand” compares against others can work to your benefit. Entrepreneur Robert F. Smith said, “I think it’s critically important to always be aware of, you know, the competitive dynamic in your market. But not aware of it just in a point of fear, but in a point of education.” Comparing yourself to others is not to bring yourself down, rather use this perspective to build yourself up. By recognizing the differences between your brand and that of your competition, you can learn what it takes to stand out. Then, you’ll be able to further understand your strengths, and learn exactly how you can articulate your position to your audience.

2.   Develop Consistency

As you’re building your brand across numerous digital platforms, consistency is important. Developing a voice for your brand is key to helping you stand out, especially considering your voice is so personal and exclusive to you. The more consistently you use that voice, the more you can establish your reputation in the industry and demonstrate reliability as a thought leader.

A helpful tip for perfecting your brand’s voice, is to first take time to develop your writing skills. Effective communication is so important in today’s competitive job market and a great opportunity for differentiation. As you work to demonstrate your unique voice, the quality and consistency of your writing will positively impact how your personal brand is perceived.

3.   Showcase Your Value

One of the best ways you can characterize yourself as memorable is to create value for your audience. The most effective messages won’t just mention your strengths, but they will really showcase your abilities in action. Rather than listing off characteristics that make you an ideal candidate, use real-life experiences and past job stories to prove you exceed expectations and are the best person for the position.

4.   Nurture Relationships

To really stand out amongst the crowd, make sure that you’re nurturing the relationships you’ve built over time. The more continuous effort you put in to listen, learn, and offer up help in any way, the stronger the network you can create. Marketing VP Porter Gale said “Your network is your net worth.” You can grow your connections and set yourself apart from the rest by taking a real interest in people, and by cultivating your relationships for the long-term.

In Summary

Small measures can make a huge difference in elevating your personal brand above the rest, and having a strong personal brand can become the deciding factor that makes employers want to hire you. Embrace your creativity and take a chance to amplify your voice — you never know where it may take you!

The post How to Make Your Personal Brand Stand Out appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

This post discusses seven ways in which you can maintain your focus and keep motivated in your career. Read on to find out how:

1. Consider the impact you have – Perhaps you don’t feel hugely appreciated in your position at the moment, or maybe your colleagues don’t tell you enough, but you don’t need anyone to tell you how much impact you have! Look at the bigger picture of your job and consider how many people you positively impact through it. Getting this perspective will give you a boost of confidence and you’ll feel more motivated straight away!2. Break down large tasks into smaller goals.
2. Break down large tasks into smaller goals – We’ve all felt that feeling of panic come over us when we’re handed a lengthy or complicated task on top of everything else, we have to do. This can feel quite frustrating and sometimes even defeating. Don’t worry there are ways to deal with this! Break down these big tasks into smaller goals and work towards those instead, that way you’ll get a feeling of gratification every time you complete smaller tasks, and you won’t feel so overwhelmed by the larger one.
3. Visualize your goals – Sometimes, staying motivated is all within. Properly taking some time to visualize your career goals and truly evaluate how far you’ve already come, can give you a lot of perspective and might even be helpful in pulling you out of that negative mind frame.
4. Have positive self-talk – Sometimes feeling demotivated at work can be because of a perceived failing at your jobs and duties. Its normal for all of us to experience negative self-talk, especially if we’re just coming into a new position or are settling into a new role, we may make mistakes that aren’t a huge problem, but we’ll blow them out of proportion in our minds! It’s important to turn that negative self-talk into positive self-talk, train your brain to always have a voice encouraging you, not discouraging you.
5. Reward yourself – And not only when you’ve just accomplished a huge goal, but also reward yourself for your hard work on the weekly or monthly. Success comes from hard work and you should recognize that within yourself, so at the end of a hard week, treat yourself to whatever you enjoy the most, whether it’s a bottle of wine, a nice dinner, a cardio class at the gym. Oscar Brown, recruiter at Paper Fellows and Lia Help tells us- “You don’t need to be celebrating anything specifically to have space to reward yourself and all the hard work that you do.”
6. Develop a solid routine – If you’re feeling unmotivated, having a solid routine can be really helpful to get on with those tasks you may not necessarily be looking forward to. Engineer your routine so you’re switching back and forth from tasks you enjoy more to those you like least that way you’ll keep your day interesting, and you’ll always have something to look forward to!
7. Participate in team-building activities – This may sound like many people’s worst nightmare, but team building social occasions can end up being hugely beneficial for you down the line. First of all, the opportunity to spend time with your work colleagues outside of work may give you a fresh perspective of who they are, and you may start to enjoy their company a lot more. Also, participating means networking and essentially, you’ll be inciting reciprocity further down the line as you build stronger bonds with your team. Laura Daniels A business writer at Essay Roo and State of writing tells us – “Don’t be completely shut off from the possibility of making some friends at work, they can really make your days pass a lot quicker and work seem a lot more rewarding.”

Our guest post author, Elizabeth Hines, writes for online magazine and blogs, such as Assignment writing, and others. In her articles she writes about latest tech and marketing trends, innovations and strategies. She is also a digital marketer and content writer at PhD Writers and Academized.

The post 7 Tips To Keep Your Focus and Stay Motivated in Your Career appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Consider your relationship with money

More than half of Americans admit that they deal with financial stress: whether it’s being in debt, not earning enough to make ends meet, or having difficulty saving for a big purchase, it’s common to experience anxiety around money—even if you’re objectively well-off.

The important thing is to avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your immediate situation with a realistic perspective. Your relationship with money isn’t set in stone: you can improve it over time and reduce its hold over your emotions by reframing your mindset around finances.

How to handle money stress

If you’ve determined that money causes you stress on a consistent basis, it’s important to learn coping strategies—the following tips should help:

1. First, determine your financial priorities. For most people, this will be monthly rent or mortgage, utilities, food, credit card bills and transportation costs. While some of these costs will be fixed, food and transportation costs can be reduced. If you can manage your fixed and consistent expenses without too much trouble, you can determine what aspect of your finances needs the most attention. For some, this might be reducing debt. Or, if you’re determined to buy a house soon, saving for a down payment might be your main concern.
2. Once you’ve identified what needs the most attention, you can adjust your budgeting to work toward your goals. Often, stress comes from confusion or uncertainty, so by identifying your goals and making a plan to achieve them, you’ll regain a sense of control over your finances—and your mental health.
3. Learning positive coping mechanisms is also vital, as your money stress could have a ripple effect on your health and well-being. Along with making a financial plan (apps such as You Need a Budget can help), focus on self-care strategies such as socializing, eating well, and exercising regularly (apps such as the LadyBoss Pocket Personal Trainer can get you on track) to manage your stress.

Pick up a side job

Sometimes, the best way to ease financial stress is by picking up a side hustle. This is especially helpful if your goal is to save money for a specific purpose. Then once you achieve that goal, the side job may no longer be necessary. However, if you’re struggling to make ends meet, the side hustle might be critical to covering your living expenses.

Even if you work a full-time job, one way to make money on the side is by freelancing. People from several different industries can find freelance work—accountants, writers, web designers, and even personal assistants can be freelancers. Set up a profile on an online job board to begin looking for clients, and keep in mind that you can set your own hours and rates.

Not all side jobs involve more computer time though. Dog walking, babysitting, and tutoring are all possibilities. There are even dog walking apps that make it easy to start earning money right away.

In summary

While it’s important to have a handle on your finances, it shouldn’t dominate your life. Determine your financial priorities and develop a new budget that helps you reach your goals, and if you need some extra income to save money or to make ends meet, look into freelancing or another side job to help you get through.

Are you looking to improve your career or explore new options? Use one of Sterling Career Concepts’ services to help you get on the right path!

The post How to Stress Less about Money in the New Year appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Delivery Service Driver

Being a delivery driver doesn’t mean what it used to anymore. Instead of being limited to delivering pizzas, a mobile delivery service can cater to everything from groceries and home essentials to over the counter medicines. Becoming a driver for a service like this is almost as easy as using the app. Once you are an approved driver, you will make deliveries in your selected area and make money each time you do.

Be a Mystery Shopper

If you are planning to hit the stores soon for all of your holiday needs, consider becoming a mystery shopper. Since you will already be out, why not get paid for your opinion on some products? Eating at restaurants or trying products might introduce you to some new favorites, all while putting some extra spending cash in your pocket.

Start Freelancing

Do you have a hobby or set of skills that you would like to start using more of? Try signing up with a freelancing job aggregator. You can list your skills and apply them to a vast array of contract work. Whether you are a graphic designer, writer, musician, or have great public speaking skills, there are lots of opportunities for you to discover.

Conclusion

While these are by no means the only options you have this holiday season (snow removal is quite lucrative), they can certainly help reimburse you for all of your holiday expenses. Who knows? You may just find something you will want to continue into the new year!

The post Seasonal Side Hustles that Support Holiday Spending appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

If you find yourself intrigued by the world of civil engineering, you most likely already know the basics of the career path and how it hosts near countless opportunities. There are various types of civil engineers, which includes construction engineering, structural engineering, environmental engineering, water resource engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and others. What’s more, there’s no doubt that pursuing a career in civil engineering is by no means an easy choice. Regardless, it is a great career path that hosts ample growth opportunities.

The world needs civil engineers; without such professionals, we would have never achieved the level of geographic infrastructure that we have become so fondly accustomed to in today’s day and age. Cities around the world are the result of the most brilliant civil engineers. However, if you are considering a career in this highly sought-after field of expertise, you might not be too sure of how to get started. This ultimate guide will help you start on your path towards engineering greatness.

Minimum Requirements

To land a civil engineering career, you will need relevant qualifications. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in the field of work; which you can obtain a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at most universities. However, your choice of the institution will impact your chances of standing out in a sea of qualified candidates for job openings. Therefore, it is recommended to sign up at a renowned university rather than merely one that is nearest to you. You could even consider online learning to obtain your bachelor’s degree if you are hoping to pursue your career path at a more flexible pace.

Once you have completed your degree, you will be able to start applying for entry-level positions as a civil engineer. After that, you can start climbing the corporate ladder and furthering your knowledge in the field. It is vital to make contacts and connections to create a network right from the start as this effort will expand your portfolio and help you reach more opportunities along your path.

What to Expect from Your Career Choice

Obtaining your bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is by no means the end of your pursuit of education. While you can chase additional levels of certification in the field, you should clarify what you can expect from your career choice. Your general responsibilities will include conducting surveys and long-term plans to craft accurate reports ultimately. In addition to this, you will need to take into account aspects such as government regulations, potential hazards, and permits surrounding the project that you are working on.

To become an expert engineer in any field of work, you will need to possess exceptional problem-solving skills, which can be developed during your ongoing education and your working experience. In addition to this, you will also need to have extensive computer science skills as well as mathematical skills. Other essential skills include programming, creative thinking, analysis, teamwork, communication, and leadership. There’s no doubt that the average engineer could be described as an all-rounder in terms of professional skills.

Career Path Opportunities

Your bachelor’s degree in civil engineering won’t just open one door for you in the job market as you will have several career opportunities at your fingertips. This is because a civil engineer can chase various career paths. You may find yourself leaning towards opportunities in teaching, construction, research, or even design. Specializing in a particular area is recommended, which is why you should plan a long-term set of career goals as soon as possible. Even if your direction changes along the way, you should think ahead to best plan your decisions and your ongoing education requirements. Civil engineering is an extremely stable field of work, which adds volumes to the lucrative of the career.

Creating a Resume to Impress

The condition of the global job market has been exceptionally competitive for several years already. While some career choices are significantly more flooded than others, civil engineering hosts countless opportunities around the world. However, you will need to ensure your resume stands out and can impress potential employers regardless of the number of options available. For this reason, you should firmly devote yourself to obtaining a master’s in civil engineering even if you have landed an incredible opportunity with no more than your bachelor’s degree.

As with any field of work, the more qualifications and experience you have on paper, the higher your chances are of finding even more profitable opportunities. Depending on your resume, civil engineering is a career that can have you working abroad for several months or even travelling throughout the year. The high annual salary associated with civil engineering also means that you will be able to pursue resume additions without feeling frustrated by the high costs of education. Building your resume can be done with education, relevant experience working in the field, and an impressive portfolio that showcases your abilities as a professional civil engineer.

Is a Career in Civil Engineering Right for You?

If you are lured by the idea of becoming a renowned civil engineer yet you are not entirely sure if the career is a good fit, there are a few ways in which you can reach an accurate conclusion. First, you should outline your career goals and create both a short-term and a long-term plan that includes your education costs and dynamics. After that, you should make the effort of determining your personality type, preferred working environment specifics, and your aptitude. There are near endless online tests that you can take to sum up your professional personality and professional core skills.

Picking a career path can seem overwhelming and stressful for students and professionals, considering a career change. However, there is no doubt that specific fields of work will appeal to you as an individual more than others. Therefore, you can allow your preferences and interests to lead the way while applying adequate knowledge and education to help you fine-tune your chosen career path.

The post Pursuing A Career as A Civil Engineer: Where to Start appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Relocating for a job is stressful enough without a time constraint, given the amount of things to coordinate, all at the same time. When under that kind of pressure, it’s natural to become frantic and overlook details —details like making sure your new home has electrical power when you cross the threshold, and not forgetting to have the USPS forward your mail. These steps can become a major distraction while you’re trying to learn your new job and leave a positive impression your coworkers and bosses.

The graphic below will help with your transition and hopefully make the move as smooth as possible. While there will still be a fair amount of work to do after you internalize this checklist, you’ll sleep better knowing you have a plan in place.

The two most important items on the checklist, not surprisingly, is selling your current home and finding a new one. The timing for these activities is difficult to foresee. The first home your realtor shows you in your new area may be the house of your dreams, or you may find nothing you like in the first month and need to arrange temporary housing accommodations.

In terms of selling your home, the timing can be just as unpredictable. One way you can take control of your time constraint is by selling your home to a property company specializing in buying homes “as-is” for cash at a fair price. This is a great option to take a big “to-do” item off the table and give yourself more time to make sure all your other relocation tasks are executed to perfection.

To learn more about how to make your job relocation a success from day one, check out this infographic:

The post Checklist for an Easy Job Relocation appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Image: Pexels

No matter your career aspirations, you will want to have a plan in place for achieving your goals. Learning how to navigate the workplace, get noticed by your boss and advance to a position where your talent truly shines takes time and effort. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know where to begin. If you’ve got questions about how to get started, find the answers you’re looking for below:

Question: What can I do if I’m not happy with my current job?

Answer: Sometimes, jobs don’t turn out to be what you thought, or a once-great job loses its appeal over time. Here are a few things you can do to improve your satisfaction at work.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Any Work Schedule You Want

4 Ways to Make a Bad Job Better

8 Signs You Should Quit Your Job

Write a Better Resume and Start Your Job Search with Sterling Career Concepts

Question: I have trouble putting work behind me at the end of the day. How do I find a better balance?

Answer: Focusing too much on your career can ruin your free time and strain your personal relationships. These resources can help you mentally “clock out” without jeopardizing your career success.

How To Stop Thinking About Work (Even When The Workday Is Over)

Why Taking a Vacation is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Career

How and Why to Stop Checking Emails After Hours

7 Reliable Ways to De-Stress After Work

Question: I like my job, but I’m not getting the recognition or advancement I was hoping for. What can I do?

Answer: Fortunately, there are many ways to stand out at work and get noticed. Here are a few things you can do.

8 Habits of Highly Successful Employees

5 Habits That Make You Stand Out at Work

Everything You Need to Know About Asking for a Raise

Why Great Employees Get Overlooked for Promotions (And How to Fix It)

Question: I have always dreamed of being my own boss. How do I make it a reality?

Answer: Even if you get a promotion or raise at work, it often feels more rewarding to strike out on your own. Here’s how to start your own business and keep it going during challenging times.

16 Popular Small Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurs

Starting a Business: 10 Steps to Success

7 Essential Resources for Women Small Business Owners

The Small Business Resource Center for COVID-19

In Summary

Whether you want to start a new career, get noticed more at your current job or go out on your own by starting a business yourself, these resources can help. No matter what path you take, remember to strive for a good balance between your work and personal life so you don’t get burnt out while pursuing your dreams.

The post Career FAQs for Women: How to Build the Career of Your Dreams appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

1. Prepare for a new home town

Choosing a new path for your career might make buying a home in a new city or state inevitable, and you’ll need to know what you’re getting yourself into. Everything from the cost of living to school districts to commute times can be seemingly small details that’ll have a huge impact on your daily routine, so take everything into account before moving. Is this place the right location for you and your family? To get a better handle on the answer to that question, do your research and talk to employees at your future organization or ask a REALTOR®️ who knows the location best.

2. Brace yourself financially for a new home

As with purchasing a home in any location, you’ll be dealing with many costs that’ll require some hard-earned cash saved up. Aside from the cost of the home itself comes inspection fees, hiring a moving company, closing costs, down payments and numerous additional expenses. These costs add up. In fact, a $150,000 house could cost you up to $7,500 in closing costs and $30,000 in down payments for conventional mortgages. Keep in mind that certain types of government-backed mortgages like FHA loans require lower down payments. If the costs of relocating become too overwhelming, it’s worthwhile to learn about FHA loans and other practical mortgage options available in your area.

3. Practice your negotiating skills

Negotiating, while uncomfortable, can come in handy when it comes to relocating for your career. Being able to confidently advocate for yourself will help you get the position you earned, the salary you deserve and especially the financial support you need for your relocation. Ask your future company if they have a connection with a moving company, offer relocation assistance or even help cover closing costs. Don’t be afraid to fight for what you deserve, as this is your new life and it should be on your terms.

4. Build your new network

A new home and job come with a pool of potential friends and coworkers that you can both spend time with and learn from. Utilize social networking platforms like Bumble Bizz or check Facebook for local events to meet new peers personally and professionally. The more people you know, the more comfortable you’ll be in your new home and the easier your transition will be.

The post Top Tips to Relocate for Your Career appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

That’s bad news for workers laid off from these sectors. While most unemployed Americans view pandemic-related layoffs as temporary, research predicts that 42% of all jobs lost during the pandemic will never return.

Instead of waiting for a rehire that may never come, workers in these sectors should start preparing themselves for a new career. But how? Here’s what unemployed workers need to know about pivoting their career post-pandemic.

Best Industries for Job Growth After COVID-19

While tourism, entertainment, traditional retail, and other sectors suffer under conditions created by the pandemic, some industries have found themselves poised for success. Industries expected to grow during the pandemic and beyond include:

• Augmented reality
• E-commerce
• E-learning
• Industrial real estate
• Logistics and last mile distribution
• Pharmaceuticals
• Robotics
• Streaming and gaming
• Video conferencing

How to Prepare for a Career Change

A lack of experience in these sectors shouldn’t discourage job seekers. Instead, they should look for skills they can use to their advantage in a new field. Consider partnering with Sterling Career Concepts for personalized assistance on what that might mean for you personally.

Transferable skills are the key to any career shift. To identify transferable skills, MarketWatch recommends jobseekers list all of their formal education, licenses and certifications, tech capabilities, and soft skills to assess what they can bring to a new job. Then, explore career possibilities that match that skill set.

To gain a competitive advantage, unemployed workers may need to invest in education as well. Online courses and certifications can fill small skills gaps, but job seekers looking to transition into a specialized field like healthcare, education, or IT may need formal education. Affording tuition while unemployed requires careful budgeting, but students can save by opting for online universities over traditional colleges. With many colleges operating online due to the pandemic anyway, paying a premium for the traditional college experience no longer makes sense.

Jobseekers don’t have to wait until they have a job offer to get busy in their new career. Freelancing, networking, and side projects strengthen a candidate’s resume and provide an opportunity to test drive a new career. Tapping into dormant contacts may even turn jobseekers onto an opportunity not advertised on hiring boards.

Job Hunting in the Remote Economy

There’s one type of job that’s on the rise across all sectors: remote work. The majority of employed Americans worked from home during the pandemic and most of them would prefer to keep doing so after the crisis ends. While employers are less enthusiastic about remote work, there’s still broad support: 55% of employers expect to continue offering remote work after COVID-19.

As a result, remote work skills will be critical for jobseekers in a wide range of industries. These include tech-savviness, especially when it comes to remote collaboration and security, and strong online interview skills. Performing well in a remote interview requires tricks that aren’t intuitive to candidates accustomed to face-to-face meetings — for example, looking into the camera to create the illusion of eye contact instead of gazing at the screen.

Ultimately, pandemic jobseekers may need to brace themselves for a long hunt. While the number of jobs is on the rise, economic recovery doesn’t happen overnight and it may be some time before the U.S. economy is back in full force. Rather than letting the job hunt get you down, continue investing in the skills and education that will make you stand out when the right job comes around.

The post How to Change Careers in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Image source: Pexels.com

Ever wonder what employers are looking for as they browse through hundreds of resumes? You guessed right. Certifications!

And the famous Robert Blanchard knows it too. In his words, “The person with the certification is the one that is going to get hired,” Robert knew from experience that professional certifications are the golden nuggets employers look for when recruiting.

And we have the numbers to prove it. A Microsoft Professional Certified study found that 91% of IT managers consider IT certifications as reliable predictors of successful employees.

Your resume is the mirror of your past life. It provides the employer with verifiable evidence of your skills and competencies. It’s thus imperative to make it stand out by not just adding any professional certification you may have but also know where to list them. That said, here are five benefits of adding professional certifications on your resume:

1. Gives You an Edge Over the Competition

Your resume will face fierce competition. Although it varies with the industry, company, and role, a typical corporate job opening receives an average of 250 resumes. So how do you stand out from the competition?

One way is to have credible and respected professional certifications on your resume—the more the better. For example, if you’re in the accounting field, an accounting certification such as the CPA will earn you all the bonus points. Why? The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is renowned and greatly upheld in the accounting industry. It’s considered the gold standard and the mother of all accountancy courses owing to its rigorous nature and ability to comprehensively cover all aspects of accounting.

2. Shows a Specific Set of Competencies

There is no better way to prove you have a specific set of competencies than to include the relevant certification on your resume.

For example, if you claim you’re good in investment analysis, verbal proclamations will not cut it. However, possessing a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) certificate will prove you’re an expert in securities. In such cases, portfolio managers might give you precedence over another candidate who may have higher academic credentials but no professional certification.

3. Paints Your Character

Pursuing a professional course doesn’t just impart you new skills; it creates a great first impression in the eyes of the interviewer. Adding professional courses, especially the tough ones like the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) on your resume shows personal drive, discipline, hunger for knowledge, and willingness to learn—all important traits to employers.

While gauging a candidate’s character merely from a credentials perspective can be tricky, it does give employers a gist of a candidate’s abilities and dedication. For instance, completing and passing a tough professional exam shows you’re willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.

4. Increases the Quality of Your Interview

Interviewers will use your resume to determine the value you can bring to the company, so make it shine by highlighting every little detail. For instance, it’s not every day that interviewers see candidates adding certifications like Google Digital Marketing Courses on their resume. Having such certification alongside a bachelor’s degree will show how dedicated you are to marketing.

Adding a related professional course helps to prepare you for the interview while giving you insights into what the interview will look like. You can expect to be asked questions like:

• What motivated you to pursue this professional qualification?
• What knowledge have you gained from this course?
• What can you do now that you couldn’t do before you enrolled for the course?

In line with that, having a professional certification can dictate the direction of the interview. And answering these questions articulately will no doubt secure you the job.

5. Improves the Layout of Your Resume

Adding a section for professional certifications changes the layout of your resume, giving it a more polished look. A resume that is not merely a listing of past positions, but includes different sections for certification, skills, and accolades makes the employer want to know more about you, hence pushing you to the next stage of the recruitment process.

The Bottom Line

Different employers look for different things when searching for recruits. One thing they all have in common is that they all know that, ‘certified candidates make great employees.’ Consider adding a professional certification on your resume to secure your dream job.

The post The Importance of Professional Certification on Your Resume appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Employee benefits, despite existing as a great incentive and value to workers, are often not fully understood in today’s workforce. Due to the fact that not all benefit packages are created the same at every company, it can act as a valuable step in your career to spend time reviewing and discussing the options available to you with HR. Below are a few ways you can gain a deeper understanding of these perks and how to navigate them.

1. Ask questions

Logically, if you don’t understand something, the next best thing to do is ask a question to help you gain a clearer understanding. Ironically, this isn’t the case when it comes to employees and their benefits. In fact, in a survey done by Maestro Health, found that around ⅓ of employees don’t understand their health care coverage.

Because employee benefits encompass many different aspects of the types of perks your workplace can offer you, looking into the specific questions you can discuss with HR about your benefits is a great place to start. With so much involved in your benefits package, from your insurance coverage, work schedule, employee wellness opportunities, retirement plans, and more, you shouldn’t feel intimidated to ask for more information.

Remember that these types of questions can be asked at any time, and the faster you gain clarity on what works best for your situation the more valuable these benefits can be for you. Discussing these benefits during your interview process or shortly after you are hired is recommended. Once you’re employed with a company, it’s important to periodically check in with your HR team to guarantee your needs are met—especially during critical milestones and major life changes. Also remember that if you get a raise, this could influence potential benefits so be proactive and sit down to speak with HR after your successes or promotions as well!

2. Be honest about your needs

As every individual will have different needs based on their specific family and financial situation, it is important that you are open and honest when speaking to HR about your benefits. One of the more difficult conversations to have with your company’s HR department would be if your benefits don’t cover your family’s needs. But remember that ultimately, they are there to help you best navigate your benefits and can even offer guidance on how to properly secure additional coverage outside the company.

A common instance of this is inadequate employ-provided life insurance coverage. While employer-provided life insurance is typically easy to acquire and doesn’t require a medical exam, it can sometimes be cheaper to acquire an individual life insurance policy on your own. Because it is often recommended to have up to 10 to 12 times your salary in coverage, not only could your premiums be cheaper through a different policy, but it can also give you the full coverage necessary. This is especially important to keep in mind if you have children financially dependent on you or a spouse who doesn’t work and relies solely on your income.

Therefore, when you speak to HR don’t hesitate to opt-out of employee benefits that may be more affordable or worthwhile to acquire on your own.

3. Do your research

Although HR departments are a great resource for employees, remember that taking your financial future into your own hands and doing your own research can go a long way in getting the best value out of your current benefits. Because every company offers different incentives and benefits to their workers, making sure you are working at a place that offers appropriate benefits for your needs will help you feel peace of mind that you are protected no matter the circumstance.

First, you need to understand what type of benefits mean the most to you. As the workplace is constantly changing, so are the benefits that companies are offering to their employees. While traditional benefits include incentives like a pension, there are newer benefits that companies are adopting for hiring and retention efforts. This can include perks like child-care assistance or allowing pets in the office.

When you are trying to better understand the benefits available, researching what is available at similar companies and other organizations can be a great start to seeing if you feel you are receiving the kinds of benefits you desire for your position and rank.

Although there are many moving components that play into your employee benefits package, as  a dedicated employee you should be fully aware of the perks and offers available as a reward for the hard work you put into your career.

The post 3 Ways to Gain a Deeper Understanding of Your Employee Benefits appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

It’s likely that during these unprecedented circumstances, you’ve been provided with more time to contemplate and anticipate your career trajectory, and decide if it’s really headed in a direction that’s the best for you. As a result, perhaps your attitude towards work, and what you want to achieve out of that work might have undergone a shift too.

The questions you ask a future employer post COVID-19 aren’t going to be the same either. To make things easier for you, here are a few questions you should consider asking:

1) How do you ensure the organizational culture is maintained when working in a hybrid environment?

Post the COVID-19 pandemic, dissimilarities in employee preferences, circumstances, and requirements within the same workforce could give way to the rise of hybrid teams, i.e. teams in which several members work in the one co-located workplace while others work remotely. Therefore, each day at your potential workplace could feel very different.

These are unexplored waters for many employers, and will get new challenges their way. So it could be a good idea to understand how they plan to (or are already) lead their hybrid teams, and if they’ve grasped any new lessons from the extended period of remote leadership they’ve most probably experienced over the past few months.

The culture of an organisation is its soul – it requires a considerable amount of effort from all employees in order to bring it alive and, most importantly, keep it that way – in times good and bad. This new hybrid way of working is going to get along a whole new set of challenges when it comes to building on and maintaining an organisation’s culture. So, it’s important to understand what steps the organisation’s plan of action in this respect.

2) What are the strategic priorities of the organization, and have these changed due to the Crisis?

Business models are swiftly pivoting to adapt to the new world, galvanizing entire workforces in order to ensure they are met and exceeded. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all businesses to stress on business continuity planning  and have a robust strategy for ensuring ongoing operations amidst crisis-like situations.

As a potential new employee – someone who is likely now looking for more meaning in their role – it’s important for you to understand these two things:

1. what the organization’s latest strategic priorities are, and
2. how your role will contribute to attaining them.

It is also the employer’s responsibility to present facts that will give you some sort of reassurance that the organization is continually adapting and innovating to secure a strong position in the next era of work.

3) What changes have been made to safety protocols?

It can be seen that a number of organizations are taking new, improvised measures to keep their employees safe from COVID-19. While some have augmented their efforts toward maintaining optimal hygiene, some others are providing their workforce with masks, gloves, and other protective gear.

Irrespective of whether a health emergency is in effect or not, COVID-19 has surely taught us that certain things need to be thought over beforehand. Therefore, an interviewer should be able to tell you about any changes to workplace safety protocols related to the organization’s preparedness toward facing health emergencies of such magnitude in the future.

It is also important for you to ask how the organization communicates real-time health updates with its employees. For instance, if there’s an important public health announcement while you’re at work, how does the employer plan on keeping the staff informed?

4) What is your sick leave policy?

Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules, employers have a duty to protect employees against known hazards in the workplace. “If one does not already exist, develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that can help guide protective actions against COVID-19,” the government body said in its Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 whitepaper.

It is extremely vital that you ask your potential employer to provide information about the company’s sick leave policy.

The federal government’s new paid sick leave policy is a stride in the right direction, but it isn’t without loopholes either. To begin with, not every employee will be guaranteed enough sick leave through this policy to manage COVID-19. But employers may have their own policies that go beyond what’s required. Therefore, it is vital you ask these things before accepting a job offer.

Keep in mind that some employers will ask for documentation of illness, like a doctor’s note. Ask the potential employer for policy details to find out what you’d need to do to gain access to these sick leaves.

5) How do you plan to support lifelong learning for employees?

During the pandemic, we have all been woken up to the fact that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Therefore, we must do everything we can to make sure that we are as agile and adaptable as possible – meaning professional development and upskilling may have climbed up our priority list over the past few months.

Therefore, it’s critical that you feel self-assured when it comes to joining an organization and know that it genuinely supports its employees in upskilling, giving them the independence to pilot their own personalized learning in a way that works for them.

Another important thing to remember here is – post-pandemic, remote working will no longer be considered a perk. Business leaders are expecting to see a permanent shift to more remote working where that is physically possible – giving people the freedom to work from wherever they want to, but this is relatively new territory for many organisations, so it’s important to understand what support you will be provided with, whether that be in the form of equipment, training or well-being programs.

Lastly, some jobs and industries are facing more precariousness than others because of the Coronavirus pandemic. As of now, it is hard to predict the future, but a potential employer should be able to speak honestly with you. Once you get the answers to these questions, you’ll be able rise above all the uncertainties and make a more informed decision.

The post 5 Questions to Ask a Future Employer Post COVID-19 appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

1. Choose Your Program Carefully

The first step in getting a handle on nursing education is to choose a nursing program. It is important to look at a number of programs and schools to choose the best fit. While cost and proximity are going to be factors for most potential students, if possible, multiple programs should be researched and campuses should be visited. An internet search can be helpful in quickly revealing the Best Nursing Schools within a potential student’s region. This can be followed up with phone calls and in-person visits to campuses to observe some classes and meet some professors.

2. Set Realistic Goals

As with any other field or major task, when a student begins nursing school it is important to set goals that are attainable and realistic. These goals can include things that need to happen on a day-to-day, weekly, semester-wise, and program-wide basis. Students can celebrate goals that are achieved and look back on these when times get hard. It is also helpful to remember these goals to motivate students to work hard and push through the difficult times that lie ahead.

3. Master Time Management

Nursing school programs are quite intensive in terms of classes, labs, and clinical rotations that are required. Therefore, it is essential that all students entering nursing school learn the art of time management. Making to-do lists is especially helpful in keeping students on track. Keeping multiple lists of things that need to be accomplished in a day, a week, a month, and a semester is highly beneficial in making sure everything gets done. It is also useful to make a daily schedule that includes a little bit of time to study for the NCLEX so students do not have to cram at the last minute.

4. Balance Other Responsibilities

The classes and other requirements of nursing school encompass a full set of responsibilities. In addition to these, most students will have other responsibilities as well. For example, many students need to work to support themselves while in school. Some students have other duties to their spouses and families. Learning to balance these responsibilities will be key in any nursing student’s success. They will need to figure out a way to carve out enough time to attend classes and study while getting to work on time and taking care of their dependents.

5. Remember Personal Care

Nursing students are typically on the go all the time. If they are not attending classes, they are studying, at work, or taking care of loved ones. They have excellent time management skills and always find a way to see to all of their responsibilities. One thing they do not always do, but must to succeed, is take care of their own needs. It is imperative that nursing students take the time to eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. This will ensure their bodies and minds stay healthy.

Attending nursing school can feel like a full-time job. When that is coupled with the lives and responsibilities of most students, it can be overwhelming. However, every nursing student can survive and even thrive if they remember these five important lessons. Keeping these things in mind will help all students from the day they begin school to the day they graduate.

The post 5 Lessons to Be Learned If You Want to Turn Your Nursing Education into Smooth Sailing appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

How Have Things Changed?

Some say that things have changed forever following the pandemic, while others, including the President say, “There is no new normal,” meaning that we are going back to the way things used to be as quickly as possible. Much of whether things go back to normal is up to the people who are running their states and businesses.

If people themselves take actions and take on personal responsibility that will ensure the safety and success of their work environments, chances are things will indeed return to normal and be even better with time.

How Employers See Post-COVID Applicants

The biggest companies are taking big steps in preparing to take their workforce back. Employers and business owners have three major priorities that they are working from as we go back to work following the Coronavirus pandemic:

1. Keep the workplace free of contaminants and clean for all workers.
2. Lower the anxiety level for staff members whether working at home or in the office environment.
3. Practice new and effective habits that will keep the work environment productive without fear and without rejuvenating the spread of the virus.

If you can support these three major goals and philosophies that employers and hiring managers have as we go back to the workplace, you may make yourself more employable simply because you are helping reduce the level of anxiety and fear that others have while working with you. At the same time, you can show that you are personally responsible and will take extra steps to keep healthy and not expose others to potential biological threats.

6 Attributes to Focus on Post-Pandemic

The following are six attributes that you can focus on as we go back to work to show potential employers that you are aware of the potential dangers and are taking steps to ensure a safe and productive restart to the workforce:

1. Think Like an Intelligence Expert

The intelligence world is not all about James Bond movies and Tom Clancy novels. In fact, intelligence is not even just about government military or security issues. Intelligence is just the process of gathering data and utilizing it to some advantage in a given industry.

Business intelligence is the process of gathering data to utilize in the business world. CEOs are always on the lookout for smart people who know how to legally and ethically gather and analyze data. They need data on customers to improve their sales, and they need data on their competitors to level the playing field and compete with them.

If you are someone who knows how to get data and aggregate it in a comprehensible form, you will set yourself above the crowd when applying for work after COVID.

2. Be Tech Savvy

 Needless to say, a strong working knowledge of new media and technology is critical to landing your new job. Whether you work in the tech industry or not, technology crosses over into every industry. Those with specific skills in new technologies such as innovative telecommunications tools, security software, and robotics or AI will continue to be in high demand.

If you take some basic training in medical technology as well, it may give you a leg up on your competition since this is likely to be another highly sought-after skill that employers will search for in the post-COVID world.

3. Update your Resume

One important task to do when looking for your next career option is to update your resume. Read through your past job entries and consider highlighting experience that shows your ability to help address issues now faced by business owners in a post-pandemic environment.

Evaluate your skillset and ask yourself how well it allows you to prepare for the jobs of the future. It’s not just the post-COVID world you should prepare for; it’s the future jobs that have not yet even been defined yet. With AI and high tech ramping up in the workforce, you will want to focus on developing new skills that will future-proof your position once you get one.

4. Combine Technology with Entry Level Finance Jobs

To make yourself more attractive to a potential employer or HR manager, focus on the best entry-level finance jobs that HR managers are searching for.

When seeking out employment, focus on positions in the following areas:

• Economic strategies and intelligence
• Insurance and medical training
• HR recruitment and interview skills
• AI and robotics
• Accounting and budgeting skillsets

5. Focus on Finance

With the economy on everyone’s mind, budgeting and accounting skills and organizational strategies will be important as the workforce opens up again. You will want to think about the skills you can offer a potential employer in this important area.

If you can serve as a savvy financial analyst, help business owners restructure their business after COVID, or simply be a voice of wisdom to help keep things afloat, you will be seen as a valuable asset to business owners looking to boost their business following the problems surrounding the pandemic.

6. Practice Online Interview Skills

Regardless of whether you plan to pursue an online job or a brick-and-mortar position, it’s likely that you might have an online interview for the position. Check your equipment, dress appropriately, and plan what you are going to say before the interview to put your best foot forward.

In Summary

Finance jobs such as accounting or budgeting positions as well as financial experts and HR positions are likely to grow in importance as we start back to the workforce. Technology skills, organizational skills, and business strategies will also be highly valuable in a post-epidemic world.

Post written by Carolyn Sanders for www.sterlingcareerconcepts.com

The post How to Make Yourself More Employable Following COVID-19 appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

There are ways to channel your focus and attention to be as productive as possible in a remote office space. Turning off non-urgent messaging, creating a designated area for your office, blocking your time, and even playing music are all ways of increasing your productivity:

1. Turn Off Push Notifications

Push notifications are messages that applications send you when new content is uploaded. Usually, a small text box pops up in the right-hand corner of your computer screen, alerting you to a new Slack message or email.

Unless your boss specifically asks you to keep this feature on, turn it off. Push notifications can impede productivity as they break up your line of thought. Sometimes it takes a while to sort something out, especially larger projects or complex ideas. If you are continually checking your push notifications, you can’t get to the level of concentration you need for critical thinking.

2. Designate a Time to Check Messages

If you decide not to use push notifications (as they can be disruptive and distracting), appoint a specific time to check your email and other applications for important work-related messages.

Additionally, every hour or two, take ten minutes to check your email and other business-related social media platforms. Designating a time to do this programs your brain to only concentrate on these collateral distractions when you’re ready.

3. Time Block

Many home office workers are freelancers who work on multiple contract jobs. If you have a few different contract positions, or if your job consists of various tasks, split them up into time blocks, scheduling time for breaks between each large chunk of work.

Even if your work is mainly monotonous, block out your time so you can see the break at the end of each work session. This helps you be more productive by training your brain to work for specific periods.

Taking breaks is a proven method of productive workers. If at all possible, take a break from your screen as well, as massive amounts of blue light and middle-distance gazing can result in eye strain, leading to headaches and fatigue.

4. Create a Home Office Space

Many remote workers can plunk their laptops onto their beds and get right to it in their bathrobes, but this may not be the most productive method to work remotely. Creating a work hours and time off balance in your home is crucial. You should have a designated home office in which you work. This helps you separate your work part of the day from the leisure part of your day and signals to your family that you are on the clock.

Even if your home office is a simple desk, make sure you have everything you need to do your job effectively. An HP inkjet printer and ink, writing utensils, a fast Wi-Fi hookup, pens, and Post-It notes should all be within reaching distance of your designated workspace.

5. Plan a Quitting Time

Similar to creating times to check your email and other notifications, choose a time to quit. Often remote workers can be sucked into working overtime. This is especially true when you are absorbed in a work project and lose track of time, especially since you don’t have a commute to worry about. Your downtime is when your brain relaxes and recharges and is an essential part of remaining healthy and focused.

Set an alarm in another part of your house to go off when your day is supposed to end. You’ll have to leave your workspace to turn off the alarm. If you can, shut down all applications and wrap up all your projects before this timer goes off, so you don’t have to think about work until your next shift.

If at all possible, take a walk to clear your head. Being outside renews your mental energy, gives your eyes a rest from staring at a screen, and gives your lungs a chance to breathe fresh air. When you return home, you won’t be as tempted to resume working.

6. Find Your Soundtrack

It is a scientifically proven fact that people work most effectively when they have ambient noise in the background. This noise could be classical music, an app that issues rainstorm or ocean sounds, or the clink and hiss of a coffee shop.

It’s crucial to find the Goldilocks level of ambient noise—not too much and not too little. Experiment with different music, apps, or locales to see which one is just right for you.

7. Connect with Others

One of the primary aspects of working from home that remote workers complain about is social isolation. Even if you don’t talk to another human being in the flesh all day, try to connect to someone. Call a family member on a break or send a funny text to your best friend. These quick connections throughout your day lessen your feeling of isolation.

Some remote workers choose to work from a public place, like a coffee shop or library, so that the hum of human engagement accompanies the clickety-clack of their keyboards. Taking breaks to do errands, like stocking up on long-lasting printer ink or picking up lunch, can allow you to talk to other people, even if it’s just about the weather.

Most of the time, your pets make great coworkers, but, every once in a while, you need to have a verbal interaction to stay connected and productive.

Final Thoughts

Maybe you’ve been working in a remote office for years, or perhaps this is a new change in company policy. For many workers, the coronavirus pandemic has completely changed their company’s day-to-day operations, and they are now working from home.

It’s essential to take steps to ensure your productivity levels remain as high outside of the office as they were in the office. It isn’t a straightforward adaptation, but, in the end, the commute can’t be beaten.

The post 7 Tips for Being More Productive While Working Remotely appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

If you haven’t worked from home before this, I feel your pain. I’ve been working from home (voluntarily) for the past 15+ years. It has its advantages, but it also has its own set of challenges even on a good day. Combine that with home schooling children and spouses at home as well, it can rattle the nerves of even the most patient of us.

The good news is – this too shall pass.

The bad news is — we’re not sure when, and that also doesn’t help you in the meantime.

Click through for this article from Careers in Psychology that shares five reasons why working from home right now is so frustrating and then three tips for keeping your sanity in tact.

Stay safe and be well. We’re in this together.

The post 3 Tips for Staying Sane while Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Health Benefits

Health insurance is generally a must for job seekers; this is nothing new. But if you are on a partner’s insurance plan, then health insurance may not be the biggest blip on your radar. So what other health benefits could pique your interest? Wellness incentives are becoming a larger part of the benefits and perks conversation as they provide employees access to many different avenues to maintain health. Some employers may offer you membership to a gym, whether that be in their building or a local fitness center while others might provide you with access to an educational and sustainable weight loss program. Giving employees the ability to work on their wellness at their own speed and on their own time encourages them to really invest in the process and make smart and informed decisions about their health.

Flextime and Remote Work

Many employers and employees are now seeing the benefits behind flextime and remote work opportunities; it gives their employees freedom and allows them to have a work-life balance. As a dedicated worker, you shouldn’t have to use up your paid time off (PTO) for going to doctor’s appointments or sitting around waiting for the cable guy to show up (you’ve got to love that vague, four-hour time frame). Having the ability to flex your time or work remotely allows you to make it to your appointments, keep an eye on your sick kids, train your new pup, or do whatever you have to do while being able to continue your work at home.

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Family Leave

These are both highly sought-after forms of paid leave. Naturally, PTO is a significant benefit most job seekers are paying attention to; they want to make sure they are getting enough time each year and are accruing it at a reasonable rate. People also examine paid family leave policies with potential employers. This type of leave could be for parents of new children, babies or adopted, or even for caring for family recovering from surgeries and illness. The broadness of this policy’s scope allows employees to feel comforted in the fact that they will be covered for extended periods of time while taking care of what matters most—their families.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Many employers are now introducing or making special note of employee assistance programs (EAPs). This counseling benefit provides employees access to numerous resources such as mental health counseling, financial counseling, and legal advice. As a job seeker, this could be a benefit that sets an employer apart from the rest; it’s a glimpse into how the company treats its employees.

Work Environment

Positive office culture is a big bonus when searching for a new employer. When you find companies that are given the Great Place to Work certification, you know they treat their employees with care and respect. You can also tell a lot about a company by how they present themselves online. Explore the company’s social media; Do they post about staff appreciation or highlight successes? Do they do any work within their community with local charities or volunteer efforts? A positive workspace can make for great work experiences.

Conclusion

The journey towards a new job can seem overwhelming, but you can make it manageable by asking yourself some questions: What benefits do you want, what benefits do you need? Find the areas you are willing to compromise and the ones you know you can’t. Exploring these questions can guide you in finding your ideal employer.

The post Employee Benefits to Consider While Job Searching in 2020 appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

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Working from home sounds like a dream. You get to set your own hours, dress casually and generally be in the comfort of your own home.

However, it’s not always as easy as it sounds and it’s not for everyone. And as people have realized over the past few weeks during the COVID-19 crisis, some remote workers seriously struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

If this is you, don’t despair. You can still make some changes to achieve a healthier work-life ratio.

So, take some initiative and set some goals and standards. Here are six ways to improve work-life balance when you work from home.

1.  Start the Day Right

First things first: Start the day off right. Can you work in your pajamas? Yes. Should you? Not really. When you get up each morning, prepare for your workday as if you’re headed to an office. Your home office.

Take a shower to feel refreshed and get dressed in work-appropriate attire, at the very least. Do your hair and makeup if it makes you feel more confident. But the point here is to alter your mindset into a successful, business-like mode.

Starting the day off right could also mean creating a personalized morning ritual. Grab a cup of tea or make a smoothie in your blender, sitting down to make a to-do list to keep you on track for the entire day.

2.  Set “Office Hours”

For those who work from home, it can be a challenge to tune out at the end of the day. So, it’s best to set some boundaries and save your sanity with personal “office hours.”

If you collaborate with others, share your office hours and encourage them to share theirs as well. This establishes a clear time period where they can reach out, and you can do the same.

However, outside of these office hours, be sure to take some extra precautions. Offer your phone number to text in a true emergency, but, otherwise, set up a time period overnight to hold certain work-related notifications. If you use Slack, Asana or similar apps to collaborate globally, make sure you don’t get a ping at three o’clock in the morning.

3.  Dedicate Time to Specific Tasks

Aside from setting personal office hours, you should also stick to a schedule. Block out specific times for your tasks, recognizing which hours of the day you function most optimally. If your brain works best at sunrise, start your day then. If you work better after you’ve had coffee and made a to-do list for the day, give yourself some buffer room in the morning. But whatever you do, keep a rhythm and stay consistent.

Also, be sure to set aside time for usual daily tasks, such as checking and responding to emails. In fact, make sure this is not something you start your day with, as this can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.

4.  Create a Home Office or Separate Workspace

Create a home office you enjoy being in and a place to focus without distractions. It can be created inside a guest bedroom or even a renovated closet. But wherever you decide, make it your dedicated workspace, separate from the bedrooms and other common areas.

Even if you don’t have a spare room to transition into a home office, you still have options. Create a workspace at your kitchen table or purchase a small table to place in the corner of the living room. Separating living areas where you go to relax from work areas where you get jobs done can help maintain a healthy work-life balance in the most literal sense.

In the same vein, keep one room or area of the home completely business-free. Most prefer to keep the bedroom free from work, in order for it to remain a calming and relaxing retreat.

5.  Take Breaks and Get Out

When you work from home, it can leave you a bit stir crazy. There are two ways to combat this. First, be sure to take breaks. Stand up and walk around a bit, even if it’s just to the kitchen to grab a quick snack.

If you suffer from cabin fever, go for a 10-minute stroll around the neighborhood for some fresh air. Alternatively, if you’d rather be around people, after being holed up for a while, you could also work in a local coffee shop or library. Sometimes buzz and talk can be enough to make you feel less lonely. Whatever gets you out of the house and presents new scenery can often be a welcome distraction.

6.  Get Daily Exercise

Since working from home saves a long commute to work, plus the cost of gas, why not shift this free time into daily exercise and a home gym? Invest in a few pieces of fitness equipment and start the day off with a morning workout routine.

Exercise is good for your health in many ways, improving your physical health and mental health. Just a short walk on a treadmill can improve your mood and remove those creative blocks.

7.  Find Hobbies

Hobbies also offer their own outlet and can drastically improve your work-life balance in several ways. For one, it can create some mood-boosting serotonin to relax you. In fact, a new hobby may be something you look forward to, forcing you to pull yourself away from your desk.

Second, a hobby can be wonderful for social interactions. Those who work at home should absolutely find ways to mingle and socialize. Join a club with others who share the same interests and meet new people. Search on Meetup or Eventbrite for local book clubs, cooking classes or even sports-related activities.

How Will You Improve Your Work-Life Balance?

Ready to improve your work-life balance while work from home during the COVID-19 crisis? Try some of these suggestions, and you’ll soon be running your home office efficiently and happily.

The post 6 Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance When You Work from Home appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Photo by Jim Reardan on Unsplash

The last 20 years have seen a shift in society’s expectations of life after retirement. The number of Americans aged over 70 in employment (many in later-life careers) has risen from less than 10% to nearly 15% and – much like the people themselves – shows no sign of slowing down. If you’re considering adding another chapter to your employment story after retirement, this is a good opportunity to consider what would suit you best, whether you would prefer a home or office environment, for example, and how many hours you can commit. Whether your aim is to top up your savings or simply to stay active and engaged with other people, here are three questions to ask yourself to help achieve a fulfilling later-life career:

1. How much do you need to earn?

A 2019 study highlighted that nearly one fifth of those aged 55-73 have less than $5,000 in retirement savings. A later life career can give you the opportunity to top up those savings and make your senior years more comfortable. By planning your budget and establishing upfront whether you are working to cover bills right now or you’re simply thinking towards the future, you can make more informed decisions about the number of hours you need to work, and the sort of roles you would like to apply for.

2. What sort of working environment do you prefer?

Thanks to technology and increasing flexibility from employers with regard to working from home, employees have more choice than ever when it comes to working environments. At this stage of your working life, it’s important to consider what would suit you best. For some, the opportunity to earn from home without having to travel or deal with a busy office can be appealing. For others, a huge benefit of working is being around people; one in three seniors experiences loneliness, and a post-retirement career is a great way to stay mentally stimulated and socially connected. Think carefully about what would work best for you.

3. What do you really love doing?

The chances are, by the time you reach retirement, you’ve spent a large number of years doing things to help other people. Whether you’ve provided for your family, cared for older family members, or supported the wider community, you now have the option to do something for yourself. Even if your main motivation is simply to earn enough for life’s little luxuries, you can still look for something that rewards you in other ways too. Do you love helping people?  Solving problems? The satisfaction of organizing things? Ask a friend or family member what you’re great at; maybe there’s a chance to break out of your comfort zone or go to bed each night feeling really satisfied with what you’ve achieved.

Taking the leap

Now that you know what you’re aiming for, update your resume with these goals in mind. Think about relevant experiences which you can apply; they may not all be from your previous career. One of the advantages of a later life career is that you can bring other life experiences to the role too. Do some research online to find out about any qualifications that might help to bring you up to date; it will also show potential employers that you’re not out of touch with the modern employment landscape.

Rejoining the workforce after your official retirement is becoming increasingly common and can be very rewarding. From keeping you comfortable financially, to stimulating your mind and keeping you active, working in later years has its benefits. Be sure to plan ahead first, so that you can find something which gives you what you need, and leaves you a little room to enjoy this stage of your life too.

The post Finding a Fulfilling Later-Life Career after Early Retirement appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

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There are many reasons that seniors continue to work past the age of 65. While money is an obvious desire, avoiding boredom, loneliness, and mental decline are all also driving forces. If you find yourself looking for a new career to supplement your senior years, you are in luck. There are many flexible jobs for seniors that will allow you to continue to earn and learn without giving up the freedom of retirement. Here are four to consider:

1. Customer service

If you’re patient, articulate, and have a knack for making people feel at ease, a job in customer service might be just what you need. Many firms even offer remote working opportunities if you only want to take calls part-time and have a reliable internet connection, home office, and a quiet space. CNBC notes General Electric, Amazon, and Humana are just a few well-known companies that offer work-at-home positions for qualified employees.

2. Accounting/tax preparation

When you have experience in accounting, you can use your mathematical prowess as a tax preparer. As a retiree, you might enjoy seasonal work as a non-credentialed tax preparer, working for companies like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. You won’t make as much money as a CPA, but there are very few barriers, and you do not have to have a license in most states.

If you want to prepare taxes on your own without working for a company, you’ll need to obtain an Electronic Filing Identification Number from the IRS. One of the biggest benefits is that you are usually done by mid-April, leaving your summer open for travel and recreation.

3. Insurance sales

Insurance is a product that everybody needs, but far too few people understand how much or why. If you have a background in sales, helping people get themselves set up with life insurance may be a financially lucrative option. You can work full-time or part-time, and you might just find that helping other people prepare for the future is more rewarding than the paycheck. Before you sign up as an agent, do your research.

In the beginning, your clients will likely be friends and family, and you should get to know the various types of life insurance that can meet their needs. You also want to make sure that you are working for a company that offers the kind of environment and support you’ll need. According to the Lincoln Heritage reviews on Indeed, that might be a good company to help you get started.

4. Child care and early education

There are a few obvious downsides to childcare. Exposure to germs is one, especially in the winter months. But despite the risk of the flu, working with children has many benefits for mature adults. Per HealthDay, older volunteers and teachers get to experience the “joy and exuberance that comes from being around kids.” Further, spending your days playing with giggling little ones can make you feel young, needed, and energetic.

A few options here are to work for a private daycare, a Mother’s Day Out program, or the aftercare at your local elementary school.

To help you avoid colds and the flu, you’ll have to prioritize yearly vaccinations, make sure everyone keeps their hands washed, and boost your immune system by eating well, taking a good multivitamin, and getting enough sleep.

In conclusion

Just because you’ve wrapped up your career doesn’t mean that you have to be content without a paycheck. There are plenty of excellent job opportunities for retirees, and many of these offer flexible hours. More importantly, you have a chance to keep your mind and body busy and stave off the boredom that often comes with retirement.

The post Flexible Jobs for Seniors Who Want to Retire (But Not Really!) appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

How to respond…

The moment when you get a call or email to say you’re being offered a senior position is an important one. This is your chance to communicate gratitude, as well as to buy time to negotiate. Rather than providing an answer right away, it’s best to ask for the offer in writing (if it hasn’t been provided already) and request time to review it.

What to consider…

Review strategically to evaluate not only the salary, but also the benefits — such as paid time off, insurance, work hours, any educational assistance, etc. You also should review the job details, start date, and the employer to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

When to negotiate…

If it’s your dream job, the terms are fair, and/or the employer tells you it’s a firm offer, take it. If, on the other hand, you know you can’t make the salary and benefits work for you and/or you have a strong case for why you should get a better deal, it makes sense to negotiate. Only do so, however, if you’re prepared to walk away from the offer; that’s what gives you leverage in the conversation.

To learn more about reviewing and negotiating executive job offers, see the infographic below, which offers good tips about accepting (or declining) a position.

Author Bio: Sara Drake is Director of Marketing for Advanced Resources, a talent solutions organization headquartered in Chicago. Drake, who has 15 years of experience in the industry, focuses on talent solutions through staffing, consulting and workforce solutions.

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Workplace Wellness Tip #1: Practice Office Ergonomics

You spend the majority of the week in your office and at your desk, so the way your desk is arranged can have a huge impact on your well being. Start by simply making sure you have an ergonomic desk chair that supports your back and prevents slouching. Next, align your eyes with your monitor so you’re not straining your neck by looking up or down. Additionally, you could consider investing in blue light glasses  to limit the amount of blue light exposure you get from your digital screens and make sure your desk is set up in an efficient way so the items you use most are accessible to you. By practicing these few steps daily, you’re already correcting your posture, eyesight and efficiency, which makes you more engaged, comfortable and productive in the long run.

Workplace Wellness Tip #2: Move Around

Desk jobs can hinder your wellness over time because they can lead to sedentary lifestyles. A sedentary lifestyle involves limited movement or physical activity during the day and leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, to name a few. You can avoid falling victim to the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles by moving around a little more throughout your workday. Start by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk at lunch and stretching or exercising at your desk. You should also consider heading to the gym before or after work as it’s suggested by the Mayo Clinic that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense aerobic activity a week. By implementing more movement into your daily routine, you can lose weight and avoid disease, which can make you more energized and positive.

Workplace Wellness Tip #3: Keep Your Workspace Clean

Take the last five minutes of each day to straighten up and disinfect your desk. You spend a lot of your time at your desk so its organization and hygiene are important to your productivity. Employees typically don’t think about how much bacteria the items on their desks can carry, especially after cold and flu season when some of their coworkers may have been sick, which is why it’s important to be hygienic and maintain your workstation at all times.

By implementing a few new tasks such as these into your everyday routine, you can improve your overall well being while at work. It may take some time to figure out your new routine but, once you do, you will feel more balanced and motivated in and outside of the office.

The post Workplace Wellness Tips for the New Year appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Image via Pexels

If you’re running a business from home or are planning to do so in the future, your office is one of the most important aspects you need to get right. Having a workspace that helps you separate your work and home life is critical in fostering concentration and productivity. And since you’re working from home, you get to build and design your office exactly as you want. Creating a home office is a benefit not enjoyed by most employees at conventional offices.

To take advantage of this freedom, it’s essential to come up with a plan as to how you will create your home office so that you can make the most of your time and money.

Pick the location.

First of all, it’s important to place your office in the right spot. You don’t want to squeeze a desk and chair in the corner of your maintenance closet; you want to make sure you have ample space to work. Also, think about factors like noise and traffic. Putting your office near the road will open you up to noise from cars, whereas setting up near the living room or bathroom could mean that you end up hearing a lot of foot traffic and other noises from your family members.

If you don’t think your current home has the extra space necessary to accommodate your office, you might need to consider buying a new home. Be sure to look into the sale prices of homes in your area to get an idea of homes available within your budget.

Get the equipment you need.

Once you’ve chosen a location for your home office, you need to make a list of all the equipment it will take to make your workspace complete. Of course, you want to make sure you have a high-quality chair since you’ll be sitting in it for several hours a day. Also, don’t hold back when it comes to investing in a good desk that meets your work needs and compliments the office. Furthermore, consider anything else you need for your business, such as a WiFi connection, printer, separate phone line, and so on.

Opt for sunlight and plants.

If you want an easy way to boost your productivity, place your desk or primary work area by a window and keep the blinds drawn through the day. Sunlight not only can help you concentrate and provide you with more energy, but it also comes with a number of health benefits. You can bring in a little more of the outdoors by placing green plants around the office. This can prove soothing when you’re used to staring at electronic screens all day.

Make it easy to keep organized.

You don’t want a bunch of clutter in your workspace. Design your home office so that it’s easy to stay organized on a daily basis. Start by decluttering and deep-cleaning the room from top to bottom. Look for cost-effective storage solutions that will allow you to store equipment, files, and other items discreetly and/or attractively. Cords are another big deal; opt for wireless devices when possible, but if you have a lot of cords in your workspace, you will need to mount them under your desk and other furniture with zip-ties, Velcro, and/or PVC piping.

Personalize the space.

Finally, you want to put your personal mark on your home office. Paint the walls a color or color scheme that inspires you, put up artwork and/or photos that you love, and furnish the space to meet your specific needs. If you plan on having clients or customers coming through, you might need to tweak the aesthetics a bit.

The opportunity to create your own home office is a privilege, so be sure to take advantage of it. Choose the best location in the home for your needs, get all the necessary equipment, maximize sunlight, and add green plants to the mix. Set up a work area that can be simply maintained, and add personal touches to complete the office. Before long, you’ll be working in an amazing office that supports your home-based business!

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1. Regular physical exercise is a must 

There’s no escaping it; you must be involved in some form of physical exercise regularly to achieve and maintain physical fitness. Exercise has many physical benefits including a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a more attractive physique. On top of that, exercise has a wide array of cognitive benefits like improved concentration, faster learning, sharper memory, and enhanced creativity, all of which can improve your productivity. The best way to add exercise to your regular routine is by joining a gym and working with a professional trainer. If that’s not possible, you don’t have to worry since there are many ways you can exercise without stepping into a gym; jogging, cycling, body weight exercises, yoga, and taking online classes are just a few of them.

2. Follow a proper diet 

Exercise can only take you halfway through the journey to physical fitness; to make it to the end, you’ll need to follow a proper diet as well. When it comes to diet, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach; diet can be a very touchy subject and what works for you may be completely different from what works for others. However, there are some basic diet principles that you can follow. For one, you need to eat a well-balanced diet that provides your body with the vital nutrients it needs to fuel your workouts and leave enough for your other body functions. The food quantities and the timing of your meals can also have an effect on your fitness plan.

3. Supplements: yea or nay? 

Another important thing you need to consider is how to use supplements to help you achieve your fitness goals. There are many supplements available, but not all of them will be suitable for you. Protein supplements or drinks that can help you strengthen your bones and gain muscle quickly while losing fat at the same time are worth considering, as are preparations that contain omega 3, 6 and 9, iron, vitamin D, and calcium. Naturally before doing so, make sure you have the green light from your doctor.

The role of physical fitness cannot be understated when it comes to job productivity. It promotes your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, helping you become the best version of yourself which sets you up perfectly for professional success.

The post Improve Your Work Performance in the New Year by Building a Strong, Healthy Body appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.

Figure Out Exactly What You Want to Do

From answering phone calls and emails to building websites and writing content, there are a lot of options when it comes to working remotely. Businesses are hiring remote workers for all sorts of positions. To ensure that your new job is one you end up loving, though, you need to figure out exactly what you want to do. If you hate your current retail job because you don’t like dealing with customers, for example, you probably won’t want to work from home answering customer service calls. Think about your interests and what you’re good at. If you’ve always had a knack for spelling and grammar, becoming a copywriter or content writer could be a good option.

If you enjoy working as an assistant, virtual assisting could be a good option. Spend some time reviewing remote job listings on Indeed or another job website to get a feel for what’s out there. Also, consider how you want to work. Do you want to work full-time as a remote employee for a company? Would you rather freelance? Are you looking for something you can do part-time in addition to your regular job? All of these things are important to figure out before you start applying for remote work.

Set Your Space Up for Success

We’d all love to earn huge incomes while lounging on the couch or lying in bed. In most cases, though, that’s not how it works. A lot of remote jobs involve spending most of your time working in front of your computer. Relaxing on the couch with your laptop may sound like a great option—but doing so is not a good way to set yourself up for success. As a remote worker, you are much more likely to be productive if you have a dedicated office space. Your back will thank you, too.

Convert your spare bedroom into an office or dedicate a corner of your dining room or living room into a work area. Whatever you do, make sure you have a desk, a computer and printer with plenty of inkjet cartridges, and anything else you will need to do your job. If you will need to take or make calls, invest in a good headset. Make sure you have a fast internet connection. Create a home office that makes you feel productive and ready to take on a new job.

Figure Out a Schedule

One of the great things about working remotely is that it is usually more flexible than a traditional job. Instead of being stuck in the office from 9 to 5 every day, you are often able to set your own hours or take days off as you please. As long as your deadlines are met, many remote employers don’t particularly care what days or hours you work. This is especially true for freelancers.

When you work at a traditional job, your schedule is created for you. Working remotely, on the other hand, means that you need to create your own schedule. This requires more discipline than you may think. With no one standing over your shoulder telling you that you have to stay until 5, and no boss to scold you if you play hooky on a random Tuesday, it’s easy to fall into the habit of blowing off work.

Avoid future problems by coming up with a schedule for yourself and sticking to it. Determine what days and hours you will work. When you need to take time off, plan for it just like you would plan to take time off from a regular job. Make sure your family understands your schedule and respects that, even though you are at home, you are unavailable during certain hours because you are working. You can always adjust your schedule as you get used to working from home, but it’s important to start out with some sort of structure.

Avoid Distractions

Distractions are a huge problem for many remote workers. Whether it’s a friend or family member who thinks you are available at all times because you aren’t technically at work, a new episode from your favorite YouTuber, or something interesting going on in your neighborhood, there are always plenty of things to draw your attention away from your work. Even a cat that won’t stay off your keyboard can be a huge distraction!

Learning to stay focused on the task at hand isn’t easy. With no one to reprimand you for getting off track, it’s easy to waste hours mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or staring out the window. These distractions can cause you to fall behind on your work, though, and make working from home a lot more stressful than it should be.There are all sorts of tools out there to help you stay focused. From teaching you how to meditate to improve focus to blocking you from using certain apps or websites during the work day, there are options for just about every situation. Try a few for yourself to discover which ones are right for you.

Conclusion

Working remotely is a great way to earn a living without having to spend all day at an office or another job. It can be challenging, though, especially if you fail to start off on the right foot. By following the tips above, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy working from home.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Working Remotely appeared first on Sterling Career Concepts.