Ghost Jobs: A Deep Dive into the World of Fake Job Openings

Job Search
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WHAT ARE GHOST JOBS?
Ghost jobs are job postings that are not real, meaning they were posted with the intention of NOT filling an opening. In some cases, they may represent positions already filled long ago or openings that never were supposed to have been filled in the first place. This is frustrating for those candidates who invest so much time and effort applying for positions that are not current.

Ghost jobs manifest themselves in different ways:

Expired postings: Jobs that have already been filled or closed but still appear online due to poor posting management.
Placeholder Listings: Jobs posted to measure market interest or talent availability, as opposed to filling an immediate need. The company is feeling out potential candidates to see who might be applying.
Opening Ploys: Used to make it appear that a company is in growth mode and needs to bulk up its staff.
Compliance Listings: Some companies are required by law to post job openings, even when the outcome of such posting is largely an inside deal. They already have someone in mind… and they already work at the company.

WHY DO COMPANIES LIST FAKE JOB OPENINGS?

The motivations for ghost jobs are varied, and not all of them are malicious in nature.

Some key reasons as to why companies create such postings are:

1. Talent Pipeline Building
Companies often post jobs to build a pipeline of qualified candidates should something open. They might be able to move candidates quickly when a real need does arise. While this practice benefits the company in highly competitive industries or difficult-to-fill unfamiliar positions, it can be misleading to candidates who may actually believe the role is immediately available.

2. Testing The Market
Some employers post just to understand the talent pool in the market that possesses certain skills or experience. True for niche or technical roles primarily, this allows companies, through pool analysis, to make strategic compensation decisions, timelines of hire, or even decisions on expansions into new areas of business. They want to see who is out there.

3. Maintaining a Perception of Growth
In the case of startups or firms in question, posting numerous job openings may give an impression of success and growth to the investors, customers, or the best talent who would want to be part of a successful company. But the moment the truth comes out, trust will wear off.

4. Employment Law Compliance
For instance, some regions or industries require companies to post a job opening publicly, even when an internal candidate has already been identified. Technically, this is a real posting, but it is very misleading to external applicants.

5. Ineffective Recruitment Methods
Poor hiring processes are to blame in some ghost jobs. Recruiters or hiring managers forget to close the posting for roles already filled, allowing postings to stay up indefinitely.

EFFECTS OF GHOST JOBS ON APPLICANTS
The impact of ghost jobs on job seekers can be profound and demoralizing:

1. Wasting Time and Resources
The entire process of applying for a job is time-consuming and stressful. A candidate applying for a ghost job wastes time and resources that could be used on real opportunities.

2. Emotional and Mental Stress
What happens is that continuous applications without responses create feelings of rejection, frustration, and self-doubt; ghost jobs just compound this problem since we may never know if the job was valid in the first place.

3. Distrust in Companies
When applicants find out they have applied for ghost jobs, the company does not look good to them. This kind of distrust keeps talented people away from applying to the company at some point in their lives.

4. Distorted Job Market Figures
Ghost jobs give a false signal to job seekers about the demand for certain roles, which is why some of them invest time in upskilling in positions that may, in reality, not exist.

IMPACT ON COMPANIES

While ghost jobs might appear harmless or even strategic to companies, they usually boomerang in several ways.

1. Reputation Damage
Workers and candidates share experiences through Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and even sites like Reddit. The reputation of posting ghost jobs will affect the employer’s brand, making it difficult to attract top talent later on.

2. Lower Candidate Engagement
Candidates will be less likely to apply with companies that have a history of ghost postings, meaning it reduces the talent pool for actual openings and increases recruitment costs.

3. Resource Mismanagement
Application management of fake jobs burdens the company’s HR and recruitment teams. The time to review these irrelevant applications could be used to fill actual vacancies.

4. Legal and Ethical Risks
Ghost jobs in some jurisdictions may result in legal considerations, especially when postings mislead candidates or violate equal employment opportunities laws.

BROADER IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CAREER INDUSTRY

1. Data on Labor Market is Skewed.

Ghost jobs distort labor market statistics and make the actual demand for a job difficult to trace by policymakers, researchers, or economists. This misrepresentation leads to inappropriate labor policies or funding relating to workforce development programs.

2. Mistrust in Employment Platforms

The credence of such job boards or recruitment websites could be lost grudgingly in terms of both the job seekers and the employers if ghost jobs are on them, which may undermine the effectiveness of those services in linking potential job seekers with job opportunities.

3. Career Services Challenges

Career coaches and services depend on valid job market data as a basis for coaching their clients. Ghost jobs make this difficult since the picture is distorted on the number of jobs available. It makes it hard for us to offer accurate information since we really don’t know how many jobs are real and how many are fake.

4. Frustration of Recruiters

Working with such companies, some recruiters and staffing agencies may be inadvertently damaging their reputation. Candidates who feel lied to are less likely to engage with the agency in question again.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Ghost Jobs

For Job Seekers…

Research Companies:  Go through reviews and forums for patterns of ghost postings.
Network Strategically:  Connect with employees or recruiters at your target companies to confirm the validity of roles.
Set Realistic Expectations:  Not all job postings may be immediate opportunities.

For Companies…

Be transparent about your role:  State if it’s an immediate opening or if it is part of future hiring plans.
Audit Postings on a Regular Basis: Remove outdated or filled roles to maintain credibility.
Engage Applicants: Respond to applicants in a timely manner with feedback and updates.

Ghost jobs reflect the complexity and inefficiency of contemporary methods of recruitment. While these jobs might serve short-term objectives for companies, their effect is, above all, negative on job seekers, corporate reputations, and the career industry.

Why Saying “No” in Your Career (and Life) can be a Good Thing

Career & Workplace
Young African American executive respectfully tells his boss no while still advancing his career

As we round out November, the month of gratitude, I thought I’d take a moment to dispel the myth that saying “no,” and setting boundaries makes you ungrateful for the opportunities provided to you. In a world where “yes” often seems like the golden ticket to career advancement and finally snagging that coveted executive role, there’s an undervalued power in saying “no.” Embracing the art of refusal doesn’t make you ungrateful or a less cooperative team player; it’s about strategic decision-making and setting essential boundaries. Today we’ll explore why saying “no” can be a powerful tool in both career and personal life, highlighting the significance of intentional choices and boundaries.

Understanding the Power of “No”

Saying “no” isn’t merely rejection. There’s so much more to it than that! It’s an assertion of control over commitments. The pressure to always say ”yes” stems from societal expectations, often leading to overcommitment and burnout. However, strategic “no’s” can empower you to maintain focus, reduce stress, and boost productivity by prioritizing your time and energy.

Overcoming the Fear of “No”

The fear or guilt tied to declining requests is a common one that I hear from many clients. It’s ok to have these fears! However, as we all know, facing and overcoming our fears is a huge part of life. As you prepare to tackle this fear, remember that assertiveness and effective communication play a crucial role in gracefully declining tasks, opportunities, or requests while still maintaining relationships. It’s about setting clear expectations and respectfully managing commitments. By developing these skills, you can gracefully navigate through situations in which saying “no” is the right answer. 

One final thought on people-pleasing and the fear of saying “no:” remember that you’re not ice cream – not everyone is going to like you. And that’s ok! 🍦

Embracing the Positive Outcomes of “No”

Success stories abound where saying “no” has led to positive outcomes in both career advancement and personal life. By carefully selecting the opportunities you pursue, you can make better decisions and experience professional growth. Saying “no” allows us to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s a more fulfilling career, a healthier work-life balance, or personal development opportunities.

Saying “No” in Career Situations

Workplace Demands and Projects

Choosing to decline certain projects or tasks can enable better time and resource allocation. Nobody is at their best when they are stretched to the limit and overwhelmed. Prioritizing tasks aligned with strategic goals helps prevent burnout and enhances efficiency while often reminding you what you love about your career.

Job Opportunities and Career Advancements

Sometimes, declining certain job offers or advancements is beneficial for long-term career objectives. When presented with such an opportunity, remember that you are an asset! Don’t jump at an offer simply because it looks good on paper. Examine it from all perspectives, and if it doesn’t align with your personal values and aspirations, say no! It’s not the job for you, and again – that’s ok. Finding a career in which you are challenged, appreciated, and satisfied is the goal, not advancement for advancement’s sake.  

Work-Life Balance in Executive Roles

Setting boundaries through saying “no” is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By rejecting excessive work hours or commitments, you can prioritize your personal well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling life both inside and outside of work. Make time to be at home for family dinners, watch the kids’ soccer games, or just curl up on the couch with a mug of cocoa and your favorite movie. Whatever you do to decompress and relax is important. Saying “no” will help prioritize those things.

Saying “No” in Personal Life

Social Commitments and Personal Relationships

We all have lives outside of our executive roles (at least we should!), and I want you to be happy there as well! Setting boundaries in social engagements nurtures personal relationships while protecting your mental well-being. Remember that prioritizing personal time is essential for self-care.

Personal Development and Growth

Saying “no” to certain commitments also allows you to make space for personal growth opportunities. By selectively choosing how you invest your time and energy, you can engage in self-care, self-reflection, and pursue activities that nurture your personal development. The better you know yourself, the happier you’ll be in your career. And, cheesy though it may sound, how will you know yourself if you never spend time with yourself? 

In conclusion, the ability to say ”no” strategically holds immense power. It’s about aligning commitments with personal and professional goals, leading to better focus, growth, and a balanced life. Don’t be afraid to embrace the empowerment of saying “no” when necessary. Evaluate your commitments and feel free to reach out!  For many of us, learning to say “no” is a lifelong journey. I’m always happy to share my tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way. 

PS – Stop apologizing for things that aren’t your fault! But that’s a whole ‘nother blog. 😉



Job Search Plans

Job Search

Does #cold calling a hiring manager cause you to hyperventilate? 😱


You’re not alone!

If you have a solid plan in place it can reduce anxiety, build your confidence, and increase your chances of success.

Here are some quick tips to get you there:

✔ 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 the company. Learn about their mission, goals, and the type of employees they hire.

✔ 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 your questions. Write them down. Read them out loud until you feel confident.

✔ Use your 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. See if you have a connection that would make a recommendation to the #hiring manager. Someone who can drop a little seed in the mind of the person you’ll be talking to.

✔ 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞 your data. Use a spreadsheet to track phone numbers, dates, messages left, and notes.

✔ 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 your script. Bullet point info to include experience and type of position you are seeking.

✔ 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. This will increase your confidence. Record yourself. Make your main points in one minute. Practice your elevator pitch.

✔ 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐚𝐲. Determine the best time to call, when people are less busy.

Having a plan increases your confidence, helps you feel prepared, and increases your chances of landing a job that much quicker.

Tips to Negotiate a Raise

Guest PostsSalary

Asking your boss for a raise can be one of the most anxiety-inducing things you ever do at your job. Because of how nerve-wracking it is, many people wait too long to get the raise they deserve. Too many people fail to understand that there’s no reason to be anxious about asking for a raise, especially if you’ve been working hard and helping the company grow. However, there are some ways to ask for a raise that are better than others and have a higher likelihood of getting you what you deserve.

Even if your manager praises you daily, you’ll still need to give them a reason why you deserve more money, and you should be prepared to negotiate your rate. Here’s tips on how to ask your boss for a raise.

Collect Feedback

Your resume has changed since you applied for your current position. As you’ve worked for  the company  many years, you’ve picked up new skills and found new ways to help the business expand. Whether you have quarterly or annual performance reviews, the odds are you’ve received positive feedback since your last review. Keep all the praise you receive  organized, so you can use it to build your case for why you deserve a raise.

You should also give yourself an evaluation. Make a list of all you’ve accomplished for the business. If anything goes above and beyond your job duties, make a note of what it is and how often you do it. You should also add any long hours you’ve worked to the list and include everything from your managers’ reviews to coworkers’ feedback.

Have Data Prepared

People respond best to facts and data. If you want a raise, you’ll need to bring numbers to the table. Now that you have a list of all of your accomplishments, try to add details by adding numbers when possible. You can even use invoices to track your pay stubs.

For example, if your department benefitted from your work, try to include how they benefited, such as an increased rate of productivity or time and cost savings. Be as specific as possible. If you increased sales by a certain percentage or led a team who did, add that to your list. Bringing  details to the conversation gives proof as to why you deserve a bump in pay.

Consider the Future

Employees ask for raises because they have a track record of working hard and succeeding. However, managers and bosses need to know you’re looking for an opportunity to grow within the company, and not just for the money. When you ask for a raise, consider talking about next steps, more responsibility, or what is necessary to rise to the next level. You can also come prepared with a detailed explanation of where you see yourself within the company and where you want to go in the future.

Check the Handbook

Knowing when to ask for a raise can help you be successful in getting gone. For example, an upcoming performance review allow you to advocate for yourself to HR or the business owner so you can get a raise exactly during a time when the company is considering your future with them.

Your employee handbook will give you an idea about how raises and promotions are handled within your company. While these career milestones can happen at any time, they typically happen during performance reviews, which allow you to prepare for the right moment to ask for a raise.

Give Them a Number

Asking for a raise and not knowing how much you want or need to stay with the company can be detrimental to your cause. If you want a raise, you should have a number in mind—determining the amount and sharing it with  your boss is the reason why many people have anxiety in these situations. However, if you have done your research and know your value, as well as your contributions to the company, you feel confident in what you think is fair, and, you’ll have a higher chance of success.

Don’t forget, your boss may  try to negotiate. So be prepared to compromise. Consider other non-monetary perks, such as vacation, education benefits, etc. air rate would be by 10%.

Book a Time

This is not a discussion that you want to have in the hallway. Book a time with them when you know they’ll have nothing else on their mind. Consider the company schedule, as well as their responsibilities.

Practice

Asking for a raise can be intimidating, but the worst thing that can happen is being turned down. Most people will not get fired because they want more money. HR professionals expect that almost all employees will eventually ask for a raise or a promotion to improve their work/life balance.

By practicing with your friends and family, you can make the ordeal less stressful. You’ll be able to go into the meeting anticipating what your boss will ask or how they’ll reply to certain parts of the conversation.

 

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys San Diego life, traveling, and music.

 

 

Workplace 2020 – The Year of the “Hybrid” Working Environment

Career & WorkplaceWork/Family Balance

While many Americans started 2020 commuting to their jobs, the onset of a global pandemic quickly showed just as many that their jobs can be done from remote locations. As “stay-at-home” orders shut down state after state, extending a short-term change in the workplace environment from on-site to virtual, a lot of companies have realized that there may be some benefits to not having their employees return to the corporate office full-time. As the new “hybrid” working environment is making itself more popular, it’s very clear that there is an adjustment period for the company, the employees, and their families.

“Working from home” has long been a term associated with parents who want to stay home with their kids and make a little side money.  However, this virtual working concept was already gaining popularity in the past few years as technology applications were created to help companies connect across the global, cutting down on travel, and ultimately costs. While workplaces were starting to see the benefits of having their workers move to a remote environment, most were not prepared to have to do so immediately in 2020-and it has been a rough adjustment for many. Now that states are opening back up, some organizations are starting a “hybrid” workplace concept, meaning they are having their employees work from home, and at the office.

We have talked to some of our colleagues and corporate clients about the ups and downs of switching to a remote/hybrid working environment, and asked them to share their personal insight as to how to navigate the obstacles and challenges, as well as the perks of having a home office for the first time.  Here are some of their tips to help make your new “workplace” as productive and normal as your former office was.

  • Establish your workspace in your home. Try to find a room separate from living, dining, or sleeping spaces so that you truly feel like you are in an office setting. Make sure your modem and router are both up to speed and that your wireless connection is strong enough for your occupational needs in your new office space. If you are lucky enough to have a door to your workspace, make sure your family members or roommates know that when the door is shut, you are not to be disturbed.
  • Know your virtual communication applications. What programs will your company be using for team meetings and communications? Zoom? Webex? Find out what you will be using the most for teleconferencing and give yourself a quick tutorial so you don’t miss out on important information and events.
  • Stay organized. If you are an employee that is having to learn the “hybrid” concept for the first time, organization will be key. Find a way to keep important files and notes electronically in a shared drive or database so that you are not constantly moving piles of papers to and from your work environments. Have everything on your laptop ready to go so that wherever you have to be logistically, you still have access to everything you need for meetings.
  • Create a schedule. There will be times when you are going to be required to be in the office for in-person meetings. Work with your supervisors and colleagues to find common days and times to be in the office, when necessary.  As the whole purpose of social distancing is to limit contact, be sure that you are only including the people who absolutely need to be sitting in the conference room and any others can be brought in from their remote locations.
  • Plan for changes in your salary/benefits. If a car allowance is part of your monthly income, you need to be prepared that the amount you’re currently getting may be reduced or eliminated altogether. I mean, you’re not driving to work full-time anymore, so why should the company be compensating for you to do so? As our economy has taken a huge hit due to the global pandemic, more and more companies will be doing anything they can to cut costs to make up for their financial losses. Headcount and benefits are usually the top costs in many organizations, so these will be the first areas to see cuts.
  • Be prepared for the future. If your company doesn’t need you to come into the office on a full-time, they may also realize that they don’t need you to work full-time anymore. Then, eventually you may not even be needed part-time. Meaning…you just got laid off…permanently. Start planning now for a potential job change..today. Reduce your spending and find ways to stockpile some cash, should you find yourself unemployed. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile so you are ready to hit the ground running if you need to start looking for a new job. Network amongst your peer group, family members, and colleagues to see what is out there in your industry and beyond. While some companies are going under, there are just as many thriving and adding to their workforce.

As we continue to try to live and work during these “uncertain times” caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, being prepared for the unknown will be key to surviving. The new “hybrid” work environment concept that has been a direct result of what’s going on in the world will be a win for some and a huge loss for others. Hopefully these tips will help to ensure that you are one of the “winners” in 2020.

 

Leadership Tools for Executives Seeking New Opportunities

Career & Workplace

Is your executive resume interesting?

 

Taking on a new leadership opportunity can come with undue stress surrounding the demands and qualifications of the role. Familiarizing yourself with the common tools executives use to operate at their full potential can make a major difference in your confidence entering the new position. Use the strategies listed below to give yourself a head start on your new career step and get you ready to be the best leader you can be!

 Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making

Every individual has a different skill set and expertise that makes them fit-to-hire within given leadership roles. Leadership responsibilities can be some of the most demanding, and can require the right kind of professional characteristics and skills to reap beneficial results. It calls for prompt and accurate decision-making and strategic thinking to devise the right solutions for issues that may arise internally and externally, as well as the ability to be innovative and find creative solutions to complex problems. Supporting innovation amongst employees and team members is also crucial to gain a wide set of perspectives and expertise, and resolve issues that depend on broader or more focused thinking.

Strategic thinking is another attribute that allows for the design of forecasting and prevention methods that combat possible challenges. It can be used by leaders to address internal team changes, concerns, advancement opportunities, and to instill proper conflict management and resolution strategies. Strategic thinking also applies to external factors by helping to monitor competitors entering the market and determining the best course of action internally to address new demands and differentiating factors. This can lead to more forward-thinking production planning to remain relevant and on top of changing trends to be a market leader.

To determine whether or not you are a strategic thinker, review these qualifying characteristics:

  • Strategic leaders do not try to fit the mold. They think outside the box, even if it is unpopular to do so, to take calculated risks.
  • They learn from their experiences to implement tried and true improvements and prevention methods that could yield better results.
  • They push themselves and their teams to accept new challenges. They believe in their team, having full confidence that their efforts will lead them to success.
  • They keep a positive attitude, seek opportunities, and seize them. They do not let fear of failure dictate their actions, but instead, push past comfort zones to seek better results.
  • Strategic thinking leaders are forward-thinking influencers. They influence decision-making and set a purpose-driven example by driving team members to trust the process, and believe in what their leaders are striving toward.

 Management Strategies and Tools

Technology is making waves in modern business, demanding new leaders to familiarize themselves with the right tools that get the job done. The main role of tech-based tools in leadership is to keep projects and strategies organized and easily accessible. They also provide data collection to further streamline leadership decision-making and forecast future trends that could impact the internal operations.

Managing financials is one of the major responsibilities bestowed upon leaders, so having the right organizational tools to manage financial information is key to accurate project planning, payroll, and budgeting. Management tools like ERP systems include modules that cover all major aspects of financial management. Familiarize yourself with these tools taking the business world by storm to bring in a fresh perspective on ways to properly utilize its features to improve operational productivity, better outline future project plans and forecast possible budget constraints.  CRM software can also be used for external operations to ensure that all client relationships stay organized and production meets their demands to remain competitive in your company’s given market.

Managing tools do not always consist of tech-based software, but can focus on team building strategies as well. Research varying ways of engaging employees to learn their individual strengths and weaknesses and adjust your leadership approach accordingly. For example, introverted employees may prefer more authoritative leadership, while more independent team members may prefer the opportunity to engage in knowledge and power-sharing methods. With this knowledge, you can build a more effective team and connect with employees on both personal and professional levels to build trust. Be sure to be genuine, open, well-informed, and accessible to team members, and share your credentials to instill their confidence in your direction. Be goal driven to find purpose in everyday work and influence your team to seek shared goals by acting as a coach. Do not assume you have all the answers, and take employee input and ideas into consideration. Studies show that engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave an organization.  Modern leaders are transforming traditional leadership by supporting collaborative, authentic, and creative work environments where professionals can flourish and share their expertise on a fair and even playing field.

 Training and Team Building

Proper leadership training will most likely take place post-hiring, but it is still good practice to review the training materials and process prior to acceptance of the role. Begin by learning core leadership practices and processes, and understand the different leadership styles  to determine which you identify with most. These styles consist of:

  • Autocratic Leaders…create clear strategies and expectations and perform decision-making processes on their own. These leaders are prone to micromanaging, and this style is the least desirable.
  • Delegative Leaders…allow teams to make decisions together with a collaborative style.
  • Participative Leaders…balance between the first two styles of leadership. They provide guidance and set standards for their teams, but take into account ideas, feedback, and input from team members in decision-making processes.

Having a grasp on ways to train prospective team members is important. Recognizing each individual’s specific skills and strengths will help you delegate  tasks accordingly and can result in higher levels of efficiency and productivity. If a team member wants to broaden their skills in order to take on new challenges, determine a comprehensive training program that offers both in-person and online courses that are accessible and can be completed in a timely manner to get your team up and running as promptly as possible. A communication strategy also helps with training initiatives by opening the flow of information from team members to leaders, and supplies transparent feedback and insight into training offerings to implement improvements in problem areas. Clear communication also creates channels to review goals and timelines to ensure the team is up-to-date on current deadlines and processes.

Building motivation amongst team members requires realistic goal setting and recognition of both small and large achievements. By outlining a goal- orientated strategy, team members are able to envision their role in making impactful decisions and innovative thinking to develop calculated action that brings the team closer to its common goal. As a leader, you need to set an example and remain transparent about expectations and team or process changes. Team building activities are a great way to keep all team members informed of these changes, and allows for recognition to be shared regarding milestones and accomplishments. 35% of professionals surveyed in a recent study found that gratitude and recognition boosted their overall productivity. Fostering positive morale and motivation helps keep you and your team members happy, productive, and moving forward toward common goals.

 The Future of Leadership

Keeping a weathered eye on the leadership horizon before applying to a new role is key to understanding where leadership techniques are headed and if your skill set and personal attributes align with future demands. With the adoption of automated tools, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies changing the game, the pace and rate of change is increasing. This can easily become  overwhelming when trying to evolve a strategy and team to meet or surpass these demands. Team skills and expertise will need to reach higher standards and be tech-driven. The need for technology knowledge is key to growth and steady positive performance. Overarching goals and objectives are based on these future trends and market demands, so perform in-depth research on up-and-coming leadership tools that may be seeing a digital transformation in coming years. Boost your own skills to remain competitive amongst other candidates and prepare yourself for being a leader in a tech-driven world.

4 Ways to Help Employees Adapt to New Leadership Roles

Career & Workplace

 

 

Adapting to a new role can be difficult for any professional, but add the pressure of new leadership responsibilities, and things get even more complex. Helping employees adapt to their new leadership roles through career goal management, training, and feedback allows new leaders to transition with ease while moving the company closer to its goals. Below is a deeper dive into how to help employees adjust to new leadership roles within an organization.

Determine Employee & Company Career Goals

Leadership is carried out in all levels of a company, keeping the organization running smoothly and in-line with future goals. With this in mind, employers should survey all levels of a company to find top candidates who fit not only the responsibilities of the position, but who are future-focused and see themselves growing with the organization. Meet one-on-one to gain a stronger perspective on their career goals to determine whose skills best align with the demands of a given leadership opportunity. When sourcing internally and externally, use a human capital management system with extensive talent management capabilities to further search, organize, and streamline decision-making and assist in hiring the best candidates. Keep company core values in mind when selecting leaders to ensure they align with overall company missions to remain future-focused.

Implement Training, Mentorship, and Networking

Due to lack of proper training and mentoring, only 19% of organizations believe they’re effective at developing new leaders. Giving an employee proper guidance throughout their transition to a leadership role is vital. Devise a training strategy for all new leaders that includes routine training sessions to grow their skills as they gain more experience. Allow them time to apply their learning as they progress through the role, improving pain points along the way.

Training, mentoring and networking are sometimes misconceived as being costly, but there are plenty of low-cost initiatives involved in the process. A few examples include shadowing, attending training meetings, insightful readings, training videos, and volunteer networking events. Encourage networking to build new leaders’ relationships with not only fellow leaders and mentors, but with their team members as well. Leaders who connect with those they manage have a better understanding of how to utilize their team’s strengths and weaknesses to create a cohesive, successful team that yields positive results.

Allow Room for Creativity and Growth

When leaders are well-acquainted with their new positions, they should be left to exercise their own creativity within the standard responsibilities. Allowing leaders to weave their perspectives and ideas into the role creates the opportunity for improved strategies or processes. They may have previous knowledge that worked well in a past leadership role or bring ideas from being managed themselves. Leaders not only need to be the source of creativity, but should encourage creativity amongst their teams. Gaining insight from all levels allows a leadership structure to evolve with changing management demands. Leaders need to keep an open mind when collecting viable input from their employees. For instance, micromanaging hinders productivity and employee engagement.

Growth within an organization still applies to leaders. 65% of employees see opportunities for advancement as an essential component of their professional development. Allow leaders to grow their expertise by managing new departments with differing responsibilities or enact a team shift to broaden their network. Growth does not always need to be vertical, as lateral growth provides new opportunities to gain and improve skill-sets. This prevents burnout, monotony, and disengagement, all of which can be detrimental to operational success when they affect someone in a leadership role. Employers should present opportunities to all tiers of an organization and consider lateral growth as a major opportunity to support expertised personnel and ensure an engaged workforce.

Feedback and Routine Check-ins

Taking on a new leadership role can easily become overwhelming, especially for those with little experience. This is where performing routine check-ins becomes important. 43% of highly-engaged employees receive feedback at least once a week. Touch base with new leaders on a weekly basis to ensure they’re handling their new responsibilities. It can also be helpful to check in with the employees they are responsible for. Not all manager-employee relationships are going to mesh well, and this can result in poor productivity. Catching this pain point early is important and relies on open communication between the new leader and higher levels.

Receiving feedback from new leaders is also key to streamlining the training process. Their input can help shape training in a way that is more efficient and digestible, to ensure an easier transition for future leaders. Allow them to offer input on the current organizational structure as well, to determine new ways of operating to increase overall productivity and success.

Developing new leadership skills and expertise within an organization is no small feat, so having a strategy in place to ease new leaders into their roles is a great way to surpass this hurdle. Take the above tips into consideration when introducing new leaders into your organization to ensure they align with company missions and goals, and that they are up for the challenge!

4 Benefits of Knowing and Communicating Your Personal Brand

Social Marketing/Online Branding
c-level personal branding

You may not think your personal brand is important, but hiring managers and business professionals do. This means you have to understand c-level personal branding to communicate it and know how others perceive you professionally. If you think about it, c-level personal branding isn’t difficult if you are authentic in the way you speak and act around others. And doing so will help you easily demonstrate your value and differentiate what you have to offer compared to others in your industry. Here are some of the main benefits of understanding and communicating your personal brand.

You Come Across As Authentic

Understand your talents and your limitations and don’t say you’re an expert in something when you’re not. Authenticity is something highly valued by hiring managers and is usually easy to see. Being truthful and transparent are great personal attributes that can benefit you professionally as well, and will enhance your c-level personal branding efforts tremendously.

Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses

No one is an expert at everything, so avoid trying to make yourself seem like you know everything. Focus on your strengths and the value you bring to the table, while also acknowledging your weaknesses. Follow-up on your weaknesses by stating ways you’re working to turn them into strengths. Doing so will give your personal brand a positive image since you’ll be seen as a well-rounded professional who is always working to improve their skills.

Know How You Are Perceived

It’s hard to know how you’re perceived without asking someone. An executive LinkedIn profile writer is a good resource to evaluate your profile and give their expert opinion on what people may think about you. And outside of LinkedIn, don’t be afraid to ask your trusted peers about how they perceive you professionally. You may be saying or doing things that are hurting your perception without even knowing it. 

Demonstrate Your Value Without Having to Communicate It

When you are comfortable with who you are as a person and a professional, you don’t have to sell yourself as much. Of course, you have to demonstrate your value to a potential employer, but it doesn’t mean you have to go over the top to do so. Many times your c-level personal branding speaks for itself. It takes some time to be completely comfortable and accepting of who you are, but once you are then you won’t have to communicate it as much since it will be clearly visible.

At Professional Resume Services, we focus a lot of our efforts on helping executives with their c-level personal branding. Our LinkedIn profile writing service is popular because it is one of the building blocks for creating your personal brand. It’s no secret that developing your personal brand takes time and a consistent effort, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard. Feel free to contact us for tips on how to make your branding efforts simple and effective.