Career Development

How To Decide When It’s Time To Quit Your Job

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Hey There,

At some point in your career, you most likely have been tempted to quit your job. That little inner voice that nudges you at odd times and says, “Quit” or “It’s Not Worth It being here anymore” . Like the rest of us, you would most likely ignore the voice and justify your decision by telling yourself to manage the situation you have found yourself in, as there are no jobs out there, the economy is bad, the replacement job might be worse etc.

The truth is you are most likely not doing anyone a favor by holding on to that job. This is because over time, due to your weaning interest in the job, you become less efficient over time. This would affect your overall ranking and reputation. Believe it or not, your company would be just fine without you.

Are you at crossroads making a decision to quit or to stay? If you identify with one or more of the warning signs below, it’s time for you to start that job search now, while you are still employed. What are you waiting for?

1.Your Job Is A Pain In Your Neck

Every morning when you wake up, you grumble and sigh, simply because the mere thought of going to work and surviving the day is unbearable although, you survived the previous day, and the day before that. You consider calling in sick for the slightest thing. This simply means you really dislike your job.

2. Your Office Is Not What It Used To Be

When you starting working at this company, it was the place to be. You were super excited working for this company, and people around you were pretty envious that you were working there. Over the years, the company changed due to either new management or their vision has changes. Basically, the company has lost its edge; and your excitement.

3. You Are Overworking Yourself

As every year passes by, you discover that you are taking on more and more work to stay above water. You feel like your drowning even though you work for over 40 hours a week, and even on weekends.

4. You Want More Money

You work very hard, and your pay doesn’t do justice to the work you do for the company. Apart from that, you keep getting passed up on that promotion or opportunity in the company.

5. You Are Witnessing Illegal Behavior

Let us face the truth; if the company goes down and you go down with it, you could tarnish your reputation for quite a long time depending on how bad the behavior was.

6. Boss From Hell Just Got Hired

New management has been hired, and you feel he/she will slowly destroy the company or drive you crazy, whichever comes first. The new boss just doesn’t understand the company’s vision or the employees that work there—actually he or she really doesn’t seem to care—and after several months, there appears to be little hope of that ever changing.

7. You Find Yourself Creating Retirement Graphs

You still have many years to go before you can retire, but find yourself spending far too much time dreaming of that house on a tropical beach and charting out how much money you need to save monthly in order to retire much, much sooner.

8. Strange Habits Are Forming

You begin waking up in the middle of the night completely stressed out because of your job. Complaining about your job becomes your new hobby. You are calling in sick—again!

9. You Find Yourself Daydreaming a Lot at Work

Are you bored at work? Can’t find the passion and drive you used to have when you first started working for your company? When at work do you find yourself searching the Internet more often or searching the job listings religiously?

10. You’re Not Playing Well Together Any Longer

Sometimes, the office dynamics change with a few new hires. All of a sudden, you find yourself arguing on a daily basis with your co-workers and feeling as if you’re being scrutinized at every turn.

If any of these hints apply to you, it’s pretty much time for you to search for a new job, while at your current job.

Regards,

PushCV Content Team.

Top 15 Ways To Say “Thanks But No Thanks” To Taking On More Work.

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Hey There,

In the bid to be efficient and productive, we tend to take on more work that we can manage effectively. Fore some of us, the issue lies in rejecting the task from our superiors (who dish them out as orders rather than suggestions.) Today, we are suggesting 15 phrases that would assist you in dodging the bullet.

Disclaimer: These phrases are to be used ONLY and we mean ONLY when you have taken up more than you can handle or if the task you are being asked to take up affects your efficiency at work and your entire schedule as a whole. 

Thank Us Later!

#1 “No, but thanks for asking!”

#2 “Thank you, but let me get back to you.”

#3 “Sorry not now, maybe some other time.”

#4 “I simply just cannot say yes, I hope you understand.”

#5 “Thank you, but I am not the right person to be asking. Let me make some suggestions.”

#6 “Let me check a few things, but it would be best to plan on working without me.”

#7 “Before I can say yes, I would have to be very clear about what is expected.”

#8 “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to do it—but let me help you find someone who can.”

#9 “I can’t take on the whole task, but maybe I can help you with part of what you need.”

#10 “I seriously would love to help but I am unable to at this time.”

#11 “I’m sorry but there is already too much on my plate.”

#12 “Thank you for thinking of me, but unfortunately I will have to pass.”

#13 “I am not taking on any new commitments right now.”

#14 “I’m so sorry, I just cannot make it work.”

#15 “I wish I could help, but at the moment I just can’t.”

You have to learn to say these phrases confidently and respectfully as appropriate. Always remember that often times, saying no to someone, is saying yes to yourself!

Regards,

PushCV Content Team.

PushCV Guide To Nailing Your First Interview

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Hey There,

After going through a rigorous process while applying for that job, You finally get mail. You have been invited for a job interview. Your very first reaction is excitement; finally you have gotten this far. For some of you, the excitement wears out and quickly turns into fear, for others they remain in that excitement stage and do not take time out to think through the essentials for their interview day. We are here to save both parties from their extremities.

Here are 10 tips that would carry you through your first interview.

#1: Research (Do Your Homework): Make sure you research on the company before you go for the interview. When you do this, you are more confident, and your approach towards answering questions is different. You would be able to ask more coherent and applicable questions when you are given the opportunity to do so.

#2: Take Out Time To Practice: Prior to your interview day, you should take time out to practice. You could ask a friend to assist you. Find research questions that you could use and might be applicable to the role you are applying for. Although, your interviewer might not ask you any of the questions, you would feel more confident as you have practiced using several other questions.

#3: Dress appropriately: It is often said that you should dress the way you want to be addressed. Do not go over the top, such that you are uncomfortable. Neither should you dress down so much that you do not remotely look the part. You should also read up on the company culture, this is a guide to what appropriate dressing might be to the hiring manager.

#4: Be Punctual: As a candidate, you would give the interviewer a very poor impression about you if you show up late to the interview. To avoid this disaster, make sure you know the exact location the interview is taking place. You should also have a good understanding of the parking lots and bus routes. This saves you time and stress. You definitely do not want to arrive at your interview late and sweaty.

#5: First Impressions Matter: Making a good impression at your interview is very important. This cannot be over emphasized. The interviewer is going to judge you in the first minutes of meeting you. The secret to creating a great first impression is simple. Be yourself, but be the best version of you. Basically, be on your best behavior but do not go out of your way to be somebody that you are not.

#6: Presentation Matters: Present yourself well. This is the next step to take after conquering making a good first impression. Ensure you come across as being well mannered and cultured. Above all, relax and speak clearly. Also maintain eye contact with the interviewer, and smile as appropriate.

#7: Contacts: If you know someone at the company, you can mention to the employer at the appropriate time. The employer could then meet the employee you know to have a clearer picture of who you actually are, what your work ethics are, and your personality.

#8: Body Language: Learn to build a relationship with your interviewer. This way, you are distinguished from the other candidates, and also your interview would be a memorable experience for you and your interviewer. Make sure you smile and have a decent demeanor. Your body should show that you feel relaxed and you are a confident, friendly person.

#9: Your Exit: When your interview is coming to a close, make sure it ends on a good note. Smile and shake the interviewer’s hand. You could also extend short pleasant gestures about the interview. This leaves a last impression that is as good as your first impression.

#10: Follow-Up: After your interview, you could send the interviewer a hand written note saying thank you. You could choose to send a mail to your interviewer in addition to the handwritten note. This would help the interviewer remember your name and face.

Passing an interview is a very critical stage in your job application. With the right preparation and practice, your interview is sure to be a success. These tips would guide you through your first interview and even beyond.

Regards,

PushCV Content Team.

From Graduate To Grown-Up: The Transition

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Hey There,

At a stage in our lives, we question who we are and what career path we are going to embark on. We analyze the hurdles we might meet on the way and if they are worth the sacrifices we have to make. These decisions make or break us, and we are aware. Besides, no one wants to start out his/her career on the wrong foot. We ask ourselves what offers to take and which ones to reject, which job openings we should apply for and the ones we should overlook. We make all these decisions in order to start off on the right track in our various careers, we get it. That’s why we are giving you five basic tips that would make you find happiness, give your journey a meaning and make you successful.

#1 Be Smart About Money: The timing has never been more perfect for you to learn life tips and goals about money. Learn to be prudent and live on a budget. You should also read about consumer finance and touch base with the basic rudiments on investment. That little lesson you learn on investment today may help you in making a big decision 5 years down the line. Also, start a pension fund account if you can. It might seem like you are in your early 20’s so you do not need to save for your pension just yet. But hey, think about it. Every dollar you save from partying and buying matte lipstick and hair color could go into your retirement account.

#2 Keep Learning New Things: Do not limit yourself when it comes to the information you have access to. Explore your options and be well vested in several areas of life. Feel free to challenge yourself with things you have never tried out before but you feel confident you can do. This is the best time of your life to try out things and not be judged if you fail at it; because you get to try something else without being judged. So, go for gold and create the best version of you that you can be.

#3 Quit Blaming Your Parents: Or infact, anyone at all. They gave you the best they could and had your best interest at heart while they were at it. Once you are out of school, you are on your own, and everything is on you. Own it.

#4 Take Time Out From Your Devices & Social Media: Once you can successfully create this time out, you would be astonished by the mind blowing and productive interactions you would have with your mind. You might also encounter several life defining moments during this periods and also you could take this time out to read a book, learn something new or network with people around you.

#5 Be Cultured: Unlike college days, where no one really cared about the next individual except they had something to offer us, or except they are our friends, we need to learn to be cultured. Learn to be nice and polite. You should also be smart and properly dressed. It gives people a general perception about you. You never know where you might need to network with an oil tycoon that would not mind working for. You definitely do not want to have that discussion wearing board shorts and a pair of bathroom slippers.

Being a recent graduate might be scary, but at the same time exciting and the career possibilities are endless. Following these tips would help you narrow down your choices, organize your thoughts and help you transition smoothly from Graduate To Grown-Up.

Regards,

PushCV Content Team.

15 Time Wasters Highly Successful People Avoid

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Hey There,

As we all know, as humans we have access to the same 24 hours as the next individual. But we often find ourselves pondering on this same question over and again, “How come he/she is more productive than I am?” The answer is simple. The difference lies in how you spend or invest your time. It is usually tempting to sit around and waste time doing nothing, coupled with the fact that our brains are biologically inclined to procrastination. We cannot deny that certain people around us are yet still very efficient with their time and they invest it rather than spend it. This infographic sourced from muse could help you realize how you spend your time rather than investing it. Takes cues from it. Enjoy!

Regards,

PushCV Content Team.

What To Put On Your Resume When You Don’t Have Relevant Work Experience

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Hey There,

For the recent graduates, and those of us that have never been formally employed, we often ask what we are meant to put on our resume when crafting it out. You might see a job post, and when you are about to apply, you remember you have no work experience whatsoever and you begin to fret. There is no need to.

Whether you are a career changer or a recent graduate with no work experience, there are a few different things you can put on your resume as well as some basic formatting tricks that would present you in a good light. They are as follows:

  • Relevant and Transferable Skills

Most resumes begin by highlighting work experience, but as a recent graduate, highlight your educational history first. This is because at the moment, it is basically all you have. Instead of confusing the recruiter, you can start your CV by highlighting your relevant skills after your educational history. Ensure that they are relevant to the position you are applying for and also do not exaggerate the truth by presenting skills you do not possess. For those of you that think you do not have any skills, think through it and give a reason you feel you can do the job. For career changers, you could try tying your skills together and presenting them in the summary section of you CV.

  • Related Side and Academic Projects

Highlight all the projects you have worked on that are relevant to the position you are applying to; both academic and non-academic. Create a project section in your resume, and present all relevant projects you have worked on from the most recent to the first. Think through all the projects that you have worked on that helped you realize your passion and career interests. Format this information in a way that helps the recruiter understand that the experience is valid and should be evaluated when considering your candidacy for the position you are applying to.

  • An Enthusiastic and Specific Cover Letter

Although this is not part of your resume, you could couple your resume with a strong cover letter. This is more important when you do not have an work experience. You should find a way to connect your passions and life experiences with the company you are applying to, and explain how that assists you in being an effective worker once you are hired. Keep it moderate and official, but make sure you make an impact and your point is passed across.

We are aware that breaking grounds and starting your new career is hard work. Especially in an age where most employers ask for two to three years experience before you can apply for an opening. The trick to overcoming this is by teasing out those details like relevant skills and relevant side projects. Combining this with a carefully crafted cover letter and effective networking should give you some head way, and soon enough you would be sure to pique the interest of a hiring manager.

Yours Truly,

PushCV Content Team.

10 Types Of Employees You Should Always Avoid Being

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Hey There,

Today, we would be highlighting ten personalities we have around us in our work environment that we do not necessarily agree with their general work ethics, but we would say have grown on us over time or rather should we say you have grown to be tolerant with. If you identify with any of the personalities below, not only should you be cautious about your behaviors but also, you should make a conscious effort to change overall.

#1 The Boss’s Boss

We all know those employees that feel like they aren’t subject to the company’s code of conduct and rules from the Human Resource Management Desk. The ones who never show up on time and are always on the phone taking personal calls even when the company policy frown upon that? Yes. Those ones. Not only should you avoid these type of employees, be careful not to morph into one over time.

#2 The Ambitious (Yet Incompetent) Imaginary Ladder Climber.

We are usually genuinely happy for our fellow colleagues who work hard enough to climb up their career ladders at your organization. What we cannot stand however, are those employees that put in no work and generally feel they deserve a gold medal for lazying around. They are constantly complaining about how they deserve more than what they are paid; for what they do. While you sit there and silently think ‘’What work?”. Yup. Those ones. The worst part – They never understand the explanations as to why they are not yet due for promotion.

#3 Tattletales

They tend to be for the people, elected by themselves and they put more effort into being a tattletale than actually doing their work. Constantly recording the almost sexual harassments and the illegal behavior around the office. Dear Tattletales, allow the manager manage their own people. Get back to your desk and put that energy to good use by actually doing some of the work assigned to you that you actually get paid for.

#4 Employees With No Restrictions (Category One: TMI)

The whole office knows everything about this employee. Every single thing. Sometimes you feel the urge to remind them that you are at the office and not an AA meeting, and other times, you feel the urge to announce that we are in an office and not a sorority house. They tell you (and the whole office) every single detail from the fungus that grew on their left toe to their noisy neighbor who loves gardening.

#5 Employees With No Restrictions (Category Two: Constantly Calling)

Picture this. It’s 11pm on a Friday night and you get a phone call from this employee on your personal line. You convince yourself that this time, it is an emergency. You finally pick up the phone after it has gone to voicemail a couple times, and the employee clearly states that he has been calling to ensure you submitted the weekly reports (which were due for 12pm earlier in the day). Note that the employee had the option of asking you while at work, or waiting till the new week starts. Always ensure you consider your colleagues and their personal lives when making decisions.

#6 The Employee Who Hates HR

In general, most people tend to not like the HR manager very much because she does her job effectively. Constantly remember that it is totally not the HR manager’s fault that you work so hard yet you got a small raise (due to the company’s financial budget). Instead of hating on the HR manager, you could do some actual work instead.

#7 The Drama Queen

Note that this title is not limited by gender. This employee takes every single observation and correction from their boss as a cue that they are getting fired. Let us all calm down brethren; no one is getting fired, except you did something to warrant that level of discipline. These are the employees that would conclude that a co-worker parked on two spaces intentionally just so they can walk a longer way. Please. Kindly leave the drama at home.

#8 ‘It’s Not Part Of My Job Description’ Employee

We know them. We all do. These are the employees that would turn down a co-worker’s request to proof-read their article in their spare time simply because it is not in their job description. Come on! We all know that most contracts come with your specific job description, but other times you might have to take on the “other duties required” part of your contract. This does not mean you should overwork yourself by taking upon job duties you cannot handle. You could also consider having a meeting with your immediate superior to discuss re-evaluating your job position if your job duties become cumbersome.

#9 The Law

This employee constantly rants about civil rights and actions that would be taken when they aren’t given a raise (even before it’s due). They are quick to suggest taking legal action against the company and in drastic times, it could be because of their annual rating during appraisals. Note that in a reputable company, that approval rating has been double-checked and checked a third time just so they are sure. Do not prance around your office throwing empty threats around each time something pops up. Your employer and co-workers would find it hard to take you seriously over time.

#10 The Unbelieving Employee

This is the passive-aggressive employee who never listens or takes corrections. They then act as though they are taken by surprise when the company takes an improvement plan which results in them being laid off or in probation. They then find themselves in utmost shock and disapproval of the managements decision. Be open to constructive criticism, and also learn how manage the individual that gives out baseless criticism just so their voice is heard and their presence is acknowledged.

We sincerely hope you are not one of the employees described above, and if you are, adjust accordingly! That’s the beauty of being able to work on yourself constantly in your personal career journey.

Yours Sincerely,

PushCV Content Team.