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Workplace Values Series: Empathy at the office

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Workplace values: Empathy at the office

Workplace values, like empathy, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of empathy and 3 ways you can practice empathy at your office. 

What is empathy?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, empathy refers to “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another”. Keep in mind that the concept of empathy is vastly different from sympathy too! 

When placed into the context of a working environment, empathy can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use empathy as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice empathy at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of empathy at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice empathy through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing empathy within your own office space.

Practice active listening

Practicing active listening is one of the first steps you can take to practice empathy at the workplace. 

Most individuals have a routine to keep to when working at the office. They probably have to check, clear and send out some emails at the start of the day. Subsequently, they work towards clearing items off their checklist.

 

Social interactions with colleagues, as such, tend to take a backseat. However, it is important that when attempting to practice empathy, one ensures they are listening actively. 

 

It’s in the little things. Mind your body language. Keep all distractions away. Maintain eye-contact with your colleague who is speaking with you. Nod, smile and keep yourself approachable before, during and after the conversation. 

 

Understand the situation they find themselves in. Place yourself in their shoes. It’s the best way to get to know what they are going through. And so, practicing active listening is one way to practice the workplace value of empathy!

Avoid making assumptions

One can practice empathy at the workplace simply by avoiding the act of making assumptions!

At work, each employee is assigned to a set of responsibilities, tasks, and projects. As such, we all have one or another item to take ownership for. However, we all have our fair share of bad days too. Things get out of hand. 

As such, when your colleagues didn’t meet a specified deadline, give them the benefit of the doubt. You may not know the real reason behind why they didn’t manage to complete the task. Perhaps, they may be troubled with issues they can’t share quite as openly.

Avoid making assumptions when your colleagues seem to be out of balance. Instead, practice compassion. Offer help if and when you can to help better the situation.

Thus, avoiding the act of making assumptions is one way to practice the workplace value of empathy!

Ask questions

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of empathy is by asking questions. 

On top of listening actively, paying attention to your colleagues and asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of their troubles. With that being said, don’t just be focused on identifying what the problem is. Get to the root of the issue and plan to overcome it. 

Ask things like, “How can I help to take some of the stress off?” or “Shall we work on this task together?” You can also take special care to ensure that your questions are specific in nature, rather than general. This can help to send a message of genuineness in your actions. 

Take the initiative to ask questions at the right time. Encourage your colleagues to practice the same habits whenever they notice someone stressed at work. You’d be practicing the workplace value of empathy in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of empathy. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice empathy at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Dependability at the office

by
Workplace values: Dependability at the office

Workplace values, like dependability, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of dependability and 3 ways you can practice dependability at your office. 

What is dependability?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, dependability refers to “the action of working with someone to produce something”.

When placed into the context of a working environment, dependability can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use dependability as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice dependability at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of dependability at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice dependability through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing dependability within your own office space.

Keep your promises

Keeping your promises is one of the first steps you can take to practice dependability at the workplace. Remember that it is your word and reputation at stake. 

Individuals at work often have multiple tasks and projects waiting on them. Each of these items come with their own deadlines too. However, sometimes these deadlines have to be readjusted to meet internal goals. They may have to go through stages of editing with different departments too. 

 

As such, you may have to complete these tasks ahead of the original time you had intended for it. If it’s important in nature, you would have promised to deliver it by a certain date and time. 

 

It’s crucial that you ensure you keep your promises in such instances. This is because it is usually under these circumstances that others keep a watch on you. Your superiors may be looking out to understand your ability to deliver under pressing timelines. 

 

As such, switch things up according to urgency. Try your best and deliver the promised items punctually. If you do believe that you may not be able to meet a proposed timeline, speak up! Lest, it causes problems in the future. 

 

And so, keeping your promises is one way to practice the workplace value of dependability!

Respond and communicate

One can also foster dependability at the workplace simply by responding and communicating to your colleagues and partners. Oftentimes, miscommunication and misunderstandings can result in one’s reputation to take a hit at work. 

In order to prevent such incidents, one should take special care to respond in a timely fashion. It is important that individuals actively communicate with their clients, colleagues and business partners too. 

This will help to ensure that everyone is updated and kept in loop on matters relating to work. Set aside some time on a weekly or monthly basis to share any updates on a specific task or project with your teammates or work partners. 

Find out the relevant party’s preferred method of communication channel. After which, you may contact them via email, text or phone calls – as according to their preference – to communicate with them. 

If they’ve sent you an enquiry, get back to them as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have the answers on hand, let them know you are working on it! This will inform them that someone is indeed keeping an eye on the matter of concern. It will also help to prove that you are a dependable individual. 

Thus, responding and communicating with others is one way to further foster the workplace value of dependability!

 

Be accountable

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of collaboration is by being accountable. Practice accountability as according to your responsibilities at work. 

Every individual at work has his or her own fair share of work to look after. With that being said, if you want others to trust and rely on you, it is pertinent that you take up accountability for your tasks. 

Should you have an update on a specific project, be accountable and take the initiative to inform your teammates of the update. Similarly, if you had promised to deliver something and find that you’re unable to, be accountable! Speak the truth and do so as early as you can to inform your colleagues of the reason too. 

When you’re able to stay on top of things assigned to you at work, you’re demonstrating the value of reliability. When you are seen armed with the right knowledge and skills to properly complete a task, others will see you as a responsible individual.  

Keep to these simple tricks and you’d be practicing the workplace value of dependability in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of dependability. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice dependability at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Collaboration at the office

by
Workplace values series: Collaboration at the office

Workplace values, like collaboration, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of collaboration and 3 ways you can practice collaboration at your office. 

What is collaboration?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, collaboration refers to “the action of working with someone to produce something”.

When placed into the context of a working environment, collaboration can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use collaboration as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice collaboration at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of collaboration at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice collaboration through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing collaboration within your own office space.

Foster a flexible work environment

Fostering a flexible work environment is one of the first steps you can take to practice collaboration at the workplace.

When working on a project at the same spot for hours on end, most teams tend to hit a road bump. After all, we’ve all experienced one form of creativity block or another. As such, it’s important for teams at work to switch things up a little bit every now and then.

 

One way to get started with that is by fostering a flexible work environment. And we mean that quite literally too! Introduce an open-concept office is possible. In fact, don’t make it feel like an office at all! Dedicate some space to art, chill and jam corners. 

 

This can help employees take a little break away from the task they’ve been working on for so long. Alternatively, allow employees the freedom to work from elsewhere – anywhere they find comfortable!

 

This will allow them the room to think out of the box. Inspiration can strike at any time – especially when at a different or new venue. Perhaps, they’ll get a new idea when they see a random object or person on the streets. 

 

When external factors are set to adjustable mode, teammates often depend on each other to work through situations. As such, give them the space to work things out on their own! And so, fostering a flexible work environment is one way to practice the workplace value of collaboration!

Infuse creativity at work

One can also foster collaboration at the workplace simply by infusing creativity at work. When at the office, it’s not just tasks and projects that need a dose of creativity added to them. It’s also the way work is conducted in practice!

Infusing creativity as part of a daily, weekly or monthly routine can be done through the little things when at the office. Switch up the ways things get done at work. Reorganise teams every now and then to diversify staff interactions, for instance. Alternatively, organise a potluck lunch by drawing lots to pick a cuisine of the week.

Set aside some time on a weekly or monthly basis to share and throw some ideas around with co-workers. Discuss as to how one can improve the physical workspace to get the brain juices flowing. Talk about how a duty roster or a task organiser can allow individuals to try their hands at different projects.

These strategies can help to keep things new and exciting at work while also contributing to team-building efforts. Thus, infusing creativity at the office is one way to further foster the workplace value of collaboration!

Welcome suggestions, feedback and criticism

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of collaboration is by welcoming suggestions, feedback and criticisms. Create some room for your colleagues to approach you with feedback about the way things are being done at work. 

Take the initiative to make others feel like you are approachable and easy to talk to. Ensure that you listen actively when they come to speak with you. Encourage one another to share feedback. It is the road to improvement, after all.  

On top of listening actively, paying attention to your colleagues and asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of their ideas too. Ask questions in return to ensure that you have indeed understood what their suggestions are all about. Brainstorm together to improve on these ideas too. 

Take criticisms in the right spirit. Seek advice and clarifications. Remember the big picture and work hand-in-hand with your colleagues to improve current situations. Offer your thoughts and get more heads thinking on the matter too. You’d be practicing the workplace value of collaboration in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of collaboration. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice collaboration at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Creativity at the office

by
Workplace values: Creativity at the office

Workplace values, like creativity, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of creativity and 3 ways you can practice creativity at your office. 

What is creativity?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, creativity refers to “the use of imagination or original ideas to create something”. It has also been referred to as a sense of inventiveness. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, creativity can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use creativity as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice creativity at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of creativity at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice creativity through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing creativity within your own office space.

Create a flexible workspace

Creating a flexible workspace is one of the first steps you can take to practice creativity at the workplace.

We’ve all experienced one form of creativity block or another. When working on a project at the same spot for hours on end, many of us tend to hit a road bump. As such, it’s important for individuals to switch things up a little bit. 

 

One way to get started with that is by creating a flexible workspace. And we mean that quite literally too! Introduce an open-concept office is possible. In fact, don’t make it feel like an office all that much. Have some space for art and chill corners. 

 

This can help employees take a little break away from the task they’ve been working on for so long. Alternatively, allow employees the freedom to work from elsewhere – anywhere they find comfortable!

 

This will allow them the room to think out of the box. Inspiration can strike at any time – especially when at a different or new venue. Perhaps, they’ll get a new idea when they see a random object or person on the streets. 

 

Give them the space to work things out on their own! And so, creating a flexible workspace is one way to foster the workplace value of creativity!

Incorporate creativity as a routine practice

One can also foster creativity at the workplace simply by infusing creativity into a routine practice. When at the office, it’s not just tasks and projects that need a dose of creativity. 

Switch up the ways things get done at work too! Organise a potluck lunch by drawing lots to pick a cuisine of the week, for instance. Reorganise teams every now and then to diversify staff interactions at work. Incorporating creativity as part of a daily routine can be done through the little things at the office.  

Set aside some time on a weekly or monthly basis to share and throw some ideas around with colleagues. Discuss as to how one can improve the physical workspace to get the brain juices flowing. Talk about how a duty roster or a task organiser can allow individuals to try their hands at different projects.

Thus, incorporating creativity as a routine practice is one way to foster the workplace value of creativity!

Keep doors open to feedback

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of creativity is by keeping the doors open to feedback. This can be achieved by listening actively to your co-workers who approach you with feedback about the way things are done at work. 

On top of listening actively, paying attention to your colleagues and asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of their ideas too. Ask questions in return to ensure that you have indeed understood what their suggestions are all about. Brainstorm together to improve on these ideas too. 

Take the initiative to make others feel like you are approachable and easy to talk to. Encourage one another to share feedback. It is the road to improvement, after all. You’d be practicing the workplace value of creativity in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of creativity. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice creativity at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Determination at the office

by
workplace values: determination at the office

Workplace values, like determination, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of determination and 3 ways you can practice determination at your office. 

What is determination?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, determination refers to “the quality of being determined; a firmness of purpose”. It can also refer to a sense of resoluteness. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, determination can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use determination as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice determination at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of determination at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice determination through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing determination within your own office space.

Avoid distractions

Mindfully avoiding distractions is one of the first steps you can take to practice determination at the workplace. 

Most individuals have a routine to keep to when working at the office. They probably have to check, clear and send out some emails at the start of the day. Subsequently, they work towards clearing items off their checklist.

 

Distractions, as such, can be extremely time-consuming. When your mind is already primed to the fact that you will be working for 8 hours today, it tends to wander in search of relief.

 

Therefore, it is important that employees take active steps to remove such distractions from their immediate surroundings at work. Place your phone a little further away so you don’t feel the need to scroll through social media platforms. Isolate yourself if social interaction with colleagues can distract you too. 

 

And so, mindfully avoiding distractions is one way to practice the workplace value of determination!

Manage your stress levels

One can practice determination at the workplace simply by managing their stress levels when at the office. 

At work, each employee is assigned to a set of responsibilities, tasks, and projects. As such, we all have one or another item to take ownership for. With that being said, it is crucial that one identifies his or her limits when at work. 

If you have already met your working hours for the day, but still have pending work, speak to your superior regarding an extension. Take special care to ensure that you are aware of your bandwidth. Make sure you don’t take on more work when your hands are already filled. 

Set your limits for work related matters by adhering to workplace rules and regulations set out by your company and the law. This will help to ensure that you don’t face a burnout. It will also prevent you from being taken granted for. 

On your leave but getting contacted for work? Speak to the relevant staff regarding going offline or wishing to take a break from work. Put in requests to only be contacted for matters of urgency. 

Thus, managing your stress levels is one way to practice the workplace value of determination!

Implement delayed gratification strategies

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of determination is by implementing delayed gratification strategies. 

Oftentimes, individuals complete one task and then rewards themselves in some manner for completing that responsibility. It subsequently takes them a little extra time for them to come around to the second task awaiting them. You complete the second task and treat yourself to a break again. An endless cycle continues. 

In such scenarios, why not practice delayed gratification strategies? Instead of treating yourself to a reward for every one completed task, switch things up to every 3 tasks done. 

Take the initiative to implement delayed gratification strategies. Encourage your colleagues to do the same too! You’d be practicing the workplace value of determination in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of determination. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice determination at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Balance at the office

by
Workplace values: Balance at the office

Workplace values, like balance, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of balance and 3 ways you can practice balance at your office. 

What is balance?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, balance refers to “a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions”. It can also refer to “mental or emotional stability”. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, balance can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use balance as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice balance at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of balance at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice balance through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing balance within your own office space.

Establish good workplace relations

Establishing good workplace relations is one of the first steps you can take to practice balance at the workplace. 

In order for employees to work together cohesively, it is important that co-workers entrust each other. They should be able to rely on one another in times of need too. When it comes to developing balance at the workplace, good co-worker relations are especially important. 

 


As such, employees will need to find a good balance between a professional relationship as well as that of a good-natured friendship with their colleagues. Too much professionalism can hinder your approachability. Likewise, being too friendly can result in one to be taken for granted. 

 

Finding the right balance is key to maintaining healthy workplace relations. We know ourselves the best. Create a distinction between your personal and professional relations. Identify your boundaries, personal space and social circle. 

 

And so, establishing good workplace relations is one way to practice the workplace value of balance!

Set limits for work related matters

One can practice balance at the workplace simply by setting specific limits for work related matters. 

At work, each employee is assigned to a set of responsibilities, tasks, and projects. As such, we all have one or another item to take ownership for. With that being said, it is crucial that one identifies his or her limits when at the office. 

If you have already met your working hours for the day, but still have pending work, speak to your superior regarding an extension. You may find the need to temporarily work a couple of extra hours to get the work done. However, make sure that it does not become a routine pattern. 

Set your limits for work related matters by adhering to workplace rules and regulations set out by your company and the law. This will help to ensure that you don’t face a burnout. It will also prevent you from being taken granted for. 

On your leave but getting contacted for work? Speak to the relevant staff regarding going offline or wishing to take a break from work. Put in requests to only be contacted for matters of urgency. 

Thus, emphasising and setting limits for work related matters is one way to practice the workplace value of balance!

Implement a workplace vision collectively

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of balance is by implementing out a workplace vision collectively. 

Oftentimes, individuals work hard at the office without understanding the big picture. They do assigned tasks and call it a day afterwards. In such cases, striking a balance between one’s personal and organisational goals can be difficult. 

As such, it is important that employers and leaders at work sit down with their co-workers to implement a workplace vision collectively. This will help everyone get a better idea as to what they are all working towards. 

The lack of a proper vision will result in individuals to be reliant on their superiors whenever they find themselves in doubt. Not a helpful strategy to build up balance at all.

Instead, take the initiative to implement clear visions. Encourage your colleagues to step back and look at the whole picture. They’d be practicing the workplace value of balance in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of balance. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice balance at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

How to Write a Job Application Essay

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job application essay

Careers that require a lot of writing- like memos, emails, letters, and press releases will come with a requirement to present an essay during application. The requirement is meant to test your skills to deliver to the role, especially your communication skills. Get the best paper from easy writer online  to help you secure the job.

A job application essay will come with the same requirements as what you wrote in class. However, you must tweak it a little so that it stands out among all the other applicants. Before looking at how to write the essay, it might help to analyze what is expected from the essay.

A job application essay will accompany all other documents including your transcripts, certificates, resume, and cover letter. In most cases, the essay does not exceed two pages but the length will depend on the skills required for the job and the level of job you are applying for. While the essay in class showed your academic prowess, the application essay seeks to examine your professional competence.

Job application essays will also differ based on positions. The position may determine the extent of writing you will be required to make as well as the depth you will cover the subject of your writing. You will write such essays often unless the company has head-hunted you to work for them.

Here are expert tips on how to write a captivating job application essay.

Pre-writing stage

Do not jump into writing yet. The best place to begin is checking applications made by previous successful candidates. Such applications may be found on the website of the recruiting company or the organization where you are invited to work.

Analyze the features that made the successful candidates earn these positions. While you should not copy their style, you have an idea of the minimum requirement. You must match their level of writing and surpass it to stand a chance of securing the job.

Read the prompt of the essay you are required to write. Look at the features that the hiring authority expects to see from your paper. Identify the keywords that should be included in your paper based on the prompt. The most common keywords are specific skills you will be bringing to the position. Some of these skills are based on your creativity while others rely on your technical expertise.

A sample will help you to write a better essay. The company may provide one on their website. You may also order one from online writing services. It gives you an idea of what you are expected to produce to make writing easier.

Choosing a topic for your job application essay

Companies give you the freedom to choose a topic or subject for your essay. Consider that freedom as an advantage as well as a disadvantage. It is an advantage because you will settle for your favorite subject. On the reverse, the topic might not resonate with the recruiting panel. Either way, the topic must meet the following requirements

  • Stand out- you will be competing with thousands of other applicants for the position. The application essay must be unique enough to capture the attention of the vetting panel. Avoid the obvious topics and ideas that have nothing new to offer.
  • Interesting- human resource practitioners have a lot of work perusing through thousands of applications and cover letters. Do not make their work more boring by choosing a mundane topic. Craft a title that arouses their curiosity such that they will want to read your paper above all others.
  • Relevant- it is one of the most important considerations when writing a job application essay. The entire exercise seeks to expose your competence. The essay must, therefore, cover a topic that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
  • Precise- narrow down the essay to cover a specific area. A person reading the topic should have an idea of what to expect in the body of your paper by just looking at the title. A specific title also allows you to get deeper into the subject instead of covering it on the surface.

Some companies will give a topic for the essay. Review the topic thoroughly to avoid misunderstanding. This is a more delicate situation because you have to stand out over everyone else. The body of your essay will make the difference and earn you the position.

Structure of a job application essay

As stated above, the essay takes a similar structure to that of the essays you have been writing in class. The essay should have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should be no more than two paragraphs. Pay a lot of attention to your words because you will be setting the pace for your essay. Demonstrate competence and understanding of the subject to give the reader a reason to go beyond the introduction.

The body contains all the information you need to support the subject of your essay. The body should capture facts, citations, and data reinforcing the assertions you are making. The length of the body of your application essay will depend on the instructions provided as well as the complexity of the topic you are handling.

The body makes or breaks an essay. Since you have less than two pages to make your point, use clear and precise language. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject in the body of the paper.

The conclusion takes one or two paragraphs, depending on the entire length of your essay. Like in all other writing, do not introduce new information here. Use the conclusion to make a memorable and resounding statement about the subject you were handling.

The HR department may prescribe a unique structure based on the skills under assessment. Adhere to these instructions because they will be used to shortlist the essays to be considered in the final assessment. Even the ability to follow instructions and execute them accurately is under review as you write your paper.

Drafting a job application essay

You probably have more time and leeway when drafting a job application essay than when working on a class project. Take advantage and deliver a better essay. Since every other applicant is enjoying the advantage, the bar will be higher.

  • Planning

Develop an outline for your essay based on the points you wish to explore in your paper. The ideas you capture in your outline must be strategically organized. You will probably be addressing three to four points. Organize them in an order that helps you to make a strong statement.

  • Research

Read thoroughly about the subject of your essay application essay. Your technical knowledge will, especially, be under scrutiny. The only way you can demonstrate competence is by capturing the technical aspects that relate to the job you are applying for in your essay.

The research will be guided by the prompt for the essay and the job description for the position you want to occupy. Look for information guided by the keywords you extract from these two places. It is the only way you can capture the imagination of the panel that will also be reviewing hundreds of other applications.

  • Writing help tools

Use writing help tools to make it easier to complete your paper as well as improve its quality. The writing tools assist with typing, editing, citation, and referencing. You may also use note-organization tools to create a database for all the resources you will need to deliver an excellent essay.

Editing tools are especially helpful when writing a job application essay. They clear the paper of any errors that may mislead a reader or misrepresent your idea. Most of the tools are available free of charge or at a reasonable fee.

  • Time management

How much time do you have to write the essay and how does it affect the quality of the paper you submit? Well, the quality of time you dedicate to writing the paper will be more important than the amount of time available. Dedicate quality time to help you produce a captivating paper.

Choose to write your essay at a time when your body and mind are at an optimal performance level. You will be more insightful to capture the imagination of the reader. Consider writing the essay at a desk that is free of distraction. Such an environment allows you to focus on your points and deliver the most captivating discussion.

Make an impression

A job application essay tests more than your academic prowess. It is especially interested in your communication skills. However, the paper must be above reproach. Here is a summary of how to make an impression and win the job using the essay

  • Adhere to the instructions provided in the prompt
  • Be unique so that the essay stands out
  • Display your technical knowledge of the subject matter under discussion
  • Submit the paper as early as possible to improve your chances

The best job application essay is informed by the instructions provided. It demands creativity but you must be within the limits provided by the prompt. Use a template as well as samples to get the structure right. Edit the essay before submission and do not go past the deadline during submission.

This article was guest written by guest author, Adrian Lomezzo. Adrian is a freelance writer who has been exploring the main strategies of marketing and teaching students to get new skills for 5 years. He also offers insights on entrepreneurship for college students. Adrian aims to help students to prepare better for life after college.

Workplace Values Series: Autonomy at the office

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Workplace values: Autonomy at the office

Workplace values, like autonomy, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of autonomy and 3 ways you can practice autonomy at your office. 

What is autonomy?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, autonomy refers to “the right or condition of self-government”. It can also refer to a “freedom from external control or influence; independence”. 

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in. 

 

When placed into the context of a working environment, autonomy can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use autonomy as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice autonomy at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of autonomy at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice autonomy through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing autonomy within your own office space.

Establish mutual trust

Establishing mutual trust is one of the first steps you can take to practice autonomy at the workplace. 

In order for employees to work together cohesively, it is important that co-workers entrust each other. However, when it comes to developing autonomy, trust is a no-bargain factor. 

 

And it most definitely has to be a two-way thing! An employee should be able to trust his or her manager. Likewise, the manager or supervisor needs to place trust in his or her junior too. 

 

This will help encourage both parties to take on more responsibilities without having to worry about trust issues at work. Additionally, it can also help one to feel more involved and engaged at the office too. 

 

As Stephen M.R. Covey once said, “Without trust we don’t truly collaborate; we merely coordinate, or at best, cooperate. It is trust that transforms a group of people into a team”. 

 

And so, establishing mutual trust is one way to practice the workplace value of autonomy!

Emphasise ownership of tasks

One can practice autonomy at the workplace simply by emphasising ownership of their tasks. 

At work, each employee is assigned to a set of responsibilities, tasks, and projects. As such, we all have one or another item to take ownership for. When a manager or supervisor emphasises that their employees need to take up ownership of their work, it’s one of the best ways to practice autonomy at the office. How so?

When ownership is instilled, each of us will strive to produce works of the best quality. That is, work that we can take pride in. When one puts in his or her best efforts into something, he or she will naturally be especially proud of that work. 

He or she would want to hear their efforts being appreciated too. As employers, recognising and rewarding hard work whenever you see it is one way to motivate your colleagues. It all starts from one simple step.

Thus, emphasising ownership of tasks is one way to practice the workplace value of autonomy!

Set a vision collectively

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of autonomy is by setting out a vision collectively. 

Oftentimes, individuals work hard at the office without understanding the big picture. They do assigned tasks and call it a day afterwards. In such cases, autonomy on an individual scale may not exist. 

As such, it is important that employers and leaders at work sit down with their co-workers to set out a vision collectively. This will help everyone get a better idea as to what they are all working towards. 

The lack of a proper vision will result in individuals to be reliant on their superiors whenever they find themselves in doubt. Not a helpful strategy to build up autonomy at all.

Instead, take the initiative to set out clear visions. Encourage your colleagues to step back and look at the whole picture. They’d be practicing the workplace value of autonomy in no time!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of autonomy. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice autonomy at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

10 Rules Of A Successful Business Meeting

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Group of coworkers in a meeting together. Feature image for "10 Rules of a Successful Business Meeting".

A successful business meeting gives you the chance to attract new customers, win an important contract, partner, develop projects, deepen the relationship, it also improves the company’s image and allows you to get a good employee. It all depends on its goal. Discover more about this topic here.

Infographic about Effective Business Management, covering details on administrative skills, leadership vs. management, and simple tips for success in HR Management. Created by guest blogger Caroline from Reliefseeker.

How well do I do at a business meeting and why is it so important?

A good business meeting, which is what?

My definition is simple. A successful meeting has a clearly defined goal and that goal is achieved during it. In an ideal world, such a meeting ends with concrete conclusions, brings some progress, brings the expected results closer. This is enough to call the meeting successful. All other aspects, in my opinion, are already in the background.

Of course, it will not hurt if there is a good atmosphere at the business meeting. Participants will be active, creative, comfortable chairs, and the smell of freshly roasted coffee will float around the conference room. But does it make a particularly big difference? An example, perhaps a bit strange, came to mind. What would you prefer – to be treated by a very nice doctor without many effects, or to be a patient of Dr House, who might be arrogant but heal you?

Hope you know what I mean. It is good if our actions fulfil their intended functions and are simply effective. In meetings with clients, as a rule, really important issues are discussed, such as the purpose and nature of cooperation, stages and project development. Deadlines are set for the implementation of tasks, financial issues, organization, business relationships are built, etc. If the meeting does not end with significant conclusions, does not push certain matters forward, does not bring specific value – it will never be good. And the temperature of the room, the taste of the coffee or clothing will not matter here. Especially business.

While writing this text, I tried to estimate how many business meetings I participated in. I quickly realized that I was not able to count them. You can trust me that there were a lot of them. Hours spent in conference rooms counted in hundreds if not thousands. Lots of conversations, interesting people along the way. Lots of good meetings and probably just as many bad ones. Interestingly, I’m not unique in any way, I’m far from records, and that’s not the case here.

I mentioned it because I had the opportunity to test the principles that I will describe today. If you implement them at least partially, you will very seriously increase the probability that your business meetings will be good.

10 rules for a successful business meeting

There are a lot of rules that we have to follow in the business world. However, not all of them are of particular importance. Therefore, we will not talk about them today. However, I chose the 10 most important rules of a successful meeting, which in my opinion will prove useful both in job interviews, as well as meetings with clients, partners, etc. Some of them are certainly known to you, and others may be a surprise. Here they are.

Good organization of the meeting

This is important if you have organizational issues on your side. The meeting must be well prepared to create the right conditions for the conversation. Much depends on the purpose of the meeting, its form, and the number of guests – the scale of preparations should depend on it. However, what is most important is substantive organization. Regardless of whether you are the organizers or guests, the precise setting of the agenda, topics and what you want to say will determine whether it will be a good meeting or a lost time.

Preparation for the meeting

The more important the meeting, the better you have to prepare for it and the more time it will take. But it’s an effort that will pay off. It is good to divide the meeting into stages, plan each stage. This will allow you to control its course, define priorities, and thus increase the chance of a favourable final.

If you know exactly which company you are going to or who exactly you are inviting – do a little reconnaissance before the meeting. Take the initiative. Thanks to this, you will be able to adjust to your interlocutor easier both in terms of content and organization.

Punctuality

Absolute primer – if you make an appointment for a specific time – be punctual. This is the first opportunity to make a good impression and show your respect for your own time as well as the time of the person you are dating. It is normal for me and when someone comes to meet me at an agreed time, I do not greet them with fanfares and a carpet of roses.

But on the other hand, if he is late, it immediately causes negative feelings. Sometimes there are random situations beyond our control – you know. But in many cases, all it takes is a little imagination to avoid them. And if it fails and you see that you will not make it on time, be sure to call and inform about this fact.

Appropriate dress for the meeting

Here is an interesting example from one of my current employees. For the first recruitment meeting in my M&M office, she came dressed neatly but not in a suit. His appearance and outfit didn’t catch my attention then. After some time, we talked back to this meeting and I heard that he was dressed in a “casual” style on purpose, unofficially. He assumed that if it bothered me that he didn’t come in with a tie, it was not a good place for him.

He wanted to find an office where he would be able to feel at ease, without imposed rigid and artificial standards. I admit that I have not encountered such an attitude before. If not, I would probably be convincing you now that you need to wear a suit for a business or recruitment meeting. There’s no need to. Sometimes it’s even better not to overdo it with elegance.

Your outfit at the meeting determines your image. The most important thing is that you should have this awareness and skillfully manage this image. It’s also good for it to be adapted to the circumstances, but it doesn’t always have to be creased pants and a tie. Unless required by the dress code.

Body language

How you say hello, what position you will sit in during the meeting is important. Body language betrays our feelings, attitudes, and intentions, so it’s worth knowing at least some basic rules. A smile alone is not enough. It is worth reading the signals sent by the body language correctly to send appropriate messages to the recipient.

Stress before and during the meeting

Many people get stressed out before meetings, which sometimes blocks them, making it impossible to talk freely. Losing confidence, we lose control throughout the conversation. Therefore, you must learn to control stress. With each subsequent meeting, it becomes easier. When we get rid of unnecessary stress, we will be more natural and free, we will give the right direction to the conversation and we will react more easily to the course of events.

The way of speaking in a meeting

During a business meeting, it is not only important what you say, but also what you say. As with body language, we send specific signals by the way we speak. Therefore, let’s try to speak calmly and not fall into the interlocutor’s opinion. Speak to the point and specifically, but you can also allow yourself a joke, a digression. Look into the eyes of your interlocutor, but do not exaggerate. Everything with feeling and according to the circumstances and format of the meeting. The conversation is an art of some sort. The more we study it, the better we will be able to put it into practice.

Place of meeting

Often the place of the meeting will determine its course. If we want to have a serious conversation, discuss sensitive issues or confidential business topics, we must create appropriate conditions. If the meeting takes place at our company’s headquarters, it will be particularly important, because it builds our image and professionalism. It is also important that the room is properly equipped with the necessary equipment, that it can easily accommodate all guests and provide comfortable conditions. If we are not able to provide them in our office, it is worth renting an appropriate conference room “in the city”.

Materials for participants

If the meeting is to discuss a project or topic, it is worth preparing the necessary information in advance. From experience, I have noticed that materials sent, for example, the day before the scheduled interview significantly improve the efficiency and shorten the time of the meeting itself. It’s easier to preserve meteorites and specifics. Participants can read them in advance, form an opinion, etc. I recommend it.

End of the meeting

You will know a successful meeting when it ends, not how it begins. Make sure that, after the interview, all participants know what are the main conclusions and what activities are planned. You can go ahead and skip the ending like: Does anyone have any questions at the end. There was time to discuss them during the meeting, it makes no sense to extend it indefinitely, which is what happens sometimes. However, it is worth summarizing the most important points, emphasizing the main assumptions and determining the next steps.

I hope that these 10 rules of a successful business meeting will also work in your case. I try to follow them daily and I see positive results.

This article was guest written by guest author, Sumiya from Reliefseeker.

Sumiya is a content writer who set out with a resolve to change the expectations of viewers, and as the years went by, they began to search for more information from different regions of the world. At Reliefseeker, passion continues to grow as they continuously seek new ways to cater to your needs; no matter how much they grow, we promise to always do right by you because you are important to us! Our customers are what makes our world go ’round!

The Importance of Highlighting Your Skills to Potential Employers

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Closeup of a woman looking to the right while using her laptop. Feature image for "The Importance of Highlighting Your Skills for Potential Employers"

As a job applicant, you must highlight your skills to potential employers to be called back for an interview. But how can you ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd?

The first step is to find job opportunities that match your goals and experience. Next, you must convince the hiring manager that you are the best person to take on this role.

In this article, you’ll discover how to focus your job search, cover letter, resume, and take some additional measures to help land your dream job.

Searching for the Best Opportunity

Before polishing your resume, you must make sure that you are applying to the right positions. That means reading detailed job descriptions very carefully.

For example, a network administrator works with hardware and software systems, whereas a network manager may be coordinating a healthcare system. Confusing the two on an application wastes time and energy and can make you look bad.

Other times, employers improperly title their jobs. For example, one company that advertised for a content manager was looking for a data entry specialist and interviewed many mismatched candidates. Make sure the description falls in line with your work experience.

You’ll also need to understand how to get your resume past an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is a tool that many employers are now using to help hiring managers screen a large number of resumes by tracking keywords for the position.

That means you’ll need to include those words in your resume several times over. The job description will inform you exactly what those terms are.

Next, let’s discuss how to craft your resume in more detail.

Crafting a Convincing Resume

If you already have a resume formatted, that’s a good start. You may simply need to tweak it a bit to get it in shape.

For those of you who are starting from scratch, choose your format for writing a resume wisely. A chronological resume lists jobs by date, starting with your last job and working backwards. You should always include start and end dates for any position to ensure you pass through the ATS.

Functional resumes begin with a highlighted list of your skills. You can summarize your expertise with these skills at the top.

Combination resumes combine those two formats, although most functional resumes will follow the skills list with chronological job posts. This is the best choice if you keep the skills section brief and to the point. 

Once you determine the type of resume, you’ll need to choose your verbiage wisely. Include the following:

ATS Keywords

For a free, straightforward CV template, Google Docs is worth checking out. Google Docs is easy to use, and most people are fairly familiar with the platform.

Some are put off by the lack of template options, though. Because Google Docs is so frequently used, there’s a good chance other applicants will be using it. This means it may be harder for your CV or resume to stand out.

Power Words

Power words are a good way to highlight skills on your resume. These are active verbs that demonstrate your experience. For example, instead of “managed team,” you can use “mentored” or “inspired.”

Hard and Soft Skills

While it’s important to know the technical or hard skills required for the position, it’s equally important for your potential employer to understand your soft skills. These skills showcase who you are, how you fit in their corporate culture, and how you work with others. Soft skills almost always come up during a job interview.

Highlight your top soft skills in your skill summary. A great example to add to your resume is adaptability at the office. If you are known for keeping calm during a work or business crisis, are flexible to take on additional responsibilities, and can handle the unexpected, employers are more likely to be interested in your application.

Accomplishments

Finally, show how you accomplished goals for your prior company, rather than for yourself. Did you save your organization money? Did you bring in a lucrative contract? Did you solve a difficult challenge?

Prospective employers want to know what you can do for them. Position your resume to answer that question.

Addressing Unemployment Gaps in Your Resume

There is one more major issue to address in your resume: unemployment gaps. In the past these have been frowned upon by hiring managers, however, the pandemic of 2020 left many people without employment through no fault of their own.

Your unemployment job search may be more successful if you show that any gaps in your work resume were put to good use. Some ideas include:

  • Take on additional new work. Even if it was not related to your position, actively staying employed demonstrates your ability to take initiative and adapt to a crisis. If you’ve completed freelance projects, we’ll discuss how you can highlight that work below.
  • Learn new hard skills. This includes online coursework or education or any new technical skills you’ve learned.
  • Rebrand your soft skills. While at home, you may have added or developed soft skills through things like caregiving loved ones, remote schooling your children, managing working from home, etc. Consider how these can be rebranded to benefit your prospective employer.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

The next step is writing a stand-out cover letter. This should be adapted for each company, however, you can create a personal template for the position you are seeking.

Be sure to address it to the hiring manager by name, whenever possible. Search online for the person’s name if it has not been provided to you.

A good cover letter:

  • Follows a professional format.
  • Is scannable and easy to read. That means short, clear paragraphs that are to the point.
  • Has an eye-catching introduction. Start with why and how you can uniquely help the company achieve its goals.
  • Highlights specific and/or measurable evidence that you can get the job done.

The best cover letters also show that you understand the company, its culture, and its mission. You’ll need to do some research. Be sure to understand their recent ups and down, who’s in management, and how you would make a good fit for their business.

Adding Bells and Whistles

A great resume and cover letter are the basics that every successful job applicant needs to succeed. However, you can go above and beyond. Here are more tools that you can use to highlight your skills so that potential employers take notice.

Adding Freelance Work

Freelance work is a great way to make money in between full-time jobs. In the same way you would use your resources to get new freelance clients, your existing clients can provide excellent references for potential employers as well. Here’s how to can you highlight your work as a freelancer:

  • Create a portfolio of your work, if it has a creative aspect. This can include presentations, writing projects, graphic or web design, speech writing, etc.

    If you have had only one or two clients, you can add samples of personal or schoolwork projects. Only include your best work to highlight your skills.

  • Sometimes, a case study can be used in addition to or instead of a portfolio. Write out a summary of the problem and the primary steps you took towards solving it. This should highlight both your hard and soft skills.

    Case studies are especially valuable if there was a challenge or unforeseen difficulty that may have held up the project.

  • Testimonials help wrap up your portfolio and case studies on a positive note. While it may be intimidating to ask past clients for a testimonial, more often than not, they are happy to comply if you make it easy for them.

    Many will ask you to write the testimonial. If so, position it with your prospective employer in mind, using all the techniques listed above (power words, keywords, etc.)

Networking

If you’ve ever been on a job interview and were asked if you knew anyone who worked in the company, then you know the value of networking. Making connections is a good way to help land a job as well as finding job opportunities.

Here are some ways to improve your networks:

  • LinkedIn is a great tool for job seekers because it is commonly used by companies and HR departments to find talent. You can add your resume and skills as well as seek connections for jobs that interest you.

    It also functions as a social media service, so you can share, post, and comment as well.

  • Other forms of social media can be helpful too. Facebook is best for expanding your reach among friends and friends of friends. Twitter is a great tool to interact positively with companies that catch your attention. If your work is more visual, like graphic design, Instagram is an excellent tool for sharing images.

  • Join a networking group. There many of these available via webcam or in person. You can find virtual networks on LinkedIn or Facebook.

    For in-person groups, check MeetUp.com or your local chamber of commerce. Other organizations include Business Network International (BNI) and Toastmasters International for public speakers.

    You can also seek out targeted networking groups that cater to your interests (i.e., technology, women in business, etc.)

    If you’ve ever joined or led a networking group, particularly if you made any presentations, add these to your resume and/or portfolio.

Closing Thoughts

Job seekers today need to make sure that their cover letters, resumes, and overall application catches the eye of the hiring manager to land an interview. If you are struggling to get noticed with your current resume, these tips can help you stand out from the crowd.

This article was contributed by guest writer, Amanda Winstead. Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.