Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Pursuing a promotion while pregnant

Pursuing a promotion while pregnantPursuing a promotion while pregnantIn the fall of 2018, I applied for a new role within my organization. It seemed like a great fit that would give me an opportunity realize one of my career goals. I thought, How can I pass this up? There was just one important factor to consider I was 5 months pregnant. But, I wasnt going to let that stop me from growing in my career.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIf youve been considering whether or not you shouldpursue a promotionwhile pregnant, here are a few tips on how I approached my situation and how you might, tooKnow Yourself and Your LimitationsAlong with all the new learning curves that come with taking on a new position at work, dont forget to consider that youll be taking on the additional role ofbecoming a mother. Thats taking on a lot of change and responsibility at once So take a personal inve ntory and decide if youll be able to handle it.If you have a partner, talk with them about the pros and cons, search your heart, and listen to your gut. Ultimately, know that taking on this promotion at this time in your life will challenge you to be the best version of yourself.Seek Advice, But Be Ready for Lots of OpinionsSolicit advice from peers and mentors who can help prepare you for what is to come. Its extremely valuable to learn fromother moms experiences, but when you open yourself up for advice, be ready for a lot of divergent opinions to come your way, too.You may find that women colleagues who continue to advance their career while also starting their family are generally encouraging and supportive. But, speaking from my experience, you may also encounter others who think youre making a big mistake by taking ona promotionand becoming a mother at the same time.Appreciate their perspective, but dont let it completely deter you from pursuing your goals. Take each nugget of advice that comes your way with a grain of salt and use them to educate and prepare yourself for the possibilities.Honesty is the Best PolicyBut Also Know Your RightsTaking on a new role while pregnant will be challenging for both you and your organization, so I approached the topic with as much honesty as possible when talking with my hiring director. That way, we were able to take a collaborative approach to plan for my maternity leave.Although youre not obligated to disclose your pregnancy and you may feel like youre running the risk that that information could be used to discriminate against you, know that such discrimination is illegal based on the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1970.At the end of the day, its your decision, but if youre going to start a new position, think about whether you really want to start off those new working relationships by withholding information.VisitU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissionfor more information and to understand your legal righ ts and protections, too.Ultimately, I am satisfied and proud of this career move. I found that taking on this promotion at this time in my life challenges me to be the best version of myself. I hope that I am able to show the women that I have the opportunity to work with and mentor that they dont have to make a choice between their career and starting a family. That they dont have to postpone their professional advancement in order to pursue their personal goals.Whats your take?Have you pursued a promotion or job change while pregnant? Are you thinking about doing so? Whats holding you back? What factors are you considering when weighing your choices to move forward? Share your experience in the comments below.This article first appeared on Bossed Up.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your produc tivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Alorica at Home Virtual Call Center Jobs

Alorica at Home Virtual Call Center JobsAlorica at Home Virtual Call Center JobsAlorica at Home is a customer careoutsourcing firm that employs thousands of home-based agents across the country. It acquired virtual call center West at Home in 2015 and runs its operations in much the same manner as West at Home did, employing virtual call center agents to provide customer service for its varied list of clients. Types of Work-at-Home Opportunities Alorica at Home hires its agents as employees, not independent contractors, so workersare guaranteed the nadir wage in their states. They receive inbound calls and perform services such as sales, customer service, billing, surveys, account management, online chat, and technical support. Bilingual call center and interpretation jobs are also available. Paid training is done online via self-paced tutorials. Pay and Benefits Pay for Alorica agents depends on the type of program you are in and the amount of time you work. There are four t ypes of programs Per-Minute Rate, Worktime Rate, Per-Call or Guaranteed Hourly Rate. No matter what, if your total earnings come to less than minimum wage, your pay will be bumped up to meet local minimum wage standards on a weekly basis. Agents typically earn between minimum wage and $10 per hour. Agents are paid every two weeks via check, direct deposit, or pay card. The company does not offer paid time off or pay for medical benefits. However, it does give employees the option to purchase medical and dental benefits. Agents must be available to work at least 10 hours per week. Applying To apply for a position, click the Apply Now button on the companyswebsiteand fill out the application. Set some time aside, because the application is extensive. Youmust be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED, but some college education is considered favorably. You should also be comfortable with a computer. After the application is accepted, applicants a re invited to do a series of online skill and behavioral assessments. After that, an offer may be issued. Following the preliminary offer, some positions may require a drug test and background check that will be paid for by Alorica. Once accepted for a position, there may be ongoing paid training about products and services that clients offer. Technical Requirements Agents must provide their own computer, landline phone service, internet service, and corded telephone. The requirements are much like those of other home call centers.Aloricas website lists the equipment and supplies youll need PC (no Macs)17-inch monitor or largerOS version Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1, and Windows 101GB RAM minimumMinimum processor speed of 1 GHz or better on multicore processors and 1.4 GHz on single-core processorsMinimum graphics resolution 1024 x 768Sound card with speakers or headset for training audioHeadset that attaches to your phone for call processingDSL, cable, or fiber o ptic connection (no dial-up, satellite, or 4G wireless connections) Geographic Restrictions Alorica at Home operates in the United States only, but it doesnt hire in all states. Even in the states where it does hire, jobs dont apply to all counties or areas. Early in the process, the application asks for your state and lets you know whether you are eligible.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Will unions come to Silicon Valleys well-paid workforce

Will unions come to Silicon Valleys well-paid workforceWill unions come to Silicon Valleys well-paid workforceNo American tech giant like Facebook or Google has formally unionized, but a recent Quartz feature has argued that this is a near future that may happen.Interviewing two grassroots activists groups, Tech Workers Coalition and Tech Solidarity, the author, Michael J. Coren, found that unionizing had been on itsmembers mind. Tech Solidaritys founder Maciej Ceglowski told Quartz explicitly that collective action, one of the tenets of unions, welches the goal of the group, which has hundreds of members attending its weekly meetings. With their unique skills and internal knowledge, tech workers are in high demand, and unterstellung activists groups believe that tech workersgreatest organizing power is when they threaten to walk out the door.This got us thinking what would unionization really change for Silicon Valley?What Silicon Valley wants More political powerThere are several c lasses of workers in the tech world. The largest is contractors, like security guards and janitors, who successfully unionized. Higherwages and benefits are what drove the unionization campaign for tech contractors. In January, 3,000 security officers for Facebook, Cisco and Genentech won recognition as members of Service Employees grenzberschreitend Union-United Service Workers West. This followed successful SEIU-USWW negotiationsfor other tech contractors like shuttle bus drivers and janitors.But for tech workers like engineers and managers, who have some of the highest-paid jobsand thebest company perks, money and benefits are not the motivating appeal of a union. Instead, political involvement is the driver.After the Muslim travel ban was proposed by the White House, these activist groups were motivated by the power of collective action toget more political power and change tech companies ethical bottom lines. A senior Oracle employee resigned after his CEOjoined President Donal d Trumps transition team, and an IBM employeequit after the presidents proposed Muslim ban.And no wonder immigration is an issue very close to Silicon Valley. The tech industry is one of the greatest sponsors of H-1B visas for talented workers from other countries. Thats why tech leaders including Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Marissa Mayer started Fwd.us, a politically active group dedicated to fixing immigration and criminal justice reform.As always, though, the interests of workers and managers are not always aligned.H-1B visas for foreign workers are the flashpointOne of the reasons why these major tech companies have yet to unionize is that it would end the disruptive culture many Silicon Valley startups say they need to innovate. Facebook, for example, was founded on a culture of move fast and break things. That includes a work culture that would be anathema to unions long hours, for one thing.Intel co-founder Robert Noyce warned that remaining non-union is essenti al for survival for most of our companies. If we had the work rules that unionized companies have, wed all go out of business. Noyce believed that unions caused deep, deep divisions be-tween workers and management which can paralyze action, an unwanted outcome when venture capitalists funding startups want results yesterday.And so previous attempts at unionizing at Silicon Valley companies have failed. In 1982 and 1983, Atari workers failed to unionize. Unions pesky demands for better wagesare seen as efforts todrive up operating costs, which is why certain unionization campaigns face hostility. Similarly, IBM workers created a union-like group called AllianceIBM, but the company disavows the existence of any unions. About six months after an Apple employee tried to unionize its retail workers, certain Apple managers were made to receive union awareness training.In 2002, Professor Alan Hyde wrote a paper on organizing laborin Silicon Valley, and suggested that uniting under ethnic o r gender lines at individual companies could be the path forward to unionization.Organized labor groups might well conclude that its future lies with newer immigrants rather than with older IT professionals who never affiliated with labor organizations . Could the ethnic pride and energy of Silicon Valleys immigrant communities fuel successful organizing for programmers, as it has for janitors?Hyde may be on to something foreign workers have a lot to complain about in the tech world. Not only do existing employees reject the need for diversity, but critics of Silicon Valleys use of H-1B visas, cite the National Academy of Science report that says the tech industry loves the visas because they allow the companies to pay lower wages to foreign engineers.Either way, it look like Hyde was rightin his prediction about immigration providing the spark to light the fire towards some kind of unionization movement. After the White Houses executive order on immigration, 127 companies, includin g Apple, Google and Uber,signed an amicus brief opposing it, citing harm to their businesses as a reason The Ordermakes it moredifficult and expensive for U.S. companies to recruit, hire, and retain some of theworlds best employees. It disrupts ongoing business operations. And it threatenscompanies ability to attract talent, business, and investment to the United States.Whatever side of the debate youre on, theres no question that having a voice in the immigration debate is crucial for these companies and their workers. The only question is how Silicon Valley gets there - and whether companies are willing to trade off some cultural traditions like long workdays.

Monday, December 16, 2019

When You Change Your Mind After Accepting a Job Offer

When You Change Your Mind After Accepting a Job OfferWhen You Change Your Mind After Accepting a Job OfferYou were offered a job and you gleefully accepted. But, now youre having some second thoughts.Maybe your circumstances changed or youre no longer convinced that its the right role for you. Or, perhaps a different opportunity you werent expecting landed in your lap- and theres no way you can pass it up.Regardless of the specifics, youve found yourself in the unfortunate (not to mention sticky) situation of needing to tell an employer youve changed your mind. Sonow what?Heres what to do when you change your mind after accepting a job offerBe absolutely sure about your decision.Before you plattl up the phone or start drafting a carefully-worded email, theres an important first step that you absolutely cant skip make sure you have zero doubts about the decision youre making.The only thing worse than changing your mind once about a job offer is changing it all over again and begging t he employer to take you back (which, in all honesty, they likely wont do). Bottom line, you need to be absolutely positive about your choice before you break the news.Provide as much notice as possible.Youve made your decision- you need to retract your words and let the company know that you wont be accepting the offer after all. Obviously, you shouldnt leave that employer hanging. Your change of heart isnt something they should learn about on the day you were supposed to sign on or show up for work.Its best to give them as much notice as is reasonably possible. The mora lead time you give them, the more time they have to find someone to replace you. As you know, the hiring process can take a while- so they deserve as much of a warning as you can possibly give them.Additionally, if youve already signed a contract with your offer, its important to check the fine print there. There might be some regulations on how long of period you have to back out of the offer or how much notice you re required to provide.Choose the best communication method.I get it- this isnt a conversation youre looking forward to having. But, as nerve-racking as it might be, the most courteous thing is to let the employer know in person or, at the very least, during a phone call.These real-time communication methods allow you to more adequately explain your reasoning, and also give the opportunity for a more immediate back-and-forth conversation. Plus, this direct approach demonstrates a level of courage, courtesy, and professionalism that wouldnt necessarily be captured in an email.With that said, its smart to follow up this conversation with something in writing (basically, a simple email reiterating the fact that, as discussed, you can no longer accept the offer). That way, you have written documentation in case any issues arise. Better safe than sorry, right?Offer a brief reason.Again, this discussion is awkward. That makes it tempting to sugarcoat or tiptoe around the point. However, y ou need to be direct and start by explicitly stating that you are backing out of the offer you had previously accepted.After that, you should offer some sort of reason for why youve changed your mind. You dont need to go into all of the sordid details, but the employer shouldnt be left wondering if it was something they said or did that sent you running for the hills. You can keep this vague (even if its something like, I received another unexpected offer that I just cant pass up), but you should provide at least some sort of closure.Stand your ground.You already have one foot out the door, but that doesnt mean the employer wont attempt to negotiate and get you to stick around. Keep in mind that this isnt a negotiation (threatening to back out of a job is no way to start that process anyway- especially after you accepted the original offer). So, you might need to make it painfully clear that no amount of convincing is going to change your mind. This just isnt the right opportunity f or you at the moment.Express gratitude.Yes, this situation can feel a little tense and uncomfortable. But, keep in mind that this is no fault of the employers- they havent done anything but extend you an offer that was obviously decent (or you wouldnt have accepted it in the first place).Dont lose sight of the fact that they provided you an opportunity, and thats worthy of some genuine appreciation. Remember to offer a heartfelt thank you, both at the beginning of the conversation and at the end. Let the employer know that you really do appreciate the offer, even if you can no longer accept it. Its a great way to leave things on a slightly more positive note.The most important thing you can do after needing to back out of a job offer youve already accepted? Learn from it. Needing to do this once is understandable, but its definitely not something that should become a habit in your career. Make sure you give yourself the time and space you need to carefully consider an offer before y ou formally accept. Doing so will save prospective employers (and you) a lot of stress and headaches.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

4 Ways to Stop Being Taken Advantage of at Work -The Muse

4 Ways to Stop Being Taken Advantage of at Work -The Muse4 Ways to Stop Being Taken Advantage of at WorkHave you ever found yourself in the middle of an activity at work that you really wished you hadnt agreed to? Maybe you ended up joining the company softball team, even though you hate sports and are embarrassed by your inability to throw in a straight line. Perhaps you became the organizer of all of the office birthday parties, because no one else would do it. Or, maybe you picked up the slack yet again, and ended up staying late for a colleague who begged you to help him to finish a project at the last minute.Weve all been there. And, lets be real There definitely will be times when you have to do things at work that you would rather not. However, if you find yourself in this position mora than you would like simply because you dont want to let other people down, then you could be a people pleaser.And it may not seem like a big absprache in the short term. But in the long-term, t he cons far outweigh the pros. Accommodating others too much can result in feeling overwhelmed (because youve taken on too many commitments), resentful (because of the inherent imbalances in the relationship), and stifled (because youre constantly ignoring your own needs in a quest to be liked).It can also make you feel inauthentic, because when youre smiling on the outside- despite feeling frustrated on the inside- youre essentially pretending to be someone who youre not. In fact, research suggests that smiling to appease others when youre not genuinely feeling happy, is linked to a decreased sense of well-being, and withdrawal from work. So whats a people pleaser to do? Here are four tips to deal1. Give Others More CreditSometimes when youre bending over backwards, it might come from a place of not giving others enough credit. For example, you might tell yourself, If I dont help him, how will he manage? or Nobody else is going to do it, so I have to jump in. The reality is, people are often much more resilient than we believe. If you say, no, most people can either find someone else to say, yes if theyre motivated to do so or even solve the problem themsleves. 2. Be More Compassionate (to Yourself)People pleasers tend to be very compassionate when it comes to others. They frequently anticipate others needs and do their best to try to prevent the people around them from feeling uncomfortable. However, to stop being taken advantage of, youve got to learn to treat yourself with that same level of respect. Recognize your own worth and be willing to be an advocate for yourself.A good rule of thumb is to consider, If this request was being made of someone else, what would I think? If you start to feel protective, then its a sign you might be getting close to being taken advantage of.3. tischset BoundariesFact You cant say no to every single task you dont want to do. After all, everybody has to spend some time each day doing things they would rather not. But, figur ing out whats part of the job and whats above-and-beyond takes practice. As does turning down that extra work.Experiment with saying no or at least, not now to requests. Respectfully disagree with someone in a meeting instead of just going along with them (Psst- heres how). Youll likely find that speaking up more helps you to feel more confident each time you do it.4. Learn to Deal With ConflictAt first, you may feel uncomfortable setting boundaries because its new for you. But once you step up and say something, you may find its a total non-event. In other words, when you say no, the other person simply says OK, and thats the end of it.However, there may be an instance in which advocating for yourself results in conflict. Now, it could be that the other person genuinely needs your help or expertise, and thats part of being on a team. But, it could also be that theyre simply used to you pulling the extra weight, and youll need to wade through the conflict. Instead of avoiding it, pr epare your conflict management skills in advance so you can approach these situations with a greater sense of confidence. Practice deep breathing to manage your stress in the moment, consider the issue from your co-workers point of view, and prepare I statements that convey how the situation makes you feel. Finally, run what you are planning to say past a trusted friend or colleague to get another perspective. If you anticipate a really difficult interaction, you might even want to roleplay it with someone.The final step in recovering from being a people pleaser is to start asking for things. Delegate. Let others assist you. Doing so will help you to shift your relationships from one-sided to more reciprocal. And, as you get used to receiving from others, youll realize that being a doormat simply isnt necessary for having positive relationships. Make sure to consider your own needs with the needs of those around you, and youll be able to find the right balance.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Sales Associate Resume Description Is Wrong and What You Should Know

Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About schlussverkauf Associate Resume Description Is Wrong and What You Should Know Dont forget to tailor your objective statement to the particular ausverkauf associate job that youre applying for without neglecting the role explained in the work description. If this is the case, you may be the ideal candidate for a sale associate job. This job isnt a job for slackers. Dont hesitate to revise this job description to fulfill your particular job duties and job requirements. Get the Scoop on Sales Associate Resume Description Before Youre Too Late It should concentrate on tangible results as opposed to a list of qualities. Make your points, outlining why you feel youre ideal for the sales associate role. This example will provide you with a crystal clear idea about the type of certificates which might prove beneficial in a resume for sales associate. Therefore, you may use this template for a guide for writing the best resume. The Pain of Sales Associate Resume Description This way is also simple to track and accentuates your experience when categorizing your work history. Youll want standard accounting skills to create a change and to notice errors. Performs a number of tasks. So, it is a fantastic work atmosphere. Otherwise, it is a wonderful work atmosphere. The beauty business is growing rapidly, and a lot of people who have the most suitable abilities and experiences are currently working as sales associates. Because the retail business is transactional nature, you can readily consist of numerical quantification to project competence. The Sales Associate Resume Description Game Looking for a chance to work in the sales field looks like a somewhat challenging part. The business eliminated the Sales manager position as a result of my experience. For instance, there are a couple contact management computer software titles that are standard for many sales organizations. You ought to have the requisite sk ills to be successful in sales. There are lots of plans to pick from and access Monster Studios, our video job description app. If you prefer to compose a work description for a sales associate then you can take advantage of sales associate job description templates. Simply click the link provided. Write off your job search schedule. The Pain of Sales Associate Resume Description Consider a resume as a means to receive your foot in the door. So youre going to be showing yourself off in your very best light. Its a fact that no one makes a perfect resume on their very first try. Perhaps, but theres no reason you cant locate the inner sales person in you and become one. Honestly, it was not a really busy portion of Nordstrom. In case you have, dont disclose the name of the organization. Its expected by the company which you would know all the particulars of the item or tafelgeschirr youre selling before heading out on the area. In addition, be certain to explore exceptional b enefits that your organization provides that others dont make available. Without sales, it would be quite hard to grow the company much less sustain operations. The popular misconception is that you must seem good in order to be successful in sales. You should be able speak in a friendly means to customers and possible clients, listening to their requirements and helping communicate options for them. To create a powerful and productive career in the specialty of sales by consistently contributing to the revenue generating programs of the business. You may learn to compose a compelling objective statement for your sales associate resume by studying the aforementioned samples, which you may also adapt in earning your objective statements. It might be a service like consultation or a procedure. You select an in-store interview. To begin with, show off your prior sales experience and offer details about your accomplishments.

Monday, December 2, 2019

An Evening in Denver with PowerToFly Women Leaders

An Evening in Denver with PowerToFly Women Leaders Youre invited to our first ever intimate community evening in Denver This special gathering will be hosted on Wednesday, September 11th by PowerToFly in partnership with women leaders in Denver who will be getting real and authentic while answering your questions Well dig into topics like knowing and asking for your worth, when to go for that next promotion, how to handle uncomfortable situations with colleagues and mora Well kick the night off with a panel discussion to learn from our experts experiences and then move into a Q&A session where we will be answering your questions as they relate to being a women in the workforce. The evening will also include plenty of networking over complimentary food and drinks. This special evening will take place on Wednesday, September 11th from 600pm to 830pm at Archipelago Clubs, located at 2345 7th Street, Denver. PowerToFly will supply a complementary Lyft code to help you get home.About Pow erToFly PowerToFly is the platform connecting skilled professionals with companies that are committed to building environments and teams that value inclusion, diversity and belonging.About PowerToFly Events All RSVPd attendees are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or age. If you require accommodation to fully participate in this event, please email hipowertofly.com, and we will contact you to discuss your specific needs.Related Articles Around the Web PowerToFly - Home Facebook PowerToFly (powertofly) Instagram photos and videos PowerToFly Free career training, jobs, connections Aki Merced