Things to consider before jumping ship to a new job Job hopping every two years or less might negatively affect your career by showing a lack of stability, Francis Tapon of Emperor Investments points out. A higher salary might not be the sole reason to move on, so consider how long it will take you to get up to speed, says Rich Ramassini of PNC Investments. CNBC (8/21)Tips to stay focused at work Stay focused on completing daily tasks by overscheduling yourself to create structure and limit downtime between tasks, career expert Jill Tipograph says. "It is interruptive to have calls and meetings throughout a day. Block off certain days and times for meetings and calls, allowing the other parts of your day for work," she says. Fast Company online (8/21)
Making the Connection
How to create a 30-second elevator pitch about you Create a 30-second elevator pitch to describe your accomplishments, relationships with former co-workers, and how you would fit within the hierarchy of the new position you're seeking. Verbally practice it for a few weeks until you feel comfortable delivering it to others at networking events or conferences, writes John Tarnoff. Forbes (8/21)
Female and minority journalists make significantly less money than male and white journalists do, according to an analysis of seven pay-equity studies. The analysis says some inequity stems from larger raises for men and whites than for women and minorities, but executives dispute study findings, saying they do not take into consideration differences in work experience. Columbia Journalism Review online (8/20)
Your Next Challenge
Edge out other qualified candidates in job interviews Talk about the intangibles you bring to the table, such as grit, passion and how you'd fit well into the existing fabric of the workplace, Jessica Vann recommends. "Interpersonal dynamics often trump skill set when it comes to making a hiring decision (particularly when candidates are evenly matched) and could easily elevate you above the competition," adds Vann. The Muse (8/20)Current market conditions make now the ideal time to get a job With a 10-year low in unemployment, it is a job seeker's market, and now is the time to change jobs if it's something you've been considering, writes career coach Angela Copeland. Get three things in order before starting your job search, Copeland suggests, including polishing your resume, developing a personal elevator pitch and updating LinkedIn. The Daily News (Memphis, Tenn.) (8/21)
Minister of Women Julie Anne Genter, a member of New Zealand's House of Representatives, was 42 weeks pregnant and rode her bicycle to the hospital to induce labor. Genter posted a photo of herself at the hospital next to the electric-powered bike she rode and added that the route she took was "mostly downhill." ABC News (8/20)
In the affairs of this world, poverty alone is without envy.
