Podcast Summary
Career Advancement through Adaptability: Amy Lentz, an HR expert with diverse career experiences, emphasizes the importance of adaptability and asking questions to advance in your career, even if it means taking a non-traditional route.
Amy Lentz, also known as Hacky HR on social media, is a work expert with a passion for helping individuals navigate their careers. With a background in HR, working for big corporations and even the White House, she offers valuable insights on various work-related topics, from acing job interviews to asking for a pay raise. Amy's unique perspective comes from her diverse career path, which includes experience in nonprofits, communications, marketing, and strategy. She emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and asking questions to advance in your career, even if it means taking a non-traditional route. Her content is a breath of fresh air in the social media world, providing actionable advice for those looking to improve their corporate jobs.
Mindset and Career Growth: Adopting a growth mindset and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to new opportunities and career advancements. Trust in your abilities, apply transferable qualities to new experiences, and actively seek out opportunities through your network.
Having a growth mindset and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to new opportunities and career advancements. The speaker shared her experience of adopting a CEO morning routine and faking it until she could make it as an advisor, despite never having advised before. She emphasized the importance of trusting in one's abilities and applying transferable qualities to new experiences. When feeling stagnant or bored in a job, she suggested casting a vision and seeking out opportunities through one's network. In terms of job interviews, she recommended preparing with the 2510 method, which involves doing a power pose, writing down declarations, affirming oneself, and taking deep breaths to enter the interview emotionally regulated. She also mentioned that interviewers may ask about past experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and reasons for wanting the job. Overall, her advice is to trust oneself, be confident, and actively seek out new experiences and opportunities.
Job interview preparation: Prepare specific questions, demonstrate enthusiasm, read job postings carefully, answer common questions, and follow up with a thoughtful email.
During a job interview, it's essential to demonstrate not only your qualifications but also your cultural fit and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Prepare specific questions related to the job and the interviewer, and be ready to answer common questions about your weaknesses, goals, and motivations. Make sure to read every word of the job posting and follow instructions carefully. A thoughtful follow-up email after the interview can also make a positive impression. Remember, the interview is not just for the company to assess you, but also for you to determine if the role is a good fit for you.
Impressing Employers: Small actions like showing interest in employers' hobbies and emotional regulation for managers can make a big difference in making a positive impression during a job search.
Making a positive impression on potential employers goes beyond just having the right qualifications and skills. Small things, like showing interest in their hobbies or researching them before an interview, can help build chemistry and make a lasting impression. Additionally, emotional regulation is a crucial skill for managers to have, as it creates a psychologically safe work environment and allows for effective problem-solving in high-pressure situations. It's important to recognize that these small actions and skills may not be the sole determining factor in getting a job, but they can certainly give you an edge over other candidates. Ultimately, standing out by being yourself and demonstrating a positive attitude can make a significant difference in your job search journey.
Impact communication, Emotional well-being: Communicating the impact of your work and practicing self-regulation can help you thrive in high-stress startup environments and advance in your career.
High-stress startup environments can lead to mistakes and emotional instability, but working at smaller companies, including startups, can provide a fast feedback loop and opportunities for career growth. To build confidence and stand out in a corporate role, it's essential to communicate the impact of your work to your manager and take care of your emotional well-being by practicing self-regulation and seeking breaks when needed. By focusing on the value you bring to the company and maintaining open communication with your manager, you can avoid feeling like just a number and position yourself for career advancement.
Effective communication in managing up: Approach conversations with solutions, respect, and solution-focused mindset. Give feedback, advocate for needs, and reevaluate situation if necessary. Have solid reasons and data for pay raise requests.
Effective communication is key when it comes to managing up and advocating for yourself in the workplace. Whether it's introducing new ideas, seeking feedback, or addressing issues with your manager, it's important to approach conversations in a respectful and solution-focused way. Managers are busy and have their own challenges, so presenting problems with potential solutions can make all the difference. Additionally, don't be afraid to give feedback to your manager and advocate for what you need. If you're not getting the support you need, it may be time to reevaluate your situation and consider whether the pros of staying in your job outweigh the cons. Remember, you have agency and the power to make changes if necessary. Lastly, when it comes to asking for a pay raise, make sure you have solid reasons and data to back up your request. Your job description and compensation are closely tied, so make sure they align.
Job description update: Outdated job descriptions can lead to underrepresentation and underpayment. Communicate with your manager about your value and impact at work, and advocate for a job description update if necessary.
Keeping an outdated job description and not advocating for an update can lead to being underrepresented and underpaid. If you believe your value and impact at work are not accurately reflected in your job description or compensation, it's essential to communicate this to your manager and understand the company's current business needs. Misalignment between personal values and job responsibilities can lead to feelings of underappreciation and unhappiness. It's crucial to evaluate what you truly value in a job and consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential pay increase elsewhere. Ultimately, personal agency and self-awareness are key to finding job satisfaction and ensuring fair compensation.
Work fulfillment factors: Salary and title aren't the only factors for work fulfillment. Values, skills, flexibility, work-life balance, and confidence are important. Tailor resume and interview language for transferable skills when changing industries, and prioritize self-care and energy.
Finding fulfillment in work goes beyond just salary and title. It's important to consider the alignment of your values and skills with the industry and role you're pursuing. Flexibility and work-life balance can be valuable assets. When transitioning to a new industry, tailor your resume and interview language to highlight transferable skills. Rebuilding confidence after a job loss involves practicing emotional regulation and taking action to move forward. Lastly, remember that sometimes your job is to react to circumstances beyond your control, and you don't owe everyone your time or energy. Prioritize what you need over what others want.