Why Your Manager is Afraid to Promote You

You have been with your company quite some time, and have continuously been passed over for promotion. Your performance is exemplary—and you have the reviews to prove it. You improve where needed, exceed various goals and objectives, and have positive work relationships.

What is going on?

After much deliberation, trusted counsel, and unbiased reflection, you have come to a simple conclusion: Your manager is afraid to promote you.

Truth be told – you may be right. Here’s how you can tell:

You used to collaborate on projects with your boss, but now it is nearly impossible to gain access to your direct manager. The only feedback you receive is negative, and compliments are less personalized and more general. You seem to be assigned the “hand-me-downs” – which is fine, but none of them align with your strengths. There is no longer talk about your future, and quite frankly, you feel as if you are being pushed out. Why is this happening?

Your manager may be concerned about his / her job security.

True leaders recognize leadership qualities in others and work to help cultivate those attributes. They do not try to stifle or snuff out their employees so that they can remain the “shining star”. Your boss may be incredibly insecure and seeking to ensure that he/she does not lose a place at the table (rather than just bringing up a chair).

There may be a need for control, and quite frankly – your boss may not be that great at his or her job.

Micromanaging is sometimes done to control the work environment and those within it. This helps a manager develop a specific, self-serving narrative. If a manager feels inadequate within his / her role, they may target or bring down an excellent employee so that the focus is off their own performance.

It may not be all sunshine and rainbows… In other words: They may be trying to protect you.

While this scenario is less common, a manager may be “afraid” to promote you, because they know change is coming, and they want to make sure you are positioned to ride it out. Though this does happen, a good manager should be communicating their intentions to you, rather than keeping you in the dark.

If you do feel your manager is afraid to promote you, there is some action you can take:

1.) Be Direct.

If you feel comfortable, schedule a meeting with your manager and ask if there is anything you need to improve upon, or if something has happened. Explain how you are feeling a bit stagnant within your role, and as if you are not being given the opportunity to challenge yourself and grow.

2.) Speak with another supervisor or HR.

If you do not feel comfortable (and if some questionable comments or actions have occurred), it is important to bring the matter to another manager and/or human resources attention. Putting this on your company’s radar may be beneficial, especially if other infractions you are not aware of have occurred.

3.) Find a new company.

Consider looking for employment elsewhere. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and update your resume. Begin networking (online and in-person) and applying for various positions of interest. If you are unsure where to start or how to begin, consider reaching out to a Career Strategist (like myself) to help walk you through the process. As the saying goes, there are other fish in the sea – don’t settle for less than you are worth.

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached,
don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
-Confucius

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is one of the most important, if not THE most important, tools to have at your disposal during a job search, alongside your resume. With LinkedIn, you can connect with colleagues, as well as other companies and industry professionals (across the country and world), providing you access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, I highly recommend you get one. And, if you do have a LinkedIn profile, you need to make sure it is optimized so that you can get the traction you want and deserve.

Include a photo.

I have been told repeatedly by recruiters and hiring managers that if they don’t see a photo, they scroll right through. So, regardless of how you feel about doing so, you must include a picture of yourself on your profile. You want to be friendly and approachable, with a neutral background behind you. Remember, this is not Instagram or Facebook – so keep it exactly as it should be – professional. Feel free to include a background photo as well. There is a little more freedom here to display your style.

Update your headline and summary.

Most people have their headlines automatically populated with their current position and title—big mistake. If you haven’t done so already, I strongly advise you to customize your LinkedIn headline. Your headline should contain two titles of interest and various industry-specific keywords (such as top, sought-after skills). Your summary comes next and should list your top skills and accomplishments clearly and concisely. Both weigh heavily regarding LinkedIn’s algorithm, meaning what you place here is essential when recruiters and hiring managers search for potential candidates of interest.

Focus on your most recent work history.

You should focus on the last 10-15 years of your work history, including some details and accomplishments for each of your positions held. Note that the position titles and dates should align with your resume, though you can be more detailed with your descriptions than your LinkedIn profile. I would refrain from including the dates you obtained your degree unless obtained in the last three years.

Expand your network.

Connect with past and present colleagues, as well as various industry professionals. I also recommend following companies of interest and joining industry-specific groups as well. Note that your connections can write recommendations of your work on your profile and even endorse you for your skills. The more connections you have, the stronger your profile (and the more opportunities you will have to reach out to those who are outside of your network).

In addition to my comprehensive training program, I review my client’s LinkedIn profiles (and resumes) to optimize them to their fullest potential. My methods are tried and true – with thousands of fully satisfied clients (and counting!). Sign up for my FREE webinar today to learn more. Your dream job is waiting!

Finding a Leadership Mentor within Your Company

Finding a leadership mentor within your company is a great way to grow professionally. Though most people know this and strongly agree, they feel hesitant moving forward, not sure where to begin. If this sounds like you, know that you are not alone! Here are 5 simple steps you can take to get started:

1.) Understand what mentorship is.

A mentorship is where one working professional guides another by providing career advice, support, and assistance. They are usually someone that has a similar background and is now working within a field or position the “student” aspires to. Though some companies offer formal mentorship programs, most do not, so the decision to obtain and work with a mentor rests solely on the employee’s shoulders.

2.) Know your goals.

Before you ask anyone to be your mentor, you need to figure out what your professional goals are, both short and long-term. Knowing what it is you want to accomplish will help you decide who is best suited to lead you. You should also determine what your expectations are for the mentorship. Remember to be reasonable. (For example, monthly coffee dates are a fair ask, but lunch meetings 3 times a week are not).

3.) Pick a mentor.

Is there someone within your office who has skills you want to emulate? Are they in a position you hope to be in over the next 5+ years? If so, ask. This should be someone you already have a positive working relationship with, who has been within their role for an established length of time. Make it clear you are in no way trying to take their job, you simply admire what they do and feel there is a lot you can learn.

4.) Have a plan.

Share your professional struggles and goals and how you envision the partnership working. Though most people are honored and happy to help, some may not be able to, through no fault of their own (they may be caring for an ill family member, or are perhaps looking for a new job). Be understanding and respectful if that is the case, thanking them for their time and consideration.

5.) Be committed.

If your mentor assigns you a book to read, read it. If they ask to meet up for coffee, meet with them. Asking and then not moving forward could hurt you professionally. Remember, a great mentor is one that will challenge you and push you from your comfort zone (in an encouraging way). Be ready to take compliments, and constructive criticism, to improve your overall performance.

Michelangelo once said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Aim high, ask for help and watch as your career blossoms into what you want it to be.

How to Write a Bio for Potential Employers

Having a short, professional bio is an important part of your career, especially if you are an executive. Whether you are searching for a new job or looking to strengthen your company’s brand, what you say can help you (and your company) achieve business objectives, by showcasing your work and personality.

A bio is different from a resume and LinkedIn profile as it does not need to be optimized or made ATS friendly. It is usually requested by a potential (or current employer) to measure your candidacy or promote their business, which makes it a little more challenging to write.

If you are unsure of what to write or where to begin, you are not alone. Writing about yourself in a promotional way can be a challenge! Here are 3 simple tips that can help:

1.) Decide whether you are going to write your bio in the 1^st or 3^rd person.

When writing a bio, you can do so in the first person (I, my) or third person (Your Name, she, her) format. Typically, a person using a bio for employment purposes would write in the 1^st person, while a person using a bio for branding purposes would write in the 3^rd person. Both are acceptable if the “person” you choose remains consistent throughout the entire piece.

2.) Identify the accomplishments you would like to highlight.

It is important to pick specific accomplishments or bullets that strengthen your candidacy (or company brand). I recommend using the job description as a guide, listing the top 3 achievements that align with what the company is looking for (or wants to demonstrate to clients), with a specific focus on the last 10-15 years.

3.) Determine if you would like to include any fun information.

Feel free to include a fun fact, or an interesting experience to help showcase your personality. Remember, a bio is not only meant to highlight your skills and experience but to give your employer (or customer) a glimpse into who you are as a person! Essentially, the format would be, Introduction, Skills and Accomplishments, Fun Fact, and Closing, and about 4-8 sentences in length. For example:

Tammy Homegardner is a Best-Selling Author, Forbes Contributing Editor, and one of the most sought-after Job Search Coaches in the country. Best known for her comprehensive training program at The Job Search School, Tammy has helped thousands of job seekers successfully navigate the ever-changing job market. Through a comprehensive plan and a personalized approach, Tammy’s clients find employment faster (and at a higher salary) than they would have on their own. When she’s not helping clients land their dream job, you can find Tammy whipping up her favorite pasta dish, or spending time with her 3 yellow labs. Learn more about the programs Tammy offers by attending her FREE Masterclass, today!

Job Gap Due to COVID

I have had countless clients and job seekers, in general, contact me over the past year concerned about a gap in employment due to COVID-19. Depending on their industry, some individuals have been out of work since March 2020 – a long time! With the pandemic now at a year and a half, I can understand their concern.

If you have a job gap due to COVID, please know that you are not alone. You, along with millions of other professionals, have experienced quite a challenging time. Recruiters and hiring managers understand this. And, while you are likely aware that a COVID gap is an acceptable one, you may still be worried about how to position yourself.

A gap in employment is not an issue but a lack of growth is.

Everyone understands that this past year and a half has been anything but ordinary – employers as well. You need to demonstrate that you have been active throughout this season: taking additional training courses, obtaining a certification, managing various personal projects, volunteering within your community, or consulting.

If you have been unemployed for more than a year, including a job gap statement

Everyone knows that COVID resulted in mass unemployment – so when you create a job gap statement, do so without referring to the pandemic. Within your job gap statement, list your desired title. Then include a snippet of your experience and what you have been doing. State that you are now interested in obtaining full-time employment.

Be confident when explaining your gap.

Develop and practice a response to describe your gap so that you are comfortable when asked. For example:

As an Event Manager, I was furloughed in March of 2020 due to the pandemic. I had a difficult time finding a new, permanent role due to the ongoing shutdowns. During this time, I worked as an Event Consultant for ABC Company and 123 Company, managing numerous events and administrative projects. With businesses beginning to reopen, I am looking forward to obtaining a full-time position within Event Management. I believe my skills and experience are well suited to your needs.

Ask for help.

Though numerous employers are hiring, the job market is more competitive than it ever was before. Many people are looking to transition into new industries, and negotiating the terms of employment has never been more challenging. My free job search masterclass can provide you with some additional tips and tricks to navigating this tricky market so that you can obtain a position you genuinely love. Sign up today to learn more!

How Should You Prepare for an Interview?

If you have made it through to the interview process, congratulations are in order! The first hurdle is complete – making it past the ATS. You’ve done something right! So, now, it is your time to shine! Here are the top 3 ways to make sure your interview is a success:

1.) Research the company thoroughly.

It is in your interest to research the company you are interviewing with thoroughly so that you can have a better understanding of the company’s work culture and long-term goals.

This will help as you craft and prepare answers, and questions (which you absolutely should do). More importantly, this will confirm your decision to move forward with this opportunity, because truth be told, if the company’s vision doesn’t align with your own personal values, it may not be a job you want.

I recommend searching through the company’s website to read press releases and mission statements, in addition to social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc..). I would also sort through employee reviews on websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed.

2.) Dress for success (whether in person or virtual).

No matter how your interview is being conducted, it is important that you put your best foot forward by dressing up for the occasion. I am not saying you are being judged or should be judged by your appearance, but I am saying that dressing up demonstrates that you care about the position and WANT to make a good impression.

And let’s face it, your appearance is the first impression you can provide. So, regardless of if you are meeting with a hiring manager in person or online, dress to impress!

3.) Rehearse responses beforehand.

If you were let go from your previous employer, have a gap in your resume, or a specific item you want to highlight, have your statement prepared ahead of time. This will ensure that you are comfortable with your answers, articulating them in a concise manner.

Remember, it is important that you never speak negatively about a previous employer, no matter what the circumstance. Always provide a positive spin on anything you may discuss.

For example, I had worked for ABC Beverage for 8 years; however, after numerous shifts in leadership and budget cuts, I became increasingly concerned about my ability to complete various complex projects without the tools necessary to succeed. My manager, Frank, made the most of this challenging situation, but I did feel it was time to move on and am excited about this opportunity.

Whether you have just started on your job search journey, or are well on your way, my comprehensive training program here at the Job Search School can help! With courses ranging from salary negotiation, ageism, virtual interview mastery, and much more, I am committed to helping make your dream job a reality. Contact me today to learn more!

Expanding Your Network in a Job Search

There’s no doubt about it – networking is vital to any job search. If the idea of networking makes you uneasy, know that you are in good company.

I cannot tell you just how many job seekers cringe at the thought of networking, and with good reason! Talking about yourself is awkward, let alone when you are doing so with a big ask in mind. The thing is, the idea of networking is overblown (but not overrated). As is the “big ask.”

Let me explain.

Networking is essential, but the pressures that are associated with networking are not.

Forget the big ask, and therefore, the pressure.

Sure, you may view a specific individual as a means to an end (in other words, a means to employment), but that shouldn’t be the primary goal. While there may very well be an opportunity to ask for something, networking is nothing more than making connections with people. It’s that simple.

Just think, you make connections every day: at the grocery store, at a child’s birthday party, or hanging around the dog park with your pups. Networking is making those connections and using them in a professional capacity. Plus, you can network effectively in person AND online!

Here’s how:

1.) View every connection made as an opportunity to network.

Share what it is you do and what it is you are looking to do. There is no harm in putting feelers out there, even in a non-formal setting. So, the next time you have a conversation with someone of interest, let them know what you do for a living. And listen when they share what it is they do as well. You may be able to help each other.

2.) Attend formal conferences or networking events (in person or online).

Conferences and networking events are easy places to network since everyone has the same objective: expanding a business and achieving goals. You can be a part of that! Whether the event is held virtually or in person, take some time to attend these professional events, getting to know peers and industry leaders. No connection made is wasted, so speak with everyone you can and have your “pitch” in mind.

3.) Use social media to the fullest potential.

Social media platforms, especially professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn, are an excellent tool to expand your network. You can reach out to recruiters and hiring managers from any company or industry, join various industry-specific groups, and follow specific companies of interest. Best of all, if your profile is optimized, you will show up in numerous recruiter searches, increasing your chance of employment.

Whether you are new to the job search scene or have been at this for quite some time (with little success), my comprehensive program here at the Job Search School can help. Learn how to find positions that fit your skills, optimize your LinkedIn and resume, connect with key professionals, nail your interview, negotiate your salary, and more!

How to Use the Open to Work Feature on LinkedIn

Once the pandemic hit and millions of people lost their jobs, LinkedIn got creative in allowing people to display that they were open to working by creating an Open to Work feature. You have likely seen it as you have scrolled through profiles, shown as a green frame around photos with the #hashtag (you’ve guessed it) that says Open to Work. But the benefits of Open to Work go far beyond just the photo opportunity provided. Here is how this LinkedIn feature works:

When you select the Open to Work Feature, recruiters become aware of your search.

Millions of recruiters that work directly for companies or through independent agencies utilize LinkedIn to source candidates. LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature allows you to show up with priority in their searches since you are actively searching and open for work. This is excellent news if you are searching for a job since a recruiter (or hiring manager) can come across your profile and reach out, knowing you will be interested.

Though LinkedIn’s Open to Work Feature is an excellent tool to use, it is not Ideal if you are currently employed and searching for a job.

Do note that though LinkedIn takes various precautions to ensure no one from your present company sees that you are searching (if you are searching for a job while employed), nothing is ever foolproof. As such, I only suggest using this feature if you are unemployed and looking for a job, not if you are employed and searching. If your employer gets wind that you are job hunting, it could make for an uncomfortable situation.

How to set up LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature.

Select your profile picture, then “view profile.” At the top of your profile is your introduction card. Click the “Open” button and provide the requested information. You can then select whether all LinkedIn members or only recruiters can see that you are open to opportunities. As stated before, if you are currently employed, I firmly advise avoiding this feature altogether (even if you are only on recruiters’ radar). But, if you are unemployed, select whichever you prefer.

LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature is only one part of the job search spectrum.

Though this new feature is undoubtedly beneficial, you cannot just set it and hope for a recruiter to reach out magically. Your LinkedIn profile has to be optimized to meet the needs of the positions you are searching for so that you show up as a qualified candidate within recruiter searches. This is achieved by utilizing various keywords within your headline and summary and carefully crafting your most recent experience and accomplishments in a way that enhances your candidacy.

I have helped thousands of professionals craft LinkedIn profiles that provide them access to opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach. No matter where you are in your job search journey, my comprehensive training program here at the Job Search School can help. Learn more by signing up for my FREE webinar today. Your dream job is waiting!