4C | M ARCH 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT GUIDE
Learn to be more
Asking for a letter of recommendation
assertive in the workplace
Gender equality in the pro-
fessional arena has come a
long way in the 21st century.
But while great strides have
been made over the last two
decades, women still face
unique challenges as they look
to establish themselves pro-
fessionally and advance their
careers.
According to the U.S. Cen-
sus Bureau, women still earn
roughly 80 percent of what
men are paid in the same po-
sitions.
Professional women often
must walk the thin line be-
tween being too nice or too ag-
gressive, a pressure not often
faced by men. Assertiveness
is an art for both genders, and
women can take steps to be
more assertive without giving
the impression they’re ruffling
feathers.
• Be confident in your
speech. It is easy to fall into
“weaker language” habits
when advocating for an idea.
If unsure about the reaction
to a proposal, you might say,
“I think this is a good idea”
or “I believe this will impart
change.” More assertive lan-
guage is to simply stand be-
hind the point: “This is a good
idea.” Confidence can go a
long way.
• Allow people to dis-
agree. It is acceptable for
others to disagree with you.
This can lead to discussion
and an opportunity to pres-
ent evidence why something
should be done in a certain
way. It also enables you to
point out the strong points in
their argument. Listening to
all ideas can sway people in
your favor, even if they don’t
necessarily agree with all you
believe in.
• Be proactive and fu-
ture-oriented. This is espe-
cially pertinent when asking
for raises or promotions. Ex-
plain to a boss how you re-
spect yourself and that your
work merits the right com-
pensation. Point out clearly
defined future goals and suc-
cesses you’ve had that warrant
consideration for higher pay.
• Don’t fear conflict. Con-
flict doesn’t have to be con-
frontational, especially when
respectable language is used
and everyone is allowed to
voice their opinions. Conflict
can inspire great change. And
remember, while you need to
have solid relationships with
coworkers, they do not have
to be your best friends.
Assertiveness in the work-
place can help professionals
achieve their goals and show-
case their value.
Knowledge, skills and personal-
ity can get one far, but having the
right people in your corner can
open doors for new opportunities
that you might otherwise never have
considered. Perhaps this is why rec-
ommendations are so coveted when
applying to jobs or schools.
Asking for a letter of recommen-
dation is something that should be
done with forethought. The correct
approach and proper timing can
mean the difference between receiv-
ing a recommendation or not.
Who to ask
The first step is to decide who you
want to ask for a recommendation.
Select teachers, mentors or past em-
ployers who know you well or can
validate how you performed or im-
proved.
Remember to consider the re-
quirements of a college or univer-
sity as well. Schools frequently ask
for recommendations from specific
people, such as a teacher in a certain skills.
subject. The same goes for reading
Speaking face-to-face shows re-
job applications thoroughly.
spect and gives you the advantage to
make your points personally, rather
Ask early
than through email.
Teachers may be inundated with
college letter recommendation re-
Make the process easier
quests around application deadlines
Provide all of the necessary items
and at the end of semesters. It’s bet- to help the person along. This can
ter to leave plenty of time than to include a brief résumé, academic
put teachers under pressure. The progress report, required forms and
same rule applies to anyone else so on.
you’re asking to write you a recom-
As the deadline looms, offer con-
mendation.
cise reminders that you will need the
recommendation. Offer to pick it up
Request in person
personally. Make copies or scan and
Underscore the importance of save the original just in case a mix-
the recommendation by making it up in the admissions office occurs.
a personal request. Schedule an ap-
Recommendations are a key part
pointment with the individual and of landing a job or being offered ac-
discuss why you believe he or she ceptance into a college or university.
would be the right person to provide Asking the right people early will
the recommendation. Remind the translate into recommendations
person of your attributes and point that paint an accurate picture of ap-
out something that exemplifies your plicants.
The right way to leave a job
According to a 2018 report from
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
average person changes jobs between
10 and 15 times during their career.
When leaving a job, it is important
that professionals exhibit a certain
measure of grace and etiquette. Leav-
ing a job with dignity and mutual re-
spect can benefit professionals in the
short- and long-term.
• Speak with a supervisor first.
Make sure your boss or immediate
supervisor learns of your plans to
leave the job first.
• Provide ample notice. Ensure
that your current employer has
plenty of time to interview potential
replacements and train someone to
take your place. This makes for an
easy transition for all involved, and
can show your employer that you
have the company’s best interests in
mind. Two weeks’ notice is the stan-
dard.
• Check company policy. The em-
ployment firm AG Careers suggests
reviewing company policy if you
will be leaving to work for a direct
competitor. There may be strict
rules in place and protocol to follow.
• Don’t shirk responsibilities. It
can be tempting to slack off when
another job awaits. You never know
when you might need a referral or
even a new job.
When leaving a job, profession-
als should always be courteous and
considerate toward their current
employers.
Traits of good leaders and how you can gain skills for success on the job
Successful leaders have
the skills to guide organiza-
tions on the right path. Such
men and women are often
the first up for promotions,
and routinely relied on for
critical projects. Solidifying
your own leadership qual-
ities can be just what you
need to land a great job and
start climbing the corporate
ladder.
Good leaders often share
a key array of skills. Here are
some of qualities that make
strong workplace leaders:
• Being able to commu-
nicate effectively with all
of the people in your work
environment and beyond
is one of the most essential
leadership skills you can
possess.
Honest communication
can build trust and being
open to feedback can ensure
that everyone is working
toward a common goal. It
also means knowing when
to speak and when to listen.
• It can be challenging to
manage or oversee others
if you can’t effectively take
charge of your own tasks.
Being able to self-manage
involves gaining control
and prioritizing goals and
actions. It also extends to
being able to manage emo-
tions, recognize weaknesses
and strengths and focus at-
tention where it’s needed.
• Great leaders are trusted
by others. Consistently act-
ing with decorum and re-
spect and delivering on your
promises will inspire others
to trust you. Stick to your
core beliefs and values.
• Effective leaders have
the confidence to make de-
cisions and stand by them.
Note that there is a fine
line between assertive con-
fidence and being boastful
or cocky. It may take a little
while to develop the right
balance that encourages
others to support your ef-
forts.
• Delegating tasks is not a
sign of weakness. In fact, it is
a quality consistently found
in strong leaders. Being able
to delegate means you have
the confidence in others to
share responsibilities based
on their skill sets. Delegat-
ing also promotes teamwork
and lets others know you’re
not afraid to share success.
• Leaders make mistakes
just like everyone else.
Owning your mistakes like
you own accomplishments
is a good trait to have. Tak-
ing blame when it’s due will
help increase trust in you.
Leadership skills are val-
ued in all walks of life. Hon-
ing such skills can benefit
professionals as they look to
accomplish their goals and
advance their careers.