Monday, December 30, 2019

The Search for A Non-Federal Job

The Search for A Non-Federal JobThe Search for A Non-Federal JobThe Search for A Non-Federal JobJob search is job search, or is it? If you are reconsidering your focus on a Federal position and are now looking towards the private sector for employment, here are some tips to help you along.1. Before you start, searchUse career aggregators like Indeed.com, CareerJet.com, and SimplyHired.com to search for what you consider your ideal job. When you find it, read the announcement carefully and note the qualifications and requirements the employer wants. Your resume and your cover letter must show you match unterstellung.2. Language matters.You dont have to be fluent in more than one language, but you must be fluent in the employers language. Use the exact words the employer is using to describe your skills, qualifications, and experience so he/she will make the connection easily.3. Revise your resume.In fact, be prepared to edit your resume each time you submit it to match language, move skills up and down the list, and emphasize or de-emphasize experiences and qualifications to match the employers needs. SusanIreland.com has terrific examples and samples for you to review.4. Take the time now to create your online presence.Build a LinkedIn profile that outlines your ideal position. Use your resume to fill the spaces, but then add other content you might not have on your resume, such as volunteer work. Add a good professional photo because it really does make a difference.5. Network, online and off.Find and join some relevant groups on LinkedIn. Find and join alumni associations (college or university, veterans groups, etc.). Re-connect with old friends and former colleagues, but also connect with some new people. Find and job professional associations that represent the work you want to do. And then press some flesh, virtually and in-person. Check job-hunt.org/associations.shtml for a list of groups and associations to get you started.6. Dont overlook short-term as signments.Staffing and Temp firms are experiencing a much higher demand for talent than the general employment rate. Employers are turning to short-term help before hiring permanent staff, but they are also using these assignments to find new employees. The American Staffing Association (americanstaffing.org) has great information for job seekers and a list of member firms waiting to hear from you.7. Remember that the Feds are not the only government in the US that hires a large number of employees.Your state, county, and municipal governments also provide numerous services that demand a workforce with broad experience and qualifications. StateLocalGov.net can connect you to many agencies, and GovtJobs.com has many listings you can review.Margaret F. Dikel is a private consultant working with those who aid people in transition, helping them create websites and training seminars on the use of the www as a career planning and job search tool. For almost 20 years, she authored The Ril ey Guide (rileyguide.com), a free online guide to online career and employment information that was used by thousands of readers monthly and was widely cited in national and international publications as a premier resource for those seeking guidance in their job search and career transition. Margaret is co-author of The Internet A Tool for Career Planning, (3rd edition, 2011), published by the National Career Development Association and was principle author of The Guide to Internet Job Searching, which for many years was considered the top resource on online job search. Email *Sign up to be notified by email when our newsletters are posted

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

How to Hire a Human Resources Specialist

How to Hire a Human Resources SpecialistHow to Hire a Human Resources SpecialistAs the economy spurs business growth, more and more companies are looking for administrative professionals to staff critical roles. A menschenfreundlich resources specialist can perform a wide sortiment of tasks to guide your workplace, which makes it essential to find the right person for the job. From hiring to payroll to training, HR focuses on people management, a vital function.However, low unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled candidates have made it difficult for managers to find the right people for positions like that of the philanthropisch resources specialist, according to the OfficeTeam Salary Guide.So, what HR roles should you spotlight now in your hiring, and how do you attract the top candidates? Heres what you need to knowWhat human resources specialists doThese professionals support recruiting, onboarding and talent management programs. Before you begin the staffing process, consid er the duties and specifications of the various types of HR specialist positions that can benefit your business. Some of those common roles includeHR assistant/generalist - These employees assist with critical functions in the hiring process, including conducting internet research to identify potential candidates, scheduling interviews and screening phone calls. They may also review resumes, help plan new employee orientation programs and maintain employee records.HR benefits specialist/coordinator - Professionals in these roles oversee the enrollment and management of company benefits plans. They help register new employees, serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related questions or concerns, and work directly with vendors to resolve any issues that may arise.HR recruiting specialist/coordinator - Recruiting specialists manage the internal and external postings of open jobs, evaluate candidates to ensure they meet company hiring standards and prepare employment offe rs. They may also oversee applicant tracking, conduct recruitment analysis and facilitate other HR projects.When to hire an HR specialistDetermining the right time to bring in specialized HR employees depends on the needs, schedules and budget of your organization. Here are just a few examples of when and where the expertise of these skilled professionals can benefit youSluggish staffing - A slow hiring process often leads to you missing out on candidates with in-demand skills. If your favorite candidates are getting snatched up by other companies by the time you make an offer, you need to evaluate your hiring process. A human resources specialist can identify what needs to be updated to help ensure you are conducting interviews and extending offers in a timely manner.High workloads - If the amount of work is increasing at your organization, new employees or temporary help may be required to handle the additional responsibilities. In turn, youll need a human resources specialist t o assist with hiring, especially if youre creating and staffing multiple roles.New programs or benefits - Is your company planning to roll out updated benefits packages or new employee programs, such as a 401(k) or professional development opportunities? Experienced HR staff can oversee and administer these additions so implementation runs smoothly.Need help locating brilliant HR specialists?LET US HELP YOU HIREHow to hire your next team membersOnce youve decided to hire, its time to start looking for candidates. Because of the increased competition for HR gurus, strategy is key when staffing these positions. As you search, keep the following tips in mindBe specific - Knowing how to write a job description thats carefully crafted can give you a springboard to identify candidates who match your requirements. Job descriptions should contain an outline of all the skills, experience and personality traits youre looking for.Seek referrals - Friends, family members, professional contac ts and your staff are valuable resources when looking for accomplished HR professionals. You might even offer incentives, such as gift cards or bonuses, to your employees who provide referrals leading to promising new hires.Look for balanced skill sets - In addition to human resources expertise, look for HR specialists with computer and technological savvy. Likewise, evaluate nontechnical proficiencies, such as interpersonal skills and strong writing and speaking abilities, which indicate a capacity to communicate clearly, think quickly and work well with others.Offer competitive compensation - To attract top talent, you must keep up with industry standards in terms of salary and benefits. Consult our Salary Guide to determine the range for human resources specialist starting salaries in your area. And if you havent already, consider offering popular perks and benefits like flexible work arrangements and public transportation reimbursement.Maintain realistic expectations - Rememb er, the perfect candidate probably doesnt exist. Spend time looking for someone who ticks every single box, and you may miss out on many talented individuals who would have great success with your company. Instead, be open to providing on-the-job training to develop additional skills required for the role.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Stock Trader - Job Description

Stock Trader - Job DescriptionStock Trader - Job DescriptionA stock trader buys and sells stocks, which represent equity in businesses, on behalf of investors and the firm that employs him or her. We often seetraders in movies frantically yelling out buy and sell orders on the crowded and noisy floor of a stock exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). That is leid how it works these days. Only a small number of traders still do auction-style trades on the floor of an exchange. Most spend their days in offices, tradingstocks electronically. They spend their days in front of a computer screen. For more about the move from face-to-face to electronic trading read The Death of the Trading Floorby Stephen D. Simpson (Investopedia). Quick Facts for Stock Traders Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents, including stock traders, earn a median annual salary of $67,310 (2016).*About 376,000people work in this field (2016).*Securities and investment firms emplo y most of them.This occupation has a good job outlook, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment is projected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. *The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports salary and employment data for Securities, Commodities, and Financial tafelgeschirrs Sales Agents in general, rather than specifically for stock traders Job Duties These are some typical job duties employers listed in online ads for stock trader positions onIndeed.com Execute purchases and sales of investment products in a timely and efficient mannerResearch and resolve issues intradingareaCreate new market making strategies for electronically traded productsProvide clients with general information and help with their brokerage accountsMaintain and document activityBuild quality relationships with industry participants How to Become a Stock Trader To work in this occupation you typically need a bachelors degree. Make sure to take cours es in business, finance, accounting and economics. You will probably receive on-the-job training from the company that hires you. Anyone who wants to sell stocks or other securities must take and pass a test called the Series 7 or, more formally, the General Securities Representative Examination. TheFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRA)administers this six hour exam. Many employers help their traders prepare for the Series 7. WhatSoft SkillsDo You Need to Succeed in This Career? In addition to a degree and on-the-job training, you must have an aptitude for math to be a stock trader.You also need the followingsoft skills, or personal qualities Listening Skills As a stock trader, you will have to listen carefully to what your clients tell you. Making a mistake because you werent paying attention can be extremely costly.Verbal Communication Skills Your clients will have to make important decisions based on the information you provide.Decision-Making Skills You must be able to think on your feet and make decision swiftly.Critical Thinking Because the consequences of your decisions can be great, it is essential that youweigh all your choices carefully before choosing the best one. Customer Service Skills Your clients must feel comfortable with you. WhatWill Employers ExpectFrom You? Here are some requirementsinjob announcements onIndeed.com Possess a strong work ethic and be able to learn quickly in a fast paced, high pressure environmentGreat attention to detailAggressive, self-motivated individual who functions well in a team environmentAdaptable, willing to learn, and passionateMaintain composure and communicate clearly when under pressureExcel proficient Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? It is important to consider yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related valueswhen choosing a career. This occupation could be a good fit if you have the following traits Interests(Holland Code) ECS (Enterprising, Conventional, Social)Personality T ype(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ENTJ, ESTJ, ISTJ, ESTPWork-Related Values Achievement, Independence, Working Conditions Occupations With Related Tasks and Activities TitleDescriptionAnnual Salary (2016)Educational RequirementsReal Estate Sales AgentHelps clients buy and sell properties$44,090High school diploma, real estate classes and a licenseSales RepresentativeSells products on behalf of wholesalers or manufacturers$78,980 (technical scientific products)$57,140 (all other products)Minimum of a high school diploma but many employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelors degreeInsurance AgentAssists clients with the purchase of all types of insurance$49,990Employers prefer to hire agents who have a bachelors degree but will consider a high school graduate with proven sales abilitySales EngineersSells complex scientific and technical products to companies$100,000Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of La bor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETerreichbar(visited February20, 2018).

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Ten Steps to Effective Informational Interviewing

Ten Steps to Effective Informational InterviewingTen Steps to Effective Informational InterviewingBy Mike Gotham, Perkins Coie, Director of Recruiting Retention, andShelley Levine, Perkins Coie, Attorney Recruiting ManagerIf hearing the word networking makes you uneasy, then the idea of an informational interview may cause you serious discomfort. Many people shy away from informational interviews, which is unfortunate studies show that informational interviews often play a critical role in a job search. In fact, statistics show that the majority of jobs are secured through networking and personal contacts.Unlike a job interview, an informational interview is notlage intended to lead directly to a job offer- it is a meeting intended to help you get advice on your job search and to expand your network. Informational interviews can also help you think about and refine your career goals and your job search. While it may seem awkward to contact a stranger to seek advice, informational in terviews are quite common. Most people can remember how difficult it was to land their first job and they are happy to spend a little time helping someone just starting in their career.Below is a step-by-step roadmap to make informational interviews easy and effective1. Compile the names of people to contact, and be expansive in creating your list. Ideally the list will be comprised of people with whom you have some connection they may be attorneys who graduated from your college or law school, a friends relative, a referral from a favorite professor, or someone you heard speak at a conference. Keep a record of the people youve contacted (and when) so you will always have a list of your contacts.2. Send an email to your contact explaining that youre looking for advice on your job search. Be sure to notenzeichen your connection right up front (I am currently seeking a summer job in Portland and my friend Jennifer Smith suggested I contact you to find out more about the legal communit y in the city.) Attach a resume so your contact will have information about your academic hintergrund and work experience. If you do not receive a reply in a week, call or send a follow-up email message. My rule is only follow up once if two requests do not trigger a reply I move on to another contact. If your contact is not able to meet, you might politely ask if she can recommend someone else for you to contact.3. It is quite common for informational interviews to be done by phone. If you will talk with your contact by phone, its important to be somewhere for the call where you will not be interrupted and where there will not be any noise in the background. If you will meet in person, meet at a time and place that is most convenient for your contact.4. This is obvious, but bears emphasis be prepared for your meeting. Research your contacts educational background and career so you not only understand the work she has done but also have a good idea of the sort of advice she might pr ovide. For example, is this person practicing in the precise field you are interested in or is this a more general meeting about the state of the local legal market?5. Prepare an agenda for yourself for the meeting with specific questions you want to ask. Its critical to think about the sort of information your contact can provide and tailor your questions accordingly. This will avoid asking questions your contact cannot answer, which can be awkward for you and for her. Remember that this is not an interview where you will be responding to questions it is up to you to ask questions and guide the conversation.6. Begin the meeting with small talk to establish a connection and pave the way for your conversation. Most people enjoy talking about themselves so ask your contact questions about herself and her career to get the conversation started.7. Although you will likely send your resume in advance of your meeting, if you will meet in person and do not send your resume in advance, brin g copies of your resume in case your contact wants to review your background. And be prepared to discuss your academic career and work experience. Keep in mind that your contact may want to assess your qualifications before recommending you to a friend.8. Avoid asking about job opportunities. This meeting is not about getting a job offer your focus should be on collecting information that will be helpful in your job search generally, e.g., information about the type of work you hope to pursue and the legal community in which you want to work. Your contact knows you are looking for a job if she knows of one that would be appropriate for you she will tell you about it.9. Remember that your contact is busy so keep your meeting short. Twenty to thirty minutes is about right. Near the end of your meeting, ask your contact if there are additional people she could suggest you contact for further advice. Be sure to inquire if you may use your contacts name when you contact these other peopl e.10. Send a thank you note within 24 hours of your meeting. The message may be sent by hard copy or by email, but it should be a personalized note sincerely thanking your contact for her time and her assistance.Mike Gothamis Perkins Coies Director of Recruiting Retention andShelley Levine is Perkins Coies Attorney Recruiting Manager.This is a sponsored blog post fromPerkins Coie LLP. You can view the firms Vault profilehere.Follow Vault Law on TwitterVaultLawand follow Vault on InstagramVaultCareersandFacebookRead MoreThe Art of the Informational InterviewNetworking to Get- and Keep- Your Law Firm JobWhat Not To Do in an Informational Interview

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Job Search Tax Deduction Elimination for 2018 and Beyond

Job Search Tax Deduction Elimination for 2018 and BeyondJob Search Tax Deduction Elimination for 2018 and BeyondJob search expenses were potentially a tax deduction when you filed your income taxes through the 2017 tax year. However, since whats deductible on your income taxes- and whats not- is determined by the current tax law, be aware that this deduction has changed. What Does the New Tax Bill Mean for Job Searchers? In December 2017, the U.S. House and Senate passed the Tax Cuts and Job Acts, with provisions that took effect in 2018 and will last through 2025. This bill suspends or eliminates many deductions, including the option to deduct job-search-related expenses, according toForbes. Forbes reports that Miscellaneous deductions which exceed 2% of your AGI will be eliminated for the tax years 2018 through 2025. This includes job search expenses. 20182025 Job Search Expenses Tax Deduction Elimination For 2018 and going forward, ansicht deductions will not be available or will change. For example, the deduction for moving expenses if you are relocating because of a job transfer, for a new job, or to start a business has been suspended through 2025. 2017 Deductions If You Searched for a Job in the Same Line of Work *Note The information below is accurate for taxes paid for 2017 (that is, the taxes filed by April 15, 2018). If you were looking for a job in the same line of work youre currently in, many of your expenses like phone calls, the costs of preparing and copying yourresume, and career counseling were deductible for 2017. You didnt have to be out of work to have some of your costs qualify as a deductible expense, but only expenses that exceeded 2% percent of your income counted. If you had been unemployed during 2017, you needed to report yourunemploymentcompensation as income. Also,severance pay, bonuses, 401(k) and/or other pension distributions may be taxable. Work that was done as an independent contractor also must be included in yo ur income. For detailed information on what you need to report and how to report it, theIRSwebsite is an excellent resource. What You Cant Deduct You can deduct certain expenses you have in looking for a new job in your present occupation, even if you do not get a new job. You cannot deduct these expenses if You are looking for a job in a new occupation.There was a substantial break between the ending of your last job and when you began looking for a new one.You are looking for a job for the first time. Deductible Job Search Expenses The following are allowable job search deductible expenses, summarized fromIRS Publication 529. (Again, note that these were deductible expenses for the year 2017, but will not be available for taxes paid in the year 2018 and going forward.) Employment and Outplacement Agency Fees You can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees you pay in looking for a new job in your present occupation. However, if in a later year, your employer pays you back for employment agency fees, you must include the amount you receive in your gross income up to the amount of your tax benefit in the earlier year. Also, if your employer pays the fees directly to the employment agency and you are not responsible for them, you do not include them in your gross income. Fees for verbunden services directly connected to your job search like premium networking through LinkedIn might also be covered. Resume Expenses You can deduct amounts you spend for typing, printing, and mailing copies of a resume to prospective employers if you are looking for a new job in your present occupation. Travel and Transportation Expenses If you travel to an area and, while there, you look for a new job in your present occupation, you may be able to deduct travel expenses to and from the area. You can deduct the travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job. Hotel accommodations and meals associated with travel to another area for a job in your field may also be deductible. Even if you cannot deduct the travel expenses to and from an area, you can deduct the expenses of looking for a new job in your present occupation while in the area. Phone Calls Local and long distance phone calls to prospective employers are also deductible. Documentation As with all tax deductions, there are three important words to remember document, document, document. Keep track of your expenses, and back them up with receipts. The information contained in this article is not tax or legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Resume Professional Writers Reviews Cover Up

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Sunday, December 1, 2019

No More Excuses for Lack of Boardroom Diversity

No More Excuses for Lack of Boardroom Diversity There just arent that many women qualified to sit in the boardroom.Thats the most common excuse given by executives when asked aboutthe gender disparity in the C-suite and the boardroom. That may have been true at one point, but in 2017 that excuse no longer holds water.The truth is anexpansive pool of qualified women ready to step into top corporate roles exists, according to research from global recruitment firm Harvey Nash and the HKU Business School of the University of Hong Kong.Harvey Nash and HKU jointly run a board preparedness program called the Womens Directorship Programme (WDP), which aims to tackle the existing gender diversity imbalance in boardrooms through lectures, interactive sessions, and leadership exercises that help women meet the challenges of climbing the corporate ladder.The program offers answers to the worldwide geschftsleben communitys call to tackle the existing gender imbala nce in boardrooms, says Kirti Lad, director of executive search at Harvey Nash APAC. It has helped to produce a pool of board-ready female leaders ready to step up and create change in the business community and empowered the next generation of women leaders to gain the confidence and skills needed to secure a board position.5Steps to Help Female Executives Prepare for the C-SuiteThere are a number of steps women can take to prepare for a seat at the executivetable. Based on the feedback from business leaders in the WDP, Lad identifies five key areas for women to focus on to ensure they are prepared for top positions coaching, mentoring, sponsorship, networking, and training.Here, Lad explains the importance of eachCoaching can be used to develop a particular skill set or to support career development. It serves to develop and cultivate self-awareness to enhance leadership. Coaching is often focused on behaviors and managing change.Mentoring can be completed formally through an inte rnal program or informally through partieal networks. There is also huge value in acting as a mentor for others in order to share knowledge and develop future leaders.Sponsorship canelend be developed it is a relationship that has to be earned. This is all about the value of the relationships a person makes. In order to be sponsored, women have to be known. Sponsors are the gateways to new opportunities. Research from the Centre for Work-Life Policyfound that a sponsor can make professionals mora likely to negotiate raises and ask for stretch assignments.Networking is essential to any top executive in order to build and exert influence. In addition to internal networking, women need to be sure to look beyond and develop contacts with people from outside their industry or field.Trainingandcontinuous learning and development are key to any executive career. Investment in honing and developing new and pre-existing skills is essential. Both internal and external training are beneficial. How Companies Can Improve Executive DiversityCompanies seeking balanced and diverse C-suites must consciously implement strategies from the top down in order to achieve the goal. Lad recommends that companiestake the following actionsPromoting family-friendly work environmentsOffer flexible work, change overtime rules to discourage long working hours, and encourage men to take paternity leave.Mapping and identifying high-potential women Do so both within the business and externally to support a strong female talent pipeline.Changing the business cultureWelcome women to after-work drinks and other social activities. Make sure returning mothers feel welcome and supported in their roles. Establish and enforce positive behaviors toward women in the workplace.Engaging more male and female champions of changeSupport men and women who recognize diversity as an issue. Encourage them to act as sponsors and mentors for women within the business.Changing the hiring modelCreate talent managemen t systems that focus on performance instead of purely measuring experience in years.Changing the interview process and selection modelEnsure interview panels consist of at least one senior woman. Hold unconscious bias training to ensure teams are aware of their decision-making processes.Creating internal mentoring programsUse existing company role models to promote diversity initiatives and support talent development.Managing unconscious bias that exists during the hiring and promotion processesA top-down approach, tailored training, diverse hiring process, and fair talent management process are some of the methods that can be used to eliminate unconscious bias and promote a more inclusive corporate culture.These steps can have a real impact, Lad says. Companies like IBM, GE, Pepsi, Goldman Sachs, and others have all invested in diversity programs and seen real results in the numbers of women that are moving through their companies into senior roles.Companies that make the effort to diversify their executive leadership will reap benefits in the form of new ideas and approaches to problems.Boards made up of members from the same small network can often lead to groupthink, where those in the group come from the same background, share the same viewpoint, and are happy with the status quo, Lad says. A certain level of tension or conflict in a boardroom helps to encourage varied approaches and often leads to boards being more agile and aware of customer issues.If thats not convincing enough, Lad provides a few statistics that might change your mind.According to figures from Credit Suisse, the share prices of companies with market capital greater than $10 billion that had female directors outperformed those without by 26 percent across seven years, she says. For small to mid-size companies, the stocks of companies with female directors on their boards outperformed others by 17 percent over the same period, proving the existing gender imbalances are costing firms mon ey.