Pretend You're Fired Today

Hi everyone! Welcome to this final episode of the Pretend You’re Fired Today podcast series. It has been such a joy sharing and engaging with you each week. I sincerely hope you’ve found the information we’ve discussed over these last 52 episodes to be valuable – it certainly will be if it helps you save your current job, advance higher in your career or even find a better job. In this final episode, I want to talk about something that seems to be on a lot of minds these days. Uncertainty. In today’s political and financial economic climate, there is a lot of uncertainty that can affect your job and future opportunities. So I’d like to leave you with some things you can do to economy-proof your career. Show highlights: A mindset shift you must make regarding uncertainty that will set you apart from all the nervous ninnies ... (2:16) The type of employee companies really want to hire and keep, especially in uncertain times – this one tip will make you stand out like a pearl among marbles (3:17) Fifteen thing

Today’s show is about something so many people face when undertaking a job search, especially when they are unprepared. You might think, “Well, Lisa, that’s not me. I’ve listened to and followed all of your podcasts.” First, great! You are going to be so much further ahead, all things considered. Second, you’re not out of the woods with the problem we’re going to talk about today, which is getting stuck in your job search. But listen and I’ll tell you how to get unstuck. There are four tell-tale indicators I see from people all the time that they are stuck in job search purgatory. Show highlights: Indicator 1: What’s really keeping you from sending out those resumes … (2:21) Indicator 2: A paralyzing obsession job searchers entertain as they begin thinking about who in the hiring chain to reaching out to ... (2:57) Indicator 3: Prepping for a game you’re not even playing ... Plus, a common scenario I see this most often played out … (3:14) Indicator 4: Worry, worry, worry but no follow up.  (3:36) The search

There’s definitely been a running theme these past few episodes. By now I hope you’re catching on that nuanced situations with potential to alter your career path can happen at any moment. Even in this booming job creation and growing economic environment, many companies face down-turns and cut-backs. If you’re a longtime listener, or even if you’ve listened to just a few episodes, you probably already know that the core of all of this is to be prepared and to be proactive so that in the event you need to make a change you know how to navigate that process with grace, dignity and foresight. Let’s look at how to do that in a layoff situation ... Show highlights: What to do to create a mindset that forces you to be proactive … (2:06) The intelligence you need to gather while downsizing efforts are still on the drawing board (3:15) The past is the past … How to recognize who now has all the leverage so you can mirror the new order (4:30) What you need to know to successfully reconfigure your role with what’s im

Similar to last week’s show, there’s a growing vibe that someone’s about to be fired. Who’s getting fired? In this scenario, it’s your boss. No big deal for you, right? Uhhh ... no. If you play this wrong it could mean you’re also making the brown box walk of shame. And even if you play all the cards right you might need or want to make a change. You have to ask yourself what’s at stake? Here are five things you can do to protect your own job … Show highlights: The mindset you need to have in this situation especially when your good will is gone and you’re possibly guilty by association … (2:04) Your boss’s boss is watching how you handle this situation. Now more than ever you need to employ these soft skills with finesse ... (2:55) How to handle the rumors, innuendo and uncertainty as co-workers panic and gossip … (4:20) What you should be doing with people within other departments of your company to prepare for your boss’s exit ... (5:23) Plan for doing a job search. But know the landscape has changed. Her

This episode is a dagger in most listener’s heart as it’s about a subject that we don’t really like to think about: when you get the feeling your boss wants to fire you. Thanks for listening, everyone! I’m Lisa Rangel. The possibility of getting fired is not a pleasant thought and is definitely not a pleasant experience. But how you handle this situation will say a lot about the kind of person you are and can even work out in your better favor. So even though this is not something you may want to think about, it’s in your best interest to be well prepared. Let’s check out what we’re going to cover today ... Show highlights: Your boss wanting you out may have no reflection on your work quality. Here’s what it may actually be about … (1:15) Even if it is about your performance but you like your job and want to stay, here’s how to evaluate if your job can be saved (1:55) “Don’t drink milk on a hot day” … The vibe you carry forward from your soon-to-be former employer will be noticed and may lengthen your unempl

Some call it Performance Review, others call it Employee Performance Evaluation or Self-Assessment. But no matter what you call it, that time of year to evaluate your performance has arrived. And no need to dread or avoid it because this can be an excellent opportunity to capitalize on for your career. On today’s podcast we’re going to go in depth on how to use Performance Appraisal time as an opportunity to make yourself shine. Show highlights: - What you must do when your title changes. (3:01) - Make sure you add THIS to your list of achievements. (3:29) - How to articulate that you’ve played an integral part in your company’s success. (3:59) - The one thing that’s of extreme value to any company yet many candidates never put it on their resume. (4:30) - How to show your growth in your resume. (6:14) Go to http://resumecheatsheet.com and download your free Resume Cheat Sheet resource to get examples on how to write successful resumes. Plus, if you want help with conquering your next performance review then

Let’s face it: Everybody googles everybody these days. And the same is true for recruiters and employers. You have to expect that, at some point, they WILL google your name and check your social media profiles. The important question is, what will they see when they look you up? On today’s podcast we’re going to cover how to clean up and polish your online image so you always look like the in-demand executive or rising professional that you are. Show highlights: - How to create a game plan and start improving your online presence. (2:51) - The number one rule to follow for all your Facebook posts. (3:31) - The sneaky way your private party pics show up in Google search. (4:58) - What to NEVER post online. (7:18) - How to bury all the negative information you can’t take offline. (9:37) - Having a negative online image is the worst that can happen, right? Wrong! THIS is even worse. (10:12) And if you want personalized guidance on how to elevate your career or maintain your current c-level role, then hop over to

I’ve met very few people who like working two full-time jobs. But with the constant stream of information, that’s exactly what it can feel like if you want to stay ahead of what’s happening in your field. So, realistically, how does one find and stay ahead of trends without sacrificing too much time with family and friends, or without feeling like it’s hustle 24/7? Glad you asked! Today, I’m going to share with you some streamline ways to be sure you stand out and are noticeable to the players in your industry so you’ll always be in demand. Show highlights: - You don’t have to be a bookworm, but there are some things you should be scanning religiously if you want to know what everyone’s talking about … (1:38) - Industry trends and new ideas fall into two categories. You’re opinion on which is important, but you better back it up. (2:17) - Selectively go to conferences and meetings, but not primarily to learn. What really should drive your decision to attend. (3:11) - What you need to do to become the person e

I always have to be careful when discussing the topic of using psychology in negotiations. People sometimes get the wrong idea that we want to maliciously manipulate people to get what we want. That’s not how it works, especially at this level. In this episode, I’ll show you 3 ways you can use psychology to ease anxiety and foster collaboration, creating an environment where your case for a raise is likely to be favorably heard and accepted. Let’s begin, shall we? Show highlights: - What using a decision-maker’s own words when describing a problem does in their mind and how to do it without being awkward. (1:56) - What to do with your own body language to subtly create trust, familiarity and comfort … a state of being that astronomically improves your odds for a “Yes” ...  (4:03) - Give them the red pill or the blue pill … How limiting options to a specific amount positively frames your request for a raise. (6:05) - What TRUE job security means in today’s economy and steps to achieve it. (8:36) - Why “Remaini

One of the most important things when it comes to your career is to make sure you DON’T get overlooked when it’s time for a promotion. That’s why, on today’s show we’re going to list 10 tactics you can do to increase your chances. They will help you showcase your leadership qualities, your strong initiative, and they’ll put you on a path to accelerate your career faster. Show highlights: - How to become the only obvious choice for a promotion. (1:30) - Do THIS to really shine and accelerate your career faster… without having to swim upstream all the time. (2:35) - The real reason why you should make your boss look good. (3:18) - When it’s OK to say you have experience even if you don’t. (4:17) - Are you a good leader or just a good doer? Discover why the later can “kill” all your chances for a promotion and how to fix it. (5:43) Doing the steps suggested in this episode will help you promote yourself or maintain your position in a high level role. But if you you don’t want to do it alone, and prefer personali

Have you ever wondered what it takes to land a c-level role? In today’s podcast you’ll discover the six steps that can take you there. These six steps will better your chances of moving from an executive to C-level role within the organization. And if you are already there, they’ll make it easy for you to maintain what you have. Show highlights: - The ONE thing you need to do to move to a c-level position. (1:44) - Why being a good manager is not enough. (And what else you need to be good at.)(2:50) - One surefire way to increase your chances of landing that c-level role. (3:53) - Do THIS to increase credibility with your future staff. (5:31) - All successful leaders are excellent at this one activity. (Discover what it is!) (6:01) Applying the steps suggested in this episode will help you promote yourself and maintain your position in a high level role. And if you want personalized coaching to get you past any area you are struggling with, go to http://executivejobsecurity.com for more details. Start listeni

At the top of the skill set for any C-Suite position is recognizing and navigating change. A required quality that enables you to do that successfully is strategic, curious thinking, and this can only come from a healthy sense of curiosity. That’s why, on today’s podcast we’re going to discuss why curiosity is the next c-suite driver, how to get more curious, and how to market this trait to get recognized. Show highlights: - The one crucial thing that any CEO needs to be capable of is also the result of being curious. (2:08) - What happens when you stop being curious. (3:33) - The benefit of becoming a “curious leader” and what it can do to your career. (4:44) - Four activities that can help you ignite your natural curiosity. (7:12) Doing the preparation suggested in this episode will help you promote your curiosity trait and position yourself for high level roles. And if you want even more personalized coaching for your career, then hop over to http://executivejobsecurity.com for more details. Start listenin

Most executives and professionals are uncomfortable promoting themselves and tooting their own horn at work. The biggest worry is to be seen as aggressive attention seeker or have their coworkers think they’re putting others down to get ahead. But here’s the thing: You SHOULD promote yourself if you want to stay visible and be on the radar when bigger opportunities come your way. You just need to do it the right way. Today you’re going to find out 37 ways you can use to promote yourself to prospective employers and the consumer marketplace WITHOUT the need for bragging or becoming obnoxious. Show highlights: - The easy way to market yourself without bragging. (1:57) - How to make search engines to do the promotion work for you. (3:21) - How to use every email you send as an effective marketing tool. (4:33) - One underused “old school” tactic that helps you stay on top of mind like anything else out there. (6:06) - How to effectively promote yourself with simple photo-sharing. (7:30) And if you’re looking for

Most executives and professionals are uncomfortable tooting their own horn at work. They don’t want to brag or don’t want coworkers to think they’re putting others down by promoting themselves. But the simple truth is, you DO need to self promote if you want to stay relevant for new opportunities. In today’s episode you’re going to learn 7 ways to do self promotion right. This way, when opportunities come along you’ll be on the radar. Show highlights: - One simple thing that can boost your respect inside your company almost instantly (2:11) - How to “use” your communication with your managers for self-promotion... without actually doing any self-promoting. (3:33) - Do THIS to drastically increase your value. (5:45) - Why mentoring others is a great way of self-promoting. (6:51) - How to become a Thought leader and increase your visibility. (Online and off.) (9:37) Regardless of your position or your career goals, the fundamental techniques you’re going to hear today can help you stand out without sticking out

Two of the most common questions I hear job seekers ask are: “How am I supposed to look for a job, when I am employed?” or, “Finding a job is a full-time job…and I already have a job. How am I supposed to do this?" And I get it. It is a perplexing dilemma in today’s world of over scheduling, multitasking and uber-achievement. But if you want to stay on the top of your game you have to find that time. That’s why, on today’s podcast you’re going to learn 5 simple ways to find at least 9 hours of job search time PER WEEK. Show highlights: - The one simple tweak you do to your smartphone that will give you 2.5 hours back pronto! (And no. You won't have to turn it off!) (2:22) - Do you know that you're losing at least 3 hours in your inbox per week? Do THIS and claim those hours back! (4:34) - How to cut your job application time by 33%, save 1.5 hours in the process… and still have a better-looking resume than most of your competition. (6:22) - How to “trick” Google into doing the job search for you and gain 2 ho

Most people think their biggest asset is their home or investments. But the truth is, the biggest asset you have is your career. Most likely, your career will generate you the largest income over your lifetime. No property or investment can ever match that. And if you manage your career properly, you can maximize raises, bonuses and perks for each new role you land. On today’s podcast we’re going to list the 8 moves high performing executives do to protect their career in a merger or acquisition. This list will help you remain proactive so you can stay ahead without headaches no matter what happens. Show highlights: - The one mindset you need to adopt that can put you in a position of strength and help you negotiate better. (5:23 ) - How to present yourself effectively in the shifting environment. (6:42) - Why your reputation is no longer relevant. (And what to do about it.) (7:36) - Discover how to become indispensable to the new merger. (8:07) - How to identify entry points into the new “power structure.” (

There is a common misconception about what executive job security really means. Most people think that in order to have job security you need to stay with a company for 20+ years. But nothing can be further from the truth. On today’s podcast we’re going to discuss the ABCs of executive job security and you’ll learn how to achieve it even in today’s tumultuous economic climate. Show highlights: - The one thing that instantly makes you unemployable and how to avoid it. (1:44) - How to set yourself apart from you competition without bragging. (2:33) - The biggest mistake executives make that causes job search struggle. (3:30) - A simple shift to your mindset that leads you to a successful continuous career. (5:16) Even if you’re currently working, you MUST take proactive steps to ensure you can always land an executive role. You want to maintain your lifestyle no matter what’s going on in the world. And if you feel that you need more guidance with personalized coaching, then hop over to http://executivejobsecuri

Studies show that the average salary increase hovers at around a measly 3% raise. Understanding how to ask for a raise and being able to negotiate a salary increase is a professional skill everyone needs to master. There are many things you can do ahead of time to increase your odds to landing that increase you want. And by following the negotiation tactics I present you on today’s podcast, you can maximize your chances to get a staggering 5-20% pay raise regularly. Show highlights: - The one thing you must do BEFORE you start asking for a raise. (2:05) - A simple “trick" to make the case for your raise a no-brainer. (3:22) - Why you should start bragging about yourself to key decision makers… and how to do it without sounding like a narcissist. (4:17) - Do this to make your boss excited to lobby for your salary increase. (7:05) - How to know WHEN to ask for a raise and maximize your chances for a “yes”. (9:26) And if by the end of today’s show you still feel you can’t do all these actions confidently on your

Many popular job search coaches give you the same advice: “Hold out and never say your salary expectations when asked!” But here’s the thing. This works in an ideal world and the reality is usually very different. If you don’t openly disclose your salary range you risk to not move on with the interview process. But there’s a way around that. And that’s what we’re going to discuss on the podcast today! You’ll learn how to get past the recruiter who won’t move you forward without stating a range first. And you’ll discover one bold salary negotiating tactic only audacious high achievers can use. Show highlights: - Hear a typical “don’t want to say my numbers first” negotiating conversation between a candidate and recruiter. (Complete with comments of what’s really going on behind the scenes!) (1:50) - Why most candidates DON’T have the luxury to refuse telling their number. (4:36) - The real reason why your interview ends when you don’t state your salary range. (5:04) - One bold negotiating tactic you can use wh

Have you ever been thrown off balance when you were asked, “What salary are you looking for...” and you didn’t know how to answer? Being able to react - and answer! - the salary question professionally is yet another way to make a strong impression and convey your value and your confidence in your abilities. That’s why it’s important to know how to answer it properly. On today’s podcast we are going to discuss how to answer the salary question well so you always get what you deserve. Show highlights: - The reason why some recruiters ask the salary question at the very beginning. (2:36) - What does your reaction to the question tell about you to the hiring manager. (6:00) - How to handle the answer like a pro without having to give a flat number. (6:20) - How NOT to answer the salary question. (7:41) - This word-for-word answer will always work in your favour during negotiations. (Get a pen and write it down immediately!) (8:29) Plus, if you would like some personalized help to do these action confidently, the