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Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
The dos and don'ts of networking
You might be networking all wrong — and that could be more detrimental than ever before. In the age of AI-generated applications and a tough market for many desk workers, making connections can be key to landing a job. Career coaches and etiquette experts told Business Insider about some of their dos and don'ts of networking. Be specific Too often, people blast out generic LinkedIn messages that will never stand out. "You can't go into it cold," Jasmine Escalera, a career expert with MyPerfectResume, told BI, referring to networking. "That doesn't mean that you can't go into it making a cold connection, but you can't go into it just without a connection." That connection doesn't always have to be strictly professional, Escalara said. You could, for example, find a common hobby. When it comes to online outreach, send a tailored message instead of a boilerplate one. Madeline Mann, a career coach and CEO of Self Made Millennial, offered similar advice. "If you're going to ask for 15 minutes of their time, be sure to show that you spent 15 minutes of yours," she said. Generally, though, social media alone isn't enough. Brandon Dock, managing director of the recruitment firm TGC Search, said that talking to people in person is always best. "I have always been a fan of using social media and other online tools as part of your arsenal, but it is a grave mistake to think of it as the entirety of your networking strategy," Dorie Clark, a communication coach who teaches at Columbia Business School and wrote the book "The Long Game," told BI. Keep it professional — even online While it's great to bond over hobbies, it's crucial to maintain professionalism. At in-person events, that often means limiting alcohol to one glass, Escalera said. On social media platforms you're using for outreach, she said to maintain a "professional tone" and "tight brand." Gen Zers can sometimes struggle to balance between professionalism and friendliness, Escalera and Lisa Richey, the founder of the American Academy of Etiquette, said. "The formality of a handshake — you can never go wrong," Richey said. "It shows leadership. It shows confidence." Dress for the industry Now that in-person schmoozing is back, dressing the part is crucial, but each industry requires a slightly different look. "Dress the way someone would in that office or in the industry, with a step up," Mann said. She said that no matter your gender, a button-down top is a safe bet. Escalera advised sticking to one statement piece. It's important to tailor your clothing to the industry. Mann said, for example, that a suit might look odd at a tech event, but it's perfectly normal among lawyers. The same rules apply online, Richey said. "You have to be aware of what's going on behind you, your hair," she told BI. "You have to be groomed. You have to dress the part, even if it's an online meeting." Don't wait until you need a job People often only start networking when they need a job, but experts told BI that can be a mistake. "Whenever there's an economic down cycle and people start to get worried about their jobs, that is inevitably when networking accelerates," Clark said. To avoid becoming just one among many asking for a favor, you should maintain relationships even when you're secure in a job. Texting with closer connections is an underrated tool, according to Clark, who advised reaching out when you're not looking for anything in return. Keeping up relationships doesn't follow a cookie-cutter template. Mann said that connections can come from the unlikeliest of places, so it's important to chat about your interests frequently. "Never underestimate who knows the person you want to know," she said — maybe your barber's cousin works at your dream company. Don't make it all about you Experts said that too many people only highlight their experiences. "Don't focus on knowing people. Focus on noticing people," Mann said. Both she and Escalera suggest coming up with specific questions for people you find exciting. "Having a good elevator pitch is really awesome, but what we don't want to do is make it all about you," Escalera said, which can make the process feel "robotic." Don't ask for too much Networking is necessarily transactional, but that transaction can be a delicate dance, the experts said. "You have to be cognizant of power relations and power differentials in networking," Clark said, noting you can ask a friend for more favors than a distant connection. "You need to be very targeted and strategic about your ask, and you can probably only get away with asking them one thing," she added. Mann thinks about it as flipping the switch from asking to giving — instead of just trying to extract information, consider what you can offer the other person, even if it's something as simple as tips for a coming vacation. No matter the conversation, gratitude is key. "Do not forget to follow up with them the next day or within a few hours, thanking them," Mann said. "And do not forget within the coming weeks to say how you utilize their insights."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Ways To Future-Proof Your Career Amid Recession Fears
President Trump has been back in office for nearly four months and according to the New York Times, the president's approval rating is 45%, while just 39% support how he's handling the economy, per Americans grapple with economic instability and fears of a recession the concern of layoffs are heavily weighing on U.S. workers. Eighty-one percent of Americans are distressed about job loss, per The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market study, but that's not all people are anxious about. Check Out: For You: The research also revealed that 63% anticipate more businesses to close this year compared to last year, 76% expect a rise in layoffs and 92% of survey respondents are worried about a recession happening this no denying that the state of the economy is keeping people at night, but there are things you can do to help relieve stress by ensuring your job is secure. Here are top ways to future-proof your career according to Jasmine Escalera, career expert with MyPerfectResume. During economic uncertainty, job loss can happen, so it's important to have skills that can seamlessly transfer to other industries if a layoff occurs. 'In today's market, valuable skills to consider are AI competencies, digital literacy, communication, data analysis and project management,' Escalera explained. Read Next: One way to enhance your skill set is by speaking to your employer about growth opportunities.'Professionals can check if their current employer offers any resources to expand their professional skill set or consider upskilling on their own through online courses, certifications, or joining professional organizations that provide training online and in-person,' Escalera added. The more people you know the better chance you have of finding a new job if needed. Solid connections can lead to referrals. 'When facing uncertain times it is essential to tap into existing connections for support and guidance, and create new ones that can connect you to potential opportunities,' Escalera said.'Staying active on LinkedIn, participating in networking events, and nurturing relationships even at your current job can help,' she added. Staying active and visible online, as well as attending in person events, helps you keep on the minds of others, which is vital when searching for new professional opportunities. It can open up new possibilities and give you a farther reach. 'With platforms like LinkedIn, professionals can share accomplishments, updates or insights that showcase their value, thought leadership and knowledge,' Escalera explained. While it's important to stay in sight online, it's also key to be visible with your employer. During an economic slowdown, companies can be faced with difficult staff decisions. Proving your value and staying visible can help increase job security. 'If you're feeling uncertain about your role then it could be time to turn up the heat by showcasing your value and demonstrating that your role is indispensable,' Escalera for ways to take initiative, keep a record of your contributions and regularly check in with your manager.'It isn't just about getting the great work done, but also making sure it is visible to key decision makers,' Escalera explained. 'Being proactive and showing how you support your company toward reaching its goals can strengthen your position and hopefully increase your job security.' Having a conversation with management is one of 'smartest moves' you can do amid fears of job insecurity, Escalera said.'Ask how your role aligns with current business goals and where you can provide more support to your team, manager, and the company as a whole,' she added. 'Expressing your investment in the company's success goes a long way and may open the door to additional conversations about the organization's direction and how you can increase your value.' With fears of a recession spreading, anxiety can skyrocket, but having an emergency savings set aside and boosting job security makes a strong impact.'With the right strategy, professionals can not only protect their careers but can also use the moment to strengthen their foundation and catalyze their growth,' Escalera said. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump's Tariffs Hit -- Here's What To Buy This article originally appeared on 5 Ways To Future-Proof Your Career Amid Recession Fears Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Things To Do Now if You're Afraid You'll Lose Your Job
As important as it is to keep a positive outlook, you should also be prepared for the worst-case scenario regarding your employment. If there's even a slight chance that you could lose your primary source of income this year, it's time to start planning. Be Aware: For You: According to a recent report from MyPerfectResume, 81% of employees are worried about losing their jobs in 2025, and 76% predicted that layoffs would increase. Similarly, the 2025 Career Gridlock Report from Resume Now noted that 60% of workers stayed in a job they didn't want to be in because they felt that switching jobs was too challenging. If you're confused or worried about your current employment situation, it's crucial that you take proactive steps so that you don't end up in a far more stressful position. Here are five things you can do to ease the fear of losing your job. 'To ease job-loss anxiety, proactively invest in yourself,' said Sam Wright, the head of operations & partnerships at Huntr. Wright also noted that preparation significantly reduces uncertainty and fear, so you'll want to continuously build new skills through investing in yourself if you're worried about your job. Jasmine Escalera, a career expert from MyPerfectResume, added, 'Staying competitive in the job market means keeping your skills sharp. Sixty-one percent of workers plan to upskill in 2025, with another 31% considering it.' Escalera pointed out that if you're not sure which skills to invest in, you can start by looking into the job or promotion that you want next and pinpointing any skill gaps. If you're not sure what kind of job you want to apply for next, she suggested that you consider AI, data analysis or leadership development, as these are growing fields. You want to ensure that your skill set matches what employers are currently looking for. You may even have your current employer cover the costs of any training you wish to begin. I'm a Self-Made Millionaire: 'Most professionals haven't updated their LinkedIn in years — or worse, they're hiding behind job titles that no longer reflect their skills,' remarked Patrice Williams-Lindo, a career strategist and CEO of Career Nomad. According to Williams-Lindo, your digital footprint is like an insurance policy, and you'll want to rewrite your resume to highlight the value you've brought to your current role. You want to do your best to ensure that your most recent accomplishments are being highlighted so that you can gain confidence if you're forced to look for a new job in the near future. Escalera elaborated, 'Make sure you update your profile regularly and use the platform to post about your career wins and display your expertise. Your next big break could come from a recruiter finding your profile.' You never know who's paying attention to social media, so you'll want to discuss what you've been working on to see if there's a possible gap in the workforce. Williams-Lindo shared that about 70% of the best jobs aren't posted publicly, which means that you'll want to focus on growing your network to find out about new opportunities. She added, 'If you're not networking, you're not working your options.' You can start by inviting someone to coffee or sending messages to anyone you would like to connect with. If you're unsure about where to start with networking, here are a few options: Attend industry events. Try to find out if your industry hosts any local events so that you can meet others. Join online communities. Look for online communities and groups to be around like-minded people. Keep in touch with former colleagues. Social media has made it easier to reconnect with former co-workers and friends you may have lost touch with. The main takeaway is to remember that building relationships today can open doors down the road. Connecting with others and discovering what's happening in your industry can ease some of the concerns you may have about losing your job. Escalera stressed the importance of an emergency fund, especially if there's a chance you could go months between jobs due to your industry. As most experts suggest, you'll want to aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses. This financial safety net is mainly about the peace of mind of knowing that you could handle your bills for a few months if you were to be back on the job hunt. Then, you don't have to stress about accepting a role that isn't suited for you. Escalera shared that a recent MyPerfectResume report found that 71% of workers already have a secondary income — 39% through freelancing or side business, and 32% by working a second job. Multiple income streams can help provide security and ease some of your concerns if you're worried about your job becoming unstable. Escalera expanded, 'Whether consulting, selling a product or picking up gig work, having an extra income stream can give you more financial freedom.' You can begin by leveraging your current skills from your day job or tap into your interests to pursue a side hustle. This could also be the push that you needed to finally start that YouTube channel or pursue your passion for photography. If you don't have the time for another job at the moment, you can begin by finding a high-yield savings rate or looking into investments that will help grow your funds for you. There are numerous ways that you can add an income stream to your life. The primary objective is to be proactive if you're worried about losing your job in 2025. More From GOBankingRates 4 Things To Watch for as Elon Musk Takes on Social Security 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Things To Do Now if You're Afraid You'll Lose Your Job
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Officers cleared in fatal shooting of chainsaw-wielding man at Illinois nursing home
ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WGN) — An investigation into a deadly shooting involving police and a chainsaw-wielding man in west suburban St. Charles, Illinois, late last year has found no wrongdoing on the part of the officers. ISP's website. The shooting unfolded at around 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2024, inside the senior living facility River Glen of St. Charles, after authorities received a call about a man, who was later identified as 41-year-old Daniel Escalera, wielding a chainsaw as he entered the facility. Escalera, a Stockwell, Indiana, resident, was fatally shot by police during the encounter. According to Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser, St. Charles Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene after they received a call about the man, who was later identified as Escalera. Is Social Security money going to 'millions' of people listed as old as 149? The first officer who arrived on the scene made contact with Escalera as he stood near multiple residents at the doorway to the cafeteria inside the facility and made multiple verbal commands for Escalera to drop the chainsaw as the officer displayed his Taser. But authorities said Escalera refused to drop the chainsaw and instead entered the cafeteria and started it. After starting the chainsaw, the officer deployed his Taser and struck Escalera in the chest. The Taser knocked Escalera down briefly, but he got back up and grabbed the chainsaw before he began running toward the officer. The officer then retreated into the lobby of the facility where they were joined by a second St. Charles police officer. According to officials, both officers ran back into the cafeteria while a third officer followed Escalera through a secondary doorway of the cafeteria and back into the lobby, where Escalera then held the chainsaw over his head and ran toward the officer. As Escalera charged toward him, the officer fired two shots, which both missed the suspect. Escalera then collided with the officer, striking him with the chainsaw before he dropped it. Wisconsin man already serving 50 years on child sex charges handed additional 10 years Amid the confrontation, the officer fired a third shot, which hit Escalera in the left forearm, as he fled toward a hallway. The incident continued when Escalera reached the hallway, where he stopped near a resident in a wheelchair and 'held his hands forward in a position which appeared to imitate holding a firearm.' Officials said as Escalera held his arms out, the officer fired a fourth shot, which struck the suspect in the chest. He then collapsed to the ground and was handcuffed by officers before they began providing medical treatment. Escalera was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Following his death, the Kane County Coroner's Office diagnosed Escalera as having methamphetamine intoxication and his cause of death was ascribed to multiple gunshot wounds. Toxicology reports later showed the presence of amphetamines, methamphetamines and the antipsychotic drug olanzapine. Following the shooting, Illinois State Police conducted an investigation and later presented the findings to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office, pursuant to the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act 50 ILCS 727. On Tuesday, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office announced that it had closed its investigation into the deadly shooting and found no wrongdoing on the part of the officers who confronted Escalera. The Kane County State's Attorney's Office reached its conclusion after conducting an examination of body-worn camera audio and video recordings, statements from witnesses, physical evidence from the scene, and the results of an autopsy. Officials said the officer involved in the incident 'had the reasonable belief that the deadly force he employed was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or other individuals.' Alongside the findings of its investigation, authorities also released video of the event captured by body-worn cameras. The video shared by authorities contains footage and audio that could be disturbing to some viewers. 'I first want to thank the St. Charles police officers for acting to de-escalate the situations before being forced to resort to the deadly use of force,' Mosser said. 'My thanks also to the Illinois State Police for their diligent and thorough investigation into this incident, and to the Kane County Coroner's Office and the St. Charles Police Department for providing critical support and transparency throughout this process. Every case of an officer-involved shooting must be carefully and thoroughly investigated. This scrutiny maintains the public's confidence in law enforcement and ensures the protection of the civil rights of those involved. After a comprehensive and thorough review of the investigation into this tragic incident, it is clear that the officers here acted in accordance with both department policy and Illinois law. The evidence demonstrates that his actions were appropriate and justified in the circumstances. Acknowledging the tragic loss of life and offering condolences to Mr. Escalera's family, my office has therefore closed the investigation into this matter.' The video of the incident was released after consultation with and authorization by the Kane County State's Attorney and Illinois State Police provided Escalera's family members the opportunity to review the video before its release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
20-03-2025
- Chicago Tribune
No charges for officers in fatal shooting of man wielding chainsaw at St. Charles assisted living facility
The St. Charles police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man accused of wielding a chainsaw and threatening residents at an assisted living facility will not face criminal charges, according to a joint press release from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office, Illinois State Police and the St. Charles Police Department. The Illinois State Police investigated the Dec. 1, 2024, shooting death of Daniel Escalera, 41, Tuesday's news release said. Officials looked at body-worn camera audio and video, statements from witnesses, physical evidence from the scene and autopsy results, according to the release. The findings were presented to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office, which found no wrongdoing on the part of the officers and closed the review, according to the release. On Dec. 1, 2024, police responded to River Glen of St. Charles at 975 N. Fifth Ave., an assisted living facility in St. Charles, according to past reporting. Escalera had been seen by witnesses trying to cut down a tree with a chainsaw and had entered the facility's lobby and reportedly confronted residents, officials said. The Illinois State Police found that an officer, upon finding Escalera at the doorway to the cafeteria near multiple residents, had shown Escalera his Taser and warned him to drop the chainsaw, Tuesday's release said. Escalera entered the cafeteria and started the chainsaw, according to the release. The officer deployed his Taser, striking Escalera in the chest, officials said. Escalera was briefly knocked down, but then got up and ran toward the officer with the chainsaw, according to the release. At that point, a second St. Charles police officer joined, and a third officer followed Escalera to the facility's cafeteria and back into the building's lobby, according to the release from the state's attorney's office. Escalera charged toward the officer, who fired two shots that missed him, and Escalera collided with the officer and dropped the chainsaw, according to the release. The officer then shot Escalera in the left forearm as he fled, officials said. Escalera stopped near an elderly resident in a wheelchair and held his hands in a position that appeared to imitate holding a gun, according to the release, and the officer shot Escalera in the chest. The officers then provided medical treatment to Escalera, the release said. After paramedics arrived, Escalera was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, where he was pronounced dead shortly after. The coroner's office later attributed the cause of death to gunshot wounds, but toxicology reports found amphetamines, methamphetamines and olanzapine in Escalera's system, according to Tuesday's release. The Kane County State's Attorney's Office ultimately determined that deadly force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to the officers or other individuals present, and therefore will not pursue criminal charges against the officers, according to the release. The video of the shooting is available to the public at The Kane County State's Attorney's Office authorized the release of the video, according to the news release, and the Illinois State Police allowed Escalera's family to review it before it was made public.
