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 things you must begin doing to remain focused and resilient (3:58) The absolute best time to reach out to people who you think can help your career and how to get them to want to help you (5:22) Your employer is not a two-bit clown hired for your fourth birthday party. Don’t expect them to be responsible for this key job satisfaction component ... (6:15) You’re more than likely missing huge opportunities by not connecting on LinkedIn with these people ... (7:30)   A special challenge I’m making to you that increases your exposure and opens untold opportunities (9:09)   One thing I really want to reiterate is the importance of being a resource for others. The single best way for you to open up opportunities in your career is to help others, so look for ways to do that. And as always, I and my team at Chameleon Resumes are here to help guide and coach you if you’d like someone to walk alongside you in your career journey. I want to thank you for being a loyal listener, and I’m excited for the opportunities that are coming your way. I’m confident you now have the tools you need to remain in demand and will increase your opportunities to be quickly hired should the need arise. Be sure to take advantage of all the resource websites mentioned in this episode. I’ve listed them below for your convenience. Cheers to taking the steps to remain employable and always in demand by pretending you’re fired today! Websites mentioned in this episode: InterviewPrepsheet.com JobSearchQuiz.com ResumeCheatsheet.com LinkedInCheatsheet.com ChameleonResumes.com

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-killing assumption that job searchers make that leads to getting stuck … and how to avoid it, or get past it if you make it ... (4:36) You’re going to have problems. Make sure you have this kind ... (6:00) Being stuck in your job search can feel like crushing disappointment. You can begin to question your worth and usefulness. But follow the tips in today’s podcast and you’ll have a clear map for how to avoid this tar pit. As always, though, if you’d like someone to walk beside you as you navigate your job search, we are always glad to help. Head over to chameleonresumes.com/job-search-audit to let us help you get moving again and on track for landing your next amazing job. Back again next week for the Pretend You’re Fired Today podcast series finale´!

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 important to the new order … (2:04) Why your instinct to lay low during this uncertain period is certain to get you packing, and what you should do instead ... (6:22) Pay attention to these signs that you’re being passively encouraged to quit … (7:20) Neglect reviewing these documents and you may be in legal trouble  ... (8:11) If you’ve made it through the mass layoffs be careful not to make this critical mistake ... (8:59) Layoffs can be one of the hardest situations to navigate as there are so many potential contributing factors and possible outcomes. If you want the peace of mind of having an expert guide you through the process, we’d be happy to help. Head over to  http://executivejobsecurity.com to learn we can customize a plan to personally help you. See you next time!

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. Here’s how to be prepared ... (6:15) Remember, while this is probably a stressful and uncertain time, this is an opportunity that you can use or lose. I say use it, and use it as an opportunity to shore up your own game plan so you’re prepared no matter what the outcome. And as always, if you need coaching on how to navigate this situation with dignity and grace, we’re here to help you do that. Hop on over to  http://executivejobsecurity.com to learn more about how we can specifically help you. Until next time!

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 unemployment ... (4:16) Your employer isn’t your spouse. Even if your job can be saved, you really should look at what else is out there … (4:44) How to know when it’s time to say goodbye, even when the decision is yours .. (5:44) If you’re getting that vibe from your boss now and you think you might want to try and work it through, we can help guide you and coach you to give you your best shot. If you don’t want to keep your job, or even if you do, but it’s not an option (like, because your company is moving and you refuse to relocate), we can also help you be as prepared and as desirable as possible so landing your next job will be a breeze. Hop on over to  http://executivejobsecurity.com to learn more about how we can specifically help you. Enjoy the episode!

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 hop over to http://executivejobsecurity.com for more info. Start listening now!

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 executivejobsecurity.com for more info. Start listening now!

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 everybody goes to … (4:32) - Being in the right place at the right time to be seen as the trend-setter … (5:18) As you’ll learn in the episode, so much of remaining employable and being in demand comes down to remaining relevant, and doing the things that place you in demand. And here’s a little hint: the vast majority of people aren’t doing this, so when you do, you’ll stand out all the more. So pretend YOU’RE FIRED today, and start checking off that list of activities you need to do now, while you’re working, to create demand before you need it. Of course, you don’t have to do all of this alone. If you you don’t want to do it alone, and would like personalized coaching, then hop over to http://executivejobsecurity.com. We’ll be glad to help. Have a listen, now!

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 “Remaining employable” doesn’t mean finding the job you’ll stay in for the next 25 years, and why this is a BIG challenge for you ... (11:34) As you’ll learn in the episode, these hacks are not intended to brainwash or manipulate anyone. You’re simply preparing your workspace, so to speak, so that the value you offer can be seen in its best context. Of course, doing this all on your own can be an intimidating challenge.  if you you don’t want to do it alone, and would like personalized coaching, then hop over to http://executivejobsecurity.com. We’ll be glad to help. Have a listen, now!

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 personalized coaching, then hop over to http://executivejobsecurity.com for more details. Start listening now!