GCDF Training Offered in Lexington in 2014

Here is a link to our GCDF training class now open for registration:


www.gcdfacademy.com


We encourage you to consider joining us if you are a career professional and want to attain this important credential.

NCDA Seeks Articles From CDFs

A colleague recently contacted me about encouraging CDFs that work in non-profit environments to consider submitting an article for NCDA's Career Convergence online magazine. So many of you have developed and worked on innovative programs that would be fascinating to read about in this respected magazine. You can also receive CEU's for articles that are selected.

Shelly Trent is a volunteer editor for the National Career Development Association’s Career Convergence online magazine.The magazine articles are short and to the point, so there's no need to stress over the length. To view other articles, go to http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/career_convergence_nonprofit_articles. 

Here are some guidelines. 

Career Convergence readers are career development practitioners. Articles should address trends, "how to," best practices, case examples, overview of models, assessment reviews, training opportunities and related career information in the non-profit area. Authors are suggested to write in a friendly/informative/practical style rather than technical or academic. It may be helpful to readers if articles include lists, bullets, tips, etc. Use active voice, rather than passive and gender inclusive language ("he or she" rather than just "she"). Avoid jargon, and spell out abbreviations on the first use. 

Articles should be fewer than 950 words, including title, abstract, and section subheads. Authors should include a proposed title and abstract (up to 50 words) and a short bio (including relevant positions) and photo with complete contact information (include e-mail and web links, if appropriate). Articles may be submitted via e-mail, as either an MS Word file or pasted into the body of e-mail. Articles may be edited for space or clarity. NCDA also asks authors to complete and return a copyright form. For more information, contact Shelly Trent at  Shelly.Trent@shrm.org.

The Necessary Components of a Resignation Letter

The following are some suggestions that we can use to help our clients resign effectively and professionally.

Congratulations! You have carried out a successful job search and have accepted a new offer.  Now comes the often-uncomfortable situation of informing your current employer.  Quickly schedule a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor, since ideally you will want them to hear the news from you and not through the office rumor mill.  No matter what the situation surrounding your departure, this meeting needs to set the wheels of motion in place for a positive, smooth transition. Prior to the meeting, prepare an official letter of resignation. 

The first paragraph of the letter will state that you have accepted another position and lists your last day of employment. It is not necessary to disclose your new employer.  A two-week resignation is still considered a minimum courtesy with some employers requesting up to a month.  Keep in mind that in some situations, employers will consider your resignation effective immediately and possibly may require a security escort to the door. Although it is hard not to take this type of treatment personally, it is often simply company or security protocol.

The second paragraph or body of the letter will thank your supervisor. In many situations, this will be easy. In other situations, you will have to stretch, but always find something(s) positive. Examples of things to thank your supervisor for could include: serving as a mentor, giving you leadership, training or skills development opportunities, recommending you for special committees or stretch assignments.  Lastly, reassure them that you will do everything possible to make this a smooth transition offering some specifics. Oftentimes, employers will ask you to train a temporary or replacement, leave explicit notes, or get projects in good standing.

Clients have shared that when they go into the meeting with a resignation in hand, it makes the meeting proceed in a more business-like manner and less emotionally driven. In some cases, the supervisor may beg you to stay, offering more money. Mentally, be prepared if this happens. Remember why you are really leaving. Money is seldom enough to truly rectify a poor fit or less than challenging role. Ideally, if you were unhappy, career management conversations would have already occurred that could have made the job continue to work for you and your career path. The enticement of more money seldom is a cure all.

Before approaching your supervisor with the announcement, here are some additional things to consider: make sure you have contact information of key people that you would like to remain in your network and remove any personal files or materials from your office. If you have your LinkedIn account tied to a work email, change this to a personal email. Work-related email accounts are often turned off at the time of a resignation.

By following these strategies, preparing for your next resignation will be a straightforward process.