Imposter Syndrome Is This Why Youre Still Unemployed

Imposter Syndrome Is This Why You're Still Unemployed 20 Could your biggest job search problem be… you? This is a guest post by Rita Ashley. If you’d also like to guest post here on JobMob, follow these guest post guidelines. “The Imposter Syndrome, sometimes called Fraud Syndrome, is a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments.” Wikipedia Some people feel guilty for losing their job, no matter how illogical. And some feel they are really a fraud and it is just a matter of time before they are found out; feelings exacerbated by unemployment or the vagaries of a prolonged job search while still employed. Do you feel your success is just a matter of luck? Are you proving to yourself you are worthless and a victim by not taking the proper steps towards finding a new job?eval Think hard on this one. Do you have Imposter Syndrome? Take this test Dr. Valerie Young, researcher and speaker on occupational success, devised a test to help people identify their tendency towards feeling like a fraud:eval Do you secretly worry that others will find out that you're not as bright and capable as they think you are? Do you sometimes shy away from challenges because of nagging self-doubt? Do you tend to chalk your accomplishments up to being a “fluke,” “no big deal” or the fact that people just “like” you? Do you hate making a mistake, being less-than-fully prepared or not doing things perfectly? Do you tend to feel crushed by even constructive criticism, seeing it as evidence of your “ineptness?” When you do succeed, do you think, “phew, I fooled 'em this time but I may not be so lucky next time.” Do you believe that other people (students, colleagues, competitors) are smarter and more capable than you are? Do you live in fear of being found out, discovered, unmasked? A tendency towards imposter syndrome seems to be strongest while looking for a job. There is all that unknown, all the rejection and you have so little control over events and outcomes it adds to the feeling of worthlessness. There is nothing like feeling helpless to make a person feel like a fraud. It is often circumstantial and does not have to be career limiting. Some people react to these feelings with a need for perfectionism or self-aggrandizement. No one else can see the solutions they do and they are quick to say, “I wouldn't have done it that way.” When things don't go their way they are famous for a sour grapes review. They are reluctant to change their methods of job search and often feel most jobs are beneath them so they don't pursue likely prospects and often focus on jobs above their skill or experience level. When they fail to get those jobs, they prove to themselves that they are frauds, and thus begins a downward spiral. This is often the case for those over 50 who believe they encounter ageism. Their lament is often, “They just don't value my 25 years of experience, they only want to hire people who will work for peanuts.” These same people are overly generous with criticism in the name of analysis but instead, just convey a negative demeanor and lack of confidence. Another aspect of the fraud syndrome is what I refer to as, “Magical Thinking.” Candidates believe their credentials are so strong and compelling, none of the traditional and proven job search techniques apply. They waste time on job boards and send resumes out randomly. They honestly believe their comprehensive experience is so stunning that their phone will should be ringing with offers (like I almost did! â€" Jacob). The fact is, they have never hired anyone who used that technique nor have they ever heard of any executive who has. But they remain committed to failure-guaranteed activities. Their belief they are in fact a fraud and a failure becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Technology professionals often manifest the syndrome by conducting interviews that stress what they lack, whether asked or not. Believing they are talking in the spirit of honesty and not wanting to misrepresent themselves, they mention skills they don't have instead of keeping focus on what they do have that qualifies them for the job. Researchers have found the imposter syndrome often results in desire to avoid situations where people felt vulnerable. They believe the motivation is to avoid doing poorly, looking weak, being compared. It is especially handicapping to feel you won't live up to other's expectations. Thus, they don't engage in activities others have proven to work in a job search, such as networking and personal branding. They avoid or delay any activity that prompts comparison. Instead, they invent new approaches they are convinced are creative and ‘out of the box' when in fact, they simply don't work. They go to a mall to hand out their resume or they use LinkedIn to broadcast their frustration or worse, send out thousands of unsolicited resumes. Often, they are suckered into paying for dubious services, in fact whole industries have arisen to prey on people who feel helpless or fraudulent. Researchers discovered true imposters are unable to ask for help. By definition, if you are reading this, you are seeking help and therefore, you are not an imposter, or at least hope to recover from the syndrome. 14 action tips to counter feelings of being a fraud List examples and outcomes of accomplishments from your resume. Review your skills and experience. Don't compare yourself with those younger and/or more accomplished than yourself. Take a full accounting of the you that has achieved the success you have today and remind yourself of your accomplishments. Keep a list at hand of 3-5 significant tasks you excelled at and reread it every time you have to pick up the phone or otherwise interact with job leads. Measure yourself by proof of your achievements; your outcomes. Brag to a loved-one about each day's accomplishments, no matter how tiny. Keep a “brag book” to reread frequently. Create a daily to-do list of reasonable and achievable tasks. Remind yourself you are more than your career. Focus on those who love you. Stop complaining. You don't need to hear all that negative chatter. Avoid people who complain about the job market or your unemployment status. Stop reading the media about the deplorable employment market. You only need one job. Engage in your hobby to offset frustration and negative feelings. Further reading The Imposter Syndrome Feel Like a Fraud? At Times, Maybe You Should About the author Rita Ashley is a job search coach for executives and technology professionals. In the last two years, 98% of her clients have achieved their goals within 6 months. Is it your turn? Rita's website is www.jobsearch4execs.com and you can follow her on Twitter at @JobSearch4execs. If you found this article useful, you'll also enjoy The Secret “So What?” Method To Resume Writing Success.

What is a Professional Summary on Resume and How Does it Work?

What is a Professional Summary on Resume and How Does it Work?Do you know the difference between a professional summary and a resume? This is a question that I frequently get asked, so let me explain it in layman's terms. A resume is what most employers will look at first when looking to fill a particular position, like a sales or administrative position. It usually includes information about your past employment, education, and previous skills and abilities.When you are looking for a job, a professional summary of your work history and education is usually the best way to go, because it outlines everything that you have accomplished to date and what you are currently doing. The summary is also a great place to include your interests and hobbies that you have been engaging in to keep your potential employer interested in you as a candidate.Now, having said that, if you are looking for a job and the job description states that you should include a summary of your skills and abilities, then you will need to write one yourself. One way to do this is to simply summarize your experience in order to give you a good overview of your accomplishments and abilities. You could also include a section on how you got involved with the particular position you are applying for, such as volunteering or being part of a community project.The key to write a summary is to not be too descriptive or too generalized. Instead, use your writing abilities to simplify and be concise, so that the reader can easily understand it. If the information is already listed in your resume, then it would be better to list it on your summary, rather than having the reader to type it out.There are times when you may want to provide additional information on your professional summary. For example, if you are looking for a job in a position with several departments, then you may want to include each of these departments in a separate section of your summary. This is a way to make it easier for the reade r to skim through your summary, which will help them focus on the information that they need.You can also include more specific information that you think will help your resume stand out from the other hundreds of resumes that are posted online. If you know how to write a job posting that will catch the attention of the potential employer, then this would be a great way to include this information.However, unless you know the steps involved in writing a summary, it may be best to stick to the basics. Try not to overdo it, and remember that the ultimate goal is to find a job.As you can see, a professional summary is a very important part of your resume. If you take the time to prepare this document in advance, it will serve as a quality back-up that you can use if needed.

10 Tips for Successful Negotiating

10 Tips for Successful Negotiating Throughout the course of our daily lives we are negotiating with everyone around us. Whether you relish the art of negotiating or dread the thought of it, there are ways to make the process and outcome a positive one in a professional setting. Here are 10 tips that can help you succeed in your next negotiating session. 1) Strive for win/win: This is most important. Negotiation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game where one side must lose for the other side to win. Too many people go into negotiations selfishly with a sole desire to win. For example, in a salary negotiation, a hiring manager may hope to get a candidate for $5,000 less than the market. This can backfire because other companies may be offering market rate. More importantly, the candidate won’t consider this a win, so he or she may continue the job search even after taking the job. A good negotiator looks for a win for every party involved. 2) Don’t be afraid to give the first number: You may have heard of a long held belief that in a negotiation, the person who speaks first loses. That’s not necessarily the case. Throwing out the first salary number, for example, sets an anchor point. You know you will probably have to come down from that, so you don’t want to aim too low with your first number. This allows you to set a number close to what you reasonably think the number should be rather than the other party setting an anchor number that is significantly lower than what you had in mind. For example, if you think the position is worth $75,000 and you suggest a salary of $82,000, then whomever you’re negotiating with knows not to start at $50,000. Making the first offer gets them closer to your anchor number right from the start. 3) Do your research: For Tip #2 to be effective, you must be reasonably sure the anchor number you begin with is accurate. Never go into any negotiation without sufficient information. In the case of a salary negotiation for example, you need to do your research to know what the prevailing wages are in the industry and market. You should also know what someone with your experience and background is worth. 4) Negotiate more than just salary: Understand negotiations are about more than just salary compensation. Other things that should be considered in a negotiation include benefits, paid time off and variable compensation. You can also discuss working remotely, advancement opportunities and responsibilities. Depending on the organization, stock options could also be a topic. 5) Listen: No one ever learned anything while talking. To be an effective negotiator, you must be an exceptional listener. Too many times people go into a negotiation with all the answers, so they don’t spend enough time listening to what the other side is talking about. This can result in negotiating for something the other person doesn’t even want. Listening is a key component. 6) Clarify: Once you’ve done a good job of listening, the next step is to clarify the other party’s request. It’s okay to say, “Just to make sure I understand, this is what you’re looking for.” 7) Problem solve: Work with the other party to find a resolution for any areas of disagreement, to allow both of you to walk away feeling like you’ve won something. 8) Make a call to action: Ask for action in clear and simple terms so there are no misunderstandings. For example, “If I agree to your salary request, will you accept the job offer?”   If you agree to the other party’s terms, you want to make sure you can get closure immediately. 9) Don’t make assumptions: Never assume you know what the other person wants. Again, listening here is crucial. Go into negotiations with an open mind and be ready to alter your stance if new information becomes available during your discussion. Often, the other person will give you the answer if you just listen. 10) Negotiations are everywhere: While negotiating often takes place in a business setting, there are many give-and-take discussions outside of work â€" like when we are consumers for example. Using the above tips can be beneficial for almost any negotiation. Negotiating is something we all do on an ongoing basis. Working towards outcomes that result in a win for everyone should always be the ultimate goal. Author:  Frank Dadah is a Managing Director for  WinterWyman.

Be a STAR! How to shine at applications and interviews

Be a STAR! How to shine at applications and interviews Whether you are completing an application form or preparing for an interview, the STAR approach can help you structure your answers and focus on the evidence. Its a good way to optimise your responses and use the space or time available to persuade the employer you have what it takes. What is STAR? The STAR acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result but you may have seen it expressed as CARE, which develops the process further by introducing an evaluation stage (Context, Action, Result and Evaluation). STAR has gained real currency as employers continue to use competency and criteria based approaches to both applications and interviews. Most of you will be familiar with the STAR approach but if employer feedback is anything to go by many applicants are still failing to translate knowledge into action. Theres often too much emphasis on scene-setting which tells the employer very little about past achievements or future potential.  Recruiters are far too busy to spend their time joining the dots, so the onus is on you to tell them. To avoid these application and interview pitfalls remind yourself what STAR means and how to apply it effectively: Situation explain (briefly) where you were, both physically and chronologically (i.e. during my work placement at X company) Task what you set out to achieve; what you were tasked to (think purpose and objective) Action the meat of your answer. Describe your specific actions. How did you achieve or contribute to the outcome. Think how/why/what but always related the answer to YOUR input. Result what was the outcome? Most application forms will have a strict word count, so aim for economy of language. If you have to evidence your team working capabilities or problem solving skills in 150 words or less, you cant afford to waffle. How to do it Students often worry that they dont have sufficient evidence to impress, or feel their examples lack the clout of more experienced, better networked peers but theres little point dwelling on the ifs, buts and maybes. And you can make a little go a long way. This is purely anecdotal, but I remember a recruiter from Goldman Sachs stating that the best response to their team work questions came from a student whod worked as a barista at Starbucks. Its not where youve worked that wins the day, but what you did. Make sure you use relevant and recent examples. You may be really proud of that Young Enterprise project in Year 12  but if this is your only example of team work, you could be in trouble. Emphasise your role and input, but dont amplify your contribution beyond reason. Dont be tempted to stretch the truth. Try to exemplify desirable behaviours, attributes and attitude in your answers. If you use an example that demonstrates strong problem-solving but poor interpersonal skills, you wont hit the right notes. If you can end on a positive note with a tangible or quantifiable results, so much the better. I increased turnover by 15% or negotiated a change to the societys terms and conditions has greater impact than,we reached our goal. During an interview, you will have more scope to expand on your experiences, so dont panic if you have to use an example with a negative or ambiguous outcome. You can use this as a vehicle to showcase your reflective learning and critical faculties by specifying what you would change (and why) next time around. Remember: recruiters are looking for candidates with good self-awareness and potential for growth, not the finished article. A STAR example I have included the example below to highlight the various stages of the STAR approach its also helpful to note the allocation of space to each stage. This answer has real versatility and STAR power, as it can be used to demonstrate a range of competencies from initiative, to problem solving and communication. I worked in the HR department at Y (situation) during summer 2013 and was asked to complete a performance review project (task). I was keen to use my research skills, but knew that I needed to define the scope of the project before proceeding. I approached the auditors and arranged individual meetings with them to secure the relevant information and history.I analysed the data and used SPSS to help me collate and chart the information. At one stage, I noticed a discrepancy in the data so referred back to auditors who helped me identify the source of the error. I successfully delivered the report within timescale and also presented my findings to a group of senior colleagues (action). The senior manager was impressed with my initiative, efficiency and delivery.  My recommendations have since been implemented and the performance review manual guidelines updated accordingly (result).                                                                                                   By keeping to the STAR format in both applications and interviews, youre less likely to veer off track and its wonderfully self limiting for those with a more verbose style!

Writing Resume Action Words

Writing Resume Action WordsWriting a resume can be a difficult task because you need to create the perfect format that fits your personality and is sure to impress potential employers. You will also want to be able to use action words that really grab an employer's attention. Not only are action words more convincing but they will also be easier for you to remember.Action words can really help you stand out from the rest of the applicants. They will catch the reader's attention immediately and make them want to read your resume. That is why they are so important when you are trying to create a professional resume. It is important to create an impressive resume that will not only grab an employer's attention but will also have an impact on their decision to hire you.Your resume will not only be meant to attract an employer's attention but it will also be a way to communicate with that person. You want to create a strong connection with that person so they can feel confident that you c an do the job required. A great resume is a professional piece of paper that can make or break you in the job search. You need to understand how to write a good resume to make sure that you are taking the first step towards success.You need to know that writing a resume requires more than just a bunch of words on a page. You need to understand that every word in your resume has the ability to create an impact that can make a hire want to hear more about your experience. You should create a resume that will help get your first interview invitation to become your next job.It is common to become confused as to what constitutes a professional resume. You may find yourself wondering which words should you include and which ones should you remove. The reality is that you do not want to sacrifice quality for speed in the creation of your resume. Your first impression will last longer than any other part of your resume and you will be the one that creates that impression.Writing action word s on your resume will really help make you stand out. Every time you write your information, you are creating a memory about the experience you had. Using words that are easy to remember, is what will help you do this.You will be able to make the most of the opportunity you have been given by simply making your information simple enough for the potential employer to understand. All the information should be presented in such a way that it will be clear to the reader. A resume is meant to bring back the experience you had in the past so that the new employer will see the qualities that made you the successful person you are today. It is only through a formal introduction that they will be able to determine the kind of work you are capable of doing.Writing resume action words can be frustrating at times but it is important to keep in mind that your resume is a very important document that you need to make sure you produce correctly. The money you spend for this will also be very impor tant so don't think you can just throw together a document with the best intentions. Your resume needs to be formatted correctly in order to be effective. If you want to create a professional resume, take the time to learn how to create an effective resume.

7 Tips on How To Improve Your Career Without Using Social Media

7 Tips on How To Improve Your Career Without Using Social Media Truth be told, social media has invaded so much of our lives in all age levels. It runs most of our daily routines and affects the way we see things and perceive other people. It impacts even our appearance in the workplace and possible job opportunities and promotions.Yes, social media is an avenue full of potentials and possibilities, but it is also as destructive as it is helpful with some people actually losing their careers because of social media manners and mishaps.evalIf you own a social media account or two, let these facts not worry you.No need to deactivate every account you have; just observe these simple tips on improving your career even without utilizing the social media.1. Set yourself for a little privacyEveryone does not need to know where you are, what you are doing, and who you’re hanging out with all the time. This is where privacy becomes your best friend. All social networking sites have privacy controls that allow your content to be shielded from public peru sal.Even your boss does not need to know you’ve been hanging out with friends late night on a work night. We can keep those grimy details between ourselves and a close circle of friends.2. Monitor your reputation by doing an online research of yourselfPut yourself in your employer’s shoes and utilize popular search engines such as Google and Bing to search information about yourself â€" enter your name, usernames, and email addresses to see what information is out there.It is a good way to unearth even the oldest accounts and profiles that you may have already forgotten about and things you have posted on a whim way back 10 years ago.What does this say about you?evalSure, they may be seemingly harmless, but if you doubt their ability to up your credibility, contact the provider to delete these accounts.3. Avoid inconsistenciesEverything you say online should match who you really are in real life. It may include but not limited to, educational background and attainment and work h istory.The last thing you would want your employer and co-workers to think of you is of being deceptive.4. Avoid badmouthing your work, your boss, or clients at all costIt’s a probability that the current job or career you’re in is not the one you’ve always wanted, but putting a bad word about it, especially on social media is not the way to go.evalIt does not only affect your employer’s opinion of your opinion about him but also of prospecting employers in the near future.If you have nothing good to say about your work day or a specifically hard-to-deal-with client, better keep your cool and resist ranting about it online.You never know how far a bad word can go and how long it’ll fester on the internet.5. Invest in actual relationshipsNothing beats communicating with people the old fashion way. In a world bombarded with technology, relying too much on it hinders actual communication, especially in the workplace.You may be friends with over ten thousand people on social m edia, give or take a few more followers, but not being able to establish this relationship into an actual, lasting one is somewhat ironic.Connect with people you work with outside the workplace, set healthy communication. This does not only help you gain real friends but also gains you a healthier working environment.6. Never plagiarize on social mediaPlagiarism may be something seemingly harmless on social media, where re-posting and re-tweeting is a norm, but it could hurt your integrity when you go posting contents without crediting where and from whom it came from.Plagiarism is a taboo in the corporate world and putting you and your social accounts in the same standard are also of the essence.7. Avoid social media distractions at workIt isn’t healthy to be always online on social media accounts, especially at work.evalGadgets and technology may be something that you deal with at work all the time but indulging yourself too much of unnecessary screen time not only shows disinte rest with work but also sends your boss an impression of laziness and lack of work ethics.Save your social media updating after working hours or when your task at work is done.

How Interview Savvy Are You

How “Interview Savvy” Are You This months post is one of many Career Collective posts by career and resume experts on the topic of common misconceptions of job search and hiring.   I am honored to be part of this group and want to thank   Miriam Salpeter, owner of Keppie Careers, and Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, owner of Career Trend, for coordinating this initiative.   You will find links to the other expert posts at the bottom.   I highly encourage you to read them all and bookmark them for future reference or sharing with friends and family.   If you are on Twitter, you can see our community by following #careercollective. Ive chosen to write about the beliefs Ive heard job seekers talk about as they travel through the interview process.   The most important thing to know is that the interview process and the interview are unique to each organization and each individual.   There are no absolute standards, well, except those governed by law, and even those are subject to a broad range of interpretation. Please answer these 20 True or False questions to see how interview savvy you are! (They refers to either Human Resources, the hiring manager, or the person conducting interviews) Interviewing is an exact science True or False They know how to interview and are trained to do so True or False They know exactly what they are looking for True or False They love interviewing True or False Hiring and interviewing for this job is their full time responsibility True or False They must respond to all who apply and are not selected for an interview True or False They’ll provide you with all the information you need before the interview True or False Job postings list every skill required and are written in stone True or False They’ve read your resume thoroughly before the interview True or False They are interviewing external candidates because they can’t find one internally True or False They are in dire need to fill the position and will hire immediately True or False They treat each candidate the same True or False They check references you’ve provided before the interview True or False They know exactly how much they can pay and this number is non-negotiable True or False The job you are interviewing for is the only one available True or False They want to know about all your past experiences True or False They are looking for a long-term commitment True or False Having a great interview means you got the job True or False They will update each candidate when there is a delay or change in hiring status True or False They’ll let you know you weren’t selected and provide honest feedback True or False So, how did you do?   Did you know the answers are all FALSE? Now, read on and learn from the other experts! 5 Misconceptions Entry-Level Job Seekers Make, @heatherhuhman Employers Dont Care, @ValueIntoWords Misconceptions about Using Recruiters, @DebraWheatman 15 Myths and Misconceptions about Job-Hunting, @KatCareerGal Are You Boring HR? @resumeservice Job Search Misconceptions Put Right, @GayleHoward Who Cares About What You Want in a Job? Only YOU!, @KCCareerCoach How to get your resume read (sort of), @barbarasafani The 4 secrets to an effective recruiter relationship, @LaurieBerenson Job Interviews, Chronic Illness and 3 Big Ideas, @WorkWithIllness The secret to effective job search, @Keppie_Careers Superstars Need Not Apply, @WalterAkana The Jobs Under the Mistletoe, @chandlee 8 Common Sense Interview Tips @erinkennedycprw Still no job interview? @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes Misconceptions about the Hiring Process: Your Online Identity is a Critical Part of Getting Hired, @expatcoachmegan

How to Plan a Vacation and Still Get Ahead

How to Plan a Vacation and Still Get Ahead The day you got hired, a human resources representative probably detailed a long list of benefits that came with your job. Remember those 10-or-more days you were supposed to use for vacation? Have you used them, or are you like the 30 percent of Americans who do not use all their vacation time? We get it. Work can be busy and stressful, and the thought of stepping away for an extended period of time might make you nervous. Aside from all the work you imagine piling up, you might imagine that it could hurt your chances of getting that big promotion. It’s time to let go of all of the preconceived notions that come with taking time off, though, because most of them are false. As long as you’re planning your getaways the right way, you can do it without getting behind in your career. Which is good, because there are so many benefits to skipping town from time to time â€" and one is coming back refreshed, so you’re a more valuable employee. It’s a win-win. If you’re ready to hit the road, here are 12 tips to help you plan and prep for your trip so you won’t miss a beat or drop the ball: 1. Plan It Right You probably know the time of year that work is busiest and when it tends to wane. That means you also know the best time to schedule your vacation. Try to find a lull in your schedule, as well as in your department’s, so your time off is more likely to be approved. More importantly, though, you won’t be leaving your colleagues in the lurch â€" heading out of town when you’re needed most wouldn’t make the best impression. 2. Make up for Your Absence If Need Be Sometimes, you do have to take time off of work for a set event. Weddings, graduations, retirement parties â€" all of these come with dates that can’t budge, even if they come at a busy time of the year. In this scenario, you could provide your boss with a pre-vacation work plan to get yourself ahead, as well as a coverage plan for while you’re gone. Make it clear to your boss that you’re only going at this time because you have to and that you’ll go to any length to make it work for everyone. With this type of prep, your boss will have a hard time saying no or faulting you for requesting the time off  â€" theyll also likely remember your dedication later on as well. 3. Wait for the Opportune Moment to Request Your Vacation You might not have access to your boss’s Google calendar, but you probably know when they are doing some serious work â€"  in fact, you’re likely all working together on whatever project it is that’s stressing your boss out. Clearly, this is not the time to ask, “Hey, can I go on vacation?” Wait for a breezy week when it’s easy to schedule some face-to-face chat time to discuss your plan for how everything will go without you. 4. Answer the Big Questions Once the dates of your vacay are approved and ready to go, it’s time to start prepping for your own absence. Who should you notify of your impending time off? Who will be your clients’ point of contact? Who needs to be rallied to step in on your big projects? Think of any and all questions that need to be answered before you’re out of town so no one else has to scramble to figure out the answers while you’re away. 5. Update Any Relevant Procedural Information You obviously know how to do your job. Depending on the structure of your company and the specialty level of your position, you could also be the only person who knows how to do it. So, before you go, it’s a great idea to update any training or work manuals you use(d) to better understand and complete your tasks. If that doesn’t exist, jot down some pointers, reminders and other pertinent information for the person filling in. You should also write down any passwords that someone would need to get into your computer, filing cabinets, etc. All of this works to minimize the chance someone will have to call you while you’re out of town â€"  or note your absence in a frustrated way. 6. Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate Unless you’re a manager â€" or have a managerial instinct â€"  assigning jobs to others might feel foreign and weird. But, you gotta do what you gotta do to go on vacation, so delegate your to-dos away. You can put your mind at ease by delegating the right way. Make sure you are clear in your instructions and put your tasks in the hands of those you trust most. 7. Communicate Your Absence It doesn’t matter your line of work â€" you’ll need to let people know you’re going to be gone. Start informing your colleagues, clients and other relevant people between one and two weeks before you head out. A couple days  before you leave the office send a reminder email to your department. And right before you leave, add a more general out-of-the-office message that will auto-reply to your emails and  update your voicemail for any missed phone calls. 8. Tidy up Your Workspace Whether it’s a cubicle or a corner office, your workspace is a reflection of you. Make sure yours is presentable before you head out so anyone who walks past or pops in for any reason will see that you’re organized and on top of your work â€"  and they’ll be able to find something if they need to in your absence. 9. Tie up Loose Ends The pre-vacation time period is a great opportunity for you to finish up the tasks and projects you’ve been meaning to finish, but haven’t gotten around to. You won’t want to come back to the same long list of to-dos, so make a point to work hard in the weeks leading up to your getaway to check everything off. Set goals each week, or each day, to finish up certain projects. Give yourself a little reward to keep yourself motivated. 10. Stay (Somewhat) in Touch So many sources will tell you not to check that e-mail under any circumstances while you’re away, but it might actually cause more anguish. In fact, some believe checking in periodically can improve your peace of mind while you’re gone â€" you’ll know for certain you haven’t been needed for anything important. Its your call to make depending on the nature of the vacation, and of your work. Make sure you’re checking in no more than once per day and going at a reasonable clip, though â€" replying to only those red-flagged notes. Everything else can wait, and your out-of-the-office reminder email will do all the talking for you. 11. Trust Your Coworkers This idea goes along with the importance of delegation, but it’s necessary to trust your coworkers emotionally as well. Take a deep breath and remember your colleagues work alongside you for a reason: They’re very much able to take on the tasks you’ve left behind. Don’t worry about bad things happening while you’re gone because your team has your back. 12. Come up With Your Return Strategy Finally, somewhere in your preparation, you should make sure the week after vacation is an easy one. Don’t try to stack meetings, conferences, presentations, etc. Instead, give yourself time to get back into the groove before doing anything drastic. I always try to take one day with no meetings, or even return mid-week, so I don’t get overwhelmed when I return to my desk. When you do jump back, that refreshed, post-vacation brain will make you more creative and productive. If for no other reason than that, get out of town and use those vacation days! Are you planning a vacation? Let us know all your tricks for staying on top of work while you’re away in the comments! While you’re here, subscribe to the PC Newsletter for all the latest news and tips!