4 Tips for Building Rapport with an Interviewer

4 Tips for Building Rapport with an Interviewer4 Tips for Building Rapport with an InterviewerHaving a well-crafted rsum is only half the battle when it comes to the job search. The other half involves the job interview, and while the ability to convey your skills to others is helpful, building a rapport with your interviewer is just as essential to getting the job.Regardless of what people may say, human emotions do play a large role in the hiring process. They have to. An applicant may have all the skills in the world but not be a good fit for the company due to a bad attitude. Candidates need to be likable, and a good way to demonstrate likability is to win over the people who may offer you the job.Here are some tips1. You can build rapport with the interviewer by asking some of the following questions at the end of the interview (for a list of questions NOT to ask, click here)Can you tell me about the company culture? What do you like about working here? - This is a good questio n, because the interviewer has the opportunity to discuss him or herself to some degree, which allows you to create a personal dialogue while also giving you real insight into what it might be like to work for the company.How will our roles intersect? - This may have already been answered at some point, but you should get some elaboration on how you might work with your interviewer. If you will be interacting regularly, its important to know not only what the interviewer personally expects from you, but whether the two of you are a good fit for one another.How can I make your job easier? - If you are going to be working directly for your interviewer, this is a good follow-up question. It shows that you are invested in making your relationship with the interviewer work (i.e. managing up) while also demonstrating your willingness to be a team player, both of which are important factors in the hiring decision.2. You should avoid making things too personal. Dont allow yourself to get lost in the interview. The interviewer is not your friend, regardless of how well the conversation is going. Sharing personal stories could come back to haunt you. Something as innocuous as talking about your children and how much you like spending time with them may suggest that you arent interested in working long hours, which may be necessary for the job at hand.3. Dont badmouth anyone. Remember, you are trying to show that you will make a positive impact on the company. Bringing negativity into the interview has the exact opposite result. Speaking negatively about former managers implies that you do not get along with authority figures who criticize you. It also suggests that in the future you might speak poorly about management to co-workers. Both of these traits will be major red flags to employers.4. Follow Up. You should always write a thank-you email to your interviewer. Its important to personalize it to demonstrate that the conversation resonated with you. And, if there i s a holiday approaching, make koranvers to wish the person well, etc. Your email should be professional with a friendly touch. Its those little things that will allow you to stand out from other applicants.Like What You Read? Sign Up for our Newsletter.Follow me on Twitter. Follow Vault on Twitter and Instagram.

Tech Careers and Tech Job Trends

Tech Careers and Tech Job TrendsTech Careers and Tech Job TrendsThe explosive job growth of the information technology industry began just about two decades ago, and it has barely slowed down since. While the dot bomb era of the late 1990s through the early 2000s did its fair share of damage, the more recent recession that started in December of 2007 and ended in June of 2009 barely even slowed it down.As interesting as it is to look at the past, however, learning about the future health of this industry is much more important to people considering an information technology job. Theres very good news on that front if you are among them, or if you already work in this field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts continued above-average job growth for the technology sector over the next several years.Responsible for this growth are changing technologies and organizations adaptation of them. For example, the increased adaptation of cloud computing and cybersecurity will lead to i ncreases in employment, and a rise in other technologies including health care IT, mobile networking, and data management will also contribute to a strong outlook for the information technology field.Basic Facts About the IT IndustryAs of 2014, there were 3.9 million people working in IT occupations. This included those employed in the computer systems design and related tafelgeschirrs industry what we commonly refer to as the IT industry as well as individuals doing technology-related jobs in other fields.Employment of people working in IT occupations is expected to grow 12 percent from 2014 through 2024. 488,500 jobs will be added during this period.Traditionally, there has been a lack of diversity in this field. Women and minorities are severely underrepresented. An abundance of whites, Asians, and men work in this industry, while relatively few African Americans, Latinos, and women do, when compared with other private industries (Diversity in High Tech, U.S. Equal Employment O pportunity Commission.)Companies comprising the IT industry are entities that offer custom computer programming, computer systems design, computer facilities management, and other computer-related services. IT jobs can be found outside this industry as well. Industries that hire tech workers include information, educational services, administrative and support services, wired telecommunications, government, finance and insurance, software publishing, and management of companies and enterprises.Although there are information technology jobs around the country, the majority of opportunities are centered around certain areas. The top U.S. city for tech employment is Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Other places to which you can consider relocating to improve your chances of finding a tech job are Nashville, Tennessee Austin, Texas and Fort Collins, Colorado.Tech CareersIf you want to join the IT industry, you have many options.Lets first take a look at computer and information technolog y occupations. While many people in these professions work in the IT industry, many also work in other sectors. What makes these occupations appealing, in plus-rechnen to their excellent job outlook, are the potential earnings. IT professionals earned a median annual salary of $82,860 in May 2016. Compare this to the median annual wage of $37,040 for all occupations.Computer and IT occupations are technical jobs that involve doing things like implementing technology, designing computer networks, coding, and developing software and websites. The nine occupations below have excellent outlooks.Computer and Information Research ScientistComputer Network ArchitectComputer Support SpecialistComputer Systems AnalystDatabase AdministratorInformation Security AnalystNetwork and Computer Systems AdministratorSoftware DeveloperWeb DeveloperThe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth that is either faster than, or much faster than, the average for all occupations for the peri od that began in 2014 and will end in 2024. There is no reason we shouldnt expect this trend to continue well into the future as technology continues to evolve and experts who know how to create and implement it are needed. Notably missing from this list are computer programmers, an occupation that will experience an 8 percent decline by 2024.IT professionals are employed in every industry you can think of, but they are, not surprisingly, most well represented in the information technology industry. They make up 56 percent of all workers in that industry, though. What about the other 44 percent? They are the managers, accountants, administrative workers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, advertising sales representatives, customer service representatives, and other workers that businesses need to function.If you arent in a computer-oriented career, why should you consider working in the IT industry? Making this choice will allow you to enjoy the benefits that come w ith its success. Non-tech workers, like those whose work involves computers, also get to enjoy high rates of employment and pay.Top Tech EmployersIf you want a career in the information technology industry, why not set your sights high? You may have a better chance of getting a job with a smaller company, but your ultimate goal can be a job with one of the big industry players. Here are some of them.Consider first the companies with the highest revenues. These are the top tech companies in the Fortune 500AppleHewlett-Packard CompanyIBMAmazonMicrosoftGoogle(The Top Technology Companies of the Fortune 500. Fortune. 2015)Next, here is a list of the fastest growing tech companies because if youre going to have a career in a fast-growing industry like IT, why not aim for a job with a company that has an extremely promising future? The fastest growing tech companies, according to Forbes, areLinkedInAppleQlik TechnologiesathenahealthEquinixEbix(Fast Tech 25. Forbes. 2017)Tech employees da ys are typically long. Having an employer that treats its workers well can make this time pleasant. According to employees reviews, these are the best tech companies to work forFacebookGoogleWorld Wide TechnologyFast EnterprisesLinkedInAdobe(25 Best Tech Companies to Work For in 2016, According to Employees. Business Insider. December 6, 2016)How to Know If an Information Technology Career Is Right for YouIf you want to have a career in information technology, your choices are many you could pursue an IT occupation in the IT industry, an IT occupation in another industry, or a non-tech occupation in the IT industry. There should be something here for you, regardless of what career is most suitable based on your aptitudes, interests, and other personal traits.Is there anything to dislike? If a simple 9 to 5 job is what you are after, you should consider a different field. IT workers often work long hours. About 20 to 25 percent of workers in the occupations listed work more than 40 h ours a week. And depending on your specific profession, you may have to spend time on-call in case an emergency arises that only your expertise can solve.Education and TrainingHow you prepare for an IT career plays a big role in your success. As with any career, you need to acquire the hard skills that will allow you to do your job. For many occupations, this means earning a bachelors degree. You should attend a strong technical college program.In an ever-changing field like this one, you will constantly have to upgrade your skills. With those long work hours, you may have little time to do this. Taking online courses can help you keep your skills up-to-date.Certifications are quite valuable in the IT industry. They serve as proof to employers that you are qualified to perform a particular job. Usually, professional associations and software companies oversee the certification process, which requires candidates to pass an exam after learning a skill, computer language, or software p rogram. Having the right credentials can make you more competitive as a job seeker or as a professional trying to advance to a better-paying and more responsible position.Which certifications should you get? Time and money will force you to narrow down your options. It is best to go after the ones that will make you most competitive in the hottest technologies. For instance, if you want to build your career in big data, you might pursue these certificationsCloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH)Cloudera Certified Professional Data Scientist (CCP DS)Cloudera Certified Professional Data EngineerWhat Skills Do You Need?As an IT professional, you may need to have knowledge about development tools, programming languages, and operating systems. It is impossible to know everything, but a good place to start is with high-demand skills like the Unix Operating System, Linux Operating System, and Java Programming Language.Knowing a variety of programming languages can help ga rner you high earnings. Begin with the highest paying languages, including Ruby, Objective C, and Python.Getting Hired How to Find an IT JobWhen searching for an information technology job, you can use general job search websites like Indeed.com. There you will find job announcements culled from various sources, including other job listing sites and company websites. Employers also post job openings directly to Indeed. In addition, you can share your resume there so employers seeking someone with your qualifications can find you.You can also use niche sites that are specifically for employment opportunities in the IT industry. The benefit of using sites like this is that it allows you to narrow down your focus and spend your time more efficiently.Networking is essential when it comes to locating open positions. If you arent on LinkedIn, you should be. It will allow you to connect with people in your field or those who know people who are.A finely-tuned resume or curriculum vitae, wh ile it wont get you hired, will get a potential employer to notice you. Online portfolios are a must for web designers and developers who need to show off their work. If you are trying to build a freelance career, you should get ?client testimonials.While a resume or portfolio will bring you to a potential employers attention, your wertmiger zuwachs at a job interview can get you the job you desire. As with any profession, you should always prepare for a job interview and think about out how you will respond to any possible question including illegal ones.Additional SourcesComputer and Technology Occupations. The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016-2017 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 17. 2015).Csorny, Lauren Careers in the growing field of information technology services Beyond the Numbers Employment Unemployment, vol. 2, no. 9 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2013).Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 54 Industries at a Glance (U.S. Bureau of L abor Statistics, 2017).

Mental Health Employee Benefits Are Good for Business

Mental Health Employee Benefits Are Good for BusinessMental Health Employee Benefits Are Good for BusinessHow does a mental health benefits package help both employees and your bottom line? Its been estimated that one in every five Americans deals with a medically diagnosed mental illness at some point in their adult life. The numbers of undiagnosed cases are probably a lot higher than that. But the impact that mental illness has on workdistributionspolitiks is felt in a very real way - from loss of productivity levels, excessive tardiness, and absenteeism, to actual loss of employees because of the often debilitating symptoms mental illness comes with. Mental Illness Costs Everyone The National Institute of Mental Health reports that major mental illness costs the U.S. at least $zweites vierkaiserjahr billion each year, just in lost earnings by sufferers. The Partnership for Workplace for Mental Health and the American Psychiatric Foundation advise that it costs companies $44 b illion in lost productivity due to untreated depression in the workforce. When mental illness is left unmanaged, it can lead to a whole host of other workplace-related risks, such as increased accidents, workers compensation claims, disability, workplace violence, and even claims of harassment and discrimination - scenarios that have become ever so transparent in todays world. It makes good business sense, then, to offer full mental health employee benefits to the workforce. Experts advise that early intervention is the key to reducing the costs and incidents of serious mental illness in employees. So too, early intervention is shown to provide the best possible outcome for those who are experiencing any kind of mental illness. When mental illness is left untreated or undiagnosed, or when employees have limited access to treatment options, they do not get well on their own - and this can all hurt the bottom line of your business in the long run. Health Care Reform and Mental He alth Protection Is the Law Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as of 2014, all private and individual medical plans must offer at least the minimum coverage for mental health screenings, substance use services, and preventative care. This requirement is also for medical plans purchased via state marketplaces. Additionally, group benefit plans cannot deny coverage to anyone just because they have a history of mental illness. Protections required under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) require plan administrators to treat mental illness without restrictions, much like the approval process for approving a surgical procedure. Medicare and Medicaid also provide basic coverages for mental health wellness and substance abuse treatment. These laws help to protect mental health consumers from being discriminated against by health insurance providersand support those with limited incomes to pay for services, but there are still many stigmas to mental health that cau se some employees to deny that they need help. Even being on medication for a mental illness may be viewed as a problem by some, if the medication creates restrictions on the employees ability to perform his or her job. For example, medications that cause drowsiness preventing the use of certain equipment or driving company vehicles. Other potential barriers to getting help include missing work for therapy appointments, or taking unpaid leave to complete a 90-day substance abuse treatment program. Unless there is a good insurance plan in place to help defray the costs of quality mental health care and employers do their part to educate employees about their available benefits, many employees simply go without until they find themselves hospitalized for a major breakdown. Others may turn to self-medication in the form of illicit drugs, alcohol, and negative behaviors. In workplaces, undiagnosed and untreated mental illness shows itself in the way that individuals relate to coworkers and clients. It can tear teams and companies apart. It can cause normally wonderful employees to turn into toxic employees. For these reasons and mora, any business can benefit from providing generous group mental health benefits to its workforce. Employers who value their employees and want to demonstrate this can easily furnish mental health benefits any time of the year, whether the health insurance plan includes this care or not. Creating a Mental Health Benefit Package Here are some ideas for getting a mental health benefits program in place and making sure that people have access to the services they need to stay well. Establish an Employee Assistance Program It is a good idea to get an employee assistance program (EAP) lined up as soon as possible in your organization. This can cost pennies on the dollar for each employee, but the value is immense. EAPs provide direct access to confidential professionals who can assist employees with any area of concern that may be c ausing them distress - from work-related issues to family problems and mental illness. Employees can be directed to counseling sessions, or they may be eligible for short-term treatment facilitated by the EAP team. Learn more aboutemployee assistance programshere. Set Up a 24/7 Nurse Hotline Another choice is to contract with the health insurance vendor to establish a 24/7 nurse servicenummer for employees and their family members. This can be a way to ensure that employees always have a lifeline where they can get help when they need it the most. They can get health and medical questions answered to determine if follow-up care with a mental health care provider is warranted or if a visit to the emergency room is needed. Choose a Health Insurance Plan With Mental Health Benefits As mentioned above, the ACA requires insurance plans to offer a basic level of mental health coverage, but this can be limited somewhat. Employees who are accustomed to high deductible health plans (HDHPs) may not see the value in using their insurance to pay for counseling sessions, instead reserving their medical dollars for major hospitalizations or planned procedures. As an employer, find employee benefits that offer above-average mental health coverageand provide a health savings account to offset out-of-pocket costs when combined with HDHPs. Appoint a Contact for Managing Mental Health Communications Employees may or may not be comfortable discussing their mental health challenges with a manager, or even members of their own family. Thats why every workplace should have at least one human resource professional who is trained in intervention coaching and has established open office hours for discussing such matters in private. Oftentimes, situations can be handled through a referral to a qualified mental health provider, or by mediating any issues through the EAP. Be well-versed in the mental health benefits that are available so that the employee can get the right he lp at the right time. Set Up an Employee Discount Program With Area Providers Another very helpful and welcomed method of developing a workplace thats more supportive of employees facing mental health challenges is to work with area wellness vendors to discount their services. For example, long-term unmanaged stress can be a sign of depression, so having access to a massage therapist who can help reduce stress can be a great benefit. Proper diet and exercise are also important components of good mental health, so creating access to local fitness resources and nutrition counseling can be a great perk. Arrange for Mental Health Education and Resources Onsite Perhaps the most critical addition to any employee benefits package where it relates to mental health is access to accurate and timely information. If an employee is facing a crisis, he or she may not understand how to access medical benefits, or who to call for help. So, too, every corporate library should include plenty of educational materials in the form of self-help books, benefits information sheets, and directories of local mental health and medical providers. Management can support communication by bringing up the importance of good overall health and avoiding treating others differently because they may be dealing with a mental illness. In closing, all employee benefit programs need to be designed around the total well-being of employees, from head to toe. Employees may not display signs of mental illness outwardly, but they may miss work frequently, seem irritable, or just stop performing to their previous levels. Mental illness is a protected disability under workforce laws, so never single out an employee like this. Instead, provide access to self-service information and resources so that employees can seek out the help they need to lead full lives.

VR helps recruit teens into construction. Mentorship helps them to stay

VR helps recruit jugendliches into construction. Mentorship helps them to stayVR helps recruit teens into construction. Mentorship helps them to stayFor the job-hungry young adult, there arent that many requirements for suitable after-school employment, so long as the job works in conjunction with their current school schedule, doesnt require extensive training or education, Is not a long-term commitment, and pays a decent amount of money. An afternoon shift as a grocery store clerk checks all of ansicht boxes. So does a summer stint as a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool, or even the bi-weekly babysitting venture for a relative or family friend. These roles and industries are among those we have thought of as a good work option for a teenager who will probably go to college or pursue other opportunities once theyve punched out from their sttte for the last time.Historically, construction has not been one of these fields. But facing its own labor and workforce retention struggles, t he construction industry has started using VR technology and simulators as added enhancements in their work, as well as the benefit of using it as a recruitment tool for a younger workforce. In conjunction with VR, technologies such as 3D modeling have proven beneficial in attracting younger employees. Eagan Building Group, a company I have worked with, has used this technology to generate a virtual reality mock-up of a particular building, allowing clients to stand to experience the design and space and what it will look like as a finished product. Demonstrating this technology in front of potential new hires has generated excitement for the company and the field as a whole.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreVirtual reality equipment is proving effective in generating a desire among teens to head over to a construction site and get fitted for their own hard hat. But when it comes to retaining these eager teenage employees, construction leaders will have to take real additional steps beyond these virtual measures. They need to become trusted and dedicated mentors to younger staff.By embracing mentorship on the construction site, leaders and managers can potentially find dedicated workers who can learn the trade, take the place of retiring employees, while helping guide teens to an enriching new career.Immediate benefits of mentorship in constructionVR construction simulators have been successful partly because they tap into something that teenagers generally enjoy video games. But gaming enthusiasts will tell you that even the most state-of-the-art titles can turn redundant, and teens who do find themselves on a construction site may tire of the actual work they found so encapsulating in a virtual simulator.This is where the immediate benefits of mentorship can be felt. Mentorship from construction managers, leaders, and veteran employees can provide these y ounger workers with a sense of belonging and guidance. Operating the machinery is a new found fun at first, but the relationships and support that they gain from their coworkers are the biggest value points.Theres a part of a teenager that may be nervous climbing behind the wheel of a backhoe loader, and theres another part that will wonder just exactly what theyre going to do with their life as they head home from work every day. Mentorship can help that teen build confidence and operate the backhoe with poise, and provide them with a sense of purpose that theyre part of something bigger, even when theyre not on site.Effective mentorship goes beyond just helping someone do their job, but it can help an employee become a leader to others and take agency within their own career. The manager of a construction site probably started off just where the teenage employee stands today. That leader has the ability to inspire that teen to reach for new career heights, even if they extend beyo nd their current assignment.Using mentorship to address constructions challengesThe VR construction simulators and 3D modeling have been effective in generating interest in the field by showing just how fun and exciting it can be in the construction industry. But the technology does not elaborate on the conflicts and challenges that face construction workers and the industry at large.Mentorship still plays a helpful role in preparing younger employees to be ready for certain challenges they will face within the construction field, now and in the future. Leaders and managers can encourage younger employees to always be adopting new skills and pursuing new knowledge bases to ensure they remain competitive in their careers, both within and outside of construction.Plus, teens may be disappointed by not being allowed to operate a sites heavy machinery until they get more training. Mentors can help teens stay enthused about other aspects of construction work beyond what the simulators sho w.Sadly, construction itself is a field that has been unfairly associated with the stigma that it is apparently a job or industry that people should not want to work in, despite constructions relatively high pay options and strong job security compared to other industries. Mentors can help younger employees build a passion for construction as more than just a job encouraging them to view it as a trade where they are helping build new homes for people, new schools for children, new hospitals for the sick, and new museums and cultural centers for families and friends to enjoy.For companies that want to instill a strong sense of pride and build a culture of passion, implementing both the technology and mentoring may be the trick. Mentors have the ability to help make their teenage employees proud of what they do, instill within them with a sense of respect, and generate a continued passion for a career in the field.Mentorship in facing challenges beyond constructionFor other professio ns with workforce shortages, like nursing or retail, virtual reality may not be the best option for getting teens interested in those industries.Mentorship, though, can help younger workers in these industries brace for future challenges. As shopping trends have shifted from in-store to online, a younger employee in a department store can brace for future challenges in retail sales with the help of a mentor who has faced similar challenges in the field.Mentors also dont have to be older than the rolle they are mentoring. In nursing, younger practitioners fresh out of school can help veteran nurses learn new technological procedures or complex telehealth systems that are being introduced into the workforce.All of these industries and the professionals who work within them will face challenges. In construction, an economic downturn could bring many projects to a halt. Advancements and evolutions in technology could lead to the replacement of some tasks or entire construction jobs. But effective mentorship, where experienced professionals inspire others to meet challenges and see them through, will help these industries thrive throughout the future.Professor Brenda Bouse, adjunct professor in the Online Masters in Business Administration at Maryville University

How to Apply the Self-Improvement Movement to Your Career Success

How to Apply the Self-Improvement Movement to Your Career SuccessHow to Apply the Self-Improvement Movement to Your Career SuccessHow to Apply the Self-Improvement Movement to Your Career SuccessDaily progress in your career development is mora important than any big singular breakthrough. What you need to know. TWEETThe self-improvement genre is exploding these days. Thats good nachrichten for the masses, and its good news for everybody thinking about advancing or switching their careers.Why? You dont need to be a reader of Success magazine (or the websites career section) to know the world of self-improvement has so much to teach us about career growth. From employment searches and interview skills to goal-situation and purposeful advancement, the on-the-job applications from this industry/movement are endless and there are lessons for everyone.Goal-setting.Lets start with goals. The first thing every self-help guru will tell you is you need to know where youre going. Then you need to write it down. So, determine your current goal(s) for career success. Is it to start working for Company X? Learn a role in a certain field? Study under a specific type of professional? Increase your responsibilities (along with the chances for a promotion)? Whatever the aim, write it down, then tell at least 5 other people about it. The very acts of documenting and sharing your career goal will help to solidify your resolve to achieve it.If you want to go bigger with 3-, 5- and 10-year plans, you can try, although some experts think with todays rates of change those distant timeframes should best be left vague so you can adapt goals when the world inevitably tilts another direction. The key is to think big and long-term, then write down the steps to getting there.Job searching.Job searching is a numbers game. What do I mean? Its all about volume. Just as a salesperson obsesses over keeping their pipeline full and working all the leads, you too need to be applying for multiple j obs and talking to even more people as you network and potentially shadow role models on the job.Also like a salesperson, you cant take rejection personally because you know that some people are just not the right buyer or just arent ready to buy. Either way, you believe each rejection is getting you closer to the right job, and you appreciate the opportunity to practice your skills (e.g., skills used in the application process, interview presentation, job researching) along the way.Ultimately, looking at the job search as a numbers game means you wont dwell too long on any particular opening. It means you take your ego out of it when an employer rejects you because you know its their loss. It means you have several options going at once, always setting up the next interview, sending out the next application, or going to the next job fair. Keeping up with regular, job-search activity increases your odds and keeps yourself balanced if any one of them doesnt work out.Interviewing.The old clich practice makes perfect is well, perfect, for emphasizing how to ace job interviews. You need to sell yourself, and the best sales presentation starts with diligent preparation. By working on your sales pitch every day, you hone your interview skills the same way Jeff Olson of The Slight Edge would recommend One step at a time, consistently. Over the long haul this consistency accumulates into a critical mass of momentum, what Olson calls the edge.Even if you dont have an interview on any given day, you can still strengthen your skills by role-playing with a friend or former colleague, practicing alone in front of a mirror, or writing down and memorizing your best answers to common questions (e.g., Describe one of your weaknesses, Tell me how you responded to one of your biggest challenges, Tell me about yourself).Continuous improvement is the name of the game here.An often-forgotten part of interviewing is that it provides an opportunity for you the candidate to say no to an employer. So many of us fear rejection going into the process, thinking that the evaluation is only one-way remember, its a two-way street Rejecting the wrong company is as important as finding the right one, and theres power in holding the rejection card.In fact, when you determine a company is not the right fit for you during the preliminary hiring stages, its your obligation to reject it. You owe it to yourself. On the first date that is a job interview, you have every right to walk away afterwards with no obligation if you dont like what you see. This is also a skill Identifying the right fit for your talents and conversely, avoiding the bad fits.Purposeful advancement.What self-help coaches invariably preach is the power of being well-read. Being well-read gives you a more grounded life (and keener intelligence), which also applies directly to your career. Whether cultivating a reading habit means keeping up with industry news/opinions, world events, or trade publications, or letting your imagination roam with novels or subjects you ordinarily wouldnt encounter in your work life, the goal is to be reading frequently.A steady diet of reading broadens your perspective, gives you a more sophisticated world view, and keeps your mind sharp by allowing you to get at the heart of what matters to your employer and the people you serve. Its hard to think of a better selling point for somebody wanting to advance in their current organization or general professional role.Having great ideas and being savvy in your ability to think outside the box often starts with being a voracious reader and self-educator. Plus, the better you educate yourself by feeding your mind useful information, the more you add value to every project you undertake, group you join or meeting you attend.Take small steps, not massive leaps.To borrow again from The Slight Edge (or Darren Hardys The Compound Effect, which carries a similar message), Id argue making daily incremental progress in your career plans is way more important than any big singular breakthrough. Following this logic, you want to look to the future while gradually improving yourself every day taking one step at a time to bring you closer to your current career goal, whatever it is.Ill leave you with this An old saying tells us, The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.Whats your first step to career success?Need help with your resume? Take advantage of our free critique today

Find Out Whos Concerned About Receptionist Resume and Why You Should Care

Find Out Whos Concerned About Receptionist Resume and Why You Should Care Receptionist Resume for Dummies Your ad indicated that youre landseeking a hardworking and knowledgeable medical receptionist who is accustomed to assisting in the managing of a busy healthcare facility. Youve got to impress the business employers that youre the sole one who can develop into the surface of the organization. You need to demonstrate that youre able to develop into the surface of the firm. Your multitasking skills will be placed to the test if the organization receives high footfalls every single day. Just as with any other career, theres a demand for providing academic and expert history or appropriate training. Furthermore, you will want to demonstrate that youre ready for the work environment and culture. So as to stick out from the onslaught of applicants, you should detail your strengths in your healthcare receptionist cover letter, and help it become clear how your experience, educatio n, and skills make you the very best option for the employer. Thus, for your convenience, you have a superb chance to monitor the development of the assigned writer and make aya an essay will be ready in a timely method. For instance, if you are asking for a position in a health office, be certain to highlight your skills which are going to be utilized in that kind of setting like the customer support, phone or filing skills youve got. College educated receptionist trying to find a position where ability to perform basic duties effortlessly and competence with very little supervision, and to improve the smooth running of the organization is required. A receptionist is liable for the public-facing facets of a business and its organizational needs. When there is anything that has to be seen on an expected receptionists resume, its the capability to meet and relate nicely with new folks. The 5-Minute Rule for Receptionist Resume Receptionist Resume Objective Examples So she is go ing to ensure that she writes an expert summary thats intended to pique the readers interest. In legal and health care offices, for example, receptionists have close accessibility to confidential information regarding clients and patients. With interpersonal abilities, the receptionist is in a position to relate with clients effortlessly. Respect she resume examples provided, as they are proven to be effective. If you want more assistance, try out the resume builder, too. The very first senior medical assistant resume sample indicates the proper skills. Before taking the position, it was common to have a whole backlog of at least ten patients every month, whose payments werent up to date as a result of outdated insurance or copay details. A Medical Receptionist resume thats well organized, properly structured and full of relevant information will certainly get the approval of any prospective employer. Following that, you always have to list your core competencies near the obje ctive or summary. You can also see Resume Examples. The skills section should give an overview. The Professional Experience section is arguably among the most important sections. The Receptionist Resume Pitfall From time to time, just a couple of legitimate jobs or clients can repaint an expert profile. Youre also in dependency of the most recent gadgets. There was a moment, when communication options were rather limited. In case it mentions specific software expertise you have, be certain to list it near the surface of your skills section. The important thing here is to appeal to what the employer is searching for in an employee. Its also beneficial the applicant has worked in various varieties of businesses, which displays her capacity to adjust to new settings and shows she has the capability to tackle a front desk in any sort of business. Read the work description to figure out the key phrases and align your summary or objective accordingly to make it even more accepta ble for your particular job application. Since you can see in the health care receptionist resume sample, the candidate features their friendly nature and capacity to manage many tasks at the same time. So once an employer is searching for a receptionist to employ, he or she makes sure the perfect one is hired. You are going to need a good phone manner and a great cover letter, and our receptionist cover letter examples are an outstanding place to. Your name ought to be prominently displayed at the peak of the resume. Use the exact same font as you do the remainder of the document, and dont hesitate to place your name in bold type.

Do You Have a Lack of Internal Applicants for Managerial Roles

Do You Have aLack of Internal Applicantsfor Managerial Roles Do you place internal job advertisements for managerial roles within your business, hoping that many of your high-potential workers will apply? Do you find that many of them look blankly at the ad, move on, and fail to apply? Worse still, do these same workers grumble about lack of career development or even leave to take up managerial roles at other companies? If you recognize this situation, there may be an image problem or an actual problem with the middle management experience in your firm that is negatively impacting your ability to attract internal talent. Alack of of internal talent will dent your competitive edge, as studies show that internal hires perform better, cost less, and are more profitable than external hires.If youfind that staff have a genuine fear of management in your business, you cannot afford to ignore the probl em. You may be consoled by the knowledge that you are not alone in this predicamentaccording to a CareerBuilder Survey,52 percent of workers dont want to move into management and are doing just fine in their current role. This means that, at least in part, you may be caught up in a wider anti-management trend, one that potentially stems from the high-profile failures in management seen during the recent economic crisis.Nevertheless, you do need to take action to defeat this antipathy toward management if it exists in your business if you are to realize the full potential of your workforce. I have identified several strategies that can help you galvanize your workforce and re-engage topperformerswith the career ladder in your business.1. Remove the Fear of FailureDont play Chutes and Ladders. The risk of failure is a major deterrent that prevents many employees from aiming for managerial roles. High-performing employeescan move into management positions, crash and burn quickly, and find themselves tossed out without a parachute.It doesnt have to be this way. Show workers that failed managers are not ejected from the organization unceremoniously, but aretreated with respect and given the option and support to move sideways or downwards to a role in which they can be a star again. Let staff members know theres a parachute and a soft landing if the management career isnt right for them.2. Hire More Dissatisfied PeopleThe CareerBuilder survey mentioned above shows that workers who are satisfied with what they have tend not to shoot for the stars. Theres nothing wrong with that its a healthy mindset and a valid pathway to inner peace, even if it isnt staunchly capitalist. However,having too many satisfied types will harm your talent pipeline. Take a good look at the hiring process and abflug to swing the balance a little in favor of hiring more ambitious and dissatisfied candidates.3. Job Sharing and Four-Day Management RolesAnother bigreason why people dont want to manage is the perception that theyll need to sacrifice their work-life balance and start putting in 50-hour workweeks. Can you try a management job-sharing program, or build three-four day part-time management options that make it unnecessary for employees tosacrifice work-life balance when they become managers?4. Prepare Employeesfor the TransitionMany workers lack the confidence or feel they lack the competence to move into managerial roles. So, you should provide managerial training and support from the outset to encourage more candidates to apply for these positions.If you adopt these strategies in whole or in part, you should be able to increase the flow and range of internal applicants for your managerial roles.Id love to hear from people who are reluctant to move into management and why that is. Id also like to hear from managers who have been able to encourage reluctant managers to move into management roles and how they achieved that

How to Use Your Alumni Association to Find a Job

How to Use Your Alumni Association to Find a JobHow to Use Your Alumni Association to Find a Job4Many schools provide alumni associations not only as an incentive for attending the school, but to add value to a persons time at the university and the work they put into obtaining their degree. Some of the great programs and resources offered by alumni associations are listed belowHow to use your alumni association to find a jobSchool WebsiteBefore you can move further into your alumni association, you need to get the scoop. Check out the schools website and search for the alumni section. Most schools have an entire area of the site dedicated to alumni and the resources offered. Look for departments or sections like Alumni Career Services, Alumni Services, or Alumni Affairs.Make ContactIn addition to checking out the online alumni facts, information, and resources, dont be afraid to ring up the dedicated career advisors and counselors they have available. Sometimes you can meet in perso n, but, for the most part, a telephone-based meeting is enough. A career counselor or advisor can help connect you with others in the school or the alumni association, as well as keep you up to date on recent events. And dont forget that they are a great resource to get tips and advice for taking your career to the next level.Online CommunitiesWith most schools operating some form of a virtual platform, most alumni associations offer an online social community similar to other social media sites. These online alumni communities are a great way to connect and network with other alumni members.Networking EventsSince networking is one of the best ways to find a job, attending networking events hosted by your alumni association can connect you with fellow alumnus. While the online community is also a great tool, attending networking events and connecting face-to-face can add value to the experience.Career PortalsAnother great feature of alumni associations is that they often operate onl ine career portals as well. Just as they partner with employers and companies for networking events, many do the same with their career portals. Not only do you have the ability to browse open jobs, many of the partnering companies will use the career portal to source ideal candidates. This is one of the easiest ways to use your alumni association to find a job.Career WebinarsCareer webinars are becoming a great way for people to connect and learn about different topics. Schools that want to connect geographically separated alumnus often hold career webinars. These webinars titelseite a number of different topics, sometimes focusing on tips and advice or connecting job seekers with partnering employers.Career FairsEven with all of these other resources available to alumni, many school host career fairs to help graduating students and prior attendees with their job search and career progression. Partnering employers and companies often use these events to source new and top talent fo r advertised, and sometimes unadvertised, jobs.Readers, do you use your alumni association to find a job? What is the most useful resource you used? Share your experience with us below in the comment section

Six things that can kill employee morale in the workplace

Six things that can kill employee morale in the workplaceSix things that can kill employee morale in the workplaceWhat makes you happy at work? Maybe you have a great babo who gives you the freedom to be creative, rewards you for going the extra mile, and helps you to reach your career goals.Maybe you have none of the above and are updating your rsum as we speak.Its pretty incredible how often you hear managers complaining about their best employees leaving, and they really do have something to complain about- few things are as costly and disruptive as good people walking out the door.But managers tend to blame their turnover problems on everything under the sun while ignoring the crux of the matter people dont leave jobs they leave managers.Bad management does not discriminate based on salary or job title. A Fortune 500 executive team can experience mora dissatisfaction and turnover than the baristas at a local coffee shop. The more demanding your job is and the less control you hav e over what you do, the more likely you are to suffer. A study by the American Psychological Association found that people whose work meets both unterstellung criteria are more likely to experience exhaustion, poor sleep, anxiety, and depression.The sad thing is that this suffering can easily be avoided. All thats required is a new perspective and some extra effort on the managers part to give employees autonomy and make their work feel less demanding. To get there, managers must understand what theyre doing to kill morale. The following practices are the worst offenders, and they must be abolished if youre going to hang on to good employees.1 Overworking peopleNothing burns good employees out quite like overworking them. Its so tempting to work the best people hard that managers frequently fall into this trap. Overworking good employees is perplexing for them as it makes them feel as if theyre being punished for their great performance. Overworking employees is also counterproducti ve. New research from Stanford showed that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and productivity drops off so much after 55 hours that you dont get anything out of working more. Talented employees will take on a bigger workload, but they wont stay if their job suffocates them in the process. Raises, promotions, and title-changes are all acceptable ways to increase workload. If managers simply increase workload because people are talented, without changing a thing, these employees will seek another job that gives them what they deserve.2 Holding people backAs an employee, you want to bring value to your job, and you do so with a unique set of skills and experience. So how is it that you can do your job so well that you become irreplaceable? This happens when managers sacrifice your upward mobility for their best interests. If youre looking for your next career opportunity, and your boss is unwilling to let you move up the ladder, your enthusiasm is bound to wane. Taking away opportunities for advancement is a serious morale killer.Management may have a beginning, but it certainly has no end. When blessed with a talented employee, its the managers job to keep finding areas in which they can improve to expand their skill set and further their career. The most talented employees want feedback- more so than the less talented ones- and its a managers job to keep it coming. Otherwise, people grow bored and complacent.3 Playing the blame gameA boss who is too proud to admit a mistake or who singles out individuals in front of the group creates a culture that is riddled with fear and anxiety. Its impossible to bring your best to your work when youre walking on eggshells. Instead of pointing fingers when something goes wrong, good managers work collaboratively with their team and focus on solutions. They pull people aside to discuss slip-ups instead of publicly shaming them, and theyre willing to accept responsibility for mistakes m ade under their leadership.4 Frequent threats of firingSome managers use threats of termination to keep you in line and to scare you into performing better. This is a lazy and shortsighted way of motivating people. People who feel disposable are quick to find another job where theyll be valued and will receive the respect that they deserve.5 Not letting people pursue their passionsTalented employees are passionate. Providing opportunities for them to pursue their passions improves their productivity and job satisfaction, but many managers want people to work within a little box. These managers fear that productivity will decline if they let people expand their focus and pursue their passions. This fear is unfounded. Studies have shown that people who are able to pursue their passions at work experience flow, a euphoric state of mind that is five times more productive than the norm.6 Withholding praiseIts easy to underestimate the power of a pat on the back, especially with top perfo rmers who are intrinsically motivated. Everyone likes kudos, none more so than those who work hard and give their all. Managers need to communicate with their people to find out what makes them feel good (for some, its a raise for others, its public recognition) and then to reward them for a job well done. With top performers, this will happen often if youre doing it right. This doesnt mean that managers need to praise people for showing up on time or working an eight-hour day- these things are the price of entry- but a boss who does not give praise to dedicated employees erodes their commitment to the job.Bringing it all togetherIf managers want their best people to stay, they need to think carefully about how they treat them. While good employees are as tough as nails, their talent gives them an abundance of options. Managers need to make people want to work for them.This article first appeared on LinkedIn.

Best Funny Videos to Watch on a Bad Day at Work - The Muse

Best Funny Videos to Watch on a Bad Day at Work - The Muse Best Funny Videos to Watch on a Bad Day at Work If you’re having a horrible week, if you’ve had a stressful couple hours, if today is dragging by, if you’re waiting to hear back about a job you really, really want, we’re here for you. And because at The Muse nothing cheers us up more than silly videos, we’ve compiled our favorites to brighten up your day (even if it’s just for a little bit). Seriously, try getting through just five of these without your mood doing a full 180- we dare you. 1. This Polar Bear Petting a Dog 2. This Better Version of a Taylor Swift Song 3. This Duck and Dog Playing Tag 4. This Really Excited Emu With Arms 5. This Dog Hiding Under Another Dog 6. This Guy Dancing 7. This Zebra Dancing 8. This Mom Dancing 9. This Very in Sync Cat 10. This Baby Elephant’s First Time on a Beach 11. These Puppies Experiencing Things for the First Time 12. This Teddy Bear Slash Puppy 13. This Cat Freaking Out Over a Hula Hoop 14. This Really Happy Duck 15. This Dog Who Loves Ball Pits What videos make everything better when things aren’t going great for you? Tell me on Twitter! Photo of people laughing courtesy of Westend61/Getty Images.

When Hiring for Real World Experience is a Better Value

When Hiring for Real World Experience is a Better Value When Hiring for Real World Experience is a Better Value If you’ve spent time recently perusing the available job market, you’ve probably seen a new theme among entry-level positions.  It seems that nearly every position, from cashier to computer technician, asks for or prefers a college degree. While it’s a given that specialized careers such as lawyers or doctors would need some kind of advanced certification, for many other positions the connection between additional schooling and performing the essential job functions may not be as dependent. If you’re a hiring professional, perhaps you’re thinking it only makes sense to ask for a college degree for your open positions.  After all, attending higher education would appear to correlate to a higher level of intelligence and, therefore, a more successful candidate on the job.  But before you go reaching for that submit button on your latest job listing, consider the benefits of candidates with alternative qualifications. Ready to learn more?  Let’s take a look at a few scenarios when hiring for real-world experience is a better value than shopping for candidates with college or advanced degrees. Entry Level Positions First thing first, it’s time we address the elephant in the interview room.  We’re talking entry level jobs and the various requirements that employers seem to place on these low-responsibility positions in a knee jerk fashion.  While the term entry level can vary in meaning from employer to employer or industry to industry, the commonality is that candidates need little to no actual experience in the given field in order to get up and running.  Typical entry-level jobs include food service, clerical, data entry, stock room, delivery, and other positions where the essential functions are easily taught and understood without needing any specific background. During the employment downturn following the housing and stock market crashes in the late 2000s, many employers found themselves with a wealth of newly minted college graduates ready, willing, and able to take any available job.  While the willingness of college grads to accept lower pay and responsibility positions dried up as the jobs market improved, employers have been slower to the punch when it comes to altering their hiring mindset. The result is that hiring managers often include the requirement of a college degree for any and all jobs as a matter of course, limiting the available talent pool to only those who have spent 2-4 years in higher academia.   The end result of this mismatched, overqualified approach to hiring is often shorter term employees and a higher level of job dissatisfaction.  When polled, countless employers site employee turnover as one of their highest areas of overhead and largest disrupters to business continuity.  The truth is that young would-be job seekers who have attended college typically do so with a specific career, or at least career aspirations, in mind.  While they may have that graduate degree in their pocket to get them in the door as a warehouse staffer, rest assured that the majority of college graduates will consider your entry-level, part-time, or labor based job as a temporary stop-gap measure until they can find a position in their chosen career path. Identify Essential Job Functions With the above facts in mind, it’s in every hiring manager’s best interest to keep their options open as they start out their search for the perfect candidate for their open job listing.  Instead of listing out a set of minimum or preferred qualifications based on some level of education try approaching your opening in a more holistic manner. Start out by polling your various managers and staffers in the same or complementary positions as the job for which you’re hiring.  Identify the essential job functions, responsibilities, and minimum requirements needed to perform and excel. If you already have a person in a similar position, consider what characteristics or prior experience they had prior to joining as well.  Using this information, craft your job listing in a way that focuses on the individual strengths and qualities of an individual candidate, rather than an arbitrary degree. The Bottom Line on Hiring Based on Practical Skills Just as items labeled one-size-fits-all inevitably end up fitting no one well, no one set of requirements or qualifications are right for every position within your company.  While higher education can often teach valuable skills such as logic, reasoning, math, and communication, these qualities can also be gained from the real world either in a similar job or via life experience.  By limiting your position to candidates with advanced educations, you cut out a significant demographic from the job pool that may possess the traits you desire and are committed to remaining in your position and growing with the company.   In short, hiring managers should look at each listing on a case by case basis and take the time to invite and evaluate a diverse range of candidates.  The end result will be a better fit for both your business and your new employee.

Use SWOT Analysis to Build Your Media Company

Use SWOT Analysis to Build Your Media Company Use SWOT Analysis to Build Your Media Company SWOT analysis sounds like some academic theory from a college business class textbook, but its a vital way to assess your media company versus your competition. Using SWOT analysis gives you a report card to use to identify ways to improve your media product, branding, and marketing. What Is SWOT Analysis? The SWOT in SWOT analysis stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You should list aspects of your business under each of these categories to see places that youre vulnerable to your competition and where you have chances for growth. It is not an exercise for your entire staff to undertake. Get a few key people in a room and conduct a thorough, honest examination of how your media company compares to the competition. Simply saying, Were the best, and no one can beat us wont provide you with the insight you need to adapt to a changing marketplace. You should physically list aspects of your company under the four SWOT analysis categories. Some items can be put under more than one title. For instance, if your audience has been loyal for 40 years, thats a strength. But it can also be a weakness because these people will eventually die off, and your competition may be attracting younger demographics that will put them in a position of dominance in the years to come. Examples From Media When it comes to network television news, each of the big three broadcasting networks has various strengths and weaknesses. Heres one example of how that would play out in a SWOT analysis. NBC Nightly News  has been number one in the Nielsen ratings. However, when news anchor  Brian Williams was suspended from the broadcast, NBC had to decide if he was a strength, a weakness, or both. Eventually, the network moved him to its cable channel MSNBC, possibly using SWOT analysis to determine that he was a strength for the network but a liability for its flagship newscast. Rival CBS also addressed an issue with its broadcasts. Its news magazine 60 Minutes is one of the most-watched programs in the country, yet the CBS Evening News remains in third place in the ratings. CBS may have conducted a SWOT analysis before putting  60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley in the anchor chair because he was familiar to the 60 Minutes audience. Using Your Findings A SWOT analysis provides an action plan if you take the time to use it. Thats why the opportunities and threats categories are so important. Your competition is likely doing something better than you or at least has the chance. Those threats need to be swatted down. If you work in radio and a rival station puts on a huge Christmas parade that helps it build its brand, you could counter that with a holiday canned food drive that lasts throughout December and is remembered long after the one-day parade. A local TV station that is faced with having the most popular news anchor in town at a competing station might decide to hire him, or at least get him a job in a larger DMA to get him out of the city. Make a SWOT analysis a regular part of your long-range planning sessions, and refer to these reports in the coming years to track your progress. Chances are, your competitors are already using this tool to position themselves against you.

How to Present a Professional Image

How to Present a Professional Image How to Present a Professional Image How to Present a Professional Image A key aspect to consider during a job search, in regards to your personal branding, is how you dress for both job interviews and once you begin working a position. Research has proven that people instinctively form conclusions and opinions of others, based on their visual appearance and nonverbal cues alone. In an interview or professional setting this is something to be mindful of to optimize your personal success. courtesy of S.Webb unsplash.com While workplace dress codes certainly differ by industry, position, culture and geographic location, the impact bears equal influence in almost any given work environment. Creating a presentable and professional image is a likable interpersonal trait, not to mention a boost of self-confidence. Understanding the prospective company culture is a must, eventually this comes naturally after adapting to the environment. Office cultures and dress codes can span all ends of the spectrum, which leads to confusion as an interviewee. Prior to that offer letter or receiving a formal employee handbook deciding what to wear can feel like a minefield. Easy ways to gain dress code insights prior to your interview: Make observations of what others are wearing while dropping off a resume or visiting for an office tour. Look at the social accounts for the company. Here you will see a glimpse of the company culture and the day to day outfits worn. Webpages often have headshots of current employees and are not an accurate representations of the office dress code. Visit the office building and watch people pass through the lobby or parking lot. Ask a friend of a friend who may be employed and have insights to share. Today, there is much uncertainty in what constitutes an appropriate outfit from the next. In generations past, there was a uniformed view of professional attire, more formal and conservative in style. With the rise in creative, digital/technology, non-profit and startup work cultures we continue to see a shift towards a business casual dress code. Many companies still value a traditional or corporate dress code to maintain their professional image. In a workforce that is as diverse as ever, each interview setting is unique. There is no definitive business protocol while preparing to fit an office dress code. While researching the company background and preparing for your interview, remember to consider your wardrobe. An individual who looks the part often creates an even greater opportunity to prove themselves as a competent candidate. The Five Common Office Dress Codes (seen in job overviews): Business Formal Business Professional Business Casual Small Business Casual Creative Interpreting a company’s dress code can be confusing. Remember, self-confidence is the best accessory you can carry into an interview, this will come with mindful preparation. When in doubt, the best advice is to dress ever so slightly more professional than you think you should. Dress your best at an interview, It’s easier to tone down your style/image after you land the position. London-based tailor, T.M.Lewin has been dressing the world’s workforces for well over a century. T.M.Lewin has crafted this handy guide below outlining style tips and advice to help us worry less and dress to impress. Whether the position you hope for defines itself as business formal, casual or nothing at all, the style tips in this guide will have you dressing confidently for success. T.M.Lewin is a historic, English retailer, most commonly known for the invention of the button-down or button-front shirt originally coined a “coat shirt”. Although we see less suits and ties in business today, the dress-shirt crosses cultures and industries as a professional wardrobe staple. If you find yourself in need of a smarter look for your upcoming interview, check out the popular selection of men’s shirts and women’s blouses at T.M.Lewin.

The Debate about Blocking Social Media in the Workplace

The Debate about Blocking Social Media in the Workplace The Debate about Blocking Social Media in the Workplace The Debate about Blocking Social Media in the Workplace Holtz Recent trends show that more than half of US employers are blocking social media access at the workplace. A variety of fears have led to the restriction, led by certainty that time spent on Facebook or Twitter is productivity the company can never get back. By implementing a complete block of social media, leaders and managers are able to rest easy, secure in the knowledge that their employees are spending their time doing the work for which theyre being paid. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The truth is Blocking social media access is a costly exercise that simply doesnt work. Employee use of social mediain the workplacedoesnt necessarily adversely affect productivity. There are distinct advantages to allowing and even encouraging employees to use social media sites while at work. The future of business is a networked future. Employers who figure out the right balance will be more competitive. Those that dont will be left behind. The Futility of Blocking Do you have a smart phone? An iPhone, a BlackBerry, a Droid, a Palm Pre or any of the dozens of other models available? You can surf the Web, access social networks, send and receive messages on Twitter and engage in all kinds of other online activities. So can your employees. Blocking access to social sites via your company networks wont stop most employees from engaging in the same behavior the blocks were designed to prevent. Ann Cavoukian, privacy commissioner for the Canadian province of Ontario, has called blocking a mistake. Its like waving the proverbial red flag in front of your staff its almost a challenge to them to find a way around it, she is quoted. She adds that blocking social media access is counterproductive, with the time employees spend finding a way to the sites they want to visit being more time-consuming than actually visiting the sites. Productivity Trends Tell the Story If worker productivity is at an all-time low, why do US Department of Labor statistics paint a different picture in which productivity continues to rise? The answer is simple. Productivity is not a measure of the time employees spend at work engaged in non-work activities. Its a measure of output. And the use of social media can actually help increase employee output. The question isnt whether someone is spending time watching YouTube videos at work. The question is whether theyre work is getting done, on time and to the quality standards expected of them. A study conducted at the University of Melbourne found that employees with access to social networks were actually more productive than employees in companies that block access. According to Dr. Brent Coker, employees who can reward themselves between the completion of one task and the start of another with a visit to their Facebook or MySpace page are more invigorated and get more done. According to the study, they get 9 percent more accomplished than their blocked counterparts. Getting to the Crux of the Matter There will always be employees who waste time. There always have been, long before computers were introduced to the workplace. Addressing this problem is a management issue, not a technological one. (Does anyone really think that somebody genuinely wasting time on MySpace is suddenly going to become a shining example of productivity because IT blocked access?) Supervisors need to manage by exception those employees whose use of social networks genuinely is affecting their productivity. Theres more to the productivity issue, though. Among knowledge workers, the fact that they are networked means they can work anywhere. Think about it. Do you check your email on your mobile phone as soon as you get up? Thats a work-related activity at home. Employees review reports while at their kids soccer games. They take overseas calls after dinner. They draft reports before bed. Thus it seems disingenuous to not include the time employees spend doing work when theyre not at the office in your calculations. How many of your knowledge workers arrive at 9 and leave at 5? An employee who arrives at 7:30 a.m. and leaves at 6:30 p.m. can spend two hours on Facebook and still put in a solid eight hours of work plus the time they spend working when theyre away from the office. Its also worth remembering that the same productivity paranoia was raised over the telephone and email. Author Bio Shel Holtz is principal of Holtz Communication + Technology,consulting with organizations on the effective use of online platforms for communication. He has written or co-written six books, most recently co-authoring Tactical Transparency with John C. Havens. He is a long-time blogger and podcaster and he speaks to audiences around the world on social media and communications. To promote the benefits of open access, he launched the website StopBlocking.org. You can find Shel online at www.holtz.com. Change is here to stay Theres no arguing that technology has helped improve workplacesfrom productivity to research to simple record keepingbut its not been without its complications. You need to find a way to strike a healthy balance in order to give your workers the tools they need to do their jobs without posing as too much of a potential distraction. Could you use some help with that?Sign up for exclusive https://www.youtube.com/ adviceand well send you the latest management strategies,recruiting tips, hiring trends, and even some awesome deals. The experts from can teach you ways to make the most of workplace technology trends, which will no doubt continue to unfold.

How to Use Udemy to Jump-Start Your Career

How to Use Udemy to Jump-Start Your Career How to Use Udemy to Jump-Start Your Career Udemy is an eLearning platform that offers video-based courses on a variety of topics. According to the website, the company has a  library of over 65,000 courses taught by expert instructors (Udemy.com). Many of these courses can help  jump-start your career. How Udemy Can Help You Skills are your most valuable asset. They can help you qualify for jobs you want and get promoted to more advanced positions within your organization. For many people, it is difficult- if not impossible- to balance taking courses with work and family obligations. Others cant afford to pay for the courses that will help them advance in their careers, especially after laying out a lot of money to earn a college degree. Udemy provides an alternative to people who dont have the time or money to pursue additional training and education. You can learn when it is most convenient to you, not when a college decides to schedule courses. Udemy offers classes on many career-oriented topics including coding, cybersecurity, IT certifications, business, office productivity software, and even foreign languages. How It Works Search through Udemys library to see on what topics they offer classes. Multiple courses are available for many of them.  They include  lectures in the form of videos, text, and slides. Some also provide practice tests and quizzes, exercises, and assignments. After signing up for an account, purchase the course you want. Like many eLearning platforms, Udemy is self-paced. Once you pay for access to a course, use it at any time  by signing into your account. When you buy a course you have lifetime access to it, but there are exceptions. The company says that courses are occasionally withdrawn from the site either by the instructor or Udemy. While the company doesn’t state you can get a refund when this occurs, it reassuringly instructs affected customers to please contact us and well be ready to help (Udemy.com) There are several ways to access your course, which means you can learn when you are at home, on a break from work, or while traveling. Sign in through your laptop or desktop, your Android or IOS phone or tablet, and even your Apple TV. Will your boss or prospective employer want proof you have training in a particular area? While Udemy courses arent accredited, you can download and print out certificates of completion. Some instructors also offer their own certificates. Be a Smart Consumer Udemy must approve all classes before they are available to users. They hold their instructors to high standards, for example, they are forbidden from marketing any products to students and may not include any irrelevant content in a course. That doesnt, however, mean every class will meet your standards. Here are some things to do before you purchase a course: Look at the course details: If you click on the course title you will be brought to the class landing page where you can see details about the curriculum and instructor.Watch a preview: Every class has a free preview available that you can access from the landing page. Watch it to determine if the material and instructors teaching style are right for you.Read student reviews: See what other students thought of classes they completed. Reviews are also on the landing page.Dont purchase a class until you are ready to begin: You may ask for a refund within 30 days of purchase if you decide a course isnt right for you. The clock starts ticking the moment you pay. Dont download the entire course at once: Udemy states on its website that it may reject refund requests if a student has downloaded the entire course.Purchase directly from Udemy or the android app: Udemy will not issue a refund for courses that have been purchased from third-party sites or through the IOS app. Check with the third-party site about returns of products you purchase through them and with Apple about IOS in-app purchases.Avoid repeated returns: Udemy may suspend your account if you repeatedly purchase and then return items. Wait  for sales:  Many courses cost close to $200. That price may be much more than you are willing or able to spend. Udemy holds sales that could bring the price down significantly. At the time this article was written, many courses with original prices ranging from $149 to $199 were on sale for $10.99.Search for free courses: To view free courses, go to the category in which you are interested, click on all courses and then price. Select free. Other eLearning Platforms Udemy isnt the only player in the eLearning game. Other platforms include Lynda.com from LinkedIn, Coursera, and Pluralsight. Lynda.com and Pluralsight are both  available by subscription only. Coursera offers a few options: you can buy a single course, a series of courses on one topic, or even earn a masters degree.   What sets Coursera apart is that all the instructors are university faculty. Pluralsight offerings are  limited to software development, IT, programming, and cybersecurity. Another option is LearningExpress Library, a database of courses available in many public libraries. This service only offers training in  basic computer skills or popular software programs such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator. Your library may provide free access.

Equestrian clothing brand Free x Rein may replace athleisure as work fashion

Equestrian clothing brand Free x Rein may replace athleisure as work fashion Equestrian clothing brand Free x Rein may replace athleisure as work fashion Except for finance and law and a handful of other industries, overall professional attire has become quite casual in the last five years and heck, let’s just say it, sloppy. Thanks to the invention of athleisure wearing clothing you would wear both during and after a yoga class has become the norm attire in many a startup. To be comfortable is a great thing and can help you be more productive, but there is something to be said for looking sharp even if it means your outfit is a bit less flowy. After all  the wrong clothing choices  can still negatively impact an employee’s career, according to a new OfficeTeam survey. Out of those surveyed, 86% of professionals and 80% of managers said clothing choices can keep people from advancing on the job.However, when it comes to dressing sporty, there is no other group of athletes that looks more sharp and ready to focus than equestrians (well maybe fencers, but the face mask would be awkward in an office setting.) Those stirrup pants and blouses, the dapper jackets and, of course, the riding boots. Even though people hoist themselves upon large animals and run and jump around, they still look more dressed up than many of the people you probably saw going to work today.That is why the new brand Free x Rein may replace athleisure as your new office wardrobe go-to. Accomplished riders Andrea Hippeau Vogel and Dana Schwartz, who worked in film and venture capitalism, found themselves frustrated by having to change when they went straight from the office to the barn. They conceptualized  Free  x  Rein  to solve their own problem as well as the problem of so many other busy women who also ride. Combining the best in high-tech and sustainable fabrics with classic equestrian silhouettes and design, they sought to create a line of clothes that is as wearable as it is stylish for all aspects of the day.The line currently carries bodysuits and pants and will launch two new styles of bodysuits including a short sleeved one next month. They will also offer their first non-bodysuit option in June as well as their first leather accessory which is an equestrian inspired hip bag.   These clothes are certainly a refreshing change to yet another pair of leggings and zip up hoodie. Kelsey Mulvey of NY Mag’s The Strategist wrote of the line’s  Signature Ponte Riding Pants  , “Over the last few months, they’ve become my go-to pair for just about everything. The versatile silhouette looks great with  blouses, sweaters, and dressier shirts, while the cropped ankle pairs well with heels, sandals, boots, and  flats. They also happen to be incredibly  flattering. Whenever I pull these pants on, my legs magically look more sculpted. And the suede patches along the inner thighs and two exterior zippers offer a fashion-forward flair, making me feel like a slightly cooler, more 2018-era Tess McGill.”Plus people will automatically think you ride horses and be impressed. Ladders spoke with Vogel and Schwartz about w hy Free x Rein could end your office dressing dilemmas.On choosing to make equestrian-style clothingFree x Rein was born out of years of frustrations with our equestrian clothing specifically that it was not transitional to the rest of our lives.   We met riding and spent many hours commuting back and forth from the barn to the city [for work] and always felt like we had to change even though equestrian style is so iconic and has inspired so many fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Hermes.   Everyone loves the polished equestrian look but in reality, the clothes you actually wear to ride are made out of thin synthetic materials with unflattering silhouettes. We never thought we could actually do anything about it since neither of us have a fashion background (Dana was a film producer and Andrea worked in venture capital) but the final straw was when we heard a woman say that she was wearing spanx under her riding pants because she was so embarrassed about how she looked.   We knew we had to at least try to make a better option!On why this is a step up from athleisureAthleisure has clearly become a staple of the casual office uniform but this is actually a dressier step up from essentially what you could wear to a yoga class. While yoga pants have become a staple for brunch, they are still not professional enough for most work environments.   With our Signature Ponte pant, you get the same comfort and wearability as yoga pants with a much more polished look. They are perfect for any professional woman since you can dress them up and down really easily.On styling the pieces for the officeFor a more professional look, you can pair The Signature Ponte pants with a blouse, blazer and heels.   For the office, you can also pair The Elite Bodysuit, which is an elegant blouse that will never come untucked, with trousers or a skirt for an outfit that will stay polished all day.   For a weekend outfit, The Moto Bodysuit pairs perfectly with high waisted jeans and your favorite flats.On working togetherWe have pretty opposite work styles that complement each other perfectly.    Dana is very creative and Andrea is very organized. Where one of our skill sets drop off, the other’s picks up!

Ten Steps to a Federal Job for Vet Students

Ten Steps to a Federal Job for Vet Students Ten Steps to a Federal Job for Vet Students Ten Steps to a Federal Job for Vet Students Students Federal Career Guide, 2nd Ed. The 2nd Edition of the Students Federal Career Guide includes special insight and education for veterans who are returning to college with the Montgomery GI Bill. There are 3 samples of veterans who are returning to college to enhance their careers after college. The Ten Steps are a highly successful strategy for federal job and internship search. Step 1. Networking The Veterans Recruitment Act (VRA) offers special hiring programs for retiring and separating military (disabled or non-disabled). The best opportunity for a direct hire is a military job fair. You must be well-prepared with an internship or USAJOBS resume, like the samples in this book. Step 2. Find Your Agency and Job Title When choosing your agency and job title, veterans can use the various military skills translators to determine how you can translate your military positions and experience into job title for government or private industry. You will need to blend the titles of your matching positions from your recent military career, plus your college major and determine what federal job titles will be right for you. Step 3. Programs for Students PATHWAYS NEW and investigate various opportunities and programs for veterans students to obtain internships or apprenticeships, such as the Wounded Warrior Programs and Internships and Apprenticeships. Step 4. Finding The Right Positions For You Many student veterans apply for internships or positions with military services as a civilian or with Department of Defense agencies in order to continue a military- or defense-focused career path. Alternatively, if you are seeking a position outside of DOD or the military, then you will look at other agencies where you can use your skills and college education. Step 5. Analyzing Federal Jobs For You As a veteran applying for a federal job, you are eligible to receive 5 points for your military service or 10 points if you are a disabled veteran with 10% disability or more. However, in order to receive the extra points on your application, you MUST show that you are Minimally Qualified for that position. Read the vacancy announcements carefully to make sure that you have the education, qualifications, and specialized experience for the position. Step 6. Federal Resume Writing See the resume sample for Jeremy Denton, a USMC E-5 Helicopter Crew Chief. He will apply for a management Analyst, GS-7 position with a new BS degree in Public Policy. The work experience focuses on transferable skills and the degree emphasizes knowledge of policy and government. Step 7. KSAs, Questionnaires and Cover Letters Check out the resume sample for Brandon Billings which demonstrates KSAs in the Work Experience section of the resume with keywords and description from a career as E-5, USCG in Maritime Security, Law Enforcement, Investigation and Communication. Step 8. Apply for Federal Jobs Make sure you know what documentation you need to submit to document your military career. Submit these documents into USAJOBS as early in the application process as you can. All veterans are required to submit a DD Form 214, Military Discharge (Member Copy 4). Veterans claiming 10 Point Preference are also required to submit a completed SF-15 and, supporting documents outlined on the SF-15. Step 9. Track and Follow-up If you write to a human resources specialist by email, be sure to add to the subject line that you are a veteran (5- or 10-point veteran), along with your name. It could help with responses to your email and the understanding of your hiring programs. Step 10. Interview for a Federal Job In order to prepare for a behavior-based interview, write about your military leadership, teamwork, training, critical thinking, and your accomplishments ahead of time. Make sure they are relevant for the agencys mission, the position knowledge, skills and abilities, and that demonstrate your dedication to achieving your past and future objectives. Another great resource for Veteran Federal Resumes: Military to Federal Career Guide, 2nd Ed., and Cd-ROM. Also available as an eBook. Order and receive copies of your sample veteran resumes right away.

Meet Purl ... Pixars new workplace hero who battles toxic office culture

Meet 'Purl' ... Pixar's new workplace hero who battles toxic office culture Meet 'Purl' ... Pixar's new workplace hero who battles toxic office culture “Purl,” a new short film from Pixar’s SparkShorts program, is a bittersweet eight minutes about anyone who has ever felt different at work.Upon introduction in the company elevator, Purl looks just like any other talking pink ball of yarn, chattering away to the tall man in a suit standing next to her. She’s a woman, probably, but she could also be queer, trans, a different race, or an older worker. She’s earnest, she’s eager to a fault, and she’s different. The viewer watches with dread as she walks into an all-male office â€" called B.R.O. Capital â€" swarming with guys in suits, making dirty jokes, talking about things she can’t relate to, making fun of her.The plot develops as it has for so many others who aren’t a natural fit in the office: first Purl tries to joke around with the guys at B.R.O., but fails. Then, at the staff meeting, she literally can’t get a seat at the table, so she tries even harder. Masquerading as an aggro-bro brings her quick success, but goes against her sweet and goofy nature and eventually leaves her feeling empty. Purl’s trajectory of abandoning and taking on identities in order to be successful can be read as a history of anyone who is “other” navigating their way through the workplace.Eventually, we see another new hire arrive: another ball of yarn. Now there are two of them. Over time, they pave the way for more fuzzy, misshapen balls of yarn out there, until the office is bouncing with as many colorful yarn-balls as it is men in suits. And no one thinks anything odd of it at all.“[Purl  is] based on my experience being in animation,” said writer and director Kristen Lester in a  behind-the-scenes video clip. “My first job, I was, like, the only woman in the room. And so in order to do the thing that I loved, I sort of became one of the guys. And then I came to Pixar and I started to work on teams with women for the first time. And that actually made me realize how much of the female aspect of myself I had sort of buried and left behind.”Watch the entire Purl short here.

What Everybody Is Saying About Make Resume Online and What You Need to Do

What Everybody Is Saying About Make Resume Online and What You Need to Do The Characteristics of Make Resume Online Every second resume our customers send bring optimistic results within no more than one week. Many employers cross-reference your resume to your on-line presence. A lot of businesses are placing more importance in building a terrific company culture. Naturally, you might not land a new job using our service, but we'll offer you the very best chance possible to track down that employer that's searching for someone the same as you. Resume can be rather easy to make. If you don't paste your resume, you might have to upload it. As much as possible, you ought to make a resume that's properly structured. Then, you're expected to prepare new resume once more. Choosing Good Make Resume Online Show employers that you're updated and create a fantastic first impression by selecting the correct template. Employers may also search for you on other social networking too ls, like Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Because so much of the work search procedure is online, you want to be ready to design a resume which works for the internet, how to send resumes as emails and email attachments, and the way to upload your resume to different job search websites and company websites. If that's the case, don't be concerned about what it appears like, because it'll be consistent with the other resumes in the database. Also, without a message connected to the email, the employer is not going to know why you're sending the resume to them. Your employer would typically ask you for a duplicate of the license when you get an offer there isn't any need to give the license number within the resume. When you have prepared and submitted your resume to an employer the hope is you will be requested to attend work interview to go over further whether you're going to be suitable. The target of your resume is to secure you the interview. Then select the form of resume that's correct for you or which is the ve ry best for the task concerned. Reviewing your resume can enable you to have the ability to fix and correct any mistakes so you have simply the best chances of landing a job for yourself. Unless you've been in the work field for 10-15 decades, most resumes want to be 1 page long and simple to read. For new graduates, it can be rough to come across work out there. Sifting through thousands of resumes for a few of the job vacancies is something not as simple as it appears. Infographic resumes supply you with the chance to creatively show off your finest assets. Here's What I Know About Make Resume Online There's a great deal of literature related to the way to draw up a resume. You can't concentrate on all assignments at the same time, but it is a whole lot simpler and faster to compose an essay when you experience an illustration of the way that it ought to be carried out. Though some resume writers are generalists and work with anyone, it is much simpler and more lucrative to select a particular niche. There are two or three routes you may take with resume writing. Don't be afraid to sell yourself A resume's key aim is to help you advertise to employers out there what you could do. A resume is extremely important that it's going to usually be an essential requirement for you to be even interviewed. Name Never neglect to incorporate the most introductory portion of the resume. It is possible to actually locate lots of less expensive, and even free, word processing programs which will help you to make a resume that's equally as attractive. Based on your industry and the kind of job you're interested, an online resume can be an excellent way to highlight your abilities and experience in a fashion that is more visually appealing and engaging than a traditional resume. You have to do your research that the market does ultimately want what you're going to be offering, whatever products or services that you will be selling. While Canadian resumes are available in many unique formats, they share some standards that you ought to know about.

The Mystery of Resume Icon Nobody Is Talking About

The Mystery of Resume Icon Nobody Is Talking About The Good, the Bad and Resume Icon All you need to do is make certain the certification program is not just a class and that it's coming from the appropriate authority. For instance, if you have CPR certification and you're asking for an accounting position it isn't relevant and would most likely be better left off your resume. Let's say that your latest certification isn't impressive. An expert certification is proof that you've got the wisdom and skills to do something. Your resume needs to fix an issue for employers (which is the reason why they're hiring). Employing a short, direct, concise, yet intriguing e-mail will enable the hiring manager to rapidly see that you might be the proper candidate the business is seeking. One of the principal things they'll be searching for is required certifications. A lot of people don't like their existing job or career. Yes, the business is interviewing you, but in addition, you are interviewing them. You should also think of the position, company and industry that you're pursuing. Sprinkle the correct buzzwords into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you're a component of the business. Each industry has certain key terms which are important. What's Really Happening with Resume Icon You ought to keep a clean document with just relevant details. You're able to change their names and they're sorted by use. You can choose the template which is suitable for your preference together with requirements. An attribute is utilized to define the qualities of an HTML element and is put within the element's opening tag. Get in touch with us today to acquire startedspaces are limited! Tailor Your Resume Avoid submitting the exact same exact resume to each job that you apply for. Click the Create Contact Request'' button to make the contact request you prefer to send to the candidates. Res umes are tricky it's sometimes hard to know exactly what things to include. Resume Icon - the Conspiracy Your resume summary is among the main components of your resume. A duplicate of your resume will appear on top of the resume listings, prepared to customize specifically for the job that you're applying for. After their resume writing strategy will allow you to land more auditions. Deciding on the right resume template can be hard. You ought to place the expected date of completion. In the USA a resume and a CV are two individual varieties of documents. To begin with, you will want the proper template. Resume Icon Options You can pick from three distinct sorts of icons. It is possible to find here a huge choice of totally free vector icons for a resume. The To Be Expunged icon displays beneath the name of contacts who've been flagged to be expunged from the computer system. The social networking icon you selected replaces the preceding icon. 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All About Resume Icon Luckily, there are lots of methods you are able to make your resume stand out. There are likewise a lot of resume formats readily available online. Possessing the knowledge to compose a resume is among the most crucial career skills you might have in 2019. In various ways, your resume will be much more straightforward and easy to write. Material design system icons are easy, modern, friendly, and at times quirky. Additionally, the layout is extremely simple to follow, and of course fun. A very good modern resume template offers you a fast and effortless means to update your resume with clarity and fashion. There are in fact many different layout options which all comply with the exact same clean, easy-to-customize style. A huge mistake can use buzzwords rather than demonstrating what you've actually accomplished. When it has to do with organizing the information that you wish to share with a possible future employer, there are several methods to pick from, including a reverse-chronological resume, functional resume, or a mix of both. Looking at how others wrote their resumes can offer you some great ideas. While there's only so much you're able to do in order to fluff up your employment history and appear attractive to hiring managers, you've got 100 percent control over the truth of your resume.