Here are 25 questions you should ask your mentor

Here are 25 questions you should ask your beraterHere are 25 questions you should ask your mentorWhenever Im asked What are some of the best questions to ask a mentor? I like to share this simple model for making the most out of every mentoring conversation.To maximize the benefits of the relationship, come prepared to every conversation. Its a way to show appreciation for your mentor and their time and commitment to you. Ultimately, both of you should leave every conversation feeling like it was time well spent. All it takes is a few minutes of thoughtful preparation.Heres how it works Before every meeting with your mentor, prepare one question from each of these categories stories, situations, self-awareness, and skill building.In my workshops and group coaching programs, I like to share those categories, and then ask the participants to compile their own questions to ask a mentor. Here are some good ones theyve come up with recentlyStoriesAsk your mentor to tell a story from his o r her career. Some questions to consider1. How did you land your current role?2. Think back to five years ago. Did you envision this is where you would be?3. Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult boss? How did you handle it?4. How did you learn to embrace failure?5. Whats the most important leadership lesson youve learned and how is it valuable?6. Tell me about a recent setback and how you recovered?7. Was there ever a job position that you applied for and got, but you werent 100% qualified?8. How did you build the skill of alwaysspeaking so engagingly in front of others?SituationsIdentify a challenging situation and share it with the mentor. Ask your mentor to act as a sounding board. Some questions to consider9. Im considering a career transition. What do you see as the pros and cons?10. Who are the people I need to align with in this organization to achieve success?11. What advice can you offer on how to progress in my career12. How do you successfully stay connec ted to key influencers who do not work in same office or geographical area?13. When trying togain buy-into implement a new program, what tactics have worked for you?Self-awarenessAsk a question that invites your mentor to contribute to your self-awareness. Some questions to consider14. Where do you see my strengths and what should I focus on to improve?15. What do you see as some of my blind spots?16. How do you think others perceive me?17. How I am viewed by leadership?18. Do I come across as poised and calm?19. How am I viewed (i.e., whats mypersonal brand) in our organization?20. Did everyone understand what I presented at the last meeting?21. How could I have communicated my idea more clearly?Skill-buildingIdentify a skill you currently want to develop, and ask your mentor for advice or resources. Some questions to consider22. How do you approach risk-taking?23. What new skills do I need to move ahead?24. How can I become a more assertivenegotiator?25. How can I become better at managing people who do not report to me?Which of these questions could you ask your mentor? Do you have any to add to this list? (For additional examples, try thislist.)This article was originally published on Be Leaderly.

How to Lose a Job Offer in No Time

How to Lose a Job Offer in No TimeHow to Lose a Job Offer in No TimeYouve made it through the interview process and just received an offer. This is the moment you have been working towards through your entire job search. But, the offer may not be what you thought, or maybe you are having second thoughts. Even if you want to accept the offer, there are several ways you can lose a job offer quickly and without even thinking about it.Check out the following actions that will cost you the offer you just received. And if you are interested in keeping that job offer, we have six tips to help you avoid losing it.How to Lose a Job OfferYou lose your professionalism. During all communications with the employer, it is best to remain professional and consistent. If, however, you show the employer another personality once you get a job offer, you will quickly find yourself with the offer being retracted.You become demanding. If you have had a successful interview, salary and benefits were probab ly touched on during the process. Once you get the job offer and decide you want a higher salary and more benefits, employers will probably back away from negotiations.You are incommunicado. Nothing says I dont want a job more than not answering an employer when they are ready to extend an offer. If you truly dont want the job, then dont respond. But, remember that you could be burning important bridges.You go social. Whether you announce the job offer or bash the offer on social media, announcing it before you accept and the job becomes official may cause the employer to go looking for someone else.You mishandle your references. For the most part, references are checked during the interview process. However, some employers wait until after the interview, and even the job offer, to make contact. If you have provided them with badeanstalt information or a bad reference, your job offer will go bust.You dont follow through. Many job seekers make offers or promises during the interview process. This may be part of what is getting you the job offer. If you dont follow through on your end of the deal, the employer wont follow through on theirs.You offer to sabotage your old employer. No matter how horrible your last employer was, offering to sabotage them for your new employer is not the way to go. Not only will this action lose you the job offer, but most likely cost you others in the future.How to Avoid Losing a Job OfferMaintain professionalism. Just as you conducted yourself during the interview process, you should maintain the same level of professionalism. You were hired based on your qualifications AND conduct. While you may become more comfortable over time, which is fine, you dont want to turn into a completely different person.Dont change your requirements. Once you get the job offer, dont start demanding additional benefits or a higher salary range. Becoming demanding and changing the playing field isnt very becoming. However, this isnt to say you cant ne gotiate.Dont play hard to get. If you are getting an offer, the employer obviously wants you. Playing hard to get is not the way to keep them interested. If you are too hard to please, they may be willing to go elsewhere. Make koranvers to negotiate tactfully and be willing to compromise if the employer is also making a good effort.Dont lie. Any lie is going to land you in the hot seat. Whether it is with an incorrect background or bad references, the easiest way to lose a job offer is to lie. Keep all of your information accurate, and the employer wont have a reason to rescind the offer.Keep things under wraps until its official. Once you get a job offer, social media is NOT your friend. To keep the offer standing, maintain your professionalism on social media channels and dont announce the offer. Once everything becomes official, and you start the new job, then you can announce that you have a new job. BUT, keep the details private.Stay in touch. Avoiding contact is an easy way to disinterest an employer. Keep in touch with them. If you are scheduled to be out during a specific time frame, let them know. Of course, dont be overbearing and make contact several times a day or even daily.Job searching is hard work, and the ultimate goal is to get an offer and move into a career that youll be happy in. Despite all your hard work, a few mistakes can easily spell disaster for your future career plans. To avoid losing the offer, its best to conduct yourself just as you have up to this point.Readers, what tips do you have to make sure job seekers dont lose a job offer? Share your experiences and tips in the comment section below

Work Independently vs Being Part of a Team

Work Independently vs Being Part of a TeamWork Independently vs Being Part of a TeamWhen the interviewer asks, Do you prefer to work independently or on a kollektiv? during a job interview, he or she wants to know if you are a team player or whether you would rather work on your own. Some people do their best work as parte of a group, while others prefer working independently. A question like this aims to assess your personality and your preferred method of completing a task. Why Interviewers Want to Know Most interviewers or hiring managers, in a best-case scenario, want to hear that you are both comfortable working independently and yet are equally open to working and sharing responsibility with others. A person is likely to slightly prefer one over the other, but highlighting the benefits of both approaches will make you a more dynamic, complex applicant. Although there is no explicitly correct answer, different approaches may be more appropriate for different scenarios. Diffe rent situations in the workplace may require independence while others will need the efforts of an entire team. However, you should take caution in exaggerating your abilities to work independently or in a group, as this may backfire. Showing too much independence may concern employers about your ability to work well with others. Likewise, leaning too heavily toward working in a group may indicate too much reliance on others to provide you with direction and/or to carry the load. Examples of the Best Answers I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the LMN company, your mission statement, and the job description, I could see similarities to previous positions that I have held where some assignments required a great deal of independent work and research, while others were better completed as a group. I truly enjoy the variety of being able to work by myself on some projects and on a team at other times.I have experience with indepen dent and team-based work and I see the value in both approaches. In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as a team member while on my sororitys debate team and through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments. Working on a team energizes me in a positive way, although Im also confident in my ability to work alone when I need to.I am very comfortable working on a team, but I can also work independently, as well. I am comfortable working alone and in a group depending on the situation. If the task is easy enough to tackle on my own without requiring collective brainstorming, I am happy to work on my own. However, if the assignment is a high priority one or is too much for one person to handle, I welcome working with a team to tackle the project together. In my experience, most proje cts require a combination of independent work and brainstorming depending on their various elements.As a graphic designer, I work best in a quiet, isolated environment when Im actually at the drawing board. However, prior to actually beginning work on a project, I find I get my best creative ideas when brainstorming and collaboratively bouncing ideas off of other members on the design team. Working in sales has strengthened my abilities to work both alone and with others. I am comfortable engaging with a customer face to face, but I also believe in the benefit of sitting and brainstorming with coworkers about best practices, sales goals, lessons learned, and alternative approaches. Additionally, having a team behind me gives me confidence that if I come across something I am unsure of while working alone, I have the resources to consult someone who can educate or help me.

This man swims to work every day for his commute and loves it

This man swims to work every day for his commute and loves itThis man swims to work every day for his commute and loves itForget commuting on buses, cars, trains, or your own two legs. One man in Munich, Germany, said that hes found a superior way of transportation that allows him to avoid lines, rush hours, and all thehumans in confined spaces swimming.Benjamin David once had a 1.2-mile commute to work along the local Isar river that left him stressed, he told BBC. But once David began swimming in the river, he was no longer waiting in besucherzahlen alongside the water - and he said his life changed for the better.Here along the river onthe local highway, traffic has become so congested, but also very aggressive, David told CBC radio. When I was on my bike, I would yell at cars. When I was on foot, Iwould yell at cyclists, and so on and so forth. And just a few metres to the side of that is the river, and if you just swim down that, its completely relaxed and refreshing.(function( d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)0 if (d.getElementById(id)) return js = d.createElement(s) js.id = id js.src = https//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.jsxfbml=1version=v3.1 fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs)(document, script, facebook-jssdk))The man who swims to workRather than dealing with traffic, he jumps into the river.Posted by BBC Capital on Wednesday, July 26, 2017Swimming is more relaxing than waiting in trafficDavid said that he puts his valuables including his laptop and his work clothes in a waterproof bag that floats. By holding this bag, David can gently float down the river for about 30 minutes until he reaches his office. Its a one-way trip David does leid swim back home from work because he said he cannot swim against the current.Although David told BBC that he has convinced a few of his co-workers to join him in the mornings, his swimming-to-work movement has not caught on with the whole city.People look down from the bridges and laugh or ask what Im doing, he said.Of course, not everyone has a clean body of water that can carry them to work each morning. But Davids story shows that more innovative ways to alleviate commuting stress are welcome and needed.Commuting to and from work can be an exhausting activity that puts a toll on our bodies. Science has proven that its bad for our health. People who drove 10-mile commutes were found to be at higher risks for depression, anxiety, and social isolation, according to a 2012 study. Even just imagining a rush-hour commute caused peoples blood pressures to spike,as one University of Utah experiment found.And its only going to get worse.For workers in the U.S., commutes are getting longer than ever. A 2017 Gallup poll found that extreme commutes taking longer than 90 minutes are the fastest-growing type of commute.So as youre trapped in the confines of your car in traffic or are squished between commuters on subways, know that one mans having a commute he enjoys.

Articles of Incorporation FAQ - United States

Articles of Incorporation FAQ - United StatesArticles of Incorporation FAQ - United StatesWhat is a corporation and how do I incorporate?What is a corporation?A corporation is a distinct legal entity that can own property, borrow money, pay taxes, hire employees, sue or be sued. The shareholders are the owners of the corporation and participate in the corporate profits through the payment of dividends. The shareholders are bedrngnis personally liable for the actions of the corporation.What are the advantages and disadvantages of a corporation when compared to other business entities?The biggest advantage of incorporation is limited liability for shareholders. Under law, a corporation is considered to be a legal person that is distinct from the shareholders who own it. This means that individual shareholders are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. If a corporation fails then the shareholders will only lose the amount of the purchase price of their o riginal shares. One disadvantage of a corporation is that income is taxed at two levels first on income for the corporate entity, and then at the shareholder level where shareholders pay income tax on any dividends they have received.How do I incorporate?To incorporate you must first file the Articles of Incorporation with your corporate regulatory body, usually the Secretary of State. In some states this may be referred to as the Certificate of Incorporation. Additional forms may also be required such as the Resident Agent Acceptance. Subsequent to the initial filing an Initial Report or Statement of Information may be required. In addition, a name search will be required to ensure that your corporate name will not be confused with any company already in business.What are Articles of Incorporation?The Articles of Incorporation is a document that is filed with the Secretary of State by the individuals organizing the corporation. The state then issues a Certificate of Incorporation t hat legally entitles a corporation to operate as a business within the state. The Articles of Incorporation describe the purpose of the corporation as well as the share structure. The Articles will also list the names of the individuals who are acting as incorporators for the corporation and may also list the names of the individuals acting as initial directors for the corporation. The actual rules governing the management of the corporation would be contained in a separate document called the Bylaws. You do not need to file your bylaws with the Secretary of State because bylaws are for the internal use of the corporation only.What is an annual report?All corporations must file an annual report. This keeps the Secretary of State informed with changes in officers, directors and addresses.What is an Incorporator?The incorporator is the person or persons who organize the corporation and file the Articles of Incorporation. Once the filing is complete the incorporators function is comple te. After that the management of the corporation is performed by the directors subject to ratification by the shareholders.So all I have to do to form a corporation is file the Articles of Incorporation?No. Many states require further documentation and they will send the appropriate forms to you. Many states will require an initial annual report. These must be filled out and returned promptly with any required fees. Pay attention to any deadlines that are indicated. The corporation will also need to file a tax return and report any income.Other issues to be resolved include obtaining a Federal Tax ID number and if necessary, a Sub Chapter-S Filing.What is a Sub Chapter-S (S-corporation) filing?Normally a corporation is double-taxed on income earned. This happens where the corporation is taxed on its income and then the shareholders are taxed on any dividends they receive from the corporations net after tax income. If your corporation qualifies however you can make a federal filing a s a Sub-Chapter S corporation and possibly obtain single level or pass through taxation similar to a partnership. You should consult a qualified tax accountant to decide how this option may affect your situation.How do I get S-corporation status for my corporation?S-corporation status is a federal application and is not part of the Articles of Incorporation filing that you send to your state government. If you meet certain requirements you may apply for federal S-corporation status. For more detailed instructions review the following links on the IRS website Instructions for IRS Form 2553 Fillable PDF version of IRS Form 2553Types of CorporationsWhat is a Private Corporation?A Private Corporation is owned by a small number of people through a limited issue of shares in the corporation. The shareholders may also participate in the management of the corporation. There is no public issue of shares and as a result there is no public market to trade shares.What is a Public Company?A Publ ic Company is owned by the general public and the shares are publicly traded through a listing on a stock exchange. Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 securities may not need to be registered with the SEC where the investor is sufficiently knowledgeable and would not need to rely on the disclosure provided through registration. As a result the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provided a few exemptions to registration.What is a Closed Corporation?A Closed Corporation is owned by a small number of people. All or fruchtwein of the shareholders may also participate in the management of the corporation. There are very few if any outside investors and as a result there is no public market for the exchange of shares. It may also be referred to as a Private Corporation or a Privately-Held Corporation.What is a Closely Held Corporation?A Closely Held Corporation is owned by a small number of people. All or most of the shareholders may also participate in the management of the corporati on. There are enough outside investors to support a public trade of the corporate shares.What is a Publicly Held Corporation?A Publicly Held Corporation is owned and freely traded by many persons including the general public. A Publicly Held Corporation will also have to comply with additional securities laws and regulations.What is an S-Corporation?An S-Corporation is a corporation that has successfully applied to be taxed under subchapter S of the federal Internal Revenue Code. This means that the corporation will be taxed similar to a partnership where the corporation does not pay income tax. Instead, the income will pass through to the shareholders and the shareholders must report the corporate income on their personal tax returns.Does this document work for Not-For-Profit corporations?No. The LawDept Articles of Incorporation is intended to be used by for-profit corporations only. Registered/Resident AgentWhat is a Registered or Resident Agent?The state requires that each corpo ration be represented by a registered werber. This will ensure reliable communication between the corporation and the state. The agent must have a physical office within the state. The registered agent may also be referred to as an Agent for tafelgeschirr of Process.What is the registered office?The registered office is the physical street address within the state where the registered agent can be contacted during normal business hours for service of process.How do I change my Resident/Registered Agent?In most cases the Secretary of State will provide a standard form specific for this purpose. It is important to report any change in agent or agent address promptly.Follow the directions carefully.BylawsWhat are the bylaws of the organization?The bylaws of the corporation describe the internal rules governing the management of the Corporation. They do not form a part of the Articles of Incorporation and do not have to be included with the initial corporate filing. They are for interna l use only.Meetings and MinutesWhat is an organizational meeting?Once the Articles of Incorporation are filed and a Certificate of Incorporation is received from the Secretary of State the corporation should hold the organizational meetings. If directors are not yet appointed then the incorporators should hold an organizational meeting for the purpose of appointing directors and completing the formation of the corporation including drafting and adopting bylaws subject to ratification by the shareholders. If directors were named in the Articles of Incorporation then the directors should hold an organizational meeting and complete the formation of the corporation again subject to ratification by the shareholders.The shareholders can then hold an organizational meeting to ratify any action taken by the incorporators or directors including adopting the articles of incorporation, adopting the corporate bylaws, electing or adopting the appointment officers and electing or adopting the app ointment of directors.What are corporate resolutions?A corporate resolution is a written document describing the action taken by the directors of a corporation. Resolutions may describe action taken during a board meeting or may have been generated by agreement of the directors without a meeting.What is cumulative voting?Cumulative voting may be used when shareholders vote to elect a board of directors. Where cumulative voting is allowed, the number of votes allowed for each Shareholder will be calculated by taking the number of voting shares they are entitled to cast and multiply that by the number of Directors being elected. The Shareholder may cast his total votes for a single Director or may distribute them among two or more Directors, as the Shareholder sees fit. Cumulative voting prevents a majority Shareholder from being able to elect all the Directors of a corporation by allowing a minority shareholder to use all their votes on one Director.Shares and StockWhat are shares?A share of stock is an ownership unit for the corporation. Shares are sold in exchange for cash or other considerations in buchen to raise capital to start or expand the corporation. There must be at least one class of share issued. Different classes of shares may be assigned different privileges such as right to vote on management issues as well as the right to participate in the sale of assets if the corporation is dissolved.What is a shareholder?A shareholder is a person, business entity or institution that owns at least one share in a corporation. Shareholders are the actual owners of the corporation. As an owner, the shareholder has the potential to profit if the corporation is doing well but also has the potential to lose their investment if the corporation goes broke. A shareholder is not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. If a corporation goes broke (worst case) the shareholder may get little or nothing as an equity holder in the corporation. O ther secured creditors such as banks and bond holders would be paid first in the event of the liquidation of the assets of the corporation.What are issued shares?Issued shares are the authorized shares that have actually been issued or sold to shareholders. Un-issued shares do not represent an equity holding in the corporation. A shareholders equity will be determined based on the total number of issued shares and will not include the remaining authorized but un-issued shares. Note also that a corporation may own or purchase its own shares but that this is different from un-issued shares.What are authorized shares?Authorized shares are the total number of shares that the corporation may distribute or issue. There is no requirement that all authorized shares must be issued. Authorized but un-issued shares are not included in any calculation corporate or shareholder equity.I know how many shares I want to issue but how many should I authorize in total?It is typical to authorize more s hares than you plan to immediately issue. This gives the corporation flexibility to issue more in the future either to raise capital or as part of an employee incentive plan. Consider what you might possibly issue shares for in the future and include those plans in the number of shares authorized. In many states however you will pay a higher registration fee based on the number of shares authorized so make sure the number of shares you authorize is reasonable and not ridiculously high. If you do not provide for enough authorized shares then you will need to amend your Articles of Incorporation and re-file with the Secretary of State.What is par value?Par value is the nominal or face value assigned to a stock. Par value is often no longer required and does not necessarily reflect the amount paid for stock nor its market value. Par value does not represent the redemption amount for redeemable shares. It is still used by some states however as a method to calculate the capitalization ( Par Value multiplied by number of shares issued) of the corporation.What is an accredited investor?An accredited investor is a sophisticated investor who has less need for the protection provided by regulation or statute. If all shareholders can be classified as accredited investors then it may not be necessary to register the corporate securities with the SEC. To qualify as an accredited investor an individual must have a sustained income over $200,000, or a net worth over $1 million, or hold a senior position such as director or officer for the company that is issuing securities.U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission page on Accredited InvestorsWhat is a Restricted Security?Restricted securities are purchased with investment intent and have transfer restrictions attached. Restricted securities should bear a restrictive legend detailing the transfer restrictions.geschftszimmerrsWhat does a president do?The president is an executive officer of the corporation usually responsible fo r the day-to-day operations of the corporation. The president will report to the board of directors.What does a treasurer do?The treasurer is an executive officer of the corporation responsible for supervising the accounting functions of the corporation and for keeping accurate and current financial records for the corporation.What does a secretary do?The secretary is an executive officer of the corporation responsible for maintaining records of the corporation such as minutes of meetings, shareholders lists, etc.MiscellaneousWhat is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?The EIN (also known as the Federal ID number or FID) is a number assigned to businesses for tax reporting purposes.What is a Federal ID number (FID)?The FID (also known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN)) is a number assigned to businesses for tax reporting purposes.What is meant by principal executive offices for the corporation?Principal Executive Office for the corporation is where the chief executive officer for the corporation has an office.What is meant by principal business offices for the corporation?Principal Business Office for the corporation is the main location where the corporation performs its primary business purpose.

Resumes Builder Can Be Fun for Everyone

Resumes Builder Can Be Fun for Everyone With no sweat and free of hassles, Slashcv enables you to pick from the many formats and customize those to acquire an ideal CV. With many formats to pick from and a gamut of customization features, Resumonk is easy and simple to use and customize. Template format will be totally different when compared with general sample templates like a breakdown of the specific person followed by the previous experiences. So be certain to modify downloaded files to you get to coincide with your experience accordingly. 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 youll be suitable. The absolute fruchtwein important section of your resume will become your work experience. Try to remember this specific template is ideal for people with some or significant work experience only. Its possible to discover the ideal theme and design your continue intende d for the specific job. Getting the Best Resumes Builder Our resume builder isnt going to bother you with any type of annoying watermarks. There are lots of professional resume template that can be found on the net from which you are able to make out some idea about how to construct a professional curriculum vitae using best resume builder websites. The tool is not difficult to use and also has a cover letter and thank you letter builder. The mixture of our templates and your input is likely to make your resume fly to the peak of any pile. Rather, its your professional brand. The site provides a selection of premium resume templates and designs that you are able to download to MS Word. There are a lot of no cost resume web templates easily available on the internet but sometimes it can be rather challenging to decide on the best the one that is most suitable for you. You might believe that there are already dozens of free resume building services offered in the internet w orld. If youve worked for just 1 employer in the past decade or more, show your recent promotions. So long as you use the perfect info, youre wind up with a professional document that will impress any hiring manager. Next, youll need to gather all your educational info and your certifications. If so, make sure you put the main details on the very first page of your resume. Possessing a comprehension of the benefits of working with a resume maker is not simply a means to conserve time, but it is likewise a means to boost confidence and your abilities when moving forward in the work world. How much you could earn while your paper work is being done by somebody, who knows the way to do it correctly You might find yourself sending the same resume to different job applications and although you may think youre saving time you are really lessening your odds of receiving an interview There isnt any time for procrastination once it comes to getting your perfect job. You dont need t o fill numerous order forms, get a lot of passwords at virtually every step of order. Then it may be time to bring some style to your resume When you wish to find the best resume help, it is possible to simply follow our lead. Numerous formats and designs to pick from, Resume Now-Resume builder is the ideal location to earn job winning resumes. Rumors, Lies and Resumes Builder Include an objective when youre pursuing a particular job goal and when you know the precise title of the lokalitt youre applying for. Once approved, youll be in a position to submit an application for positions. If youre targeting work beyond the defense arena, youll need to civilianize your military language to demonstrate your abilities and experience match the employers needs. Consider your resume from the view of HR. Resumes Builder - the Conspiracy Using our resume builder is just one of the very best ways to make sure your resume appears as professional as youre in the workplace. Creating an effective resume is vital in the work search procedure. This kind of template is largely employed by project managers to expose and explain regarding their abilities. If youre running into an issue with the builder or you own a feature suggestion, wed really like to hear from you The Debate Over Resumes Builder Resume Edge is among the best resume builders where you are able to build sophisticated, professional and extremely impressive resumes in an issue of a couple minutes. As an example, it can show you advice on ways to lay out your CV. Resumes can be hard to write, particularly if you are not certain on what should be included to make it a skilled and effective one. They are fairly predictable in features and information, but some choices have to be made. What to Expect From Resumes Builder? An individual should not dismiss the degree of threat contagious sites bear. Using our resume and CV creators today is a method for you to break in the work world no matter your experience There are a couple of general guidelines for showcasing your experience and abilities on just a couple of pages of text. This format follows a simple introduction about the individual, important regions of expertise and finally the expert expertise with regard to years and companies.

Why We Should Never Stop Learning

Why We Should Never Stop Learning Lesson 101 Why You Should Never Stop LearningPosted August 25, 2017, by Jenny Sakr As anyone with a few years up their sleeve knows, learning never stops and that applies to everyone from recent school leavers to retirees. Once we stop learning, we die or at least we stop growing. Regardless of age, ur status and our job title we should all vow to keep our minds fresh with continuous learning. Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. Henry Ford Need a little bit more of a push? Here are just a few top reasons why you should always be exercising your brain. Advance Your Career Learning, development and upskilling is integral to taking your career to new levels. With new skills in your toolkit, youll enjoy more opportunities and choices and probably more money (heres hoping). Are you a great administrator but need more accounting skills to do your job better? Keen to step up to managem ent level but need some formal training to ensure youre up to the task? Or are you taking on more responsibilities and need some project management skills to help you juggle everything? The only real constant in life is change, and if you dont change with it, youll get left behind. Youve Been Out of Action for a While Returning to the workforce after a break can be hard really hard. You might feel your skills are outdated, you might have lost some confidence along the way and you might be feeling trepidation about getting back into the fray. For anyone returning to work after taking time out to have kids, travel, deal with illness or care for a loved one, starting a course to get back into the swing of things, re-stimulate your brain and polish up your skills is one of the best things you can do. It will not only boost your skills but, most importantly, your confidence. Wisdom. comes not from age, but from education and learning. Anton Chekhov Fancy a Career Change Career chan gers can find themselves in a difficult spot, as they lack the training and experience of those already working in their new field. If this is you, then youll definitely need some new skills and qualifications to convince employers to give you a chance in a completely new role and industry. I know IT whizzes who have re-trained to become teachers and hospitality professionals who have studied to become counsellors. In every case, changing careers was the best thing they ever did but they needed to go back to study and get the qualifications in order to start their new career. And theyve never looked back Learning is Fun Dont be fooled, learning isnt just about your career and being serious its fun Taking a course and getting your grey matter buzzing is one of the best things you can do if youre feeling brain-dead or striving to get ahead in the game. So if youve always wanted to exercise your creativity with a writing course, take your photographyskills to the next level, or t ry your hand in beauty therapy, Nike said it best just do it Choose to study on-campus and participate in activates, make new friends and build your social network. Opt to study at your own pace and in your own time zugnglich. With online learning choices readily available, education providers are making it easier than ever for people with busy schedules to study at their convenience. Flexible study options are all around us, which means its never been easier to keep learning and growing. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places youll go. Dr. Seuss Even the Most Successful People Never Stop Learning While some of the most successful entrepreneurs and CEOs today may have graduated school many years ago, their learning continues forever. Successful people are outstanding performers. Outstanding performers remain outstanding performers by becoming lifelong learners. They continually expand their knowledge in order to get out in front of the pack and stay there. Consider Benjamin Franklins five-hour rule where you dedicate atleast one-hour a day, Monday to Friday to learning. Franklins five-hour rule reflects the very simple idea that, over time, the smartest and most successful people are the ones who are constant and deliberate learners. Warren Buffett spends five to six hours per day reading five newspapers and 500 pages of corporate reports. Bill Gates reads 50 books per year. Mark Zuckerberg reads at least one book every two weeks. Elon Musk grew up reading two books a day, according to his brother. Oprah Winfrey credits books with much of her success Books were my reisepass to personal freedom. Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot, reads two hours day. Dan Gilbert, self-made billionaire and owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, reads one to two hours a day. These people are some of the busiest people around, so if they can find at least an hour to learn every day then so can YOU Generally speaking, investing in yourself is the best thing you can do. Anything that improves your own talents nobody can tax it or take it away from you. Warren Buffet ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchestips for online learnerscareer advisor onlineunsw early entrystudy in australia for international studentsyear 10 work experience ideas CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend your e most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreCareer AdvisorsJob hunting tips5 Signs You Need to Hire a Resume WriterIf your job hunt is leading nowhere, then maybe its time to hire a resume writer. Resume writers can help you shine on paper. Check out these 5 signs you need to hire a resume writer.WORKFORCE TRENDSGrass looks greener to one third of Australian workersOne third of Australian workers are planning to change jobs, according to a recent Hay Group survey.Online studyVET/TAFEWhat is blended learning?What happens when you combine the convenience of online study with the face-to-face interaction of a classroom environment? Blended learning.

Think Youre A Job Search Expert - 10 Common Myths Debunked

Think Youre A Job Search Expert - 10 Common Myths DebunkedThink Youre A Job Search Expert - 10 Common Myths DebunkedNavigating the perplexing world of job searching, with the one-sided perspective of being a job seeker, can lead people to many common assumptions about getting hired. Lets debunk these common myths and provide a reality check job search style. Getting the job is only about skill. Being qualified for the job you want with the appropriate skills is definitely an important factor. After all, if you are applying for a position as a software engineer and dont know how to program, you wont be able to contribute much. However, during your job bewerbungsinterview, the hiring manager is also looking for whether you will be a good fit on the team. After you submit your resume and youve established your qualifications, it is also important that you prepare to ace the interviewand show that you have the ability to interact with people and communicate well with your prospective co -workers. Although skills are important, hiring decisions are notlage made on skill alone. Hand delivering your resume in a corporate platzdeckchenting demonstrates that youre really interested in the job.Dropping off your resume in person for a corporate job in the U.S. has transitioned over the past several decades from being somewhat okay to being downright unacceptable. Although acceptable for some industries, such as food service or retail, it is not standard in a corporate setting. After working at a few companies where I sat at near the frontdoor, I can vouch that dropping off your resume will get you noticedbut not in the right way. The resumes that are submitted in-person either make it as far as the waste paper basket or are handed over to the recruiter or hiring manager with a chuckle. In a world where everything is digital, visiting a company in-person to drop off your resume can even be seen as disrespectful if the company has indicated that it prefers online submission s. There is a reason behind the process and procedure. Doing anything you can to stand out, including delivering your resume in-person or via carrier pigeon are not your best bet for getting the job. Do note though that if you are selected for an interview, bringing a paper copy of your resume is still a great idea and shows forethought. You dont need a cover letter (No one reads cover letters). The cover letter is the underappreciated gem in the world of job applications. Many job seekers believe that they dont need a cover letter because no one reads it anyway. It is certainly true that some recruiters may not read cover letters, but there are definitely those who do. Writing a cover letter may inspire a grumble and groan, but the opportunity to include one is actually to your benefit. A cover letter is an extra tool to sell yourself, and can help explain aspects of your skills or experience that arent covered by your resume. Your objective is to be selected for an interview and a cover letter can especially help if you have had varied previous roles or experience that doesnt exactly line up with the position. Some companies still even require cover letters. A cover letter is not a hindrance in the job search process, but something you can use to your advantage as a job seeker. Changing careers is nearly impossible.Today there are many courses you can take and ways to use online tools to learn new skills and update your knowledge. Furthermore, core job skills are transferrable from one career to another. In almost all roles, communication, leadership, and planning are all valued. Before you actually make the leap to a new career, ensure you are really interested in this new career path. Take any opportunity you can to shadow someone in your prospective new field, or try it out with a part-time job or a volunteer opportunity. When you start your job search, take the time to research any nuances with job hunting in your new industry. Do interviews usually requ ire a written component or a demonstration of computer skills? This is something youll want to be aware of beforehand. Job searching is really, really hard.While we wish the perfect job would just kiste in our laps, this is not usually the way it works. However, there are steps to make the job search process more manageable, and maybe even, enjoyable and exciting. Compiling your professional information and skills in a way that best presents yourself, researching what may seem like thousands of companies and roles, and waiting to hear from companies can be nerve racking and seem daunting, but there are tools to make it easier. You can use Simply Hired to find roles that fit your location, industry, and position criteria. You can also explore companies to see what catches your eye in the Company Directory. Set manageable goals to make the process go smoothly by breaking up your job hunt into parts and setting daily goals. A positive attitude about the process can really help propel y our search forward. A new job means a new chapter in your life and opportunities to come thats something to look forward to. I should never quit my current job without having one already lined up.While it is almost always better to have another job set up before leaving your current company, especially as it can be to your advantage during salary negotiations, there are times when quitting your job without having another already is okay. Job searching does lack predictability, but if you are truly unhappy at your current position and can be financially stable for a bit without income, you can leave your role without having one lined up. However, start refining your resume now and make a plan about your next steps as soon as you can.Ill never get the job of my dreams. If you want something, you have to make it happen. The more you research, the better the aussicht youll find the company and role where youd be a great fit. Research the company and make sure you tailor your resume for that role and company. Also, dont be afraid to apply. Youll never know if you dont try. Having a fluid definition of dream can also help. Dont think of your dream job as a specific position at a specific company. Consider the common factors that make you happy and look for those (e.g. a collaborative work environment vs. lots of autonomy).In a job interview, the employer has the power and you are at their whim.Consider a job interview to be a two-way street. The employer is trying to see if you are good fit for the company and role, just as you are looking for a position to use your skills in a work environment that suits your personality. Treat your interviews as a chance to ask questions to see if you like your prospective employer. Investigate whether the work would be interesting and something youd really want to spend 8+ hours a day doing. Find out if the company has a mission you believe in. Dont be afraid to ask questions. It will help you learn about the company and also sh ow you are interested in the position. All online job sites are the same.Different sites attract different employers and have different benefits. In the digital era, online job sites are now better able to differentiate themselves in their search capabilities, features, job seeker audience, and employer users. For example, on Simply Hired, you can refine your search by location, the date a job is posted, the company and more. You can also see similar companies you might like and nearby cities with jobs that pique your interest. When I apply, my resume goes off into the interwebs never to be seen again. With the digital application process, its difficult to know what goes on inside a company once you hit the apply button. While you may feel disconnected from the hiring process after youve applied, there are people on the other side recruiters and hiring managers who continually review applications. While they may only spend a few seconds on each resume, a person does look at your ap plications and it is always worth applying if your skillset is a fit. If you dont hit the apply button, an opportunity could pass you by. Dont miss the chance to apply for a job that youll love for years to come.

Inspiration 9 People Who Thrived after Unemployment

Inspiration 9 People Who Thrived after UnemploymentInspiration 9 People Who Thrived after UnemploymentIt goes without saying that being unemployed is difficult. Scrimping and saving to pay bills is only one challenge facing the jobless. The social implications of unemployment also can be hard. According to a 2009 study by Karsten I. Paul and Klaus Moser from the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, unemployed workers are twice as likely to experience psychological problems such as depression, poor self-esteem and anxiety compared to employed individuals.If you find yourself in this boat, its important to keep in mind that the experience of being unemployed is not unusual. Some of the worlds most successful people were once unemployed. Here are 9 people who survived and thrived after unemployment1.Larry KingYou know him as the non-confrontational and longtime host of the Larry King Live talk show on CNN, which featured King interviewing politicians and celebrities. King began his career in radio in the 1950s. In the 1970s he welches the host of his own radio show in Miami called Miami Undercover and also wrote for a Miami newspaper. As the result of a money scandal, King welches fired from both his column and radio show. He struggled with debt and filed for bankruptcy. He later went on to departure the call-in interview program Larry King Live in 1985, and the rest is history.2.Susan BoyleSusan Boyle is the stuff of rags-to-riches legends. After graduating high school Boyle took part in government training programs and briefly worked as a trainee cook before quitting that job to care for herbei ailing mother. In 2009 the unemployed 48-year-old Boyle stepped awkwardly on the stage on Britains Got Talent and into the hearts of millions when she sang I Dreamed a Dream from the musical Les Miserables. Despite all of the struggles of unemployment, Boyle never gave up on her dream to become a professional singer, and today her net worth is estimated above $20 million.3.L arry DavidBefore teaming with Jerry Seinfeld to create the pop culture phenomenon Seinfeld, Larry David consistently was unemployed. David worked odd jobs until he would quit or got fired while he concentrated on stand-up comedy. While performing in the New York comedy circuit, David met Jerry Seinfeld, who approached him about working for a new show on NBC. Yada, yada, yada hes been working steady ever since.4.Harland SandersDont know who Harland Sanders is? You probably know him as Colonel Sanders, the friendly face behind the fast-food fried chicken restaurant KFC. Colonel Sanders hopped from job to job. He was a fireman, insurance salesman and ran filling stations before creating his first roadside restaurant in Corbin, Ky., and opening his franchise in 1952. He eventually sold his company to a group of investors for $2 million in 1964.5.Jack DorseyBefore Jack Dorsey became the suave Silicon Valley royal responsible for co-founding Twitter and founding Square, he was a 29-year- old New York University dropout living in a tiny San Francisco apartment. Dorsey did freelance code writing for local San Francisco companies before becoming unemployed. He was even turned down for a job at the shoe store Camper. A chance sighting of Blogger cofounder Evan Williams at a coffee shop led Dorsey to reach out, and a tech partnership for the ages began soon after.6.Jack MonroeSingle mother and food blogger Jack Monroe gained a following for her blog A Girl Called Jack, which chronicled her struggles to feed herself and her son while unemployed and on welfare. After leaving her job at a fire brigade switchboard because her shifts left her unable to take care of her son, Monroe had to turn to food banks and selling her furniture and her sons toys to eat and make ends meet. Today, in addition to maintaining her popular blog, Monroe has a column with The Guardian and a publishing deal with Penguin Group.7.Harrison FordIn 1964 a young Harrison Ford moved to Los Angeles to pur sue his dreams. After a string of unsatisfactory film roles that left Ford disillusioned and unhappy, Ford went through a time of unemployment during which he taught himself carpentry. As a carpenter Ford became a stagehand for the jupe band The Doors and eventually was hired to build cabinets at the home of director George Lucas, who later hired Ford to become Han Solo.8. Walt DisneyBefore he created Mickey Mouse and princesses who danced along Main Street in Disneyland, Disney was just a man who loved cartoons. Disney grew up in Kansas City, Mo., and began his career there. His cartoons became so popular in the Kansas City area that he acquired his own studio called Laugh-O-Gram Studio. However, Disneys early attempts at owning a studio failed because of his lack of ability managing money, and the studio went bankrupt. After Laugh-O-Gram, Disney moved and set up a studio in Hollywood, Calif.9. J.K. RowlingProbably the most famous modern-day rags to riches story is that of Joanne J .K. Rowling, the author of the wildly successful Harry Potter series. Before her books sold more than 400 million copies, became the best-selling book series in history, and before she was knighted in France, Rowling was a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International. After being fired, Rowling divorced her first husband and was left in relative poverty, living on state benefits while penning Harry Potter from coffee shops. In 2008 it was estimated that her personal fortune amounted to above $700 million.Unemployment can feel stressful and lonely at times, but know that youre not alone. Some of the greatest talents and minds have struggled through being jobless and came out better for it, and you can too.

How to use the right tone in emails

How to use the right tone in emailsHow to use the right tone in emailsWhen leaders send emails, everyone is watching.Your messages are more than facts and figures about the business. Each word carries tone and significance, and employees scrutinize every sentence in search of meaning.He used bold on the words right now. Is he mad at me?She wrote an entire paragraph in italics. Uh oh. I guess I screwed up big time.Did he leave CAPS LOCK on by accident or is he really annoyed?Even if you dont apply liberal doses of bold, italics and caps lock, theres another way your emails can give off the wrong vibe.Your lines are too pithy.Like this one.This one too.Terse sentences suggest to the reader, I dont enjoy writing emails to you. And that notion can freak out subordinates.What did I do wrong?Oh noIM GOING TO GET FIRED.Bold, italics and caps lock swirling in their brains.Before you send an email to your team - or, frankly, to others in your business network - ask yourselfDo I have a lot o f short sentences that end in periods?Does it feel like my responses are hurried and void of any detail?If I were working under me, would this email throw me off?If any of the answers are yes, then here are some simple fixes.Instead of one-word answers, think how you can add a bit of a longer answer. I dont mean write 300 words, but imagine if you were face to face with the email recipient. Would you only use the word Fine. in your response? What would you actually say?Before you dive right into a request, command or critique, could you add a bit of conversation? No, dont dance around a sensitive subject. But if the topic is benign enough, make the email feel like a conversation and not a robotic, emotionless exchange.Print out the email and look at it on paper. Read it aloud. Does your inflection seem off? If so, edit the message so you come across friendlier.Again, when youre in charge, every word matters so watch your tone.Believe me, your employees will.This article first appear ed on Dannyhrubin.com

9 Proven Ways to Improve Your Career

9 Proven Ways to Improve Your Career 9 Proven Ways to Improve Your Career Amanda shares her most popular career tips for the successful professional.

Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions

Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic. They work in control towers, control facilities, and route centers, ensuring safe and orderly air traffic. Being an air traffic controller is a unique occupation that can be both rewarding and stressful.  You are responsible for airplanes both landing at your airport and traveling through your airspace. Your potential employer will be looking for a candidate who can show their knowledge in the field as well as their ability to keep their composure and focus, even when under stress.   Read below for information on the types of interview questions you might be asked during an interview for an air traffic controller position. Below is also information on how to prepare for the interview and a list of specific interview questions. Types of Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions Some questions you will be asked during your interview will be common interview questions you might be asked at any job, including questions about your work history, your strengths and weaknesses, and your skills. Other questions will be personal questions about your qualities as they relate to the job. For example, you might be asked how you handle pressure, why you want to be an air traffic controller and more. You will also likely be asked a number of behavioral interview questions. These are questions about how you’ve handled certain work situations in the past. For example, you might be asked how you have dealt with a stressful situation at work. The idea behind these questions is that how you behaved in the past gives the interviewer insight into how you might behave on the job. Other questions will probably be situational interview questions. These are similar to behavioral interview questions, as they are questions about work experiences. However, situational interview questions are about how you would handle future situations rather than past situations. For example, an interviewer might ask how you would handle an air traffic emergency. Tips for Preparing One important way to prepare for interviews is to think about examples of times you demonstrated the skills necessary for the job. Look back at the job listing, and highlight any key skills and abilities. Then, think of specific examples of times you demonstrated each of these. It will make it easier to think of these examples during the interview. You can use when you are answering behavioral and situational questions. For example, one skill required for every air traffic controller position is the ability to handle stress. During the interview, be prepared to share examples of demanding situations you have been in, and explain how you handled them.   When answering a question using a specific example, use the STAR interview technique. Describe the situation you were in, explain the task you had to accomplish, and detail the action you took to accomplish that task (or solve that problem). Then, describe the results of your actions. You can also demonstrate your ability to handle stress through your behavior during the interview. A job interview is an ideal time to see how someone handles stress. Do your best to demonstrate your ability to stay calm and not freeze up during the interview. The more you prepare for the interview, the calmer you will be. Another way to prepare is to practice answering interview questions you will likely be asked. Read through the list of common air traffic controller interview questions below, and practice answering each. It will help you answer with more confidence during the actual interview. Air Traffic Controller Interview Questions Questions About the Work Schedule Do you enjoy shift work?How do you create a work-life balance with shift work?Are there certain hours of the day during which you would prefer not to work? Personal Questions How do you deal with stress in your daily life?Are you able to stay focused on a task for a long period of time?Do you consider yourself an organized person?Do you handle pressure well?Do you consider yourself a punctual person?What kind of supervisor do you prefer to work with?Do you prefer to work alone or with colleagues? Why?What is the most rewarding part of being an air traffic controller? Why?Why do you want to be an  air traffic controller? Behavioral Interview Questions Tell me about the most stressful situation you have had at work. What did you do in the situation? Is there anything you would have done differently?Tell me about a time you used foresight to solve a potential problem.Describe a time in the tower when you saw a potential conflict or issue. How did you help to prevent the issue from becoming an actual problem?Have you had to deal with an emergency situation in the tower before? How did you handle the situation?Describe a time when you had a conflict with a coworker. How did you handle the conflict? Describe a time you worked with your coworkers to solve a problem. Situational Interview Questions Imagine you are helping a pilot land, but the people next to you in the room are dealing with a separate emergency. How would you handle this distracting environment?How would you handle a stressful, even tragic day? How would you prevent this from negatively impacting your life?If you were to witness a major injury or accident in your daily life, what would be your first action? General Job Interview Questions In addition to job-specific interview questions, you will also be asked more general questions about your employment history, education, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, goals, and plans. Heres a list of the most common interview questions and examples of answers.

How to Find a Job This January

How to Find a Job This January How to Find a Job This January It’s January 1, and if you haven’t already, now is the time to get into serious job-hunting mode. With everybody going back to work, let’s go over 3 simple steps you can take now in order to execute your job search with 100% precision. Don’t Just Dive In The job boards can make you think they’re just a sea of opportunities. However, instead of diving into this unruly ocean â€" in which you most assuredly will get lost fast â€" wade into the water slowly, with a plan. The plan centers on identifying companies you want to work for â€" not necessarily just individual listings. I know that “research” can seem like a time-consuming concept, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, we can even dial back the term “research” and instead just call it “preferences.” What do you prefer? This is not objective; it’s subjective. Therefore, initially, go with your gut instinct. Brainstorm. What companies are within a commutable distance from your home? What industries are growing fast where you live? What types of companies have you worked for in the past that you liked? Then, take that list and get social… Make Sense of Your Social Media The primary online portal to use for job search is LinkedIn, but only if you make your LinkedIn usage something that makes sense. When you log on every day, who and what is in your news feed? If it’s random, it’s wrong, so let’s change it. Think of LinkedIn the same way you think of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You don’t log on and see everyone on the globe. You see the people you chose. Apply that same concept to LinkedIn. On this social media platform, the people you choose to see need to be recruiters, human resources specialists, and functional decision makers at the companies you put on your list. Invite those people to connect. Customize your invitation to express a logical reason why you’re reaching out to that person specifically. If, after a few days, the person has not accepted your invitation, go back to their profile and click on “follow.” If you’re either connected or following, the person’s in your news feed. That means you have the opportunity to see what they’re posting, and if they’re posting about either jobs or organizational growth, jump into the conversation they’re having and make yourself known. Split Your Resume Into 2 Two resumes are ideal, but not for the reasons that you may have always thought. Instead of having a resume for one objective, then a second resume for a second objective, concentrate on your primary goal and split your resume into two. One resume is your traditional presentation. The other is a 1-page resume with some unique information at the end. The way you get it onto 1 page is to delete much of the text regarding your duties and accomplishments â€" no one’s reading all of that on this version. Give people your expertise, chronology, education, and certifications. At the end, present your list of companies you’re interested in. Make a statement about the job titles of the people you need to connect with. Then, use that resume for networking. With this tool, the person on the receiving end gets a glimpse of what you do and where you’ve worked, plus â€" much more importantly â€" they know where you’re looking to go and who you may need to speak to about your next role. With this method, your networking takes on a distinct purpose. You’re prompting the other person’s memory. When they see you’re ideally interested in connecting with the Director of Operations or VP of Operations at Companies A, B, C, and D, they can quickly go through their mental Rolodex to see if they know any of the folks you need to know. Landing a job in a matter of weeks is about skipping the nonsense of applying for hundreds of roles hither and yon all over the internet. You don’t have to resort to networking like everybody else, trying to reach out to a bunch of random stranger for reasons that appear unclear to them. In our free job search training, “How Land Your Dream Job in 8 Weeks or Less! I show you the exact steps successful jobseekers made, plus exactly what they said to the relevant people, in order to get hired. This was despite being overqualified, it being holiday time, or them not having degrees. You can do the same thing. Join us in the free job search training to see how.

How to Organize Your Job Search

How to Organize Your Job Search How to Organize Your Job Search When on the hunt for a job , it’s not uncommon to be applying for multiple opportunities at once. This is especially true for those of us just starting out in our careers . But multiple applications mean different resume versions , various cover letters and many, many different deadlines to keep track of. With so many moving parts at once, it’s easy to become disorganized. But a disorderly job search process can lead to embarrassing mistakes such as lost phone numbers, confused deadlines, and missed interviews . To help you avoid these downfalls, we’ve put together a few tips to help you keep your job search organized. It’s easy to want to just jump right in and begin filling out job applications . But before you do, it’s best to take a step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Your career journey should start with a look at the direction in which you’re headed. Though it may seem trivial to set aside time to organize your thoughts to clearly think through the career path you’d like to pursue, this is one of the most important steps to take. How are you supposed to start going anywhere if you don’t know where you  want to go? Reflect on what you’d like to do and why you feel that’s the right path for you. You might  feel a little lost and be unsure about where you’re going, but at this stage in your life, that’s ok. Start by thinking about your long-term goals as those don’t need to be overly specific. Where do you want to be 10 years from now? Then work backward from there down to five years, one year, and six months from now. Be sure to think through your personal goals in addition to your career and finances. Take your family, education, and anything else you value into consideration. After you’ve spent some time finding your direction and clearly thinking through your goals, it’s time to start building out a schedule . After all, in order to achieve the goals you now have in mind, you’ll need to set aside time to go after them. The first step in this stage is to identify time you can set aside that’s dedicated to job searching. Find blocks of time within your schedule between classes, work, and any other responsibilities. Job searching is a time-consuming process and requires regular attention. So aim to set aside at least two hours every day to fully focus on it.   Next, start building a schedule to complete certain tasks you know you need to get done. For instance, devote one hour to cleaning up your professional online profiles like LinkedIn. Devote another hour or two to preparing your resume . You should be able to fill up at least the first few days of your schedule, if not your first week, with tasks to complete. Perhaps even more important than actually setting up this schedule is sticking to it. Let’s be honest here  - activities like resume building and email sending are less than thrilling tasks. It can be easy to let these fall by the wayside and choose something a little more exciting to occupy your time. However, this will only put you behind and lead you down a path of disorganized job searching. Make sure you leave the time you set aside for job hunting devoid of any other activities. Looking for a job is more often than not a high-pressure situation , so you might be tempted  to begin aimlessly applying for any open position you find. But even though applying for more jobs can make it feel like you’re increasing your chances, this is actually just a waste of your time - not to mention an easy way to become disorganized. Remember that time you dedicated at the beginning of this process to think through your short-term and long-term goals? Here’s where that comes in handy. Start off by narrowing your search to only the jobs that align with those goals. Look out for the opportunities that will help you get to where you want to be. Next, narrow your search down to only the openings that match the level of skill you have. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your qualifications need to match up with those listed on the job description exactly. In fact, this will likely never be the case. Job descriptions should be more of a directional tool for whether or not you’re a potential fit for a role, so look for those where you match around 80  percent of the qualifications listed. Here’s where things can get especially messy. Applying for multiple positions at once leaves you with a lot of different things to manage. It’s very important to make sure you’re keeping track of all of the different details as you go along.   One of the best ways to do this is to create a spreadsheet. This is an easy and effective way to help you keep track. Don’t worry about making anything too fancy. Just be sure to include basic information such as: Not a fan of Excel? No problem. We created an easy job application tracker that can help. Download it here! JibberJobber is an online job search organization tool that helps you keep track of what you’re working on. If you prefer working off of your phone or tablet, then there are tons of great apps available.   Keep in mind, though, that setting up a system for tracking alone is not enough. You need to be diligent in updating your system each time you take a new action or receive an update from a potential employer. There are so many different things to keep track of when job searching, that you can easily become overwhelmed and confused. But by following these few simple tips, you’ll be ready for a more organized and effective job hunt.

4 Free Job Search Tools You Should Be Using

4 Free Job Search Tools You Should Be Using 4 Free Job Search Tools You Should Be Using PinIf you’re in the middle of a job search or career change, it can be hard to evaluate the thousands of services and products marketed to you. But there are a few free job search tools that are actually quite helpful and worth using. Let’s take a look at four free job search tools you should be using. Find the right keywords for your job applications with Jobscan. We’ve talked about it more than a few times on the blog. Because companies use ATS, applicant tracking systems, to filter job applications, the keywords in your resume and cover letter matter a LOT. But how can job seekers identify the right keywords to use? Jobscan is here to help. While it does have a paid level of use, there are a couple free levels you can choose from. Here’s how it describes its service: “Jobscan tool aims to better equip job seekers by analyzing job descriptions and helping applicants easily identify what skills and keywords are most important to a given employer. By ranking the most important and most frequently occurring keywords per job description, this tool can help give applicants a competitive edge in their job search efforts.” Research over 25,000 flexible companies with the Company Guide. If you want to pinpoint the companies in your industry or state that offer flexible work options, offers a free searchable guide to over 25,000 researched and screened companies that’ve offered flexible jobs in the past. The idea is that, if a company has offered telecommuting, flexible schedule, and freelance jobs in the past, its likely to do so in the future. The best news is that every company listed in the guide has been screened so they’re all legitimate, professional companies- no scams, no commission-only jobs, no bogus businesses. This completely free resource is extremely helpful in learning more about your options for flexible work. Put your tax dollars to use with CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor. Completely free, its aim is to help job seekers explore careers, seek out education and training for their careers, learn about salaries and benefits, and find free services near them for further assistance. One of the really nice features of CareerOneStop is the variety of self-assessment tools it offers. Its especially good for career changers, moms returning to work, and anyone wondering what kinds of jobs they’d enjoy! Head back to your alma maters career office. Most college career offices provide some sort of lifetime services to their alumni. Even if you don’t live in the area, you can probably schedule an over-the-phone consultation and gain access to their jobs database, with job postings for current students AND alumni. The services you might find at your college’s career office include a one-on-one counseling session (usually the first is free, with follow up consultations sometimes requiring a fee), access to self-assessment tests, networking contacts through the alumni database, information on local alumni networking groups in your area, and access to their job listing database to search for jobs. Readers, do you know of any other free job search tools to recommend? Let us know by leaving a comment!

5 Tech Tools to Help With Work-Life Balance - The Muse

5 Tech Tools to Help With Work-Life Balance - The Muse 5 Tech Tools to Help With Work-Life Balance Recently, I found myself sitting on a sunny terrace with some old pals discussing, of all things, whether or not tech helps us or hinders us in keeping our work and our personal lives separate. I know, we should’ve been talking about the wine or our significant others, or something less work-related. But hey, what can I say? We’re all addicted to our phones (conveniently placed on the table where we sat). The verdict? We decided that, when used well, smartphones and apps actually help you to stay on top of your work without giving up your life. Not sold on that? My friends and I compiled our best tips to making that statement true. 1. Adjust Your Settings So Only Important People Can Reach You Just because you can’t be completely out of reach doesn’t mean you have to read- let alone react to - every email. Almost every phone now lets you customize email notifications so that your boss can reach you if there’s a real emergency, but the office manager won’t bother you about the company picnic. On iOS, you can set up a VIP list so that only messages from the top people in your life set off an alert. Even more exciting is that if you update your iOS, you can also get special alerts for certain email threads. Meanwhile, Gmail on Android lets you choose to only receive notifications for emails with specific categories or tags. 2. Get (Even) More Control of Notifications If the settings above aren’t enough, you can get fancy with IFTTT automation or an app like Lightflow for Android. They give you even more granular alerts, including customized lights, ringtones, and vibrations. (Oh my!) Or, switch up your email app itself. Inbox by Gmail takes a novel approach by organizing your emails into groups- each one with its own customizable notifications. So, you can decide to receive all the emails from your office or your bank, but not the ones from your local coffee shop. 3. Play Hide and Seek I’m a firm believer in “out of sight, out of mind.” So, if you don’t want to be bothered by thoughts of your job when you’re off duty, try keeping the apps you use for work somewhere separate. On most phones, you can put apps in their own folder by just dragging one icon on top of another. Then you can move those folders to another home screen altogether. With an Android custom home screen like Nova Launcher, you can really hide apps by moving a folder to the dock, and then hiding the dock with a swipe. Work life gone from your phone with one touch (or swipe). 4. Let Your Phone Remember Everything for You You’ve limited the distractions coming from your phone- but what about the ones that wake you up at 2 AM? You know, questions about your upcoming presentation (“Was it for Monday or Tuesday?”) or concerns about an upcoming vacation (“Did you book the hike?”). Worries like this can easily be handled in advance if you just remember to keep your calendar and to-do app up-to-date. In addition, you can set reminders for the most important events and tasks. Knowing in the back of your mind that your phone will do the remembering for you really does make it easier to sleep at night. 5. Capture the Thought When you have a beautiful brainstorm moment while walking your dog or cruising down the highway, your always-with-you phone is the perfect tool. Use it as a catch-all so you can come back to those ideas when you’re at your desk later. An simple and effective note-taking app for iOS is Vesper. Alternatively, the Drafts 4 app lets you quickly enter text and then decide where to save it. For Android, Google Keep handles all kinds of input, including speech, photos, and lists, while Evernote offers a range of organizing options like notebooks, tags, and shortcuts. Today’s tech means that work can be with you wherever you are. But, with the right tweaks and tools, you can keep it under control so that you can be both shine at your job and enjoy a day in the sunshine.

The HoloLens Revolution

The HoloLens Revolution The HoloLens Revolution The HoloLens Revolution As recently as 2014, when scientists at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena plotted the course of one of their Mars rovers, they consulted maps and satellite images, as well as images uploaded from the rover itself. There was an element of guesswork in integrating all those overlapping data sources, but guessing wrong could send the rover along an impassable path or get it intractably stuck. Now, JPL scientists have a new tool for studying possible routes. That tool, called OnSight, enables users to explore 3-D stereo views of the Martian environment and to get a natural sense of depth and understanding of spatial relationships. They are able to examine the rovers worksite from a first-person perspective, plan new activities, and preview the results of their work firsthand. A pilot group of mission scientists has been testing the application, using it for such tasks as identifying rock formations that merit further study by the Curiosity rover. That NASA tool is just one of the applications of a new type of computer hardware and software combination called mixed reality or MR. Its a variant of virtual reality systems, which have been around for decades and have edged toward the mainstream through new headsets, smart mobile devices with 3-D capabilities, and improvement in display resolution. Mixed reality uses some of the same technology, but instead of an immersive experience cut off from the outside world, it blends or merges holograms into the physical environment. Mixed reality in combination with technologies that enable interaction with holograms, called holographic computing, is poised to be the next big disruptive technology. Major technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, Samsung, Apple, Sony, and Facebook are investing significant funding in the development of low-cost virtual and mixed reality systems, and Microsofts HoloLens is already being used in some applications, such as NASAs OnSight system mentioned above. These devices promise to break down the barriers between virtual and physical reality, and enable the physical and virtual worlds to intersect in new ways. And they have some very real engineering applications that could well transform the profession as profoundly as the personal computer did a generation ago. ;custompagebreak; The Holographic Computer Holograms may seem futuristic, but most of us carry around objects- such as credit cards or drivers licenses- embedded with them. The recording of the light field necessary to make a hologram requires a laser, a beam splitter, and a photographic medium that enables the light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed. The resulting image changes as the position and orientation of the viewing system changes in the same way as if the object were still present, thus making the image appear three-dimensional. Up to now, the most common photographic recording medium has been film. Holograms, by comparison, have been 3-D snapshots rather than moving, interactive images. Technologists have been working for decades to find a way to project dynamic, holographic images into the spaces where we live and work. The goal has been to create something that works similar to the depictions of holography in science fiction, from the recorded plea of Princess Leia in Star Wars to the immersive holodeck of Star Trek. The Microsoft HoloLens doesnt do that. Instead, it is a self-contained system running a special version of Windows 10 that generates and projects stereographic images onto the lenses of a headset. In addition to the central processing unit and graphics processing unit of a conventional computer, the HoloLens possesses a separate holographic processing unit. That HPU calculates where 3-D graphics exist in the physical space of the user and keeps track of such input as voice commands and gestures. All that computing power- along with built-in speakers, advanced sensors, buttons, a camera, and vent- have been miniaturized to fit in an untethered visor. Compared to virtual reality headsets such as the Oculus Rift, the HoloLens projects its images onto a fairly narrow field- about the area of a sheet of copy paper held 18 inches in front of your face. That limited field of view is acceptable because unlike virtual reality, mixed reality does not try to be fully immersive. Instead, the HoloLens projects its images onto the lenses in a way so that the holograms are perceived to exist together with physical real-world elements in a shared environment. Thats immensely difficult. If a hologram is supposed to sit on a table, the holographic computing system must calculate how that virtual object should appear to the HoloLens user as he turns his head, stands up or sits down, or if he leaves and then reenters the room. Indeed, if a real-world object passes through the space between the user and the hologram, the holographic computing system can in real time calculate which parts of the hologram would be eclipsed by that object and make those portions disappear. Whats more, these holographic objects are interactive. Virtual buttons can be clicked and holographic objects can be transformed with tools or by touch, much the way that objects on a conventional computer screen can be altered. By virtually transforming the physical world into a tangible representation of programs and controls, HoloLens represents a dramatic reduction in the distance between the user and the interface. ;custompagebreak; Engineering Applications Microsoft introduced the system in January 2015 and since March 2016 has been shipping the system to developers and academic groups. Engineers, designers, architects, and animation teams at these organizations are using the HoloLens technology to discover the best practices and most powerful application for this new computing platform. NASA, for instance, has been working with Microsoft on developing software tools to exploit the HoloLens. Another NASA application called ProtoSpace uses holograms for spacecraft design. The system superimposes a computer-generated version of space hardware over the field of view of the users headset. That enables NASA scientists to naturally walk around a full-scale version of a spacecraft (such as the Mars 2020 rover currently under development at the NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and examine different components. That capability provides a feeling of how large each component is or how tight the tolerance might be- two measures that might be difficult to assess from looking at a model on a computer screen. The goal is to avoid design conflicts as the new six-wheeled robot is assembled. This isnt theoretical: NASA engineers are using ProtoSpace today. Engineers recently used ProtoSpace to check the size of the rovers nuclear batteries, which is one of the last tasks done before launch, and to make sure they would fit inside the rocket that would launch the spacecraft to Mars.   ProtoSpace allows engineers to test fit all the components and practice the installation procedure at full scale with the actual tools they will need to ensure there is enough clearance. And they can do all this early in the design phase before a single part has been manufactured. Another application being developed is called Sidekick. That tool is intended to provide crews aboard the International Space Station with assistance for complicated tasks. In one mode, Sidekick uses Skype voice and video chat to enable ground operators to see what crew members see, provide real-time guidance, and draw real-time annotations into the crew members environment to coach them through the task. Sidekick can also augment standalone procedures with animated holographic illustrations displayed on top of the objects the crewmember is working with. This capability could provide refresher training and guidance for station crews while they are in space, much closer to the time they will be performing a task. In addition, Sidekick's stand-alone mode could be a resource during future deep space missions, where communication delays complicate difficult operations. Private companies are developing applications for the Holo ­Lens as well. The Swedish defense and security company Saab has created a holographic training system for the HoloLens, and automakers Volvo and Volkswagen are working with Microsoft to demonstrate the use of HoloLens in lieu of CAD software for seeing life-size 3-D design schematics. The engineering and construction firm CDM Smith, Boston, Mass., is discovering how to apply the HoloLens technology through the entire product life cycle. During the planning phase of building plant upgrades or extensions, for instance, engineers are uploading CAD files into the HoloLens to visualize how additional pumps or pipes will fit into the existing space.   During the design phase, the entire project team dons HoloLenses to walk through the final project and experience the project via holograms within the physical environment of the existing site. A safety issue in the layout that would not be obvious in the blueprints can be seen in the holographic representation and team members can suggest changes to the design before construction begins. During construction, CDM Smith engineers walk through the project wearing HoloLenses to compare the holographic models to the actual work, to make sure the job is being done as designed. After the project is complete, facility managers can continue to use holographic models to collect and manage operations data, as well as manage the site remotely. Education may also see some important applications for the HoloLens. My lab at Old Dominion is studying how to use the power of holographic computing to provide learners with a multisensory interactive immersive learning environment. One possibility involves providing remote access- linking several remote classrooms to the same lecture hall, or sending students on a virtual tour of places like the International Space Station, or connecting them to experts who can illustrate processes live, in person, and in 3-D. Clackamas Community College in Oregon also is using HoloLens to develop a hands-on trade-based curriculum for automotive students. For example, students use the mixed reality application to disassemble engines, or to identify, using the headset, all the parts of an engine they are working on. ;custompagebreak; Beyond The Technology It was less than 10 years ago that society was introduced to a new computing paradigm: handheld devices that sensed and responded to touch and motion. What was a novel and, to some, baffling interface in 2007 has become so second nature that today small children are given their parents iPhones to play with- and those children have no problem operating them. After seeing the HoloLens in action and talking to professionals who are excited about its possibilities, I believe holographic computing will follow a similar path. As the technology improves, holographic computers will be capable of rendering high-resolution 3-D digital content that blends seamlessly with our environment.   Manipulating that content will become as easy and natural as picking up a box or sitting at a table. High-definition holograms will look as real as physical objects and will become practical tools of daily life. Whats more, holographic computing platforms and headsets will be light and small enough to wear all the time, and will be able to spatially map the users environment wherever he is. An engineer wearing a holographic computer will be able to use his actual hands to manipulate holograms representing parts of a new engineering system and virtually teleport (or holoport, perhaps) himself and his team members into meetings. The now-ubiquitous handheld screens will be replaced by headsets and wearable devices that provide digital and projected interfaces everywhere. Some technological breakthroughs still need to occur before we get to that point. For one, more natural ways of interacting with holograms and the holographic computing platform need to be developed. Private companies are working to crack that problem. For instance, Milpitas, Calif.-based Eyefluence is working on eye tracking technology intended to enable ones gaze to navigate and explore holographic displays. Another company, Gest, Austin, Texas, is building a device that wraps around the palm and fingers to better capture gestures that a person could use to intuitively create, shape, and size holograms. And advanced voice recognition is being developed by Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other tech giants. Advances in scanning technology may enable engineers to scan, capture, create, and render 3-D models based on the users first-person visual perspective, eliminating the need for common scanning tools such as spinning tables for depth sensing devices or large scanning booths that require a hundred cameras. Magic Leap, a Dania Beach, Fla., company that is developing its own holographic computing system and headset, is just one of the groups working on that first-person scanning technology. The biggest breakthroughs, I believe, will come with the coupling of holographic computing and two other emerging AI and information technologies: next-generation cognitive cybernetics capable of deep learning and even anticipatory capabilities, and the Internet of Things comprised of widespread connected embedded sensors. Combined, those three technologies could create something like an Internet of Presence and Experiences, where smart wearable devices and appliances tap into advanced cognition systems to deliver information and services to you via holograms- often before you even know you want it. Those advanced technologies could transform mixed reality into an all-pervasive digital reality that is based on extraordinary levels of data, context, and insight. Beyond the technology, however, there are likely some social aspects to the use of mixed reality headsets that need to be worked out. The headsets are more imposing than the Google Glass, and it may turn out that they are going to be tools best suited for use in designated workspaces and classrooms rather than in coffee shops or stores. On the other hand, society has adapted to mobile computing much more quickly than might have been expected. The possibilities for holographic computing are truly exciting, and the endless applications go as far as the human mind can imagine. Holographic computing is one of the major engineering tools for the 21st century, and we are only beginning to understand how it will change the profession. Ahmed K. Noor is eminent scholar emeritus and professor emeritus of modeling, simulation and visualization engineering at Old Dominion University in Virginia. For more information on holographic computing and mixed reality, go to a website created as a companion to this Mechanical Engineering magazine feature:  aee.odu.edu/holocomputing/. The site contains links to online material related to variety of aspects of both holographic computing and mixed reality. The site includes a daily news feed for up to date information on related subjects.

3 Reasons You Dont Fit in at Your Office-The Muse

3 Reasons You Dont Fit in at Your Office-The Muse 3 Reasons You Dont Fit in at Your Office-The Muse When you start a new job, you inherit more than a desk and a docket of responsibilities. Unless you’re freelancing or working solo, your job will also include a cast of colleagues (a.k.a., characters) who you’ll be working with day in and day out. Ideally, you’ll bond with your new team. Sure, you might find one or two people grating, but overall, you should have a few people you like to talk to each morning. However, that’s not always the case. My friend recently started a new job and felt like her co-workers just weren’t that into her- personally. No one was hostile, but they weren’t pausing at her desk to chat or asking her to join their book club either. Are you dealing with something similar? Here are a few common reasons you might feel like don’t you fit in at your new job, and the steps you can take to build a friendlier bond with your co-workers. 1. They Make You Feel Old (or Young) This is not another article on how Boomers suck at email and Millennials should act less like the characters on Girls. Because, personally, I’ve never dealt with these overblown stereotypes. What I have seen is people defaulting to hang out with co-workers who are close in age. The Gen X married folks assume the 20-somethings have no interest in grabbing breakfast before work to discuss strategies for entertaining a bunch of five-year-olds at a birthday party. The new grad assumes the middle-aged parent wouldn’t be able to join the group for a drink- because wouldn’t that take some sort of babysitter coordination not worthy of a last-minute happy hour? So, the new colleague of a different generation (you) is left out of social activities out of an assumed disinterest. While you could keep your work and social lives entirely separate, the rapport built during these sorts of gatherings matters. But start where you are- in the office. Before you set your sights on happy hour or book club, begin small by building more bonds within the confines of the workplace. Next time you have a meeting, take a moment to ask your colleagues how they’re doing and hold a warm conversation (regardless of whether their lives mirror yours a decade ago or 15 years from now). Be your fun, creative, brilliant, welcoming self, and create friendships during the day. It’s likely that one of those office friendships will turn into an invite to happy hour or book club or a birthday party- and at the very least, you’ll feel like you fit in at work. 2. They Make You Feel Poor It’s disconcerting when you feel like you’re the economic outcast of the group. Your co-workers go out to eat practically every day, but you can’t afford that. They want to celebrate a win at a fancy restaurant, order lots or drinks, and split the check, while you don’t really want to drop $75 for your $12 app. So, you keep saying no for financial reasons. But your colleagues interpret it as you not wanting to spend time with them. After a period of time, they eventually stop asking. However, a permanent disinvite is not the best solution here. In fact, your best bet is to be more involved socially, by offering to pitch in with planning and suggesting alternate (i.e., less expensive) options. Ask if everyone would be up for eating outside, somewhere they could buy lunch and you could brown bag it. Or, if it’s around holiday time, suggest an office Secret Santa in lieu of expensive gifts, and so forth. And if a certain clique of colleagues still chooses to bond over mani-pedis and golf games, don’t sweat it. (But do remember how excluded you felt when the designer shoe is on the other foot and you’re making more money than your co-workers.) 3. They Make You Feel Different I’m a reality TV fan, and I once had a co-worker who made comments all the time that made me feel like I didn’t fit in. You know, saying offhand that people who watch these shows aren’t smart enough to read, or that people who spend their leisure time this way or that way are somehow less interesting. Frankly, I don’t know why the very same knowledge or hobbies that can make you appear warm and pop-culture savvy in some groups is counted against you as idiocy in others- but it happens. Of course, it’s totally OK to have different hobbies or interests than your new team, but if you feel judged- or are the one doing the judging- it closes the door for you to connect beyond your “work self” and build a bond. But instead of feeling like the only way to connect is to pipe up on every subject (for better or worse), wait for the exchanges on topics you do find engaging. Then, feel free to join in and get to know your colleagues better. Assuming you took the time to learn about the company’s culture before accepting the offer, odds are high that you’ll discover you actually have a lot in common with your new co-workers. Sometimes, it just takes more than a few conversations to figure it out. No one wants to feel left out at work. So if you’re not quite clicking with your new colleagues, do a self-check and see if the tips above will help smooth the way to better social interactions. Photo of woman alone on swing courtesy of Shutterstuck.