Tuesday, December 31, 2019

So, about This Gap in Your Resume ...

So, about This Gap in Your Resume ...Gap in Your ResumeSo, about This Gap in Your Resume ...Its happened to most of us You werent collecting a paycheck for awhile because, well, you werent working, for one reason or another. And as you list your work experience in typical reverse chronological order on your resume, theres this time gap that a kompetenz employer will ask you about if youre called in for an interview.But dont go into the interview unprepared be ready to explain the gap. Even if the interviewer is not bothered by the gap but wants to see how you answer the question, you need to answer in such a way that it will not derail your chances at landing the job, and maybe even enhance them.There are two primary reasons why there might be a gap in your employment track recordYou stayed out of the workforce by choice, orYou were let go from a job and didnt get another one for awhile.Now, how might you answer if an interviewer calls you on this gap? Here are explanations for both situationsYou stayed out of the workforce by choiceTypically, this kind of gap involves something personal in nature. Without going into painstaking detail, explain the reason. For instance, you may have taken care of a sick relative, had a medical issue, or taken an extended vacation. By law, U.S. employers cannot ask you about your personal life, but if you volunteer the information and it alarms the employer, it might make them wary of hiring you (though they would never admit that as the reason for denying you the job). Explain the gap factually, but briefly. Hold back the urge to volunteer details best left private anything that might create an impression in the interviewers mind that you are unsuitable for the job. Then, explain what you learned from the experience if it will help improve your chances at landing the job. For instance During that time, I developed practical skills for dealing with difficult people, which paid off in my next job as a customer service representa tive in a high-volume call center at ABC Company.You were let go from a job You had taken a job you were qualified for and approached it with great enthusiasm, only to be let go after three months because of a personality clash with your boss. Listing the tenure may be enough of a red flag for the hiring manager, and maybe three months wasnt a sufficient amount of time to note any accomplishments on the job. Regardless, explain it with just the facts and focus on what you did accomplish if anything and how the experience prepared you for the job youre being interviewed for. If you were laid off as part of a business decision to cut expenses, turn that into a positive by explaining how the layoff caused you to rethink your career goals and how your skills and background will be a good fit for the job youre being interviewed for. (Note If you omit a previous job on your resume and a new or would-be employer asks you to fill out an application, its best to err on the side of full dis closure and include that job on the application. And, mention it to the hiring manager before you sign an offer since some employers should they investigate the gap might equate an omission with lying about your background.)Of course, every situation is different. But if you follow these general guidelines, you can change that resume gap from a potential hindrance to a help.Everyone has a resume gap at some point. A potential employers chief concern is that hiring you wont turn out to be a mistake. Help them along by showing that you were productive during your downtime, learned new skills, and are now 100% ready to go.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Using Metrics to Measure Business Performance

Using Metrics to Measure Business PerformanceUsing Metrics to Measure Business PerformanceYou cant manage what you dont measure is an old management adage that is still accurate today. Unless you measure something, you dont know if it is getting better or worse. You cant manage for improvement if you dont measure to see what is getting better and what isnt. This article introduces you to some fundamental terms and approaches for measuring business activities. Definitions To begin, well define a few of the terms. We are using measure as a verb, bedrngnis a noun and benchmark as a noun, notlage an adverb. Measure The verb means to ascertain the measurements ofMeasurement The figure, extent, or amount obtained by measuringMetric A standard of measurement.Benchmark A standard by which others may be measured. So we collect data (measurements), determine how those will be expressed as a standard (metric), and compare the measurement to the benchmark to evaluate progression. For example , we measure a number of lines of code written by each programmer during a week. We measure (count) the number of bugs in that code. We establish bugs per thousand lines of code as the metric. We compare each programmers metric against the benchmark of fewer than 1 defect (bug) per thousand lines of code. What to Measure Measure those activities or results that are important to successfully achieving your organizations goals. Key Performance Indicators, also known as KPIs or Key Success Indicators (KSIs), help an organization define and measure those activities that support making progress toward goals. KPIs differ depending on the organization. A business may have as one of its KPIs the percentage of its income that comes from returning or repeat customers. A Customer Service department may measure the percentage of customer calls answered in the first minute. A Key Performance Indicator for a development organization might be the number of defects in their code. You may need t o measure several things to be able to calculate the metrics in your KPIs.The department will need to measure (count) how many calls it receives to measure progress toward a Customer ServiceKPI. It must also measure how long it takes to answer each call and how many customers are satisfied with the service they received. The Customer Service Manager can use those various measures to calculate the percentage of customer calls answered in the first minute and to gauge overall effectiveness in answering calls. How To Measure How you measure is as important as what you measure. In the previous example, we can measure the number of calls by having each Customer Service representative (CSR) count their calls and tell their supervisor at the end of the day. We could have an operator counting the number of calls transferred to the department. The best option, although the most expensive, would be to purchase a software program that counts the number of incoming calls, measures how long it takes to answer each, records who answered the call, and measures how long the call took to complete. These measurements are current, accurate, complete, and unbiased. Collecting the measurements in this way enables the manager to calculate the percentage of customer calls answered in the first minute. Also, it provides additional measurements that help him or her manage toward improving the percentage of calls answered quickly. Knowing the call durations lets the manager calculate if there is enough staff to reach the goal. Knowing which CSRs answer the most calls identifies for the manager expertise that can be shared with other representatives. How to Use Measurements fruchtwein often, these measurements are used as part of a Continuous Improvement Plan like the Shewhart cycle. Similar plans are used by many companies in different industries and given different names, but the goal is the same - to measure the key factors and improve them.Building Operating Management Mag azine Measure, Improve, RepeatRAND Arroyo Center Define-Measure-Improve It is important that you communicate your metrics both up and down the organization. Your boss wants to know whats going on, but your employees need to know also. They are not motivated to improve unless they know how they are doing. Also, most of the suggestions on how to improve will come from them. Post team and individual results, either online or by hanging charts on the wall. Use pie charts, line charts, key driver charts, and other graphs to quickly, easily, and visually communicate the metrics. Review your metrics and use them to guide your decisions. With your metrics in place, you can tell which strategies are working and which arent. If you make a change, you use the metrics to tell you whether the change improved things or not. When the metrics show improvement, share that success with everyone. Tell your staff. Tell your boss. Tell the guy you meet in the hall. And dont forget to reward the people w ho were responsible for the success, even if its just a verbal pat on the back. Measure to Manage Measure whats important.Publish your metrics and benchmarks.Reward people for exceeding their goals.And then keep tuning the metrics. The Bottom-Line The art and science of developing key performance indicators are beyond the scope of this post, however, measuring activities and outputs is a fundamental step. And although you cannot manage what you do not measure, be careful that your measurements emphasize certain activities over other equally important but unmeasured activities. Updated by Art Petty

Saturday, December 21, 2019

The bankrupt athlete How to stay a Millennial millionaire

The bankrupt athlete How to stay a Millennial millionaireThe bankrupt athlete How to stay a Millennial millionaireIve spoken across the country on the steps outlined in my book, Millennial Millionaire- A Guide to Become a Millionaire by 30, educating hard-working young professionals how to squeeze mora out of their earnings en route to their goal. Im always enthralled by the enthusiasm, innovation, and attention to detail the most ambitious of Millennials take towards building their personal empire. However, the average starting salary for a 2018 college grad is $50,390. While this is certainly a respectable number, couple this with current costs of living and over $1.5 trillion of outstanding student loan debt (https//www.makelemonade.co/), and unfortunately many Millennials hit the million-dollar mark much later than expected, if at all.So where are Millennial millionaires produced almost automatically? Enter the sports arena. The average NBA player is 26.8 years-old with a salar y of $7.3 million, for the NFL its 26.6 years old and $2.1 million, and in Major League Baseball its 29.2 years old and $4.1 million. These astronomical figures only seem to get larger, shifting the conversation from becoming to staying. Its natural for the average Millennial to see the infamous images of Mike Tyson on ESPN Classic squandering over $300 million and react in disgust. How can the young, ultra-rich keep their wealth, or better yet, act like normal Millennial millionaire aspirant and grow it?Lets first take a look at how things usually go wrong. The poster child for riches-to-rags, Iron Mike, was known to buy mansions he never lived in and sports cars he never drove. Along the way of his spending spree, he racked up 38 arrests, seven children (some from marriages, some not), went through a couple costly divorces and worked with unscrupulous individuals like boxing promoter Don King.I cant even call them leeches. Thats too decent of a word to call them., Tyson said of Ki ng and other businessmen who ripped him off. This isnt the only example of extreme affluence disappearing, it just happens to be one of the largest sums in the quickest periods, showcasing every mistake in one case study.Despite countless cautionary tales, many athletes continue to make mistakes that not only cost money, but also a clean record. Id say there might be more kids out of wedlock than there are players in the NBA, one top agent said. Two obligations that cant be discharged from bankruptcy are child-beistand payments and taxes owed, another requirement often ignored by irresponsible athletes that can lead to jail time. These are stupid financial decisions, theyre plain stupid decisions.So, whats the solution? Easy marry the right person, pay your taxes, and then do nothing. Thats right, nothing. Take the average NBA career of 4.8 years multiplied by the average salary of $7.3 million, and the young basketball star earns $35.04 million. Take out the taxes you MUST pay and youre somewhere around $17 million in the bank (assuming an improbably high 50% effective rate). Earn a paltry 1% in a savings account on $10 million, because it cost $7 million to live a respectable lifestyle during that 5-year career, and youre set with a $100,000 annual passive income the rest of the way without touching your principle.Of course, there are many more solutions with far greater yields, see Magic Johnsons 125 Starbucks locations, take up Hollywood like Dwayne The Rock Johnson, lend your personenname to George Foreman Grills, or start a real estate company while still playing football like Roger Staubach. Football teaches you hard work. It takes a lot of unspectacular preparation to have spectacular results in both business and football, the former Navy quarterback said.Not looking to become an entrepreneur or get tripped up in your old high school pals genius investment idea, then its time to consider a financial plan. The financial plan may not be all that differe nt than the average Millennials we opened this article with, just hyper-funded in a condensed time frame. An easy to follow plan might include splitting up every $4 earned $1 to spend, $1 to bank for short-term goals/concerns, $1 to invest moderately in an accessible brokerage account, and $1 to stash away for normal retirement age. This is just an adaptation of the famous mantra- PAY YOURSELF FIRST. Its simple enough that the athlete afraid to discuss such matters with friends, family, or professionals can try starting it alone (not my recommendation, but better than blowing all $4 on your entourage).Obviously, taking it a step further with expert advice can help the situation. Athletes are accustomed to getting support from strength coaches, athletic trainers, team doctors, coaches, equipment managers, etc. so hiring a professional is nothing to be ashamed of. I always recommend consulting a Certified Financial Planner to ensure high quality and ethical advice. A more intricate p lan following the 4-step approach above might involve actively managed ETF portfolios, tax-advantaged vehicles such as Backdoor Roth IRAs or Whole Life Insurance, fixed annuities, and more.In closing, the young millionaire should be most concerned with the preservation of the wealth theyre so blessed with. The horror stories we see on TV should be a reminder that its more about preventing stupid mistakes than achieving amazing investments. I encourage high-profile athletes to embrace being a Millennial millionaire, not a Millennial billionaire.Bryan M. Kuderna is a Certified Financial Planner, Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, and Investment Adviser Representative withKuderna Financial Team. He is also theauthorof the best-selling book, MILLENNIAL MILLIONAIRE A Guide to Become a Millionaire by 30.

Monday, December 16, 2019

10 harsh lessons that will make you more successful

10 harsh lessons that will make you mora successful10 harsh lessons that will make you more successfulEveryone fails in life, and failure can be a crushing experience. The only thing that separates successful people from the rest is how they respond after they fail.When facing obstacles, you have to decide if youre going to let them be the excuse for your failure or if youre going to make them the story behind your success.There is no failure. Only feedback. Robert AllenWhen you adopt the right attitude, failure is a great teacher. Failure interrupts your routine and gives you an opportunity to explore new solutions, but only if you have the right attitude.Psychologist Albert Bandura conducted a study that showed just how great a role our attitudes play in the face of failure. In the study, two groups of people were asked to complete an identical management task. The first group welches told that the purpose of the task welches to measure their management abilities. The other group was told that the skills required to complete the task were improvable and that the task was merely an opportunity to practice and improve. The trick was that the researchers made the task so difficult that all participants were bound to fail, and fail they did. The first group - feeling like failures because their skills werent up to snuff - made little or no improvement when they were given opportunities to repeat the task. The second group, however, saw each failure as a learning opportunity, and they performed at progressively higher levels each time they attempted the task. The second group even rated themselves as more confident than the first group.Just like the participants in Banduras study, we can either view our failures as reflections of our abilities or as opportunities for growth. The next time you catch yourself wallowing in the self-pity that often accompanies failure, focus on what you can control your attitude.Some of the best lessons in life are also the toughes t to accept and to adopt the right attitude toward. These are the lessons that challenge your flexibility and willingness to learn. When we dont embrace them soon enough, the lessons we learn turn out to be harsh ones.The first step is always the hardestWhen you want to achieve something important, that first step is inevitably going to be daunting, even frightening. When you dare to make that first move, anxiety and fear dissipate in the name of action. People that dive headfirst into taking that brutal first step arent any stronger than the rest of us theyve simply learned that it yields great results. They know that the pain of getting started is inevitable and that procrastination only prolongs their suffering.Good things take timeSuccess, above all, requires time and effort. Author Malcolm Gladwell suggested that mastery of anything requires 10,000 hours of tireless focus. Many successful people would agree. Consider Henry Ford, whose first two automobile businesses failed befo re he started Ford at the age of 45, or author Harry Bernstein, who dedicated his entire life to writing before he finally landed a best-seller at the age of 96. When you finally do succeed, you realize that the journey was the best part of it.Being busy does not equal being productiveLook at everyone around you. They all seem so busy, running from meeting to meeting and firing off e-mails. Yet how many of them are really producing, really succeeding at a high level? Success doesnt come from movement and activity it comes from focus- from ensuring that your time is used efficiently and productively. You get the saatkorn number of hours in the day as everyone else, so use yours wisely. After all, youre the product of your output not your effort. Make certain your efforts are dedicated to tasks that get results.You will always have less control than you wantThere are too many extenuating circumstances in life to control every outcome. You can, however, control how you react to things that are out of your control. Your reaction is what transforms a mistake into a learning experience and ensures that a victory doesnt send your ego through the roof. You cant win every battle, but with the right attitude, you can win the war.Youre only as good as those you associate withYou should strive to surround yourself with people who inspire you, people who make you want to be better. And you probably do. But what about the people who drag you down? Why do you allow them to be part of your life? Anyone who makes you feel worthless, anxious, or uninspired is wasting your time and, quite possibly, making you more like them. Life is too short to associate with people like this. Cut them loose.Your biggest problems are mentalAlmost all our problems occur because we time travel we go to the past and regret things weve done, or we go to the future and feel anxious about events that havent even happened. Its all too easy to slip into the past or jet into the future. When you do, you lose sight of the one thing that you can actually control- the present.Your self-worth must come from withinWhen your sense of pleasure and satisfaction are derived from comparing yourself with others, you are no longer the master of your own destiny. When you feel good about something that youve done, dont allow anyones opinions or accomplishments to take that away from you. While its impossible to turn off your reactions to what others think of you, you dont have to compare yourself with others and you can always take peoples opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what other people are thinking or doing, your self-worth comes from within. Regardless of what people think of you at any particular moment, one thing is certain- youre never as good or bad as they say you are.Not everyone will hilfe youIn fact, most people wont. Some people will inundate you with negativity, passive aggression, anger, or jealousy, but none of this matters, because, as Dr. Seuss said, Those that matter dont mind, and those that mind dont matter. We cant possibly get support from everyone, and we definitely cant spend our time and energy trying to win over the people who dont support us. Letting go of the opinions of people who dont matter frees up time and energy for the people and things that do.Perfection doesnt existDont seek perfection as your target. It doesnt exist. Human beings, by our very nature, are fallible. When perfection is your goal, youre always left with a nagging sense of failure that makes you want to give up or reduce your effort. You end up spending your time lamenting what you failed to accomplish and what you should have done differently, instead of moving forward, excited about what youve achieved and what youll accomplish in the future.Fear is the number one source of regretWhen all is said and done, you will lament the chances you didnt take far more than you will your failures. Dont be afraid to take risks. I often hear people say, Whats the worst thing that can happen to you? Will it kill you? Yet, death isnt the worst thing that can happen to you- the worst thing that can happen to you is allowing yourself to die inside while youre totenstill alive.Bringing it all togetherSuccessful people never stop learning. They learn from their mistakes and they learn from their triumphs, and theyre always changing themselves for the better.What other harsh lessons have shaped who you are today? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.Thisarticlefirst appeared on LinkedIn.10 harsh lessons that will make you more successfulEveryone fails in life, and failure can be a crushing experience. The only thing that separates successful people from the rest is how they respond after they fail.When facing obstacles, you have to decide if youre going to let them be the excuse for your failure or if youre going to make them the story behind your success.Follow Ladders on Flip boardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThere is no failure. Only feedback. Robert AllenWhen you adopt the right attitude, failure is a great teacher. Failure interrupts your routine and gives you an opportunity to explore new solutions, but only if you have the right attitude.Psychologist Albert Bandura conducted a study that showed just how great a role our attitudes play in the face of failure. In the study, two groups of people were asked to complete an identical management task. The first group was told that the purpose of the task was to measure their management abilities. The other group was told that the skills required to complete the task were improvable and that the task was merely an opportunity to practice and improve. The trick was that the researchers made the task so difficult that all participants were bound to fail, and fail they did. The first group - feeling like failures because their skills werent up to snuff - made little or no improvement when they were given opportunities to repeat the task. The second group, however, saw each failure as a learning opportunity, and they performed at progressively higher levels each time they attempted the task. The second group even rated themselves as more confident than the first group.Just like the participants in Banduras study, we can either view our failures as reflections of our abilities or as opportunities for growth. The next time you catch yourself wallowing in the self-pity that often accompanies failure, focus on what you can control your attitude.Some of the best lessons in life are also the toughest to accept and to adopt the right attitude toward. These are the lessons that challenge your flexibility and willingness to learn. When we dont embrace them soon enough, the lessons we learn turn out to be harsh ones.The first step is always the hardestWhen you want to achieve something important, that first step i s inevitably going to be daunting, even frightening. When you dare to make that first move, anxiety and fear dissipate in the name of action. People that dive headfirst into taking that brutal first step arent any stronger than the rest of us theyve simply learned that it yields great results. They know that the pain of getting started is inevitable and that procrastination only prolongs their suffering.Good things take timeSuccess, above all, requires time and effort. Author Malcolm Gladwell suggested that mastery of anything requires 10,000 hours of tireless focus. Many successful people would agree. Consider Henry Ford, whose first two automobile businesses failed before he started Ford at the age of 45, or author Harry Bernstein, who dedicated his entire life to writing before he finally landed a best-seller at the age of 96. When you finally do succeed, you realize that the journey was the best part of it.Being busy does not equal being productiveLook at everyone around you. Th ey all seem so busy, running from meeting to meeting and firing off e-mails. Yet how many of them are really producing, really succeeding at a high level? Success doesnt come from movement and activity it comes from focus- from ensuring that your time is used efficiently and productively. You get the same number of hours in the day as everyone else, so use yours wisely. After all, youre the product of your output not your effort. Make certain your efforts are dedicated to tasks that get results.You will always have less control than you wantThere are too many extenuating circumstances in life to control every outcome. You can, however, control how you react to things that are out of your control. Your reaction is what transforms a mistake into a learning experience and ensures that a victory doesnt send your ego through the roof. You cant win every battle, but with the right attitude, you can win the war.Youre only as good as those you associate withYou should strive to surround you rself with people who inspire you, people who make you want to be better. And you probably do. But what about the people who drag you down? Why do you allow them to be part of your life? Anyone who makes you feel worthless, anxious, or uninspired is wasting your time and, quite possibly, making you more like them. Life is too short to associate with people like this. Cut them loose.Your biggest problems are mentalAlmost all our problems occur because we time travel we go to the past and regret things weve done, or we go to the future and feel anxious about events that havent even happened. Its all too easy to slip into the past or jet into the future. When you do, you lose sight of the one thing that you can actually control- the present.Your self-worth must come from withinWhen your sense of pleasure and satisfaction are derived from comparing yourself with others, you are no longer the master of your own destiny. When you feel good about something that youve done, dont allow anyon es opinions or accomplishments to take that away from you. While its impossible to turn off your reactions to what others think of you, you dont have to compare yourself with others and you can always take peoples opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what other people are thinking or doing, your self-worth comes from within. Regardless of what people think of you at any particular moment, one thing is certain- youre never as good or bad as they say you are.Not everyone will support youIn fact, most people wont. Some people will inundate you with negativity, passive aggression, anger, or jealousy, but none of this matters, because, as Dr. Seuss said, Those that matter dont mind, and those that mind dont matter. We cant possibly get support from everyone, and we definitely cant spend our time and energy trying to win over the people who dont support us. Letting go of the opinions of people who dont matter frees up time and energy for the people and things that do.Perfect ion doesnt existDont seek perfection as your target. It doesnt exist. Human beings, by our very nature, are fallible. When perfection is your goal, youre always left with a nagging sense of failure that makes you want to give up or reduce your effort. You end up spending your time lamenting what you failed to accomplish and what you should have done differently, instead of moving forward, excited about what youve achieved and what youll accomplish in the future.Fear is the number one source of regretWhen all is said and done, you will lament the chances you didnt take far more than you will your failures. Dont be afraid to take risks. I often hear people say, Whats the worst thing that can happen to you? Will it kill you? Yet, death isnt the worst thing that can happen to you- the worst thing that can happen to you is allowing yourself to die inside while youre still alive.Bringing it all togetherSuccessful people never stop learning. They learn from their mistakes and they learn fr om their triumphs, and theyre always changing themselves for the better.What other harsh lessons have shaped who you are today? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.Thisarticlefirst appeared on LinkedIn.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, December 12, 2019

4 Ways to Stop Getting Low Salary Offers

4 Ways to Stop Getting Low Salary Offers4 Ways to Stop Getting Low Salary OffersIf you are running into the constant problem of getting offers that are way below your salary expectations, this post may be for you. Low salary offers are not always the result of companies being cheap or trying to lowball job candidates.Sometimes, it comes down to the very ways you are presenting your arguments for a higher salary. We explain further some ways to stop getting low salary offers.4. Start making yourself indispensable at your current jobThis obviously requires having a job. It is a highly proactive move to think about what you are doing at your current job. Are you constantly turning down chances to improve or take on new tasks and responsibilities?People who generally make themselves indispensable at a company are the ones who eventually get paid mora. If they are not being paid mora they at least have more leverage to seek better pay when they start searching for new work.The more you kn ow how to do and the more important you are to a company, the more you deserve to be paid. In addition, due to recent law changes around the country and depending on where you live, your salary history cannot be used against you during negotiations.3. Evaluate if you are not communicating well during salary negotiationsWe all work in a global work environment and being misunderstood during salary negotiations is quite possible due to the varying costs of living around the United States.For example, a person living in New York City making $100,000/year only needs to make $41,000/year to maintain the same style of living if they chose to live in Richmond, Virginia. You can check your own cost of living changes here.More so, you need to make koranvers you are communicating your expertise in a field, your ambitions in the company, and your capability to do the job. There are times when we get so caught up in the frustrations of a lowball offer that we forget salary negotiations are more than just communicating how much you want to be paid. The company obviously sees something that you do not.2. Evaluate if you are being realistic about your expectationsIf you are constantly receiving low salary offers you cannot negotiate yourself out of, it is time to be realistic with what is happening. It may not be the time to modify your behavior. It may be the time to learn new, relevant skills.Start asking yourself some questions like theseWhen is the last time I took a business class on anything?Am I missing certifications or degrees that would make me worth more salary?Am I expecting too much money based on the job title alone?Can this company afford my salary expectations?Staying relevant in your career makes you more valuable. Plus, the reality is job titles are interchangeable and appear in every industry. But some industries pay much less than others. For example, a Project Manager in a nonprofit organization makes an average $48,000/year while the same job title in t he banking industry makes an average $78,000/year.1. Improve your negotiation skillsThis one sounds so simple, yet it is one of the hardest skills to learn. Knowing what to do in a negotiation is one thing. Finding out how to apply it to your interviews is the real challenge. Here are the 10 skills you need the basics of what to doFlexibilityPatienceResilience under pressureIndifference to outcomesCommunication skillsCritical thinkingCreative thinkingMaintaining your poker face ie. suppressing emotions or non-verbal cuesAwareness of deceptive tacticsVision to predict outcomes of your choicesThere are so many reasons to get emotional these days. We have social media telling us how to behave like everyone else. We know others must deal with low balling companies, ageism, racism, and gender bias. However, if you come across as easy to manipulate because of your feelings, you may start finding the salary offers to be consistently low.Above all, you may be exhausted with the low offers s o much so that you are willing to accept anything that comes in the form of a job opportunity. Accepting what people offer just because you feel lucky to have a job is a mindset that will lead you down a career path of low, poorly negotiated salaries.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Insider Secret on Resume Templates for Mac Discovered

The Insider Secret on Resume Templates for Mac Discovered Community service is crucial. HubSpot Academys certification program is just one more choice in the event youre attempting to hone yur advertising abilities which are internet. Work is an important investment in your time and life so that we d highly advise that you dedicate an outstanding couple of hours on developing a wonderful CV. Working for the community isnt only satisfying, additionally, it is ideal for networking. The Advantages of Resume Templates for Mac There are three major types of resume templates. Three major types of templates are most popularly employed. They also show you what you need to include in your CV, such as what information to put in each section, and what kind of language to use. There are many templates that could be used for presenting your details. Youll observe several sample Word templates displayed. Download our creative resume templates and you are going to have professionally de signed CV in no moment The templates are extremely simple to edit and are totally layered. Quite a few of our templates also incorporate matching cover letters. You simply get one chance to create a first impression. The easy truth of the issue is that your customer might just neglect to pay your invoice. A clean, clear and appealing template for a resume is appealing, showcases the vital sections of the resume in the right way and catches the interest of the readers in a manner they will read everything that you have in it, as opposed to reading only two or three lines. Double check to ensure that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. Secondly, zugnglich resume templates offer you an assortment of style choices. You will discover a great deal of templates to select from. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. Each one of our creative style templates provide a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professiona lism and some style. The easy and minimal layout makes it simple to follow along with. The most usual are the chronological format, but it isnt always the very best selection for everybody. You can pick the template which is suitable for your preference together with requirements. By comparison, if you get even a freelancer to construct your site, your costs might have been very heavy. The Number One Question You Must Ask for Resume Templates for Mac When it isnt good, your CV might not even be looked at. Before you submit an application for work, or put in an application for a graduate school or generally speaking, before you begin your career, obtaining a fantastic and professional looking resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is needed. If youre asking for work in a technical field like the medical and academic field a CV will probably be required. A well drafted, neat and impressive resume will certainly catch the interest of the possible employer and so enhances the odds of ge tting the job. Also make certain to tailor the document to the job youre applying for. Attempt to keep the resume no longer than 1 page, especially if youre asking for an entry-level job. Its two-column layout enables you to set a lot of information, which makes it a very good alternative for experienced job seekers who desire to limit themselves to a one-page resume. The War Against Resume Templates for Mac A basic resume is also simpler to read. Uploading to our resume database requires you to make an account. You dependence to select the capture one for you. Heres What I Know About Resume Templates for Mac Keep in mind that your resume may be read by means of a computer. For first-time users, theres a guide that produces the practice of producing resumes and cover letters easier. After entering your info it also may be essential to make different adjustments on account of the elongated length of the document. The most suitable format presents your work history and tec hniques in the very best possible light.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Budget boosts trades and apprenticeships

Budget boosts trades and apprenticeships Budget boosts trades and apprenticeshipsPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun The recently announced Federal Budget has delivered good news for trainees and apprentices, with $660 mio to be spent on investment in skills and job creation, including 39 000 new training places for industries suffering skills shortages. The government has identified resources, construction and infrastructure as its highest priority industries. For trades with the biggest shortages, the government has put aside $200 million over the next four years to pay for extra training places through the Critical Skills Investment fund, while another $80 million will fund 22 500 new apprenticeships as part of the extended Apprentice Kickstart program. In an effort to address the problem of youth unemployment, the states and territories will also be offered a verstndigung im strafverfahren that will guarantee a training place for every jobseeker under the age of 25. In additio n, up to 14 000 Australians will gain access to numeracy, literacy and language courses to help improve their career prospects, and workers will have wider access to loans to help pay for the costs of further vocational training. Demand in these areas industries with skills shortages has threatened to outstrip supply, Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan said in a statement. At the same time, youth unemployment remains high in many parts of Australia. This package will provide Australians with the skills needed to support a sustainable economy. The cornerstones of the four-year skills package are as follows Critical Skills Investment Fund This $200 million co-investment fund has been designed to develop and supply essential skills to key industry sectors and groups. Its main focus will be on the resources, infrastructure, construction and renewable energy sectors, as well as other critical occupations, such as engineering. The fund will also be used to establish language, literacy and nume racy skills in the relevant sectors and help re-skill mature workers already in jobs. Apprenticeship Kickstart Incentive This highly successful initiative has been extended from 12 May until 12 November 2010 and been given an $80 million boost in order to nearly double the number of new apprentices in traditional trades. The scheme will encourage small and medium-sized businesses and group training companies to take on young apprentices in trades which suffer from skills shortages. In addition to the existing $1500 commencement bonus, businesses will receive an extra $3350 in bonus payments if they engage and retain school leavers in traditional trade apprenticeships. National Entitlement to a Quality Training Place The government has allocated $53.6 million to be used in negotiations with the states to offer training entitlements to all Australians under 25 years of age. The states and territories will also be expected to develop entitlements to build on the foundation skills of older workers. Smarter Apprenticeships Program This program will support the implementation of a competency-based system of progression, workplace supervision and stronger mentoring programs for apprenticeships. A system based on competency rather than time served will allow particularly skilled apprentices to reduce the length of their apprenticeships and will facilitate accelerated training delivery. Apprenticeship Expert Panel A high-level expert panel will be established to examine the whole range of Australian government employer incentives and develop a set of principles to guide the Australian Government submission for apprenticeship wages to Fair Work Australia. New Quality Skills Incentive Performance benchmarks will be set for the largest 100 registered training providers, with reward funding available for RTOs that attain these benchmarks.Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)Study modeClassroomPayment optionsPayment planUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE e BrochureEnquire Online Construction project manager sample resumeConstruction project manager sample titelseite letterCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health Construction CoursesBachelor of Construction ManagementEnquire Online Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBuilding Leadership ProgramEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCAREER INSPIRATIONCareer progression10 High-Paying Jobs You Dont Need a Degree For In 2019Who says you need a fancy degree to get paid the big bucks? Were sharing 10 of the best jobs you dont need a degree for in 2019. From executive support and construction to internet fame, some of these roles could even net you a 6-figure salaryFuture trendsManufacturing activity on the riseThe manufacturing sector is off to a positive start this year with an increase in new orders and exports.WORKFORCE TRENDSMore jobs for energy apprenticesElectricity network Ausgrid, formerly EnergyAustralia, has taken on 154 new apprentices to work on their large infrastructure program, creating jobs and helping to fill the national skills shortage for qualified tradespeople.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Get These 10 Ducks in a Row for the Imminent ALJ Announcement

Get These 10 Ducks in a Row for the Imminent ALJ AnnouncementGet These 10 Ducks in a Row for the Imminent ALJ AnnouncementGet These 10 Ducks in a Row for the Imminent ALJ AnnouncementAttention Aspiring ALJsThe ALJ Exam is Opening Again, in 2017Apply to Become an einwanderung Judge, TooTheres great news for experienced attorneys interested in becoming administrative law judges (ALJs) the next ALJ exam will reopen soon, according to OPM. Interested applicants should follow the news on OPMs ALJ website.Apply for the First Time or Try Again If youve been rejected in the past for a non-compliant application, scores that were too low on one or more components, or a technical problem you just couldnt solve, you can simply apply again. (If you have a pending appeal, OPM requires you to choose between the appeal process and reapplying.)Meanwhile, why not apply to become an Immigration Judge? You can use the same resume, and the qualifications overlap. Announcements like this one (closing Augu st 22, 2017) regularly appear.Dont wait for the 2017 ALJ job announcement to post (or the next IJ announcement) before you update yur resume, prepare your qualifications narratives, or assemble other application materials. In each case, applications will be accepted for only a brief window.Heres how to get started.Right now, on USAJOBS.gov, set up an email alert for a saved daily search on job series 0935, so youll see the announcement the day its published. Set aside preparation time for each of the steps outlined here. Plan to complete all advance preparation now. (If interested in becoming an IJ, which is an 0905 series position as are all other federal attorney positions set up your search for Immigration Judge or more broadly, for EOIR instead.)Study the ALJ position description from 2016 Click here. Read the announcement closely and make sure your resume reflects qualifying education, licensing, and work experience and also evidences your knowledge, skills and abilities. (Fo r aspiring IJs, study this one.)Develop accomplishment summaries to flesh out your four- to six-page federal resume. Use the CCAR Accomplishment Builder to develop narratives, then provide summaries in your resume.Next, build your resume online and also upload it as a PDF or Word document. If the new ALJ announcement requires specific additional content, youll be able to refine it quickly if you create an initial version now.To meet the qualifying experience requirements, follow the position requirements to the letter. For example, its not enough to say, I was an attorney in a trial practice. You must say how much time you devoted to qualifying litigation activities and describe those activities with specificity, giving the month and year for each experience.You MUST have a combined total of seven (7) years full time qualifying litigation and/or administrative law experience. You will be disqualified without the full complement of the right kind of work.Do be encouraged if you serve d in the military Veterans preference applies. Ten-point preference eligibles can submit an ALJ application even after the announcement closes.Order a copy of the all-new, ALJ Writing Guide, 2nd Edition, and check out our 2017 ALJ webinar. Given multiple times over the upcoming weeks, this 90-minute webinar will support your preparation efforts.Consider further one-on-one support, via our ALJ resume writing, consulting and coaching services. Were here to serve as your ongoing resource, not only for the initial application and exam preparation, but also in preparation for your Structured Interview.Check back here at The Resume Place for updated briefings on the 2017 ALJ announcement and examination process. The Office of Personnel Management is likely to issue a press release some weeks in advance of the actual job announcement on USAJOBS. As soon as we know more, well keep you briefed.Good luck, and keep in touch NEW ALJ Writing Guide 2nd EditionAvailable for Pre-Order or DownloadTh e ALJ Writing Guide 2nd Edition is the best available resource for any attorney who would like to compete for a slot on the Administrative Law Judge register and ultimately be selected for an ALJ position.The 2nd Edition of theALJ Writing Guide reviews the changes in ALJ hiring since 2009, including the innovative 2016 ALJ exam. It includesSample federal resumes for ALJ candidatesSample qualifying administrative law and litigation narrativesDefinitions for all 13 competencies tested in 2016**OPM did not provide definitions in the 2016 announcement.Order the 2nd Edition eBook now so youre ready for the 2017 ALJ exam. ($49.95)

Friday, November 22, 2019

How to Show Remote Work Experience on a Resume

How to Show Remote Work Experience on a ResumeHow to Show Remote Work Experience on a Resume26Increasingly, employers are realizing that the ability to work remotely is a skill in and of itself. Not everyone is qualified, so showcasing a track record of success and remote work experience boosts employment prospects for remote positions.Ready to weave your past remote work experience into your current resume?Here are three ways to highlight your remote work experience and talents1. State it point blank.Previous Employment entries on a resume typically include the employers location as part of the standard information. However, you can slightly shift the setup to make it known that you performed the work remotely.Lavie Margolin, the author of Mastering the Job Interview, suggests using one of unterstellung three ways to state your remote work experience on your resumeList the organizations corporate location when using a city/state format, but note that the work is performed remotely i n the first sentence or bullet point.Skip city/state in the formatting and note that it is work that is performed remotely in the first sentence.List Remote Work in place of city/state.Another option is to separate home-office jobs into their own Remote Work Experience section. Directly seeing a list of other companies that have trusted you to telecommute builds a hiring managers confidence. Just be sure you dont distract from your best qualifications by inadvertently hiding some relevant non-remote experience in a lower section.2. Include it in descriptions.Good resumes show rather than tell. As you discuss your past job responsibilities and accomplishments, deliberately detail how they were performed off-site.For instance, an effective presentation of a customer tafelgeschirr position might read something like, Attended to 50+ customer inquiries each day through the companys website from a dedicated home office with a high-speed Internet connection.Or for a sales role, perhaps inc lude a statement such as, Recognized by management as the top performer for the 2016 fiscal year for converting more cold calls into billable accounts than any other remote worker.3. Build it into the Skills section.Being a self-starter, an excellent communicator, or an outstanding manager of time are all great qualities to present for an array of jobs. But when the work is being performed remotely, displaying your prowess in certain areas can make the difference between your resume landing an interview call vs. a spot in the rejection pile.When discussing your skills, look at how they particularly fit into the remote environment. Good communicators, for instance, may want to mention their comfort using video conferencing, chat platforms, and instant messaging to stay in touch with others on the remote team. Strong collaborators could talk about using shared documents and daily check-ins to accomplish company goals while working off-site.Remember, too, that your resume is just the s tart for presenting yourself as a solid candidate for a remote position. Continue to reinforce your credentials through a tailored titelblatt letter and a stellar interview that lets employers know youll be a valuable addition to the staff from any locationKnow someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

Thursday, November 21, 2019

A Simple Trick for Working SmarterNot Harder

A Simple Trick for Working SmarterNot HarderA Simple Trick for Working Smarter- Not HarderWork smarter, not harder.People say it all the time and in a variety of situations, but have you ever wondered how you could actually take the old adage and make it practical?It seems like scientists had the same question- and came across an easy solution. Researchers at the University of North Carolina, HEC Paris, and Harvard geschftlicher umgang School recently found that when participants in a study attempted a brain teaser and then wrote about their strategy and how they could better improve it in the future, they did 18% better on the test the second time around than the control group participants, who did no reflection at all.Additionally, these researchers found that reflecting on the lessons youve learned from a situation is just as effective as teaching someone else what youve learned. (Yes, it really is that simple)So, how can you apply these findings to your career? Try this After you finish a project or at the end of every day, dedicate 10 minutes to writing down what you did well- and what could use improvement the next time. Start a journal or Word document, and just write how you feel. (Here are a few other benefits writing can have on your career.)For example, pretend you just gave your first big presentation in front of an audience. After you get over the initial adrenaline rush following your exit from the stage, take a couple minutes to write down how you think the presentation went, what you did well, and what you could improve upon for the future. Before your next public speaking gig, go over your notes, take your own advice into consideration, and presto- youve worked smarter and not harder.Photo of clean desk courtesy of Shutterstock.