Sunday, May 31, 2020

When LinkedIn Doesnt Matter In The Job Search

When LinkedIn Doesnt Matter In The Job Search I was talking to my friend Susan Joyce, owner of Job-Hunt.org, and she was telling me about someone in their job search. She said something profound as she was talking about this person and how they were (or werent) using LinkedIn: I dont think it matters what he puts in LinkedIn. He is so well connected, he had his list of target companies, She went on to talk about how this person is really into networking. Of course, this person might not say it that way, but the reality is that a lot of people know him and he knows a lot of people. He can, and does, have lots of conversations with people who can help him land his next role. Now, if you hate networking, or you hate the idea of networking, or you dont know how to network, dont worry. You can learn. I know, scary. But scarier is not having a job for too many months (or years). LEARN THE SKILL WE CALL NETWORKING.   If you want help, get the Job Search Program, which centers around networking.   I walk you through, day by day, how to network. We start slow and easy, and as you gain confidence and get better and learn new skills, you have better conversations. Eventually you have better conversations with people who will help you land your next job. Resumes are important. Your LinkedIn profile is important. But if you arent networking, and having the right conversations with the right people, you are missing opportunities that you should be capitalizing on. When does LinkedIn not matter anymore? When your network is so rich, and you know how to talk to your network, and how to help them help you in your job search, that you arent relying on someone finding and being impressed with your profile. When LinkedIn Doesnt Matter In The Job Search I was talking to my friend Susan Joyce, owner of Job-Hunt.org, and she was telling me about someone in their job search. She said something profound as she was talking about this person and how they were (or werent) using LinkedIn: I dont think it matters what he puts in LinkedIn. He is so well connected, he had his list of target companies, She went on to talk about how this person is really into networking. Of course, this person might not say it that way, but the reality is that a lot of people know him and he knows a lot of people. He can, and does, have lots of conversations with people who can help him land his next role. Now, if you hate networking, or you hate the idea of networking, or you dont know how to network, dont worry. You can learn. I know, scary. But scarier is not having a job for too many months (or years). LEARN THE SKILL WE CALL NETWORKING.   If you want help, get the Job Search Program, which centers around networking.   I walk you through, day by day, how to network. We start slow and easy, and as you gain confidence and get better and learn new skills, you have better conversations. Eventually you have better conversations with people who will help you land your next job. Resumes are important. Your LinkedIn profile is important. But if you arent networking, and having the right conversations with the right people, you are missing opportunities that you should be capitalizing on. When does LinkedIn not matter anymore? When your network is so rich, and you know how to talk to your network, and how to help them help you in your job search, that you arent relying on someone finding and being impressed with your profile.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Writing Samples With Resume

Writing Samples With ResumeWriting samples with resume should be an essential part of the CV. While it may seem to be too much, it can make a big difference when someone is judging your application. As such, it is always best to try and write samples with resume.First of all, writing samples with resume are important if you want to get an interview. By doing this, you can demonstrate that you are a good writer. You do not need to be a professional writer to write these samples though. All you need to know is how to properly use fonts and what type of paper you will need to use when printing.While writing samples with resume are important, they are only one part of the CV. As such, it is important to not use samples but rather take time to write a full one yourself. It will help you create a document that does not look like one was written by someone else. You do not want it to look too professional looking as this is something that you should avoid at all costs.There are a number of tools that you can use to write samples with resume effectively. The first tool is to have a template that you can follow. This is often the case for students or those who just want to get a feel for the job market. As such, you can find templates online for free.You can also get a letter template that will help you in building your resume. Once you have these tools, all you need to do is get to work. While it is important to get started writing samples with resume, you should never rush through it. It takes time to build it up to its fullest potential. So, be patient and put in the time.Remember, your target audience is going to be employers. Therefore, you need to be professional and careful with every word that you use. Even if you do not have a lot of experience with writing samples with resume, it is still a good idea to have one. However, it is best to not try to rewrite a very common CV. Rather, you should make it unique and original so that it stands out among the others.Usi ng samples with resume, especially if you know how to use them, is not enough. For instance, you can use a sample letter to describe your experience and education. You should take care to not mention your academic qualifications though. Rather, you should use examples of letters that could relate to the CV you are writing. You can find samples of various cv's online that you can use to guide you on writing samples with resume.Finally, always remember that samples are only examples and should never be the entire CV. You can always use the examples to make sure that you have covered everything that you needed to but not to cover all that you wanted to. You should have a full CV that you can submit to employers though. This way, you will be able to show that you are a professional and that you are good at what you do.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Five things people say about Christmas that drive me nuts

Five things people say about Christmas that drive me nuts Christmas does not belong in the workplace because it undermines diversity at work. And businesses that promote diversity have more profits in the long run than companies that do not have a diverse workforce. A big problem with Christmas is that those of us who have no reason to celebrate it have to spend a month between Thanksgiving and New Years dealing with Christmas at work. Christmas is the only religious holiday that everyone has to stop working for. Its the only religious event that offices have parties to celebrate. These practices alienate non-Christians. Businesses that curtail practices that alienate minorities will see growth to their bottom line as a direct result of this action. And besides, promoting acceptance of diverse backgrounds at work enriches our lives, independent of the bottom line. But encouraging diversity doesnt mean diverse ways to celebrate Christmas. Diversity is giving people space to ignore Christmas. Forcing people to take the day off requires everyone to run their work life around this holiday in a way they might not have chosen for themselves. Yet still, Christmas continues to permeate workplaces across the United States. Do you want to make a difference? Start with yourself. When it comes to discussing Christmas in the workplace, here are five offensive things people say to someone who doesnt celebrate Christmas. Dont say them. 1. Christmas is not a religious holiday. The only people who think Christmas is not religious are the Christians. Everyone else thinks, This is not my holiday. In fact, only a Christian would feel enough authority over the holiday to declare that it is not Christian. To think that Christmas is for everyone is tantamount to Americans who think that everyone says bathing suit for the thing you wear to go swimming. In fact, the British say swimming costume but youd never know that if you only hang around Americans. The smaller your frame of reference the more convinced you are that the way you do things is the way everyone does things. 2. Stop complaining! You get an extra day off from work. I dont want a day off on Christmas. Its a great day to work. No one calls. No one interrupts me. And in many workplaces theres great camaraderie in the office on Christmas because only a few people are there, and they all have something in common: They dont celebrate Christmas. I want a day off for Yom Kippur, which I usually have to take a personal day for. Why do I have to take a personal day for Yom Kippur but no one has to take a personal day for Christmas? This is not equal treatment for religious groups. 3. Christmas is about good cheer. Focus on that and lose your bad attitude. I know I have a bad attitude. But consider that the fact that good cheer is mandated in December is also a Christian trope. For example, Thanksgiving is the holiday that makes a lot of sense to surround with good cheer. Its about gratitude. Makes sense that wed focus on Thanksgiving. And the idea that we add Hanukkah to the mix is ridiculous. Hanukkah is about a war victory. The good cheer mandates are not coming from the Jews except in a sort of peer pressure way to cope with the Christian insistence that we all be happy because the Christians are happy. 4. You can also take a day off for Hanukkah. First of all, Hanukkah is eight days. Second of all, the holiday isnt a big deal to us, except that its a way for Jewish kids to not feel outgunned in the gift category. Jacob Sullum wrote in Reason magazine last year, It is inappropriateto make such a fuss over Chanukah, a minor Jewish holiday whose importance has been inflated in the popular imagination by its accidental proximity to Christmas. So look, we dont want a day off for Hanukkah. Or any other Jewish holiday. We want floating holidays that everyone uses, for whatever they want. It doesnt have to be religious, or it can be. But we dont need our work telling us when to take time off. Its insulting and totally impractical. 5. We get Christmas off at work because this is a Christian country. People actually say this to me. Every year. Im not kidding. People tell me that I should move to Israel if I dont want to celebrate Christmas. Really. I tell you this so that you understand what its like to be a minority. The majority of the country is not New York and Los Angeles, and the majority of the country thinks Christmas is actually sanctioned by the government. For example, my sons public school in Madison, Wisconsin has the kids make a December calendar that includes the birthdays of four saints. Surely this is illegal mixing of church and state, but I dont hear any complaining from parents. People want tolerance and diversity but they are not sure how to encourage it. There is a history of tolerance starting first in business, where the change makes economic sense: Think policies against discrimination toward women, and health insurance that includes gay partners. Tolerance and awareness in the workplace reliably trickle down to other areas of society. So do what you can at work, where you can argue that tolerance and diversity improve the bottom line, and you will affect change in society, where tolerance and diversity give deeper meaning to our lives.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Online Courses Bring Your Education Home

Online Courses Bring Your Education Home Image by A Vahanvaty used under the Creative Commons license. With the advent of technology, it has become increasingly possible to complete a university degree without leaving the comfort of your own home. This is good news for those who might have parental, familial or professional commitments: university may not have to become a full-time way of life. For many, the student lifestyle, though attractive, might not be financially or personally feasible. But you don’t necessarily need to have children or be a mature student to pursue your distance degree. Given the significant financial obligations of a degree, more and more students have decided to study online. Here’s why. It’s a fast-track to excellent prospects It’s no longer necessary to move away from home to a university town to pursue your undergraduate degree, an pre-requisite of some institutions which can mean the difference between getting an education, and doing without for some families. A strong undergraduate degree is critical to progression in some careers, and in today’s extremely competitive job market, it can get you a better job, command a salary up to 40% higher than non-qualified peers. Now, its available to everyone. The vast financial advantages Such financial strains as paying for student accommodation, footing the bill for a bi-weekly commute or giving up work shifts to attend lectures no longer need to hinder students in their pursuit of further education. Many top universities offer courses which progress at a pace dictated by the student. The university year is more fluid, and students can work year-round towards their credits. Seminars can be attended via technologies like Web Ex and Skype. Lecture recordings and hand-outs are made available as standard online, and personal non-attendance can easily be surmounted. The breadth of options So many top universities are seeing the value of offering online courses, that almost no course is off-limits, so whether you want to take your undergraduate in Natural History, pursue a Master of Science in Mathematics online, or achieve your Doctorate in Comparative Literature; anything’s possible with today’s technology. Today, nothing needs to keep you from getting the education you deserve. If you’re willing to work hard, demonstrate a good degree of self-discipline and adopt a flexible attitude to learning, pursuing your education via online courses might be the next best step you can take. 5

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Steps to Writing Your First Resume

Steps to Writing Your First ResumeThe first steps to writing your first resume are the easiest of all. They just involve getting out there and finding out what's out there in your field.Keep in mind you are not the only person applying for jobs in your field. The chances are that you will run into other qualified candidates who have already applied for the same job. It is not uncommon for some people to have more experience than others, and for them to apply for the job and receive a call back. This is great because it gives you an opportunity to fill up your application with as much experience as possible.The second step to writing your first resume is to go over the resume of the candidate you want to interview. This should include every detail about the candidate from their educational background to their current employment history. Be sure to highlight the things that the applicant is already doing and leave out anything that they should not be doing. You need to convince the emp loyer that you are a qualified candidate that the company will be happy to employ.The next step is to analyze your situation and determine if you can write an interesting resume. If you have a little bit of experience, you may be able to talk about it. However, you may not want to do this if you have little to no experience. In this case, you can start by gathering some information on a topic that interests you so that you can write about it and present it well.There are many resume writing guides that are available on the internet that can help you with this step. You can find many tips and tricks from them to help you write your first resume effectively. Look for a guide that has a good method of distributing a resume, one that will help you quickly summarize your strengths and weaknesses.The third step is to start sending out the resume to various companies that you are interested in. This should be done with the purpose of gathering the contact information for each company. Do n ot send the resume until you have gotten the contact information. In some cases, you may get several replies before you do.As you start sending out the resumes, remember to thank each potential employer for his or her time and consideration. You should also mention that you are also in the process of writing your first resume and that you are also in need of work. Tell the companies that you are in the process of writing your first resume that you have already submitted your first resume and asked for a second and a third.The fourth step is to continue to send out more resumes until you have exhausted the list of potential employers. Remember to thank each employer by name and explain that you are in the process of writing your first resume. You can add that you are also in the process of writing a second and a third resume. When you have sent out ten resumes, then you will have completed the first steps to writing your first resume.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

7 Best Training Options for Aspiring Electricians! - CareerMetis.com

7 Best Training Options for Aspiring Electricians! The electrical industry is immense and there is an ever growing demand of expert electricians in different fields. Electricity has great influence in on our lives and it is used everywhere.One of the main reasons that people are moving towards electrical industry is because it offers such a varied field electrical field to work in the and there is always something that is of interest to someone.evalThe job of electrician is not that simple and for this reason a person has to undergo electrical training in order to become an expert electrician. So, training is important.There are different fields in electrical industry and from this the aspiring electricians can choose any, as per his or her interest and preference.Let’s take a brief look on the best training option for the aspiring electricians:1. Auto ElectricianevalIf you have interest in motorized vehicles and their repairs, auto electrician course is the best. Undergoing this training program is important to become a car electr ician.This course prepares the students for using various kinds of computer-based repair tools for correcting system malfunctions in the vehicles.During the training period, students are taught to work with several kinds of vehicles and focus upon the engine and other systems.Students, who want to enroll in this training course will learn basic engine management principles and rules and participate in different hands-on project for acquiring skills that are essential for successful career as a car electrician.Areas CoveredevalThe training program covers the following areas:Basics engine management systemsChassisComputer-based repair systemsDrivetrain systemsDrivability systemsAn auto electrician training program generally involves an apprenticeship, a highly-structured form of training program where the students obtain knowledge how to improve and expand skills. Also, they are taught about technical instruction in different specializations.2. Commercial ElectricianA large number of aspiring electricians want to pursue their career as commercial electrician. Aspiring electricians are designed to work in the commercial sector, like warehouses, shopping malls, office buildings, etc. and generally work for the electrical companies or private organizations on different projects.Areas CoveredevalThe commercial electrician training program entirely stress on heavy machinery and wiring systems that are used for the commercial project.During the training period, following areas are covered:Electrical service repairs and upgradesInstallation and repair of fire detection systemsInstallation and repair of several circuit and electrical system typesInstallation and repair of surveillance systemsInstallation and repair of audio and video wiring systemsTroubleshooting, wire and test of motors, generators and transformersTroubleshooting, repair and maintenance of voltage systemsAt the time of providing training, big attention is given to hands-on study cases that include usag e of particular craft equipment and tools, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, PVC bender boxes, hydraulic and electric conduit benders, ladders, wire benders, etc.Also, lessons are taught to acquire computer skills, capability to work with software programs used for blueprint reading, cost estimation, etc. Currently, these skills are important for successful career in specific craft.3. Industrial ElectricianIndividuals who have joined an industrial electrician program will learn how to install, test, repair, maintain and troubleshoot different types of electrical appliance in various settings during their training.The technicians work usually in an industrial set-up with bulk appliances, like electrical cabinets, generators, manufacturing machines and other high-voltage appliance.Training program is intended to teach blueprint reading for performing industrial electrician work, specialized and advanced techniques for installing, repairing, troubleshooting, replacing and upgrading variou s kinds of electrical systems and circuits.Areas Covered:If you are thinking to enroll in this program, you will be taught with the following areas in training:Understanding of industrial building blueprintsInterpreting electrical schematicsTesting and troubleshooting motor controlsPerforming system installation and upgrades on electrical circuits and systemsAdvanced awareness of Variable Frequency Drives used for motorsAdvanced information of PLC Centers and PLC DiagramsAdvanced knowledge of motors and moto starters must be gainedRepairing and replacing electrical circuitsevalAlso, an industrial electrical training program involves many elective requirements.Students will need to supplement their educational career and also end up electrical seminar and internship program. Some of the few electives are:Alternative small energy systemsDigital fundamentalsCollege PhysicsInstrumentation FundamentalsPreventive maintenanceOn the successful completion of this training program, you will s ucceed in your career, comprising the accessibility for getting qualified for the highest paying salaried in the industrial field.4. Construction and MaintenanceThere are many proficient electricians that work both as construction and maintenance electrician instantaneously. Though, professionals decide to specialize only in the one, amongst the two.evaleval5. Maintenance ElectricianThe main task of maintenance electricians is to secure that all the electrical system in the building is in good working order, hence, the ultimate responsibility relies not only on electrical appliance repair, but also for its upgrade if compulsory.For example, in factories you must be accountable for keeping all the machinery and equipment to run smoothly. In large offices or hospital buildings, you will be responsible for keeping all the machinery and equipment running efficiently.Electricians that work in mining industries or public amenities assure that the generators provide reliable and constant f low of electricity.In the training period, you will be equipped with blueprints, drawings or circuit schematics to plan work and do the repairs. Also, you will learn how to use the tools (wire cutters, screwdrivers, conduit benders, knives, drills and testing appliances) for executing the work.6. Construction ElectricianDuring the process of training, electricians are taught how to assemble, plan, install, design, repair, alter, inspect, connect, verify, maintain, operate and decommission the electrical systems.These electrical systems provide lighting, security, power, communication, alarm and control in the commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, marine, transportation and entertainment environments.Both the construction and maintenance go through proper electrical training; however it is believed that the job of maintenance electrician is more secure.7. Residential ElectricianElectrician in the specific niche is accountable for the construction of electrical system in a house. The required training and the course of material are very much same to the ones that commercial must go through.You will be competent in following areas:Knowledge of basic hand tools and drill setsThe ability to understand and read residential blue printsKnowledge of basic residential wiring techniquesUnderstands the National Electric Code pertaining to residential constructionWorks well with the contractors and other craftsmanFinal WordsTraining and learning is an ongoing expedition. The aspiring electricians who have no experience in this electrical field can opt for any of the above mentioned Electrical Training Program.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

What Are The Qualities Required To Become A Train Driver

What Are The Qualities Required To Become A Train Driver The Qualities Required To Become A Train Driver The Qualities Required To Become A Train Driver The selection process for becoming a trainee train driver includes many different stages including an application form, psychometric tests and two different interviews. The interview starts off with a criteria-based one and finishes with a managers interview. We have a full and extensive guide on train driver interview question and answers. During the selection process it is crucial that applicants match the assessable competencies and qualities that are required for the role of trainee train driver. It is absolutely essential that any candidate provides the assessors with EVIDENCE of where he or she meets each of the following qualities: CUSTOMER FOCUS Whilst you will be operating the trains and rolling stock this is still one of the most important qualities for the role of a train driver. You are the focal point for the Train operating company as such, you are a role model. Therefore, it is vital that train drivers are capable of prov iding an excellent service to passengers. This means operating the trains in a punctual manner, driving them in accordance with rules and procedures and communicating to passenger’s effectively using the tannoy system when required. SAFETY CONSCIOUS Without doubt, THE most important quality for train drivers is that of safety. You will be responsible for the safety of your passengers, the safety of your team and the safety of the rolling stock. You will need to prove to the assessors that you can operate at all times in a safe manner whilst adhering to your training and rules/regulations that are laid down by the Train operating Company. At the interview, you will be assessed against this important quality by questions such as: “Can you give an example of when you have worked in a safe and effective manner whilst following rules and procedures?” GOOD COMMUNICATOR You have to be able to communicate effectively as a train driver in both verbal and written format. You will have t o update your passengers on any problems up ahead if the train is delayed and this will require you to communicate in a calm manner, so as to not cause panic amongst the passengers in the carriages. You will also have to write down information in your log book about your routes and also keep your training records up-to-date. During the application form and the interview you will be assessed against your communication skills. ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE It is a well-known fact that train drivers have to be able to concentrate for long periods of time whilst on their routes. If you are driving a train from London Euston through to Glasgow Central then this can be a 5-hour journey. To concentrate intently for 5 hours takes a lot of skill. During the psychometric tests, you will be assessed using the group bourdon concentration test and also the fast reaction test. The most effective way to prepare for this quality is to carry out lots of practice questions that are similar to the ones you w ill undergo during the actual test. There are of course many other qualities required to become a train driver, such as team working skills, flexibility and an ability to work unsociable hours. To find out more about these qualities, and how you can match them at the selection process, see our extensive guide on becoming a train driver in 2017.     This entry was posted in Train Driver, Job Competencies. Bookmark the permalink. Richard The New Police Officer (Police Special) Core CompetenciesWhat Are The Competencies Required To Become A Paramedic

Friday, May 8, 2020

How Executive Personal Branding Affects Your Executive Career

How Executive Personal Branding Affects Your Executive Career Working on your personal brand is more important now than ever before. Executives have typically considered their c-level personal branding as being associated with and representing the company they work for. However, the notion has shifted into marketing yourself as a person rather than as a part of a company. When you work for a company, you still need to brand them as part of your job. The key is to also know when the right time is to work on yourself as well. Not doing so could hurt your long-term executive career prospects. Here are a few ways executive personal branding affects your executive career. Establish Yourself as an Expert When you focus on c-level personal branding, you can establish yourself as an expert in a particular industry, rather than for a specific company. Portraying yourself as the go-to executive for many different issues can be very valuable for your career. People need someone to rely on, and if you have the expertise, branding yourself as the person they can rely on can define you in that way. Learn More About Yourself And Your Goals Executive personal branding goes beyond writing an effective resume. It’s easy to portray yourself in a different light when you’re representing a company, even when you know it’s not the true you. How you brand yourself could give some insight into your own self, your value, worth and what you’re capable of. Get Feedback From Peers to Improve Your Brand and Career One of the best ways to improve c-level personal branding is to always seek feedback from colleagues and peers. You may believe you are taking all the right steps to market yourself appropriately, but you don’t know how you are perceived by others unless you ask someone you trust. Most executives won’t volunteer this information to you, so asking for feedback could open your eyes to some changes you need to make when representing yourself. Link Your Online Brand With Your Personal Brand You could be hurting yourself if the person you say you are online doesn’t match the person you are in real life. When you optimize your LinkedIn profile, don’t just write things to make yourself sound good. People will read your LinkedIn profile and have a general perception about you. That perception has to come close to matching in real life, so be sure the two are linked closely and accurately. At Professional Resume Services, we always work with executives wanting to improve their personal brand. We understand the importance of personal branding when it comes to career advancement, job searching and other aspects. Feel free to contact us if you need any tips or advice on branding or any other aspect of your executive career.