Do You Solve Problems for Employers, or Create Them

Do You Solve Problems for Employers, or Create ThemDo You Solve Problems for Employers, or Create Them1Knowing how to solve problems is a transferable skill- an ability that can be applied to a variety of different jobs. In the ever-changing 21st-century workplace, such a talent is a valuable commodity, and presenting yourself as a problem solver can be an edge that attracts attention. When you are job searching, how do you show you can solve problems for employers?Most jobs are not as simple as push this button and repeat, says career coach Lavie Margolin, author of Winning Answers to 500 Interview Questions. Many jobs have an outline of responsibilities, but when you are on the job, you have to be adept at solving or managing the problems as they occur. Perhaps a deadline was missed, a contract had the wrong language, or a shipment got lost. What do you do then? The boss isnt always available to work you through all of the problems. The company often wants the employee to manage th e situation as best as possible.So how can you come across as the problem-solving, rather than problem-making, candidate?Here are a few strategies to show hiring managers that you solve problems for employers, rather than create themPresent examples.In your cover letter and during your interview, talk about real-life situations in which your ability to think on your feet or come up with a clever solution to a difficult dilemma resolved a problem or improved company performance. Margolin suggests particularly thinking about the types of problems that could occur in the job for which you are applying. Remember, youre trying to get the hirer to envision you in that position.Leave old baggage at the door.Maybe its true that your old manager offered zero support or that former coworkers were slackers. Unfortunately, the potential new employer doesnt really care. Youre the one likely to come off as whiny, finger-pointing, and trouble-making by bringing up these grievances. Focus instead o n being the positive person who can handle whatever is thrown your way and can get along with everyone.Become a life-long learner.Workers who are stuck in their ways and resistant to change can be problematic for employers. Make it clear that youre willing to adapt to changing circumstances by emphasizing the desire to learn and grow. Seeing that youll go the extra mile to take a class, talk to relevant people, or do independent research in order to overcome a problem can peg you as a can-do candidate.Show youre up to a challenge.Lastly, consider directly marketing yourself as a problem solver. Look for clues in the job ad about areas in which the company might want to improve, and offer some ideas about how you might go about tackling them. Maybe they are yearning to boost public relations and youre a whiz at social media, or perhaps they are trying to become more efficient and you just read a great book on time management. Demonstrating that youre a great fit for the company today and for its future development will give the employer one less problem- figuring out who is the right person to hireReaders, is the ability to solve problems for employers on your list of transferable skills? How do you show it on your resume? Share with us below

How to Be a More Engaged Employee

How to Be a More Engaged EmployeeHow to Be a More Engaged Employee The struggle is real, folks. Employee engagement is on the decline, and its something every employer - and employee - needs to take seriously. According to Office Vibes Global & Real-Time State of Employee Engagement The statistics dont lie many employees are not engaged. But its not just on employers - I firmly believe that employee engagement is a two-way street.Employers should be engaging with their employees to build meaningful relationships - at my company , we send out bi-weekly pulse surveys to gain regular feedback from our employees - but employees should also show some initiative to become a mora engaged employee. Because odds are, becoming engagedwill make yourday-to-day life at the office a whole lot more enjoyable. It might even boost your work performanceHaving personally read through hundreds of comments submitted by employees, Ive found myself providing some of the same tips and a dvice over and over again. Below are my suggestions on how to become a more engaged employee.How is a company supposed to fix a problem they arent aware exists? If your company is investing in surveys and feedback tools, the least you can do is engage and provide your thoughts and feedback. And if your organization does not have these tools, request themTransparency is expected in most organizations today. Let your employer know you dont understand a certain policy or dont agree with something. If you have a great suggestion, then share it It doesnt necessarily mean your new idea will be implemented, but at least you can have your voice heard and be a trusted source of feedback for your employer.If you dont speak up now, its hard to complain later. Just remember, feedback is nothing without honesty - thats what your employer is asking forQuestion your employer. Not in a rude or gotcha fashion, but ask tough questions. Ive found that when an employee asks a question, and I can prov ide context as to why a decision was made, it benefits all parties involved. Not only do you get your answers, but you show your employer that youre invested in the company.Set-up a regular meeting cadence with your manager - you can ask questions, talk about your performance and set career goals . These meetings dont have to be long, but dedicating time from you and your managers calendar shows how important this meeting is to your success.You hear a lot today about employer branding (defined as a companys ability to differentiate and promote its identity to a defined group of candidates that theyre interested in hiring). HR writer, speaker and advisor William Tincup simply states employer branding is your unique scent.Theres no one better to help share your companys message than you - an employee of the company. Studies show time and time again that employees are viewed as more trustworthy than CEOs and/or absatzwirtschaft departments, and recommendations from friends and family always rank near the top with respect to trusted referral sources.When your employer publishes a great blog post, share it with your network. At the next company event, take some fun photos and post them using the companys branded hashtag. Being an employment brand ambassador will show employers you care about the company, and not just yourself.To give is better than to receive. Whether youre talking about presents or philanthropy, this statement always rings true. Many companies are fully on board with social responsibility and giving back to the communities where their employees live, work and play.If your organization sponsors and/or volunteers at these events, do yourself a favor and be present. Sometimes these charitable events are after hours or are on the weekends and not necessarily convenient. However, your attendance will not only impress your employer, but more often than not, will also enrich your life in more ways than one.No one person, or even team, is respons ible for employee engagement. Every employee at an organization adds to or takes away from the company culture. We spend a tremendous portion of our waking hours at work - why not be engaged while youre there?Chris Skaggs is the head of talent and brand at TSP , a privately-held IT services company, and co-founder and president of Leightons Gift , a non-profit with a mission of turning a tragedy into something positive. Branding, digital marketing, talent acquisition and HR are all functions Chris has developed building teams, processes and strategies from the ground-up. Passionate about giving back, he also serves on the boards of a variety of different organizations. A natural storyteller, Chris work and experiences have been featured on CNN, Marketing Sherpa, CBS Radio, Recruiter.com and Glassdoor. Get connected online, skaggschrisL.

John George Leyner

John George Leyner John George Leyner John George LeynerOne of the great reforms in the history of industrial health and safety welches championed not by a physician or lawmaker but by a mechanical engineer. Machinist John George Leyner revolutionized the mining industry with a series of novel jupe drills produced around the turn of the 20th century. His drills not only worked better than earlier tools but also dramatically reduced one of the most dreaded occupational diseases affecting miners silicosis, or miners lung. Linked to the einatmen of rock dust created by conventional drilling and rock-breaking techniques, silicosis often meant a slow and agonizing death for exposed miners. The condition has been recognized since ancient times, when most of the worlds mining was done by slaves and prisoners. By 1700, when the first treatise on occupational health was published, miners lung was a well-documented phenomenon. It became a public health issue only after the industrial revoluti on inspired companies to dig deeper mines and hire more working-class men willing to risk death for a steady wage. Its possible Leyner had worker safety in mind with his novel hammer drill design after all, he himself knew something of industrial-age hazards from losing an eye in a youthful mishap with dynamite. But with business acumen as sharp as any drill, Leyner was above all about outselling his competition. And that he did. Leyner was born in the right place at the right time with the right inborn talents to make a difference in his profession. He was born to a German immigrant father and Pennsylvania Dutch mother in 1860 in the heart of Colorado mining country. Mechanization and the increased need for ores and minerals was driving settlement and expansion in the American West. John George Leyner engineering works, January 1903. Leyners formal schooling ended by eighth grade, but his education in the weaknesses of drilling equipment continued into his 30s as the operator of a busy machine shop repairing equipment for the local mining industry around Denver. He saw the need for a lightweight, fast, and powerful drill that could break through rock far faster than the dominant piston-driven models. He created his first drill in 1896 and 1897, and then took the technology one step further by adding the ability to blast rock casting away from the drilling area with compressed air. Productive it may have been, but miners would not use the drill after seeing the billowing cloud of potentially hazardous particulate matter the machine created. Leyner went back to his shop to develop what would become his signature breakthrough. By devising a method to fabricate a hollow steel drill bit, Leyner was able to channel a stream of water as well as compressed air through the steel and directly to the point of contact with the rock face. This process converted hazardous rock castings and dust into cool, harmless mud. It was a major victory against the conditions that ga ve rise to lung disease, and miners embraced it immediately. Leyners exclusive patents on the process would make him rich. So game-changing was the Leyner water-flushed drill that many mining states soon banned dry mining techniques. Business thrived and he was soon enticed to move his growing Leyner Engineering Works Company to nearby Littleton, where it employed nearly 170 workers in a nine-building complex. Top honors for Leyners equipment at the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair generated worldwide fame. By 1912, heavy equipment giant Ingersoll-Rand became Leyners sole distributor and manufacturer of rock drills under his patents. The agreement ensured him of significant wealth while freeing his adventurous mind for other endeavors in agricultural equipment, food processing, and other industries in which he perceived a need. Leyner died tragically in 1920 from injuries incurred in a traffic accident caused when he swerved his car to avoid a horse-drawn cart a rare instance in Leyners life and career when old technology would prevail over mechanized progress. Michael McRae is an independent writer.So game-changing was the Leyner water-flushed drill that many mining states soon banned dry mining techniques.

9 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Earn Its Keep in a Job Hunt

9 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Earn Its Keep in a Job Hunt9 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Earn Its Keep in a Job HuntIf youre like most people, you use more than one device to access the Internet. Studies show that three out of every four of American consumers use both a smartphone and a computer to get information online. But with only one out of five Fortune 500 companies supporting mobile job applications, finding and applying for jobs on a smartphone can be tricky.This month Google announced that it would no longer list web pages that are not optimized for mobile in its mobile search results. More companies will have to step up and make it easier for you to access their sites on mobile, but in the meantime you still need to find a new job. Here are some ways you can get the most of out your job search using your mobile device.Browse for JobsSimply Hired and other job search websites offer job search apps. If you dont have ours, download it today on Google Play or iTunes. To get th e most out of your app, log in so you can upload your resume and sync your account across devices. Many listings on Simply Hired allow you to apply directly from the app with a stored resume. Others ask you to go to another website to apply.Apply to JobsTo apply to jobs from your device, its handy to keep your resume stored on your phone. Some employers allow you to upload your resume from a service like Dropbox or Google Drive, and others allow you to paste or type the information in a form. When saving your resume into Dropbox or Google Drive its a good idea to save a formatted and an unformatted version in case you need to paste the text into a form. For more on how to put your resume into plain text or ASCII format click here.Get AlertsSimply Hired offers daily job emaillele alerts. Subscribing to email alerts and reading them when you have free time during the day, such as when commuting, waiting in line or on breaks, helps you stay focused on your job search and stay on the lo okout for new opportunities.Save JobsYou may enjoy finding jobs on the go, but its likely youll want to apply when you have a little more time to research the company, compose a good cover letter and tweak your resume if necessary. The mobile versions of Chrome and Safari offer multiple ways to bookmark or share job descriptions that you like. By clicking the button with an arrow from your mobile browser, youll be presented with a number of options email, messaging, Twitter, Evernote, etc. We recommend email, or better yet, Evernote (more on that below), to keep track of interesting jobs. While some employer websites offer you the option of emailing the job to yourself so you can apply later, its better to have your own system for keeping track of jobs and companies so you can find information all in one place.Keep Track of Your SearchIf youre unemployed or on a full-fledged search, youll want a system for keeping track of interesting companies, jobs and the action steps youve taken . I recommend Evernote for this purpose. Evernote syncs across smartphones, tablets and the web, and it also offers a powerful desktop application.You can create a Notebook for your search that can include jobs you like, companies you like and any research pertinent to your search. Once youve applied to a job you clipped using Evernote, you can change the subject line of the note by adding the word applied, or add a tag that indicates you applied. This will allow you to quickly scroll the list and landsee your success.When a recruiter calls youll be able to quickly look up the job description to jog your memory of the job requirements. You can take notes in the app that include key points about the job as well as follow-up actions.Manage Your TasksFinding a job can be overwhelming, so its helpful to break down your search into tasks. Use your favorite task manager to make lists, such as research Company X, apply to Company Y, and prepare for interview at Company Z. The Apple Reminde rs app, Wunderlist, as well as Trello, are popular apps that sync across devices. Assign deadlines for tasks to make sure you actually do the things on your list. Instead using apps that live only on your phone, seek out apps that sync across devices so that youll have all the information you need as you switch from your smartphone to your computer.Manage Your TimeGoogle Calendars, iCal and many other calendars also sync across devices. Use the calendar to schedule calls and interviews, and set aside time to research jobs or complete applications. Use the alerts feature to remind you of interviews.Map Commute Distance and TimeTheres nothing worse than getting excited about a job opportunity only to find the commute would be an hour and a half. If youre up for that, fine, but its a good idea to know what youre getting into before you apply. Before even saving a job, look it up on the maps feature of your phone and calculate the commute time from your home during morning and evening d rive times.Communicate with EmployersIf you already have a job, your phone will be the lifeline to communicating with employers during your current work hours. With most offices now in an open environment, you dont want to risk someone walking by your computer while you are emailing a potential new employer. Discreetly use your smartphone to check email and make phone calls during breaks. Communicate with a greater degree of professionalism than you would with your friends by using salutations, writing in complete sentences and avoiding emoticons.As many employers increasingly make their application processes mobile-friendly, start making your smartphone your go-to-tool in your job search.

Love Legos Here are 5 Dream Jobs to Consider

Love Legos Here are 5 Dream Jobs to ConsiderLove Legos Here are 5 Dream Jobs to ConsiderOne of the most well-known pieces of wisdom that comes from the ancient Chinese sage, Confucius, is that if you find a job that you truly love, you will never work a day in your life. Finding that cherished work is usually easiest accomplished by taking a close look at what hobbies or interests you have. Given the wide variety of career fields available in todays modern world, chances are you can find calling to match the one you love the most.Now, what if that passion were to lie in the wonderful world of Legos? The core concepts that make playing with Legos so enjoyable can easily be found in career opportunities. Sure, you will likely need some extra training to qualify for, and excel in, your new fleck. Any time and effort to acquire it is well spent, however, given you will be in a position to do something you truly enjoy.Architect JobsThe path of the architect is chock full of fun activities , like designing your envisioned structures, and meeting with associated engineers and clients. This exciting field does require an education, with a minimum of a Bachelors Degree needed for entry-level positions. Those launching into a career as an architect can expect to make around $73,090 each year. The reason for a Lego lover to gravitate towards a career as an architect is fairly obvious. Legos are toys filled with building things, from a simple little house, to a grand and complicated structure. If you have a passion for turning the designs in your head into a reality, being an architect is likely an excellent career path for you to explore.Architectural and Civic Drafter PositionThe path of the architectural and civic drafter differs a bit from that of the architect. Rather than think up the designs themselves, they translate the designs from the architects vision into a visual medium that can be shared with everyone involved in the process. This is called a blueprint, and i s carefully drawn and measured to portray things to an exacting degree. While past drafters had to make do primarily with pencils, pens, and T-squares, todays drafters can do most, if leid all, of the work on a computer.While a Bachelors Degree does help in acquiring a position as a drafter, it is not a necessity. Attending classes at your local community college, or tech school, should have you up to speed in short order. Expect to make around $48,800 per year as a civic and architectural drafter. As a Lego lover, this job is just full of different drawings and guidance on how to turn your miniature plastic structures into a real-world masterpiece.Preschool teacherGiven the building and design nature of every other career on this list, a job as a preschool teacher may seem like a strange one to include. The confusion dissipates, however, when you think of just how excellent a medium Legos can be for teaching budding minds. Simply sorting and separating the Legos into different pile s serves as the foundation for valuable math skills developed down the line. If you yourself have a true passion playing with these plastic marvels, you can easily pass this enthusiasm on to your charges as a preschool teacher. If you decide to go down this path of instruction, expect to make around $25,000 per year.One of the primary requirements for teaching children at the preschool level is the ability to word questions and problems in a way they can truly comprehend. Your love for Legos will let you connect with your young students on a deeper level, since they share your love for them too. Construction managerThe exciting responsibilities of the construction manager deal primarily with making sure that the building actually gets finished. All management and logistics concerns associated with a building project go through the construction manager, no matter what type of building is going up. To be a construction manager, you will need to have a Bachelors Degree. Previous experi ence in construction work is also a factor that can make landing the position as manager much easier. If you do, your pay should be in the neighborhood of $81k per year. This type of position is excellent for those who enjoy keeping the instructions, and managing their chums while they do they actual building of the Lego structure.Graphic designer JobsGiven that graphic designers are not involved directly with building materials or actual building, its connection to the Lego lover may be a little less overt. The connection becomes obvious, however, when you realize that both use different parameters and components to make new creations. A graphic designer leans heavily on fonts and shapes in much the same way Lego aficionados rely on the different sizes and colors of the blocks. If your primary area of talent with Legos lies in the ability to invent new ways to use them, being a graphic designer may be right up your alley. The graphic designers main goal is to develop new and exciti ng ways to convey various concepts and ideas. If the graphic design position sounds right to you, your expected paycheck will be around $44,000 per year. A Bachelors degree in either graphic design, or one of its close counterparts, is a virtual necessity for a career in graphic design. If you are adept at thinking outside the box, and coming up with unique ways to have fun with your plastic building blocks, you will likely be a great graphic designer.

Detailed Notes on Analyst Resume in Simple Step by Step Order

Detailed Notes on Analyst Resume in Simple Step by Step Order To be able to always acquire accurate outcome, it is excellent for financial analysts to apply calculations and measurements to their day-to-day job routines. Also, be sure that youre using strong verbs. At precisely the same time that it should describe you definitely. Theres no consensus on the ideal format. Remember that no one cares what you would like. Nowadays youve got their attention, they wish to read a little more about who you are. Later in the evening is a very good time for junior analysts to meet up with senior analysts to examine the numbers for the next days morning meetings. The terrible news is that youve got to recognize that technology as a way to utilize it. Or, if there were specific books or professors which had a significant effect on how you approach finance, listing them is a fantastic way to combine a little personality and a number of insights into what font of financial analyst youre . Building a fantastic first impression starts with a well-crafted cover letter that grabs the recruiters interest. You must organize the info in your resume in a manner that most portrays your experiences. Technological Expertise The good thing is that modern technology makes it a lot simpler and faster to find, sort, and process all the information that you should work in finance. If you dont possess the slightest idea of getting in touch with this kind of an individual, you might want to search professional media networks like LinkedIn. Because a person might become disabled at any moment, were expected to ask all our employees to update their information every five decades. If youre applying for work, any answer you give will be kept private and wont be used against you in any manner. Hardly any men and women get the very first job which they apply to, so you need to steer clear of the need to criticize yourself. Analyst Resume - Is it a Scam? A look at the financial analy st job description printed by the employer gives you information concerning the job responsibilities they want the thriving applicant to do. If youre asking for a job as a financial analyst youll want to be sure that your resume for financial analyst applications is like it possibly can be. Therefore, if youre searching for a professionally drafted and prepared to use financial analyst resume for yourself, youve come to the correct place. After you have chosen to turn into an experienced financial analyst, finding a great job is the top priority. The four crucial sections youre anticipated to contain in your financial analyst resume to make it have a larger impact are discussed below. The ideal educational path will be based on the job you mean to pursue.You wish to advertise and promote your skills to an employer. For this reason, you must have advanced analytical skills. Your abilities and qualifications are linked to your degree of experience. Accounting Skills Accounting skills incorporate all the math necessary to manage budgets, as well a strong comprehension of applicable regulations. The financial analyst experience is the specific portion of the resume that must be shown in details. Research what is necessary to turn into a financial analyst. A career as a financial analyst provides financial security, in addition to an exciting chance to shape the finance market. A well rounded financial analyst possesses all the above mentioned skills

3 Important Traits Recruiters Should Look for in a Virtual Worker - Spark Hire

3 Important Traits Recruiters Should Look for in a Virtual Worker - Spark HireAs a recruiter, it can be a challenge when screening candidates for a remote position. You not only need to interview for skill, but you must also interview for certain personality traits that an employee must have in order to be a successful virtual employee.1.Ability to work autonomouslyThe most important skill that any remote or virtual employee must have is the ability to work autonomously. Typically, when working in a virtual position, there is no hand-holding or frequent direction. The virtual employee must be a self-starter who doesnt wait to be told what to do.How to screen for this skill?Ask questions such as what type of management style they prefer and how they have been managed in the past. Have they worked in a remote position before? Check references of previous managers and ask how often the employee required direction.2.Strong Communication SkillsMost virtual employees will be required to co mmunicate with coworkers over the phone as well as via emaille. Since the employee will not be communicating in-person, strong verbal and written communication skills are a must in order to eliminate confusion and misunderstanding.How to screen for this skill?Pay attention to the candidates communication style over the phone and in email response. If there is any difficulty understanding or comprehending verbal or written communication, it is probably best not to move forward with the candidate.3.Time Management SkillsWhen working in a virtual role, an employee must have excellent time management skills. Virtual work schedules can vary from the typical office schedule. When in an office, its very easy to separate work-life from home-life, it is not so easy when working virtually. It can be simple for a virtual employee to get off task and distracted from work in order to handle some of the everyday things that pop up at home. Virtual employees need to have the ability to manage thei r time wisely and stay focused on the task at hand.How to screen for this skill?Ask questions surrounding the candidates time management skills. How do they plan their day? What tools do they use to manage their time? Also, check the candidates prior management references to find out if the candidate stayed on task and completed projects on time.What are some ways you screen candidates for virtual roles? Please share your tips in the comments below.Image Melpomene/Bigstock.com

10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

10 of the Worst titel Letter Mistakes to Avoid10 of the Worst titel Letter Mistakes to Avoid10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to AvoidMake sure your titelseite letter helps your candidacy by avoiding ansicht all-too-common mistakes.Once youve updated your professional resume, its time to prepare your job applications for submission. This usually involves making some small tweaks to your resume and creating a cover letter to accompany your application.But arent cover letters a thing of the past?Yes and no. While 74 percent of recruiters dont find the cover letter to be an important factor when evaluating candidates, the remaining percentage do. And since you have no way of knowing which type of recruiter will receive your application, its best to cover your bases and include a cover letter with every job application. As an added bonus, a reported 53 percent of employers admit they prefer candidates to send a cover letter.However, not just any cover letter will do. If youre going t o take the time to craft this document, make sure it helps, not hurts, your candidacy, by following cover letter dos and donts. Below are 10 common and costly mistakes to avoid when writing your next cover letter.Cover Letter Mistake 1 Lack of researchThanks to the Internet, theres little excuse to not personalize your cover letters. Whenever possible, research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter (if its not listed on the actual job post) and the company whos filling the position, and use this information to customize your opening document. If you skip this step, youre sending the message to the reader that you dont really care enough about the position to do your homework. In a world where employers are inundated with applications, any excuse to eliminate candidates will do. Dont let this cover letter mistakegive them a reason to cut you from the pile.There are some exceptions to this rule. If youre responding to an anonymous job posting, youre not expected to include the n ame of the company or the hiring manager in the cover letter. When a company goes out of its way to keep its name and the names of its employees confidential, you can assume the hiring manager wont take off points if you use a generic opener.Cover Letter Mistake 2 Overly formal or casual greetingsWhenever youre applying for a job or preparing for an interview, take the companys culture into account. You can get a better sense of the employers brand by checking out its Careers section online, reading reviews on Glassdoor, searching for its profile on The Muse, following the social media accounts the company set up for recruitment purposes, and talking to your networking connections whove worked at the organization. This will help you decide if youre better off going with a Hello Jeff or a Dear Mr. Berger type of greeting.If youre unable to address your cover letter to a specific person, steer clear of incredibly formal introductions, such as To Whom It May Concern, as they are not co nversational and can be considered off-putting. The saatkorn goes for super casual openers like Hi Even if youre dealing with a startup that prides themselves on being non-traditional, this cover letter greeting is a little too laid back for your first communication and may have the reader questioning your professionalism.Play it safe and stick with a gender-neutral opener such as Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Recruiter.Cover Letter Mistake 3 Talking all about me, me, meThink of your cover letter as your sales pitch to the hiring manager. Instead of spending the entire time talking about yourself and your wants and needs, consider the needs of your prospective employer. Your potential boss is the one who will (hopefully) read your cover letter, after all.Review the job description again and check out the latest nachrichtensendung on the company. Ask yourself why the organization is hiring for this role. In other words, what pain point will this position solve? When you can relate to t he hiring managers concerns and position your skills as the solution to his or her needs, you have a better chance of avoiding cover letter mistakes andcapturing the readers attention.Cover Letter Mistake 4 Repeating your entire resumeRemember, the recruiter already has your resume - theres no need to rehash your entire work history in your cover letter. In fact, I believe this is why so many employers disregard the cover letter theyve read so many schwimmbad cover letters that merely summarize their candidates resumes, that they see no need to read them.One cover letter tip is to surprise the hiring manager by using your opening to demonstrate your understanding of the companys position in the marketplace and its needs and then highlight your experiences and accomplishments that speak to these requirements.Avoid these common cover letter mistakes.Hire a TopResume writer today.Cover Letter Mistake 5 Generic messagingEven if youre applying to an anonymous job listing, a common cover letter mistake is using boilerplate text. While your introduction may not be as specific as it would be for a position where the employer is known, this doesnt give you license to use a generic template for the main sections of your cover letter.Based upon the job description, make a list of the top 3-5 requirements for the role. This may have to do with your knowledge of a certain topic or an industry, your experience performing a particular task, or your education and other credentials. Then, brainstorm how you possess each prerequisite, referencing a specific contribution, accomplishment, or experience from your work history that illustrates these qualifications. Summarize this information in a paragraph or a set of bullets. This is a great way to customize your cover letter and grab the readers attention.Cover Letter Mistake 6 Not following instructionsAs I previously mentioned, some employers, especially those in the healthcare, education, and legal sector, still value a cover letter and will request one in their job description. Do yourself a favor and re-read the job description carefully to provide context to your cover letter dos and donts. Often times the employer will request certain information to be included in the cover letter. The last thing you want to do is ignore this request, as the reader will assume you are not detail-oriented and unable to follow the simplest of instructions.Cover Letter Mistake 7 TyposWhen youre competing against a large pool of candidates for one role, the smallest cover letter mistakes could be used to eliminate you from the pile. These days, weve grown all too reliant on spell-check and autocorrect to edit our communication. Its easy to overlook the small mistakes, such as using higher when you really meant to say hire. Dont let these silly details derail your job application.Follow this simple cover letter tip Reread your cover letter. Then read it again. Then hand it over to a trusted friend. You know, the one that majored in English. If youre looking for some resources to improve your grammar and punctuation, check out Lynne Truss book, Eats, Shoots Leaves The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation, and Woe is I The Grammarphobes Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. OConner. Theyre great readsCover Letter Mistake 8 Writing a novelIf recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning your resume before deciding if youre a fit, how long do you think theyll spend reading your cover letter? Heres another set of cover letter dos and donts your cover letter shouldnt be any longer than is necessary to get your points across. And it definitely shouldnt exceed one page.Also, keep its readability in mind. Similar to your resume, try to create white space in your cover letter by avoiding dense blocks of text.Cover Letter Mistake 9 Going off brandWhether youre searching for a new job or managing your career path, its important to pay close attention to how you present your profession al brand to others online, on paper, and face to face. To that end, another cover letter tip is to give itthe same look and feel as your resume. If youre uploading your cover letter as a separate document to an online application, ensure it uses the same header as your resume. Also, make sure the font type, color, and size, the contact information you provide, and even the name you use on both documents remain consistent.Cover Letter Mistake 10 TMIWhile you can use a cover letter to explain an employment gap or your interest in relocating to a new city, dont overshare your personal details with a prospective employer. The recruiter doesnt need to know the gory details of your back surgery or how you had your heart broken and need to find a new city to call home. These extraneous details cant be used as selling points and will only detract from your qualifications and candidacy.Click on the following link for more job application advice.Your resume should be mistake free as well. Is yours? Find out with a free resume review.Recommended ReadingThis Cover Letter Tip Can Double Your Interview RequestsHow to Be a Great Candidate Even if Youre Under-Qualified for the JobHow to Write a Catchy Cover Letter

5 Steps to Finding Your Dream Job

5 Steps to Finding Your Dream Job5 Steps to Finding Your Dream JobThe workday is getting longer as you realize you are not where you want to be in your career.Maybe your workdistributionspolitik is a toxic environment filled with office politics and gossip. Maybe the company mission is lost and you are sick and tired of looking for it.You dread going to work every day and wonder how your life got so far off track. You have hope that there is something better for you out there.Its time to start looking for your dream job.Is it out there? It has to be, right? You have to believe there is a great job out there for you. You deserve a job that is fulfilling and improves your state of being.You deserve a job that you look forward to every day. You deserve a job that fits your goals and allows for balance in your life.You dont have to settleWith a little bit of introspection, visioning, and networking you will be on your way.You will be closer to finding a job that aligns with your passion and provides for what you want in life.Here are 5 steps to get you started in the right direction.1. Steps to begin brainstormingGrab a pen and paper and find a quiet place to sit for about 30 minutes.Create two columnsColumn 1 Write all the things you want in a job.Column 2 Write what you definitely dont want.Start jotting down words and phrases in each column until you have nothing more to write.Do you see a pattern forming? Notice a clear direction?2. How to find your ideal job by digging a little deeperDont be shy. Ask yourself these questions and write down the answersWhat type of job are you looking for?Are you a leader?Do you prefer to work independently?What roles do you see yourself in?What do you need for work/life balance?How important is your daily schedule?Are location and travel important to you?What kind of office culture are you looking for?Do you like a fun environment where you can learn and grow?Is employee engagement important to you?Wrap it up with questions abo ut what the company might offer.What are your salary expectations?How much vacation/personal/sick time do you need?Is an exceptional company sponsored healthcare plan important to you?What about retirement planning?3. How to update your resume to reflect what you wantHighlight the areas that you are most excited about. Search online for keywords that might be missing in your job descriptions.Elaborate on your achievements and success stories. Ask trusted friends/advisors to review your resume.Consider hiring a professional resume writer.Determine what areas need improvement. Consider certifications or more education you might need.4. Ways to utilize your network on LinkedInSearch on LinkedIn to see if you know anyone who works at companies you are interested in.Discreetly let your top connections know you are searching for a new opportunity.Be clear in your messages and confident about your abilities. Communicate what you want, not what you dont want.Stay positive Send thank you mes sages and offer your help when appropriate. You are building valuable relationships.5. How to be efficient in your searchSet aside time every day to commit to your job search.Find a place to work that is comfortable and free from distractions.Follow a plan. Search, apply, follow-up. Keep the lines of communication open.Take the search seriously. This is your most important job.Why you should not get discouraged in a job searchThe job search is a process that takes time. Continue to fine-tune your ideal job description.Work to bring clarity to your professional goals.Every step you take is one step closer to finding happiness and satisfaction in your career. Enjoy the process and celebrate the little things during your job search.Your dream job is out there

Signs the Job Youre Applying for Will Be a Nightmare

Signs the Job Youre Applying for Will Be a NightmareSigns the Job Youre Applying for Will Be a NightmareTheres no guarantee during the interview and application process that youll land a job that fulfills your every need, from salary requirements to fulfilling day-to-day responsibilities. But theres a wide gap between a job thats not quite perfect and one thats an utter nightmare. No one wants a nightmare job. A truly terrible job is more than just a badeanstalt fit - it saps confidence and energy, leaving you frantic for an exit plan. With some jobs, it can be a question of personality and skills. If youre an introvert, for instance, and the job requires attending nightly social events to drive sales, you may never feel comfortable, successful, or happy. Other times, a bad job can be a matter of a negative, undercutting manager, a company in financial trouble, or many other factors. 6 Signs That a Job Will Be a Nightmare If youll lucky, youll never have a role like this during your career. To help increase your luck, keep an eye out for these clues during the interview process that you could be headed to a nightmare job. 1. The Interview Process Is Deeply Disorganized If you have to interview with several executives, its understandable if meetings sometimes need to get moved. Still, ifeveryinterview is rescheduled, or if people are consistently late or unprepared when they meet with you, thats a bad sign. Take note if email responses are always slow or if people are rude in their communications. Just think If the company is this disorganized during the interview process when they are trying to make a good impression, what will it be like when youre employed with the company? 2. You Hear Complaints and People Look Unhappy Its a good idea tocheck on Glassdoorfor employee reviews during the interview process. If theres a theme to the feedback about the company, consider asking your interviewer if the company is aware of the issue, and if theyre addre ssing it. Of course, its easy for zugnglich reviews- particularly semi-anonymous ones- to be negative. So, as well as checking for online impressions, listen during your interview to what people say about the company. Ask potential peers, Whats the company culture like here? Keep an ear out for complaints (particularly ones you hear over and over again). As well, look around the office on your way into the interview to get a sense of the vibe. Is there someone choking back tears in a corner? Can you overhear a conversation, because someones voice is raised? Do the signs in the bathroom seem weirdly accusatory or angry? Maybe people are just having a bad day, but this could also be a clue that morale is low and employees are unhappy. 3. Interviewers Give a Really Hard Sell Its flattering to be wanted. But theres a big difference between an interviewer saying, You seem like a good fit and offering you the job. Be skeptical of on-the-spot job offers Unless the company is very smal l, its odd for there not to be some sort of internal conversation that takes place before a job offer. This could be a sign that the company is a little too desperate and needy (or it could be that they know if they give you time to research the company, you wont turn up anything good). Another thing to watch for? A manager that just doesnt seem compatible with your work style. If your interviewer is disparaging about other employees, for instance, and you know you respond best to thoughtful critiques and cooperative team atmospheres, you may struggle to connect or form a positive working relationship. 4. The Negotiation Process Feels Like Its Happening With an Enemy Everyone wants a deal but if a company offers below-market wages for no reason is a bad sign. Why play such excessive hardball? Will you ever get a raise, or will the company always be stingy? While its natural for candidates to seek the highest possible salary and benefits, and for employers to offer the lowest pos sible amount, the amount the employer offers should still be reasonable. And, ideally, throughout thejob negotiations, you should feel on the same page as a potential employer, and as though youre working toward achieving a resolution that works for both of you. 5. You Just Cant Figure out What Youll Be Responsible For One interviewer tells you that youll need to manage four employees. Another one says you wont have any management responsibilities. Which is it? If its unclear what youll be doing in the role, or if you cant get a consistent response from interviewers, keep asking until you can find out a solid answer. And, if you still cant tell, consider withdrawing your candidacy. Even for a new company or start-up, there should be some clarity about your responsibilities. Otherwise, how can you- or your managerknow if youre performing well? Bottom line the job description for the position should be clear, and the way people describe the role should mirror it. Your interviewers should also be able to share details about perks and benefits, and career advancement at the company. 6. High Turnover Its natural for people to move in and out of companies. These days, few people stay with a single company long enough to get a gold watch upon retirement. But, sometimes a company will have a near-exodus. That could be nothing- or it could indicate poor management, a company without a profitable future, or any number of problems. One way to get insight can be to inquire about your predecessor. There are all sorts of reasons the person in the role might have left, but the interviewers response may be revealing.