4 mistakes smart people avoid in a networking email

4 mistakes smart people avoid in a networking email4 mistakes smart people avoid in a networking emailWriting a networking email cana vulnerable, awkward process where theres an inherent power imbalance youre emailing someone, oftena stranger with no partieal investment in you, aboutsomething you want that they have.We know its important to get over our fears, because successful networking can result in valuable information and connections.Unfortunately, rejection - or worse, silence - is too often the result of a badly written networking email. Too many of us are hearing crickets to our emails due to easily fixable mistakes we make in our networking requests.The good news is the mistakes we make really are very easily fixable.As someone who has written bad, ramblingnetworking emails that still make me blush,Im going to teach you to succeed where I have failed by avoiding these four clear pitfalls.1. Asking pick someones brainWhile Id like to pick your brain is a popular casual ope ning, its one of the worst things you can say. Vaguely asking to pick someones brain puts the burden on the recipient to be your Oracle of Delphi about why youre contacting them. It also means youre treating them as someone youre going to take things from - their actual brainpower - without offering anything in return.Besides being unhelpful to both sender and recipient, the metaphor of asking to pick someones brain can sound vaguely menacing.Heres how to do it better Know what you want and be specific about why youre contacting this person. Do you want an informational interview, an email contact, career advice, or to become friends with this person? Say so. Your recipient will breathe a sigh of relief at being able to help - which most people would like to do - without being treated as a lab rat for your own career plans.2. Stressing the fact that youre a strangerHumans are alike on some level, were a little wary of strangers. People who are successful with large social networ ks are even more likely to depend on referrals or acquaintances to meet more people their dance cards are already full.Thats why theres no benefit, and no charm, in pointing out that they dont know you from Adam. Even if this person has no reason to remember your existence, dont discount yourself by saying, you may leid remember me butYes, you may be strangers, but why remind the recipient that youre basically strangers with no reason to talk to each other. As The Musenotes, theres no requirement that you lead with the fact that its been a while. If your note is thoughtful and brief, thats generally all you need.Instead, find something you may have in common to talk about, even if thats just how much you admire the recipients work. People love talking about themselves. Its okay to open a networking email with sincere praise.If youd like to find more things to talk about in these emails, you can do as my most organized friend did in his unemployment. This friend of mine kept an Excel spreadsheet of networking interactions he made during his job hunt, complete with time stamps and a memorable anecdote the interaction produced. That way, when he followed up with a networking email weeks or months later, he could remind the recipient how, say, they both grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois and make the email more personal.Its a smart way to turn a potentially formal email into a more familiar, human interaction Hey there, we met at last years conference and talked about us both growing up near Chicago Any common festverzinsliches wertpapier will go a long way.3. Baring your soul and your lifes story in an emailThe opposite of formality is oversharing, trying to force intimacy by adding unnecessary facts about our entire lives.It may be tempting tomake this stranger your friend by filling them in on your multi-paragraph lifes story, but if you do that before you know someone - read before they have any reason to care about you - then this attempt at personalizing net working emails will likely backfire.The antidote Be concise. The recipient should be able to quickly scan your email to figure out why youre contacting them.Three short paragraphs at most are a good introduction until the person replies or decides to invest some time in you.People are sifting through endless emails, and if you want yours to be remembered, it needs to be direct. Corporate email users received about 84 emails a day on average in 2015. Save swapping in-depth career stories for if you actually meet up in person.4. A boring, unclearsubject lineThe subject line is the first thing a recipient will read, so you need to be good at grabbing their attention with it.Definitely do not leave the subject line blank - nothing good ever came from a blank subject line - but also dont make it a vague, short bleat like mentoring?Mailchimps researchers found that emails with description won out over trendy lines likesizzling summer bargains that dont have a specific hook or clearly de fine what the email is promoting.Good networking emails like salesperson seeking career advice or reporter with contact request clearly state what the emails going to be about.Pro tip you should use your subject line as your guide on what to include in the email. If its not related to your specific request, leave it out.And if you dont get a response right away, be patient and persistent. People are understandably very busy and a networking email is likely not at the top of their priorities. That being said, its appropriate to follow up if you havent heard anything in a week or two.And the one thing you should do always, always say thank you, afterward if the person helps you- or even if they dont, but make the time to give you some thoughts. It may sound obvious to thank someone, but a surprising number of people forget - and lose a relationship that would have made them more successful. Being nice goes a long way.

Learn From Hollywood Success Stories - The Muse

Learn From Hollywood Success Stories - The MuseLearn From Hollywood Success Stories Hollywood is elendoriously difficult to break into- and its even more difficult to claw your way to the top. When I started working in the business, I saw that success wasnt just about talent and hard work (though tzu siche is plenty of that). The more I studied, the more I realized that the people at the very top of the game approached it with a different strategy than everyone else. Here are five strategies top Hollywood power players used to build a name for themselves that will work no matter what industry youre in. 1. Take (the Right) RisksMake small bets with big risks.John Landgraf, president of FX NetworkLandgraf found early success as a network executive at NBC (think Friends, ER, The West Wing), but its during his tenure at FX that hes established his legacy. If you make one show that works, you might have gotten lucky, but we now have half a dozen shows that are working, he said in an inter view with the New York Times. And weve done it by making small bets with big risks. Landgraf offered creatives something rare- full creative control- in exchange for working with miniscule budgets. The result? Small bets that became big hits like Louie, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Archer. Which in turn led to shows like Justified, Sons of Anarchy, and The Americans. You have opportunities to make small bets with big risks every day. One example? Take on an experimental project on your days off to solve a company problem. Sure, if it doesnt work, youve dedicated a few hours to your job rather than Netflix, but it didnt cost you anything- and if it does work, it could change your professional trajectory. 2. Dont Be All BusinessEvery day we have to have a couple laughs And no assholes allowed. Gail Berman, founder of The Jackal GroupMany things distinguish Berman as not-your-typical Hollywood power player She was the first and only woman to hold the highest positions at a fil m studio (Paramount) and television network (Fox). Many credit her with Fox Broadcasting ascending from fourth to first place with shows like American Idol, 24, and Arrested Development. But its Bermans leadership style that most separates her from other top industry executives. It was common to see her walking down the hall with no shoes on with a megaphone calling out to everyone, Come on, whats going on out here? We should be celebrating this says Jennifer Salke, now NBCs president. She was just great about rallying the troops and getting people motivated and excited to work for her. As a leader, your attitude is contagious You have the capacity to inspire the people around you with your enthusiasm or optimism. So, if your company culture has been a little lackluster, decide to lead by example- celebrating your employees successes and bringing positivity and teamwork back to the workplace.3. Leaders Arent Born, Theyre MadeLeadership is learned.Shonda Rhimes, creator of Greys Anat omy and ScandalWhen Rhimes began writing Greys Anatomy, she was asked to work with a veteran show runner. Rhimes saw herself as shy and found working with others stressful. But after penning four hit series, (including Private Practice, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder), fending off the networks notes (she stopped taking them), and weathering numerous cast kerfuffles, Rhimes found her groove as a leader. Rhimes explains it as a trait she learned how to be a boss and a leader versus somebody who was like, Holy crap, I get to write a show every week.Part of being powerful is believing in yourself and your abilities. Even if youre naturally shy and you dont envision yourself guiding your company through a five-minute conversation (let alone bringing in millions of television viewers through four different television shows), remember that even truly impressive people feel nervous. Even if you dont feel like a leader, leadership is a skill, and skills can be learned and improved. 4. Do the Right ThingMind your reputation. Gary Lucchesi, president of Lakeshore EntertainmentLucchesi was the son of a bread truck driver and the first in his family to go to college. After hearing Hollywood mogul David Geffen speak at a class at UCLA, Lucchesi asked how he could get into the entertainment industry.Geffen told him, Go to William Morris Agency, start in the mailroom, and work your way up. And thats precisely what Lucchesi did. The most important thing Stan Kamen- Lucchesis mentor- passed on was to mind your reputation, Lucchesi says in The Mail Room Hollywood History From the Bottom Up. I remember him arguing with someone on the phone and saying, Ill put my reputation up against yours any day. Ive used it a couple times myself. If you actually have a good reputation, its a real winner.You are in control of your reputation in your career (and life). Technical skills matter, of course, but so does being known as loyal, thoughtful, reliable, and honest. When you say y oure going to send that email, or arrive on time, make sure you do. Moreover, dont participate (or just look the other way) when something you know is wrong is going on in your office. Even if you werent formally involved, working for a company that ends up embroiled in scandal isnt something you want on your resume. 5. Never Stay StillIm not good at being static. I have to be climbing a mountain. Michael Ovitz, former head of CAAThe rise of Creative Artists Agency is legendary (they rented chairs they worked on card tables partners wives took turns being the receptionist), as is the rise of Michael Ovitz, its de facto head. Ovitz became the undisputed most powerful man in Hollywood in the 90s, using the agencys star power to build leverage in other businesses. He orchestrated Matsushitas purchase of MCA and Sonys acquisition of Columbia. He got into business with Coca-Cola, having CAA work as its advertising agency, according to an interview with The New York Times. In other words, he wasnt satisfied with the status quo. Ovitz worked hard. He was prepared. He was aggressive. Diligent. Organized. Detailed. He saw a big picture and was a bigger thinker than I had ever thought an agent would be, said David Doc OConnor, managing partner at CAA. How can you think big in your own career? Once a week, book out an hour of your time and shut off the phone, email, and Twitter. Instead, imagine the big picture Where is your company going? Where is your industry going? What steps can you start taking now to position yourself for success in the future? What mountains might you like to climb? Its not easy to become a major player in Hollywood, but it is possible. And whatever industry youre hoping to make a name for yourself in, you can use the advice above to move up the ladder.Photo courtesy of Songquan Deng / Shutterstock.

Lin-Manuel Miranda to Penns Class of 16 Immigrants get the job done

Lin-Manuel Miranda to Penns Class of 16 Immigrants get the job doneLin-Manuel Miranda to Penns Class of 16 Immigrants get the job doneIts graduation season, and we zu siche at Ladders have decided to take a look back and showcase some past commencement addresses that stand the test of time. Below is the full transcript of Lin-Manuel Mirandas commencement address toUniversity of Pennsylvanias Class of 2016 Thank you President Gutmann, MC Provost, Board of Trustees, Faculty, Family, Mister Vice President, Undergrads of the four Penn Schools of Hufflepuff, Slytzu sichin, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, and dear exhausted, exhilarated, terrified graduates of the Class of 2016.I begin with an apology.I am the writer of Hamilton An American Musical. Every word in the show- and there are over 22,000 words in the show- were chosen and put in a really specific order by me. So I am painfully aware that neither Philly nor the great state of Pennsylvania is mentioned in Hamilton, with the exception o f onecouplet in the song Hurricane, where Hamilton singsI wrote my way out of HellI wrote my way to Revolution,I was louder than the crack in The Bell.Thats it One blink and you miss it, the Liberty Bell referenceItscommencement seasonFollow LaddersCommencement Addresses magazine on Flipboardto watch and read all of the most inspiring speeches from this year and years past.I am also painfully aware that this Commencement address is being live-streamed and disseminated all over the world instantly. In fact, painfully aware is pretty much my default state. Oh yeah, thats Lin, hespainfully aware.So, with the eyes of the world and history on us all, Id like to correct the record and point out that a few parts in Hamilton An American Musical actually took place in Pennsylvania.The Battle of Monmouth, wherein General Charles Lee, in our show, Sed the Bed and retreated against Washingtons orders. According to Lafayette, this was the only time he ever heard George Washington curse out loud. Thats right, the father of our country dropped his choicest profanity and F-bombs in Pennsylvania.The Constitutional Convention, wherein alexanderplatzander Hamilton spoke extemporaneously for six hours in what is surely the most un-Tweet-able freestyle of all time, happened right here in Philly.In fact, Alexander Hamilton lived at 79 South 3rd Street when he began his extramarital affair with Maria Reynolds, creating the time-honored precedent of political sex scandals and mea culpa. You guys, The Good Wife wouldnt even exist if Hamilton hadnt gotten the tanzfest rolling on this dubious American tradition, right on South 3rd street, right near the Cos.Finally, I need to apologize on behalf of the historical Alexander Hamilton, because if he hadnt sat down to dinner with James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, desperate for support for his financial plan, Philadelphia might well still be the US Capitol.Hamilton traded Philly away in the most significant backroom verstndigung im strafve rfahren in American history. As the guy who plays Hamilton every night, let me get into character for a moment and say, My bad, Philadelphia. Thank you.But take the long view, Motown Philly. Who really won that deal in the end? Look at DC its synonymous with institutional dysfunction, partisan infighting and political gridlock. You are known as the birthplace of Louisa May Alcott, Rocky Balboa, Boyz II Men, Betsy Ross, Will Smith, Isaac Asimov, Tina Fey, cheesesteaks, and you can have scrapple, soft pretzels and Wawa hoagies whenever you want. You win, Philly. You win every time. Water ice.The simple truth is this Every story you choose to tell, by necessity, omits others from the larger narrative. One could write five totally different musicals from Hamiltons eventful, singular American life, without ever overlapping incidents. For every detail I chose to dramatize, there are ten I left out. I include King George at the expense of Ben Franklin. I dramatize Angelica Schuylers intell igence and heart at the expense of Benedict Arnolds betrayal. James Madison and Hamilton were friends and political allies, but their personal and political fallout occurs right on our act break, during intermission. My goal is to give you as much as an evening of musical entertainment can provide, and have you on your way home slightly before Les Mis lets out next door.This act of choosing- the stories we tell versus the stories we leave out- will reverberate across the rest of your life. Dont believe me? Think about how you celebrated this Senior Week, and contrast that with the version you shared with the parents and grandparents sitting behind you.Penn, dont front. Youre a Playboy magazine ranked Party School- you know you did things this week that youre never mentioning again. I know what you did this summerIm going to tell you a story from my twenties today- a story Ive never told in public before. Ill tell you two stories actually. Its my hope that itll be of use to you as yo u stare down the quarter life marker.I am 20 years old, finishing my sophomore year at Wesleyan, and my girlfriend of four and a half years is home from her semester abroad. I cannot wait to see her again- she is my first love. I dread seeing her again- Ive grown into my life without her. In her absence, with time and angst to spare, I have developed the first draft of my first full-length musical, an 80-minute one-act called In the Heights. I have also developed a blinding pain in my right shoulder, which I cant seem to stop cracking. My girlfriend comes home. I am so happy to see her, even as my shoulder worsens. My mother takes me to a back specialist, ranked in New York magazine, so you know hes good.He examines me, looks me dead in the eyes, and says, Theres nothing wrong with your back. There will be if you keep cracking it, but what you have is a nervous tic. Is there anything in your life that is causing you stress? I burst into tears, in his office. He looks at me for a lon g time, as Im crying, and get this- youll appreciate this, Rene- he tells me the story of Giuseppe vereinte dienstleistungsgewerkschaft. A 19th century Italian composer of some note, who, in the space of a few short years, lost his wife and two young children to disease. He tells me that Verdis greatest works- Rigoletto, La Traviata- came not before, but after this season of Job, the darkest moments of his life. He looks me in the eyes and tells me, Youre trying to avoid going through pain, or causing pain. Im here to tell you that youll have to survive it if you want to be any kind of artist.I break up with my girlfriend that night.I spend the summer in therapy. I tell a lot of stories Ive never told before.My father asks my mother, What the hell kind of back doctorVerdi? Really?I stop cracking my shoulder.The story I had been telling myself- happy guy in a long-distance relationship with his high school sweetheart- was being physically rejected by my body via my shoulder. Id never broken up with anyone before- in my head, I was a good guy, and good guys dont break up with their significant others when one of them goes off to study abroad. I was trying to fit my life into a romantic narrative that was increasingly at odds with how I really felt. In retrospect, we both were.What about her story? Well, its not mine to tell, but I can share this much she began dating one of her good friends the following year of college. Fast-forward to present day She is happily married to that same good friend, with two beautiful kids. In her story, I am not the angsty, shoulder-cracking tortured artist. Im the obstacle in the way of the real love story. For you Office fans Theyre Jim and Pam, and Im Roy.Story 2 I am out of college, I am 23 years old, and Tommy Kail and I are meeting with a veteran theater producer. To pay rent I am a professional substitute teacher at my old high school. Tommy is Audra McDonalds assistant. Tommy is directing In the Heights, and with his geniu s brain in my corner, my 80-minute one-act is now two acts. This big deal theater producer has seen a reading we put on in the basement of The Drama Book Shop in mid-Manhattan, and he is giving us his thoughts. We hang on his every word, this is a big deal theater producer, and we are kids, desperate to get our show on. We are discussing the character of Nina Rosario, home from her first year at Stanford, the first in her family to go to college.The big deal theater producer saysNow I know in your version Ninas coming home with a secret from her parents shes lost her scholarship. The song is great, the actress is great. What Im bumping up against, fellas, is that this doesnt feel high stakes enough. Scholarship? Big deal. What if shes pregnant? What if her boyfriend at school hit her? What if she got caught with drugs? It doesnt have to be any of those things, youre the writer- but do you see what Im getting at guys, a way to ramp up the stakes of your story?I resist the urge to cra ck my shoulder.We get through the meeting and Tommy and I, again alone, look at each other. He knows what Im going to say before I say it.Pregnant- I know.Nina on drugs- I was there.But he wants to put our show up.Tommy looks at me.Thats not the story you want to tell and thats not the show I want to direct. There are ways to raise the stakes that are not that. Well just keep working.If I could get in a time machine and watch any point in my life, it would be this moment. The moment where Tommy Kail looked at uncertain, frazzled me, desperate for a production and a life in this business, tempted, and said no for us. I keep subbing, he continues working for Audra, we keep working on In the Heights for five years until we find the right producers in Jill Furman and Kevin McCollum and Jeffrey Seller. Until Philly native Quiara Hudes becomes my co-writer and reframes our show around a community instead of a love triangle. Until Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman take my songs and made th em come to life through their orchestrations. It will be another five years before Heights reaches Broadway, exactly as we intended it.And then the good part Ninas story that we fought to tell, keeps coming back around in my life. It comes around in letters, or in the countless young men and women who find me on the subway or on college campuses and take my hand and say, You dont understand. I was the first in my family to go to college, when I felt out of place like I was drowning I listened to Breathe, Ninas song, and it got me through. And I think to myself as these strangers tell me their Nina stories, I do understand. And that sounds pretty high stakes to me.I know that many of you made miracles happen to get to this day. I know that parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and family behind you made miracles happen to be here. I know because my family made miracles happen for me to be standing here talking to you, telling stories.Your stories are essential. Dont believe m e?In a year when politicians traffic in anti-immigrant rhetoric, there is also a Broadway musical reminding us that a broke, orphan immigrant from the West Indies built our financial system. A story that reminds us that since the beginning of the great unfinished symphony that is our American experiment, time and time again, immigrants get the job done.My dear, terrified graduates- you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives.The stories you are about to live are the ones you will be telling your children and grandchildren and therapists.They are the temp gigs and internships before you find your passion.They are the cities you live in before the opportunity of a lifetime pops up halfway across the world.They are the relationships in which you hang on for dear life even as your shoulder cracks in protest.They are the times you say no to the good opportunities so you can say yes to the best opportunities.They are what Verdi survived to bring us La Trav iata.They are the stories in which you figure out who you are.There will be moments you remember and whole years you forget.There will be times when you are Roy and times when you are Jim and Pam.There will be blind alleys and one-night wonders and soul-crushing jobs and wake-up calls and crises of confidence and moments of transcendence when you are walking down the street and someone will thank you for telling your story because it resonated with their own.I feel so honored to be a detail, a minor character in the story of your graduation day.I feel so honored to bear witness to the beginning of your next chapter.Im painfully aware of whats at stake.I cant wait to see how it turns out.Thank you and congratulations to the Class of 2016.

Entry Level Graphic Design Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Entry Level Graphic Design Resume Template 2018s Top FormatEntry Level Graphic Design Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatCreate ResumeMason Williams100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019 H N/A C (555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comSummaryI have always had a passion for physical activity and competition and think that i would be a great fit for the team I have had numerous encounters with customer service and am known for my upbringing personality. I would also like to add that i am a professional Mixed Martial arts fighter who knows all about fitness goals as well as wertzuwachs goals. With that being said i am adaptable to any work place and am like a sponge in the sense that i learn quickly.HighlightsAdept typing skillsGreat work ethicPunctualVery PersonableMotivated by successOrganizedFast LearnerAccomplishmentsI have been competing as a Mixed Martial Arts combatant for nearly eight years and have been used many different supplements to supply my body with proper nutrition. I am the former XFS bantamweight champion as well as the idaho state cruiserweight muay thai champion. I have always been extremely knowledgable as far as proper nutrition and have been an avid public speaker.ExperiencePrep-cook, Portioner, Nutritionist 11/2012 to 05/2013 My fit foods Boise, IDI was responsible for preparing foods as well as weighing out the foods and giving important nutritional advice to customersEducation2013 Kuna High School Kuna, ID, United StatesCustomize ResumeMore Marketing, Advertising, and PR Resumes

Questions to Ask a Recruiter

Questions to Ask a RecruiterQuestions to Ask a RecruiterRecruiters provide vital links between employers and prospective workers. Some job candidates seek out their services directly. Others discover after submitting an application that the hunt is being conducted by a recruiter on behalf of a company. Dont be surprised if you even encounter a recruiter when youre not looking for a job- some make cold calls to people theyve identified as a good possible fit for an open lage.Posing thoughtful questions to recruiters helps candidates truly get a handle on what certain employment opportunities are all about. But what should you ask?Here are some questions to ask a recruiter that can help you get the most out of your conversationCan you tell me more about the job?Recruiters can provide greater detail than what you may have already learned through a job posting, network connection, or website, so encourage them to reveal everything they know.After youve established some basics, probe more directly into the nature of the specific position and the culture of the employer. Youll gain insight about daily life and company values, which can be critical when youre trying to decide whether the opportunity is worth pursuing.Its good when candidates ask relevant questions about the inner workings of the role, not just about information they can find online, says Matt Cholerton, philanthropisch resources leader and founder of Hito Labs. He recommends asking questions such asWhat, specifically, are some projects Ill work on when I start?If Im successful, what will I have done in six months? In one year?Who will I work with in this role?Can you tell me what is unique about this companys culture?How many females, or people of diversity, are on the executive team? How about in the department in which Ill be working?Why did the last person in this job leave?Are you coming into a newly created role? Did your predecessor get a promotion? Was someone fired? Knowing the situation you m ight be walking into can be telling.How long has the job been open?The recruiters answer can be a red flag. A position thats been open for quite some time may signal that other candidates found reason to pass it up, and maybe you should be on guard. Or it might mean youll be dealing with a particularly fussy or indecisive hiring manager. If the job just opened, expect the hiring process to take some time since the employer likely will be looking at a few candidates before getting serious about offers.When a Recruiter Makes Unsolicited ContactHearing from a recruiter when you arent actively job hunting can take you by surprise and may make you leery. However, especially in this age of LinkedIn, recruiters have plenty of ways to learn about and connect with people who appear promising. Get some basic information from the get-go such asWhere did you obtain my name and contact information?What is the name of your firm, and where is it located?What other roles have you filled recently?Wh ere is the job itself located, and does it offer flexible arrangements? (No sense continuing on if youre not willing to relocate and theyre not interested in telecommuters.)If you decide the opportunity might be worth further investigation, start tailoring questions more directly to the actual position. Pose the questions mentioned earlier as you see applicable. Cholerton also suggests askingWhy do you think Im a good fit for this role?What has been lacking in candidates so far?What is the salary the company said it can pay for this role?And be koranvers to get the persons full name, title, and contact info. After you perform your own research on both the recruiter and the prospective employer, youre bound to have many more questionsKnow someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

Whatever They Told You About Good Objective for Resume Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why

Whatever They Told You About Good Objective for Resume Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why Use action-oriented verbs and precise words to spell out the kind of job youre seeking and your experience in the health care field. Its fine to leave in a couple of the previous verbs. Adding action verbs to your resume is a fantastic way to strengthen it and help it become more targeted to the position youre applying to. Be certain to be thoughtful once you use action verbs. The 2 forms, chronological or functional, can highlight distinctive qualifications youve got for employment. Theres a lengthy field of career objective examples that can be put in on entry level resumes. A crystal clear statement about how you are going to utilize your strongest relevant abilities and professional experiences to satisfy the specific role youre applying for 3.So If you wish to be sure that you make a wonderful impression, go for the chronological resume format. Knowing the fundamental steps of writing a good resume does not signify you have to write alone. You may choose to include certain examples that demonstrate these qualities. When writing your resume, include evidence of your communication abilities. Make your basic resume which you are able to condense whenever you require. Restaurant hiring managers will be searching for these particular traits to determine if youre a worthwhile candidate. Identify the form of resume you wish to write. The very first significant section of your resume is known as the Career Objective. In a nutshell, the above are a few of the tips we find helpful in preparing a great MA resume. Medical assistants have a vast array of responsibilities. As you might be a fantastic candidate for the scholarship, you can readily be overlooked among the many applicants. Point out any particular honours together with other educative outcomes. A tip here is to at all times compose a resume that is tailored or customized to a specific job or skill colle ction. Nobody reads resumes for funonly whenever theres a particular job to fill. When youre prepared to look for your next sales position, you should stick out from the crowd. As you definitely need a great job, your audience would like to understand what you can do for them. If you are searching for a career in management, you probably have years of skilled experience under your belt. To begin with, consider the work description to see whether it indicates the form of skills the dienst is seeking. Start looking for any skilled career counselor that will help you or just a friend that has been through this practice. Goal-oriented and customer-focused team player prepared to bring my history of raising quarterly sales to the actual estate market. List up to 10 and choose the ones that youre excellent at. If you do decide to incorporate an objective, be sure the sentence you use is written properly and that it accurately reflects what youre trying to accomplish as a work seeker . It is of utmost importance to at all times indicate the kind of work youre searching for in your resume objective. Twenty-year veteran in restaurant sales prepared to help an expanding company make it in the big leagues. Realize not write what you would like in work. 1 line telling the reader what you would like in a job isnt likely to do this. Be clear and detailed concerning the job that you want.

Jobs Prospects for Today#8217;s Graduates

Jobs Prospects for Today8217s Graduates For a college graduate, career planningas involved as it can beis the easy part of finding the ideal job. Finding a job after graduation is becoming more challenging as the economy struggles to rebound. Current college graduates have to complete with the previous graduates, as well as displaced or furloughed employees with years of experience under their belts. For many college graduates the anxiety of finding a job out of college is coupled with the burden of student loans and watching many of their relatives lose their job or homes as a result of the recession. Companies that are implementing salary and hiring freezes further compound the problem. According to a report issued by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), an independent Washington, DC think tank that studies economic trends, the Class of 2011 is facing the worse job market on record. Unemploym ent among recent graduates rose to 9.6 percent in April 2011 from 5.4 percent in December 2007. Despite these dismal figures, there are indication that things are slowly improving for the better on the employment front. Employers report a significant increase in their spring hiring projections since 2007, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Corporate recruiters are slowly returning to college campus in search of candidates.For many graduates, career goals may have to be modified or temporarily put on the back burner in order to find gainful employment. Another sobering reality in todays tough job market is more companies offering unpaid internships as a tryout for permanent positions, which is good for building work experience, but bad when you have thousands in student loans to pay back. According to the EPI report, more than half state college students had an average of $20,467 in student loan debt as of 2009. Sixty-five percent of private school gradu ates had an average of $26,728 in student loan debt.It may seem that having a college degree isnt worth it, but it still gives you a major advantage over someone who doesnt have one. Unemployment for persons without a degree is more than twice as high than for college graduates. After you graduate, career goals may change, but a few measures may increase your chances of finding the job you want. Volunteer or intern at a company you would like to work at. Social networking sites can be a very effective tool. Establish and cultivate an online presence that showcases you and your skills and talents. Take classes to learn new skills. Consider other jobs in your field of interest or other fields altogether. Lastly, dont get discouraged in your job search.

Unknown Communication Mistakes How to Fix Them

Unknown Communication Mistakes How to Fix ThemUnknown Communication Mistakes How to Fix Them You may be sabotaging your influence through your verbal and nonverbal communication without even knowing it. Why is it so common for leaders to overestimate their level of influence? First, there is a phenomenon called Illusory Superiority or the Above-average Effect. Most leaders judge themselves better than average in any particular metric, including personality traits, job performance and work-related skills. We tend to overestimate our positive qualities and underestimate our negative qualities. The second reason that leaders believe theyre mora influential than they really are is because our definition of influence is flawed. We have a misperception of what influence is and an outdated, inadequate understanding of what it means to be influential. The common definition of influence is the ability to motivate people to action. This definition doesnt work in todays business environment because we live in a new world of work called noise. Think about how many messages you have already received today. We have noise from our own dialogue and the multitude of messages we receive 24 hours a day, every day. The people youre trying to influence arent paying attention to you if youre sabotaging your influence through your communication. If you dont have their attention, you cant influence them. Therefore, its now more critical than ever to understand what influence is and what it is bedrngnis. In todays competitive world, influence isWorking from an incomplete definition of what it means to be influential Monday to Monday is the first way you may be sabotaging your influence.The second reason goes back to the Above-average Effect. Many leaders believe that if they feel theyre a good communicator , then it must be true. They believe that if they feel influential, then others perceive them this way. This problem is compounded by the fact that few peopl e are willing to give leaders honest feedback about their influence, or lack thereof. As a result, they take their level of influence for granted. It is a natural human tendency to base our opinion of ourselves on how we feel when we communicate rather than on the facts of how we actually look and sound. Our thinking is, I feel good therefore, I am good . More often than not, what we feel inside doesnt translate to what listeners are seeing and hearing. We may believe that we are better communicators than others think we are. Or, the opposite may be true. Others may see us as better communicators than we think we are.To enhance your influence, you need to evaluate your communication based on facts, not feelings. You need to get to the heart of what is really going on by experiencing your communication through the eyes and ears of your listeners and readers. This leads us to the third reason of how you may be sabotaging your influence. When was the last time you recorded yourself speaking on video or audio? If it wasnt within the last three months, there is a strong possibility that you dont know the facts about your communication. There is also a strong possibility that youre sabotaging your influence through your communication without even knowing it.The best way to get factual data about your communication is to watch yourself on video or listen to yourself on audio. Video acts like a mirror, enabling you to see exactly what others see and to hear exactly what others hear when you communicate. What you see and hear is who you truly are when you communicate. Video recording yourself is the only way to reveal the truth of what your listeners see and hear rather than what you believe to be true. As painful as it might be to watch and hear yourself, is it any worse than spending the rest of your career clueless about what others are thinking or saying behind your back? As much as you might not want to do it, videoing yourself is one of the greatest investment s you can make in your life, both professionally and personally. TODAY make a commitment to increase your influence and avoid sabotaging your influence. Is there a difference between how you felt during the recording and how you look? What perception would you have of yourself based on what you see and hear? Would you be influenced by your communication? Influence is the highest form of competitive advantage for both individuals and organizations. When all else is equal between you and the competition, the business goes to the one with more influence. Therefore, influence is more crucial than ever in achieving success. Stacey Hanke is author of Influence RedefinedBe the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Monday to Monday . She also co-authored Yes You CanEverything You Need From A To Z to Influence Others to Take Action . Hanke is founder of Stacey Hanke Inc. She has trained and presented to thousands, helping business leaders get rid of bad body language habits and to choose word s wisely from the financial industry to the health care industry to government and everyone in-between.

4 Factors That Make Teams Work Together Well - The Muse

4 Factors That Make Teams Work Together Well - The Muse4 Factors That Make Teams Work Together WellIt would be remiss of me to write an article about teams without using this old nugget, so Im just going to get it out of the way, and then we can all move on. Theres no I in team. There, I said it. But now that Ive typed it out, Ive noticed its an anagram of mate. That sounds better already, right? Your team can also be a mate, a pal, a best bud. And if thats really the case for you, then congratulations Youve hit the work jackpot.But, on the other hand, they can sometimes be hotbeds of partieality clashes, misunderstandings, differing work styles and- small wonder after all that- a revolving door of unhappy ex-colleagues. What are the factors that make some slick, high-performing units, while others couldnt organize the proverbial craft beer tasting session in an artisanal brewery?Well, for me there are four factors process, climate, focus, and flow (dont worry, Ill explain). If you d ont have balance where these critical pillars are concerned, then your team is likely to be a tense and tricky place to spend your 40-plus hours a week. So, if youre looking to improve the way everyone works together, read on1. ProcessYou might be a group of creative geniuses, but unless there is some structure in place, the output isnt likely to be that inspiring. All teams, no matter their function, need processes- and I dont just mean How Things Are Done. Im talking people processes, too.Things like, does everyone have clarity of purpose, both individually and for the team? Are there efficient interdependencies going on, and does everyone know who to work with on specific projects? Do they have the right mix of skills and styles to complement each other professionally and gel on a personal level too?If people dont know where they stand, in relation to whom, and what the point of it all is, then you have a problem. One you get these things locked down, everyone can breathe, safe i n the knowledge that theyre doing the right things, for the right reasons- and with the best possible people.2. FocusWhats the vision for your team, and does every member share in it? Because if your groups lacking in a strong mission, it will also lack potency and self-belief. A shared vision brings with it accountability, a commitment to getting stuff done, and a strong desire to deliver. It also puts you all automatically on the same side, and that counts for a lot when youre coasting along, unsatisfied and looking for something to believe in.And if your people are drifting aimlessly along, its focus changing with every quarterly review, then this is an occasion where a strong leader really needs to take the helm, gather the troops and generally inspire the team like their life depends on it. Youll need to promote the company purpose and the mission of the group, and then make sure every single person knows their part in accomplishing it.3. ClimateIf you could do a weather report on the people you work with, what would you say? Would it be looking stormy overhead, with some black clouds moving in? Or are you looking ahead to weeks of unbroken sunshine? OK, these are the two extremes, and most teams will vary as people, workload, and focus change- but there were likely some honest words that leapt to your lips when I asked that question. Teams want to get stuff done- thats why they exist after all. But if the output comes at the expense of respect, honesty, and trust, then theres likely to be a big revolving door on the office which just keeps on spinning. Creating a climate in which everyone feels able to be candid, in which mutual respect is the default, and where everyone is enabled to be productive isnt a quick or easy task, but its completely, utterly necessary to get the best possible output. 4. FlowHands up if youve ever been in a team working in perfect flow? Just like they say about being in love, if youre not sure, then you havent. And if you have, then youll remember it as an exhilarating, motivating, rush-of-blood-to-the-head halcyon time of your career. A group of people in full flow is a beautiful thing to behold. Innovative, agile, bubbling over with more ideas than they can handle, and working in true harmony. And on the other hand, a team where each person is working without the safety net of cohesion and trust can be a pretty ugly place too. It might take a lot of work to reach full flow- everyone has to be fully on board, and that alone can be a hard-fought battle. But when youre all in, everything is possible. So, if youre the leader of a team that isnt working, and you just cant figure out whats wrong- think about the balance of the four pillars of process, focus, climate and flow. Yes, I know that transforming into a high-performing unit can seem daunting- if not impossible- but by looking at each of these separate factors in turn, you can begin to build a strategy that will lead you toward true team success.

Job Interview Skills to Help You Get Hired

Job Interview Skills to Help You Get HiredJob Interview Skills to Help You Get HiredAcing an einstellungsgesprch is a science as much as it is an art, andit requires diligent preparation along with the ability to be at ease in the bewerbungsgesprch room. Its also thatyoube comfortable and confident in discussing why you are the best fit for a role. Interviewing is a skill in and of itself, onein which your ability to interact with the interviewer and toarticulate your thoughts are factorsthatarejust as important in getting the job as arethe qualifications listed on your resume. Here is a list of interview skills that willhelp you get hired. Interview Preparation Winging it is never worth it. Not only will your interviewer see right through it, but your answers (and your self-confidence) will seriously suffer if you neglect toproperly prepare. You should dedicate atleastan hour to your preparation. Heres a sample formula outlining a 60-minute preparation exercise 5 minutesre-readi ng andanalyzing the job description, focusing on the essential requirements and responsibilities, in order to tailor your answers andtohomeinonthe most important aspects of the job.5 minutesre-reading your resume and titelseite letter to review how you pitched yourself in the first place.15 minutesresearchingpotential interview questionsspecific to the position and the industry.20 minutespracticing answers to these questions and recalling specific examples from your work experience, such as major accomplishments, challenges, or milestones that will serve as anecdotes to strengthen your responses tosituationalandbehavioral-based interview questions. 15 minutes researching the company, looking into their history, mission and values, and recent projects. Indeed, practice makes perfect. In addition to practicing these steps on your own, ask a friend or family member to pose as an interviewer so you can get used to answering questions in real time. Be on Time There are very few (if a ny) excuses that will redeem a late arrival. Do whatever you need to do to get there ten to 15 minutes in advance of your interview time, whether itsplanning your outfitand packing your bag the night before, setting five alarms,asking a friend to give you a wake-up call, or leaving extra early to account for potential transportation obstacles. Think Before You Speak A well-thought-out answer is always better than a rushed one. Of course, you dont want to sit there in silence for five minutes as you ponder an answer, but itisacceptable to take several seconds to think before you speak. Avoid the ums and uhs and buy yourself time by repeating the interviewers questions back to them, or byusing a phrase like, Thats an interesting question or, I was actually just thinking about that when I read an article on a similar topic, and If youre really stumped,you can say, What a great question. Ive actually never been asked this before let me just take a second to think about this. Finally ,know what to do if you really cant answer a question. Speak Clearly, Cohesively, and Calmly Nerves can get you talking a mile a minute, and so can the simple desire to convey as much valuable information about yourself as possible. However, talking too fast can make you look rushed, flustered or anxious. Make a conscious effort toslow downand speak calmly and clearly. It willhelp you avoid interview stress. Be Confident, Not Arrogant Although you should be willing and able to promote yourself, your experience, and youraccomplishments, make koranvers you dont come across as arrogant, narcissistic, or self-important. No matter how good you are at your job, youre going to run into countless obstacles if you lack theemotional intelligenceto work on a team and get along with managers, co-workers, or clients. Focus on exuding a kind and balanced sense of confidence, and when you discuss your achievements, be sure to give credit where credit is due in order toshow that youre a tea m player. Actually Listen Anyone can nod, smile, and say Right or Exactly over and over, but how many peopleactuallylisten? Interviews are especially trickybecause you do need to be listening to your interviewers question while mentally preparing your answer. However, if you dont listen well in the first place, you might miss the entire point of the question, and as a result, your answer couldfall totally flat. Stay in the moment and dont let yourself zone out, even if it feels like the interviewer is endlessly blabbing on. Preparation will help tremendously (so thatyou have material ready to discuss and wont have to come up with it all on the spot), butgood listening skillsand the ability to stay focused are key. Express Optimism, BothWith Your Words and Your Body Language No company wants to hire someone with a schwimmschwimmbad attitude. No matter how difficult your situation is, dont bring any baggage into the interview room. That means dont bad-mouth your former employe r or any other companies youve been associated with,anddontcomplain about your personal circumstances. Be natural, expressing reasonable perspectives through a lens of optimism. For example, if you have to talk about a challenging situation, you should include a mention of how you may have helped solve it, and what you learned that made you a better employee. Remember,your body languagedoesmatteras much as your words. Walk in with a smile on your face, offer a firm handshake, and sit up tall at the table, leaning slightly forward to engage in the conversation. Show Interest, Without Desperation Sometimes, it can be helpful to think of an interview as a (professional) first date. An air of disinterest, apathy, or monotony will likely turn off an interviewer, as will overenthusiastic desperation. No matter how much you want or need the job, refrain from acting desperate pleading or begging has no place in a job interview. The key is to express earnest interest in the role and in t he company, and passion for the work you do. Keep in the back of your mind that you are a valuable asset as an employee. Know More Than Your Elevator Pitch Although you should be able to give anelevator pitchin which you introduce yourself, recap your experience, and promote your most valuable professional assets, make sure youre comfortable talking about yourself beyond that. Know how to discuss both yourstrengths and weaknesses, and emphasize yourbest qualities and greatest skills, while putting a positive spin on your areas of improvement. You should also be able to exert some level of control over the conversation. For example, if an interviewer tries to trip you up with atricky questionlike, Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer? or Tell me about a time a coworker was unhappy with you, you should be able to answer their question while bridging your response into a positive an idea or example that shows how you learned or grew from the situation. You should als o havequestions of your own to ask the interviewer. Express Gratitude Dont underestimate the importance of saying Thank you. As soon as your interview concludes, you should thank your interviewers for their time and for the opportunity to learn more about the position. When you get home, you should always follow up with athank-you email. Otherwise, the interviewer may take your silence as a sign that you arent really interested in the position. Key Takeaways Practice Makes Perfect Take time to practice your responses to the most frequently asked interview questions.Prepare in Advance Interviews are less stressful if you get ready ahead of time, and figure out what youre going to wear, and where you need to be.Follow-Up is Important Always follow-up after a job interview with an email or note thanking the interviewer for the time.

5 Mistakes Not to Make at Your First Job

5 Mistakes Not to Make at Your First Job 5 Mistakes Not to Make at Your First Job Even if you graduated with honors and were a superstar during your summer internship, starting your first job can bring on a whole new set of challenges. You have a big learning curve ahead of you, you need to feel your way around the office culture, and you want to impress a group of people with whom who you’ll probably be working for a very long time.So, how do you get off on the right foot? You’ve probably already heard some common advice about dressing appropriately, being on time, and investing in a retirement plan. However, when I talked to some of my fellow seasoned managers, they also brought up some less-obvious advice, based on mistakes they often see new professionals making. So before you suit up on that first day, read on for some important advice on what not to do.Mistake #1: Getting Involved in Office Politics When you’re new to an office, it can be easy to trust your co-workers when they start complaining, talking about others, or throwing out office conspiracy theories about what upper management is plotting next. They know the ropes, so they must be right- right?Not exactly. Some of these veterans may have grown a cynical streak over the years, so it’s better to keep an open mind about your new co-workers and company than to be swayed by others’ opinions and experiences. Plus, gossiping by the water cooler when you should be working will hardly make a good impression on your boss. When the office politicking or complaining starts, it’s okay to smile, nod- and not get involved.Mistake #2: Trying to be a Maverick on the First DayAre you excited to dive in and make a difference as soon as possible? Hold on just a sec. The truth is, you’ll impress your supervisor more by learning the ins and outs of your job duties and department first. No one ever appreciates the overeager new employee who thinks she can solve all the department’s problems before even really understanding how things work.Once you’ve got a good grasp on your job, feel free to ask for some of the more exciting opportunities you see or make suggestions for process improvements. You’ll have plenty of time to start making more meaningful contributions- just make sure that you’re doing a stellar job at your job, first.  Mistake #3: Not Asking for HelpNo one will expect you to know everything. In fact, if you’re unclear on something, your co-workers probably prefer that you ask questions now instead of guessing and making a mistake you’ll have to fix later. It’s perfectly okay to admit when you need help or clarification, and there are plenty of people around you who were once in your shoes and would be happy to share their expertise. So ask them!Also don’t be afraid to reach out to a variety of people besides your boss- you might find a great mentor or friend in the process.Mistake #4: Not Communicating EnoughAfter you’ve learned the ropes a bit and are off and running, remember that you still need to keep your boss actively in the loop about what you’re working on and the progress you’re making. Get an idea of how often your boss likes to be updated, both in general and when you’re working on a particular project. Does she want to debrief at weekly meetings, or would she prefer periodic emails detailing the latest updates?In addition to these regular updates, be sure to communicate anything important that comes up- including the bad news. The last thing you want is for your boss to be in a meeting and hear about something for the first time, leaving her unprepared. As my own boss likes to say, “I don’t like surprises.”Mistake #5: Not Appreciating the OpportunityChances are, your first professional job is not going to be exactly what you had in mind. My first job in export customer service was certainly far from glamorous: I had to deal with irate customers, perform routine data entry, deliver bad news, and learn about papermaking (yawn!).But you know what? It was a good opportunity. After all, cu stomer relationship skills are always highly desirable, and learning the paper business showed I could pick up new things quickly. In addition, I learned how the corporate world worked, and I gained some valuable contacts and mentors.Even if your first job isn’t necessarily your dream job, don’t dismiss it as a waste of time. Think instead about the new experiences you’re gaining- running meetings, putting together presentations, dealing with clients, or even just spending time at a company that will look great on your resume. Even a small change in perspective make “paying your dues” at a so-so job seem much more worthwhile.Photo of woman at work courtesy of Shutterstock.

Handling Employee Violation of your Social Media Policy

Handling Employee Violation of your Social Media Policy Handling Employee Violation of your Social Media Policy Handling Employee Violation of your Social Media Policy Bennington, Contributing Writer Remember Cisco Fatty, a.k.a. the University of California student who back in early 2009 posted the infamous tweet about an internship with the software giant? Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work. You already know how this story ends. A Cisco employee discovered the tweet, the offer was rescinded, and a firestorm of publicity ensued. Since this was among the first cases where a status update resulted in the loss of a job, Cisco Fatty became a case study/cautionary tale of social media recruitmentthat will live on in the history books of Web 2.0. These days, however, status firings have become downright common. From CNN editors and waitresses, to hospital employeesand, yes, even pieorogis, it seems no one is immune to being shown the door over a post that doesnt sit well with their boss. However, despite the increasing number of dismissals related to social media, most have remained internal matters between employers and their staff. That is, until now. Guidelines to Help Formulate your Social Media Strategy In onerecentcasethat involveda companys social media policy, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)filed a complaint against an employer who fired a staff member for badmouthing her supervisor on Facebook. The Facebook casewas eventually settled out of court and required that the company not discipline employees who are asking for union representation; the companywill also revise their employee handbook policy around workers discussingwork conditions with their co-workers. This is obviously scary territory for employers. On one hand, you have the fear of disgruntled employees doing some serious company brand damage online. On the other, you have the risk of being sued for violating the National Labor Relations Act. To obtain some perspective on this issue from a legal perspective, we spoke with Eric Kinder, a Labor and Employment member with Spilman Thomas and Battle PLLCand with Donna Galatas and Jackie Torres from The Galatas Groupto weigh in on the human resource standpoint. Here is what they had to say: 1.)Are social media posts considered free speech? Kinder: Free speech in the employment setting is a loaded term. Private employers dont have First Amendment concerns in that there is no constitutional duty from them to allow or tolerate free speech, but they do have to consider the National Labor Relations Act and various state laws that prohibit employers from disciplining employees for off-duty conduct. While many of the off-duty conduct laws were drafted to address an employees use of tobacco off the worksite, many of them are written broadly enough to encompass use of social media, blogging, or other online activities. In addition, the NLRA protects an employees right to engage in concerted activities regarding the terms and conditions of employment. Many online activities, especiallysomething like a Facebook post regarding wages or working conditions that is shared with co-workers, are forms of concerted activity that are protected under the law until it reaches the point of being disloyal to the employer. Disloyal can be complicated to define, but it distinguishes between comments that are merely complaining about work from ones that actively seek to reduce business by driving customers away. Galatas /Torres: We strongly believe that social media posts should be considered free speech, however, there are certain aspects of social media use that should be considered within the scope of an employers control. Employers should consider participating in appropriate social media venues and should put in place a social media policy to supplement an internet use policy. A few examples of specific issues which should be addressed include: clarifying infringements on company confidential information and intellectual property rights, slanderous or libelous statements that cannot be supported by evidence and are detrimental to the business, and failing to state that comments made are personal opinion and not made on behalf of the company. 2.)When can an employer legally terminate an employee for their online behavior? Kinder: This will vary from state to state, as more states are passing all-encompassing off duty conduct laws that prohibit, at least potentially, an employers ability to discipline an employee for online actions. That does not mean employers are without any mechanism for regulating an employees online activity. First, an employer has the right to discipline employees for their online behavior during working hours; an employee is at work to do work, not to send Twitter updates, post on Facebook or maintain a blog. The one caveat to this rule is that employers must be consistent in enforcing this social media policy; an employer cannot discipline employees when they make negative comments about the company, but ignore other non-work related activity while an employee is on the clock. Second, an employer can, and must, intervene when an employees online actions are placing the employer at legal risk such as betraying confidential information, or violating the Federal Trade Commissions rules on endorsements of the companys products, or threatening or harassing a co-worker. Third, employers can act when an employee has crossed a line and acted disloyally. Complaining about your boss or your pay isnt disloyal; telling people that the hospital where you work is unsafe would be disloyal though if there are real safety concerns raised, the employer needs to address them. 3.)Can an employer legally examine a candidates social media presence as part of the recruitment process? Kinder: The concern about recruiting with social mediais primarily one of allowing improper information (such as race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, etc.) to taint the selection process. In addition to including numerous pictures which will reveal a candidates age, sex and race social media sites allow and encourage individuals to proclaim their religious and political beliefs. Once an employer reviews the website, it will be charged with knowledge of all this information that should not be included in the hiring process. My general advice to employers is not to review a candidates social media presence before selecting the individuals to interview, so that the interview selection is devoid of or blind to any improper information. No matter what, any employer that plans to review any candidates social media should obtain the candidates written consent to conduct searches of all internet and social media websites, preferably as part of the release in the employers application. 4.) How should an employer prevent a legal situation around social media policy from occurring in the first place? Galatas /Torres: Its very simple. Educate and communicate policy and expectations to staff using several different methods and venues. In addition, an employer should welcome all feedback from employees, both positive and negative, and use the information to increase employee engagement and employee retention and company advocates,to help address employee concerns that otherwise might not surface, and transform the organization into an employer of choice. Kinder: It seems when it comes to social media, the best defense is still a good offense. So if you dont have a policy in place or one that is about blocking social mediain the workplace, now is the time to a social media policy. That said, the NLRB case is proof that, even with air-tight social media guidelines, employers are still vulnerable to complaints and worst case scenario lawsuits. So the bottom line here is to use this advice as a starting point to understand how you should (and should not) be using social media as an employer. Legal Disclaimer: None of the information provided herein constitutes legal advice on behalf of Monster. Author Bio Emily Bennington is coauthor of Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job(Ten Speed Press, 2010). She is a frequent speaker to students and organizations on the topic of career success and the host of Professional Studio 365, a popular blog for new grads transitioning from classroom to boardroom. Emily can be reached at ebennington@msn.com or on Twitter. Stay on topof social media While weve no doubt benefited in big ways from social media, it has caused major strife as well. But one thing is certain: Its not going away. That means you need to know what to be on the lookout for, what kind of workplace policies to implement regarding social media, andobviouslyhow to use social media to your advantage in terms of marketing, brand awareness, and recruiting. Could you use some help with that?Sign up for exclusive https://www.youtube.com/ adviceand well send you the latest recruiting tips, hiring trends, management strategies, and even some awesome deals. Pretty sure youll like us.

Find out How Your Boss Might Be Watching You at Work

Find out How Your Boss Might Be Watching You at Work Find out How Your Boss Might Be Watching You at Work More companies are monitoring their employees electronically. Active monitoring of employees has risen recently from 35 % to 80 %. Why? What can you do about it? Privacy in todays workplace is largely illusory. In this era of open space cubicles, shared desk space, networked computers and teleworkers, it is hard to realistically hold onto a belief in private space, said Ellen Bayer, AMAs human resources practice leader. Why Companies Monitor Employees The reasons companies monitor employee activities are valid business reasons, not just a desire to snoop. The AMA listed (in alphabetical order) five reasons given by survey companies as to why they monitor their employees. Legal Compliance. In regulated industries, taping telemarketing activities gives both the company and the consumer some degree of legal protection. Also, electronic recording and storage may be considered part of a companys due diligence in keeping adequate records and files.Legal Liability. Employees who are unwittingly exposed to offensive graphic material on colleagues computer screens may charge a hostile workplace environment.Performance Review. Customer service and consumer relations personnel are frequently taped as they field calls, and tapes are reviewed with supervisors to evaluate and improve job performance. Productivity Measures. Net-surfing, personal use of office e-mail, and/or dialing up 900 numbers expend time and assets on non-business related activities.Security Concerns. Protecting the value of proprietary corporate information is a primary concern in an age when e-mail and internet connections continue to expand. Work is carried out on equipment belonging to employers who have a legal right to the work product of the employees using it, Bayer said. It should be noted that the survey revealed that 90 percent of the companies engaging in any of these practices inform their employees that theyre doing so. Also, most of the monitoring is performed on a spot-check basis rather than an ongoing 24-hour basis. Your Rights As an Employee As an employee, very few. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse New technologies make it possible for employers to monitor many aspects of their employees jobs, especially on telephones, computer terminals, through electronic and voice mail, and when employees are using the Internet. Such monitoring is virtually unregulated. Therefore, unless company policy specifically states otherwise (and even this is not assured), your employer may listen, watch and read most of your workplace communications. Their Fact Sheet 7: Workplace Privacy has a very good summary FAQ about employees rights, or lack therefore, with respect to phone calls, computers, email, and voice mail. Obligation of Managers to Monitor Managers have an obligation to their company to monitor the activities of their employees to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies. They monitor their behavior, their adherence to the dress code, the way they greet customers. The need to monitor their electronic activities is equally as great and the reasons are the same. They should be sure to let employees know that they are being monitored electronically, in addition to letting them know what is being monitored and why what is acceptable and what is not. The easiest way is to develop and publish the companies policies with regard to the use of computers, the internet, email and voice mail. Managers should monitor for compliance and discipline as they would for any other company policy.

3 Unique Ways to Get a Promotion at Work - The Muse

3 Unique Ways to Get a Promotion at Work - The Muse 3 Unique Ways to Get a Promotion at Work Do you know someone who has run a marathon? Did you notice how he or she trained? Marathoners are very systematic in their training. They log their mileage, pace, and rests so they can best measure their progress and performance. Without tracking they would have no knowledge of their improvement. They might as well be running in place. Your career’s a marathon, too, but do you track your performance? Do you have a system in place to measure your improvement and reach your goals? While marathon training often involves fancy GPS watches, microchips in your shoe, and other technology, all you need for your career are tools you already have- some Excel or Google Drive spreadsheets. Here are three easy ways to track your success and boost your potential this year. 1. Start a Learning Log Have you ever found it difficult to think of the things you’ve accomplished off the top of your head when asked? Despite being busy all day, every day- your mind suddenly goes blank and you can’t think of any recent wins. A learning log is a great way to combat that (common) problem, and you can create it using a spreadsheet. Title the first column “Date” and the second one “What I Learned.” At the end of each day, fill that second column with something you learned about yourself, your job, your company, your industry- really anything. You’ll find you not only can rattle off information way better when prompted, but you’ll become acutely aware of your progress (or lack thereof), things happening at the company, and how you prioritize your work. This puts you in position to foresee potential inefficiencies, become a champion for your company, work smarter, and at the very least- share what you’re doing when prompted. Bonus: You’ll also make the most of your days. If you find that it’s 2 PM and you haven’t learned anything significant yet, you’ll refocus your efforts for the remainder of the day. 2. Create a Promotion Plan What pairs really nicely with the learning log is another spreadsheet, called a Promotion Plan. It’s a document that you’ll create to use when you have a meeting with your manager to discuss your performance. (Already have that performance review on the calendar? Now you’ll be prepared!) Here’s what your Promotion Plan should include: Position Requirements Audit List out the requirements of the position you would like next, or whatever responsibilities you would like your promotion to include- this can be within your department or even on another team. If you’re unsure of those requirements, take someone who’s currently in that position out for coffee. (Of course, if you work at a small company and moving up would involve this person losing his job- tread carefully. You don’t want to come off as cutthroat.) Then create three columns, titled “Needs Some Love, Meets, Exceeds.” Fill these out as honestly as possible. When the time is right (and you might need to set a meeting), ask your boss to also weigh in on where you stand. Individual Requirements Label the next group of tabs “Requirement One,” “Requirement Two,” and so on. Here’s where you can go more in-depth on any items that need some love. For example, if delivering presentations is a requirement necessity of the job you want, you should jot down any time you give a presentation, even if only to your internal team members. If there aren’t any upcoming opportunities, you should step up and volunteer to present at a meeting. You can also use this to motivate yourself to develop the required skill outside of the office. For example, sign up for an online public speaking course, join Toastmasters, or even watch TED talks. Just Be sure to log all activities related to the required skill, and any accomplishments that happen as a result. Now, when you meet with your boss- or he or she presents the case to promote you to his or her managers- there’s a document that can speak for your motivation as well as your achievements. 3. Create a Feedback and Kudos Folder This is your final document. Here’s where you log any and all verbal and written feedback you receive as it comes in. Save those emails from clients about your great work, as well as the notes from colleagues that say you really helped the team on a certain project. Anytime a co-worker or client says, “You’re really good at that,” or “I appreciate you taking care of [XYZ],” or “Thanks for helping me with [a certain project],” you should add those kudos to a running document as well. It can feel awkward to keep track of people saying nice things about you, but having a running list of compliments will inspire you to master those skills that need improvement. Just remember not to sell yourself short. It’s easy to think, “Oh that was just a passing comment: It’s not that important. I won’t track it.” Instead of the, “Oh that was just” mindset, take the opposite approach and assume it's all significant. You can always go back later and decide if you’d like to cut something. It’s much easier to make a case for your promotion when you have tons of compliments you need to whittle down, as opposed to no examples of positive feedback. Not to mention, it’s a nice little ego boost on a day when things aren’t going according to plan. Remember, your career is a marathon. To avoid running in place, you need to measure your performance. You don’t even need any fancy technology: These three spreadsheets will give you a system to track your progress and achieve your goals.

Criminal History Waivers for the Air Force

Criminal History Waivers for the Air Force Criminal History Waivers for the Air Force Nobody has a right to serve in the United States Air Force. Federal law and Department of Defense directives give the military services significant leeway in determining who they want to accept for enlistment or commission. An applicants criminal and moral history plays a large role on whether or not they are eligible to join. Applicants with one or more convictions or adverse adjudications from category 1, category 2 or category 3 in a lifetime require an approved waiver of morals disqualification.Applicants with two or more convictions or adverse adjudications in the last 3 years, or three or more convictions or adverse adjudications in a lifetime, from category 4 require an approved waiver of morals disqualification.Applicants with six or more convictions or adverse adjudications in any 365-day period in the last 3 years from category 5 require an approved waiver of morals disqualification. AFRS Instruction 36-2001, Air Force Recruiting, includes detailed instructions about defining convictions and adverse adjudications. In evaluating an arrest record, information indicating acquittal, dropped charges, expunged record, case dismissal, or that the individual was the subject of a nolle prosequi, does not negate the significance of the underlying conduct. Therefore, to protect the interest of the Air Force, base eligibility determinations on available information concerning a persons conduct and actions rather than the legal outcome of a criminal proceeding. A conviction is an act of finding a person guilty of a crime, offense, or other violation of the law by a court, judge, or other authorized adjudication authority and includes fines and forfeiture of bond in lieu of trial. An Adverse Adjudication An adverse adjudication (adult or juvenile) is a finding, decision, sentence, or judgment, other than unconditionally dropped, dismissed, or acquitted. When the adjudicating authority places a condition or restraint that leads to dismissal, dropped charges, or acquittal, the adjudication is considered adverse: An adjudicating authority is an official of a Federal, state, county, or local government body empowered to make findings or determinations concerning alleged criminal (adult or juvenile) offenses and establishes responsibility for the commission of the offense. Responsibility for the commission of the offense is established by a conviction or when action tantamount to a finding of guilty is directed by the official (e.g., entry into a diversionary program, probation, or revocation of probation). Adjudicating authorities include: Judges.Courts.Magistrates.Prosecutors.Hearing officials.Military commanders (Article 15 action or suspension of dependent privileges or similar actions).Probation officers.Parole officers or boards. A member is not eligible to begin enlistment processing for 3 months following termination of parole, probation, suspended sentence, or any period of confinement for a conviction. EXCEPTION: Suspended sentences for minor traffic offenses and completion of community service. These factors may mitigate disqualifying information. Consider them in the waiver process: Immaturity attributable to the age of the individual at the time of the offense.Circumstances surrounding the offense.Isolated nature of the conduct.The incident occurred in ones youth with no subsequent criminal conduct.Temporary conditions contributed to the conduct, (such as parents divorce, serious illness, or death in immediate family, etc.) with no subsequent criminal conduct.

Auto Mechanic Marine Corps Job

Auto Mechanic Marine Corps Job Auto Mechanic Marine Corps Job Making sure the Marines can quickly get where they need to be while  in the field is obviously a high priority and an important job. The Marine Automotive Organizational Mechanic, which is military occupational specialty (MOS) 3521, makes sure all vehicles used in the field are inspected, maintained and in top condition. This role requires these Marines to be ready to repair vehicles under a variety of conditions, including combat situations. Its definitely not a basic grease monkey job but will build on the mechanical skills many Marines have  before they even enlist. This is just one of the many jobs in the Marine Corps Occupational Career Field 35 (Motor Transport). Its considered a primary MOS, meaning its reserved for Marines holding ranks from Private to Sergeant. While the majority of your time will be spent working on engines if you enlist in this job, MOS 3521 is also responsible for conducting convoy operations, movement control, and establishing a tactical motor pool in certain field situations. These Marines also oversee refueling operations for the motor pool. Duties As the title suggests, Marines in this job oversee the repair and maintenance of all of the Corps motor transport equipment. This includes all units of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). These Marines service fuel and water tankers, seven-ton trucks, and the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) - also know as the HUMVEE.   The Marine mechanic also is responsible for the safe operation of the  mechanics  shop, storage of tools, storage of hazardous materials (fuels, lubricants, batteries) and troubleshooting vehicle failures. This includes all of a vehicles systems, such as transmission, steering, cooling, braking, and electrical. Replacing complete engines and transmissions are also part of the job.   Much of what these Marines do falls under the category of troubleshooting, to make sure all vehicles can withstand the punishment theyll undoubtedly receive in the field.   Requirements A Marine seeking this job should have a deep interest in motors and mechanical systems. While its not required that Marines in this MOS have experience working on civilian motor vehicles, such experience is definitely a plus.   You will need a score of 95 or higher on the mechanical maintenance (MM) segment of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests and must complete the Automotive Organizational Maintenance Course. This test is given at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina Similar Civilian Occupations With the training and on-the-job experience youll gain in this job, youll be well-positioned for a variety of civilian careers. You can work as a mechanic in just about any auto shop or vehicle dealership, and you should have no trouble finding jobs at trucking companies. Some Marines may even be qualified to teach at trade schools once their tour is ended. While this will require additional training and licensure, the discipline and focus Marines learn and hone while in the Corps makes them well-suited to train others.

Tattoo vs. Career

Tattoo vs. Career Tattoo vs. Career In fact, tattoos, piercings and other body modifications are growing trend among the young population. In the USA, around 40% of people between 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. There are different opinions on it. Some people say it is an art and the way of self expression. On the other hand, some think it is self harming, and begging for attention. How can tattoos and other body modifications affect your career? People with body modifications dont have to worry about the others. It is their preference and there is nothing wrong with it. They are used to be judged and most of the time they dont give a damn about it. In ideal world, they would not be judged at all. Unfortunately we dont live in the ideal world. Some of the companies have no problem with tattoos and piercings and some do. It is actually their right to either accept it or not, as long as it doesnt have anything to do with discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Basically, if the modification is part of a religious belief or homeland culture, company can not discriminate you anyhow. Company has the right not to hire you, if the tattoos are unacceptable for the job. In some fields tattoos are not problem at all. For example: actors, models, musicians, artists, truckers and many others have made the tattoos cool. It is just your responsibility not getting the tattoo on your face, if you want to become a banker. The Harris poll found out, that about 30% of tattooed people feel sexier, 16% regret the choice and 9% feel uncomfortable at work because of it. Tattoo removal is significantly more expensive than tattoo by itself. For 35 inches tattoo removal you will pay around $250. It will disappear after 10 to 15 sessions. The most removed tattoos are from visible body parts such as arms, face and neck. The lesson from this article is: Dont get a tattoo on a visible places, until you want to have a serious job, some companies may have anti tattoo policies. If you are about to get a tattoo, think about it, so you dont regret anything. And please, dont get one in Las Vegas in the middle of a wild party, you will regret it almost for sure. source: Moster.com Do you like this story? Share it with your friends. Share Your Feedback or Ideas in the Comments!

Young people are particularly susceptible to effects of alcoholism

Young people are particularly susceptible to effects of alcoholism Young people are particularly susceptible to effects of alcoholism Unfortunately, the health benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption belong to inconsistent research. Even still,  the majority of experts seem to agree that the benefits rarely outweigh the associated risks.A recent study has gone so far as to suggest that if you’re between the ages of 20 and 50, you’d be better off not touching the stuff at all.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Published in The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs,  the researchers found that much of the data reported on the beneficial and adverse effects of alcohol consumption is based on older respondents. The results aren’t so optimistic when applied to younger participants â€" a demographic that tends to engage in much more risky behavior while under the influence.It was found that between 2006 and 2010, 36% of alcohol-related deaths happened to people between the ages of 20 and 49 while 60% of “years of potential life lost” due to the over-consumption of alcohol occurred to individuals in that same age range. Moreover, less than 5% of the young people studied were shown to exhibit any health benefits from light alcohol consumption, compared to the 80% of individuals over 65 that showed some health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption.The good news is that according to a survey of over 5,000 adolescents and young adults published in the Monitoring The Future Study,  alcohol consumption, has declined considerably in the last fifteen years.Leading alcohol researcher at La Trobe’s Center For Alcohol Policy Research, Dr. Michael Livingston, believes the global decline in alcohol abuse can be attributed to young people witnessing the backlash that condemned the alcoholism that was rampant in previous generations. Livingston also believes sites like Facebook and Instagram have successfully supplanted drinking as the preferred socializing muse for young p eople.  Whatever the reason the effect has already been observable.Livingston states: “In some indicators, we are seeing a steady reduction in things like  visitation to emergency departments, late-night violence and in all kinds of other negative outcomes in  the short term. Hopefully, in the longer term, some chronic disease outcomes, like heart and liver  disease, and some cancers should start to fall as well.”You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

Computer Science Resume Example Can Be Fun for Everyone

Computer Science Resume Example Can Be Fun for Everyone Top Computer Science Resume Example Choices Unique jobs require various resumes. So maybe you truly wish to observe some resumes. Recruiters yawn at education, so you need to too. Many recruiters will choose whether to call you in for an interview depending on the information and high quality of your CV. The Appeal of Computer Science Resume Example To make it simpler for you, just click on our resume template builder and you won't need to fear of forgetting some critical particulars. Each one of our creative style layouts supply you with a perfectly well balanced blend of personality, professionalism and just just a little style. The entire range of job application design templates comprises a collection of creative job application designs. The upcoming free job application template was made in the state of a brochure. Our resume builder provides you with tips and examples about how to compose your resume summary. This computer science resume template was kept relatively straightforward and professional. Well, in either scenario, you've got to develop a solid resume template to create the very best impression on your hiring manager or employer. You will find a lot of different free job application templates that you think it's practical to choose from. Computer science pros like to tinker. Security is the thing that protects every corporation's confidential details. Furthermore, you can look for computer science jobs on Monster. Computer Science is a particularly fascinating field due to its wide number of applications. Every business needs capable software engineers and people that are educated to do some of the most troublesome tasks in the business. Instead, it needs to be a quick overview of your abilities and what you bring to the firm. Be sure that the provider accepts PDF resumes. Design there are hundreds and hundreds of possible designs for resumes available on the web, therefore it is sometimes a difficult call to select one which suits you the most. You are going to be astonished at the number of themes you will discover out there offered. You can also see Resume Templates. Web templates have proven results to produce an incredible curriculum vitae. Definitions of Computer Science Resume Example The very first thing employers wish to be aware of is if you are conversant with manual testing, automated testing, or both. Particularly if you're self-employed and writing a self-employed computer technician resume. Cardiographic techs will need to fully grasp how to handle and deriv e results from various complicated machines. Considering all the resources available through application and the on-line today, it might appear silly I had counsel you against utilizing a work application template to generate a professional resume. It's extremely important to comprehend the kind of resumes preferred by simply establishment that you mean to improve. In some specific circumstances, a different format may do the job much better. Whispered Computer Science Resume Example Secrets Now, imagine somebody who is working with computers and has the ability to code almost anything. Thus, there are lots of people around who strive to be a thriving computer, science specialists. Be certain to mention volunteer work, particularly if it is linked to computer science. To attract attention, you're need to compose a fantastic computer science resume. An acting resume template may be your key to getting the role of a lifetime. Whichever type of work you're searching for, the Gabriella professional cv template is a great choice. There are times that you don't even need to use job status in the name, but nevertheless, it would seem more professional if you do. Some job positions require that you share your house address, some don't. The Advantages of Computer Science Resume Example By doing you will have the ability to find everything which you may have missed. Soft skills are interpersonal skills like leadership and the capability to effectively communicate. During your internship, you are going to acquire hands-on experience executing challenging projects and helping develop unbelievable products. You're going to be absolutely the most experienced person for your fantasy job, although without a powerful resume to plainly show your experience and abilities, it is probable that you aren't very likely to get the interview you desired.

The Definitive Guide to Additional Skills to Put on Resume

The Definitive Guide to Additional Skills to Put on Resume The placement of your skills section is also a rather important matter to contemplate. Place your objective is truly always to find work. There are a couple distinct kinds of skill sections and formatting alternatives that you should think about when crafting your resume. Perhaps your skill set is wholly different. It is possible to find below a list of the greatest skills you may put on your resume based on the kind of job that you are applying for. For example, if you submit an application for a Chinese-English interpreting job, you have to be fluent in both languages otherwise you would not really qualify for the position. In addition to the practical demand for developers in just about any organization, programming skills demonstrate advanced problem solving skills that may promote a well-rounded professional. You will receive such ready formats for each and every sort of job that you want to apply. Your skill s section stipulates a window into how much capability it is possible to bring to the corporation. Quite frequently, a resume will reveal that the applicant hardly looked at the job details. Then make a list of your matching skills that you're able to incorporate in your resume. Most jobs require that you have a fundamental comprehension of computer programs including Excel and Microsoft Office, and skills in internet navigation, social networking sites and email systems. After choosing your theme, you're all set to compose the skills section. It's quite simple to use a resume theme. You should notice recurring themes and perhaps even direct mention of several skills that must be prosperous. You can pick the theme for the position you want to apply. You like cupcakes, and you wish to work for her. Soft skills are a little more vague and open to interpretation. The need to be vigilant at all times together with ensuring that every youngster is taken care of according to h er or his age and exclusive instructions supplied by parents. As you proceed through the list of skills above, make a distinct list with the skills which you already possess. In reality, there are particular jobs in which it's important to place a skill section at or close to the top of the resume. A Key Skills section, on the flip side, is listed on top of a resume. In truth, it could be appropriate to incorporate a more prominent core competencies section at the peak of your resume with in depth descriptions of certain skills if they're absolutely central to success in the desired position. The Dirty Truth About Additional Skills to Put on Resume The capacity to communicate effectively with others is crucial for sales success. It's not useful to the customer with the complaints in the event the customer service representative doesn't understand how to give assistance over the telephone. If you can't locate a solution is effective for the customer, help them locate extra h elp. Even if you're not able to present your customer what he wants, by establishing rapport he'll truly feel a degree of satisfaction with the experience. Cashier typically don't need much difficult abilities and it's sometimes challenging to stick out from applicants. Listing your skills provides a chance to showcase your abilities and experiences to prime employers for the remainder of your resume. The Additional Skills to Put on Resume Chronicles As everyone probably knows, it's about the very first impression you earn. The figures which you will use has to be truthful and can be validated. If you want to make it appear more appealing, you've got to highlight your strongest skills and accomplishments which could help set yourself apart from different folks that are applying for precisely the same sort of positions. An important soft skill is having the ability to recognize and understand an individual's emotional state. Since many job seekers may list skills in a dif ferent section of their resume, additionally, it is important to weave them into descriptions under every one of your prior positions. So, having the ability to drive is most likely the top rated hard skill you should have to do the job. You are going to have tough time locating a work description that doesn't include things like communication as a required skill. Ideally, your resume will demonstrate there are lots of facets which make you, the work candidate, an excellent fit for the position. A hiring manager will be searching for skills which are the absolute most relevant to the job available. If you're asking for a position that demands an extremely particular set of skills like a technical or engineering job, then the employer will probably wish to realize that you've got the appropriate hard skills first. Irrespective of where you include your skills section on your resume, you can be confident that the hiring manager is likely to find it and definitely likely to ask about doing it. Obviously, each job will call for various abilities and experiences, so make certain you read the job description with care and concentrate on the skills listed by the employer.