Sunday, May 31, 2020

Lemons, Job Seekers Opportunities

Lemons, Job Seekers Opportunities I like reading success stories so an artilcle on AOL titled Richest Americans Youve Never Heard Of piqued  my interest.  Maybe its too cinderalla or pollyanna, but I found something interesting in the article.  It talks about: Fred Deluca, who opened his first Subway (not called Subway back then) store when he was 17, as well as his investor, Peter Buck, who invested $1,000 to get Fred started.  They are both worth 1.8 BILLION today (good investment, eh?) Jack Crawford Taylor (rich people get their entire name used, apparently), who started Enterprise Rent-a-Car (not called that back then) in 1957. His net worth is 7 billion. David Murdock, who dropped out of high school and now is the chariman of Dole (the food company).  Worth 2.5 billion. Min Kao and Gary Burrell, the founders of Garmin (think: GPS) just a few years ago in 1989.  One is worth 1.6 billion and the other is just worth 1 billion. Clayton Mathile who joined Iams (pet food) in 1970 and became the CEO and chairman, eventually purchasing the entire company.  Worth 1.7 billion. Donald Hall, chairman of Hallmark (son of the founder).  Worth 1 billion. Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-A, worth 1.5 billion. I read his autobiography (delighful). Daniel Abraham, the guy who invented Slim-Mint gum and later launched Slim-Fast, which was sold to Unilever for 2.3 billion. Daniel is now worth of 1.6 billion. William Kellogg, who was a store manager at Kohls and eventually become the chairman (good career path, eh?).  Hes worth 1 billion. As I was reading the brief stories about these people who are worth more money than I can imagine I thought about their early days. What did they have in common (except for Hall, who was born in the family business)? They took risks. It wasnt always glamorous. They (probably) went through some very hard times, personally. Some of them may have borrowed and leveraged themselves beyond what they should have (or, more than what any family or advisors told them). They were probably lonely many times, working towards a vision that only they understood. We may see billionaires today but we werent with them 20 or 50 years ago when they were struggling, trying to find purpose, believe in a vision, etc. Right now YOU are struggling, trying to find purpose, believe in the vision of who you are, etc. DO NOT GIVE UP.  Even if you are a hundredaire or a thousandaire right now you have a journey ahead of you that will take you to different places.   It might not be money that you are after, but if you are in a place where you feel you cant make a difference, and you want to, just keep on the journey, one foot in front of the other, and youll get there you just have to get through some hard times (and these wont be the last of them). One foot in front of the other Lemons, Job Seekers Opportunities I like reading success stories so an artilcle on AOL titled Richest Americans Youve Never Heard Of piqued  my interest.  Maybe its too cinderalla or pollyanna, but I found something interesting in the article.  It talks about: Fred Deluca, who opened his first Subway (not called Subway back then) store when he was 17, as well as his investor, Peter Buck, who invested $1,000 to get Fred started.  They are both worth 1.8 BILLION today (good investment, eh?) Jack Crawford Taylor (rich people get their entire name used, apparently), who started Enterprise Rent-a-Car (not called that back then) in 1957. His net worth is 7 billion. David Murdock, who dropped out of high school and now is the chariman of Dole (the food company).  Worth 2.5 billion. Min Kao and Gary Burrell, the founders of Garmin (think: GPS) just a few years ago in 1989.  One is worth 1.6 billion and the other is just worth 1 billion. Clayton Mathile who joined Iams (pet food) in 1970 and became the CEO and chairman, eventually purchasing the entire company.  Worth 1.7 billion. Donald Hall, chairman of Hallmark (son of the founder).  Worth 1 billion. Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-A, worth 1.5 billion. I read his autobiography (delighful). Daniel Abraham, the guy who invented Slim-Mint gum and later launched Slim-Fast, which was sold to Unilever for 2.3 billion. Daniel is now worth of 1.6 billion. William Kellogg, who was a store manager at Kohls and eventually become the chairman (good career path, eh?).  Hes worth 1 billion. As I was reading the brief stories about these people who are worth more money than I can imagine I thought about their early days. What did they have in common (except for Hall, who was born in the family business)? They took risks. It wasnt always glamorous. They (probably) went through some very hard times, personally. Some of them may have borrowed and leveraged themselves beyond what they should have (or, more than what any family or advisors told them). They were probably lonely many times, working towards a vision that only they understood. We may see billionaires today but we werent with them 20 or 50 years ago when they were struggling, trying to find purpose, believe in a vision, etc. Right now YOU are struggling, trying to find purpose, believe in the vision of who you are, etc. DO NOT GIVE UP.  Even if you are a hundredaire or a thousandaire right now you have a journey ahead of you that will take you to different places.   It might not be money that you are after, but if you are in a place where you feel you cant make a difference, and you want to, just keep on the journey, one foot in front of the other, and youll get there you just have to get through some hard times (and these wont be the last of them). One foot in front of the other

Thursday, May 28, 2020

What You Need to Know About Advanced Placement Resume Writing

What You Need to Know About Advanced Placement Resume WritingAdvanced placement course work is a well-known method of quantifying potential in college admissions. It's the process by which colleges determine the best and brightest high school students to go into a particular program, as well as the ones who are likely to benefit from it the most. It's a process that can require more effort from applicants than standard college applications. That is why it's very important for those considering taking an advanced placement course or coursework to take the time to be prepared and to understand the application process.Placement coursework requirements can differ slightly between colleges, but the broad strokes are the same. In order to take an advanced placement course, you must meet all of the specific course requirements of the college you're applying to. This includes having a certain GPA or grade point average, test scores, class rank, and letters of recommendation.Another important part of the course placement requirements is your application. It's imperative that you're able to write a strong and convincing placement resume. A good placement application will show both your personal and academic accomplishments, as well as your ability to connect with the college's community and professors.The placement course is not a fast track to admission. Though it may indicate that you have the personal and academic ability to succeed in college, the place of your application at a college can still depend on where the college is located and what sort of courses they offer. To ensure your placement application is seen as a positive feature of your application, take the time to study the requirements and carefully craft a well-written application.After you've completed your placement course work, it's time to get into the application process. You'll want to create a well-researched and well-formatted placement resume, which clearly shows your academic qualifications and a ccomplishments. While an application is the first place you'll likely be seen by the college, it's important to make sure you know how to effectively use it to your advantage.One good way to use your placement application is to simply state your interest in the college. While it's important to state your interest in the program at hand, it's also important to state how much you've already learned about the program. For example, if you're interested in taking more advanced math classes, it's also important to state that. That will help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants who apply for the same programs.The best way to successfully take advantage of your placement has a file is to follow the same format as you would in preparing your entire application. On top of filling out a cover letter and essay, you can use your placement application to highlight your personal experience and your academic achievements. You should also try to be creative in the way you present you rself, especially when it comes to your resume. Include any photos of yourself you'd like, as well as any professional references who can vouch for your credentials.If you've already done all of the preparation required, you'll still want to take the time to understand the placement resume process, and to be prepared to craft a persuasive and well-written application. By giving yourself the proper resources, you'll be able to give yourself the edge over other applicants.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Introducing the Personal Marketing Plan - Part 1 of 5 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Introducing the Personal Marketing Plan - Part 1 of 5 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career This is my first of five posts about what I now call the Personal Marketing Plan. Any successful business has a business plan, which is composed of marketing, operations, finances and so forth. Even products have their own miniature plans crafted by season marketing professionals. Guess what? Your brand should have its own marketing plan. A plan that you can execute for a successful career. When you combine this plan with a development plan, you have mastered the discovery phase of personal branding. Situational Analysis: Where you are currently in your career/life. For example, you would write that youre a student attending Harvard University or a Marketing Associate for Nike. Your current situation is also connected with the amount of resources you have, including your network, personal finances, materials and brand influence. No matter what your age, gender or race is, your brand may have or not have specific skills needed to thrive. That is why you need a plan of attack so that you reach your goals. Mission Statement what is your call to action? Do you want to be promoted to the next level in an organizational hierarchy, write a book or start a blog and how does that fit in your overarching long-term goal? This statement contains your value statement and reason for being. You can compete on price, value, quality, trust, years of experience, specialty skills or even your network, which can provide you with more resources to complete jobs with a faster speed of delivery. You really want to mix your entire brand into one personal brand statement that can be easily digested and repeated by others. Vision Statement Where do you want to be in 10 years? A vision statement describes what your brand is destined to be if you put the work in. Most personal vision statements revolve around being a pioneer in a specific niche, while becoming recognized for personal and corporate achievements. Projected Annual Compensation Although I hate to dwell on money, as I feel that if you lead with your brand compensation will follow, it is still essential to successful living and enjoyment. How much is your brand currently worth? Are you paid with a salary, by hour or by project (contract)? Either way, you should calculate exactly what you take in for revenue each year, along with expenses and bottom-line profit after taxes. Where do you hope to be in 2, 5, 10, 15 years? Are you going to get an MBA or start your own company with venture capital? These are all questions that will transpire as you delve into your future income projection. When you view compensation, try and focus both on the number, along with the benefits, such as health care, which hold value as well. Not everyone makes a million dollars in 5 years, so be realistic with your projections. To project, set a growth percentage that you will grow your current salary by. If youre unemployed, then you start at zero and c annot use that formula until you have a base salary. Personal Life cycle Instead of a product life cycle, much like most traditional marketing plans have, I think there is a personal life cycle that correlates to where you are at different points in your career, as well as life. The personal life cycle revolves around where your brand is currently, not how old you are, much like the human life cycle, which we learn about in high school. You ask what can push me through this life cycle from introduction to decline? Its based on how recognizable your personal brand is, as well as influence, power, trust, level of engagement with others and the total combined force and reach of your audience. Here are the four parts: Introduction: You have developed your brand at a specific location, such as your school, online with a blog or with your employer. A small fraction of people may know who you are and others are getting used to your presence (feeling you out). People are not sure if they can trust you or the information you provide during this time. Few people are aware of what your brand could produce, so you must prove yourself time and time again (there is no promise for delivery yet). Growth: Your brand is starting to gain recognition and momentum, as you learn new skills in your niche and can provide more value. You are starting to be perceived as knowledgeable and people are starting to make remarks about you to their peers. People start inviting you to events to speak. Your blog gains traffic, your subscription count multiplies and youre highlighted in a few traditional and new media outlets. Note that during your growth stage, you will face competition in your niche and will have to counter by making tighter relationships and establishing trust. Maturity: You are spending most of your time speaking at events and handling clients needs. You start investing more time with your family (if you have kids and are married) and less working on self-promotion. Just like a Ferrari or cruise ship, your brand markets itself and is a legacy. It costs you less to make more. You have a Wikipedia page and win a few awards, but youre really focusing on saving up for retirement. Decline: Youre about to execute your exit strategy and either pass down the business to your child or sell it to a larger company for ten times what it was worth years ago. Your brand will always linger in Google and you may choose to keep blogging or participating in the discussion along the way, serving as a mentor and resource for all of those that want to hopefully fill your shoes someday.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

5 Ways to Write a Resume Skills Section

5 Ways to Write a Resume Skills Section The skills section of a resume plays a very important role for two reasons.You show a good work ethic by having a skill the company needs. You show the hiring team skills that contributed to previous companies.This post explains 5 ways to make your resume skills section stand out.This is important when you decide to start applying for jobs.You know very well that you will not be the only job applicant.Usually, the better payingthe job is, the higher the competition. The pressure is on you to build your resume to attract recruiters or hiring managers.What to Consider for the Resume Skills SectionWhen you start writing your skills list, think of the questions you will likely need to answer during the interview.For example, you should be prepared to explain:How you learned those skills How these skills contributed to your previous positionIf you can, you'll want to give clear examples to prove your proficiency.The Most Popular Skills for Your ResumeThere are two types of skills that you can include in your resume.Hard skills are the ones related to the industry you operate in.Usually, these are the technical skills that you learned in school and developed in your previous jobs.Soft skills (aka“people skills”) show your ability to be part of a team and collaborate with other departments and divisions.Below,find the top 5 most popular hard and soft skills that recruiters look at:Top 5 Hard skills:Graphic design SEO Data Analysis Bookkeeping Programming languagesTop 5 Soft skills:Communication Creativity Teamwork Organization AdaptabilityRead more detailed information on hard and soft skills for a resume.5 Ways to Write a Resume Skills Section1. BrainstormWhen you start drafting your resume or CV, even if you have rich experience, it may be hard to synthesize everything in a way that is interesting to recruiters.If you feel blocked when you reach the skills section, pause for a second and start brainstorming.How can you find the skills that best describe you? Did you participate in any competition and win a notable award?Think of your college years. Consider the areas you excelled in during your education or previous job to find the right skills to include in your CV.You can reach out to a former colleague or supervisor and have a straightforward talk with them to discover their opinion of you.They can help you identify top skills that will impress future employers.2. Take a look at the job descriptionBefore you apply for a job, you should read the job description carefully.You may be a professional candidate and have plenty of skills to talk about. However, this doesn’t mean that recruiters will be interested in all your skills.On the contrary, showing too many skills may raise question marks in their heads as they may interpret that you aren’t proficient in any of them.If you want to catch a recruiter'sattention, tailor your resume for each job.Only include those skills that are required in the job description.If the description doesn ’t offer many details, look at the company’s values and mission; you will find information to help you create an appealing skills list.3. Include your skills in other sections as wellYour previous work experience is also a good place to showcase your best skills.While you mention them in your skills section, you can give clear examples of them in the work experience section of your resume.For instance, if you want to show recruiters that you communicate well, try submitting a sample of your cover letters that converted to job interviews.Convince prospective employers of your leadership skills by mentioning the team you leadin your current job and the achievements you obtained together.You can also tweak your experience section based on the job description.First, outlinethe most relevant skills that match the job requirements.Then, based on the list you created, build your experience section and give relevant examples from your past positions.4. Don’t exaggerateEven though a ri ch CV can increase your chances to land a job, this doesn’t mean you should exaggerate or lie about skills if you don’t actually have them.Your CV may look impressive, but any lie will be discovered at some point.Recruiters will ask you details about the skills you mention in your resume.If you don’t have clear examples or arguments to support your explanations, they will likely realize that you exaggerated (or lied) in your CV.You likely won't get further than that first interview.On the other hand, if you pass the interviews and you get hired based on misleading information, you might make serious mistakes in your future job.Your managers would be disappointed, and you might jeopardizeyour career.In short, falsifying information is simply not worth it.5. Stay away from clichésWhen you apply for a job, be aware that recruiters read multiple CVs every day.They read the same phrases again and again, so they are difficult to impress.If, when reading your CV, they see just anoth er boring application that includes the same words and phrases, they will just roll their eyes and move on.Butif they read your CV and notice that, even though you have the same skills as many other applicants, you put effort into staying away from clichés, your chances will increase.When All Is Said and DoneTake your time and target your skills section for each job you apply to. Keep a fair proportion between both soft and hard skills. Support your skills with relevant examples from previous work experience. Show prospective employers that you can be a valuable team member.If you'd prefer to leave your resume and cover letter in the hands of professionals, we can help.Find My Professionoffers a top-rated professional resume writing service.Job searching is hard enough as it is. The last thing you want to do is risk being passed up for your dream job because of an inferior resume.Contact us today and see how we can help land your dream job.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Creating A Perfect Resume Through Zety Resume Builder

Creating A Perfect Resume Through Zety Resume BuilderThere are plenty of job search sites on the Internet and there are those who have created a Zety Resume Builder, which is a tool for generating resumes for a job application. In order to successfully submit the resume through Zety Resume Builder, one needs to get it ready. The easier it is for the recruiters to access it, the easier it is for them to select the best candidate. In the process of selecting the best candidate, there are lots of factors that need to be considered.The first thing that the recruiters should look into is the need of the applicant. After getting the information, the recruiters will then determine whether it is right for the company or not. In the same way, the information can help the recruiter decide whether or not the candidate is good enough to become part of the team. If you are a fresher, this is the time for you to grab the attention of the recruiters with your best resume. Therefore, it is essential for you to put in the most effort to polish up your resume so that it impresses the recruiters.Secondly, it is important for you to know how to write a resume. This is the first step that the applicants need to consider and they should definitely follow this point. It is also important for the applicants to get an idea about what the best thing that they can do is by creating a perfect resume.The best way to promote your skills and qualifications is to utilize various skills and expertise that you have. For example, if you are a graphic designer, it is important for you to emphasize the point that you are capable of working on different types of websites. Even though the cover letter is one of the most important parts of your resume, it is equally important for you to be aware of the abilities that you have.The next thing that the applicants need to remember is to prove that they are professionals in their field. They should emphasize their professional credentials in the resume, a s well as the various experiences that they have had.The next most important things to be included in the resume are the skills, knowledge, and experiences that you possess. If the applicant wants to showcase his skills and knowledge, then he must highlight his knowledge and skills. He can do this by including his skills and knowledge in the resume in different areas such as sales, art, accounting, and business administration. However, it is important for the applicants to know that there are certain skills that cannot be written in the resume.Lastly, the importance of the cover letter in the resume must be highlighted. It is important for the applicants to highlight the points that they want the recruiters to take note of. It is also very important for the applicants to know that there are certain ways that they can make their cover letters impressive.When using a Zety Resume Builder, you will be provided with some templates that will help you create a resume. It is very important for the applicants to ensure that they are using the template that is applicable to the type of position that they are applying for. The applicant should also use a template that is similar to the one that the applicant has used in his previous jobs.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

15 of the Best TED Talks for Sparking Creativity

15 of the Best TED Talks for Sparking Creativity Creativity is the act of generating new and imaginative ideas, alternatives or possibilities. Creativity is seeing things from a different perspective, a new light. Creativity is hard to define and cherished. Quite frankly, creativity can be difficult.Whether you’re working on the next phase of an iconic project, brainstorming future strategies or need an idea to help you take your career to the next level, there’s nothing quite like not knowing where to begin. You may have all these amazing ideas one moment and the next thing you know it’s a blank slate.People are creatures of habit and the sad truth is that getting into a groove, whether in your professional or personal life, can also get you stuck in a creative rut.Are you in a Creative Rut? evalSimilar patterns in thought processes and day-to-day activities can lead to developing habits that ruin your creative thinking. While these routines are comfortable, they can be holding you back. Are you dimming your creative spark?A sk yourself a few questions to find out:Is your professional or personal schedule repetitive To help you replenish your creative spark and get inspired, Invaluablecompiled a list of 15 must-listen Ted Talks on creativity. Browse the highly viewed list of speakers below, find your favorite, be inspired and get creative!

Saturday, May 9, 2020

7 Networking Tips to Help Advance Your Career - CareerAlley

7 Networking Tips to Help Advance Your Career - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Its all about who you know is not just a saying. Making contacts in your industry means widening the pool of potential advisors and opportunities. However, merely meeting people isnt usually enough kindling a professional relationship built on respect, trust, and shared need is often the best way to advance your skills, career, or business. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your next professional networking event. 1. Initiate and Follow-Up At a networking event, dont be afraid to initiate conversations. When reaching out, be straightforward about what it is you hope to gain from the event. Each time you dont speak up is a potential opportunity that might be lost forever. Relationships dont always yield results immediately, but after the connection is there, who knows what the future holds? Afterward, dont expect that the people youve met will get back in touch with you right away, be the first one to follow up. Its all about who you know is not just a saying. Making contacts in your industry means widening the pool of potential advisors and opportunities. Tweet This 2. Relationships and Giving Networking is more than a hello, handshake, and a business card; the real value is in cultivating mutually beneficial relationships. And building a relationship is different than making a sales call, so leave your pitch at home and focus on the interaction. Many people attend events because they need help, so stand apart by going with the intention of offering help. Those who begin relationships by giving are often likely to receive willing help in return. 3. Cross the Industry Lines Going to events hosted by outside industries that share a similarity to your own can give you a unique perspective on issues that you face in your field, and you may have some solutions of your own to share. Business owners from different backgrounds who collaborate can produce marvelous, unanticipated results. Also, many skills are transferrable. If youre trying to make a career move, this can point you in directions you may not have considered. Networking is essential for all career paths. Networking events allow recent graduates and people who want a change in careers the chance to meet new people and get their foot in the door. It allows veterans of specific careers the opportunity to share their experience while allowing rookies the opportunity to learn from others experiences. Here are some of the top ways that networking can boost your career. Networking Can Boost Your Career 4. Share Your Need Youll never know the answer if you dont ask the question, and if your company or career depends on the answer, whats the harm in asking? Business finance experts from Quick Loans Direct feel that networking events are vital opportunities to share your needs and find referrals to someone who may be able to help. For example, entrepreneurs who are trying to grow their companies often need resources and funding, and asking peers directly for introductions can help you get where youre going much faster. 5. Network Solo When you attend networking events in a group, it can be all too easy to stay within the comfort of the clique. When youre alone, you have to talk to strangers. Remember, everyone is there to connect with new people, so go ahead and start the conversation. The more you practice networking outside your comfort zone, the easier it gets. If the attendee list is available, some people find it easier to plan their interactions rather than walk into the room cold. 6. Talk to Everyone Every person at a networking event is worth meeting. You dont know who people are, what their experience is, or what they may be able to offer you until you have the conversation. Dont just limit yourself to introductions; talk to people in the lobby, at the bar, anyone you meet. Networking extends beyond an organized event, as well. The person you bump into at the caf on Saturday morning might be the best business lead youll ever have. 7. Be on Your Best Behavior Advice and opportunity are everywhere, all the time. Be kind to the people with whom you interact, including those staffing the events. There will almost assuredly be someone else watching you, and unkindness and unseemly behavior can make a damaging impression. Keeping a rein on your actions has extra significance at out-of-town trade shows, especially when the late-night crowd starts getting a little rowdy. Have fun, but dont forget your professional image what happens in Vegas might not stay in Vegas. Some people are natural extroverts and seem to float through networking events with ease, and others have a hard time initiating conversations in a room full of strangers. Whichever type fits you best, honing your networking skills could help you foster the relationships you need to help you move forward with your goals. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

Friday, May 8, 2020

Managing your career in a bad economy - Hallie Crawford

Managing your career in a bad economy I was interviewed on the radio recently in Atlanta, on Q100, talking about whether the economys getting better and how people are feeling about it. The good news is that more of my clients are scoring job interviews. In fact, two of my clients recently have secured new jobs. Ive also noticed that despite high unemployment rates, employee confidence is coming back. Im hearing of clients getting called by recruiters again, including one of my clients who just landed two job interviews. We have been contacted here at HallieCrawford.com for career coaching more and more as people are becoming more optimistic about the job market. The interesting thing is people are more focused on the long-term than they have ever been before. This is one of the positive outcomes from the bad economy. What happens is, due to the economy, people are unhappy in their career roles, which makes them on edge and jumpy. The media messages about the economy pressures people to think about making a change. People are now thinking long-term, which is much better! Theyre not just job hopping. We realize we need to think it through and do it right this time; unlike the past when we jumped from job to job. Dont be reactive with your career. Its about career management. Certified Career Coach