4 ways to prevent yourself from getting complacent at work

4 ways to prevent yourself from getting complacent at work4 ways to prevent yourself from getting complacent at workTaking the easy way out at work - by getting too comfortable with the status quo - wont always prove rewarding for your career.Heres how to stay on your toes at work so that youre ready for whatever comes your way.Dont back down from workplace challengesIf you spend all your time sliding by and resting on your laurels, youll be a lot less prepared for the next big assignment your manager throws at you.But if you metaphorically toss yourself into the fire by getting involved in a new type of project, youll learn about how you fare under pressure, how to work through the tough parts, and what you need to do to improve your approach.Once you prove to yourself that you can successfully do something difficult the first time, you might feel less nervous when something similar comes around.Actively seek solutions to your teams problemsDo you notice your supervisor posing the same questions to your team? Or your coworkers complaining about the same workflow issues? behauptung are signs that the underlying problems here need to be addressed before potentially spiraling into something worse.Come up with possible solutions to roadblocks that frequently pop up. Take note of common issues - if any of them are related to your expertise, you might be more inclined to try and solve them yourself, and bring them to your supervisors attention.You might even impress company leaders by demonstrating that you would make an great manager in the future.Check in with your manager regularlyIf you dont have performance reviews, its up to you to be proactive and find out how your boss thinks youre doing - even if you dont have much of a relationship with him or her at this point.Your boss will be able to point out how youre doing, what you need to work on, and answer your most pressing questions. Youll also appear more engaged in the work youre doing and concerned about your professional development as a whole.Start a conversation instead of aimlessly trucking along untilyou get very critical feedback.Keep meeting new people in your industryIf you keep your eyes peeled for them, youll discover that networking opportunities are far and wide.New to your field? See if you can shadow someone doing a job that catches your eye. If youre a seasoned veteran, you should still jump at the chance to make new connections with people in other departments and at industry events.Even if you already know a handful of people at conferences, be sure to push yourself to form new relationships. While doing your research before the event, consider briefly reaching out on social media to speakers youll be hearing from to (hopefully) generate a discussion between the two of you.Joining clubs and affinity groups are another way to both use and sharpen your networking skills.

Careers in Occupational Therapy

Careers in Occupational TherapyCareers in Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy involves the rehabilitation of patients who have lost their ability to perform activities of daily living or work due to physical or mental illnesses. There are at least three people on an OT team an occupational therapist (OT), an occupational therapy assistant (OTA), and an occupational therapy aide. Each of them had to fulfill differenteducational and licensing requirements and are responsible for carrying outspecific job duties. Salaries differ as well. Compare behauptung three occupational therapy careers to see if one is right for you. Occupational Therapist The occupational therapist leads the OT team and has the most significant responsibilities of all the people on it. After evaluating a patient to determine his or her deficits and needs, the therapist sets goals and develops a treatment plan. He or she also identifies ways to improve a patients environment. For example, an OT may recommend doorways be widened in a patients home to accommodate a wheelchair or may suggest equipment to use in the workplace that will help an individual perform his or her job. This high level of responsibility requires the most education of all three occupational therapy careers. To become an OT, one needs a Masters or Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) (Masters Degree Programs Doctoral Programs). To be admitted to a graduate program, you will have to earn a bachelors degree that includes courses in biology and physiology. Plan to spend four years in college and then two to three years in graduate school. Many programs require work experience which can be fulfilled by working or volunteering in an OT setting. After graduation, you will have to pass an exam administered by the National motherboard for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Median Annual Salary (2017)$83,200 Median Hourly Wages (2017) $40 Number of People Employed (2016) 130,400 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)24 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Job Openings(2016-2026)31,000 Occupational Therapy Assistant Becoming an occupational therapy assistant is a great option for someone who doesnt want to spend at least six years on post-secondary education or isnt sure this is the right choice at the moment. OTA is the second fastest growing of all professions that require only an associate degree, and it is one of the top 20 highest paying of those careers. An occupational therapy assistants job duties come with less responsibility than an occupational therapists but more than that of an occupational therapy aide. Working under an OTs supervision, he or she makes sure patients are correctly performing activities specified in their treatment plans and, depending on whether state law permits him or her to do so, helps the OT develop those plans. You will need an as sociate degreefrom an occupational therapy assistant program at a community college or technical school program. It must be accredited by ACOTE. Find a list of them on the American Occupational Therapy Association website. It will take two years to complete your education. Your preparation will include clinical fieldwork. After you graduate, you will have to pass an exam administered by the NBCOT if you plan to practice in a state that requires OTAs to be licensed. Most do. Median Annual Salary (2017)$59,310 Median Hourly Wages (2017) $28.51 Number of People Employed (2016)39,300 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)29percent (muchfaster than the average for all occupations) Projected Job Openings(2016-2026)11,400 Occupational Therapy kchengehilfe Although an OT aide has the fewest educational requirements and receives the lowest salary of the OT team, his or her contribution is essential. An occupational therapy aide sets up treatment rooms and prepares equipment and materials. He or she helps patients get to and from those rooms and may also perform clerical duties such as answering the telephone and setting up appointments. To get a job, you will need a high school or equivalency diploma.Employers provide on-the-job training. Working in this job is a great way to learn about the field before investing in the education required to become an occupational therapy assistant or even an occupational therapist. Median Annual Salary (2017)$29,200 Median Hourly Wages (2017) $14.04 Number of People Employed (2016)7,500 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)25percent (muchfaster than the average for all occupations) Projected Job Openings(2016-2026)1,800 Comparing Careers in Occupational TherapyEducationLicenseMedian Annual SalaryMedian Hourly SalaryOccupational TherapistMasters or Doctorate DegreeRequired in all states$83,200$40Occupational Therapist AssistantAssociate DegreeNational certification in most states$59,310$28.51Occupational Therapist kchengehilfeHS Diploma and On -the-Job TrainingNone$29,200$14.04 Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited December 13, 2018).

Companies are using AI to screen candidates now with HireVue

Companies are using AI to screen candidates now with HireVueCompanies are using AI to screen candidates now with HireVueHuman job recruiters can only physically juggle so many candidates at once. HireVue, a company with a video interview intelligence platform, wants to make that easier by using artificial intelligence to do the heavy lifting for you and screen multiple candidates at once.Candidates can use HireVues mobile or desktop app to tischset up a video interview with an employer and record answers to interview questions at their convenience.When I tested the demo on my smartphone, I was asked to answer what my ideal career would be. It was slightly awkward seeing my own face staring back at me, but HireVue gives you an unlimited number of chances until you can record with saying ummm. So far, it seems like any normal video application.Then the A.I. kicks in.Using voice and face recognition software, HireVue lets employers compare a candidates word choice, tone, and facial move ments with the body language and vocabularies of their best hires. The algorithm can analyze all of these candidates responses and rank them, so that recruiters can spend mora time looking at the top performing answers.HireVues AI can judge your tone and vocabulary for employersHireVue said it doesnt want to replace recruiters instead, it wants to make the job interview process more efficient. At its best, it can serve as an initial screener before job seekers can get to the promised land of interviewing with a human.As part of its positive testimonies, HireVue said SHIPT, a grocery delivery service, tripled its recruitment rate as recruiters no longer had to deal with technical difficulties and coordinating video times. Goldman Sachs, Under Armour, Unilever, and Vodafone are also among the companies that have used the platform.By having each candidate answer the same questions, HireVue said it makes its process more structured, which can help eliminate biases.Structured interviews are much better and subject to less bias than unstructured interviews, HireVue founder Mark Newman told Fast Company. But many hiring managers still inject personal bias into structured interviews due to human nature.In other words, the algorithm is only as objective as the human minds that guide it. So if the employers ideal candidate is already biased against certain characteristics, HireVues platform would only embed these biases further, potentially making discriminatory practices a part of the process. Human recruiters would need to recognize their own personal biases before they could stop feeding them into HireVue. Its one more reminder that behind each robot lies a human who engineered it.

Boost Your Administrative Skills With These 6 Steps

Boost Your Administrative Skills With These 6 StepsBoost Your Administrative Skills With These 6 StepsIf youre like most administrative professionals who have been in a job for awhile, youre ready to advance in your career and take your administrative skills to the next level. But you may not be sure what steps you might take.With so much expected in todays demanding and ever-changing business environment, its critical that you take stock of your career satisfaction and desire for professional progress.Here are six tips for tischsetting out on the right foot1. Pursue training and developmentInvestigate your companys internal training offerings, if it has any. Ask if your employer would provide tuition reimbursement for an outside development course, conference or seminar. Consider the skills you want to develop and whether you can demonstrate how a particular training program will improve your administrative skills, on-the-job performance or contributions to the firm.ADMINISTRATIVE R OLES WE PLACE2. Join industry associationsBecome active in organizations like the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Participate in committees, attend seminars and other educational events, and talk with your fellow administrative professionals at meetings. Networking tips can prove valuable to help you get out there and connect.3. Choose a mentorFind someone with strengths in the area you wish to improve and ask if he or she will assist you. If your employer doesnt have an in-house untersttzung program, look for individuals inside or outside the organization whose administrative skills you admire.4. Take on new challengesIf you feel stagnant in your current role, ask your manager about ways you can assume more challenging assignments. Most supervisors will welcome initiative from staff clearly, it will add value to the team. Showing motivation and ambition also may help you stand out as a candidate for promotion.5. Help a nonprofitIf you cant do more at your company, consider possibilities outside the office, such as through charitable organizations. These groups may be receptive to your interest in supporting them, and you might find mentors who can help you expand your abilities and knowledge. By volunteering on committees or for leadership roles, you can develop administrative skills that not only benefit the organization but also are applicable to your paid job.6. Participate in diverse projectsListen up during meetings for colleagues requesting assistance with special initiatives. This may be your opportunity to expand your skill set by getting involved in other areas of the department or company. Also offer to help if your boss or colleagues seem overloaded with projects.It is up to you to cultivate your marketability. Thoughtfully evaluate any weaknesses in your set of administrative skills and commit to making improvements. Also stay on top of trends by reading industry research such as the Office Team Salary Guide that discuss developments in the administrative field. Youll help ensure youre staying ahead of the curve rather than scrambling to keep up. Tags

Getting Ghosted Why You Dont Hear Back from Jobs

Getting Ghosted Why You Dont Hear Back from JobsGetting Ghosted Why You Dont Hear Back from JobsJobscan recently polled some of its users about the worst part of the job search process. One of the most common answers, as Lisa W. put it, welches submitting to the black hole only to hear crickets.No one wants to be rejected, but at least it gives you something to cross off a list. You can regroup after a rejection. For many job seekers,getting ghosted by potential employersis even mora disheartening.The worst part of the job search process is waiting inordinate periods of time for a company to respond. If Im not the right person, thats fine. Waiting and hoping for weeks is discouraging. John M.The job search is time consuming. Its stressful. It causes anxiety. The last thing you need is the feeling of hopelessness that comes when you dont hear back from jobs.Why dont mora companies send updates?If youre disillusioned by the job hunt, its because all these corporations are faceless, co ld, and uncaring. Anotherreason job seekers dont hear anything back is because they werent actually formally rejected. Depending on the hiring manager and the applicant tracking system (ATS), your resume can end up in application limbo. The company received your resume and job application, but a hiring managers keyword search never returned your information. Its worse than being rejected. You were never seen at all.The worst step in the job search process is the waiting after you have applied for a position, not knowing if you will ever get a reply. Gravy M.The LEAST they could doMany Jobscan users wished that ATS provided hard feedback as to why they didnt make it through. Short of that, employers could help out millions of job seekers by incorporating a minimum amount of transparency. For someone in the middle of a grueling job hunt, a simple form letter update can ease the feeling of futility, help establish next steps, or provide closure.The worst step is never hearing back fro m the employer. Its not difficult to say we appreciate your interest in our company, and after reviewing your qualifications, weve decided to pursue other job candidates. Joyce D.Not all applications get filed away into limbo. When an application is rejected, a job seeker has the right to know so that they can make adjustments and move on.Even if a company plans to keep your resume and application on file, they should let applicants know when a position has been filled.Get more responsesThe best way to cope with getting ghosted is to make your next application even stronger. Youll eventually break through the silence if you keep improving your resume, using all the resources at your disposal, and networking your way around pesky ATS.Use an ATS-friendly resumeWhen you upload your resume as part of an online job application, many ATS automatically parse the contents into searchable fields for the hiring manager or recruiter. Having a resume that isnt easily parsed can trigger an erro r and immediate rejection or cause your resume to be unsearchable.Be careful over-designing your resume. Keep the formatting straight forward, the resume fonts basic, and avoid using tables. Search for ATS-friendly resume examples. If you think youre applying through an ATS, remember that the content of your resume is far more important than its design.Improve your resumes searchabilityAvoid ATS limbo by tailoring your resume to the job description. Use Jobscan to ensure that youre featuring impactful resume keywords and search terms. Try out the resume scanner hereTake additional fields seriouslyAccording to Jenny S., the worst step of the application process isnt getting ghosted, its online applications AFTER youve already uploaded your resume. SOredundantand highly annoying Youvepainstakingly crafted the perfect resume, so why do you have to fill out redundant fields asking about your work history or qualifications?Dont blow off those fields They serve a variety of purposes, from protecting against ATS parsing errors (see above) to vetting your resume. Deciding that you dont need to put your best effort into these fields because the information already exists in your resume and cover letter is a sure-fire way to sink your candidacy.Use a seemingly redundant field about your work experience to add in even more context, measurable results, and searchable hard skills. Consider the intent behind knockout questions and answer them thoughtfully and honestly.Follow up and get feedbackSeek out the hiring managera week after applying. Connecting with an actual person can benefit your job search in a few different waysGet peace of mind by confirming that your application was received and is being reviewed.Enhance your application by making a positive impression on a decision maker.If you were rejected, learn why and apply it to future applications.Networking is ALWAYS a good idea.Bring recruiters to youOne way to protect yourself from getting ghosted is flipping the script. Reinvest some of your job application time into cultivating a professional online persona that attracts recruiters. Optimize your LinkedIn profile, find ways to utilize other social media platforms and websites, and infiltrate the hidden job market.It can be a disheartening experience when you dont hear back from a job. Keep at it and remember that youre not alone. Every other job seeker is facing the same frustrations.The worst step in the job search process is

Font Size on Resume Features

Font Size on Resume Features In case the employer employs scanning software, the program might not be in a position to read your resume and that may damage your odds for an interview. Theres a good deal of cool fonts which you will be tempted to utilize for your resume since they look both appealing and professional, but should you want to make certain your document will translate well on Windows and Mac PCs, it is best to choose one which is available on both operating systems. Naturally, there are dozens and dozens of unique fonts to select from, but not all them are befitting to use on a resume, so picking one is extremely important to be in a position to land work. If youre utilizing a different word processing program, the procedure is comparable. Font Size on Resume - Overview Youve got a little window of time to have the interest of a hiring manager so brevity and focus is important. You will have more to sort through, but a lot of them are also available freely to t he general public. It is the simplest tool to make your cv or resume in more stylish, attractive and quick way in a very brief time period. When it has to do with writing resumes, taking into consideration the font is truly critical as depending on how your resume looks, it is going to attract attention or eventually deflect it from hiring managers and possible employers. For instance, you may decide to left-align vital dates on your resume by including a left tab stop, which means that your dates are wholly aligned with one another. This way your resume will seem professional and will be correctly laid out on the webpage. Review these formatting tips to be certain your letter is likely to make the ideal impression. The info above applies primarily to instances where youre sending a conventional cover letter by snail mail or any time youre sending an official cover letter for a Word or PDF attachment to an email message. If you have sufficient room on your resume, you ought to go with a size 12. Choice of font depends upon size, whilst size is dependent on content. It is almost always better to keep up a consistent format all over the resume to be able to help it become a lot easier to read and eventually less annoying. The true size isnt that important as we will probably tweak it later. Your profile is usually at the launch of a CV or resume and the exact first thing a possible employer reads. Features Professional resources make it simple to compose your CV Youll receive the very first CV for free In much the saatkorn style, a poorly presented CV can ruin your odds of being shortlisted for interview even if youre the very best candidate for the job. Get the Scoop on Font Size on Resume Before Youre Too Late Even though most of resumes must offer info in your work and education experience, along with your abilities and achievements, there are numerous methods to provide this info. Part of creating an effective resume is choosing the most appropriate format to inform your private story. If you get a sufficient amount of experience, including transferable skills that you want to target to the job, then two pages is the thing to do. Your expert experience is truly a critical part of ones resume. The Supreme Approach for Font Size on Resume Deciding upon the proper font, the appropriate format, and the right font size is equally as vital as the set of skills youre going to pitch to your prospective employer. If you are searching for an old-style font, you should think about using Garamond for your resume. The font you select for your cover letter ought to be highly readable, professional and clean. There are quite a lot of fonts for you to select from, and that may make selecting a font for your resume equally as challenging as writing it. The Dos and Donts of Font Size on Resume Its fast and simple to use. Now you get your profile it is the right time to get started discovering your relations. Nowadays you get your profile its time to begin obtaining your own connections. Your linked-in profile has to be adequate. To the majority of non-specialists, its tough to distinguish the differences. When text is not as important, you need to style it so youre clearly communicating the lesser importance. View the important regions of expertise subsection and the way it includes a good deal of important words. At the simplest level, you ought to be able to use your own judgment to determine readability. Employing a custom resume instead of a generic one is going to greatly increase your probability of an interview, as youll be a better match in the view of the reader. If its too big on the flip side, it makes it look just like you dont have a lot to say for yourself. Keeping your resume up-to-date is 1 thing, but you may struggle to accept the thought of changing it many times in the very same bout of job hunting. For those who have very tiny gaps between the lines, they are a result of the different font renderings. Picking the appropriate formatting is equally as important as selecting the correct font because these two elements work in conjunction to make an impression. So you must be confident that so-called character of the font will match the aim of your text. Adjusting the font just one-tenth of a point can produce the text fill out the remainder of a page or keep it from spilling over into the subsequent one. Though its a skilled and easy font, it is not great for reading on a screen. Insert them inside the middle columnif you look carefully at the screenshot below, the text cursor is in the center cell. Since you can see below, weve got a more compact table inside a bigger one.

Double degrees double the advantage

Double degrees ersatzdarsteller the advantage Double degrees ersatzdarsteller the advantage?Posted October 13, 2011, by Mike KermodeAlso called dual, combined or joint degrees, behauptung university programs allow you to study two degrees at once, and are most commonly completed in a shorter time than it would take to complete them one after the other. On completion of the program, you graduate with two degrees. Voila Today, almost 10 per cent of enrolments in Australian universities are double degrees.How much longer does it take?Double degrees usually take a couple of years longer than a normal, three-to-four year bachelor degree. For example, a double degree may take five to six years, while it would take seven or eight years to complete two individual degrees studied separately.Why do a double degree?Quite simply, you learn mora. Learning in two areas that youre passionate about means you can walk both roads without sacrificing your potential in either. Importantly, this can mean a richer, rounder education, and in some cases gives you more of a practical or business-oriented edge for example, if you add a commerce or law degree to a more arts-oriented one.That means youll be more competitive. It can be incredibly beneficial entering a field with competencies in more than one area. Business/Law, for example, is a cherished degree for those working in both business/finance and legal fields, and management types who need to be able to understand and talk the language of contracts and legislation. Armed with these dual competencies, youre more competitive, and your skill set has a broader scope. Youll have the flexibility to traverse across and integrate different disciplines and industries and that gives you options. It also tells employers youre serious. Studying a double degree is a challenge, and in that way it signals to employers that you are committed and have a strong work ethic characteristics that are transferable and attractive to any organisati on.What kind of course combinations are possible?Almost any you can think of. Some degrees that would otherwise seem diametrically opposed gain a special coherence under a double degree, and in some cases, cater to specialised occupations. For example, studying a Bachelor of Languages and International Business degree gives you the language skills to conduct business internationally and opens up the opportunity to work overseas. Studying arts/law gives you both legal skills and broad-based knowledge in the humanities, making you a perfect fit for a career in marketing, PR, journalism, arts policy or management, entertainment law, or legal practice itself. Completing an arts/education degree provides you with an understanding of teaching with the grounding in the humanities to give your lessons the informed and cultured context they demand.What are the downsides?Double degrees cost more and take longer but not much more, and not much longer. If youre seriously considering a double degree, youll have to weigh this tension up between spending less money and less time studying and spending more money and time, and emerging with two, not one, degrees. Youll need to keep two heads and be extremely good at managing your time and priorities, and be able to quickly switch modes. Because youre studying two subject areas, you could be sitting a law exam one day and writing an essay on Wordsworth the next. This will be refreshing for some, and may even help you gain perspective on each field, but for others it will be a strain to keep focused on both subjects simultaneously. If you do manage, however, it means youre an expert juggler something that will make you a great asset to any employer.Where can I study a combined degree?Most universities offer a host of combined programs to cater for a wide range of interests and career paths. The University of New England, for example, offers a wide variety of double degrees, including a Bachelor of Agriculture/Business, Bu siness/Economics, Environmental Science/Laws, IT/Teaching, and Special Education/Disability Studies. So come enrolment time, consider taking a double degree. Whether you want that competitive edge or just seek a more complete tertiary education, it could pack a double punch when you graduate and embark on your career. Check out our full range of university courses and double degrees. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchescareer advisor onlineunsw early entrystudy in australia for international studentsyear 10 work experience ideasflexible entry usyd CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health Assist anceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMike KermodeRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEducationHealthAustralias healthiest career pathWe break down the top-employing categories of health care and social assistance so you know where the jobs are.CAREER INSPIRATIONInternational Volunteer Day - 5 DecemberInternational Volunteer Day celebrates one of the most honourable jobs in the world being a volunteer.Online studyDistance is no barrierIts Agquip this week so what better time to take a look at online study options for regional residents

Take risks the odds might be better than you think

Take risks the odds might be better than you thinkTake risks the odds might be better than you thinkAs I look back over my early career, I wish Id taken more risks. I wish Id been a little braver in my choices, perhaps had more confidence in my ability to land on my feet when confronted with the unknown.If youve thought the saatkorn thing, youre leid alone. You dont take a risk because youre cautious and play it safe. In other words, youve settleuchtdiode for the status quo.If that sounds like the definition of a wimp, you might be right. To be fair, however, our brains are wired to be risk averse. Our aversion to risk kept us safe through the caveman years and probably saved our life a couple of times through our college years. What we forget, however, is that not every challenge is a risk to our life.A history lessonThe Old Testament of the Bible tells the story of a young man who decided to take a risk. His name was David, and he was a sheepherder who led a very predictable and ordinary life. He might never have discovered his greatness if he hadnt taken a risk and stepped into the unknown.The Philistine obere extremitty had gathered their troops for war against Israel. The two armies camped on opposite sides of a steep valley. Every day for forty days a Philistine warrior named Goliath broke out from the front line and challenged the Israelites to fight. Goliath was reported to be a giant of a man who wore full armor. The Israelites fell back in fear when they saw the huge form of Goliath. The odds were against them.Described as a runt by his own father, Davids job was to run back and forth from his sheep herd to bring news to his father of his brothers who were on the Israelite battle line. As David approached the battle line, he asked, Whats in it for the man who kills the big ugly Philistine?He learned that King Saul offered a huge financial reward. In addition, he would give his daughter in marriage to whoever killed Goliath. David decided to take a r isk and beat the odds. He said, Im your manThe runt of the litter takes on the giant. We love stories about the underdog who musters the courage and confidence to find a way to beat the odds. Follow Davids example and take a risk - the odds might be better than you think1. Master a skill setDavid took a risk because he had never fought in battle as a soldier. He had other experiences, however, and leaned into them to help him in this situation. David knew how to use a sling and perfectly weighted stones which he had used to protect lambs from large and strong predators like lions and bears. He was prepared to use those same skills to protect the Israelites. It took years of practice, but he never became distracted from learning the skills he needed to become a master of his trade.From an outsiders point of view, the skill set possessed by this young boy could not help him defeat the obstacle before him. David stuck with what he knew best and used those skills to help him beat the o dds.How To Make It Work For You Mastery is not a function of genius or talent. It is a function of intense focus applied to your area of expertise. Identify your area of expertise. Just because someone else doesnt believe your skill set is needed to overcome an obstacle, it doesnt mean you cant find a way to apply those skills to help you beat the odds.2. Acknowledge weaknessesThe soldiers laughed at David because he wasnt a trained soldier. The first thing they tried to do was turn David into one of them. They suited him up in their armor and gave him a sword. But David wasnt a soldier, had never trained as one, and never wanted to be one. He said, I cant fight in this because Im not used to it. The techniques of a soldier were not his own, and he was wise enough to acknowledge what he didnt know so he could focus on what he did.Many of us focus all our attention on what could go wrong, and thats not a bad thing. However, if we fail to focus on what can go right, we miss the opport unity to improve our odds. When we look at what we can bring to the situation, we take a risk that is smarter because weve put our strong foot forward.How To Make It Work For You You will excel only if you maximize your strengths and stop trying to fix your weaknesses. Dont ignore your weaknesses but acknowledge them so you are better able to manage them. This allows you to free up time and focus on developing your strengths.3. Start with small winsDavid met Goliath on the battlefield with a sling and five smooth, carefully selected stones because those were the tools of his trade. He knew those stones had power because hed used them before- to kill lions and bears. David might not have been a soldier, but he knew a thing or two about a strong arm and good aim.While he hadnt stood before an obstacle this big before, this was not the first time hed dealt with a problem. He started with small wins as he protected his sheep from predators. Those small wins gave him the confidence to ta ke a risk and defeat Goliath.How To Make It Work For You If you need to take a risk, you create better odds for yourself if you experiment beforehand. Intentionally distribution policy yourself in situations where there is risk involved so you know how it feels and wont panic out of the gate. Experiment with how youll respond rather than rely on a knee-jerk reaction.4. Adapt to your circumstancesWhile others considered David an underdog, he understood how to adapt to his circumstances. It meant he would need to take a risk, but since he had defeated other enemies, all he needed to do was remind himself of his past wins. David had mental toughness. One aspect of mental toughness is the belief that you can adapt to your circumstances rather than believing your circumstances will change.If we dont have confidence in ourselves, we will underestimate our ability to handle risk. When this happens, confidence devolves into self-doubt and the downward spiral doesnt end until we reach the bo ttom. If were confident, we know that were able to accomplish the things we set out to do.How To Make It Work For You If youre confronted with a roadblock, adapt to your new circumstances. Re-evaluate your initial strategies. Keep your mindset flexible and agile as you look for new ways to move ahead. The key is to always move ahead.5. Press into the unknownAccording to the Biblical account, David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David took leadership of the situation when he broke the pattern of the challenge. He moved toward the threat and pressed into the unknown.The closer Goliath came, Davis found more ways to defeat the giant. He saw a small gap in Goliaths armor that was not visible from a distance. David reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at the gap in the helmet that protected Goliaths head. Once struck on the forehead, the giant fell down on the ground. When the Philistines saw their hero was dead, they turned and ran.How To Make I t Work For You To increase safety, move toward the unknown - only when David moved closer to the threat was he able to see where and how to strike. Often, opportunities that can not be seen from a distance are made visible only when we press forward. Our chances of success increase when we leave our place of safety and move toward our challenge.Thisarticlefirst appeared onLaRaeQuy.com.

The Deadly Resume Trap that Stops Most of Us Reaching Our True Potential

The Deadly Resume Trap that Stops Most of Us Reaching Our True befhigung The Deadly Resume Trap that Stops Most of Us Reaching Our True Potential Writing a resume is tough. After all, getting it wrong could spell the end of your dreams.But in trying to avoid making a bad impression, most people make a very dangerous mistake. I call it the conformity trap and it can kill your chances of getting the job you deserve.The truth is that when we are frightened of doing the wrong thing, we tend to play it safe. And the safest thing of all is to look at what others have done and emulate that.Really want that creative director job you saw posted yesterday? Why not trawl the web looking for samples of resumes by other creative directors.That will show you what words you should be using and the type of content recruiters will be looking for, and you can be sure that what you submit is deemed acceptable.The problem is, acceptable isnt good enough.There are lots of other people vying for that saat korn job, and the recruiter scanning resumes only has a few seconds to spend on each one. If your resume looks and sounds like everyone elses, why would she single you out for an interview?Conforming isnt the answerWhat if you took a different approach?What if you avoided the conformity trap and wrote a resume that was different from everyone elses?The truth is that no one is quite like you. No one has had the exact same combination of experiences, or was born with the same blend of character traits, or developed the exact same set of skills.And that means no one can do that creative director job quite the way you can.So why not write a resume that says that?The secret to a non-conformist resume that gets resultsIm not suggesting that you have to do something wild and crazy. Super-creative can sometimes be a great answer but its hard to pull off well and its often not the most appropriate choice.Rather, Im saying that you should write a resume that describes you and only you, not on e that mimics the language and formatting used by someone else.You might think being unique takes more work, but actually its often harder to try to twist someone elses resume to suit your own background than it is to simply start with a blank piece of paper.And when youre done, youll have a document that tells employers exactly what you have to offer not what someone else does.The difference is remarkable. Just yesterday I received this emailI have read thousands of free resume samples and writing tips over the years and spent in excess of 100 hours on my own resume.I finally found your website 2 days ago and applied your principles in resume writing from your articles and WOW I was contacted within 15 minutes for an interview today from a company that I had applied twice to previously with no resultI am so happy I am writing to thank you.So just by telling her own unique story, this job seeker saw instant results. You can do it too, and once you start making the changes, youll se e how easy it can be to make this kind of amazing impact.How to determine (and communicate) your unique valueThere are lots of different ways to write a unique resume that truly sells. Many of them are covered in my free resume writing course so I recommend signing up now. In just a few days, youll have everything you need and youll see the amazing difference that this approach can make.But to get you started, here are some questions to ask yourselfWhat talents and skills do people often compliment you on?When you take on a new position, what improvements do you tend to make?What is it about your background that makes you particularly good at solving client/customer/employer problems?What common themes run through your performance reviews, linkedin testimonials or thank you letters.Which projects have you most enjoyed and why? What skills did those projects use?Questions like this will help you drill down to really understand your core value that set of skills, attributes and exper iences that you and only you possess.Communicate those in your own words, and youll have a resume that recruiters cant resist.If you have any questions or comments, feel free to either comment below, or drop me a line. Im always happy to hear from you.photo credit petrichor via photopin cc

The Resume and Getting it Ready for the Job Search

The Resume and Getting it Ready for the Job SearchThe Resume and Getting it Ready for the Job SearchThe Resume and Getting it Ready for the Job SearchCourtesy of William Iven from unsplash.comGetting started on the resume can often be one of the most difficult parts of the job search. Resumes, in the beginning, can seem tedious and time-consuming. You may be unsure of what to do, always keep in mind that resume writing is not as difficult as it sounds, as it is often the resume targeting that can present the most challenges.Before you begin your job search, you need to make sure that you have a solid document prepared, while you will be tailoring your professional resume to each job you apply for, you need to make sure you have a strong base resume. The base resume is your starting point to apply to various jobs. Do not be overly concerned with extremely fancy wording. While your resume should have business vocabulary, verbs, industry keywords, avoid jargon, use language that is inte rpretable and will explain directly what you have accomplished and worked on in your career. The main task of a resume is to get you noticed, employers will be looking for more elaborate explanations of your experience through the interview process and testing that they require of their candidates.Tailoring the presentation is the most important task when conducting your job search. Taking the time to cultivate a resume that is precise and in conjunction with the position you want to apply for, will assist in landing you more interviews. Each employer wants to feel like you took the time out to directly address their needs individually.When tailoring a resume always includeKey phrases and words , never copy and paste the qualifications from the job posting, use your own writing style to tell the employer what you can provide, based on your experience and the qualifications the employer is looking for in a candidate.Use their tone, if they are more serious, keep the resume serious an d so on.Tell information that is relevant, go into detailed descriptions only where necessary.UNDERSTANDING RESUME STYLES There are three types of resumes chronological, combinational and functional. Each resume serves a purpose and will provide a specific benefit based on your career objectives and situation.Chronological Resume This is the most common kind of a resume. It commonly includes an objective or profile, professional qualifications section, software and technical sections, education and awards and your experience. Your job description should include the company, position title, dates worked and city worked in. Always begin with the most recent job and work back no later than ten years. Each job description should contain 6 to 8 bullet points. Consider writing your experience using the Problem, Action, Result format.Who would use this resume Mid to senior level professionals with 3+ years experience and a consistent work history.Oops, it looks like this article is not com pleteYou can read the continuation in our April Dream Job BookClick below to find it out Get the Job of You Dream in 6 Days/6 Simple Steps