Feedback on Get Your Next Promotion Pluralsight Course from Heather MacDonald

Feedback on Get Your Next Promotion Pluralsight Course from Heather MacDonald One of the most rewarding parts of creating stuff (in this case, soft skills courses for Pluralsight) is hearing what others think about it. Well, not hearing anything I dont need to hear that Im a dolt. But I do love to hear how anything Ive created has helped you think differently, or inspired you to do something (anything!). Mark LeBlanc said one of his objectives as a speaker is to impact and inspire. As soon as he said that it became my objective, as a creator. I was delighted to get tagged in this LinkedIn post by Heather MacDonald, who is working every day to make the world and her work environment a better place (link here). Just looking at Heathers LinkedIn profile shows me that she strives to help and build others it is inspiring! Heres what she wrote, in case you cant access  her post: Another Pluralsight course I finished recently was How to Get Your Next Promotion by Jason Alba, Product Manager. I am fully aware I’ve only been in my current role for a short time but I am always thinking about what I can do to better support my future plans for my life. I loved and recommend this course because: 1. It gives tangible steps to figure out what your plan is and how to follow up and get there 2. I love that it talks about soft skills and that it touched on the “cultural fit” issue in applying for new jobs 3. The course talks through how you can take control of your career path so you can truly own your own growth (I have fallen into the trap of believing that if I do a good job people will notice and promote me but I know that’s not typically true.) There are so many great pieces to this course depending on where you are in your career and what you want to do. I recommend watching the course and understanding where you’re going and what’s next that you can work on. Where are you on your career path? What’s next for you? What do you need to work on to be ready to move into your next role? Share what you have going on! You never know who else can help you achieve your dream. #career #lifelonglearning #goals Thank you Heather, for this very kind review! If anyone you want a 30 day pass to Pluralsight, to check out this and any of my other soft skills courses, or any of the around-7,000 courses from amazing people from around the world, just let me know. Ill see if I can find some. The course she is talking about is here: Feedback on Get Your Next Promotion Pluralsight Course from Heather MacDonald One of the most rewarding parts of creating stuff (in this case, soft skills courses for Pluralsight) is hearing what others think about it. Well, not hearing anything I dont need to hear that Im a dolt. But I do love to hear how anything Ive created has helped you think differently, or inspired you to do something (anything!). Mark LeBlanc said one of his objectives as a speaker is to impact and inspire. As soon as he said that it became my objective, as a creator. I was delighted to get tagged in this LinkedIn post by Heather MacDonald, who is working every day to make the world and her work environment a better place (link here). Just looking at Heathers LinkedIn profile shows me that she strives to help and build others it is inspiring! Heres what she wrote, in case you cant access  her post: Another Pluralsight course I finished recently was How to Get Your Next Promotion by Jason Alba, Product Manager. I am fully aware I’ve only been in my current role for a short time but I am always thinking about what I can do to better support my future plans for my life. I loved and recommend this course because: 1. It gives tangible steps to figure out what your plan is and how to follow up and get there 2. I love that it talks about soft skills and that it touched on the “cultural fit” issue in applying for new jobs 3. The course talks through how you can take control of your career path so you can truly own your own growth (I have fallen into the trap of believing that if I do a good job people will notice and promote me but I know that’s not typically true.) There are so many great pieces to this course depending on where you are in your career and what you want to do. I recommend watching the course and understanding where you’re going and what’s next that you can work on. Where are you on your career path? What’s next for you? What do you need to work on to be ready to move into your next role? Share what you have going on! You never know who else can help you achieve your dream. #career #lifelonglearning #goals Thank you Heather, for this very kind review! If anyone you want a 30 day pass to Pluralsight, to check out this and any of my other soft skills courses, or any of the around-7,000 courses from amazing people from around the world, just let me know. Ill see if I can find some. The course she is talking about is here:

What Exactly Is Resume Writing Talent?

What Exactly Is Resume Writing Talent?According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, resume writing talent is what makes a person proficient in writing effective resumes. Well, the key word in the definition is 'presence' since most people who do resume writing talent need to come up with clear and concise one liner or paragraph resumes that are powerful enough to grab the attention of the person receiving the resume. The technical jargon behind this job function is called resume writing talent. Resume writing talent is a comprehensive skill set that needs to be honed to write a resume that will impress even the most discriminating employers.So, what exactly does resume writing talent mean? People who possess the resume writing talent skill for some or the other skills of resume writing are people who know how to craft one line resumes that are confident in conveying their message to the company's top brass, potential clients, and even to the current or former employees. They need to conve y their personal interest and outlook on the organization and employees by writing some good headlines, headings, and bullet points.List building skills are also an important aspect of the resume writing talent. A resume writing talent can be an employee whose skills lie in list building while at the same time being able to revise his/her resume every now and then to keep it updated and fresh. The best resume writing talent has the potential to summarize the resume of the applicant in a manner that it is easy to read and understands the applicant. The next thing in the resume writing talent is to be a good marketer as well. The resume needs to be written to appeal to the reader's emotions and perceptions.Resume writing talent is the first ingredient that attracts the prospective employer to the applicant. Though the subject line of a resume may also seem to be very important but the main attraction lies in the resume itself. A good resume should convey the potential that the applica nt possesses and should highlight his professional achievements and expertise to the prospective employer. There are lots of resume writing talent to be developed if one is willing to devote time for it.There are many types of resume writing talent and skills that can be learned to ensure that the person writing the resume really does make an impression on the recipient. Those people who are gifted with the resume writing talent can even change the direction of the work force that the employee is facing with the help of excellent resume writing.If you are thinking of getting into the work force, the first thing that you should take into consideration is resume writing talent that can help you get a job. If you are an employee and looking for a job, resume writing talent is the key to your success. You need to have the resume that will be written with professionalism and style to draw in the attention of the employer.The best way to learn how to write a resume is to attend resume wri ting courses. By attending resume writing courses, you will be able to see firsthand what resume writing talent looks like in action.These days, resume writing courses are available online. All you need to do is search the internet and you will find countless websites that offer resume writing courses. Since they are available online, it is definitely less expensive than attending resume writing classes in a classroom.

Why You Should Consider a Career in IT

Why You Should Consider a Career in IT The IT (Information Technology) field is one of the hottest career fields in the world right now. With the majority of our world now relying on computers, the demand for workers who understand and can manufacture, use, and repair computers continues to grow. There are countless reasons why you should consider a career in IT, but the top ones are outlined here. IT Professionals Are in High Demand With more and more of our lives and businesses involving computers, IT is a hot field right now. In fact, it’s consistently listed in the top 10 best career fields globally, with expected grown still expected over the next several years. Nearly every business relies on at least one computer, and for those businesses that rely on multiple computers, the internet, and software, they often have a dedicated IT person on staff. You Can Work Anywhere As an IT professional, you can literally work just about anywhere in the world. As with the previous section, computers are an integral part of the global economy, and computers are computers, no matter where they’re located in the world. Whether your business is in the United States or China, you’re using the same computers, so once you’ve done your education on computers, you can apply that to virtually any computer system, anywhere in the world. Opportunities for Advancement There’s really no limit as to how far you can advance in the IT field. Many in the IT field start off as systems analysts, and then are promoted to managers. Larger companies have larger IT departments, so there will be more room for advancement with those. If you don’t want to work for someone else, once you have enough experience in information technology, you can branch out with your own business. IT consulting can be a very lucrative business if you have the right knowledge and have the right connections to people. Variety of Roles The IT field encompasses a lot of territory and job titles. From computer operators all the way up to business owners or the acquisition of and management of large networks of computers, there are a practically infinite number of roles you can take on. If you enjoy the technical aspect, you might be interested only in the jobs of computer repairs or setting up a computer network or server, for example. If you’re more of a people person, you might gravitate toward the management positions that oversee IT personnel or acquisition of computer systems. It Pays Well The IT field pays well, no matter in which part of it you’re interested. Entry-level information technology analysts, with 4-year degrees, earn an average of about $60,000 USD per year. Experienced analysts earn an average of over $80,000 USD per year. If you have more specialized education, you can earn even more. Systems engineers earn an average of nearly $90,000 USD per year, and computer software architects average about $119,000 USD each year. Those are great salaries for fields that only require a 4-year degree. The IT Field is Constantly Changing You will never be bored as an IT professional. Information technology is constantly evolving, with new technologies being introduced every day. Just look at how quickly personal computers have advanced from being large, slow, cumbersome machines, to being sleek, fast, small laptops. We now have cell phones that are palm-sized and can run computer applications. The technology continues to advance quickly, and IT professionals are expected to keep up with it. You will be continually learning, which is always a good thing, no matter what your career field. Tech Companies Offer Great Working Environments Tech companies are some of the most innovative when it comes to both the work they do, and the working environments they provide. Since many of these tech companies are headed by relatively young business people, they often have some unconventional perks for employees. For example, some tech companies offer fitness classes or massages during the day. Others offer flex time, which allows their employees to set their own schedules. Break rooms may include full kitchens, rather than just a microwave oven and refrigerator. Granted, not all tech companies are going to offer these kinds of perks, but this field is more likely than other industry fields to understand what their employees want, and that happy employees perform better at their jobs. Final words To recap, the field of information technology is currently one of the fastest-growing career fields. Since the global economy is now reliant on computers and networks, this field will continue to expand. Information technology is one of the few career fields that you can start off in an entry-level position, earning a very nice salary. This career field offers a variety of different roles, so there’s something for nearly everyone from the computer repair technician to a manager to a Chief Technology Officer. This is a field that is constantly evolving and introducing new technologies, so you will not be stagnant, doing the same old thing every day. If you have an interest in computers, the IT field is definitely one you should consider. Author bio: Sam Cyrus is CEO and co-founder of SEO Sydney, an innovative online marketing agency based in Sydney which is focused on Digital Marketing. Sam is also a creative writer and his interests are entrepreneurship, business, online marketing, SEO and social media. He currently advises companies about Web Development in Sydney.

Infographic UKs Top 20 University Careers Website

Infographic UKs Top 20 University Careers Website What are the most used words on the UKs Top 20 University Careers Service websites? This infographic shows the 50 most used words on careers service websites. As expected, Careers is the most used word, followed by employability, university and advice. http://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/ http://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/ http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/ http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/CareersAndVacancies/careersService/Home.aspx http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/ http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/careers/ http://careers.lancs.ac.uk/ http://www.dur.ac.uk/careers/ http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/careers/ http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers http://www.exeter.ac.uk/employability/index.html http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/ http://www.soas.ac.uk/careers/ http://www.bath.ac.uk/careers/ http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/careers/ http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/careers http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd http://www.uea.ac.uk/careers http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/index.aspx http://www.surrey.ac.uk/careers/ Infographic Powered by Career Geek.   Sources: The Guardian League Tables 2012 University of Cambridge Careers Service University of Oxford Careers Service University of St. Andrews Careers Service London School of Economics Careers Service UCL Careers Service University of Warwick Careers Service University of Lancaster Careers Service University of Durham Careers Service University of Loughborough Careers Service Imperial College Careers Service University of Exeter Careers Service University of Sussex Careers Service SOAS Careers Service University of Bath Careers Service University of York Careers Service University of Edinburgh Careers Service University of Leicester Careers Service University of East Anglia Careers Service University of Nottingham Careers Service University of Surrey Careers Service Visualised by: TagCrowd 1

Writing Resume For Research Position

Writing Resume For Research PositionYou are starting to look for some way to get a writing resume for research position. Or you already have one but aren't sure if it's what you really want. This is a great way to get your research into the hands of the hiring manager before he even gets to see your samples. Here are some tips that will help you be successful.The first thing that you need to do to get your research into the hands of the research department for a job you are looking for is, get it. Get a sample if you can of the research resume for research position that you are hoping to get out and make copies. You should mail these copies to several companies that you think may be hiring. If they don't have one in the pipeline, make sure to ask them how you can get one sent to you. If they are in the pipeline, ask them how long it will take.When you mail the copies of your research resume for research position to the various research companies, send two copies, one for the woman in HR and one for you. You should also include a letter with this copy for the person in HR to read and sign. This gives them something tangible to keep. And, it shows them that you are serious about getting the job.When you send out the samples of your research resume for research position, make sure to attach a cover letter with it. There are many companies that look for these letters but some don't. The key here is to have a quality letter and one that have good information. This will get your applications forwarded. It will get you the job.One of the best ways to get a good research position is to be very flexible in your scheduling. You must always be on the lookout for opportunities. You may not have time to work for a specific company, but it doesn't mean that there aren't opportunities that will suit your needs.One of the first things that you need to remember when you are writing resume for research position is to have a great presentation. Some companies will hire a research candidate that does not have a great presentation. A good presentation is what the company needs to hire the person. This is where your research resume for research position is going to come in handy.If you want to be successful at getting a writing resume for research position, do not be afraid to ask questions. Just make sure to ask the right questions. The research department for a particular company may not be very open about their process. They may tell you what you need to know. However, you must be aware that what you learn will be used against you and that will not help you get hired.Remember that writing a research resume for research position is important. Ask questions, get answers and take time to find the right person for the job. You will get that research position once you start asking for the right questions.

A Checklist of the Usual Pre-employment Requirements CareerMetis.com

A Checklist of the Usual Pre-employment Requirements Job hunting is an expected part of your life as a member of the workforce. Whether you are a fresh graduate seeking your niche in the job market or a pro with years of experience, looking for greener pastures, you’ll find that job hunting is filled with exciting possibilities and daunting challenges, so you need to be prepared for what is ahead.The pre-employment process is designed to gauge whether you are a good fit for the job and company. Every industry and business is different, but there are certain requirements that are a standard part of any pre-employment process. It helps to be aware of these so you can prepare yourself and any certificates and documents that you need to provide. evalHere is a checklist of the usual pre-employment requirements that you need to be ready for.1) Solid RésuméevalYour résuméis your golden ticket to the job market, so you need to invest adequate time and creativity in polishing it. Employers go through potentially hundreds of job applicatio ns every day, so you need to make yours stand out from the rest if you want to leave an impact.Make your employer feel like you truly made an effort to leave a positive and lasting impression. This does not mean you should lie or add misleading details on your résumé; just make it more interesting by focusing on skills and work experiences that are relevant to the job.Keep in mind that human resource officers are known to conduct background checks on job applicants to verify the information they disclose so be careful with what you put on your résumé. On the other hand, don’t settle for a boring résumé or one that you just copied off the internet, filled with generic details.Carefully create yours so that you highlight the skills, experiences, certifications, and awards that your potential employer is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a job as a copywriter at an advertising agency you want to highlight details like creativity, excellent communication skills a nd resourcefulness and work experiences that demonstrate your abilities like your role at your school paper.Be consistent, clear, and straight to the point. You want to make an impact, but you should also not bore the reader with long-winded and flowery details.2) PortfolioSome companies, especially those that operate in creative industrieslike advertising, graphic design, publishing, and multimedia, typically require job applicants to provide samples of their work. Make sure your portfolio is ready with you along with your résumé.evalChoosing which of your works to include can be a challenge if you have years of experience behind you. Showcase your most recent creations so your employer can see your current skill level.Also include works that have won awards or have been featured in magazines, galleries, or special events. Make sure to include different styles of your work so your employer can see the range of your skills and how versatile you are.For example, if you are applying as a photographer, showcase works from various photography styles like black-and-white photography, portraits, glamour shots, food photography, and more.When submitting portfolios that involve images and graphics make sure to use high-resolution copies.evalFinally, don’t forget to ask for feedback from friends whose opinions you trust. It can be challenging to stay objective when dealing with work that you have a personal connection to. Your mentors and colleagues can help you decide which of your works have the best quality and can land you the job you want.3) Drug-Screening CertificateSubstances like drugs and alcohol are notorious for their effects on a person’s mental clarity and physical health. Stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy, and meth can cause insomnia and aggravate high blood pressure while downer drugs like morphine and valium can cause you to feel drowsy and unfocused. Intoxicated employees are a hazard not just to themselves but also to their co-workers and the company as a whole.Because of this, many companies enforce strict zero-drug-tolerance policies in the workplace and require job candidates to undergo drug screening.Drug testing has been a standard part of organizations since the 1980s when it was first made mandatory by President Ronald Reagan for federal employees.Since then private businesses have followed suit and require employees to pass a drug screening. Drug tests can come in different forms. The most common one is the urine drug test, which, as the name suggests, involves the analysis of a urine sample.If you are applying for a job in safety-sensitive industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing, you may be asked to undergo a more comprehensive drug-testing method like a blood drug test or a hair drug test.Keep a list of any medication you are taking that may affect the outcome of your drug screening and make sure you have copies of your prescription and medical certificates from your doctor. 4) Police an d Exit Clearance An employee clearance or exit clearance is a document that certifies that you are completely free from your responsibilities from your previous employer.This type of clearance is a common pre-employment requirement as it gives your new employer the assurance that you do not have any pending criminal liabilities and any other obligations that might get in the way of your new job.evalTo secure your exit clearance you may be required to surrender company-owned collaterals and materials like your ID, employee handbook and undergo a comprehensive off-boarding process.Similarly, your potential employer may require you to provide a police clearance. This document is a way for them to maintain safety and promote productivity in the organization. A police clearance gives your employer the assurance that you are not involved in any questionable activities and do not have any pending legal cases or criminal convictions.Organizations are hesitant to hire people with a criminal past as they can be risky not just to their fellow workers but to the company as a whole. Customers and business partners may not want to deal with a company with shady employees.You can usually get a copy of a police clearance by requesting it from the FBI through their official website. The FBI will provide an identity history summary also known as a rap sheet or criminal record for a certain fee. Rap sheets will usually contain information connected to arrests, disposition reports and other information provided by authorized criminal justice agencies.eval5) Medical ExamBusinesses need employees who are productive, motivated to work, capable, and competent. One way they can make sure of this is to make candidates undergo a medical examination prior to the job offer.evalThis pre-employment requirement can help employers anticipate possible absenteeism, prevent workplace accidents, decrease downtime, and lessen company liability.There are different components to a medical exam, but the most common ones include a vision test, cholesterol and blood pressure screening, a urinalysis, and a respiratory health test. To best prepare for your medical screening make sure you get enough sleep the night before so you can keep your blood pressure as low as possible.Also, eat healthy weeks prior and avoid consuming salty or fatty food as these could negatively affect your cholesterol levels.If you were recently diagnosed with a disease or health condition that could affect the outcome of your medical exam, you may be required to submit a document from your physician or from a company-appointed doctor certifying that you are fit to work.Medical exams are not just meant to benefit the company; they are also designed to ensure that you are physically fit to perform your job and if you have any pre-existing conditions that need special attention and care.6) Other TestsIn addition to medical and drug screenings, your employer may require you to pass certain exams in which you c an demonstrate your talent, experience, and other capabilities, especially if you are applying for a position that needs specialized skills.For example, if you are job hunting in labor-intensive industries like emergency response or firefighting, which requires employees to be physically fit, you might be required to pass a physical-aptitude test made up of a series of obstacles and exercises like running, weight lifting, and climbing.Other similar exams include personality tests, cognitive ability tests, and technical-skill evaluations.These tests may seem like an obstacle that is getting in the way of a job you want but they are actually as beneficial for you as a potential employee as they are to the company. The screenings help the company gauge if you meet their requirements and whether they need to implement additional training if you lack certain skills or credentials.Similarly, pre-employment requirements are not just for the organization to gauge if you meet their requireme nts but also for you to see if you truly want the position you are applying for.When you are over-qualified or under-qualified for a job, there is a chance you will feel unsatisfied with your employment. This can cause stress and burnout and might eventually cause you to leave and look for another employer.

Personalize Cover Letters No Excuse For Not Having A Name

Personalize Cover Letters No Excuse For Not Having A Name Personalize Cover Letters: No More Excuses For Not Having A Name Taking the time to personalize cover letters makes a difference. Case in point: that dream job at that awesome company you’ve been eyeing for a long time has FINALLY opened up. But the bad news is that while you are all pumped up about pulling all of your career credentials together, you realize… “Oh crud, I don’t know the name of the hiring manager over there…” Don’t despair. You can personalize cover letters. Avoid resorting to the “easy button” nebulousness of the boilerplate phrase of “To Whom It May Concern.”  That could be the death knell of your application. You CAN find the right person’s name to personalize cover letters, but it requires due diligence, resourcefulness, and a determination to show that you are willing to go the extra mile to get this information. Think of this situation from an employer’s perspective: They know darned tootin’ well that they didn’t include contact information in the job announcement. So if you take the time to personalize cover letters, that’s likely to hit their radar screen and make a big impression that someone out there is resourceful. Think of that personalization as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Here are some ways to dig up that ever-elusive contact information to personalize cover letters: 1)           Hack LinkedIn.  LinkedIn is a wealth of information… especially if you know about the well-known gaping loophole that lets you hack the full name of someone you are trying to address your cover letter to.   Here’s a blog that outlines the specific steps you need to take to get this information. 2)           Google “title” and “company” in a Boolean search.  You’d be surprised how often the information is already online, waiting to be found. 3)           Call the company directly and ask.   This requires a little fibbing and a little guts. “I wanted to write a thank you note for the human resources manager (or title that you are trying to find out).   Could you provide the correct spelling of their name? I wasn’t sure I had it down correctly.” 4)           Troll their website for the site directory providing staff titles/names. Many companies list all employees on their website. 5)           Search other business websites. Sites like Spokeo, Jigsaw, and Manta also index people’s names and job titles at companies. 6)           Research trade association membership directories.  Research the organization that your target person would likely belong to, and see if you can dig up their name in a membership directory. 7)           Leverage your connections to see if they know the right person. Don’t be afraid to ask… but when you do ask, be as specific as possible. Everyone hates cover letters, but the more you put into them, the more you’ll get out of them. Take the time to try and personalize cover letters… you never know when that is going to make the difference. Plus, it shows a dogged determination to get results. And employers like that!

Your Career Plan for 2014 - Part 4 - Hallie Crawford

Your Career Plan for 2014 - Part 4 Your Career Plan for 2014 â€" Part 4: Determine what you’re worth Cool site we recommend: Payscale.com We have clients all the time coming to us asking what they are worth in the marketplace. My client Nancy in California asked me this several weeks ago, wanting to understand the salary she could and should expect and ask for. Now that she has been in the job search for about a month, done her homework and had a few interviews, she has a clearer sense of it. Here’s what I suggest you do to help you understand your value in the marketplace whether you are in active job search mode or not. First, understand you are not going to come up with one magic number that is exact and very specific down the penny. That is just not possible or realistic. Your value or salary can vary according to so many factors â€" your location, your skill set, whether you are targeting large or small organizations, or whether you are looking to work in the private sector, government or non-profit world. So keep that in mind getting started. Do your homework. Use the salary sites out there first to get a range. Keep in mind you most likely will get a relatively large range on some of the sites like salary.com, glassdoor.com, indeed.com, onetcenter.org, and payscale.com â€" all of which provide salary research. I would use all of them. Track your findings in a worksheet. Look on LinkedIn. Review the profiles of professionals in your field, conducting a broad search first (anyone who does something similar to what you do, or want to do, *in your location* but at any level and within the private and non profit or government sectors). This will give you a general sense of who’s out there and what their background is. You are looking on LinkedIn to determine the skill set, experience, and education level of your peers in a broad sense. Next, narrow your search. Find people that do exactly what you want to do, or close to it â€" within the right sector, according to the size of the organization and the level you are pursuing (director, manager, associate etc.) Finally conduct interviews â€" formal and informational as well. Contact recruiters in your area to find out what they see as your worth and salary range to target. When you speak to colleagues and friends in informational interviews, ask them what they think (handling this professionally and tactfully). And as you apply and conduct actual interviews for jobs, you will learn as you go what’s realistic to ask for. Career Coach P.S. Get one of the most information-rich career newsletters on the web delivered straight to your email inbox! Check out our  Free Newsletter  to help you along your career journey today!