Leaving Afganistan Look Before You Leave!

Leaving Afganistan Look Before You LeaveLeaving Afganistan Look Before You LeaveLeaving Afganistan? Look Before You LeaveNow that the drawdown of Afghanistan is finally almost here, its time to think about your job search while you are still overseas. Many Americans who are living and working overseas would like to stay overseas and take advantage of the lifestyle and work in other countries. It could help your candidacy for another position in the Middle East or Europe if you are already in their country or overseas. So, looking for your next opportunity while you are overseas is a great idea.Things to Do Before Leaving AfghanistanUpdate your resume with your current position, projects, customer lists, duties, responsibilities, training, specific dates, and references. Create a second version with your military experience translated into civilian speak. Find your evaluations if you have any (contractor or military). Update and/ or set up a LinkedIn Account, so that you can link to this as you write to people for new positions. Think about your ideal employer based on industry, location, size, or mission- anything that appeals to you as an employee. Make a list of organizations that match as many of your criteria as possible and departure researching them online. Get your network going. Connect with professional associations or other professional groups related to the work you are seeking, such as military alumni groups, old friends, and former colleagues. Let them know about your upcoming transition. Communicate with your references and get their non-work emails. Think about where you want to work next, so that you can set up job alerts. Hire a career counselor or resume writer if you do not have time to do the writing or match your resume toward a target position. If you are considering a position that has few federal job openings right now, such as logistics, supply, or IT, you might want to consider government contractor positions overseas.Suggested W ebsites for Overseas PositionsKuwaitAggregator of Kuwait Jobs Gulfjobsmarket.comgulfjobsmarket.com/jobs-in-kuwait.htmlHoneywell Technology Solutionshttps//honeywell.taleo.net/careersection/9/jobsearch.ftlBoeing Careershttps//jobs.boeing.com/ABMhttps//abm.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/indexGuamGuams Economy and Jobsguambusinessmagazine.comVSE Corporationhttp//careers.vsecorp.comCSChttps//csc.taleo.net/careersection/cscexternalcareersite/jobsearch.ftlSouth Korea https//www.justlanded.com/english/South-Korea/JobsCheck out our Veterans ServicesMilitary / Vets receive 10% off of all federal resume writing and application services.

6 Steps You Must Take Before Changing Employee Hours

6 Steps You Must Take Before Changing Employee Hours6 Steps You Must Take Before Changing Employee HoursReaders Question I am an administrative employee and my department is undergoing some major changes, one of them is thehours that we will be openand the task of covering all of those hours with limited staffing. I understand that in this position we work until the job is done, but also that should allow some flexibility for the employee also. My question is, is it appropriate to ask administrative employees to work additional hours on a regular basis (to cover open office times)? I realize that this may be at the discretion of the employer but I would like some more clarification on the law. I would even appreciate some direction to resources that could help me with this question. Human Resources Response Anytime you ask employees to work more hours, it can become a bit touchy. They dont want to work more, but you need them to do more. Is it appropriate? Well, yes. The busines s has needs and its appropriate to ask your employees to meet those needs. How you go about that, though, can make all of the difference in the world. Here are the questions you need to know the answers to before you implement any changes. Are the Employees Exempt or Non-Exempt? Exempt employees can work as many hoursare you want them to without increasing their pay.You must pay your Non-exempt employees for every hourthey work. They also must receive overtime pay when they reach 40 hours a week (and in some states, if they work more than eight hours in one day). You cannot just say, I want everyone to be on salary. In order to pay people a salary without any overtime pay, their jobs must meet the strict criteria required by federal law. What Is Absolutely Needed? You need to cover additional hours, but do you need to have full staff on at all times? Lets say your current hours are 900 to 500 and you have five employees. Now, your hours are 800 to 600 with the same five empl oyees. Can you have two people come in at 800 and work until 400, two come in at 1000 and work until 600, and have one stay at 900 to 500? Then everyone is working the same number of hours and someone is always in the office. There are numerous solutions. What Do Your Employees Want? You can spend hours and hours in planning meetings and come up with a solution that everyone hates, or you can ask your employees what they think. You may find out that Janewould love to come in early and leave earlyand that Steve would love to start later. Everyone may jump at the chance to work 10 hours, four days a week. You wont know if you dont ask them. What If Hours Have to Increase? While its true that an exempt employee can work more hours without an increase in pay, you will lose loyalty. For hourly employees, of course, youll have to sign off onovertime pay without any criticism or moaning about the cost. For exempt employees, youll need to come up with something to compensate them. T he easiest thing to do is increase salaries. If thats out of the question, youll need to come up with something else. Ask your employees what they are interested in. Make It Clear That the Changes Are Permanent Sometimes people are willing to jump in and do some extra while youre hiring a new employee to cover the extra hours. But, when it becomes clear that there is no one new coming, people become resentful. So, dont lead them on. If this is a permanent situation, you need to make that clear from the beginning. Have You Explained the Reasons for the Change? When youre making a big change, you need complete transparency. The employees need to understand the reasons and you need to listen to them. You are probably not going to have an easy transition, but if you address all of these issues, it should go smoothly. You may have an increase in turnover, but then when you bring new people on board, they will know from the beginning how the hours and schedule work.

The nice boss, the tough boss A fairytale

The nice boss, the tough boss A fairytaleThe nice boss, the tough boss A fairytaleFairytale mindsets create a powerful lens through which we view leadership. Do you let them affect how you act as a leader? If so, you may be leaving a piece of yur potential effectiveness on the table. (And live less happily-ever-after.) The stories of goodness and evil we were raised on predispose us to see leaders along a mental continuum. At one end dwells the classic tough boss. This boss is demanding, brimming with strong opinions, fearless, scheming, and wants (badly) to win. She brooks no fools, and is perceived as difficult to interact with.Think of the gruff and coercive Beast early in Beauty and the Beast You will join me for dinner. That is not a request. Or how mean monsters crawl into closets and spook children at the start of Monsters, Inc, bottling the resulting screams to power their city, Monstropolis.On the otherbei end of ur good vs. evil leadership continuum lives the lovable leader . This person is highly caring, fun, has time to listen, and is quick to wink, encourage, and thank. He relishes strong relationships, and often has a good sense of humor to boot. Think Prince Simba early in the Lion King as he wanders off to savor a carefree life with his (many) friends in the wild. Simbas discomfort with flexing his muscles or being strong is palpable, so he chooses a life of nice.Where do you need to dwell on this leadership continuum?As a boss where do you sit on this continuum? (Or more importantly, where do your direct reports and colleagues think you are?) Is your big challenge figuring out the optimal place to hang out on this Tough Guy vs. Nice Guy scale?Absolutely not.Your challenge is to dismiss the whole scale. To recognize that it is a problematic fairy tale itself that doesnt serve you or your teams. The worlds most effective bosses realize that they can be very very tough AND very very caring during the same workday, or even during the same conversati on. They defy physics by living on both ends of our described scale simultaneously.Just think back to your favorite boss. Chances are, she challenged you to jump high and didnt always make popular, easy decisions. However, you knew she genuinely liked and supported you, and as a result you were fiercely loyal.Diagnosing your current approachHow do you know if youre dishing up enough love but not enough tough edge? Or enough toughness, but not enough love?The best place to start is with feedback from your team. Ideally confidential 360 feedback collected through a 3rd party. This will give you a candid view of how your direct reports, peers, boss, and others at work view you.In my leadership and coaching programs, I work frequently with individuals who find via 360 feedback that they need to shore up one side or the other of their tough AND caring equation.For example, one recent client (well call him Beast for now) was universally viewed as super smart, fiercely competitive, able to make tough decisions, and fast movingyet others didnt trust him and didnt feel he had their best interests at heart. He had what they labeled rough edges. Several team members said they would leave his group the moment another viable work option materialized.Another recent client (well call her Simba) was very well-liked. She provided lots of flexibility, was a good listener, and had an endearing sense of humor. But her team didnt feel successful, and their collective results were flagging. They didnt feel they were learning from her or growing professionally, as much as they enjoyed her and all the leeway she gave them.Can we really bust out of this tough vs. nice myth?Luckily a number of my clients have proven via their 360 results - either with or without conscious efforts to change that it is possible to be seen as strong, demanding, caring, and fun all at once. Those who proved this typically ran the most successful operations as measured by profitability, growth, employe e retention, and client satisfaction.But arent tough and caring tricky to bring together?Once upon a time, the poet Walt Whitman said Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes.Leaders must cultivate their own unique multitudes of emotions and behaviors. And avoid casting themselves as one-dimensional (but comfortable) leadership stereotypes.Eventually our fairy tale characters Simba and Beast got their happy endings. They dug deep in themselves to find their own multitudes. They broadened their approaches. Prince Simba realized that he needed his strength (as well as his kind heart) to help his fellow creatures. And Beast softened, learning how to better connect not just with Beauty, but the rest of his world.So may your leadership happily ever after periodically involve an honest, active quest to identify and cultivate whatever you most need at the time be it greater strength, or greater heart. It will serve you well.THE END.

24 life skills every adult should master before turning 30

24 life skills every adult should master before turning 3024 life skills every adult should master before turning 30Theres no handbook for adult life.Somehow youre just supposed to know that you should have more money coming in than going out and you shouldnt wear a fuzzy orange sweater to a job interview.Weve put together our own handbook of sorts for anyone transitioning from their 20s to their 30s, which lists many of the skills youll need to survive as an adult in the modern world.Its based on the Quora thread, What are some of the fruchtwein useful skills to know? as well as scientific research and expert opinion.Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career nachrichtensendung and advice wherever you go.We cant promise weve outlined every skill, but if youve mastered these, youre off to a good start1. Accepting feedback gracefullyFor most of us it is hard to hear how we made a mistake or could have done something bett er, writes Quora user Pedram Keyani. An amazing skill (which you can learn through practice) is to set aside your emotional response in the moment and focus on the information presented to you. Some of it will be valid and some of it invalid but let your brain decide that, elendlage your ego.Depending on what kind of feedback youre receiving, there are different strategies for responding with a cool head. For example, if your boss points out what she thinks is an error and youre not sure shes correct, you can say, I hadnt thought of that, and Im going to look into it right away.2. Apologizing sincerelyTo err is menschengerecht - but to craft a believable apology isnt a universal skill.The apology needs to be sincere, not qualified, not quantified, and also needs to outline how X will not happen again, Keyani says.According to one CEO, theres a six-step strategy for successfully saying youre sorryAct quickly.Apologize in person.Explain what happened.Show how you are going to avoid t he problem in the future.Apologize.Make restitution.Keyani gives an example of what you might say if you were tardy for an appointmentIm sorry I was late for the meeting. It must have been frustrating because you spent a lot of time preparing and got up early. I did a poor job accounting for traffic and didnt give myself enough buffer. That is my bad and Im going to give myself an extra 10 minutes instead of five moving forward.3. Managing your time wiselyThere will probably never be a time in your life when you arent juggling multiple personal and professional priorities. Time-management skills are a must, unless you want to feel constantly frazzled.Perhaps the most important time-management lesson is that you should stick with one task at a time. Research suggests that multitasking is generally counterproductive because the brain expends energy as it readjusts its focus from one activity to another.Youd be wise, too, to limit the hours you spend working. Decades ago, Henry Ford di scovered that productivity started to decline after employees logged more than 40 hours per week. Other research suggests that, after three weeks, 60-hour workweeks become less productive.4. Using tastatur shortcutsSince most of the work we do nowadays involves computers, says Arpit Jain, using keyboard shortcuts definitely gives you an edge and saves you a lot of time.Jain posted a list of some of the handiest shortcuts in her Quora answer. For example, simultaneously pressing the Alt and F4 keys when using Microsoft windows lets you close a selected item or program. Keep the list somewhere close to your computer at work to supercharge your productivity.5. Saying no respectfullyMany of us fear the word no because we dont want to let other people down. But when youre already swamped and your coworker asks you to take an hour to help him with his project report, yes, of course might not be the best answer.It might sound a clich, but saying NO when needed can save you lot of time, con fusion, guilt, attachment, commitments, stress and other social evils, writes Yogi Raj.Theres another Quora thread dedicated to learning how to say no, where Eva Glasrud writes, we routinely overestimate the cost of saying no.According to Glasrud, the best way to muster up the confidence to turn down a request is to recognize that there are some things you can never have back. Your time, your health, your virtue, your life. Dont mess around with those things. Its fine for people to ask - most likely, in their mind, theyre trying to help introduce you to a great person or opportunity or meaningful cause. And its just as fine for you to say no.6. Empathizing with othersA number of Quora users mentioned the importance of learning to empathize with other people - to listen to them and try to landsee things from their perspective.Psychologists say empathy is a fundamental parte of human interaction. In fact, people who lack the ability to empathize and take an interest in other people are often narcissists.7. Communicating through body languageSometimes your body language tells people everything they need to know before you ever open your mouth, writes Dean Bokhari.Experts have highlighted specific body language techniques that can make you more likable. For example, dont break eye contact with your conversation partner, even after theyve finished speaking. And make sure not to fidget or touch your face too much, which can give the impression that youre lying or anxious.You can also read other peoples body language to help figure out what theyre thinking and feeling. For example, if they mirror your body language, the conversation is probably going well. If they smile but there are no crinkles around their eyes, they might be faking it.8. Making friends in any environmentMayeesha Tahsin says she thinks of forming relationships as a skill, as opposed to leaving things to option.That skill is especially important to develop during young adulthood, once youre off th e college campus, where its generally easy to forge close friends.One way to make friends as a grown-up is to trade confidences. Research suggests that self disclosure predicts liking, closeness, and relationship building. Another, surprisingly simple, tactic is to simply spend more time with the people youd like to befriend. According to the mere exposure effect, we tend to like things and people were familiar with.9. Mending your clothesButton popped off your shirt at work? Theres no need to panic if youre handy with a needle - which you should be.Learn how to stitch that button to your shirt collar or sew back the tear on your sleeve from the edge of the table, writes Zehra Alvi. You will save a lot of money by just knowing how to handle that two-centimeter sword.10. Speaking a second languageLearning a second language opens up the mind to an entirely new way of thinking, says Noe Villela. Youll notice and appreciate parts of the world you never before experienced.Its also possi ble that learning a new language can make you smarter - though the jury is mucksmuschenstill out on this issue. Some studies have found that being bilingual can improve cognitive skills, but more recent research disputes these findings.One of the best ways to learn a new language is through immersion. Get started with this free online tool that replicates the immersion experience.11. Sticking to a budgetIts amazing how many people cant do the simplest of things - like balance a checkbook, fill out a tax form, make sure that theres more coming in than going out, set aside reserves for contingencies, writes Miles Fidelman.Lets start with making sure that theres more coming in than going out, which is essentially about adhering to a budget. We recently rounded up the best budgeting tips from readers who have shared their budgets with geschftlicher umgang Insider.For example, youll want to anticipate any major costs in the near future - like if youre planning to have a kid or go back to school. Its also wise to set aside an emergency fund with several months worth of expenses in case the unexpected occurs.12. Using basic PhotoshopTheres no need to call in a professional to touch up the headshot youre posting to your personal website - you can do that yourself, using a few basic Photoshop tools.In the professional world few things have helped me more than knowing Photoshop, says Brad Sanzenbacher.13. Spending time aloneAs an adult, you should be able to spend a full day alone without going crazy for want of social interaction.Take a tip from Sanzenbacher, whose partner travels often for grad schoolI approach being alone with a very specific list of things that only I want to do. I go to weird museums, see movies that only I want to see, take mini-road trips, or see bands that only I like.If youre planning to live alone, which many Americans do today, you should accept that you will occasionally feel lonely. Its nothing to be ashamed of or upset by, but it might be a signal that you should incorporate some more socializing into your daily schedule.14. Public speakingYou may not ever be required to perform in a Superbowl halftime show, but youll almost certainly be tasked with making presentations at work. For that reason, its important to hone your public speaking skills.The ability to speak confidently to a large mass of people is a skill to be learnt, writes Ramachandra Bhakta in a since-deleted answer. It makes a lasting impression and brings you to the notice of several people at once.If the mere prospect of walking your coworkers through a Powerpoint gives you nightmares, there are strategies to quell your fear. One research-backed tactic is to reframe your anxiety as excitement, which can make you seem more competent and persuasive.15. NegotiatingSeveral Quora users cited negotiation skills as important for any professional.If youre negotiating your salary (which you should do), the best strategy both for getting what you want and st ill coming off as friendly is to ask for a range including and above your target number. For example, if youre aiming for a $100,000 salary, youd suggest a $100,000 to $120,000 salary.Another trick is to frame your proposal in terms of what youre giving the other person as opposed to what theyre losing. So instead of saying, I want $10,000 for my car, youd say, Ill give you my car for $10,000.16. Cooking basic mealsYou dont need to be Julia Child to sustain yourself, or to impress fellow guests at a potluck.Know how to cook at least five dishes, writes Erin Nakano OQuinn. ansicht are likely to be dependent upon the culture you live in, but be able to cook at least one vegetarian dish, a breakfast dish, a dish that you can serve to a group of people, a dessert, and a starch. Try to be able to do these without a cookbook, and you can look like a rockstar wherever you go.17. Making small talkConversation skills always come in handy, whether youre chatting up cuties at your local bar or networking at a professional conference.One of the most important rules of making small talk is to demonstrate interest in your conversation partner and let him share information about himself. Another tactic is to flatter your partner, so that she feels better about herself after having spoken to you.18. Backing up your electronicsHaving your phone die or your computer stolen is nerve-wracking enough. Saying goodbye to all your important information with those gadgets is even worse.Be responsible and back up your data. Weve rounded up all the tools youll need.19. Asking for helpTheres nothing shameful about asking for a little advice or assistance, especially at work.In fact, research suggests that soliciting advice can make you look more competent. Thats likely because people feel flattered that you turned to them in the first place.If youre looking for general career advice, entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss told Inc., its best to ask someone who became successful quickly and against the odds, instead of someone with a more conventional story.20. Picking up a dateApproaching an attractive stranger and starting a conversation is a terrifying prospect for pretty much every prototyp person.But there are ways to reduce both your anxiety and the chance that youll come across as a bumbling fool.One study found that men tend to prefer direct approaches, like Youre cute - can I buy you a drink? Women, on the other hand, generally prefer more open-ended questions, like What do you think of this band?Very few people in the study said they preferred standard pick-up lines - so its best to avoid those, no matter how clever you think you are.21. Dressing appropriately for a job interviewWere not supposed to judge books by their covers, but its no secret that hiring managers judge job candidates by their appearance.So avoid wearing too much makeup and definitely dont show up wearing a hat. Instead, youll want to dress relatively conservatively. Even your shoes shoul d be clean and tidy.The color of your clothes matters, too According to a CareerBuilder survey, blue and black are the best colors to wear to a job interview, while orange is the worst.22. Waking up on timeIn college, rolling out of bed five minutes before class starts and showing up late because you stopped to get a latte is (sort of) understandable.In the professional world? Not so much. Pull it together and figure out a personal strategy for getting up and out the door on time.It really starts with your nighttime routine - so try doing something relaxing like taking a hot shower or meditating before bed.In the morning, experts generally advise against hitting snooze and going back to sleep. Instead, hit the snooze button once and use the time until your alarm goes off again to turn on a lamp and do some light stretching.23. Giving a good handshakeOne poll found that 70% of people dont feel confident in their ability to give a proper handshake.But when you meet your companys CEO for the first time, you dont want to present her with a limp noodle - especially since a weak handshake suggests that youre insecure.The best shaking strategy is to get a good grip, with your elbow nearing a right angle. Be sure to smile and make eye contact as well.24. Power nappingYouve heard it a thousand times Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep a night.But pressing work deadlines, family obligations, and the siren call of your Facebook newsfeed mean that you probably dont get as much sleep as you need.Enter the power nap. Its just 10 minutes long and you sit slightly upright, so that you dont wake up groggy from a deep sleep. This brief rest period can leave you feeling refreshed and alert.This article first appeared on Business Insider.24 life skills every adult should master before turning 30Theres no handbook for adult life.Somehow youre just supposed to know that you should have more money coming in than going out and you shouldnt wear a fuzzy orange sweater to a job interview.Weve put together our own handbook of sorts for anyone transitioning from their 20s to their 30s, which lists many of the skills youll need to survive as an adult in the modern world.Its based on the Quora thread, What are some of the most useful skills to know? as well as scientific research and expert opinion.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWe cant promise weve outlined every skill, but if youve mastered these, youre off to a good start1. Accepting feedback gracefullyFor most of us it is hard to hear how we made a mistake or could have done something better, writes Quora user Pedram Keyani. An amazing skill (which you can learn through practice) is to set aside your emotional response in the moment and focus on the information presented to you. Some of it will be valid and some of it invalid but let your brain decide that, not your ego.Depending on what kind o f feedback youre receiving, there are different strategies for responding with a cool head. For example, if your boss points out what she thinks is an error and youre not sure shes correct, you can say, I hadnt thought of that, and Im going to look into it right away.2. Apologizing sincerelyTo err is human - but to craft a believable apology isnt a universal skill.The apology needs to be sincere, not qualified, not quantified, and also needs to outline how X will not happen again, Keyani says.According to one CEO, theres a six-step strategy for successfully saying youre sorryAct quickly.Apologize in person.Explain what happened.Show how you are going to avoid the problem in the future.Apologize.Make restitution.Keyani gives an example of what you might say if you were tardy for an appointmentIm sorry I was late for the meeting. It must have been frustrating because you spent a lot of time preparing and got up early. I did a poor job accounting for traffic and didnt give myself enou gh buffer. That is my bad and Im going to give myself an extra 10 minutes instead of five moving forward.3. Managing your time wiselyThere will probably never be a time in your life when you arent juggling multiple personal and professional priorities. Time-management skills are a must, unless you want to feel constantly frazzled.Perhaps the most important time-management lesson is that you should stick with one task at a time. Research suggests that multitasking is generally counterproductive because the brain expends energy as it readjusts its focus from one activity to another.Youd be wise, too, to limit the hours you spend working. Decades ago, Henry Ford discovered that productivity started to decline after employees logged more than 40 hours per week. Other research suggests that, after three weeks, 60-hour workweeks become less productive.4. Using keyboard shortcutsSince most of the work we do nowadays involves computers, says Arpit Jain, using keyboard shortcuts definitely g ives you an edge and saves you a lot of time.Jain posted a list of some of the handiest shortcuts in her Quora answer. For example, simultaneously pressing the Alt and F4 keys when using Microsoft windows lets you close a selected item or program. Keep the list somewhere close to your computer at work to supercharge your productivity.5. Saying no respectfullyMany of us fear the word no because we dont want to let other people down. But when youre already swamped and your coworker asks you to take an hour to help him with his project report, yes, of course might not be the best answer.It might sound a clich, but saying NO when needed can save you lot of time, confusion, guilt, attachment, commitments, stress and other social evils, writes Yogi Raj.Theres another Quora thread dedicated to learning how to say no, where Eva Glasrud writes, we routinely overestimate the cost of saying no.According to Glasrud, the best way to muster up the confidence to turn down a request is to recognize that there are some things you can never have back. Your time, your health, your virtue, your life. Dont mess around with those things. Its fine for people to ask - most likely, in their mind, theyre trying to help introduce you to a great person or opportunity or meaningful cause. And its just as fine for you to say no.6. Empathizing with othersA number of Quora users mentioned the importance of learning to empathize with other people - to listen to them and try to see things from their perspective.Psychologists say empathy is a fundamental part of human interaction. In fact, people who lack the ability to empathize and take an interest in other people are often narcissists.7. Communicating through body languageSometimes your body language tells people everything they need to know before you ever open your mouth, writes Dean Bokhari.Experts have highlighted specific body language techniques that can make you more likable. For example, dont break eye contact with your conversatio n partner, even after theyve finished speaking. And make sure not to fidget or touch your face too much, which can give the impression that youre lying or anxious.You can also read other peoples body language to help figure out what theyre thinking and feeling. For example, if they mirror your body language, the conversation is probably going well. If they smile but there are no crinkles around their eyes, they might be faking it.8. Making friends in any environmentMayeesha Tahsin says she thinks of forming relationships as a skill, as opposed to leaving things to chance.That skill is especially important to develop during young adulthood, once youre off the college campus, where its generally easy to forge close friends.One way to make friends as a grown-up is to trade confidences. Research suggests that self disclosure predicts liking, closeness, and relationship building. Another, surprisingly simple, tactic is to simply spend more time with the people youd like to befriend. Acco rding to the mere exposure effect, we tend to like things and people were familiar with.9. Mending your clothesButton popped off your shirt at work? Theres no need to panic if youre handy with a needle - which you should be.Learn how to stitch that button to your shirt collar or sew back the tear on your sleeve from the edge of the table, writes Zehra Alvi. You will save a lot of money by just knowing how to handle that two-centimeter sword.10. Speaking a second languageLearning a second language opens up the mind to an entirely new way of thinking, says Noe Villela. Youll notice and appreciate parts of the world you never before experienced.Its also possible that learning a new language can make you smarter - though the jury is still out on this issue. Some studies have found that being bilingual can improve cognitive skills, but more recent research disputes these findings.One of the best ways to learn a new language is through immersion. Get started with this free online tool t hat replicates the immersion experience.11. Sticking to a budgetIts amazing how many people cant do the simplest of things - like balance a checkbook, fill out a tax form, make sure that theres more coming in than going out, set aside reserves for contingencies, writes Miles Fidelman.Lets start with making sure that theres more coming in than going out, which is essentially about adhering to a budget. We recently rounded up the best budgeting tips from readers who have shared their budgets with Business Insider.For example, youll want to anticipate any major costs in the near future - like if youre planning to have a kid or go back to school. Its also wise to set aside an emergency fund with several months worth of expenses in case the unexpected occurs.12. Using basic PhotoshopTheres no need to call in a professional to touch up the headshot youre posting to your personal website - you can do that yourself, using a few basic Photoshop tools.In the professional world few things h ave helped me more than knowing Photoshop, says Brad Sanzenbacher.13. Spending time aloneAs an adult, you should be able to spend a full day alone without going crazy for want of social interaction.Take a tip from Sanzenbacher, whose partner travels often for grad schoolI approach being alone with a very specific list of things that only I want to do. I go to weird museums, see movies that only I want to see, take mini-road trips, or see bands that only I like.If youre planning to live alone, which many Americans do today, you should accept that you will occasionally feel lonely. Its nothing to be ashamed of or upset by, but it might be a signal that you should incorporate some more socializing into your daily schedule.14. Public speakingYou may not ever be required to perform in a Superbowl halftime show, but youll almost certainly be tasked with making presentations at work. For that reason, its important to hone your public speaking skills.The ability to speak confidently to a la rge mass of people is a skill to be learnt, writes Ramachandra Bhakta in a since-deleted answer. It makes a lasting impression and brings you to the notice of several people at once.If the mere prospect of walking your coworkers through a Powerpoint gives you nightmares, there are strategies to quell your fear. One research-backed tactic is to reframe your anxiety as excitement, which can make you seem more competent and persuasive.15. NegotiatingSeveral Quora users cited negotiation skills as important for any professional.If youre negotiating your salary (which you should do), the best strategy both for getting what you want and still coming off as friendly is to ask for a range including and above your target number. For example, if youre aiming for a $100,000 salary, youd suggest a $100,000 to $120,000 salary.Another trick is to frame your proposal in terms of what youre giving the other person as opposed to what theyre losing. So instead of saying, I want $10,000 for my car, yo ud say, Ill give you my car for $10,000.16. Cooking basic mealsYou dont need to be Julia Child to sustain yourself, or to impress fellow guests at a potluck.Know how to cook at least five dishes, writes Erin Nakano OQuinn. These are likely to be dependent upon the culture you live in, but be able to cook at least one vegetarian dish, a breakfast dish, a dish that you can serve to a group of people, a dessert, and a starch. Try to be able to do these without a cookbook, and you can look like a rockstar wherever you go.17. Making small talkConversation skills always come in handy, whether youre chatting up cuties at your local bar or networking at a professional conference.One of the most important rules of making small talk is to demonstrate interest in your conversation partner and let him share information about himself. Another tactic is to flatter your partner, so that she feels better about herself after having spoken to you.18. Backing up your electronicsHaving your phone die o r your computer stolen is nerve-wracking enough. Saying goodbye to all your important information with those gadgets is even worse.Be responsible and back up your data. Weve rounded up all the tools youll need.19. Asking for helpTheres nothing shameful about asking for a little advice or assistance, especially at work.In fact, research suggests that soliciting advice can make you look more competent. Thats likely because people feel flattered that you turned to them in the first place.If youre looking for general career advice, entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss told Inc., its best to ask someone who became successful quickly and against the odds, instead of someone with a more conventional story.20. Picking up a dateApproaching an attractive stranger and starting a conversation is a terrifying prospect for pretty much every normal person.But there are ways to reduce both your anxiety and the chance that youll come across as a bumbling fool.One study found that men tend to prefer d irect approaches, like Youre cute - can I buy you a drink? Women, on the other hand, generally prefer more open-ended questions, like What do you think of this band?Very few people in the study said they preferred standard pick-up lines - so its best to avoid those, no matter how clever you think you are.21. Dressing appropriately for a job interviewWere not supposed to judge books by their covers, but its no secret that hiring managers judge job candidates by their appearance.So avoid wearing too much makeup and definitely dont show up wearing a hat. Instead, youll want to dress relatively conservatively. Even your shoes should be clean and tidy.The color of your clothes matters, too According to a CareerBuilder survey, blue and black are the best colors to wear to a job interview, while orange is the worst.22. Waking up on timeIn college, rolling out of bed five minutes before class starts and showing up late because you stopped to get a latte is (sort of) understandable.In the professional world? Not so much. Pull it together and figure out a personal strategy for getting up and out the door on time.It really starts with your nighttime routine - so try doing something relaxing like taking a hot shower or meditating before bed.In the morning, experts generally advise against hitting snooze and going back to sleep. Instead, hit the snooze button once and use the time until your alarm goes off again to turn on a lamp and do some light stretching.23. Giving a good handshakeOne poll found that 70% of people dont feel confident in their ability to give a proper handshake.But when you meet your companys CEO for the first time, you dont want to present her with a limp noodle - especially since a weak handshake suggests that youre insecure.The best shaking strategy is to get a good grip, with your elbow nearing a right angle. Be sure to smile and make eye contact as well.24. Power nappingYouve heard it a thousand times Most people need seven to eight hours of sl eep a night.But pressing work deadlines, family obligations, and the siren call of your Facebook newsfeed mean that you probably dont get as much sleep as you need.Enter the power nap. Its just 10 minutes long and you sit slightly upright, so that you dont wake up groggy from a deep sleep. This brief rest period can leave you feeling refreshed and alert.This article first appeared on Business Insider.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Salary Guide Research Suggests Bright Outlook for Consultant Jobs Management Resources

Salary Guide Research Suggests Bright Outlook for Consultant Jobs Management ResourcesSalary Guide Research Suggests Bright Outlook for Consultant Jobs Management ResourcesEmployers are increasing salaries and bonuses as a way to attract and retain top talent in this challenging hiring landscape. However, even though offering a mora generous compensation package can provide employers a competitive advantage, it does not solve the basic supply-and-demand challenge many companies face when trying to fill open roles.Thats one of the reasons employers make consultant jobs a part of the overall staffing management plan for their accounting and finance organization. Businesses large and small are finding that many lages dont require a full-time hire and are better covered by interim team members, such as consultants.They are also engaging expert consultants for special projects requiring hard-to-find subject-matter expertise and other critical initiatives of limited duration. Some rely on interim management consultants during a lengthy hiring process. And many businesses now look to managed business services providers to provide teams of specialized consultants to handle a wide sortiment of accounting and finance challenges, from revenue cycle improvement to post-acquisition financial integration. (You can learn more about managed business services in this post.)Following is a quick overview of in-demand roles featured in the latest Salary Guide that could also be consultant jobs.Chief financial officerIn recent years, many CFOs have seen their influence expand beyond the accounting and finance function. As the CFOs role continues to increase in importance in many organizations, starting compensation for this role is growing, too, according to research for the Salary Guide.To find out what skill and abilities are needed for this senior-level finance role, see this post.Finance directorWhen fast-growing companies realize its time to take a more strategic approach with their finances, many decide to bring on a finance director to help them set long-term business goals.Read more about the requirements for this challenging position here.Senior accountantCompanies need senior accountants to handle everything from preparing budgets to reconciling account balances. The Salary Guide reports that many employers specifically seek senior accountants who have strong general accounting abilities, proficiency with Excel and excellent soft skills.For more insight on the types of nontechnical abilities needed for todays accounting and finance jobs, in general, check out this post.Financial and business analystsOrganizations need financial analysts and similar specialists to help them identify opportunities to reduce expenses and increase sales and profits. Financial analyst will be one of the hottest positions in the accounting and finance profession next year, too, according to the guide.To determine if you have the skills needed to work in financial consulti ng, read this post.Compliance expertWith regulatory compliance demands on the rise, many organizations, especially financial institutions, are bringing in compliance experts to offer objective evaluations of their operations. Consultants with compliance expertise can help recommend ways to improve compliance processes and keep related expenses in check.Learn more about the role of the compliance officer here.Internal auditorThe increasingly complex regulatory environment is also driving demand for internal auditors. Another factor Companies are launching new revenue-generating initiatives and need internal auditors to help them assess and monitor the risks of these new ventures.See this post for more insight on internal audit hiring and salary trends.Download the 2019 Salary GuideThe 2019 Robert Half Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals can be useful to consultants who want to track general compensation trends for their industry and learn about the attributes and cr edentials that todays employers want most.This post has been updated to reflect more current information.

The 30-Second Trick for Zety Resume Builder

The 30-Second Trick for Zety Resume Builder The 5-Minute Rule for Zety Resume Builder Employers always wish to know, what changes it is possible to bring out to their company which will give rise to their success. A Brief Review Regarding Resume A resume is a part of document thats used by a man or woman to spell out his employment details in regard to their background and techniques. The model which suits you will make certain that the employer first sees the most important and appropriate info. Resumes dont need to be difficult, long-winded or entirely inclusive to catch a possible employers interest. Compiling a resume can be a challenging activity but doing so is generally vital for obtaining nearly any sort of job. A vivid overview of the appropriate job featuring all the educational qualifications and academic achievement is the thing that comprises a complete resume. Lengthy resumes wont ever get attention from hiring managers and wont be read and hence wont get you the desired job prospect. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Zety Resume Builder To be sure that the simple overall look of your resume is just right, you have to work with an open mind. Youll also understand how best to organize your information on the resume so you have higher odds of finding the job which you apply for. Getting your resume done properly is quite important to drawing the eye of any prospective employer. Should you wish, you may attempt to customize the template that you chose a bit so it can reflect your personality and also so it can fit the work application to produce the probability of you getting the job higher. The Upside to Zety Resume Builder The usage of free creative resume templates are able to help you dress up the document in a means which is going to be appreciated by potential employers. Visual resume making tools There are several free tools which you are able to utilize to make the ideal resumes. Making a video resume is a significant step to stay informed about todays fast paced, digital job industry. Utilizing the most suitable video resume maker site can provide you the edge you have to stand out when looking for employment. Type of Zety Resume Builder Using resume samples can be exceedingly beneficial. Resume Length Length of your application another major factor playing a major role your selection. Checking out suitable examples about how to compose a resume is the ideal method to obtain the understanding of how to put one together. Thus, give all the required info in bulleted points so the recruiters may locate your qualities super fast. There are many places where you are able to find resume templates and examples and a great deal of sites with resume samples. There are several different forms of templates for different job titles. As you can discover options that will do the job for any position, you may think about using different ones for various forms of employment. Learning the very best ways to draw the needed attention to your abilities and abilities are able to help you get that job that you would like. You can pick the chronological or functional format based on your need, experience and abilities. These skills are frequently used in an lpn resume. The skills a chronological resume may be unable to to highlight are ready to be emphasized in a functional resume. When applying for employment in a factory, you should show mora of your physical abilities and abilities that fit the job. Make sure that you are dressed for the job youre trying to apply for. Always match your skills to the requirements of the job youre applying for. You require a resume to promote yourself for work in a corporation. There are particular crucial things you will need to think about when writing a CV. The actual folks highly praise our essay help site. Quite often, people creating resumes make the error of documenting their whole history that may lead to issues. A superb format ought to be simple to follow. Career builder CV samples supply you with many formats out there. Almost everybody who has ever been engaged in a workforce is acquainted with the traditional resume template. Some of the main job duties include Advantages of Resume Templates Whether youre using CV for the very first time or for your next job, employing the CV templates may add great benefit to the total allure of your CV. Which is crucial portion of your professional Resume. Using templates will make it possible for you to think of a template that will appear professional and thus provide you higher odds of finding the job which youre applying for. If you believe you dont will need to create a resume template then you might want to read further to figure out why precisely you will need to learn to compose a resume. Templates play a major part in your job search as it saves a great deal of your time and supply you a better format for your CV. Template for resume is a typical layout that may be used for any work position.

[Webinar] Creating A Distinct Employer Brand With The Voice Of Your Employees - Spark Hire

Webinar Creating A Distinct Employer Brand With The Voice Of Your Employees - Spark HireThe most genuine expression of your companys brand is right outside your door. It can be the difference between a mediocre and stand-out candidate. And its often underutilized, because you see it every day.Your employees and their daily interactions are your companys brand. But are you leveraging them?We have partnered with NextWave Hire to help you create better branding with your employees.Why employees are great brand ambassadorsCultural fit can make or break a candidate during the hiring process. This is because your recruiting brand is based off your companys brand. And, these all reflect your companys culture. By extension, an employee must fit with your brand and culture to be a successful employee.How to collect employee storiesFormally asking your employees to share and advocate for your company may not be every employees cup of tea. So listen and pay attention Recognize when something ty pical of your organization and its culture occurs and take note of it.Which employee stories build your employer brandThese stories should not be all of your marketing strategy, but their incorporation can add a much-needed human element. This makes your organization more relevant to customers, but also potential employees.Measuring the effects of employee storiesLike any other effort, creating a positive ROI is important. Isolating the specific goals of your employee stories and tying them directly to an increase in engagement on social media will indicate if your efforts are proving fruitful.About the WebinarJoin us on Wednesday, November 15th at 12PM CST as Phil Strazzulla, founder and CEO of NextWave Hire, guides you through the specifics of leveraging one of your most powerful branding assets your employees. You will learn more about employee stories, implementation strategies and how to measure their effectiveness. hbspt.cta.load(3358296, 29e85350-7418-44b0-b254-7593f1a669ec, )

How and Why to Recognize Employees with a Service Award

How and Why to Recognize Employees with a Service AwardHow and Why to Recognize Employees with a Service AwardAre you taking advantage of the overall value of a tafelgeschirr award as a component in your organizations employee recognition processes and program? The tafelgeschirr award is a valuable component of an organizations overall employee recognition efforts. You just need to understand, value, and appropriately utilize the service award in your formal employee recognition mix. A service award is an opportunity for an organization to recognize an employee for his or her longevity or tenure with the organization. A service award comes in many variations as does the approach an organization uses to recognize an employee with a service award. Here is what you need to know about the who, what, when, where, and why an organization might want to supply a service award to an employee. Why notlage try it? Employees love service awards- theyre just one more way to say how much you value your employees. Your employees want to feel cared about and that their longevity and loyalty deserve an award. Advantages of Providing an Employee Service Award Employers will want to consider offering a service award to recognize and celebrate the longevity of an employee for the following reasons. The service award should be the only bonus or compensation component that recognizes the length of time that an employee has worked for your organization. Length of service is generally only recognized in public sector jobs, and in the public and private sector in union-represented jobs. Employers may informally recognize longer term employees because of their higher salaries due to annual increases over a period of time. But, in a future that is driven by individual compensation based on contribution, merit pay will rule the day.? A service award recognizes that an employee has served an appreciated period of time in your organization. The service award allows the employer to thank the employee for his or her service. Consequently, you see employers recognizing a year of service with an award. Then, service awards recognize, depending on the organization, three years, five years, ten years, fifteen years and so forth with increasingly valuable presents and awards.Some organizations accompany a service award with a plaque, a written recognition letter, and additional paid time off. Historically, a service award was a celebration for the company, too. The service award acknowledged that it had successfully retained employees for a long period of time. This demonstrated that the company was a good place to work and deserving of employee loyalty and longevity. This served as a positive reputation for recruiting new employees.A service award is a way to acknowledge your solid performers who might not be earning the top bonus, or a spot award, or recognition for a knock-your-socks-off organizational accomplishment. For your top performers, the service award is just one more way to say thank you for your continued astonishing performance. A service award, as a form of recognition, originated during a time period when organizations and society venerated older people in their culture, perhaps more so than is done today. So, a service award lives out an older tradition from a slower time when wisdom, knowledge, and experience may have been honored and esteemed more publicly. This doesnt seem like such a bad tradition, even today to honor and esteem experienced employees for their knowledge and continuing contribution.Think about a service award as a way to acknowledge service, as a symbol of continuity and organizational memory. A publicly-given service award allows the telling of company stories and a walk for employees down a memory lane that they may or may not share.The service award ceremony is an opportunity for company members to reminisce about the organizations history and founding. It is an opportunity to enculturate newer employees wit h the legends and stories that have made the company what it is today.In some organizations, such as the US Army, Marines, and Navy, a military enlisted person receives a service stripe called a hash mark for each period of time served. The hash mark is worn on dress uniforms as a celebration and acknowledgment of service. By virtue of their long service, these employees who receive a service award are generally positive about working for your organization. They contribute to your organizations positive culture and environment, so it makes sense to recognize them and their continuing contribution. Recommendations About the Service Award Organizations do well to take advantage of the positive employee feelings that are generated with a service award. A service award that is quietly given, with no pomp and circumstances, fails to capture the advantages and opportunities available to positively affect employee morale. Rewards and recognition that are publicly extended enhance the v alue of the recognition for the employees receiving it. These are recommendations about how to provide a service award while creating the fruchtwein positive impact and increasing employee morale and feelings of appreciation. Ask a cross-functional team of employees to put together your service award program or process. These employees will know what other employees find rewarding and recognizing. Give the team a budget so that they can select appropriate gifts.Give the service award team parameters. For example, the service award must contain a component that lasts over time such as a plaque or additional acknowledgment of appreciation that the employee can look at for years. A gift of money is spent with no memory of why the money was given and has little lasting value as a positive employee memory.The same is true with gifts of merchandise. Once the suitcase or briefcase or watch is incorporated into the employees life, it has little value as a service award. So, merchandise must have a component that sets it apart from what an employee can purchase for him or herself in a store. Perhaps an official company plaque with the employees name will make the service award a proud memory. For the same reason, you will want to present a service award at an all-employee meeting or ceremony to enhance and publicize the value of the service award recognition. The ideal presenter is the company CEO, president, or division head, depending on the size of your organization.Every employee who reaches the designated years of service should receive the same service award. This is one employee recognition opportunity that should be consistent, fair, and equitable.Accompany the service award with a written acknowledgment of the employees service. This recognition letter should state the length of service, thank the employee, and provide memorable details about why the employee is receiving the service award. A service award program is a valuable and valued component of your ov erall employee recognition efforts. Dont let the opportunity that a service award provides go by the wayside because you fail to take advantage of the opportunity to recognize employees appropriately- to your advantage and theirs.

How to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness in a Job Interview

How to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness in a Job InterviewHow to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness in a Job InterviewWhen preparing responses to common job interview questions, dont forget this tricky one What is your greatest weakness? Employers use it to get an idea of your self-awareness and to see if you keep cool under pressure.But since presenting oneself in the best possible light is of utmost importance, candidates get nervous that theyll say something damaging.Heres a look at how to answer What is your great weakness? in a job interview, and speak negatively while still proving that youre the best person for the jobWhat to AvoidResist the temptation to say that you dont have any weaknesses. Everyone knows that isnt true, and youll come off as cocky.Likewise, steer clear of clichs. Interviewers tire of people trying to disguise strengths as weaknesses with statements such as I work too hard or Im too passionate about what I do.And, in case theres any doubt, dont say things that undermine your suitability for the position. Admitting that youre lazy, not good with deadlines, hate teamwork, or drink too much wont come off as endearingly honest it will just scare listeners.Building a Strong AnswerLuckily, there are ways to give a believable response and continue to sell your candidacy.Take the P.A.R. approach Problem-Action-Result, says Lavie Margolin, author of Mastering the Job Interview. Provide a relevant weakness that you may have had, what you have done to overcome it, and where you stand now.As illustration, Margolin offers this sample answerIve always considered myself a quieter person. While I am very comfortable talking to people one on one, or even giving presentations, I have always been intimidated to go over to people I do not know and introduce myself. Given my role in the business world, I knew that I had to get beyond that. Ive made a concerted effort to put myself out there and meet new people. While it can be intimidating to do s o, I dont think anyone notices that I am uncomfortable sometimes and Ive made some great new connections.Another option is to choose a minor flaw unrelated to the job at hand. By doing this, you admit imperfection and demonstrate awareness of where you might need improvement- without raising eyebrows. Unless youre applying for an IT position, nobody should really care about your inability to troubleshoot tech issues.And regardless of your answer, deliver your words with confidence. Peoplewho maintain composure whether talking about positives or negatives demonstrate to employers an ability to handle whatever comes their way.Looking for more advice on interviewing? Take a look at our job interviewing tips category.

When It Comes to Your Job Search, Do You Maximize or Satisfice

When It Comes to Your Job Search, Do You Maximize or SatisficeWhen It Comes to Your Job Search, Do You Maximize or SatisficeOn a job search, a big question that all candidates must determine for themselves is when is enough, enough? Do you try to research every possible company in your industry to work for, and apply to every job for which youre qualified? Or do you figure out what specific criteria you need to meet, and then stop looking as soon as youve found a job that matches those goals?If youre the type of person who wants to cover all of your bases, then youre what Gretchin Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies, calls a maximizer. Satisficers, on the other hand, feel satisfied as soon as theyve identified something that works for them, even if they havent thoroughly explored all of their options.Does it matter whether youre a maximizer or a satisficer when it comes to your job search? It might, if your happiness matters to you. Rubin points to Barry Sc hwartzs book, The Paradox of Choice, to support the argument that the habits of satisficers tend to make them happier than maximizers. In other words, if you feel the need to check out every possible job option before settling on a choice, you may be making yourself less happy than other candidates who know how to satisfice.To avoid these kompetenzprofil issues, consider substituting your maximizing tendencies for developing the ability to satisfice yourself in the job marketRecognize that the grass is always greener.Its easy to see why satisficers might feel better about their choice than maximizers. If you think about it, there are always more possibilities to explore when it comes to work.If youve convinced yourself that you cant take a job until youve thoroughly vetted every conceivable option, you may end up passing on a great opportunity while you continue searching for what you imagine is the perfect one. Its also easy to fall into the keep looking syndrome, imagining that wh atever is coming next might be better than whats already in front of you.Too many choices means more dilemmas.With every position that you explore, you expose yourself to new details that you must consider and weigh against other information youve found. You can easily become overwhelmed with pro/con comparisons, and once youve finally decided on a direction, could find yourself later regretting not taking something that you remember as meeting some of your criteria better than the job you took.By deciding in advance what your criteria are for a job that will work for you, you avoid going down this rabbit hole of constant comparison.Dont drown out your intuition searching for optimal.While its certainly always advisable to do your due diligence when making a major life decision that involves your employment, Schwartzs research suggests that there can indeed be too much of a good thing. Understanding your options is important, but it may affect how you feel about your final decision if you prioritize making the optimal career choice over simply selecting a job that meets all of your predetermined criteria.If youve found a job that fits with what you said you wanted, listen to your intuition. By falling into perfectionistic habits of needing to check out every job possible, you might make a decision that doesnt match with what youd already highlighted as most important to you.Regardless of which personality type you feel most drawn toward in your job search, maximizer or satisficer, you can take steps toward making a choice that youre more likely to feel good about. By being intentional about your job search decision-making strategy, its possible to be thrilled with your choice- even when you leave some stones unturned.Find Open Remote and Telecommuting Jobs