Saturday, May 30, 2020

Job Seeker Success Simply ASK!

Job Seeker Success Simply ASK! A few weeks ago I was presenting to a bunch of job seekers and, as usual, had some books to hand out.  I dont have a polished way of handing them out (yet), and sometimes I forget to get rid of them all. At the end of the presentation I was standing at the front of the room, talking to people, enjoying the networking environment, and I looked down to see the last, lone book on the desk.  It stuck out since it was bright blue.  It was just sitting there.  My thought was: If someone would just ask for this book, Id give it to them! All they had to do was let me know they wanted it I didnt want to give it to someone who wouldnt be interested in it just ask, I thought! A few days later I saw a Group Discussion on my LinkedIn Group titled Six year old scores his dream job, posted by Adam Lewis. I read the article thinking it had to be a hoax, and that some papers got gamed perhaps that is the case, but it seems to be quite real. What happened? You can read the awesome story at The Telegraph, and BBC News in summary, a six year old kid (Sam Pointon) applied, via letter, for a job to replace the retiring director at the National Railway Museum in York (UK).  The letter is adorable check it out: You know what this six year old did?  HE ASKED!  He simply asked! (go here to clearly see the content of the letter) The person who would have asked for that book would have gotten it, because the timing was PERFECT! I didnt want to bring it back home!  I wanted to give it to someone, but I missed my chances, and I was about to have to ugh, take it back home! Are you ASKING for time to discuss industry issues with peers (aka, asking for informational interviews/meetings)? Are you ASKING for introductions to key people? Are you ASKING who do you know who works in my industry? Are you ASKING friends and family for help, or advice? Are you ASKING for _________? (you know what THE THING is to fill the blank in with) ASK!  ASK!  ASK! Job Seeker Success Simply ASK! A few weeks ago I was presenting to a bunch of job seekers and, as usual, had some books to hand out.  I dont have a polished way of handing them out (yet), and sometimes I forget to get rid of them all. At the end of the presentation I was standing at the front of the room, talking to people, enjoying the networking environment, and I looked down to see the last, lone book on the desk.  It stuck out since it was bright blue.  It was just sitting there.  My thought was: If someone would just ask for this book, Id give it to them! All they had to do was let me know they wanted it I didnt want to give it to someone who wouldnt be interested in it just ask, I thought! A few days later I saw a Group Discussion on my LinkedIn Group titled Six year old scores his dream job, posted by Adam Lewis. I read the article thinking it had to be a hoax, and that some papers got gamed perhaps that is the case, but it seems to be quite real. What happened? You can read the awesome story at The Telegraph, and BBC News in summary, a six year old kid (Sam Pointon) applied, via letter, for a job to replace the retiring director at the National Railway Museum in York (UK).  The letter is adorable check it out: You know what this six year old did?  HE ASKED!  He simply asked! (go here to clearly see the content of the letter) The person who would have asked for that book would have gotten it, because the timing was PERFECT! I didnt want to bring it back home!  I wanted to give it to someone, but I missed my chances, and I was about to have to ugh, take it back home! Are you ASKING for time to discuss industry issues with peers (aka, asking for informational interviews/meetings)? Are you ASKING for introductions to key people? Are you ASKING who do you know who works in my industry? Are you ASKING friends and family for help, or advice? Are you ASKING for _________? (you know what THE THING is to fill the blank in with) ASK!  ASK!  ASK! Job Seeker Success Simply ASK! A few weeks ago I was presenting to a bunch of job seekers and, as usual, had some books to hand out.  I dont have a polished way of handing them out (yet), and sometimes I forget to get rid of them all. At the end of the presentation I was standing at the front of the room, talking to people, enjoying the networking environment, and I looked down to see the last, lone book on the desk.  It stuck out since it was bright blue.  It was just sitting there.  My thought was: If someone would just ask for this book, Id give it to them! All they had to do was let me know they wanted it I didnt want to give it to someone who wouldnt be interested in it just ask, I thought! A few days later I saw a Group Discussion on my LinkedIn Group titled Six year old scores his dream job, posted by Adam Lewis. I read the article thinking it had to be a hoax, and that some papers got gamed perhaps that is the case, but it seems to be quite real. What happened? You can read the awesome story at The Telegraph, and BBC News in summary, a six year old kid (Sam Pointon) applied, via letter, for a job to replace the retiring director at the National Railway Museum in York (UK).  The letter is adorable check it out: You know what this six year old did?  HE ASKED!  He simply asked! (go here to clearly see the content of the letter) The person who would have asked for that book would have gotten it, because the timing was PERFECT! I didnt want to bring it back home!  I wanted to give it to someone, but I missed my chances, and I was about to have to ugh, take it back home! Are you ASKING for time to discuss industry issues with peers (aka, asking for informational interviews/meetings)? Are you ASKING for introductions to key people? Are you ASKING who do you know who works in my industry? Are you ASKING friends and family for help, or advice? Are you ASKING for _________? (you know what THE THING is to fill the blank in with) ASK!  ASK!  ASK!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Business Resume Examples - How to Design a Professional-Looking Business Resume

Business Resume Examples - How to Design a Professional-Looking Business ResumeBusiness resume examples can help you formulate the information you want to include on your business resume. It can be very helpful to remember that there are many different types of resumes available and that it is possible to combine a few of them to create a custom-made resume.The business resume examples you find in books and online have all been designed by professionals. Therefore, they should be very effective. One thing that you should keep in mind when you design your resume is to ensure that you avoid over-emphasizing your skills.Business resume examples should contain the information you want to include on your resume, but they should not over-emphasize the fact that you are a businessperson. For example, if you had a product that was innovative and the best in the industry, the first sentence of your resume should include this information. You should then go on to state what your qualifications are for the position that you are applying for.However, a business resume example should also keep specific details about the position that you are applying for as well. For example, you should state your qualifications, which include your education, experience, work history, and any special skills that you may have that would be beneficial to the company that you are applying for. You should not over-emphasize these details.When you are designing your full resume, keep in mind that the specifics of your resume will show up on the cover page of your application. Therefore, you want to ensure that your full resume includes the most important details.The next item that you should include in your resume is a cover letter. This should include the details of your experience and education that would be beneficial to the organization that you are applying for. As well, your cover letter should highlight your skills and the abilities that are valuable to the company.If you follow the advic e that you find in the business resume examples that you find in books and online, you should be able to create a very professional-looking resume. However, make sure that your resume is formatted correctly. If you use bad format, you will end up having a hard time deciphering it from the resume that a hiring manager actually reads.Your resume is a way to get the hiring manager to read your application, so make sure that you hire a professional to format your resume for you. If you don't, then you could wind up looking very amateurish when you are on a job interview.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The 5 Best Places To Visit Europe In Winter

The 5 Best Places To Visit Europe In Winter If you are planning a holiday to Europe this winter season, then there is no need to get discouraged with the colder temperatures. While most European cities get at least a bit of snow and start to cool off in the winter, there is still lots to see and do, indoors and outdoors. In fact, narrowing down the list and making a reasonable itinerary can be a bit of a challenge. With opportunities for winter sports, cultural appreciation, and more, there are many possibilities for you to choose from when it comes to a great winter holiday in Europe. However, before you go, it is important to get a travel insurance quote and find travel insurance that works for you before you take off. Regardless of what activities you plan on enjoying while you are abroad, it is important to adequately protect yourself from the possibility of an accident, emergency, or delay. Travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it is highly important to ensure that your personal and financial safety is secured while you are travelling through Europe. To give you some inspiration for your next travel adventure, let’s look at five of the best places to visit in Europe during the winter. Copenhagen, Denmark After living with cold winters for centuries, the inhabitants of Denmark know how to thrive during the winter months. In Copenhagen, you will find countless people cosying up and getting comfortable in cafes and historical sites throughout the city at this time of year. If you are looking to see one of the most beautiful European capitals at its best and want to take some time to get comfortable and relax, then explore Copenhagen during your next winter holiday. Germany Germany is known around the world for its famous Christmas markets during the winter months. While the spectacle of the Christmas market will differ in size from town to town, you are sure to enjoy perusing outdoor stalls, walking through historical streets, and sampling some classic German food. Athens, Greece For those who want to check out more Mediterranean climates, Athens is a good place to visit during the winter. Although the temperatures are much cooler here than in the summer, you are sure to find that the major tourist attractions are much easier to access. Winter is the off-season for tourists visiting Greece, so you can enjoy the flexibility of walking through the streets of the city without feeling crowded. Try visiting one of the Greek Islands for a truly unforgettable adventure. Innsbruck, Austria Nestled snugly in mainland Europe, Innsbruck is a must-visit destination for those who are keen on getting active while on their winter holiday. If you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, you are sure to delight in the many slopes and scenic alpine resorts that fill the surrounding countryside. Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics on more than one occasion and features comprehensive infrastructure for many winter sports. Budapest, Hungary As one of Eastern Europe’s legendary capitals, Budapest is a great place to visit at any time of year, including the winter. While the summer months can often be too hot to be comfortable, you will be able to truly enjoy your adventuring throughout the city’s many interesting districts and streets in the cool of winter. Check out the central park to enjoy some ice skating on an absolutely massive outdoor rink. Much More To Explore These five destinations are only a small sample of what Europe offers for intrepid winter travellers. Try including at least one of the above on your next holiday itinerary and you are sure to avoid disappointment.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The 3 Musts of Building a Successful Social Network - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The 3 Musts of Building a Successful Social Network - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The network. We hear all about having to have one. We are invited to events revolving around it. We are asked about it. But does anyone really know what it is or how to create one? A simple explanation for why the network is glossed over is because so many assume it’s something you should already know about. If you go into business, it’s an expected feature of you as an employee. That being said, the network isn’t that hard to understand. In short, it is your personal web of contacts. Including friends, family and business partners, your network is who you know. This is why it is so important. It stands to reason that the more people you know and keep in contact with, the more opportunities will come your way. Unfortunately, there’s not too much training in regards to building a successful network. It’s assumed you pick up these social skills in school, but school doesn’t train you how best to forge new alliances, especially if you were never forced to interact with those outside of your social circle. Luckily, it is never too late to teach yourself how to truly develop a network most people dream of having. A Solid Story Before you can connect with anyone, you need to be connected with yourself. This means being in touch with who you are and what you want. What is your ultimate goal? Too often we believe incorrectly that the successful networkers know everyone. In truth, the successful networkers know the right ones. Because there are only so many hours in a day, it is imperative you take the time to really breakdown your goals, your dreams and your current situation. Where do you want to be in six months? Where do you want to be in six years? All of the answers to these questions make up your story, cementing the tale you tell on your foray through the networking world, providing you with a compass that points you toward beneficial network additions. Know Who Again, the best networkers connect to the right people not everyone they meet. They certainly keep the possibilities open but otherwise go out networking with a specific agenda. Now that you know yourself, you’ll know who in the field will be your greatest asset. This allows you to make the most of the limited time afforded at big social gatherings. No doubt your target will be making rounds, and you don’t want to waste their time so much as lay the groundwork for forging a future alliance. There are many ways to go about this, all of them involving research. You need to know who the leaders of the different industries are. You’ll want to know what their specific jobs are so you can find those that fit what you’re hoping to expand into. If there’s an event, try and obtain a guest list so you have the chance to research ahead of time who you want to flag down and meet. Networking is very much about working smarter, not harder. Go Deeper Finally, don’t neglect your current network. Meeting new people is always great but doesn’t always yield results. It’s your closest compatriots that really offer up more than recent additions. These are the individuals that have a vested interest in your success. They want to see you achieve your dreams and will do everything in their power to help you along. If they are in different jobs, a bartering system can be established to grow benefits for both parties. How to do this varies from relationship to relationship. If it’s an old friend, paying them a visit or giving them a call are great ways to reconnect and confirm both parties are still in an alliance. If it’s a new acquaintance, inviting them out to do something or otherwise spending time with them one-on-one is essential for forging a stronger bond. Never be afraid of the network. This constantly shifting and evolving collection of individuals is a necessary component to your success. However, a good network is only as strong as your plans are. If you don’t know where to focus your efforts, you’ll pull together an amalgamation of people that can’t quite give you the push you need to see success. Instead, focus your foundation, focus your network growth and focus on strengthening your existing network.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Writing a Cover Letter Resume Example

Writing a Cover Letter Resume ExampleWriting a cover letter is one of the most crucial elements when you are trying to get hired for a job. Most companies will usually ask for at least two sample letters before offering a job and if you send out a weak one they may think that you don't have what it takes to get the job done.A good letter will show potential employers that you are professional, organized and punctual. It should also be well-written and be able to convince them that you're the right person for the job. So how do you write a cover letter resume example?I've been in this business for a few years now and I have found the answer to the question how to write a cover letter lies in a simple little trick. All you need to do is think about the position you're applying for and try to imagine how you could fit in with it. What skills does your dream job require? Do you have those skills? Think about it and write your resume based on what you can learn from the job.This means tha t you have to be aware of the skills you'll need for that job and try to think about things like where you could improve your ability to solve problems within the company. This is important because it may seem obvious but people tend to think that you can apply the skills you learned at college, or work experience, but they're not always that obvious. Plus you will be paying for those skills to be transferred into your job so you want to make sure that you are getting something out of it.Another great tip when writing a cover letter is to be positive. Everyone has their own opinion on things and if you've spent any time at all looking at cover letters then you'll know that negativity and cronyism rarely work. Plus the cover letter is supposed to be a direct pitch of yourself to the employer and that requires a little bit of positivity too.So once you have these tips, it's time to start writing. Try to follow these four rules for writing a resume cover letter. They're just basic in t he sense that they are the bare minimum to get you started, but they're the ones that are often overlooked.Highlight your achievements. We all know that these are important but we rarely use them to our advantage. A cover letter doesn't have to be long to give you ample opportunity to highlight your achievements. Make sure you bring it up at the very end so that they don't miss it.Show off your personality. They've found some of the best cover letters ever by showing the hiring manager their character and they use examples of their letter to do it. Try to incorporate some of this and demonstrate your character in your cover letter resume example.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

I Really Want the Job! How Should I Follow Up After the Interview - Sterling Career Concepts

I Really Want the Job! How Should I Follow Up After the Interview I Really Want the Job! How Should I Follow Up After the Interview? You interviewed for a position, and you’re really interested in the job. Maybe you interviewed really well and are now hoping to get called back for another round, or maybe you didn’t interview as well as you’d hoped, but you’re confident you’re a strong fit and want one last chance to convince them of your candidacy. There are ways to follow up and continue making a positive impression on the potential employer. As appropriate, consider one of the following 3 ways to follow up in writing: 1. Draft either a 90-day or a 30/60/90-day plan on what you would implement if you were offered and accepted the position. 2. Offer a suggestion or strategy for how you would resolve a challenge that was discussed during the interview. 3. Recommend a resource or contact name which ties in to something discussed during the interview. Devising a 90-day or 30/60/90-day plan will take some time so go ahead and send your thank you letter out as usual within 24 hours and then follow up within a few days (no more than a week) with your plan. The benefit to this is that will serve as an additional point of contact. Either of the second 2 options can be done within the thank you/follow-up letter or in a separate e-mail. Just be sure not to delay sending the thank you letter on account of one of these strategies. The follow-up can always stand on its own.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Are you being held back by Fact or Fear Take this quiz to find out.

Are you being held back by Fact or Fear Take this quiz to find out. Attitude matters so much in our success.   In fact, Im doing a teleclass on Attitude adjustments and More, Strategies to Love your Job for the Association of Image Consultants International.When our attitude is based in fear it holds us back.   Deepak Chopra calls FEAR   False Evidence Appearing Real.   When we act as if our fears are real, these limiting beliefs result in limited actions and limited results. You might not even know you are operating from fear.   Below is a list of common thoughts I hear from my career coaching clients.Can you guess how many are facts and which are fears?Answer: Only one, Changing careers takes time and energy. is a fact. The rest are fears false reasons many people are stuck in careers they dont enjoy.   If you are ready to conquer your fears and do work you love, here are resources that work for me:Listen to Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers â€" The audio-version is my go-to whenever I need a boost to do something that scares me.St ay adventurous in your travels with articles and tours and read how ziplining helped me conquer my fears on a trip to Africa.Join my monthly mastermind program.     Having positive, uplifting people in your life is crucial especially if you hit a roadblock or run into a setback.     Enlist support from others, not criticism and youll benefit from having a positive touchstone in your life. I call it entering Maggies world, where anything is possible.I encourage you to separate fact from fear and experience the energy that courage gives you energy.   “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”Eleanor Roosevelt.