Infographic How To Use Your Breaks To Be More Productive

Infographic How To Use Your Breaks To Be More Productive Infographic How To Use Your Breaks To Be More ProductivePosted February 27, 2017, by Zahra Campbell-AvenellTaking regular breaks can do wonders for your productivity. Countless studies have demonstrated that even short diversions from a task can dramatically improve your performance. If you think about it, Newton discovered gravity while relaxing under a tree, Archimedes was chilling out in the bathtub when he had his Eureka moment, and Einstein came up with the theory of relativity while riding his bicycle. So what you do while youre not working is just as important if not more as what you do while youre working.It might sound crazy, but science has shown that looking at adorable kitten and puppy pictures, listening to music while you work and exercising even just at your desk can increase your productivity. Here are 16 other ways to use your breaks to get a productivity boostSource Quid CornerSourcesHarness, J. (20 16). The Importance of Breaks At Work. lifehack.org Johansson, A. (2015). Can Creative Breaks Boost Your Employees Productivity?. entrepreneur.com Career Concepts. (2016). How to Take A Real Break. careerconceptsinc.com Schwarz, T. (2010). The 90-Minute Solution. huffingtonpost.com tom.james.watson. (2016). Break Timer. chrome.google.com Marinara Timer. (2016). Marinara Timer. marinaratimer.com EyeLeo. (2015). EyeLeo. eyeleo.com The Muse. (2016). Take Five 51 Things to Do When You Need a Break at Work. themuse.com Cirillo Company. (2016). Things To Do In Your 5 Minutes Break. cirillocompany.de Tyagarajan. (2016). How Solving the Rubiks Cube can make your Brain Sharper. chalkstreet.com The Muse. (2016). Take Five 51 Things to Do When You Need a Break at Work. themuse.com teddy boy. Let us surprise you.ted.com Patel, N. (2014). When, How, and How Often to Take a Break. inc.com Gordon, J. (2014). 10 Fun Things To Do During Your Lunch Break.linkedin.com Mitchell, H. (2013). Making the M ost of Your Lunch Hour. wsj.com Nikitina, A. (2016). 21 Counter-Intuitive Break Ideas to Boost Your Productivity at Work. lifehack.org Oaklander, M. (2015). 10 Deskercises You Can Do at Work. time.com Kim, L. (2016). 4 Must-Watch Inspirational TED Talks on Creativity in Business. inc.com ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searcheseffective oral and written communication skillsattention to detail skillsdefine communication skills11 top tips for effective time managementhow to demonstrate high literacy and numeracy skills CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire Online Zahr a Campbell-AvenellZahra started writing at the age of 6, and hasnt stopped since. When shes not creating content about careers, learning and personal development, you can find her researching her next travel adventure, bingeing on Netflix or shopping online.Related ArticlesBrowse moreDesignDigital Media10 jobs that the world wide web createdThe internet may have made some occupations redundant but did you know it has created more jobs than it has made obsolete? This week Julia looks at some of the new roles that have been spun in the world wide web.Career progressionGenerations in the workforce8 Career-Defining Moves To Make In Your 20sDont throw away your twenties, hoping that stuff will work itself out. Claim this defining decade of your life and set your career up for later lifePay packets on the riseThe results are in from the 2008 Hays Salary Survey and, fortunately for employees, it looks like wages are on the up and up, especially if you are in the right state, the right indu stry and the right job.

Recruiters Arent a Finishing School

Recruiters Arent a Finishing SchoolRecruiters Arent a Finishing SchoolRecruiters dont work for you and they dont have to help you, but they can be a valuable resource to help you be the right candidate for the job.There are a few things you should know about recruiters before you work with them.Recruiters measure of success is filling open positions, not getting people hired.Theyre not there to be a finishing school for candidates. Theyre paid by hiring companies to find the right candidate, not to make you the right candidate.No one knows better than the recruiter what the hiring company wants in a candidate.Put together, recruiters dont work for you and they dont have to help you, but they can be a valuable resource to help you be the right candidate for the job. And fruchtwein are willing to help do that. While not a finishing school, fruchtwein good recruiters can recognize a candidate with all the right pieces and help polish them for presentation to the hiring company, said Lyn n Hazan, founder of Chicago-based Lynn Hazan and Associates.Hazan goes further than most recruiters. For the right candidates, the search firm does extensive career coaching and counseling and offers tools designed to help candidates adjust to a cutthroat job market. Their special focus is on changing the candidates attitude and flexibility.We have candidates whove been laid off after years and years at a company, and we also have entry-level candidates whove never held a corporate position before, she said. But we emphasize the market conditions, and help them realize that they cant bully their way into a position, so to speak, no matter what their experience, credentials, who they know.In the current buyers market, where hiring companies have plenty of good candidates from which to choose, hiring managers have grown more selective. In such a situation, a candidate might possess all but one required element and help in adding that element or a positive, accommodating attitude can o ften win the day, said Hazan.It can be a tough pill to swallow that companies have so much leverage, she said. If a candidate doesnt want the job or is not a perfect fit, there can be hundreds of other applicants whod be happy to snap it up.Practice, Practice, PracticeWhat can be trickiest for job hunters is simply that they dont get much practice using their preparation, search and interviewing skills, Hazan said. Hazan finds that most candidates dont interview or even apply for jobs on a daily basis, and therefore have a tentative understanding of what works in a search and/or interview and what does not. She said that many are also struggling with time management and making a job search strategic rather than just applying to various positions on a whim.Keeping accurate records of your job applications, contacts and the various recruiting professionals you work with, and managing those relationships as though it were your job, is key, Hazan said.Practice is important, and keeping your interview skills well oiled, so to speak, is extremely important nowadays, she said. Its no longer a situation where you can just throw a bunch of resumes out there and see what sticks.Hazan and Associates specializes in marketing and communications professionals, a field you would expect to be replete with candidates skilled at self-promotion. Not so said Hazan.Its a lot easier to market and communicate about something - a product, a service - outside of yourself, she said. For candidates, looking internally to identify strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. So Hazan said she makes sure to bring candidates into the feedback loop after theyve interviewed and been critiqued by the hiring company.We give them tips on how they came across to the interviewer that includes their resume, their professional demeanor, their speaking skills and, of course, overall attitude.

Customize this Outstanding Human Service Worker Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Human Service Worker Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Human Service Worker Resume SampleCreate Resume Amanda Best100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234emailleexample.comProfessional Summary Caring Human Service Worker with experience in assisting clients to obtain needed services, including housing, mental health, medical and financial. Extensive case management experience with marginalized and at-risk populations. Insider knowledge of community resources.Core QualificationsCase ManagementNeeds AssessmentIntake ProceduresTreatment PlanningResource ReferralRisk AssessmentProgress NotesDocumentationExperienceHuman Services Worker, March 2011 March 2015New Parkland Office of Human Services New Parkland, CACarried a complex caseload of approximately 20 at-risk clients.Completed intake and assessments in order to best determine needs.Assisted clients in obtaining needed resources, provided counseling and taught daily living skills. Wrote progress notes, communicated with outside agency personnel and assisted clients in making/keeping regular appointments.Human Services worker, June 2007 March 2011Parkland County Social Services Department New Parkland, CAOversaw caseload of 15 homeless families.Assisted clients in obtaining shelter through agency resources and outside programs.Linked clients with community resources such as financial assistance, substance abuse counseling, psychotherapy, job skills training and higher education.Wrote detailed treatment plans, progress reports and other client documentation.Education2007 Master of Social WorkNew Parkland University New Parkland, CACustomize ResumeHuman Service Worker Resume Questions1. What is the best design for a philanthropisch service worker resume?With a career in human services, youll have a professional, public-facing job. Show that youre ready to fill that role by creating polished, professional application documents in the style of our human service worker resume sample. If you need more step-by-step guidance to develop your resume, our customized resume builder can help make the process effortless.2. What do you put on a human service worker resume for your first job?If you have studied human services, social work, or a related field in college but have little or no work experience in this area, focus your resume on your learning experiences, as well as any internships you have completed. If you have previously worked in a different field, follow the basic outline of the human service worker resume sample, but emphasize relevant, transferable skills that will help you succeed in your new occupation.3. Whats the best length for a human service worker resume?If you have extensive work experience going back more than 10 years, its expected that your resume will be two or even three pages long. If, however, your employment history in the field of human services is less than 10 years, try to keep it to a single page. In any case, you should follow the classic outline presented in the human service worker resume sample header, professional summary, qualifications, experience, and education. No matter how many entries you have in your work history and education sections, focus on main points, keywords, and specific accomplishments. Dont be long-winded.4. Whats the best format for a resume PDF, MS Word, or txt?If youre submitting your resume online, check the job description for instructions on how the company wants it presented. Sometimes youll need to email your documents but not include attachments. If this is the case, you will need to copy and paste your resume into the body of the email. In other cases, the instructions may be to use a specific file format. If you arent directed to use a particular file type, but youre concerned about preserving the formatting so the result looks like the human service worker resume sample, try creating a PDF or using rich text.5. What should you include about your accomp lishments on your human service worker resume?First, think about the difference between a job responsibility and an accomplishment. You may have the responsibility of answering phones, but does that feel like an accomplishment? Dig a little deeper, and you may find that mastering a switchboard or fielding phone calls from care providers, officials, and clients all in the same day feel more like accomplishments than simply answering the phone. Did your work increase client satisfaction, enable more people to enroll in a particular service, or streamline paperwork for a certain recurring task? Those are the types of things you should include as accomplishments, especially if you have numbers to back up your claims. Begin each eintrag with a verb, as demonstrated in the human service worker resume sample.

7 ways to make difficult conversations easy

7 ways to make difficult conversations easy 7 ways to make difficult conversations easy Someone is screaming in your face at the top of their lungs.  Or ranting angrily and you can’t get a word in edgewise. Or maybe they’re sobbing so hard  you can barely understand what they’re saying.We’ve all been there. These situations don’t happen a lot (thank god) but we all feel helpless when they do. And because they’re rare we don’t ever seem to get better at handling them.Problem is, these moments are often critical because they’re usually with people we care about.What’s the best way to handle these difficult conversations? What works?I called someone who knows:  Dr. Albert J. Bernstein.  He’s a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience and the author of a number of great books  on dealing with people problems:Dinosaur Brains: Dealing with All Those Impossible People at WorkAm I The Only Sane One Working Here?: 101 Solutions for Surviving Office InsanityEmotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You DryHere’s what you’ll learn in t his post: The magic phrase that gets people to stop yelling. How to stop making the most common mistake  in these kind of discussions. How to switch people from being emotional to being rational. The mindset  that makes dealing with hysterical people easy. And a lot more. Okay, time to wage war with the crazy. Here we go…1. First, you need to keep calmYou already have one person overreacting. The worst thing would be to have  two  people overreacting.  If you Hulk Out, it’s little  more than a screaming match and nothing gets accomplished.Al calls the emotional side of our mind  the “dinosaur brain.” It’s millions of years old and only understands “fight” or “run away.”If you stay calm, you can help someone escape  its grip. But if you fall prey to it too, it results in what he likes to call the “Godzilla meets Rodan” effect: lots of yelling, buildings get knocked down but nothing constructive gets accomplished.  Here’s Al:…the basic idea is that in many situations, you’re reacting with instincts programmed into your dinosaur brain, rather than thinking through a situation. If you’re in your dinosaur brain, you’re going to play out a 6 million-year-old program, and nothing good  is going to happen. In that case, the din osaur brain of the other person is going to understand that they are being attacked, and then you’re responding with fighting back or running away, and either one is going to escalate the situation into what I like to call the “Godzilla meets Rodan” effect. There’s a lot of screaming and yelling, and buildings fall down, but not much is accomplished.What to do here? Monitor your arousal levels  and do your best to stay calm. He said the same thing about dealing with stress that Harvard researcher  Shawn Achor  did:  see problems as challenges instead of crises.(To learn how Samurai and Navy SEALs keep calm in difficult situations, click  here.)Okay, you’re cool as Fonzie. But they’re still  acting crazy. What’s the best strategy here?2. Treat them like a childNo, I don’t mean be condescending. But  you wouldn’t try to rationalize with a screaming child. And you wouldn’t get angry with them for yelling. You’d just dismiss the hysterics and deal with the underlyi ng problem.Adults aren’t any different. (Yes, this is both very insightful and extraordinarily depressing.  Welcome to Earth.)Trying to logically explain why yelling isn’t helping doesn’t work with three-year-olds and it won’t work with grown-ups either. Ignore the drama.If you’re a parent, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Shift into  dealing-with-your-kid  mode and watch magic happen. Al literally says “If you feel like a preschool teacher, you’re probably doing it right.”  Here’s Al:People say to me all the time, “You mean I have to treat a grown-up like a three-year-old?” I say, “Yes, absolutely.” If you’re a parent, what do you do with a tantrum? You ignore it, or at least you try to ignore it. But with an adult you try and talk them out of it, and it never works.(To learn the ten rules to communicating more effectively, click  here.)So you’re calm and you’re not letting them get to you because you see them like a big kid. But how do you stop the yelling, crying or screaming?3.  â€œPlease speak more slowly. I’d like to help.”Anything that slows the situation down is good for you.One of Al’s first jobs was working with violently psychotic people in an institution. He quickly realized that slow means calm and calm means thinking vs reacting.(What’s interesting is my friend  Chris, who was the Lead International Hostage Negotiator for the FBI, often recommends  the same thing:  slow the conversation down.)So how do you get someone to stop yelling? Your natural reaction is actually the  worst thing to do. Saying,  â€œStop yelling” will be seen as telling them what to do. Nobody likes to be told what to do, especially angry people.Instead,  Al says  try a variation of:  â€œPlease speak more slowly. I’d like to help.”Why does this work?  It breaks the pattern in their head.They’re expecting you to resist them but you’re not. You’re asking them to clarify. You’re interested. This makes them shift mor e out of “dinosaur brain” and into thinking. And that’s good.(And have you ever tried yelling slowly? Good luck with that.)The same principle  works on the phone too: you want to snap  them out of that pattern without being seen as fighting back.  Al calls it the “uh-huh rule.”When they pause to take a breath on the phone, don’t say anything. After enough silence, they’ll probably respond with, “Are you there?”That speedbump pulls them out of the angry momentum for a second and makes them think practically.  Here’s Al:When somebody is talking to you on the phone and they stop to take a breath, your natural reaction is to say, “uh-huh.” It’s kind of a universal thing. We don’t realize that we’re doing it. But if you go three breaths without saying “uh-huh”, the other person will stop and say, “Are you there?” We tried that so many times, and it was just amazing how well it worked. What I’ve just given you there is a way to interrupt somebody wh o’s yelling at you on the phone without saying a word. Just don’t say “uh-huh.”(For tips from an FBI behavioral expert on how to make people like you, click  here.)They’re not yelling anymore. But that doesn’t mean they’re not angry and it doesn’t mean you’re making any real progress.  What turns  raving crazy people into rational adults you can talk to?4.  Ask “What would you like me to do?”Slowing it down is great. And so is seeing them as a child. What’s the next big strategy? You need to get them thinking.Anything that moves  them from emotionally reacting to consciously thinking is good.  Here’s Al:When people are angry at you or attacking you, it’s very easy to fight back or run away, but  what you really need to do is something that engages their brain.And  that isn’t too hard, actually. Ask them, “What would you like me to do?”They need to formulate an answer. That makes them think - even for a second - and you’re on your way to turning the Hulk back into Bruce Banner.  Here’s Al:Once you get the person to stop yelling, you say, “What would you like me to do?” The person has to stop and think at that point. What you want is to move an angry situation toward the possibility of negotiating. You can do that by simply asking, “What would you like me to do?” It moves them from their dinosaur brain to their cortex, and then negotiating is possible.(For more on dealing with irrational, angry or just plain crazy people, click  here.)You’re calm. They’re not yelling and they’re starting to think instead of just acting like an emotional grenade. So how do you keep things moving in the right direction?5. Don’t make statements. Ask questions.Another huge, huge error we all make: we explain.  Don’t explain.  Why?The other person will interpret it as a veiled form of fighting back. You know why? Because it  is  a veiled form of fighting back.It’s the polite way of saying, “Here’s why I’m right and you ’re wrong.” And  everybody sees it for what it is. So cut it out.  Here’s Al:Explaining is almost always a disguised form of fighting back. Most explanations will be heard as, “See here, if you really understand the situation, you will see that I am right and you are wrong.” That is an attack, and it’s also one of the ways we achieve dominance over other people. We act as if we just explain our position really clearly, then the other person will understand and agree with us. I’ve never really seen that work.So what do you do?  Ask questions.  Here’s Al:One of the main rules that I say to people is  if you want to get along with people, ask don’t tell.He also recommends another technique that comes straight out of the  hostage negotiator playbook:  Active Listening.  Here’s Al:What I typically do with people is reflect back the emotion that they’re feeling. If they’re saying something like, “I’m Jesus Christ, and they’re trying to crucify me,” instead of saying, “No, you’re not Jesus Christ,” you say, “That must be pretty scary.” They’ll say, “Yeah!”  The act of listening is reflecting back the person’s emotional state, not necessarily the content of what they’re saying.(For more on how hostage negotiators use active listening and how you can get better at it, click  here.)They’re calm now. So how do you make sure you don’t blow it and end up back where you were?6.  Start sentences with  â€œI’d like…” not “You are…”Now that they’re being rational, the last thing you want to do is say  anything that sounds like an accusation. And they’re going to be extra sensitive to this because they just came down from feeling attacked.In his great book  Dinosaur Brains, Al says:Any sentence that begins with “you are” and does not end with “wonderful” will be experienced as name-calling.What you’re doing now is basically negotiating  so start your sentences with “I’d like…” Just stay awa y from the word “you” as much as possible. (Relationship expert  Dr. John Gottmanrecommends the same thing when romantic couples argue.)(For more on negotiation from FBI hostage negotiators, click  here.)You’re almost out of the woods. But there’s one last thing people often do that screws up everything and puts them back at square one…7. Let them have the last wordNeeding to have the last word is  like quitting at mile 26 of the marathon. You’ve done everything right up until now. Do not let your ego screw up everything  at the last minute.Just like explaining is actually an attempt at dominance, so is needing to have  the last word. You’re shifting your goal from “calming this situation” to “showing them who is right.”  Here’s Al:The last word is usually an attempt to be right. You can undo any positive thing you’ve done by saying one word that sends them  back into  attack mode.Don’t take the bait. Let them have the last word. Let them feel “right” if it lets you accomplish your real goal.(For more on how to win every argument, click  here.)This is a great system for dealing with difficult conversations. Let’s round it up and get Al’s thoughts on the single most important thing to do when having any type of discussion with people.Sum upHere are Al’s tips for turning difficult conversations into easy ones: Keep calm.  Don’t turn it into Godzilla vs. Rodan. (Samurai secrets of staying calm are  here.) Treat’em like a child.  You can’t talk them out of emotional outbursts and getting angry over it does nothing good. Say “Please speak more slowly. I’d like to help.”  Slow it down. Don’t come off like you’re fighting back. Ask “What would you like me to do?”  You gotta make’em start thinking  in order  turn off the rage machine. Don’t make statements. Ask questions.  Explaining is veiled dominance. Questions get them thinking. Start sentences with  â€œI’d like…” not “You are…”  If you start  with “I” it’s hard to be seen as attacking. Let them have the last word.  Don’t let your ego blow it at the last minute. So what does Al say is the single most important thing to do when dealing with people?When they speak, ask yourself  why  they’re saying what they’re saying. Think about what’s going on in their head, not yours. This leads away from judging and toward understanding and compassion.Here’s Al:If you want to get along well with people and understand what’s going on in situations, whenever somebody says something to you, ask yourself, “Why is he saying this to me? What’s going on with him?” That is a doorway to understanding, a doorway to getting what you want, and also a doorway to compassion. Rather than judging the person, try and understand them.Leave  â€œGodzilla Meets Rodan” for the movies. Our lives need more compassion and less of anything that levels Tokyo.In my  next weekly email  I’ll have more tips from Al on dealing with difficult bosses, crazy co-workers and what decades as a clinical psychologist have taught him is the secret to happiness. To get that  a nd more, sign up  here.Join over 151,000 readers.  Get a free weekly update via email  here.Related posts:6 Hostage Negotiation Techniques That Will Get You What You WantHow To Get People To Like You: 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertHow To Stop Being Lazy And Get More Done â€" 5 Expert TipsThis article originally appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree. 7 ways to make difficult conversations easy Someone is screaming in your face at the top of their lungs.  Or ranting angrily and you can’t get a word in edgewise. Or maybe they’re sobbing so hard  you can barely understand what they’re saying.We’ve all been there. These situations don’t happen a lot (thank god) but we all feel helpless when they do. And because they’re rare we don’t ever seem to get better at handling them.Problem is, these moments are often critical because they’re usually with people we care about.What’s the best way to handle these difficult conversations? What works?I called someone who knows:  Dr. Albert J. Bernstein.  He’s a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience and the author of a number of great books  on dealing with people problems:Dinosaur Brains: Dealing with All Those Impossible People at WorkAm I The Only Sane One Working Here?: 101 Solutions for Surviving Office InsanityEmotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You DryHere’s what you’ll learn in t his post: The magic phrase that gets people to stop yelling. How to stop making the most common mistake  in these kind of discussions. How to switch people from being emotional to being rational. The mindset  that makes dealing with hysterical people easy. And a lot more. Okay, time to wage war with the crazy. Here we go…1. First, you need to keep calmYou already have one person overreacting. The worst thing would be to have  two  people overreacting.  If you Hulk Out, it’s little  more than a screaming match and nothing gets accomplished.Al calls the emotional side of our mind  the “dinosaur brain.” It’s millions of years old and only understands “fight” or “run away.”If you stay calm, you can help someone escape  its grip. But if you fall prey to it too, it results in what he likes to call the “Godzilla meets Rodan” effect: lots of yelling, buildings get knocked down but nothing constructive gets accomplished.  Here’s Al:…the basic idea is that in many situations, you’re reacting with instincts programmed into your dinosaur brain, rather than thinking through a situation. If you’re in your dinosaur brain, you’re going to play out a 6 million-year-old program, and nothing good  is going to happen. In that case, the din osaur brain of the other person is going to understand that they are being attacked, and then you’re responding with fighting back or running away, and either one is going to escalate the situation into what I like to call the “Godzilla meets Rodan” effect. There’s a lot of screaming and yelling, and buildings fall down, but not much is accomplished.What to do here? Monitor your arousal levels  and do your best to stay calm. He said the same thing about dealing with stress that Harvard researcher  Shawn Achor  did:  see problems as challenges instead of crises.(To learn how Samurai and Navy SEALs keep calm in difficult situations, click  here.)Okay, you’re cool as Fonzie. But they’re still  acting crazy. What’s the best strategy here?2. Treat them like a childNo, I don’t mean be condescending. But  you wouldn’t try to rationalize with a screaming child. And you wouldn’t get angry with them for yelling. You’d just dismiss the hysterics and deal with the underlyi ng problem.Adults aren’t any different. (Yes, this is both very insightful and extraordinarily depressing.  Welcome to Earth.)Trying to logically explain why yelling isn’t helping doesn’t work with three-year-olds and it won’t work with grown-ups either. Ignore the drama.If you’re a parent, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Shift into  dealing-with-your-kid  mode and watch magic happen. Al literally says “If you feel like a preschool teacher, you’re probably doing it right.”  Here’s Al:People say to me all the time, “You mean I have to treat a grown-up like a three-year-old?” I say, “Yes, absolutely.” If you’re a parent, what do you do with a tantrum? You ignore it, or at least you try to ignore it. But with an adult you try and talk them out of it, and it never works.(To learn the ten rules to communicating more effectively, click  here.)So you’re calm and you’re not letting them get to you because you see them like a big kid. But how do you stop the yelling, crying or screaming?3.  â€œPlease speak more slowly. I’d like to help.”Anything that slows the situation down is good for you.One of Al’s first jobs was working with violently psychotic people in an institution. He quickly realized that slow means calm and calm means thinking vs reacting.(What’s interesting is my friend  Chris, who was the Lead International Hostage Negotiator for the FBI, often recommends  the same thing:  slow the conversation down.)So how do you get someone to stop yelling? Your natural reaction is actually the  worst thing to do. Saying,  â€œStop yelling” will be seen as telling them what to do. Nobody likes to be told what to do, especially angry people.Instead,  Al says  try a variation of:  â€œPlease speak more slowly. I’d like to help.”Why does this work?  It breaks the pattern in their head.They’re expecting you to resist them but you’re not. You’re asking them to clarify. You’re interested. This makes them shift mor e out of “dinosaur brain” and into thinking. And that’s good.(And have you ever tried yelling slowly? Good luck with that.)The same principle  works on the phone too: you want to snap  them out of that pattern without being seen as fighting back.  Al calls it the “uh-huh rule.”When they pause to take a breath on the phone, don’t say anything. After enough silence, they’ll probably respond with, “Are you there?”That speedbump pulls them out of the angry momentum for a second and makes them think practically.  Here’s Al:When somebody is talking to you on the phone and they stop to take a breath, your natural reaction is to say, “uh-huh.” It’s kind of a universal thing. We don’t realize that we’re doing it. But if you go three breaths without saying “uh-huh”, the other person will stop and say, “Are you there?” We tried that so many times, and it was just amazing how well it worked. What I’ve just given you there is a way to interrupt somebody wh o’s yelling at you on the phone without saying a word. Just don’t say “uh-huh.”(For tips from an FBI behavioral expert on how to make people like you, click  here.)They’re not yelling anymore. But that doesn’t mean they’re not angry and it doesn’t mean you’re making any real progress.  What turns  raving crazy people into rational adults you can talk to?4.  Ask “What would you like me to do?”Slowing it down is great. And so is seeing them as a child. What’s the next big strategy? You need to get them thinking.Anything that moves  them from emotionally reacting to consciously thinking is good.  Here’s Al:When people are angry at you or attacking you, it’s very easy to fight back or run away, but  what you really need to do is something that engages their brain.And  that isn’t too hard, actually. Ask them, “What would you like me to do?”They need to formulate an answer. That makes them think - even for a second - and you’re on your way to turning the Hulk back into Bruce Banner.  Here’s Al:Once you get the person to stop yelling, you say, “What would you like me to do?” The person has to stop and think at that point. What you want is to move an angry situation toward the possibility of negotiating. You can do that by simply asking, “What would you like me to do?” It moves them from their dinosaur brain to their cortex, and then negotiating is possible.(For more on dealing with irrational, angry or just plain crazy people, click  here.)You’re calm. They’re not yelling and they’re starting to think instead of just acting like an emotional grenade. So how do you keep things moving in the right direction?5. Don’t make statements. Ask questions.Another huge, huge error we all make: we explain.  Don’t explain.  Why?The other person will interpret it as a veiled form of fighting back. You know why? Because it  is  a veiled form of fighting back.It’s the polite way of saying, “Here’s why I’m right and you ’re wrong.” And  everybody sees it for what it is. So cut it out.  Here’s Al:Explaining is almost always a disguised form of fighting back. Most explanations will be heard as, “See here, if you really understand the situation, you will see that I am right and you are wrong.” That is an attack, and it’s also one of the ways we achieve dominance over other people. We act as if we just explain our position really clearly, then the other person will understand and agree with us. I’ve never really seen that work.So what do you do?  Ask questions.  Here’s Al:One of the main rules that I say to people is  if you want to get along with people, ask don’t tell.He also recommends another technique that comes straight out of the  hostage negotiator playbook:  Active Listening.  Here’s Al:What I typically do with people is reflect back the emotion that they’re feeling. If they’re saying something like, “I’m Jesus Christ, and they’re trying to crucify me,” instead of saying, “No, you’re not Jesus Christ,” you say, “That must be pretty scary.” They’ll say, “Yeah!”  The act of listening is reflecting back the person’s emotional state, not necessarily the content of what they’re saying.(For more on how hostage negotiators use active listening and how you can get better at it, click  here.)They’re calm now. So how do you make sure you don’t blow it and end up back where you were?6.  Start sentences with  â€œI’d like…” not “You are…”Now that they’re being rational, the last thing you want to do is say  anything that sounds like an accusation. And they’re going to be extra sensitive to this because they just came down from feeling attacked.In his great book  Dinosaur Brains, Al says:Any sentence that begins with “you are” and does not end with “wonderful” will be experienced as name-calling.What you’re doing now is basically negotiating  so start your sentences with “I’d like…” Just stay awa y from the word “you” as much as possible. (Relationship expert  Dr. John Gottmanrecommends the same thing when romantic couples argue.)(For more on negotiation from FBI hostage negotiators, click  here.)You’re almost out of the woods. But there’s one last thing people often do that screws up everything and puts them back at square one…7. Let them have the last wordNeeding to have the last word is  like quitting at mile 26 of the marathon. You’ve done everything right up until now. Do not let your ego screw up everything  at the last minute.Just like explaining is actually an attempt at dominance, so is needing to have  the last word. You’re shifting your goal from “calming this situation” to “showing them who is right.”  Here’s Al:The last word is usually an attempt to be right. You can undo any positive thing you’ve done by saying one word that sends them  back into  attack mode.Don’t take the bait. Let them have the last word. Let them feel “right” if it lets you accomplish your real goal.(For more on how to win every argument, click  here.)This is a great system for dealing with difficult conversations. Let’s round it up and get Al’s thoughts on the single most important thing to do when having any type of discussion with people.Sum upHere are Al’s tips for turning difficult conversations into easy ones: Keep calm.  Don’t turn it into Godzilla vs. Rodan. (Samurai secrets of staying calm are  here.) Treat’em like a child.  You can’t talk them out of emotional outbursts and getting angry over it does nothing good. Say “Please speak more slowly. I’d like to help.”  Slow it down. Don’t come off like you’re fighting back. Ask “What would you like me to do?”  You gotta make’em start thinking  in order  turn off the rage machine. Don’t make statements. Ask questions.  Explaining is veiled dominance. Questions get them thinking. Start sentences with  â€œI’d like…” not “You are…”  If you start  with “I” it’s hard to be seen as attacking. Let them have the last word.  Don’t let your ego blow it at the last minute. So what does Al say is the single most important thing to do when dealing with people?When they speak, ask yourself  why  they’re saying what they’re saying. Think about what’s going on in their head, not yours. This leads away from judging and toward understanding and compassion.Here’s Al:If you want to get along well with people and understand what’s going on in situations, whenever somebody says something to you, ask yourself, “Why is he saying this to me? What’s going on with him?” That is a doorway to understanding, a doorway to getting what you want, and also a doorway to compassion. Rather than judging the person, try and understand them.Leave  â€œGodzilla Meets Rodan” for the movies. Our lives need more compassion and less of anything that levels Tokyo.In my  next weekly email  I’ll have more tips from Al on dealing with difficult bosses, crazy co-workers and what decades as a clinical psychologist have taught him is the secret to happiness. To get that  a nd more, sign up  here.Join over 151,000 readers.  Get a free weekly update via email  here.Related posts:6 Hostage Negotiation Techniques That Will Get You What You WantHow To Get People To Like You: 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertHow To Stop Being Lazy And Get More Done â€" 5 Expert TipsThis article originally appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

How to cover for a work colleague the right way

How to cover for a work colleague the right way How to cover for a work colleague the right way When your colleague asks if you can cover for them while they are out of the office, think carefully before saying yes. In a recent OnePoll  survey of 2,000 Americans for Nugg, more than half of participants said that covering for a coworker was a “significantly stressful event.”Why do we do it at all then? Sometimes, out of the goodness of our hearts, but more likely, because we see the favor as transactional. We hope that the favor will be returned one day when we find ourselves scrambling for coverage. Covering for someone’s work does not need to be a nightmare, though. There is a happy medium that can be achieved once you recognize that coverage does not mean doing two people’s full jobs at maximum productivity. Here’s how to take on someone else’s workload without losing your mind:Know your limitsForty percent of the survey respondents admitted that when they covered for a colleague, they phoned in their work and did not care if the job was done well.   Poorly done w ork reflects poorly on you, and looks bad for the team. If you know the work is going to be done badly, you should be respectful of your colleague and ask them to pick someone else. But if you think you can handle the extra work, do it while accepting the reality of your situation. You are one employee with human limitations. Acknowledging that it is okay to not get deadlines done at the same level as two people working on it can is part of what will make the experience less stressful for you.Get clarity from your colleague about expectationsIs your colleague’s away message directing clients your way? Do you know where important documents needed for projects are located? You need to know what your colleague is telling other people by asking them about what responsibilities they want you to take on. How do they produce and organize work? Your workflow may look entirely different than your coworker’s.Before the colleague becomes unreachable out of the office, sit down with them an d have a frank conversation about priorities. Your colleagues are usually not monsters who want to ruin your day. They know that you are doing them a favor. More than half - 56 percent of respondents - said they felt guilty that workloads had to fall on a coworker when they were out of office. In other words, your colleague is likely to be on your side about making the transition smooth and less cumbersome for you.PrioritizeWhen you are covering for a colleague, you are in survival mode. You do not want to be in the office too late every night. You need to be practical about what you will be able to accomplish in a day. To avoid resentment and burnout, talk to your colleague about the critical tasks that must get done while they are gone.Ask a Manager’s Alison Green advises  employees to figure out what must get done over what would be nice if it got done: “Find out what the top things that  must  be kept moving while they’re away are, such as responding to urgent queries fr om clients or finishing a report.  Also, make sure that they leave behind important contact info, walk you through any processes that you’re not familiar with, and fill you in on the context for things that you might need to deal with while they’re away.  â€Don’t be afraid to ask for more helpIf the temporary absence turns into an unexpectedly long one, you may need to call in reinforcements. You do not want to burn yourself out doing two jobs at once indefinitely.If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your higher-ups about getting help. As time management coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders advises, “See if a boss can cover a few responsibilities, if a coworker can take notes for you at meetings so that you don’t need to attend, if direct reports can take on more of the day-to-day tasks, or if you can get some contract or temp help.”Sit down with your boss if you notice your work is suffering. Ask another colleague if they can take on some of the higher priorities too. Covering f or a colleague means letting other people know about your increased workload so that they know when your limit is being reached.

6 Unconventional Icebreakers for Networking Events

6 Unconventional Icebreakers for Networking Events 6 Unconventional Icebreakers for Networking Events 6 Unconventional Networking Icebreakers for Your Next Networking Event Don’t blend into the crowd at your next event. Instead, stand out with these unconventional networking icebreakers! The hardest part of a networking event is drumming up the courage to sign up, get dressed, and make yourself get out the door. At least, that's the truth for some people. For others, the hard part doesn't come until you're there and faced with dozens if not hundreds of strangers. You're supposed to talk to them, but how? If you've ever done the simple Hi and handshake followed by 10 seconds of awkwardness, you probably won't be looking forward to that. There have to be some better approaches, right? Luckily, there are. If Hi and a handshake work for you, no problem; you're a networking natural. If, however, you feel like you need an alternate approach to start and get a conversation flowing, these eight unconventional networking icebreakers may be for you. 1. Card tricks Really? Card tricks as an icebreaker? Yes, I've seen this one in use. If you know a little magic or some simple card tricks, this can be an easy opener. Hi. Pick a card! You'll want to keep it simple so you can finish the trick and move the conversation forward. It's likely that the next words will be How did you learn to do that? or How did you do that? Just like that, you have a topic of conversation. You'll want to read the crowd a little before doing this, however. Not everyone is going to like a magic trick as a networking icebreaker. Look for people who are laughing, smiling, and seem relaxed. Tip: Avoid any tricks that involve touching the other person (Hey, there's something behind your ear!) or using something of theirs as a prop they have no reason to trust you yet. 2. Come ready with trivia Just about everyone is fascinated by little bits of knowledge when they're relevant. Do a little research before your event to find some great material. Here are a couple of ideas: Facts about the city where you're meeting. How was it settled? What's the biggest money-making product? Is there a famous person in history who was born there? What building/business is hosting the event. Dig into the history and see if there are some great tidbits to share. Keep an eye on the news. Maybe there's a great nugget beyond those headlines you can share. Trivia is a great way to show that you can hold your own in a conversation and that you have some intelligence. Did you know that this building was completely burned down by the Great Chicago Fire? They rebuilt it in brick so that wouldn't happen again! Tip: Practice your delivery. You want to sound fun and conversational, not like a know-it-all. 3. Give a compliment Who doesn't like to receive a well-placed compliment? If you see a person that you'd like to talk to, look for anything that stands out in your eyes. Is she wearing really great shoes? Does he have a cool tie clip? Phone? Glasses? If they are wearing or carrying something that really jumps out to you, it's likely that they want it to have that effect. You don't have to go into detail. Just smile and say I really like your glasses or whatever it is you want to compliment. This will naturally lead to conversation about where they got the item and possibly a return compliment. Boom the ice is broken. Don't believe me? It's been proven that receiving a compliment gives people the same sort of joy as being handed cash. That's powerful stuff! Tip: Stick to items like accessories or phones. Don't compliment anyone on their overall appearance or any body parts. Even complimenting a smile or eyes will come across like a pickup line. Related:Fresh Networking Conversation Starters for Your Next Holiday Party 4. Ask for advice These networking icebreakers are especially easy if your event has a buffet or a drink menu. I've never been here before. What's their specialty? or I'd like to try something new. What's your favorite? can start off a conversation because there's always the chance that the person you ask is in the same boat as you. By asking, you've bridged the gap and now you have something to talk about. Perhaps you can discover what's on the menu together. Asking for help or advice makes you immediately approachable because you're putting the other person in a position of power. You're acknowledging that you think they know more than you about something. Everyone likes that. Tip: Keep it simple. Ask a question relevant to the situation you're in, which is a networking event. Don't open with Should I have a 401K or an IRA? and stay away from personal advice like Is this a good color for me? Way too awkward. 5. Out-of-the-box question You have to be a fairly outgoing person for these networking icebreakers, but you'll really hear some interesting things if you do. If you start out with Where do you work? or What do you do? you'll get the same stale, rehearsed answer that the other person has already given to a bunch of others at the event. But if you spring something new on them, you just might shock them into a smile. Hi. What's your guilty-pleasure song? Mine's 'MmmBop'! Okay, that might be bit extreme, but in one fell swoop, you've surprised them. Studies have shown that people like to be surprised and it works great as a marketing tool. By adding your own guilty-pleasure song (or whatever you're asking), you've removed the pressure. They don't have to worry about being mocked for their answer because it's not going to be sillier than MmmBop! is it? If you're not quite that brave, make it easier with something like What's your favorite movie? Tip: It's a fine line between surprise and shock. Keep it light and fun. Music, books, TV, and films are easy targets. Politics and religion should be strictly off limits. 6. Show your crazy side For this one, you may not have to say anything at all. Most networking events have name tags, right? Think about something fun and crazy that you've done. Have you bungee jumped off a bridge? Did you ride an ostrich in a race? Were you on a game show? If you have anything cool, fun, and surprising on your life's resume, simply write it on your name tag: Travis Davis Communications Specialist. I ran with the bulls! If you saw that name tag at an event, wouldn't you want to talk to Travis and hear about running with the bulls? It doesn't have to be anything grand, but it does have to be interesting. This networking icebreaking trick is extra effective because you're putting the ball in the other person's court. As they're wandering around wondering how to talk to people, they'll see your name tag. You just gave them the perfect opener. Tip: Stick to the fun and crazy. This isn't confession time: Travis Davis Communications Specialist. I once snuck into Disney World after hours! may be a fun story but not for strangers. Remember, most of the people at your networking event are in the same boat as you. They're all hoping to break the ice and meet people, and most of them aren't sure how to do it. If you do a little prep-work beforehand, you can make it easier for everyone. Not only will it make it easier for you to make some new contacts, but you'll also be memorable; that's a big win at any networking event. Click on the following link for more networking advice. Is your resume ready for your next networking event? We can check with our free resume critique! Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Networking Guide for Introverts Career Quiz: What Networking Type Best Fits Your Personality? Taking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60 in Record Time

What Every Employee Needs to Know About the Future of Background Screening

What Every Employee Needs to Know About the Future of Background Screening What Every Employee Needs to Know About the Future of Background Screening Whether you are interviewing for full-time jobs or workers from the gig economy, there is a good chance background checks are going to figure into your professional future. Background screening - both as a pre-employment due diligence measure and a post-employment monitoring technique- is evolving fast. Being cognizant of the trends and changes in background screening will help you prepare for your next job interview and understand what your current employees are thinking. Here are four background check trends that every employee and prospective employee needs to know. For a long time, businesses used nontraditional methods to screen and vet nontraditional workers. Detailed background checks were essential for full-time workers, a little less common for part-timers, and virtually unheard of for contract employees. As the gig economy grows , this habit is dying out. Businesses are increasingly coming to terms with the importance of having freelancers on their teams. They are also starting to recognize that freelancers are still representatives and ambassadors for their brand- even if they are a little more removed from the business than full-time workers. According to Intuit, gig workers are expected to make up 43 percent of the workforce by 2020. As the freelancing trend continues to spike, more and more employers are running full-fledged background checks on contract workers. Bottom line, if you are part of the gig economy, you should expect to submit to background screenings to land freelance jobs. These screenings could include anything from criminal history checks to educational verifications. They will likely get more detailed as the gig economy continues to grow. Depending on where you live, you may have already noticed this trend: more and more employers are removing questions about criminal history from job applications . Some companies are doing it voluntarily, but most have been spurred by a legislative movement called “ban the box.” Ban the box policies are intended to reduce employment discrimination against ex-criminal offenders. By removing the criminal history question from job applications and delaying the background check until after a conditional offer has been made, these policies seek to help ex-offenders get a fair chance at employment. According to the National Employment Law Project, 29 states and more than 150 cities and counties have adopted ban the box policies . Some of these laws and ordinances only apply to public (i.e., government) jobs. Others, like a policy on the books in Los Angeles, apply to public and private employers alike. You can click here to find out whether your city, state, or county has a ban the box policy. Even if it doesn’t, it will only be a matter of time before ban the box is the rule rather than the exception. Virtually all employers have adopted pre-employment background check policies. Companies are split when it comes to screening current personnel. Some require existing employees to update their background checks every five years or so. Others use continuous screening to get real-time alerts when a current employee is convicted of a crime. Over the next few years, it’s likely that employers are going to come to a consensus on how to screen existing employees. What that consensus will be remains to be seen: it could be an every-five-years policy, an annual background check policy, a semi-annual policy, or a continuous real-time monitoring policy. In any case, job seekers and employees should know that what they do after they get hired is going to matter just as much as what they do before they get hired. “Social media background checks” are sketchy from an administrative standpoint. Employers like to look at Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to learn more about what their candidates are like in real life. However, findings on these fronts are often misleading, out of context, and based on assumptions. Worse, social accounts can reveal personal, potentially bias-creating information- such as sexual orientation, gender identification, race, religion, nationality, and political affiliation- that employers cannot use in employment decisions. CareerBuilder statistics show that social media background checks are 500% more common than they were a decade ago. As there is still no law or EEOC/FCRA guideline that prohibits or restricts social media screenings, they are likely to remain common for the foreseeable future. Some employers are changing how they use social media screenings. Some use third-party businesses to do the social media search, requesting reports that exclude information that might create unintentional bias or discrimination. In other cases, a hiring manager might ask an employee or HR rep not involved with the hiring decision to do the social media check. Employees and job searchers should be aware that companies are looking at what they do online. Ramping up your privacy settings and thinking more critically about the things you post will help you avoid trouble. You may also want to go back through older posts and photographs and delete anything potential employers or current bosses might find objectionable. As you get ready to start your job search, know that employers aren’t changing their practices because of you. While three of the four trends listed above emphasize employers’ desire to learn more about their workers and candidates, those policy shifts aren’t personal. Instead, businesses are ramping up their employee screening strategies to safeguard their brands, their reputations, their existing employees, and their customer base. As a job seeker or employee, the best strategy is to be honest, forthright, and amenable to all employer requests. Many employers are willing to overlook past mistakes, but almost none will overlook dishonesty. Michael Klazema has been developing products for criminal background check and improving online customer experiences in the background screening industry since 2009. He is the lead author and editor for Backgroundchecks.com . He lives in Dallas, TX with his family and enjoys the rich culinary histories of various old and new world countries.

4 ways to take the initiative after a terrible job interview

4 ways to take the initiative after a terrible job interview 4 ways to take the initiative after a terrible job interview It happens. You spend hours the night before prepping for a major job interview and eventually finish up your research late at night, thinking, How much more could I possibly need to know? I might as well wing it from here on out.When you step into the office conference room the next morning, you feel prepared enough, but still a little nervous.Enter, the interviewer. The next part is history - awkward silences, your lack of knowledge on the specifics, and an inability to connect with the recruiter.What do you then? Here’s how to get back on your feet so you can move forward after a tough interview.Reflect on it - just not for too longProcess what happened, but don’t overdo it.An article one The Balance explains why you need to “give yourself some time” after an interview that doesn’t go smoothly.A bad interview can leave you feeling frustrated and upset. Take some time â€" a few minutes, or maybe even an hour â€" to absorb the experience. But don’t dwell too long. It†™s easy to spiral, and become convinced that the interview went even worse than it actually did. Remember, this is only one opportunity, and there will be many more.Talk about it with someoneClementina Altamirano, PMP, Manager, Campaign Management at Deloitte, writes about this on LinkedIn while discussing her own experience.1. Tell the whole story - just once. Allow yourself one complete conversation with another person in which you hash out your interview experience from start to finish. Then that’s it. It’s done. Resist the urge to spill every detail to anyone who asks how your interview went. Chalk it up to “that wasn’t the right fit” and move on. Bonus tip: Resist the urge to blast your interview adventures on social media. Outbursts have a long life in cyberspace and tarnish your reputation for future positions.Send the recruiter a thank you letterMake it clear that you realize the interview didn’t go as well as it could have.A Forbes article features advice from Jay Canchola, an HR business partner for  Raytheon.Don’t make excuses, but do acknowledge your blunders. “For example, if the candidate believes their responses to questions were off target, he or she can send a well crafted follow-up letter to the interviewer admitting a misunderstanding of the questions. This might make a difference,” Canchola says. However, make sure you only draw attention to the mistakes you’re absolutely certain the employer caught, or you’ll bring light to an issue that the interviewer might have otherwise missed.Think about the takeawaysUse this experience as an opportunity to learn what you did wrong and properly capitalize on your strengths the next time around.An article by The Muse elaborates on this.The most valuable damage control you can perform is to learn from your blunder and prepare well for your next interview. What was the core cause of your mistake? Did you get nervous and fumble over your answers? Consider enlisting a friend or career counselor to conduct a few practice interviews with you. The more comfortable you become answering interview questions, the less nervous you’ll be when you’re in the real thing.

AIG Saved by the Feds

AIG Saved by the Feds AIG Saved by the Feds The deal is a monumental one, putting a private insurance firm into the hands of the government and thus placing U.S. taxpayer dollars on the hook (I dont know about you, but I didnt want to go into the insurance business). The deal sends $85 billion to AIG in the form of a federal loan and hands the U.S. government an approximate 80 percent stake in the insurance company. The deal also sent AIG CEO Robert Willumstad packing (but not empty-handed; hell likely pull down an $9 million exit package). Willumstad will be succeeded by Edward Liddy, the former head of fellow insurance giant Allstate(who will now answer to Uncle Sam, AIG's new chairman of the board). The deal followed closely behind the U.S. government deciding not to bailout crumbling investment bank Lehman Brothers, resulting in Lehman filing Chapter 11 (before finding a beige, if not white knight in Barclays, which picked up a good chunk of Lehman yesterday, keeping about 10,000 Lehman-ites employed, for the time being at least). But the Feds decided yesterday that the markets,despite beingable to deal with a Lehman bankruptcy, could not handle an AIG one (some say its collapse would have resulted in $180 billion in lossesacross the financial industry; it would have also likely resulted in a massive amount of job losses, not just at AIG but at many other firms certain to be affect in the fallout). Though this would've likely been the case, the bailout set a precarious precedent, which is already being hotly debated across the country, including by the two remaining U.S. presidential candidates. Where do you stand? Should the U.S. have stepped and saved AIG in or not? As always, we welcome your comments and thoughts below.

Top trends in Charlotte Hiring

Top trends in Charlotte Hiring Top trends in Charlotte Hiring Top trends in Charlotte Hiring Intelligence dug into whos hiring and for what in Charlotte these days. If youre recruiting in this market, youll want to know what we found. One of the largest financial and banking centers behind New York City, the Charlotte region is poised for strong growth. Nicknamed the Queen City after the queen consort of British King George III during the time of the citys founding, the area has become a target city for corporations looking to expand. The biggest drivers of job growth are Charlottes professional, leisure and hospitality, and financial activities industries. The area has created 22,000 new jobs over the past 12-months; the unemployment rate in Charlotte was 4.5% in May 2016 which was 0.2 percentage points below the national rate of 4.7%. By May 2016, 1.3 million workers were employed in the Charlotte area, and the area accounts for 23% of all jobs posted in North Carolina on Monster. To give you some insight into what your recruiting competitors are up to, our Intelligence team analyzed data from the CEB TalentNeuron tool to identify which companies are posting the most jobs, and which jobs are most listed, and which jobs are most searched. Not surprising, a diverse range of positions similar to many US markets are most in-demand in Charlotte that includes: registered nurses, truck drivers, and retail sales workers. What are companies hiring for? Top Charlotte Occupations by Employment: Administrative Supervisors Retail Supervisors Executives Operating Production Managers Human Resources Top Jobs in Charlotte: Registered Nurses (RNs) Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-trailer Supervisors, Retail Sales Retail Salespersons Supervisors, Food Preparation and Serving Charlotte Jobs: 43% of available Charlotte jobs are for Sales, Healthcare, and Technology workers Of all open sales positions, 44% of available Sales jobs are for Retail Of all open healthcare positions, 49% of available Healthcare jobs are for Nurses Of all open technology positions, 28% of available Technology jobs are for Software Engineers Most Common Charlotte Jobs Include: Registered Nurses # employed: 23,330 Median pay: $60,770 Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-trailer # employed: 16,130 Median pay: $41,550 Supervisors, Retail Sales # employed: 10,330 Median pay: $45,290 Retail Salespersons # employed: 39,100 Median pay: $26,120 What are job seekers looking for? Most viewed Charlotte jobs: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing Customer Service Representatives Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Miscellaneous Business Operations Specialists (e.g., Project Managers, Program Managers, etc.) Software Developers and Programmers Top Charlotte job searches: Sales Part Time Customer Service Receptionist Accounting Administrative Assistant Human Resources Work from Home Manager Manufacturing Want to know more about the top trends in Charlotte hiring? Check out the Charlotte Market Overview from Intelligence. Data finding are based on analysis of all available online jobs reported by the TalentNeuron tool and job seeking activity from more than 22 million unique visitors1. 1comScore Media Metrix, 1Q 2016, 3-month average, (includes all US Mobile + PC traffic)

Score an Interview by Using Keywords in Your Resume

Score an Interview by Using Keywords in Your Resume Score an Interview by Using Keywords in Your Resume Everyone talks about keywords nowadays when the subject of resumes comes up. They are essential to getting in the door for an interview. If you don't use them, you're not showing the employer that you have what they're looking for, and you'll likely get passed by.Keywords can be difficult to extract, and you may be asking, "What exactly is considered a keyword? How do I find them? And how do I know if I'm using the right ones?" Keywords or key phrases come in multiple varieties and can be found throughout a job description. They are words and phrases commonly associated with your field, as well as the particular skills that you employ in your job. You may think you've covered your bases in your documents. But if you're not using the exact terms from the job posting, you could easily be missed.1. Consider industry speak. When you're writing a resume, cover letter or LinkedIn profile, you need to use jargon from your industry. This is especially true if you're hoping to be found by emp loyers or recruiters on LinkedIn. However, you don't want to use too much or terms so obscure that it doesn't make sense to someone outside of your field. Defining acronyms and running your descriptions by a person unfamiliar with your line of work will allow you to double-check yourself. The sample terms below are not exhaustive, but provide an idea of what types of common keywords are used in the communications field.Example keywords for communications professionals are: strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, public relations, public affairs and writing.2. Ponder skills used in your job. Next, think about words that describe what you do each day. It wouldn't hurt to pull out your job description and give it a once-over. What terms apply to what you actually do on the job? If you see these as common skills everyone must have in a job like yours, then you probably should use them in your documents where relevant.Example descriptions of common skills for sa les jobs are: achieving sales quotas, meeting or exceeding key performance indicators, strategy, business development, client relations, leadership and customer service.3. Peruse job descriptions. As you read a job announcement, pretend you're in school and doing a critical reading exercise for English class. Grab a red pen or highlighter. As you read, ask yourself, "What is the person who wrote this looking for?" Highlight all words and phrases that answer that question for you as you read through it.Below is a fake posting stripped of the introduction and all information insignificant to our purpose. What is left are the important words and phrases to address where applicable in your documents. Be careful not to use the clichés in the first paragraph below without supporting evidence. That is, show that you are flexible by giving an example from work where you demonstrated that skill.Follow the same logic for the items listed under "Duties" and "Required Experience." Provide exam ples to support each term or phrase that applies to your background, using these expressions in your cover letter and resume.Below is an abstract from a fake job posting for an administrative assistant:A detail-oriented self-starter. Enthusiastic, flexible, well-organized team player with strong interpersonal skills. Operates well in a fast-paced environment. Able to switch priorities and stay calm under pressure.Duties: Administrative management. Event management. Project management. Create presentations and reports. Travel arrangements. Work with vendors and cross-functional teams. Coordinate multiple work activities and meet deadlines.Required Experience: Two to three years of administrative experience. Capacity to give recommendations for process improvements. Work well with diverse groups of people and manage relationships. Maintain confidentiality. Willing to learn new things and accept new challenges. Knowledge of Microsoft Office. Manage virtual meetings and tools. Strong or al and written communication skills.Desired Experience: Degree preferred.4. Extract them with ease. If you're still unsure whether you can pull out keywords successfully on your own, there are tools that you can use. Word clouds present the most commonly found words in a document in larger font and those that are found fewer times in smaller font. Try wordle.net or wordclouds.com to see how it works.The final thing to remember about keywords is to use them intelligently. If you plaster a few keywords across your resume, just to get them on there, thinking it will get you through an applicant tracking system, you're not going to make it past a human. To use them correctly, come up with specific examples of your work that support the main keywords and phrases in a job announcement. This is storytelling. Show that you have the skill by describing the specific, relevant work you did, and use the exact word or phrase they're looking for. Demonstrate to the employer that you're the right person for the job.

Resume Format Download Pdf Reviews & Guide

Resume Format Download Pdf Reviews & Guide A cv that's well written with all required information would be what the employer is searching for. In the event the job description or internet application provides you specific instructions, follow them. Career objective section in resume will incorporate the facts of your future accomplishments that you would like to accomplish working on the specific position in the organization. Deciding upon the proper format for a job resume is among the most critical facets of building an effective resume. Resume format greatly aids in raising the standard of your resume. Some PDF format resumes are made by employing a document scanner to make an image of a paper resume. If you're thinking about submitting a non-traditional resume format, it is a fantastic idea to also incorporate a more customary format also. It's also advisable to take care when creating a PDF format resume. If your computer may read the text then you're all set. Text oriented story line formats also do the job, if you're able to be concise in order to not bore the reader. It's crucial to use the right resume format to receive effects. There are several different resume formats available that you are going to be baffled in regards to deciding on one definite format. This recommendation on format is dependent on your background. New versions of Word now include PDF writers and for older ones they may be downloaded free of charge from the world wide web. There are just two forms of formats which you want to select from and they're Chronological resume format and Functional resume format. If you're developing a Word format resume, clearly Word is a great choice. So, there's a wonderful basic resume format for you. Sure, it's probably not your favourite thing to do, but there are a lot of totally free sample resumes on the net or in document programs, such as MS Word, that may allow you to understand the proper resume format. There are 3 unique types of resume formats you'll be able to utilize to create a resume. In case the template isn't in the right format there is not any value of using it. Resume tips constitute of a detailed procedure. Handing in a resume for a work application for a PDF is wise if you need your resume to appear just the manner in which you've made it. When you're in search of work, your resume plays a vital role in getting you selected for an interview. Resume may be quite beneficial to clean your means in acquiring a job. The most useful facet of the bullet point format is the capacity to easily customize your resume to a certain job for which you're applying. Selecting an incorrect kind of resume format will result in job loss. Exaggerating the precedence of being hired, it is essential to receive a foolproof layout of an abstract. Though the style of resume is popular in the work market, there are specific disadvantages that can't be ignored. The Unexposed Secret of Resume Format Download Pdf Functional resumes are arranged so that you're able to set your abilities in the most obvious positions. Chronological Resume Format is quite popular with many employers. Resume plays a crucial function in getting you the work interview call. Also when you have been in more or less the exact field, in order for your career has been a logical progression to the job that you are applying for now. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. Where it is possible to find precisely what you need quickly and easily. Video resumes are the current trend in the world today. There are essentially four methods you are able to organize your resume. Therefore it's crucial that you email your resume right. Resume writing doesn't have to be hard.

Life, Death and High Schooler Resume

Life, Death and High Schooler Resume What You Don't Know About High Schooler Resume High school may be a challenging time in the life span of a student because he or she's predicted to bag a job after graduating. A great approach to begin on your resume as a high school student is to have a look at examples of resumes and read tips about what to include and the way to format your resume. Next, you are going to discover how to create a college resume prepared for the big leagues! If you're a high schooler that has been accepted to a college already, you may also state your college's name and the date you will start attending. Not simply the subject matters but library that's on-line may also be accessible. A fast introduction and resume hand-off will offer your child the opportunity to get in touch with student many resume as possible. Essentially, any sort of present careers or performances really should wind up being outlined upon top, regardless of the start day. It's fine to discuss your math classes in a context which is related to a job you're taking a look at. How to Find High Schooler Resume on the Web When many men and women consider 4H, they have a tendency to just consider livestock and raising animals for meat. However tempting it may be to stretch the truth, lying on your resume is always a poor idea. It is possible to showcase your work history, but in addition fill in more space by talking about your abilities and other knowledge you've got. Write your resume in the third individual, as though it's being written by somebody else. Resume high schooler is among the pictures in the c ategory of Resume and a lot more images inside that category. Don't incorporate an image of yourself Although in some countries it might be acceptable to include things like a photo, it isn't the norm in Canada. The labels that have been pasted over the materials make an impression about your goods and business. It's possible to also have the city and state where the business is located in the event you'd like. The resume is utilised to describe what you could accomplish professionally in a way that also illustrates what you could do for an employer. Just make certain it is wholly clean of whatever you wouldn't need a prospective employer to see. Otherwise, the employer won't be in a position to get in touch with you. Detecting a job in the tech business is even harder. An interview may also be needed to land the job, but a resume is critical to begin the approach. By customizing your resume for the job which you want, you can show employers you've got the abilities and experience they're searching for. You don't need to overstate your abilities or results since it will mislead the employer. Be sure that the skills are related to the job which you desire. Write down what skills you used, and the way they may relate to the job which you desire. A Secret Weapon for High Schooler Resume Protect letters may also be a trying area of the work application procedure. There are 4 major types of assignments. As a consequence, no 2 resumes will look the exact same. The very clear division between sections also makes it appear neat and simple to read. Life After High Schooler Resume It's not difficult to write an outstanding objective. Positioned at the very top of your resume, the summary statement provides the hiring manager a snapshot of your abilities and accomplishments. Use a summary statement to provide a brief yet poignant description of yourself in connection with your capacity to work the job which you are applying for. The goal is to show you're an ideal candidate for the position you're applying for. The Death of High Schooler Resume Include your high school in the education section when it's the maximum level of education you've received. You have precisely what it takes to be successful in college. Keep reading to learn our top 3 strategies for writing a winning high school resume. You might wind up being an existing High School or university graduate pupil, or you may become going into the labor force for the function of the exact initial instant.

The Start of Headline Resume

The Start of Headline Resume A well-defined resume headline is what you want to appear smart, if you are interested in work. If you have little job experience or you're just going into the work market for the very first time, the headline will provide you with an opportunity to split the qualities which will help you grow your career. Making the headline particular to the job description indicates that you are interested in getting the work enough to customize your resume. It's significant that a resume headline also needs to be in a position to introduce the person's resume profile, which is mostly utilised to introduce an individual's set of skills and experience. The aim of a resume headline is to sum up your abilities and experience into a quick phrase that will stick out and show the possible employer exactly what you've got to offer you. Located on top of your resume below your name and contact info, a headline permits a recruiter to see quickly and concisely what makes you the correct person for the job. Make certain you go with experience related headline if you get a fantastic expertise in your related career. Creating an effective resume can greatly enhance your odds of landing that dream job, and that means you need to put your very best foot forward with the space you've got and the situations you wish to say. Without a suitable headline, there isn't any other way for communicating your experiences and techniques earned by means of your career. If you're a fresher and you're attempting to find an entry-level job in a trusted organisation then you've got to decide on skills related resume tag lines. For some of them you will require help, while others you'll be able to write by yourself. It is possible to also search and view resumes of different candidates who have the kind of job that you're searching for to obtain insight into the experience and skills employers value. Hiring managers aren't interested in knowing your interests, they simply need a good idea of the job you've done, and that accounts for a resume headline. Outside of experience in the field, it may be looking for bright candidates with at least a high school diploma or even some type of business degree. Try to remember that hiring managers and recruiters spend a limited period of time on each resume as few as six seconds, according to a single study. Find out whether you are eligible for practically any unemployment benefits. Without it there is not any life. Do a comprehensive verification to make certain that the info you have passes employment verification. Let's look at some decent headlines for experienced applicants in a couple of diverse industries. You don't need to do whatever might jeopardize a great reference you've received. If you would like your resume to get read and, more to the point, you're searching for an interview, you should make sure it stands out from the rest and steers clearly away from empty cliches and meaningless jargon. To begin with, a strong resume headline assists in clearly communicating your worth for a candidate. To get a better chance of being accepted in the desired company you prefer to apply, you'll need to be creative and make a unique resume headline to actually catch your reader's interest. Summaries are excellent, but they are sometimes a detriment to your resume if they're done incorrectly. Well for that a summary of the movie is called for. Resume headlines or a resume summary are frequently used as a guide to assist interviewers know a particular person's information in the sort of a summary. Resume headlines follow the very same rules for different titles. They are meant to be accurate, right! Pick 3-5 of the highest comments.

Whispered System Analyst Resume Secrets

Whispered System Analyst Resume Secrets The Honest to Goodness Truth on System Analyst Resume Start by choosing which sections you would like to include. In terms of the resume style, there are two principal layouts to select from. You will also require the technical education to come up with or repair systems as the need arises. Simply take a look at every section individually to observe how to accomplish this. Most hiring managers wish to find a cover letter with your data scientist resume. Highlight keywords you might have noticed in the data analyst job description you're responding to. Consider this cover letter example for an insurance policy analyst trainee position for a guide, adjusting the details to satisfy your circumstances and the particular job to which you're applying. Give prospective employers access to the facets of your internet presence you would like them to see. System Analyst Resume Features A couple of them initially feel that we're still quite traditional'. You also could have done Volunteer Work or independent Projects that you're able to include. Use numbers wherever you may! Nonetheless, this isn't required. System Analyst Resume - Is it a Scam? The most important duty of a systems analyst is to create certain the computer system of their employer is functioning optimally. You'll also perform standard testings and offer solutions to guarantee high leve ls of performance and security. Make certain you tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Also, think about adding proficiencies in different applications also. It is very important to note you should only add skills that are pertinent to the position you're applying for. For instance, a construction worker might concentrate on specific abilities, a network engineer may concentrate on their education, and an EMT might consider experience most important. Since you can see over the applicant lists his understanding of both. Also note the method by which the applicant hints at how their skills can help the business. In addition, you can find out more about IT careers on Monster. Furthermore, you can learn more on the subject of healthcare careers and hunt for healthcare IT jobs on Monster. If you're open to several kinds of jobs, let us know. No matter whether you're a private sector financial professional seeking your initial federal job or an existing Federal employee seeking a promotion, you must make certain you include the correct keywords for your intended series in your resume. Individuals really delight in the chance to work there, while it's for a lengthy period or a brief visit, and getting to share their ideas with different experts, states Doddy. Lots of people believe they must incorporate all their work history onto their resume, regardless of what their work history includes. By carefully targeting resumes for particular jobs, you may greatly enhance your odds of getting noticed in the work industry. It might even be a good concept to exclude it in case the job isn't local. The career is likely to see greater-than-average growth in the next few years. The work also requires an in-depth understanding of a huge quantity of technology. To earn an ideal skills section, list your very best skills and the very best skills you've got from the work offer. Then, talking about your secondary abilities and obligations over the most important ones is another mistake you have to be mindful of. Offer your skills some flavor with the addition of adjectives. Aiming to utilize my strong prioritization abilities and analytical ability to attain the goals of your business.

The Hidden Truth on Library Assistant Resume

The Hidden Truth on Library Assistant Resume Organizing the archive is critical in order to closely monitor important documents. Fourth, it has to be in Word format. If you're attempting to format an ATS-friendly edition, however, it's ideal to mention these in the education part of your document. You are able to get such all set formats for each solo type of job which you want to apply. To eliminate the letter, decide to attempt to create you to ultimately the dining table so that you should get rid of it with higher note. Think about the book stacks as your house away from home when you're a library page. With completely free curriculum vitae forms, you discover this possible to utilize each one of the advantages that it has to supply you so you've got the capability to appear successful, and find the wonderful written resume. Show a keen interest in the topic too. You are able to employ your cover letter to provide personality to your application and demonstrate with specific examples why you're the best candidate for work. All the above are excellent techniques to create your resume stand out. If you're in a circumstance where your resume requires an objective, you ought to think about what's going to go into it. Excellent cover letter samplesvaultcom highlight achievements and outline certain skills essential to carry out this sort of job. Whispered Li brary Assistant Resume Secrets Therefore don't hold your breath, delivery companies look very, very excellent for a very long time to come. It will produce the experience of the individual by way of someone's program Though it might seem to be always an incredible deal of work on first. On your resume, then you must write on your own knowledge in addition. There'll probably always be a demand for attorneys. Resume makes it feasible to to acquire the work potential that's desirable. About it is actually that you wish to find out more concerning the work launching. Every job demands some particular qualification. If you realize that you are with yourself a great job experience, you can use the operational in case you've got livelihood openings and additionally you also shifting careers and the format. Flexibility regarding geographical location could possibly be helpful for career advancement. This position is presently not accepting applications. Since it is often occupied by those who were not able to get hold of professional librarian qualifications, their main task is to assist librarians and other professionals. Positions requiring a high degree of creativity and originality still ought to be highly valued. Needless to say, you still need to mention different abilities that are appropriate and other qualification that you believe they research for. It supplies the hiring manager a summary of the qualifications you've got for the job for which you're applying. Highlight your experience and extra qualifications. This cover letter for Library Assistant Resume was created in a manner that it's going to give the reader employing a brief introduction of the abilities and capabilities. Fast Track Appointment provides an alternate appointment process to the conventional competitive selection approach. Writing work application may appear hard initially, but jooxie is here in order to assist. It may also be useful to discuss your capacity to satisfy physical demands, as School Library Assistants often devote most their day on-foot. A Public Librarian demands different kinds of communication skills to handle the general public. Library technicians typically require a postsecondary certificate. Public libraries are created for the advantage of taxpayers, which makes it accessible to all. Writing a strong professional resume might seem to be an intimidating job. Additionally, you may discover a high school diploma is needed for employed as a library page or you may still be working toward graduation. Excellent computer skills are extremely essential since most libraries are wholly automated.

New Ideas Into Power Words Resume Never Before Revealed

New Ideas Into Power Words Resume Never Before Revealed As a consequence, you'll also be communicating your mastery of various important skills! Make sure you're highlighting the most relevant and topical experience essential for the position. Generally speaking, you are going to want to pick the most critical accomplishments, but also ensure they are related to the opening. A successful resume expresses these skills in the area and attention to detail, and it may make or break your odds of getting work. Choosing Power Words Resume One other important consideration to consider is to relate the way your previous experiences would benefit the target company. Limiting your choices will conserve lots of time and headache whilst ensuring a greater quality resume. For a lot of people who are fighting to compose their resumes, the advice they receive from experts in the specialty can be a priceless aid. Was shot from a cannon, for instance, doesn't count. The Argument About Power Words Resume Learn the right narrative, terminology and keywords for the business and company that you are pursuing. Regardless of what business sector you prefer to work in, there'll always be an amount of transferable skills that you are able to take with you from job to job. Sprinkle the correct buzzwords into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you're a component of the business. Each business and profession has specific key terms. It's almost always a great idea to tailor your resume to the particular job that you're applying for. Employers are interested in people who exemplify a strong work ethic, a fantastic attitude, and superior communication abilities. Working in a security field makes integrity very important, and you're going to want to demonstrate your employer that multiple folks can speak to your integrity and character, features that are a little more difficult to see in different regions of the resume. That explanation includes the four critical parts of the document, why they're important, together with an example. You do so by including relevant keywords and phrases that directly relate to the position you're applying for. Now you should find out the resume keywords and phrases utilized for your intended position. Getting the Best Power Words Resume When it regards physical appearance of your resume, easy and clean is the best way to go. The secret to success is accurately predicting t he key terms or phrases screeners are searching for in a resume. This word demonstrates that you made some kind of positive difference at an earlier firm. Excellent luck with your work search! Your very first task in a prosperous job application is to receive past the initial scanning and selection practice. Just upload your resume in their system then paste the full job description to begin the comparison. Your resume is a vital tool once it comes to your job search. All our tools are totally free to our users. Up in Arms About Power Words Resume? Even in job postings, it is generally clear what skill set businesses are searching for in people who wish to work for them. Because your resume has to be found. This specific firm is searching for someone that's authorized to work in a particular geography. Resume keywords showcase your distinct skills. The Importance of Power Words Resume Hiring managers will need to scan your resume and discover the information that they n eed in record time in order that they are able to move on to the next resume. If you're asking for work, I am assuming that you're hard-working and that you have goals, you don't have to place them on your resume,'' Case states. Power Words Resume Ideas As your very first chance to produce a great impression, you must be mindful with the resume words to use while making your resume. Imagine is another terrific word. Use the resume words below to demonstrate that with a tiny zest. You should make an effort to be a little creative. When it has to do with your resume, word choice is important. If your language is the very same as everyone else's, it is going to be difficult for you to stand out. The English language is extremely full of words, and applicants with the capacity to use words create a durable impression.