Sunday, May 17, 2020

Tips When Transitioning From Education to Writing a Resume

Tips When Transitioning From Education to Writing a ResumeA lot of people assume that if they have recently earned a degree and are transitioning to writing a resume, they will lose some information that is appropriate for the job that they are applying for. While this is true to a certain extent, there are ways to get back what you have lost.In education, students do not typically have a writing experience with which to compare themselves. Therefore, when they are transitioning to writing a resume, they may wish to remove some information that is personal or pertaining to their professional life. This can include items such as where they studied, which classes they took, what type of information they submitted for work samples, and what position they held in the previous job. Having this information available, they can make sure that their resume matches the positions that they are currently applying for.In writing a resume in education, you do not want to focus on things that are m ore formal. If you do, your resume will look sloppy and it could put your education on the defensive. This can make your resume look unprofessional, which can turn away the people who need to see it in order to decide whether or not they want to contact you.To avoid looking like you are focusing on your educational experience too much, take some time to read over your education documents. Also, look for gaps that you can fill with more information. As long as you don't end up with a resume that is full of outdated information, you won't have a problem. However, if you are still unsure about how to begin, look for some tips at career websites.When you transition from writing a resume in education to writing a resume in another field, it is very important to be able to write in the required format. Make sure that you are comfortable with the information you use on your resume. In other words, you should be able to write a resume without error.The resume should clearly state your job t itle, the date you began working, your location (if applicable), and any experience you have that could be helpful to the person seeking to hire you. It should also include the name of the position you are currently working in, along with the contact information of those who will be handling your responsibilities.When you are transitioning from education to writing a resume in another field, you should take the time to add some content that could help your resume stand out among all the other resumes out there. This includes topics that could make your resume stand out from the others in the pool of applicants. A good place to start is by identifying how your education has prepared you for the job that you are currently applying for.When you are transitioning from education to writing a resume in another field, you should think about what the person seeking to hire you may be looking for. Be sure that you include these specific details, so that you can offer something unique to the person who is reviewing your resume. While some fields may require you to have extra experience, they may be willing to overlook this if they think that you have relevant experience.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

6 Tips for Advancing Your Science Career CareerMetis.com

6 Tips for Advancing Your Science Career â€" CareerMetis.com You have worked hard for many years, going to university and getting your degree, and working in your chosen field of science. But now, like lots of people when they hit a certain point in their career, you feel a bit stuck in a rut. You know you need to and want to advance and take the next step on the ladder, but you are not quite sure how to go about it.The key to this is to look at yourself and your career as a business. This can be difficult to get your head around, but think of it this way: sure, you are a scientist, but what you can offer is similar to what a business offers it’s clients: your knowledge, degree from the University of Nevada-Reno, skills, and expertise in return for a monetary reward.evalAs you move up your career ladder, you need to be offering new things to people to get them to ‘buy’ you. You need to be on top of the latest developments and advancements in science and technology and show a willingness to educate yourself and grow â€" just as a business would. Businesses that spend a little time marketing and promoting themselves attract new, higher-profile clients. Spend some time marketing yourself â€" working on your resumeand applications â€" and you too can land yourself a job with a new, higher-profile employer.If you are still finding it hard to get your head around â€" as many do â€" here are some tips to help you to look at yourself as a business to advance your science career.1) Focus on the One Skill that Sets You ApartAll of the scientists in your chosen field will have vaguely the same skills and knowledge, so to really stand out in the crowd, you need to have something a little bit special, a skill that sets you apart from the rest of the potential candidates. This is your USP â€" unique selling point. All businesses have one, and so should you.Once you have identified this, spend some time really honing it and making sure it is the sharpest tool in your toolkit and something that really makes your application shine. 2) Think BigEmployers appreciate big, bold thinkers. They want to be ahead of the game, and to do that, they need people working for them who are ahead of the game and not afraid to be bold and confident.You need to be realistic about what you can achieve in a particular period of time, of course, but do not be afraid to think big when it comes to what you can offer. If it is something that you maybe can’t do right at this time, but will be able to in the future, tell them. Tell them and show them the steps that you are taking to be able to do this.3) Consider DiversifyingIt is, as we said above, important to have that one skill that sets you apart from the rest of the applicants but be prepared to show some flexibility and consider diversifying. The skill that you have now may become obsolete in the future, so being able to pull something else out of the bag is always a good idea. This is what businesses do all of the time to ensure they stay relevant to the current market. The p roblem sometimes is knowing where to start with doing this, and the best way is to surround yourself with various sources of information.evalRead, read, and read a bit more about things going on both within your chosen field and outside of your discipline and attending seminars and conferences. You never know â€" you might find that you want to move into a different area of science at some point!4) Do Your ResearchNo, we don’t mean research within your field, but research and find out more about what potential employers are looking for in their candidates, and what it will take for you to be the one that they choose over others. You have to understand what your ‘customers’ â€" in other words, employers need. Businesses undertake market research, and so should you.Pour over job descriptions and specifications, and don’t be afraid to make some calls and send some emails. You may not hear back from most if you are just asking questions, but some may give you some great informat ion, leads, and even job openings!5) Build Your BrandevalIn Western societies, we are encouraged to stay humble and not to brag about our skills and our achievements, but when it comes to both business and advancing your career, this can be quite harmful. You have done well to get where you are and achieved great things â€" be proud of them and shout about them. You are your brand â€" you need to publicize and market yourself, and modesty is not your friend here. Cast an eye over your resume â€" have you downplayed yourself?If you have, rewrite it! Clearly articulate what value you can bring to the table. If a business didn’t shout about what they can do, they wouldn’t get very far, so take a leaf out of their book! Have some business cards printed out with your credentials and hand them out when you meet new professional contacts.6) NetworkSuccessful businesses spend time networking with otherswithin the industry, even if they are seen as direct competitors. It gives them the o pportunity to find out what others are doing so they can stay one step ahead of the game, and a group of like-minded people to turn to for support and advice. This can be going out to events such as conferences, seminars and exhibitions, and finding support online in Facebook groups and forums.The sooner that you start looking at yourself and your career as a business â€" something that needs to be invested in â€" the quicker you will advance your career and climb up that ladder to dizzying heights!

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Summary Sunday Job Search Is All About Connecting

Summary Sunday Job Search Is All About Connecting Whether you are actively looking for a new job or are considering a change in the future, what you need to know is that a successful job search is all about connecting. Building relationships is the most important step you can take during your career. These relationships will open doors to future jobs, I promise! I hope the following weekly summary will help you build better lasting relationships and find that new job sooner! LINKEDIN 17 LinkedIn Ninja Tricks Experts Haven’t Taught You Yet [2017 Edition] by Melonie Dodaro This has a lot of great tricks, except #2 didnt work for me. This could be a glitch or it could be due to some recent changes LinkedIn made. Learn how to search LinkedIn better and send follow-up emails when someone connects with you! I hope you enjoy some of these! NETWORKING Ten Networking Mistakes Most Job Seekers Are Still Making by Barbara Safani on LinkedIn These mistakes are too common! Networking isnt job hunting. It is information gathering and relationship building! Learn what not to do and how to fix your networking. Heck, if you do it right, it can actually be fun! JOB SEARCH How to Use Google for Jobs to Rock Your Career by Donna Svei | Avid Careerist In case you missed the news this week, Google launched their job posting search function. It isnt a job board, but a job posting aggregator and it doesnt search Indeed. Read how to use it in this article Donna wrote. When Your Dream Career Is Elsewhere: Ten Ways To Find A Job In A New Location by  Caroline Ceniza-Levine | Inc. Relocating to a new city is often the best way to expand your job search. Follow these steps to learn how to get a job elsewhere. PERSONAL BRANDING Here’s Why You Should Take Your Personal Branding Seriously by Susan P. Joyce | FlexJobs In a nutshell, building your personal brand takes time and planning. So the best time to start is now (before you are job hunting). Susan shares personal branding success stories  and summarizes the personal branding process in 3 steps: 1) Find your keywords 2) Find your voice 3) Find your audience. Craft a Unique Personal Brand In case you missed it, Ive created a free 30-minute course on how to craft your personal brand.

Friday, May 8, 2020

7 Tips to Handle a Last Minute Sick Kid

7 Tips to Handle a Last Minute Sick Kid If you work and have a family, someones going to get sick. When its you, you often suck it up and deal with it as best you can. When its your kids, you spend the next 24+ hours trying to help them feel better while also trying to keep up with your responsibilities at work. Those things are always going to happen, and theres nothing you can do to avoid it. What you can do is acknowledge that its going to happen at some point and make sure you are prepared for it. 1. Plan Ahead If you work and have kids, theyre going to get sick. Theres no way around it. So walk into your job knowing that its a possibility and that youll require some amount of flexibility from your boss. Children younger than two years old typically get 8-10 colds each year. Depending on the situation, a bug may be enough for them to have to stay home. And heaven forbid another child at school or daycare comes down with pink-eye! If the kids are going to get sick, you need to have a plan set up. There are a lot of options, so make sure you have a solid, detailed plan. 2. Make Sure Theyre Actually Sick There are times when kids dont want to go to school or have some minor issues that arent actually an illness. A rash might not be contagious, a bout of diarrhea could be from too much juice and the runny nose might be from allergies, not a cold. Its not an issue to have your kids want to stay home from school, but if they arent sick, then its probably not reasonable for you to take off for them. Instead, try and get them in and let the daycare or school know what you think the issue is. Also let them know if theres anything they can do to prevent calling you, like limiting juice intake. 3. Know the Laws Depending on the state you live in, there may be laws on the books that require your employer to give you some days off to care for a sick family member. This is different from the Family Medical Leave Act, which is nationwide, and depends entirely on your state. If you are lucky enough to live in somewhere that provides you with time off for mild illnesses, make sure to talk to your boss about them when you get hired or as soon as you can. It is part of their job to know, but theyre still likely to be put-out if you or HR springs it on them unexpectedly. 4. Have a Back-up Caregiver If you can arrange a plan to have a temporary, on-call babysitter, then do it. Most often this job falls to family members who are home or retired during the day. Whatever the plan is, make sure you also inform your boss about it. If your child gets sick and your Aunt can only watch them until early afternoon, your boss needs to know about that before you ever need to use your backup plan. They will never be as mad if you can give them plenty of advanced notice. 5. Bring Your Child to Work Day! Depending on the office you work for, you might be able to get away with bringing your child to work. If you do that, handle it just like you would if you took off work. Call and check with your boss first, make sure that its ok to do so, and then try to make it as easy as possible for your boss, your coworkers and your child. Older kids will be easier to deal with in this situation than a toddler would be. In either case, it might be best to try and only come in as long as you’re needed. Your child already feels crappy and keeping them there longer than necessary won’t help. If you can, try taking a day to work from home. This can be more difficult, especially with a sick child, but do your best to stay focused when you do. Your boss has already given you a leg-up with telecommuting. They won’t do it again if they see you posting on Facebook instead of working. 6. Tag Team If you have a partner working with you to raise this child, then it shouldn’t be all your responsibility to take off work. There may be times when it’s simply more convenient for you or your partner to do so, and it’s ok to switch off. It works even better if you both have the option of telecommuting, because then whoever stays home can still get some work done. 7. Take Time Off Sometimes, everything just goes wrong. If you know your kid is sick, your partner cant step in, theres no one to watch them, and no chance of bringing them with you, then you might just have to stay home for the day. It happens sometimes. But you need to handle it properly with your boss. Start off by telling them as soon as you possibly can, and dont apologize for it. Handle it like you would any other professional delay and let them know youll get as much work done from home as you can, if possible. Dealing with sick kids is part of having a family. Theres no way around it, so you should take as many steps as you can to be prepared for it. Getting your boss on board is paramount since theyll be your biggest challenge or your biggest advocate, depending on how well you handle the situation. Every workplace is different, and some jobs are just not as flexible as others. Keep in mind that your case will always be a little different. Do you have an unusual solution to dealing with a sick child on a workday? Let us know about it! And while youre at it, sign up for more ideas about handling your work-life balance and climbing the social and career ladders Get everything you need to build a career you love by signing up for the newsletter.

Monday, April 20, 2020

Tips For Writing a Resume For an Internship

Tips For Writing a Resume For an InternshipThere are a few helpful tips for writing a resume for an internship. When looking for the right job, many people overlook this important piece of paperwork.Find out what the company requires. The first thing you need to do is research the company you want to be a part of. Ask around. One way to do this is by asking friends and family.Many companies have an intern program and if they do, ask if they can provide a sample for a resume for an internship. These samples can show you just how much experience a student would need to make it as an employee of that company.Look for information on local online websites and schools. Although these are not employers, they are still looking for good workers. Get as much information as you can.When it comes to perfecting your resume, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect resume. You need to fit all the requirements in the most attractive way possible. You don't want to have too much of a re sume.When writing a resume for an internship, you should start your list of responsibilities at the top and work your way down. If you are asked to take a specific number of tests, do so. Make sure that the internship includes every part of the program. This will help you when you're looking for positions after graduation.Writing a resume for an internship can be fun, but it is also important. It can determine how far you are willing to go as a student and can help you land that dream job once you graduate. With a little effort, you can create a resume that impresses both your supervisor and your employer.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Are Graduate Programs Worth The Cost - Money Under 30

Are Graduate Programs Worth The Cost - Money Under 30 Are Graduate Programs Worth The Cost? My parents both have graduate degrees. My husband’s parents both have graduate degrees. At some point, I assumed I would earn a graduate degree. I turn 30 this year, and I still have no intention of going to grad school. Whether we can’t afford to go back to schoolor an advanced degree just isn’t as valuable as it used to begraduate school enrollment is starting to dip among millennials. In my case I realized the cost of a degree would far outweigh the salary increase I would gain, but that’s not true for everyone. Despite a slowing enrollment trend, graduate school is absolutely a great opportunity for many industries and professions. If you need help deciding whether or not to go back to school, read ahead for a simple breakdown. The benefits of grad school Most people go back to grad school for a simple reason a master’s degree is often the key to a higher salary. For others, it’s the chance to step into management and expand their role. But a large portion of the population goes back to grad school because they’re unfulfilled in their current role and want to try something different. Grad school gives them the chance to pursue what they’re really passionate about and earn an advanced degree in the process. When grad school is right for you When you have financial help About 60 percent of employers provide tuition assistance for workers who attend grad school. Tuition reimbursement reduces turnover and increases productivity. Tuition assistance programs vary with each employer, just like 401k matching programs. Companies can pay for as much as an entire degree or as little as one class a semester. Ask your HR department if they offer a tuition program and what you need to qualify. Each firm has their own eligibility requirements, which will usually include a minimum amount of hours worked. Some ask that you get a degree in a field related to your current job. My old employer offered tuition reimbursement to employees who had a 3.0 GPA or higher. You should also apply for scholarships, grants and financial aid. You might qualify for a full ride depending on your salary. When there’s a guaranteed raise Some jobs automatically provide salary increases to employees who earn a graduate degree. For example, many teachers go back to school because they can get a higher salary with a Master’s degree. On average, teachers with a Master’s can earn $7,000 more than those only with an undergraduate education. Some school districts also offer stipends or grants to help fund a teacher’s education. This is usually only typical with unionized positions, so ask your boss if an advanced degree will get you a raise. When grad school is a bad idea When it’s an expensive decision Following your dreams is a noble goal, but not at the expense of your financial future. Grad school costs between $30,000 and $40,000 a year on average, depending on what kind of university you choose. Since the average current undergraduate has more than $30,000 in student loans, going back to school can lead to double the debt load. When it’s not necessary for your career When I was a newspaper reporter, only a few of my colleagues had Master’s degrees. I envied the extra piece of paper they had on their walls, though I knew I would never go back to school to get a Master’s in journalism. Journalists don’t get better jobs because they’re educated. They get better opportunities because they’ve proven their work in the field by breaking stories, winning awards and providing solid content to their readers. While some graduate schools provide students with lots of valuable networking opportunities, they’re often not necessary to further your career. What to do instead If you aren’t sure if grad school is right for you, there are other options you can explore. Find an internship Getting work experience can be a decent substitute for grad school, especially since it doesn’t cost anything. If possible, look for a paid internship so you won’t rely on credit cards to pay your way. Take on more responsibilities at work When I was working at a nonprofit, I primarily handled all the marketing and communications tasks. After a couple years I wanted to do something different, so I asked my boss if he could teach me how to write grants. It was a win-win. The organization got someone else to help with grant writing, and I learned a valuable skill. If I wanted to pursue a career in the nonprofit world, I didn’t have to go back to school. I could have just learned on the job for free, with solid mentors to guide the way. Look for alternative opportunities You don’t have to go to grad school in order to get an education. For example, software companies often offer 10-week bootcamps that teach aspiring developers the latest software language. The bootcamp is free in exchange for students agreeing to a lower salary for at least two years. This type of apprenticeship gets you in the workforce faster than grad school and for less money. Websites like Udemy and General Assembly also offer affordable online classes that can give you a head start on whatever you’re interested in. Start doing what you’re passionate about Since I’ve been freelance writing for a couple years now, I often get questions from other people on how they can get started. I always tell them to just start writing. If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to be a coder, code. Obviously you’ll need to expand your knowledge at some point, but diving headfirst into an activity is always the best way to figure out just what you need to learn. So many jobs don’t require a grad degree to prove you’re capable. If you want to be a wedding photographer and don’t have any experience, tell everyone you know you want to be a wedding photographer. Be willing to shoot your first couple weddings for free. Post your availability on Craigslist, create a website on Squarespace and start a Facebook page. Once you have a few weddings under your belt, you can start charging. You can use this strategy with writing, graphic design, baking and more. Summary Grad school can be a great career advancer for some, butas more and more millennials are discoveringits not the answer for everyone. Instead, try getting an internship, asking your current employer for more responsibility, or start a side hustle (for which you dont need experience). Read more How Much Is An MBA Worth? How To Pay For Grad School The Smart Way

Friday, April 10, 2020

6 Of The Scariest Resumes Ive Ever Seen - Work It Daily

6 Of The Scariest Resumes Ive Ever Seen - Work It Daily When you embark on the job search, updating your resume is the natural first move. Resume writing is where you devote significant energy, in order to increase the likelihood that the recruiter will stand up and take notice. But it doesn’t bode well if the recruiter flags your resume for all the wrong reasons. In the spirit of Halloween, let’s highlight some of the scariest types of resumes out there: Related: 10 Things To Remove From Your Resume 1. The template. No, no, 1,000 times NO. I beg of you: please do not use a Microsoft Word resume template. I cannot express to you deeply enough how unimpressive that appears to the reader. Worse yet are candidates who insert terms like, “innovative,” and “creative,” into what is literally a resume-in-a-box. Instead, here’s a wild idea: start from a blank piece of paper. You have the knowledge, experience, and English language skills to express yourself. If you feel a little stuck, look at resume samples for inspiration (not duplication). Balance style elements you’ve seen with what is uniquely yours, to deliver a presentation that genuinely reflects who you are. 2. The circus. On the other end of the spectrum from the aforementioned template, lies the circus. This is the resume where, in an effort to be different, you’ve utilized four font types, three styles of bullets, and several colors from the rainbow. Circus-like visuals that assault the recruiter’s vision will never dress up a weak professional history. Instead, select one font and then apply all caps, small caps, and italics. Choose one bullet style. Identify a two-color scheme, understanding that less is more. This approach will guide the recruiter to focus on the expertise and accomplishments you bring to the table. 3. The oldie. Circa 1982, this is the resume that indicates, “responsible for,” usually within the initial two lines, and then many times throughout. Here’s why this is unnecessary: you worked a job, therefore, you were responsible for it. Further, this is not an action term that indicates how you applied your particular brand of expertise. This is a stop-the-recruiter-in-his-tracks-and-hit-the-delete-button term. Instead, skip “responsible for,” and just write what you were responsible for. Begin to write like you would speak in a normal conversation with another person. By doing so, you’ll make tremendous strides in getting your thoughts down on paper. 4. The dissertation. Worse than the oldie, this resume dates back to 1974, because you insist you must have every single thing in there. News flash: you don’t. Period. Bear in mind recruiters today are reading resumes on their phones. If they see a file size of 14 megabytes, I promise they are passing you over. Instead, present your most recent 10 years in detail, and the 10 years prior in somewhat less detail. Release your need to account for every single day of your professional life dating back to your academic years. Doing so keeps your resume crisp, clean, and centered on the most relevant information the recruiter needs. 5. The storybook. Traditionally more entertaining than effective, the author of the storybook resume seeks to explain, and undoubtedly says too much every single time. This resume presents language regarding what you hope to gain from your next job, why you’re seeking employment at this time, and the reasons for leaving every job, such as, “Pursued a new position.” Such statements eat up prime resume white space while not shedding too much light. Instead, leave the explanations off. I don’t even recommend saving them for the interview. Moving away from stories goes a long way towards emphasizing impact and results â€" those are the elements the recruiter needs to see. 6. The snoozer. This is the resume that regurgitates your job description (word-for-word, in the cases of the most serious offenders). The painstaking detail used to describe the most mundane job functions doesn’t win anybody over. Instead, use your resume to showcase not just the job (which anyone could have done), but your performance in the job (which only you did). With this strategy, you focus on the unique impact you’ve delivered for your past employers, and the distinctive value you bring to the table today. Behind every bad resume is (usually) a good-hearted candidate. Avoiding these scary resume traps means you’re on a faster path to achieving job search success! This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts How To Customize Your Resume 3 Tips For Flaunting Your Value On Your Resume How To Make Dates On A Resume Work For You About the author Jewel Bracy DeMaio finds out who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, and articulates that in a way that invites the employers and recruiters to call you. Ms. DeMaio is a triple-certified, nationally-recognized executive resume writer and job search coach. Learn more at www.APerfectResume.com or call 855-JOB-FOUND.   Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!