Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Gamify Your E-mail for Better Organization

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Gamify Your E-mail for Better Organization Imagine a world in which cleaning your e-mail inbox felt like the first day you got your hands on that new Super Mario Brothers game for your Nintendo. Okay, maybe Baydin’s E-mail Game isn’t that exciting, but it does provide some entertainment relief for professionals who spend their days slogging through hundreds of never-ending messages. And at The Fast Track, we’re all about finding ways to keep e-mail (or anything else!) from killing your productivity. A Simple Tutorial Here’s how it works. By hooking up your Gmail account to the E-mail Game, you get access to an alternate interface that launches a competition each time you open a new message. For each e-mail message, you have to decide immediately what to do. You can respond right away by replying or forwarding it, you can delete or archive it, you can boomerang it to return at a later time of your choosing, or you can skip it completely. You just have to do something with the message by the time the clock runs out or you will lose points, and you get the most points for replying to a message within the allotted three minutes. The idea is to accumulate points over time by keeping your inbox as close to empty as possible. The E-mail Game tracks your progress and efficiency, and has nifty features like the ability to respond with canned text, and reply now but send the message later. It has a “More Time” icon in case you have to respond to an e-mail like this. And finally, you can add a signature line that says “excuse my brevity, but I’m trying to win the E-mail Game,” which may be clever or borderline inappropriate depending on your audience. For more on what I thought about the E-mail Game, check out the full post at Intuits Fast Track blog.

Should You Use a Resume Writing Service in Order to Get a Job in Rochester?

Should You Use a Resume Writing Service in Order to Get a Job in Rochester?A common question is whether or not to use a resume writing service in order to get a job in Rochester. Are you aware that the use of such services is recommended by employers? Keep reading for a full explanation.It has been said that hiring professionals handle your resume writing for you, because you simply cannot do it yourself. That is not true. You can write your own resume and hire an experienced resume writer to turn it into a professionally designed, effective resume. That is exactly what a professional will do for you.If you are unsure about what to put on your resume, but do not have the time or money to hire someone to make sure that the information is correct, then make sure that you answer the questions correctly on your own resume. Make sure that you tell the hiring manager the whole story. When you hand in your resume, make sure that you highlight the relevant aspects of your work history and hi ghlight areas that have given you potential as a team player and not simply as a candidate who have no skills for the position.Hiring a professional to write your resume will also guarantee that you do not make mistakes or grammar errors. That is another thing that many people don't take into account when they write their own resumes. The ability to check it against the skills that you have acquired and the experiences that you have had is a vital part of the job interview.When you hand in your resume, make sure that you are well prepared. You can prepare ahead of time by reviewing other resumes that are similar to yours. When you review them, notice what is missing from them. That will help you make sure that you really know what to put on your resume and not leave anything out.You can also use a resume writing service in order to get a job in Rochester. Look online and see what they can do for you. They will make sure that your resume is flawless and all the necessary details are highlighted. Many companies do not use resume writing services to get a job, but they can be used to write a resume that will make your chances of getting hired much higher.Although they are not used as often as resumes used by people with skills and experience, they should still be used. They are a very important tool that a potential employer will use to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the job. Keep in mind that employers are only looking for the best possible candidates, so you need to make sure that you are included in the first 10 of a list of candidates, even if you don't want to put yourself on the list. The key is to make your best case for the job and show that you can be hired for the position.Employers who hire a professional to write their resume are looking for the best candidate, and they will take the time to find that candidate, rather than waste time interviewing a candidate that would not be hired because they do not have the proper skills for the job. Resume writing services are affordable, and employers are looking for a company that will make sure that your resume is accurate and to hire you, not just write your resume.

6 Outdated Job Search Tactics You Should Quit Doing NOW!

6 Outdated Job Search Tactics You Should Quit Doing NOW! If you’re searching for a job these days, you may be experiencing what seems like an uphill battle. The perfect job posts are few and far between, and when they do pop up, you rarely get a response. Your dream companies seem to never be hiring and you’ve followed all the job search rules. It seems as though you’ll never get the job you dreamed of. Luckily, there are still lots of great positions out there. You just need to stop searching the old way and embrace the new way. If you’re looking for a job in today’s market, here are 6 outdated job search tactics you should stop doing now: 1) Apply  during hiring season: For a long time it was assumed that most employers hired in the fall or spring. Those were the times to get your resume out there and land an interview. Nowadays, that couldn’t be farther from the truth a hiring season just doesn’t exist. Employers are thoughtful about the positions they hire for, so it is rare for an entire batch of openings to come out at once. Instead of avoiding holidays, winter blizzards, and summer vacations, make a point to apply during those times. There may actually be fewer candidates to contend with, which could give you a head start. 2) Overlooking a  company because nothing is posted: You’ve dreamed your whole life of working for Google. You have accumulated all of the credentials you need, moved to the right location, and are accruing experience that would give you a leg up. So you commit to checking their career site each and every day to make sure you are one of the first to fill out the application the day it is released. Your patience and determination are commendable, but unfortunately you’ll never get a job this way at least not anymore. Most companies start their job search from within before they ever look out to the rest of the market. If you know there’s a specific company you want to be working for, do you what you can to find a contact from within the company that can help you out. Search your own network first and then scan social media platforms like LinkedIn to find internal recruiters or employees that could point you in the right direction. 3) Applying online: Every morning over a cup of coffee you scan job boards and submit online applications. There seem to be new postings each day, so eventually one will pan out. This thought process seems logical, but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way anymore. The best positions never even make it to the Internet. There are so many applicants these days that recruiters need to filter somehow so many will simply cut out online applicants. More importantly, many companies are on the hunt for talented employees, regardless of their specific skills, so it’s more important to get your face out there and make sure everyone knows you’re open to the next opportunity. Start with your own network of family and friends and work your way outward. 4) Limiting  your resume to paper: Hopefully you’ve spent a lot of time perfecting your resume no grammatical errors, quantifiable impactful bullet points, specific skills that tie to the job posting. But there’s probably one piece of resume-updating advice you haven’t received take it online. You don’t need to necessarily create your own personal webpage, though that would help, but you should include links to any of your work that is visible online. This is especially true for marketing or IT jobs, but can also be incorporated into other sectors. Anything you can do to give your recruiter something visual will help remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. 5) Focusing on  one job only: So you have an expertise in direct mail campaigns and loved working for that magazine publisher? Surely if you keep your eyes peeled, a similar position will pop up. The problem? Direct mail campaigns are becoming a thing of the past and magazine publishers are too. Just as you update your resume, you need to update (and modernize) your target job too. Be open-minded and take a step back to consider your skills. You may find that your direct mail specialty is actually experience reaching niche markets and that the magazine publisher is no different than an online company. 6) Removing  your online presence: We’ve all heard stories of Facebook updates-gone-wrong that led to terminations or rejections. And while it’s important to clean up your online presence, this doesn’t mean that you should remove it completely. Many recruiters will take to social media to check up on candidates, but they aren’t expecting to find nothing they just want to make sure you aren’t an overt lawbreaker that will get their company in trouble or an over-opinionated politico that will offend their clients. Make sure you don’t have anything inappropriate on your social media accounts, but don’t remove everything or you may actually make it seem like you have something you’re hiding. Job searching may not be as easy as it once was, but there are still lots of jobs to be found and companies are willing to offer a lot for the right candidate.  Update your job search skills and avoid making out-of-date mistakes and you will be one step closer to landing your dream job. Author: Gerald Buck is the editor of EJobApplications, a website offering free downloadable job application forms, career information, job interview and resume tips, as well as much more. Follow him on Twitter @EJobApplication.

What Just Happened Decoding the Job Interview Marla Gottschalk

What Just Happened Decoding the Job Interview Marla Gottschalk Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash There is plenty of advice out there concerning what to say (and do) during an employment interview. However, there is little written about how to sort out the jumbled mess of emotions and observations that you are left with.   Even with the best of intentions and lists of smartly designed questions â€" interviewing is not (and never will be) a perfect process. In some situations, you are not really sure what has actually transpired. In fact, you may leave feeling you know less about your potential future there, than when you began. Over the years, Ive sat in many job interviews. Interestingly, even with my background, I was a poor bet to predict the outcome. However, looking back I could have nailed down the gestalt of the interview. This might have offered a clue as to what was about to transpire next. To be blunt, many organizations still do not have a clear structured interview process â€" and even if they do â€" the conversation could ramble off the grid. Paying close attention to these moments may offer needed clarity. Im like to share a few of my interview experiences; including what was said and how I felt after initially reflecting on the interview. Ill also let you know if I landed the role. #1 The Interview as a Call for Help In many situations, organizations are not really sure what they need. You may have responded to a specific job posting, however when you arrive its clear the situation is quite fluid. Ultimately, their actual needs become cloudier as the conversation continues. My read: They are in flux â€" but at the same time the prospect of challenge and growth increases. Truth: If the interview smacks of this, inquire about what they likely need to accomplish right now. Size up whether or not you fill that need â€" and if youd still like to pursue the relationship. Assess alignment and evaluate your chances from there. My scorecard with this scenario: Interviews 2; Adequate fit 0; Job Offers 0. (Quite satisfied with this outcome.) #2 Playing Close to the Cuff Many interviewers present as so professional, it is difficult to get a read on them as a human-being. There is little feedback or emotion and you have absolutely no idea where you stand. My read: This a no-nonsense interaction. Chances are you wouldnt be there if you were not qualified. If this is your potential boss, youll likely need to be a self-starter. Truth: You wont know, until you know. (I left the interview thinking this, Im never going to step foot in here again.) My scorecard with this scenario: Interviews 1; Job Offers 1. (Surprise.) #3 The Passive Aggressive Interview These interviews feel like a boxing match. The interviewer seems determined to show you every wart of the organization and wait to see if you will call their bluff. Its almost as if you are running a race â€" and with each successive hurdle you sustain an injury. Truth: I feel the interviewer(s) want you to be willing to endure, what they have endured. My read: The organization is likely unhealthy â€" so figure this into any decision. My scorecard: Interviews 3; Invitations to return for follow-up interviews 2 (Both respectfully declined.); Job Offers 0. #4 The Non-Interview This is really an endorsement for considering shorter-term projects, that may set you up nicely to land a longer-term role. There have been times during my path that could have been described as either in transition, tied to a particular geographic location or faced with a job market that was simply very challenging. My read: Part-time or project-based roles are great realistic job previews for you and the employer. Every workplace situation is essentially an interview, so gather as much information as possible. Truth: Your built network is vital to finding these gems. My scorecard: Interviews 3 ; Job Offers 2 (Both a great fit). What scenarios have you encountered? What were your strategies to decode the interview? Share them here. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is the Director of Organizational Development at Allied Talent.  A charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program, her posts on workplace topics have also appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, US News World Report and The World Economic Forum.

What Is An Example Of A Writing Artifact For A Resume?

What Is An Example Of A Writing Artifact For A Resume?An example of a writing artifact for a resume for an interview can be anything from a newspaper article to a magazine cover to a letter. Any good writing artifact for a resume can be an example of a writing artifact for a resume for a job interview.A writing artifact for a resume is basically a piece of writing that will allow you to demonstrate your expertise, your skills and knowledge. This can be in the form of an excerpt from an existing work that has been included in the resume or if you are able to create a piece of original work you could include this in the piece of writing as an example of a writing artifact for a resume for a job interview. A good example of a writing artifact for a resume is important to give the reader a sense of what they can expect to find in your resume, it should include information that shows the reader how you are different to others with the same experience level and how your abilities are uniqu e to you.An example of a writing artifact for a resume is a way of demonstrating what you can do that makes you unique from others with the same experience level as you. In addition to showing a reader what to expect in your resume, it also shows the reader that you have learned from your experience and also shows the reader that you have an ability to apply this to other areas of your life.If you are trying to write an example of a writing artifact for a resume for a job interview you need to make sure that it is professional looking and that it is written in a way that is not too academic or too descriptive but rather written in a way that communicates the details that are needed to impress a reader and also how well you understand the professional writing conventions. The title of the example of a writing artifact for a resume is very important because it gives the reader a sense of what it is.Examples can range from the quite common like newspapers to the extraordinary like actu al publications from the past. For example if you are writing an example of a writing artifact for a resume for a job interview you might want to consider an original newspaper article that demonstrates your ability to do research. If you can write in a manner that makes it clear to readers that you understand the challenges of reading through newspapers, it can be an example of a writing artifact for a resume for a job interview.Examples of a writing artifact for a resume can also be written in electronic formats like eBooks or even in the form of audio files. In the case of an eBook example of a writing artifact for a resume can be written as a series of chapters or as a single article. The beauty of an eBook is that it can be read on any computer, the audio version can be used in a car or if you want to demonstrate your experience with an author you can write an article as an eBook example of a writing artifact for a resume for a job interview.An example of a writing artifact for a resume can also be written in writing. A good example of a writing artifact for a resume is one that uses a conversational tone but also shows your ability to use formal writing styles. This can be done in a traditional form of writing like a letter or a more informal form of writing like a blog post.To illustrate what is an example of a writing artifact for a resume a writer might need to use examples of both classic and contemporary examples of writing. Any good writing example for a resume will feature some combination of these methods.

Top 8 Workplace Technology Trends for 2020 CareerMetis.com

Top 8 Workplace Technology Trends for 2020 Each year, there is an explosion of new technology, and computers become more capable, faster and smarter than before. 2019 was no exception, as we saw the Internet of Things The workplace is changing rapidly. The best way to stay on top of the changes and attract top-notch recruits is to pay attention to tech trends as they come and go. In 2020, there will be at least 8 workplace tech trends worth noting.1) Cloud-Based Computing for Employee ManagementThe use of cloud-based computing has grown in recent years but is now getting to the point where it is commonplace.If you don’t fully understand the virtual nature of the cloud and the difference between public and private networks, now is the time to brush up your knowledge in these areas so you fully understand how to access your company database anytime.Private networks are closed off completely and often only accessible via specific information reserved for employees.Public networks are accessible by others, such as customers or guests to the network.Hybrid cloud is what most companies go for, making some information accessible to the public, such as inventory on products and keeping other information private on only accessible internally.Smart companies hire a cloud hosting company to handle their needs. Security can be a big concern with cloud-based computing as it is easy for hackers to gain access to personal data. Businesses specializing in cloud hosting know the ins and outs of securing your data more effectively. With cloud-based computing, you can do everything from speed up paycheck processing to figuring out who should be up for the next big promotion.2) Blockchain Utilized for Better ProductivityBlockchain is a series of cells all linked cryptographically. Originally, you might have heard about blockchain in regards to cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, but as the technology has advanced, more and more businesses are using blockchain appsas digital asset trackers and to verify the authenticity of pr oducts or to better protect data and prevent loss.The promise of encrypted information and better security is particularly useful for your salesforce and may increase customer loyalty. Transactions are faster and simpler. In 2019, blockchain apps went mobile and devices served as nodes within the chain. Blockchains resist any unauthorized changes to data, so you can limit which employees have access.3) IoT Apps Streamlined ProcessesevalThe Internet of Things seems to increase faster each year. Our homes are connected with smart cameras, doorbells and baby monitors. Everything around us seems to tap into WIFI and connect up to some type of network. Even our picture frames pull information from social media or accept emailed photos from family and friends.2019 was a year where we became more connected than ever before and it shows no signs of slowing down.According to Statista, there are 26 billion connected devicesglobally in 2019 and the number should reach around 75.44 billion by 2 025.It only makes sense that we’d use more IoT apps at work, too. Some of the connectivity includessmart thermostats, hue lighting, smart coffee makers, team project management and digital sticky notes.The IoT allows employers to cut down on busy work and increase productivity. Look for solutions to repetitive work that eats up your employees’ time. For example, is there an app that speeds up compiling a report on customer habits? Another app might map out the route that makes the most sense for salespeople visiting clients in the field.4) Augmented Reality Trained WorkersevalVirtual reality Smartphones have become such a normal part of most people’s day that organizations issue work phonesto be used exclusively for business purposes.7) Computers Identified the Best New HiresAlthough not new, AI usage seems to be growing for recruitment. Finding qualified people is time-consuming, but now some job hunting software analyzes millions of social profiles and spits out a list of th e most qualified people for a position.Companies can even send out notes to potential candidates, engaging them in a conversation and reaching out automatically without spending a lot of time on someone who might not actually be interested in working for them.Computers don’t have the same biases as human recruiters, meaning highly qualified candidates won’t be overlooked due to personal preference, appearance or even personality.8) Robotic Workers AppearedManufacturing facilities have utilized robots for years, letting them take over some of the more repetitive or dangerous line work. Their human counterparts often work alongside them, keeping the machine running and double-checking for quality. The shift in the economy from manual labor hasn’t come as rapidly as some feared but is starting to become more apparent.evalOne example of machines replacing humans is in the fast-food industry. Some McDonald’s locations now have computer kiosks where the person orders their food, r eplacing the cashier. They pay at the machine and pick up the food at the counter when it is ready.Little Caesar’s is another example of a shifting technology brought in the last few years. Order a pizza via an app, receive a tray number, walk into the store and pick up your order from the right bin. You never have to interact with a human throughout the process, even though they are there ensuring your order gets filled correctly.Robots are helping businesses become more productive and utilize the skills of workers already on their team. Look for skills that will help your organization remain competitive in the marketplace by speeding up production or delivery.Photo Credit â€" Pixabay.comSumming Up:Moore’s Law states that computer processing speed doublesevery 18 months. This law can be applied to any type of technology. The more we know as a society, the more new things we discover.The groundbreaking discoveries of today will seem commonplace tomorrow. In 2020, we can expect m achine learning to increase and automation to touch more and more aspects of our everyday lives. However, there are things that will be discovered in the next year and a half that we can’t comprehend today.The best way to prepare for the future of technology is to embrace new products as they arrive. The better you understand current trends, the easier it will be for you and co-workers to adapt to new ones.

- Years Old Part 4 Making it Happen - CareerEnlightenment.com

How to Survive and Thrive After a Job Loss When Youre 50+/- Years Old Part 4 Making it Happen Whether it’s your choice or someone else’s, being out of work can be a world-rocking event! In this final part of the series, we’ll focus on putting it all together to build your improved, well-rounded, and balanced life.Get ready… it’s almost game timeYou have between 6-10 seconds to catch a recruiter’s attention with your resume. You cannot build a “one size fits all” resume. You need to tweak and customize it depending on the role you are applying for. Write or edit it with the hiring manager’s perspective in mind. What’s important to them? Which of your demonstrated skills are valuable to the role they are recruiting for?Focus on accomplishments, not responsibilities. Instead of “Responsible for leading and directing a group of 10 team members to meet and exceed company goals”, consider the increased impact of, “Led a team of 10 to exceed company goals by 10% and a ranking of 2 out of 20 divisions”. Make it meaningful for the hiring manager.There are many tools and web sites that can help you with your resume, but finding someone with enough knowledge to “pressure test” your content would be extremely valuable and helpful to your resume development.Preparing for the InterviewChances are that you haven’t had to interview for quite a very long time. The 3 ways to get good at interviewing are practice, practice and practice some more. Without practice, and feedback, it’s very difficult to improve with this critical skill. Remember, your resume might have gotten you in the door, but you still need to win the job. So, practice verbalizing answers to specific questions. Make sure you can clearly and succinctly explain every aspect of your resume focusing on results. It’s always best to practice with someone who can help you with honest feedback and advice, but record your answers, at the very least, so you can hear (and see) how you might come across in an interview.Your resume and interviewing skills are two things that you should not try to develop without outside input. You want to have at least one other person look over your resume and work with you on your interviewing skills. Someone who will be straightforward and honest with you and who has the ability to offer you good advice and guidance.If you follow this general approach you will land in a good place… a place you were meant to be. A place that meets your personal, professional, and family needs and desires. You can be the person who loves getting up in the morning to get after another great day. You can be the person who loves their job. And most importantly, you can be a person who has survived and thrived after a job loss! Want to Read More Articles Like This One?Sign up here to receive weekly updates from Career Enlightenment, and never miss another powerful job searching tip! SUBSCRIBE! You have Successfully Subscribed!We hate spam too. Unsubscribe any time. Steps to Survive and Thrive a Job Loss1. Take a deep breath and focus on the things you’re are grateful for in your life2. Have short-term goals so you can measure the progress you are making to get where you want to be3. Include exercise or meditation as part of your daily plan in order to have a sound mind body for your search4. Reconnect with your family5. Take time to figure out what you want to do next. You know what you’ve done professionally to this point, now it’s time to consider not only what your professional needs are, but what your personal and family needs are as well6. Seek out as much information as possible about any companies that might be a target for you and find as many people as you can to help with your preparation… Learn to love LinkedIn!7. Use whatever resources you can find to build your resume and LinkedIn profile geared towards the role you are interested in. Get a mentor or coach to look at it and to challenge you to make it a great resume8. Practice interviewing skills, out loud and especially focus on those questi ons you think will be toughest to answer9. Enjoy your life!

Challenge Financial Stability During a Job Transition - Hallie Crawford

Challenge Financial Stability During a Job Transition In many ways, our emotional and mental health is tied to our financial well-being. Does this ring true for you? The need to remain financially stable so you can pay your bills and maintain your lifestyle is vitally important to everyone. And, it can be a challenge that singles feel more acutely than those who have someone to lean on financially. Depending on an individual’s financial situation, this is a considerable challenge for both men and women. During a career transition, you may have to cut back in some places where you’re used to spending and, instead, invest time, money, and energy in other areas you may not feel comfortable with just yet. We’ll discuss these areas in detail later on. This cutting back may not sound like fun at first (it didn’t to me!) and it may feel unfamiliar. Just trust that any sacrifices you make to have a career you love are going to be well worth it in the end. I’m speaking not only from my own experience, but from my experience with clients who have succeeded in their career transitions using the same tips and methods you’ll be applying to your own. To help you remain financially stable during your transition, start by making small sacrifices one at a time. This way you’ll become more comfortable with financial adjustments over time. I don’t recommend slashing your spending drastically, doing so could cause a sense of deprivation which will make you unhappy. Too many large cuts too fast will not help. Your energy level and attitude are going to suffer, and you’ll have more trouble remaining positive and focused. Instead, start small and choose sacrifices you can live with, knowing you don’t have to give these things up permanently. Commit to something small, like eating at home every night during the week to save money you might otherwise spend dining out. And while you’re doing this, keep in mind that you are not giving this up forever. You will be able to eat out as often as you like once you’ve made your transition. Believe me, once you get a better handle on your finances the rest will fall into place more easily. Even the smallest sacrifice, such as the example of eating at home more, empowers you because you can measure the results right away in the money you saveâ€"savings you can put toward your transition. You can and will get through it. Schedule a free consult with HallieCrawford.com today