How to Be Spectacular Every Day

How to Be Spectacular Every DayHow to Be Spectacular Every DayWe all want to be the best we can in our work lives. But sometimes, thats easier said than done. So this week, we took to the web to find some of the best ideas you can use to become even more awesome than you already are- at work and in life.Want more? Check out some of our great ideas for self-improvement

Your most powerful tools for making a career change

Your most powerful tools for making a career changeYour most powerful tools for making a career changeTime for a change in cubicle scenery?Yearning for a fresh start in a new occupation can stem from any number of reasons. The idea of the grass being greener on the other side can lead us to daydream of s-lost opportunities elsewhere, even if were not particularly unhappy with a current job. Stagnant salaries, indifference, frustrations, or even just the desire for a challengethe list goes on and on.No matter the push, a career change seems romantic and inspiring in theory, but the execution part of it is daunting and seemingly light years away. Leaving behind a salary to focus on continuing education isnt a viable option for most and gaining relevant experience in a new profession cant be done without proven competency. All these roadblocks can provide a formidable barrier to pursuing the idea of a career change any further.However, you dont need a Fairy Job Mother or an additional d egree to move in the right direction. The most powerful tools to change your 9-5 are easily accessible to people of all backgrounds and means. What can you leverage to start moving in the right direction?Informational interviews and mentorshipA quick Google search for experiences in X-lokalitt or Y-company leads to mountains of first-hand accounts, forums, and blog articles highlighting what to expect. People are eager to share how they worked hard to achieve their career goal and the steps theyve seen others take as well. Using LinkedIn to search a specific industry or position will also yield real people with a snapshot of their professional journey to get to where they are now.Once youve compiled some names and contact info of people in a position similar to where you would eventually like to be, youre ready to start outreach. While cold calling and unsolicited emails are usually not the best way to get your name out, reaching out with a genuine inquiry about someones life is eve n a form of flattery. Youre not spamming or selling anything, so introduce yourself with confidenceThese contacts can turn into professional relationships that down the road that result in mentor figures and a solid network.Networking at local meetupsNot everyone promotes their professional journey and achievements on the web, and it may be challenging to get a foot into the local scene in such a broad online community. If you cant find a local organization dedicated to the career youre looking to pursue, try looking on mora general community sites like Meetup that have member-created groups for anything from Data Science to Women Entrepreneurs.If conferences are out of the budget, then these smaller meetups of dedicated professionals provide a more affordable and friendlier alternative.Work with a recruiting agencyWorking with a firm typically doesnt cost a dime for job seekers, as the expense is fronted by employers looking for specific talent that dont have the resources or netwo rk available to search a wide pool. A leadership search firm can help match executive-level candidates with hard-to-fill positions that require uncommon skillsets or knowledge.For those looking to make a career change, working with a firm to identify transferable skills can help you identify where you may be a good fit. Screening benefits both parties, as a search firm has an obligation to employers to deliver the best matching candidates.Gaining experience through a side hustleSome look at a side hustle as an additional income stream. But these part-time ventures can also be a powerful tool to flex new skills and explore different careers without the risk and investment that come with quitting your job and starting a business.Professional-level side hustles can be anything from personal coaching to database management consulting, building on knowledge and skills you already have, but also giving room to grow and expand in other directions.Your current employerOf course, a career ch ange doesnt need to involve scraping your current job and starting over in a new industry and position. Working towards a transfer within your current company has the benefits of already knowing the business and the necessary contacts. If you feel your ambition and growth potential are better served in a different department, your human resources team could give some pointers on how to proceed.Your ability to succeed in a new environment truly boils down to dedication and the age-old mantra of its all about who you know. A career change doesnt require having a brother-in-law in the C-Suite who can pull a few strings. Its about tapping into up-to-date networks of people who are locked into their industry and can lead you in the right direction. Your grit and focus will do the rest to pull you along into new opportunities.Brett Farmiloe is a cofounder of Y Scouts, a leadership search firm that helps connect people to work that matters.

Ideas for Temporary Summer Housing for Interns

Ideas for Temporary Summer Housing for InternsIdeas for Temporary Summer Housing for InternsA summer internship can be a great opportunity, but when it is in a different city from where you live or attend school, housing can be a challenge. Resources like intern housing can match interns with property owners who have rooms or apartments available to rent on a short-term basis. Schools, employers, and fellow interns also can be good resources for finding suitable and affordable housing. Explore all options to make sure a lack of housing is not the obstacle that keeps you from a great internship opportunity. Potential Resources If obtaining your internship through a specific college or university department, check to see if they participate in any programs that help place interns in housing. Even if your adviser cannot direct you to a specific placement program, she likely has contacts she can connect you with who may be able to help with housing. Schools help students set up inter nships on a regular basis, so it is a good bet that relationships have been built over time that can help you in your search. If your internship is near another college or university, that school may offer temporary housing on campus. Your current school should be able to direct you to other schools that offer such services. If the employer who is hiring you for the internship regularly hires interns, it might also have established relationships with local property owners who can provide interns with housing. While organized programs will be more likely with larger employers who hire many interns, even smaller businesses in smaller cities are likely to have informal connections that can help. If your school or your employer are not able to connect you with housing, they may still be able to connect you with current or recent interns who found housing in the same city where you will be working. These fellow interns may be able to provide you with leads to housing, and they also are most likely to be honest about which properties are the best, and which ones should be avoided. If your internship is in a large metropolitan area, its possible there are local services available that connect interns with housing. Some internet research or a call to the right department in City Hall might lead you to such a group or neighborhood organization that facilitates such connections. Specific Examples In addition to general resources, its important to be able to see some specific examples of groups that help provide housing. While not all of these examples will be applicable to your specific circumstances, they may offer some additional ideas about where to look. Some of these groups might also be able to connect you with similar options in the city where you will be working. American University is Washington, D.C.s most attractive housing option for visiting interns. It offers competitively priced housing in an ideal location for students coming to the nations capital. Educational Housing Services offers safe, affordable student living in New York City and elsewhere for students from across America and more than 50 countries. Call 800-297-4694.Georgetown University Summer Housing offers housing for interns, other students, and even those attending professional conferences. Its located on the Potomac River and the surrounding area offers cultural activities and social life. Reach out by email atconferencehousinggeorgetown.eduif youre not already affiliated with the university. Housing options in Washington, D.C., are offered through the National Organization for Women Action Center. Visiting students will be on the front lines of the womens rights movement. NOW also offers its own internships.The International Student House in Washington, D.C.,offers residences to thousands of eager young men and women who annually descend upon Washington for graduate work, scholarly research, professional training, internships, and the American experience. Call 20 2-232-4007 for more information. New York University Summer Housing provides a residence hall that will offer a safe and convenient place to call home while taking classes, working, or interning in New York City.The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City offers summer intern housing that features loft-style apartments with 24-hour security, air-conditioning, city views, full kitchens and bathrooms, wireless Internet, and cable TV- at no additional cost.The New School Summer Housing in New York City offers affordable summer housing in the Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and South Street Seaport areas for interns, associates, visiting scholars, summer clerks, summer program students, and visiting groups.Call 212-229-5459, ext. 3610. The Orlando Area Student Intern Society offers safe, affordable, short-term housing for interns in the Orlando, Florida area. It also works with local employers to offer students an internship placement service.The Catholic University of Americ a provides summer housing to individuals who are in Washington, D.C. for educational purposes. This includes internships, co-ops, research, and educational study.The D.C. Housing Guide lists housing options for students doing internships in DC.Washington Internship Student Housing (WISH) is a good choice for students who want a location close to the nations capital, Congressional offices, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and metro stations. Call 202-548-2720 for rates and further information.

Write a Resignation Letter When Youve Been Promoted

Write a Resignation Letter When Youve Been PromotedWrite a Resignation Letter When Youve Been PromotedIt happens often enough, particularly early in someones career. You take your firstentry-level jobwith the intention of working your way up the corporate ladder. This first job is certainly leid a position in which you want to spend the rest of your life - thats understood. Then, a year or so into the job, it happens. A new door opens - exactly what youve been waiting for and working toward. Congratulations Now, of course, youre faced withresigning from your current job with integrity. After all, that job is going to be there on your resume as you continue to advance in your career. You dont want to burn any bridges. Of course, its possible that youve beenpromoted within your own companyand this takes a lot of the awkwardness out of the situation. Otherwise, this example of a resignation letter example can help you notify your employer that youre resigning to pursue a job that is a promotion to a higher position. Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter for a Promotion Give appropriate notice.Generally, that meansat least two weeks. This allows your employer to cover your projects and start the process of finding your replacement.Use business letter format.Create your letter as you would any other business letter. This means schauplatz it up professionally withthe right information, in the right order. Dont fall into the trap of being overly casual in your resignation letter, even if youre on friendly terms with your soon-to-be former boss. While you dont need to take a stilted, overly formal tone in your writing, you do need to get your message across clearly and graciously. Include all relevant information.When will your last day be? Are you available to help with the transition? When and how will you follow up with details? These are the most important things to convey in yourresignation letter.Be grateful.Its also essential to convey your thanks for the opportunity - even if the job didnt work out the way you planned. Be sincere in your thanks even the worst jobs have something to teach us. Perhaps you made connections that you hope to keep for a lifetime or learned some aspect of the business that will help you in your career going forward. Avoid the negative.Nows not the time to vent your frustrations about the job, your boss, or your coworkers. Emphasize the positive and move on.Proofread, proofread, proofread.As in all business correspondence, accuracy is important. Check and double-check for errors before you send. Resignation Letter for a Promotion Example Jane Smith3 Main Street, Apartment 2RCenter City, Iowa 52240555-123-4567jane.smithemail.comJanuary 3, 2019Ben GarciaSenior Sales ManagerNoonan Company14 Office Park WayCenter City, Iowa 52240Dear BenI will be resigning from my job next month as Sales Manager at Noonan Company in order to take on a new position. I was recently offered a position as V.P. of Sales for anoth er company, and unfortunately, its an offer that I cannot decline. The new job is the ideal next step in my professional development.It has been a been a pleasure working with you, and I am deeply grateful for all your assistance during my time at Noonan Company. I learned a lot and I appreciate the time and effort you spent orienting me to a new job at a new company.Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if theres anything at all I can do for you, either during the remainder of my time here or in the months after. I would be happy to assist you in hiring a replacement or in selecting another employee for a promotion to my position. I will be available this month to meet with you at any time, or you can contact me at either 555-123-4567 or jane.smithemail.com.Thanks so much for your understanding, and I hope that we can remain in touch as professionals in the future.Sincerely,Signature(hard copy letter)Jane Smith Expand What Your Letter Accomplishes Youve pointed out the obvi ous - advancement is or should be, every employees goal and youre taking advantage of an opportunity and your current employer cant fault you for this. (Although they can, technically, let you go before the end of your notice, so be prepared.) Youve expressed your gratitude and offered your assistance. Youve made it clear that its not your intention to leave your current employer in the lurch. Perhaps most important, youve given a great deal of warning (roughly a months time). Finally, be sure to retain a copy so theres never any question about how you handled your exit from the company.

Introducing List of Soft Skills for Resume

Introducing List of Soft Skills for Resume Most standard resume formats incorporate a skill section at or close to the bottom of the resume. Try out recording your practice sessions so you may analyze a few of the nuances of your style. You may rather not hear it, but if you dont have some excellent experience under your belt, you might be one of several applicants that have very similar resumes. Continue reading to learn which soft skills are critical to have firmly beneath your belt and precisely what steps you may take to acquire them. Soft skills are a little more vague and open to interpretation. They include more subjective traits that are more difficult to quantify. In fruchtwein instances, your soft skills can boost your hard skills. Soft skills on the opposite hand, are not just useful across multiple industries, but are a wonderful tool for standing out from different candidates who all possess the exact same hard skills. In addition to the practical demand for de velopers in virtually every company, programming skills demonstrate advanced problem solving skills that could give rise to a well-rounded professional. Listing your skills provides a chance to showcase your abilities and experiences to prime employers for the remainder of your resume. Effectively showcasing your communication skills can help you distinguish yourself from different candidates. By way of example, first list all of your computer related abilities and after that list your language related skills. You are going to have hard time locating a work description that doesnt include things like communication as a crucial skill. To begin with, if youre seeing a great deal of hard skills that you just dont have, it could be better to move on to the next position. When it has to do with quantifying soft abilities, as this is quite subjective, present conditions which best call these attributes into play. There are a few skills that will be utterly necessary for any successf ul candidate. Hard skills can be classified in various ways, based on your job title. They are quantifiable and often learned from school or on the job. Mastering this skill is a continuous journey You can reach a degree of competency in it but you could always encounter new circumstances or people that will test your soft abilities and push you to discover more. More technical or computer-centric hard skills are occasionally also called technical skills. Up in Arms About List of Soft Skills for Resume? Generally, there are 3 categories of competences in organizations. For this reason, you have to have the ability to get together with all kinds of personalities. You should notice recurring themes and perhaps even direct mention of several skills that need to be prosperous. In the summary, you wish to include as several of the skills from the work ad as possible and those you will reference throughout the remaining portion of the document. Its also advisable to check their s ocial networking pages and take note if theyre frequently citing specific hard and soft skills that are desired by the firm. If youre searching for a job for a sommelier, list your understanding of wine fundamentals and food pairing, and your experience with inventory administration. For instance, if youve got a strong history with word processing and a work description necessitates experience with a particular processor which you havent used, you may use your experience to demonstrate the employer that youve got zero issue working with new word processors. Whatever the job, most employers want a person who is capable of growing beyond that job. Since many job seekers may list skills in a different section of their resume, in addition, it is important to weave them into descriptions under every one of your prior positions. Many jobs out there ask that you work in the existence of different people. Public Speaking When it has to do with examples of soft skills employers really l ike to see, the ability to talk before a roomful of people is an asset for the majority of jobs. The Hidden Gem of List of Soft Skills for Resume Furthermore, having the ability to collaborate nicely with your co-workers strengthens the standard of your work. In addition, there are books solely written to assist you write amazing resumes. When youre in the circumstance in which you want to persuade others about a plan of action, its ideal to predict and be ready for possible objections (there is always someone who will attempt to throw a voyeur into the works) The figures which you will use has to be truthful and can be validated.

How to Face a Personal Career Crisis and Come Out Smiling

How to Face a Personal Career Crisis and Come Out Smiling Its hard to know when or if a midlife crisis will hit you. These days, research suggests that midlife crises are no longer confined to ur forties they are happening in our thirtiesand even in our twenties, in the form of a quarterlife crisis. Typically, if you do face a midlife crisis, it willtake the form of a career-identity crisis. You may lose your sense of purpose in life and your sense of identity. Rather than just hating your manager or feeling bored atyour job, you may feel that your entire chosen career path is meaningless.The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to effectively manage your personal career crisis and come out the other side smiling. Hereare fourtips to help you do just that.1. Take Some Comfort in the Fact You Are Not AloneReports suggest that around half of workers may feelunfulfilled intheir cu rrent jobs, so chances are thatplenty of kindred spirits exist around you in the office. These are people with whom you can share your pain and from whom you can seek advice. You can bounce ideas off ofthese people and clarify your thoughts. Some of these peoplemay have already gone through the saatkorn crisis, and others may be currently going through it, but all across the board theymay have some practical suggestions.2. See Your Crises as a Career Transition InsteadWe live in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, a time of boom and bust, a global environment in whichcompanies and political regimes rise and fall seeminglyovernight.This volatility is felt in thework world the traditional job-for-life has all but evaporated. Todays worker may have between 15 and 20 jobs over the course of their lifetime, according to certain predictions.Furthermore,a 2006 study from New York Universitys School of Continuing and Professional Studiesfoundthat todays professionals are expected to change careers three times in their lifetimes just 28 percent of present-day professionals expect to have lifelong careers.Becausecareer changes are so common and normal, it may serve little purpose to view your career shakeupas a crisis. Instead, take the more productive route and view it as a career transition opportunity.3. Go on aVision Quest (Metaphorically Speaking)A vision quest isa rite of passage practiced onNative American cultures. It is a meditative exercise in whichthe individual spends a fewdays and nights secluded in nature in order to do some deep thinking and find spiritual guidance and purpose.Now, this exact activity might not be everyones cup of tea, but the concept of taking time out of your normal life to open your mind up to newpossibilities is a sound one.Why sit around your office orapartment, moping and wallowing in self-pity, when you can go on a retreat, take a few days vacation somewhere, and let the answers find you? Youll be able to th ink outside of the box and consideryour career in a much more liberated way, freeing your mind and enabling you to come up with some solutions to your crisis.Dont rule out any options at this stage, however strange the may seem. The professional vision quest is a brainstorming exercise, so just enjoy the journey. Therell be plenty of time for realism soon.4. Come Back Down to Earth and Make a PlanOnce youve had time to brainstorm on your vision quest, its time to make a plan, which involves conductingyour own personal SWOT analysis.Lookat your strengths and weaknesses, your career opportunities and your career threats. Try tomatch your strengths and desires to viable alternative career options and opportunities. Understand what youll need to do in terms of training and thesort of title or position sacrifices you may need to make in order to be a credible candidate on your desired new career path. Also, identify the likely career transition period how long will it take you? Six mon ths? A year? Two years?After following these steps, you should have acareer transition strategy and a positive direction in which to enthusiastically channel all of yourprecious, nervous energy. It could and should be the start of a wonderful journey