Happy Valentines Day Love your loved one today (show it!)

Happy Valentines Day Love your loved one today (show it!) Six years ago I was in a world of hurt. I was about six weeks into my job search, and it was NOT going how I planned it. I put everything off so I could find my job.  Most regretably, I put off my health (big mistake), and I put off my family relationships (bigger mistake). I implore you to not neglect these two things in your job search. I think I thought it would be for a relatively short time, which turned into months, and it was not good. Today, Valentines Day, I invite you to make a bigger, better effort at fulfilling your loved ones and letting them know you love them.  Whether it is a spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc., express it.  Not just now and today, but every day. Invest in the relationship, express, and do not let the relationship whither until you land.  It might be too late. Happy Valentines Day Love your loved one today (show it!) Six years ago I was in a world of hurt. I was about six weeks into my job search, and it was NOT going how I planned it. I put everything off so I could find my job.  Most regretably, I put off my health (big mistake), and I put off my family relationships (bigger mistake). I implore you to not neglect these two things in your job search. I think I thought it would be for a relatively short time, which turned into months, and it was not good. Today, Valentines Day, I invite you to make a bigger, better effort at fulfilling your loved ones and letting them know you love them.  Whether it is a spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc., express it.  Not just now and today, but every day. Invest in the relationship, express, and do not let the relationship whither until you land.  It might be too late.

Are You Frustrated With Writing a Resume?

Are You Frustrated With Writing a Resume?It is not uncommon for writers and editors to experience frustration with writing a resume. One of the reasons why this happens is because many people are confused about what their resume really needs to say. Employers still have an issue with resumes because they seem to be having trouble deciphering the resume's messages.A resume is supposed to let a potential employer know something about you, but it also helps the individual to write a better resume and a more compelling resume. No matter how well a resume sounds and conveys what it says, many employers find it hard to figure out what you are really trying to convey. They are also afraid that you are just trying to trick them and get your resume in front of other employers. Employers have an advantage of being able to read a lot of resumes to help determine if they are hiring right or wrong.If you do not feel comfortable making changes in your resume, or do not know how to make your resume as good as you want it to be, the last thing you need is to become frustrated with writing a resume. Employers still have to make decisions and cannot afford to get to where you are in your career. Being frustrated with writing a resume can cause you to make mistakes that will hurt your chances of getting hired for the job you want.So, is there anything you can do to change your resume in such a way that you will feel better about writing it? The answer is no. You can still choose a professional resume writer and let them take care of it, but in order to save time and money you can at least try to change your resume for you. Here are some tips you can use:- Learn a different style of writing a resume. Some people feel that if they are honest, interesting, and articulate they can still get a nice and impressive resume. But, that's just not true. You can get better results by writing a different style of resume and then putting your experience and skills in that style.- Be confident. A lack of confidence can cause frustration with writing a resume. Always be confident and honest, even when you are not sure how to spell something.- Think about the target audience. If you are selling to the female audience, maybe a little more information about your interests will be helpful. On the other hand, if you are writing a resume for the executive management position, you want to make sure that it gets passed up the ladder to the person who is reading it.Writing a resume is not easy, but it is worth it in the end. It is your chance to show what you have accomplished so far in your career, and it gives employers the information they need to make a decision on whether or not you should be hired.

Twentysomething Why I started blogging

Twentysomething Why I started blogging By Ryan Healy People often ask why I decided to get into this whole career blogging world that I have come to love. Usually my answer is something about giving my generation a voice in the corporate discussion, or standing up for all of my peers and friends who openly discuss their bitterness towards work. These are true statements and they are some of the reasons I decided to make my voice heard. However, this is not actually why I started blogging. One evening last fall my dad called. We often discuss random topics and potential business ideas. But this call was different because he was unusually excited. He went on a tangent about baby boomers retiring and Gen X being too small to fill their shoes. He told me about the shortage of experienced workers in the non-profit community, and the need for baby boomers like him to begin passing the torch to the younger generations. I said, Im sure this is all true, but what can we do about it? My father said, You and Dan (my brother and a budding entrepreneur) should write a book with Mom (a talent development expert in the banking industry) about the passing of leadership from todays managers to generation Y. It was an interesting idea, and given my initial experience in the working world, I could see how bridging the gap in leadership is necessary. The book never happened. Who knows, maybe it could have worked. But what has transpired from that original idea has been pretty cool. I studied the topic like crazy. I turned every happy hour conversation with a random peer into a learning experience, and I started writing. I probably spent five to six hours a day reading, writing and studying the topic on top of my 9-to-5 job. Then I started a blog to get some more insight and to make my voice heard. All of a sudden a famous columnist and author asked me to write a weekly column for her. I jumped at the chance. For months now I have been writing about what I look for in a job, how I like to work, changes I would like to see. Many things I write seem to resonate with young and old alike, and of course, many people disagree with my posts, from all generations. I do not represent the views of an entire generation; it would be ridiculous to pretend I do. But that is why a blog is the perfect forum for this discussion; we can all have our say. Sometimes the comments turn into a generational argument, and I will admit to getting a little heated and protective of my generation. Then I read comments like this one from Pirate Jo: The fact that todays 20-somethings have all these options and dont have to waste their youth on multiple, crappy jobs is a GOOD thing. Id never want to stick them in the same situation I was in. In fact, Im thankful for them. Theyre saying the same things Gen X has been saying for ten years, but none of those damn old-school bureaucrats would listen to us because there were too few of us to matter. Now that Gen Y is joining our ranks, its going to make things better for ALL of us. After reading a comment like that, I remember that my goal was to create a dialogue, and in fact the whole idea came from a baby boomer father. I remember that I created Employee Evolution as an open forum for people to communicate with each other regardless of whether or not I agree with them. The point of all of this is not to start an argument or to say that generation Y is better than others. We have been lucky enough to enter the job market at a time where we do indeed have the upper hand and we have the technology and means to speak freely about the topic. Some of the ideas I discuss can help us all, some will not work for everyone. If we all drop our protective guards and listen, including me, we can continue this great discussion. We can create some changes for the better; we can influence baby boomer managers to share their knowledge with generation Y and we can engage my generation enough to slow down and learn from the managers who want to help. Or we can just keep arguing. Ryan Healys blog is Employee Evolution.

Stay or Go Robert Griffin III vs Matt Barkley - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Stay or Go Robert Griffin III vs Matt Barkley - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Should I stay or do I go now? If I go there will be trouble, if I stay there will be double. In business, deciding on a career transition can many times seem daunting. On one hand you have the world you know, its safe surroundings and met/unmet expectations. On the other hand you have the unknown, with possible financial incentive and increased pressure. Many of us have weighed the pros and cons, financial needs, and long-term goals when making crucial transitional career decisions. Our personal brands were what set up the transition opportunity in the first place, and when we went, our brands went with us. Sport is business. And whether they get paid or not, the moment athletes declare their college of choice, they become involved in the business side of sports, essentially starting their career. It’s well documented that their actions and participation contribute greatly to the athletic revenue brought in by the university. In 2011 the Texas football program generated approximately $71M in profit. In many states some could argue this is even true at the high school level, making it even more important that athletes take an active interest in their personal brands at a much younger age than they might believe. Their college selection is actually the first transition career choice they will have to make. An increasing percentage of youth (in 2011 a record number 56 players requested early NFL draft entry) are finding themselves, or toying, with what would be their second transitional decision…..the decision to turn professional. Of course, every situation is individual, but like us, their personal brand is directly related to this career choice. This year in college football there were two standout junior quarterbacks, facing the question “Do I stay or do I go?” Robert Griffin III is a Heisman trophy winner who many credit with putting the Baylor football program on the nation stage. His brand is at an all time high â€" a standout honor roll scholar who graduated a year early and has the reputation for being one of the good guys. Articulate on camera and in interviews, he shaped and molded his brand whether he realized it or not, setting up his transition to the next level. The foundation for his brand has been set, and now is the perfect time for brand growth at the next level, both on and off the field. Thinking in terms of number of eyes on him as he enters his rookie year, his attention to social media (Facebook, Twitter, webpage) and his awareness of fan interaction needs to increase as he embraces his opportunity for brand growth. Asking the following questions can help make better decisions in relation to brand awareness: How can I show appreciation to my fans and those that helped me to grow during my time at Baylor? What content should I have on my webpage and Facebook page to provide a well-rounded showcase of who I am as a player, but also a man off the field? Is the sum of the dollar figure from endorsement opportunities driving my decisions, or do the companies’ values align with my own? Matt Barkley (USC) is a different story. As a person, he is also known as a good guy, and one who is strong in his faith. So much so that last Christmas, he went with his family to Nigeria to visit orphanages and help those living in extreme poverty, something chronicled in a moving slideshow. 42,700 people follow him on Twitter (@MattBarkley), arguably one of the top followings for a college player. While the content is not exceptional, his frequency of posts is, showcasing both the personality and enthusiasm of a college kid. Yet, from the sports side, there is unfinished business. USC, a once dominant program, has not won a conference championship since Matt has been there. To add insult to injury, USC has also been ineligible for bowl games for the past two years, eliminating key stages upon which Matt could shine. Speaking of shining, it hasn’t helped having the future number 1 NFL draft pick (Andrew Luck) playing in your conference and siphoning much of the spotlight. As he stays his final year putting the spotlight on himself, he will look to fill some of the gaps in his sports resume. There are certain questions he should ask himself to make the most of that time and to further shape his brand: How do I make the most of my final year â€" performance and personal? If I could choose the perfect companies and charities to endorse, what would they be? Do they align with my brand values and help me to achieve my long-term goals? How can I let those who disagree or agree with my decision to be a part of the experience? (i.e. do I write an online journal? Video posts? Pictures?) As an athlete your brand is made up of who you are as a person and how you perform on the field/floor/etc. Holes in key areas can weaken your brand and affect transition opportunities in the future as exampled by Matt’s situation versus Robert’s. Both of them could have gone either way with their decision and timing to go pro. It’s who they are as individuals that guided them to make the right decision at the right time. Author: Katie Marston is the CEO and founder of DYME Branding, a personal and lifestyle branding company focusing on professional athletes. Follow her on twitter at @ktmarston or learn more at dymebranding.com.

Professional Resume Writing Service for Construction Companies

Professional Resume Writing Service for Construction CompaniesWhen you look for a professional resume writing service, you will find that there are a number of different companies that offer services. The quality of the professional services offered can vary greatly, but you should be sure to look into them carefully before making a decision.Construction companies, like any other type of business, have their own quality standards. Some clients may want more personalized attention than others do, and these professionals have the training and qualifications to deliver on this promise. Asking a construction company about how they choose their clients is a good idea, and should be a part of your research process.Some construction companies will specialize in hiring a variety of different individuals. You can work with a variety of different people in your project and find the right person for the job based on their skills and experience. This might be a good thing for you if you are look ing for a single construction person, or it could be a challenge to find one that can handle multiple jobs.There are also general contractors that focus on specific types of projects and clients. If you are looking for someone who can build a kitchen shed or do an entire house remodel, you might find yourself in need of a construction company that specializes in these types of projects. You should look for a company that has enough experience to do the types of work you are requesting.Many of the larger construction companies will offer professional resume writing service. These companies will have employees that have the experience and training to write resumes that are professional and fully-qualified for the job. Their resumes will go beyond basic information about your past experience and include detailed information about your goals and expertise.Many construction companies will focus on quality and customer service. You will find that these companies are likely to be very thor ough and can include anything from skills and training to education and experience in order to help you find the best fit for your project. If you hire a company that focuses on quality and customer service, this will go a long way toward helping you find the right company to hire for your project.Many construction companies will try to focus on getting you jobs quickly and efficiently. With all of the competing projects out there, you may find that the best way to land the job is to call in ahead of time and ask about specific positions. This will save you the trouble of having to go through the process of filling out a bunch of applications and learning what is expected of you personally.Most construction companies will provide references and interviews and will be able to make you feel at ease about working with them. They will listen to your needs and concerns and make sure that they work with you accordingly. You should find that hiring a professional resume writing service to help you get a construction job can be a great way to ensure that you get the job you want, without wasting your time and money.

Project Engineer Resumes - An Updated Resume Will Help You

Project Engineer Resumes - An Updated Resume Will Help YouWith today's economy, that many companies have cut back or eliminated full-time employment for skilled engineers, they may want to take a more critical look at your project engineer resume. If you do have skills that show you can help these companies out, then it is very important that you have the initiative to keep your skills up to date.It is wise to keep up with your current skills and knowledge, and be able to demonstrate them to employers as being current. This will help you earn their trust and respect, and make a good impression.The first thing that you should consider doing when you have a chance to update your project engineer resume is to write a detailed overview of your skills. Be sure to include details about your qualifications, as well as your relevant experience and education. It is important to include the type of work that you are skilled in, and how long you have been working as an engineer.You should also give a full description of your employer, including the company name, the organization name, and their location. Remember to describe how many years of experience you have, and if you worked as an in-house employee or an independent contractor.For the project engineer resume, you should then explain how your skills can help the company. Take the time to outline what areas you can offer to the company that they need and that can be provided.You should be careful in the description of your skills, as the employer can choose to delete a section of your project engineer resume and leave you off the job. It is very important that you do include all the skills that you can provide, so that your chances of getting hired increase greatly.Keep in mind that most prospective employer, especially in this economy, are going to take a closer look at your skill set and ask for more details. This will only serve to help you to find out what you can do, and it will put you in a good position to land the job.A project engineer resume that is current will help you stand out from the crowd, and it will go a long way towards increasing your chances of being hired. Take the time to keep up with your skills and check them often.

5 tips for working with freelancers

5 tips for working with freelancers 5 tips for working with freelancers The life of a freelancer is compelling to many. Be your own boss, travel freely, and work whenever you want. So it’s not surprising that a growing number of individuals choose to work this way. In fact, nearly one-third of the U.S. workforceâ€" 54 million Americans â€" has done freelance work in the past year. To get a better sense for how companies can best work with freelance talent, I spoke with Mehul Patel, CEO of Hired, an online marketplace that brings together qualified people and the companies that want to hire them. Patel has heard from both parties about the needs, benefits, and pitfalls of freelance work. Here’s what he suggests for companies looking to make a freelance hire: 1. Move quickly through the freelance hiring process The long, cumbersome interview process can be frustrating for any job candidate, but it simply isn’t acceptable to freelancers. Because freelancers cannot rely on steady salaries from their current employers, every hour they are not billing is a missed revenue opportunity. If you ask them to endure the same lengthy hiring process as your full-time, permanent employees, they’ll be long gone and working for someone else by the time the process is over. To avoid this situation, it’s important for companies to set up expedited recruitment and interview protocols specific to freelancers. For example, the vetting process should be streamlined to a standard set of requirements, the number of necessary interviews should be reduced, and compensation should be research-based and fair. Quality matters, so contract work is not the place to cut costs. A speedy hiring experience will show that you are aware and respectful of freelancers’ time and will start off your working relationship on the right foot. 2. Build a pipeline of candidates The hardest part for companies is often finding the right freelancer, and that can be highly competitive. Too many businesses begin the hiring process when they are already behind schedule on a project, so they need someone to start immediately. As a result, skilled freelancers often interview at multiple places at the same time and are off the market within one to two weeks. To attract and secure the right talent in a timely manner, companies need to interview contractors when there isn’t an immediate need. This relationship-driven approach to recruitment will help companies build a pipeline of freelance talent that can be plugged into projects without a lot of lead time. Not only will this help speed up the hiring process, but it will ensure that companies don’t miss out on high-quality freelance support during a time of need. 3. Allow breathing room Freelancers love and need to have flexibility and control over when, where, why, and how they do their work. A study commissioned by the Freelancers Union and Upwork, “Freelancing in America: 2015,” said that 50 percent of respondents say that no amount of money could persuade them to take a full-time gig. Bottom line: freelancers really hate micromanagement. That’s why companies should take a step back and trust the individuals they hire to do their job well. After all, the best contractors specialize in doing what they love and are usually really good at it. The role of the company is to give any worker, full or part-time, the tools, institutional knowledge, time constraints, and empowerment to reach a successful outcome, without telling them how to get there. 4. Treat freelancers like partners Whether you’re working with a junior employee at your office, an advertising agency, or a freelance software developer, people do better work when they feel appreciated and respected. To get the most out of a freelance relationship, companies should focus on forming a true partnership between the freelancer and the rest of the team, uniting everyone involved on goals, progress, and setbacks. This type of insight helps these individuals to produce a work product in line with your mission, expectations, and timeline. 5. Pay on time This seems basic, but it is one of the top areas for miscommunication between companies and freelancers. Before a free agent begins working, both parties must be crystal clear on when and how they will be compensated. If the project’s scope evolves or switches direction, which it often does, you should be prepared to pay for any additional time. Complete and prompt payment isnt just good for the freelancer. If the employer ever wants to hire a reputable freelancer again, it is in their best interest to be reliable. As the freelance workforce continues to grow, contractors will become an even bigger part of companies’ staffing strategies for specialized skillsets or project-based clients. In order to make sure the relationship is positive and productive, Patel advises companies to start with a clean slate. Forget everything you know about hiring a full-time employee and tailor the entire experience for contract work.

Keppie Careers Invited to Participate in Job Action Day -

Keppie Careers Invited to Participate in Job Action Day - Im happy to announce that Quintessential Careers Founder and Publisher, Randall S. Hansen, invited me to participate in  Job Action Day 2008, which  is set for Monday,   November 3rd. I am thrilled to be included in this initiative to help job-seekers and workers to confront the current economic crisis head-on and take action steps to improve their careers. (Read the full press release HERE.) Its wonderful to be in such terrific company as an invited  Job Action Day blogger. Other participants listed on the press release include: Alexandra Levit: Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Barbara Safani: CareerSolvers Career Manangement Alliance Blog Curt Rosengren: The M.A.P. Maker [Meaning Abundance Passion] Diane Danielson: THE WOMENSDISH with Diane Friends Lindsey Pollak: Lindsey Pollak Blog Career Advice Commentary Louise Fletcher: blueskyresumesblog Maggie Mistal: what if Steven Rothberg: CollegeRecruiter.com Blog Wendy Terwelp: Rock Your Career Willy Franzen: One Day, One Job I hope youll support Job Action Dayby reading and commenting on the blogs from these terrific career professionals! Be sure to come right back to this blog on Monday to read my contribution! Could you use  some free career advice?   Subscribe for free up-to-date tips to help with your job hunt! Click here to subscribe  to receive future blogs sent directly to you via email! Prefer to subscribe in a reader? Click here for a link  to receive Keppie Careers feed sent to the reader of your choice. Need help to jump start your search? We can help you with a successful job hunt. Need a great resume? Career search advice? Mock interview? Visit Keppie Careers online for information about our services: www.keppiecareers.com.