Monday, December 30, 2019

10 Skills that Look Great on Any Resume

10 Skills that Look Great on Any Resume10 Skills that Look Great on Any ResumeShowcase these onyour resume andincreaseyour chances of gettingthe interview.Depending on the specific position youre applying for, your resume is going to vary when it comes to skills. For example, if youre applying for a teaching position, it wont be helpful that you can drive a forklift. However, there are some skills that are considered universal. And while youdont want to load up your resume with filler, or buzzword skills that every applicant has, these skills will actually help you stand out from the crowd.Industry Awareness. It doesnt matter what industry you work in, there are always going to be changes. Your strength is to know what changes are happening at the time, and being able to adapt. Bonus points if youre able to predict changes that might occur. A great way to start doing this is to track your industry in the news, through groups on LinkedIn, and at networking events.Negotiation and Persu asion.Again, these are skills that can help you in almost any industry. In addition to coming in handy in sales situations, you can also use themto help calm down a rowdy client,motivate a team or bring about positive changes in the office. There are so many different possibilities that these traits are really invaluable. Leadership. Just because you will have someone managing you doesnt mean you dont need leadership skills. Leadership means being able to take direction, and working through any problems that may arise on your own. It also means being able to take charge in a group setting with co-workers. While most of the time you may only be leading yourself, youll be able to prove yourself as a valuable employee with a skill like this.Research Skills.You arent going to know the answer to every problem that comes your way, nor are you expected to. However, the less you go to your manager with problems, the more they will landsee you as a competent employee. Being able to do your o wn research, whether it be on software, clients, or simple troubleshooting tasks can be invaluable in the workplace.Adaptability.Piggy-backing off the idea that you need to be aware of changes, you also need to be able to take those changes and run with them. Change can be hard, but in most industries its necessary. Adaptability can mean something as simple as moving where your desk is to switching over to a new software system in the office. Managers dont want to hold employees hands through each change that occurs.Interpersonal Skills. In most industries, being able to be outgoing, friendly, and talkative can be very beneficial. Even when it comes to employees who work in solitary positions, having these skills can increase earning potential and help land better positions. In the case that you find you are more introverted, it is helpful to think of yourself as having two modes work mode, where you are outgoing and helpful, and off mode where you can stick to yourself.Communicatio n Skills. Some of the top problems in any office stem from poor communication skills. Whether you are a leader or a low-level employee, you need to be able to communicate your wants, needs, and desires. In the case that you are in management, communication skills are absolutely crucial. You cant run a functional team if they do not know exactly what you want from them. Work Ethic. You will often hear many employers lamenting about how difficult it is to find employees who actually want to work. This is a skill that is invaluable to any employer. You can demonstrate your work ethic by showing up to work everyday and on time. Put in your hours getting your projects done and on deadline. Many employers will often choose the reliable, mediocre employee over the unreliable employee who does better work.Professionalism.Being able to show that you are serious about a job can be one of the best steps towards securing an offer. You should be able to be responsible and fair in all of your bus iness-related decisions. To both employers and co-workers you will be seen as mature and self-confident when you can behave this way. Willingness to Learn.Again, this stems from the idea that all industries are constantly changing, and employees need to be able to adapt if they want to stay in the game. This doesnt mean that you need to learn about everything overnight and show a profound knowledge in the new subject area. You simply need to show that you are willing to learn and will put in a genuine effort. Recommended Reading7 Little Changes Thatll Make A Big Difference With Your ResumeOut Of Work, Not Out Of The Running8 Things On Your Resume That Annoy Hiring Managers

Thursday, December 26, 2019

A fond farewell

A fond farewellA fond farewellToday I am announcing my retirement from Vault. Over the past five years, Ive really enjoyed writing for you all and receiving your feedback, and getting so involved in the consulting community. Have no fear, Consult THIS will continue to live on and provide you with the inside scoop on the top consulting firms, industry trends and hiring news. And there is some big news on the horizon Stay tuned as Vault releases its annual consulting rankings on August 24If I have one parting bit of advice for the consulting job seekers out there, its that you shouldnt be wooed solely by the marquee names. Sure, having McKinsey appear on your resume will raise some eyebrows and create a nice little alumni network for you. But when it comes down to it, there are so many other firms out there, and so many other factors that make a company a great place to workbe it practice area strength, quality of life or a diverse atmosphere, a firm should not be overlooked simply bec ause its not widely recognized by middle America. As the economy continues to improve, more specialized, niche firms will continue their upward trajectory and continue to make an impact, not to mention the fact that they often give consultants more weekends to themselves Happy job hunting, and best of luck in all of your consulting pursuits

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Ready to quit because your goal is too hard Read this first

Ready to quit because your goal is too hard Read this firstReady to quit because your goal is too hard Read this firstDo you ever go to bed feeling like youve wasted your day?When youre chasing a big meaningful goal, such as writing a book or growing a business, youll have seasons where your progress binnenseems microscopic.Days like these can feel pointless. They drain you of your enthusiasm and tempt you to trade for an easier dream - or to give up entirely.Dont do that.The secret to reaching distant destinations is simple. You must find joy and meaning in the path.Heres an illustration to help you see the value of doing hard thingsThe 2003 movie Holes included a short story about a boy who wished to marry a young woman. The story was set hundreds of years ago and in order to marry the girl, the young man would need to present a gift to her father.The youth learned another suitor planned to offer the girls father a cow in exchange for her hand, so the boy hurried to his grandfathe rs farm and asked him for his fattest pig. Instead, his grandfather gave him a small piglet. And some adviceEvery morning, the old man said, carry this pig up into the mountains where he can graze on the roots and the onions that grow so plentifully up there.Reluctantly, the young man obeyed.Every day he would carry the pig up the mountain. The pig would eat, and as grandfather had predicted, each day it grew a bit fatter.But the pig wasnt the only one changing. As the animal gained weight, every day the boy grew a little bit stronger from carrying it. By the end of the summer, the boy had grown into a strong man, and he was the proud owner of a fat pig.You are much like the boy in this story. The pig is your book, your business, your cause. And as you continue to do the hard work of trying, failing, learning and trying again, the results will improve.But if you pay attention, you may notice your work isnt the only thing improving. You will also be growing - both in your craft and in your strength as a person.Completing difficult tasks is how we build confidence, mastery, perseverance, and humility. This is the beauty of the path.We all want to be handed a fat pig, but growth and transformation happen on the mountainside.So keep going. Never panic.Every day is an opportunity to grow, and growth is not a waste of your time.Want to go deeper?Become a finisher with my short bookQuitterProof The 5 Beliefs of Highly Successful People.Download your free copy right here.Kyle Youngis helping creative people achieve big goals that matter.

Monday, December 16, 2019

How to File an Employment Discrimination Claim

How to File an Employment Discrimination ClaimHow to File an Employment Discrimination ClaimIf you are an employee or job seeker and believe you have been thetarget of unlawful discrimination and you wish to file a legal complaint, its important to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as soon as possible. Also, aelendher agency, organizationor individual can file a complaint on your behalf in order to protect your identity. However, remember that your employer is legally forbidden from retaliating against you for filing a discrimination claim. When to File a Discrimination Claim Its necessary to file your complaint within 180 days of the incident. That means you have approximately six months to gather the necessary information and file your claim. If the charge is also covered by local laws, the filing deadline is extended by 300 days. However, its a good idea to file the claim as soon as possible. Immediate action will help to guarantee a successful inves tigation of the claim. Note that federal employees and job applicants have a different time requirement. They must contact the EEOC with 45 days of an incident How to File a Discrimination Claim In order to officially file the workplace discrimination claim, you need to contactThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You may file the claim in person at the nearest EEOC office, and you can also file the claim by mail or online. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim. A Charge of Discrimination can be completed through the online system after you submit an online inquiry and they interview you.EEOCs Public Portalasks you a few questions to help determine whether EEOC is the right federal agency to handle your complaint involving employment discrimination. To contact your local EEOC office, you can call 1-800-669-4000 for voice access, or the 1-800-669-6820 TTY number for deaf or speech impaired individuals. What Information to Provide When you fil e the discrimination claim, you will need to provide your name, address, and telephone number. Also, be prepared to provide specifics about your employer, including their name, number pf employees, address and telephone number. Youll need to be able to describe the incident and provide dates of the violations, as well. Provide any documentation such as memos or emails that help establish any violations. If possible, provide the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses who can corroborate your allegations. After the Discrimination Claim Is Filed After your claim is filed, the EEOC will launch an investigation of your incident. Depending on the significance of the details you provide, your case may receive an immediate priority investigation, or it may be assigned a review to determine the likelihood of illegal discriminatory practices. During the investigation, the EEOC may visit your work, request additional details, conduct interviews, or review documents. If prefer able to an investigation, mediation can be provided if both you and your employer are willing to cooperatively discuss the incident. If mediation proves to be unsuccessful, the EEOC will revert to further investigation in order to resolve the claim. Resolving a Discrimination Claim If the EEOC establishes that discrimination did occur, you can expect to receive compensation in various ways, including hiring, promotion, back pay, front pay, reinstatement to the positionor any other appropriate accommodation. In some cases, you may be compensated for legal fees or court costs. If the EEOC is unable to resolve the charges, you will be notified that you have a 90-day window to sue your employer if you choose to do so. In this situation, its advisable to contact a lawyer who specializes in discrimination cases. Below are some additional important tips Before filing a discrimination charge, review your employers anti-discrimination policy to determine if its possible to file a complai nt with your company directly. If your employer has instituted internal grievance procedures, it may be a good idea to file a claim internally as well as contacting the EEOC.Try to keep track of when the discrimination happened. Recording specific dates and details will make for a more thorough and accurate investigation of the incident.Remember to file your complaint as soon as possible in order to fully protect your legal rights. Cooperate fully with the investigation of the claim. Its important to provide as much detailed information and evidence as possible.Dont be afraid to file the discrimination claim or cooperate with investigators. Your employer is legally prohibited from retaliating against you after you file the claimand is alsoforbidden from creating ahostile work environmentdue to a discrimination charge.Contact your state EEOC for specific information regarding your situation. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for suc h advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

This Super Bowl Win Is a Good Reminder That Overnight Success Stories Dont Exist

This Super Bowl Win Is a Good Reminder That Overnight Success Stories Dont ExistThis Super Bowl Win Is a Good Reminder That Overnight Success Stories Dont ExistA few years ago, at a private event, Google founder Larry Page told the audience that the way he evaluates prospective companies and entrepreneurs is by a single metric- asking them if what theyre working on is something that could change the world.Its both an inspired way to look at things and also a clichd trope. It also happens to be rather delusional.Because thats not how Google started (Larry Page and Sergey Brin were two Stanford PhDs working on their dissertations). Its not how YouTube started (its founders werent trying to reinvent TV they were trying to share funny video clips or maybe create a dating website).Trying to change the world welches not the mission with which most great or successful things started out with. Its only ur ego, afterwards, that creates these stories. And it blinds us to the traits which actua lly create success.In 1979, football coach and general manager Bill Walsh took the 49ers from being the worst team in football, and perhaps all of professional sports, to a Super Bowl victory in just three years. It would have been tempting, as he hoisted the Lombardi Trophy over his head, to tell himself that the quickest turnaround in NFL history had been his plan all along. Especially when the media had taken to calling him the Genius.Except Walsh knew how it had actually happened.The year before he arrived, the 49ers were 2 and 14. The organization welches demoralized, broken, without draft picks, and fully ensconced in a culture of losing. His first season, they lost another fourteen games. When people asked Walsh whether he had a timetable for winning the Super Bowl, do you know what his answer was? The answer was always no. For Walsh to claim to know when things would turn around would have been delusional.So instead of focusing on winning or some arbitrary date for success, Walsh implemented what he called his Standard of Performance. What should be done. When. How. He focused on seemingly trivial details Players could not sit down on the practice field. Coaches had to wear a tie and tuck their shirts in. Everyone had to give maximum effort and commitment. Sportsmanship was essential. The locker room must be neat and clean. There would be no smoking, no fighting, no profanity. Quarterbacks were told where and how to hold the ball. Linemen were drilled on thirty separate critical drills. Passing routes were monitored and graded down to the inch. Practices were scheduled to the minute.The Standard of Performance was about instilling excellence. In his eyes, if the players could take care of the details, the score takes care of itself. The winning would happen.And he eventually did start to win. In his third season, they went to the Super Bowl and won.We want so desperately to believe that those who have great empires set out to build one. Why? So we can indulge in the pleasurable planning of ours. So we can take full credit for the good that happens and the riches and respect that come our way. Narrative is when you look back at an improbable or unlikely path to your success and say I knew it all along. Instead of I hoped. I worked. I got some good breaks. Or even I thought this could happen. Of course you didnt really know all along- or if you did, it was more faith than knowledge. But who wants to remember all the times you doubted yourself?Writing our own narrative leads to arrogance. It turns our life into a story- and turns us into caricatures- while we still have to live it. And this was true for the 49ers, too. Their two seasons after the Super Bowl, they lost 12 of 22 games. Why? Because the players were more than happy to accept the credit and prowess the media thrust upon them. Ego ran amok.But not for Bill Walsh. He understood that it was really the Standard of Performance- the deceptively small things- that was responsi ble for the teams transformation and victory. Only when the team returned to the Standard of Performance did they win again (three more Super Bowls and nine conference or division championships in a decade). Only when they stopped with the stories and focused on the task at hand did they begin to win like they had before.The founding of a company, making money in the market, building a career are all messy things. Reducing it to a narrative retroactively creates a clarity that wasnt and never will be there. We must resist the desire to pretend that everything unfolded exactly as wed planned. There was no grand narrative. You should remember- you were there when it happened. As entrepreneur and author Paul Graham- writing not far from where Bill Walsh practiced with the 49ers- says, we need to keep our identities small. Make it about the work and the principles behind it- not about a glorious vision.Instead of pretending that we are living some great story, we must remain focused on the execution- and on executing with excellence. We must defer the credit or crown and continue working on what got us here.Because thats the only thing that will keep us here.This excerpt was adapted from Ryan Holidays book, Ego Is the Enemy. It has been republished here with permission.

Friday, December 6, 2019

Top Advice on Salesman Resume

Top Advice on Salesman Resume Vital Pieces of Salesman Resume You ought to be someone overflowing with suggestions on how to convert more sale for the corporation. The salesman is liable for taking down basic information from the customer like work history and Social Security number to inspect the prospects credit rating, which is going to be an element in determining interest prices. Ensured maximum profitability in every transaction by up-selling finance solutions. Your main responsibility is selling, but you could also have several other vital duties. Make your points, outlining why you believe youre great for the sales associate role. To compose a very first class resume you will need to make it predominantly results oriented and concentrate on your achievements and contributions during your career. If you wish to work as a Salesman, concentrate on the subsequent. The Little-Known Secrets to Salesman Resume What does affect the variety of jobs is the total economy. W hen you make an application for work, is critical to have a strong CV so that hiring managers binnensee what skills and experience youve got to offer you. Learn what construction workers do from the work description provided within this post and boost your likelihood of succeeding on the job if youre thinking of picking up the job. The work description will also be practical to you if youre seeking to employ the ideal construction worker which you can get, as it can function as a guide in your recruitment procedure. Entry-level candidates especially should make an effort to show all sales experience from prior jobs. To be helpful at this job you will need to be self-confident. You should just quit your work and you need to just do it. Dont hesitate to revise this job description to fulfill your precise job duties and job requirements. The Dirty Truth on Salesman Resume Car businesses know that and are always watching out for those who have the capability to convince prospecti ve buyers that their brand is the very best. In case you have absolutely no former car sales experience, well, you should find some. Car salesmen are required to make sure they provide customers with the correct choices and assist them in decision making too. A superb automobile salesman has a responsibility to follow up with the client to make sure the automobile is operating as anticipated and to troubleshoot any possible troubles. Among the biggest perks of being a true auto salesperson is the capability to earn more money the harder you work. Theres a good deal of skills requires to sell any item parteicularly a vehicle. The first consideration to figure out is whether the customer has a vehicle to trade. Successfully sold new cars by supplying excellent customer services. Besides the ones mentioned in Car Salesman Skills List, you may also include things like customer support, communication and societal media marketing. There are quite a few other automobile sales care ers which dont need a license. Clients who would like to be escorted and shown some vehicles are accompanied by means of a salesperson. Add information regarding coursework or activities applicable to car salesman jobs. Salesman Resume Options Skills To find the job for a car salesman its important to show on paper which you have the most suitable mixture of hard and soft skills. If youve got an entry level Car Salesman resume, its possible to still get considered for the work provided that youve got transferable abilities and experiences. This job is appropriate for individuals with good understanding of motor vehicles and superior selling abilities. To stand out, you will want to earn your experience and skills shine. You might have sales-related skills that youre unaware of, like your capacity to persuade, build strong relationships and present solutions. The aforementioned construction worker abilities and qualities may be used in making the abilities or competence secti on of a resume for the position. Please review my resume for a thorough collection of my abilities. New Step by Step Roadmap for Salesman Resume The very first and foremost duty of a Car Salesman is to sell cars by completing all the essential steps involved with selling. To find out more on what it requires to be a Salesman, have a look at our complete Salesman Job Description. Whether this Car Salesman resume example was not sufficient for you, youre absolutely free to review a few other samples and templates from our website. Finding the most suitable car can be somewhat tricky undertaking, thus, car salesmen are sometimes a valuable source of information for customers. Car salesmen work at brand-new car dealerships or used car dealerships, and are also called sales representatives. Car Salesman Resume Objectives Car salesmen are a vital part of any automobile dealership. The Truth About Salesman Resume Anything to enhance your probability of turning into an automobile salesman needs to be well worth the effort. The demand for an automobile salesman resume cover letter is a matter of private option, but not quite as critical as it is with different professions. Sadly, the incorrect example has nothing to have a look at. The one problem is there are a lot of fish in the sea much like you. If you own a computer with word processing capabilities you may use the salesperson resume templates below. A resume summary is a couple lines at the start of your resume. When youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to know how to vary the usage of action verbs and receive a feel for what makes a potent accomplishment statement. You may refer the sales resume template to compose your CV if youre applying for any position within this area.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Job interview question and answer Describe a situation where you had to show leadership

Job interview question and answer Describe a situation where you had to show leadership Job Interview Question And Answer Describe A Situation Where You Had To Show LeadershipPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun If youve ever played a project management, supervisory or managerial role at work, then this question should be a piece of cake since youll have plenty of experience to call upon. Even if you havent done so in a formal capacity, you may have demonstrated your leadership skills by running a team meeting, mentoring a newer staff member, representing the company at a conference, or organising an office event. However, if youve never played a leadership or management role at work, dont panic. You can use any number of personal experiences to illustrate your leadership experience and potential. All it requires is a little lateral thinking and an understanding of what makes a good manager. For example, if youve ever taken the lead in organising a social event or group activity e .g. a party, a group presentation at university, a book club or a volunteering event you can use that as an example. Or perhaps you were faced with some sort of dilemma or crisis that required quick decision-making and effective action on behalf of others thats a good example too. Describe the situation, how you came to be in a leading role, the steps you took to keep things running smoothly, and the result for example, a successful event or crisis averted. Remember that this is not the place to be modest, so dont be afraid of saying I instead of we. As any parent knows, organising children and family activities and events requires strong leadership skills from organising trips and outings to organising car pools or sports coaching. All of thesecan potentially be used as examples of leadership experience as well. The important thing is to demonstrate that with this experience you had to display qualities such as initiative, decisiveness, organisational abilities and the ability to manage, guide and motivate others. These are skills that can be transferred to any work context and will be invaluable to your future employer. See our full list of interview questions and answers to help you in your next interview ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searcheshow to stand out in a group interviewgroup interview questionscover letter for it job with no experienceroofer interview questions and answersattention to detail interview questions and answers CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreWORKFORCE TRENDSSalar ies set to rise with strengthening economyAbout half of employers are planning to increase their workers salaries by up to six per cent, and nearly one in 10 are willing to consider a 10 per cent rise, according to the latest Hays annual salary guide.Online studyThe advantages of ansprechbar studyFlexibility and an improved work/life balance are just two of the reasons why online study is a smart choice. We take a look at why online study is fast becoming students go-to for further education.NetworkingNew skillsWhy Everyone Needs A MentorResearch shows that people who have had a mentor are more likely to perform better at work, get promoted and be more satisfied overall in their job and career.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Why you need to think differently about discomfort

Why you need to think differently about discomfortWhy you need to think differently about discomfortTimid souls play it safe. They dont rock the boat. They avoid risks. Steady as she goes. Fly under the radar. All very pragmatic.Illustrations by John. P Weiss.But thats not living. Thats just getting by.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreTeddy Roosevelt expressed this eloquently in his Citizenship in a Republic speechIt is not the critic who counts not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood who strives valiantly who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming but who does actually strive to do the deeds who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions who s pends himself in a worthy cause who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.Have you been daring greatly lately? Are you spending yourself in a worthy cause? Or, have you been living more like those timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat?If the answers to the above questions are, No, no and yes, then I suspect youre not alone.Why? Because none of us enjoy discomfort.Twirling around with sugar plumfairiesA few years ago, when I welches still serving as Chief of Police in my community, theDistrict Attorneycalled to ask a favor.A local production company liked to use government officials as celebrity extras for their annual Nutcracker performance.The District Attorney and County Treasurer participated in past Nutcracker performances, but the County Treasurer was unavailable to perform again.It was decided that one of the county police chiefs would make a good stand-in for the County Treasurer.The District Attorney and County Treasurer participated in past Nutcracker performances, but the County Treasurer was unavailable to perform again.It was decided that one of the county police chiefs would make a good stand in for the County Treasurer.The District Attorney knew I was a creative guy who liked to write and paint. He saw me as one of the more artistic police chiefs in the county. He figured Id enjoy the chance to perform in the Nutcracker.He figured wrong.For starters, I cant dance to save my life. The prospect of dressing up in some ridiculous outfit and twirling around with Sugar Plum Fairies didnt thrill me.Not to mention, the cops I worked with would have a field day teasing me.Your bucketlistI searched for excuses. Especially after I learned there would be months of rehearsals at a local ballet company. But then the District Attorney said thisThink about it , John. Its something to check off your bucket list. It would be great if you could help usout.Defeated, I gave in. Performing in a two act ballet to the music of Tchaikovsky, in front of hundreds of people, had not been on my bucket list. Yet, something told me to do it anyway. To step outside my comfort zone.Margie Warrell,the author of the bookStop Playing Safe,wrote an article in Forbes magazine entitledWhy Getting Comfortable With Discomfort is Crucial to Success.Heres an excerptOnly in giving up the security of the known, can we create new opportunity, build capability and grow influence.When we do hard things, we grow. When we fail, we grow. When we strive to be braver in our lives, fear loosens its hold on us.Most of the breakthroughs in my life happened after I stepped outside my comfort zone. I know that sounds like a cheap self help slogan, but its true.Despite my fear of flying, I got on a plane and flew to Idaho. Because I wanted to study landscape painting with a maste r artist. That decision changed my life and artistic trajectory.Later on, I took multiple connecting flights in buchung to study writing with a successful author in Franklin, Tennessee.I felt discomfort on those flights. They were bumpy, and my mind played all kinds of disaster scenarios over and over.But man, did I learn a great deal about writing on that trip.Those things thathurtThere were other ventures I risked trying, only to fail at. The failure hurt. But as Benjamin Franklin wroteThose things that hurt, instruct.The failures corrected my course. They helped lead me closer to my true self.You need to embrace discomfort if you want to grow. As the old saying goesDo what youve always done, get what youve alwaysgot.Not that you should be reckless. Thats why its called calculated risks. One needs to weigh all the available facts, including the potential benefits versus consequences. In the end, sometimes you just have to dive in.Heres the other thing. People dont really care that much. A public failure may be agonizing to you, but its a brief amusement to others.People are largely interested in themselves. Their own lives and pursuits. We tend to exaggerate the interest others have in our efforts, successes, and failures.The disinterest of others actually frees us. We can experiment, explore and sometimes stumble. In the process, we become more impervious to failure. Less fragile.Thats where growth happens.Through the months of Nutcracker rehearsals, there were days I regretted the whole venture. The rehearsals stole time from my personal pursuits, but I soldiered on.Applause and curtainsOn opening night the District Attorney and I donned our silly outfits. We even helped with each others stage makeup. The curtains went up, we hit the stage and performed to the best of our ability.The professional dancers were amazing. The crowd applauded and roared with approval. Afterward, backstage, there were flowers and champagne. The District Attorney smiled at me and said, See, I told you. Something to check off your bucket listA few years later that same District Attorney was struck with an aggressive cancer. He fought bravely and with dignity. But too soon, at 57 years of age, he left the stage of life.The funeral was something to behold. There were police officers, firefighters, motorcades, flags, judges and even the Attorney General for the State of California.As the speakers celebrated this good mans life, I was reminiscing about our night at the Nutcracker. The laughs we had and memories made.Thank God I stepped outside my comfort zone.So how about you? Are you ready to think differently about discomfort? Are you prepared to find out what youre made of? Are you ready to be braver?Learning to embrace discomfort is the only way to step outside yourself and grow. Sometimes youll stumble and fail.But by God, when you succeed, the rewards stay with you forever.ImJohn P. Weiss.Fine artist and writer. Thanks for reading.This article first appea red on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Friday, November 22, 2019

Learn How to Find a Job You Love

Learn How to Find a Job You LoveLearn How to Find a Job You LoveLearn How to Find a Job You LoveJoin our career advice expert Amanda Augustine for Mashables BizChats and learn how to find a job you love. TWEETThis year, dont settle for a weekly case of the Mondays. With Valentines Day around the corner, nows the perfect time to land the job of your dreams.Join us Wednesday, February 10 at 2 p.m. ET for Mashables next BizChats Twitter Chat where our career advice expert Amanda Augustine will discuss ways to find a job you love.Joining Amanda will be J.T. ODonnell, founder of CAREEREALISM Hannah Morgan, founder of Career Sherpa Vicki Salemi, career expert for Monster Joshua Waldman, founder of Career Enlightenment and William Arruda, social branding consultant of Reach Personal Branding.Follow MashBusiness and join in the chat using the hashtag BizChats. Dont miss out - our career advice expert has tons of tips to share We look forward to hearing your questions.Need help writing your r esume? Our TopResume writers can helpFeatured photo Mashable Business

Thursday, November 21, 2019

6 Tips to Make a Great Impression in an Interview

6 Tips to Make a Great Impression in an Interview6 Tips to Make a Great Impression in an InterviewYouve written and re-written that resume. That career-making job has been applied for. Youve maybe even made it through an initial questionnaire or preliminary screening phone call with HR. Todays finally the big day its time to bewerbungsgesprch.With so much riding on an hour or two of critical interaction with your potential new employer, its easy to see how interviews can seem like a daunting experience. Weve got you covered, though, with a few great tips to help you ace that interview and land the gig of your dreamsPreparation is KeyWhile winging it may have worked for that college history exam, its going to take a little more thought and effort to score big in the competitive career market. Spend some time researching your future employer to ensure your interview answers are relevant and in line with the company message and values. The employers website as well as a quick perusal of readily available online news is all you need to give yourself a solid framework for success.Dress for SuccessAs the saying goes, the interview begins the moment you enter the room. Making that great first impression begins with a neat, tidy and well groomed appearance. When it comes to clothes, theres no need to raid the designer racks, either. A conservative, clean and unwrinkled that fits the work environment, along with good personal hygiene, will speak volumes before you utter a single word.Watch the ClockYou know how annoyed you get when your friends keep you waiting for that Friday night dinner date? Take that and multiply it times a thousand and thats the level of frustration your potential employer will have if you are running late to the interview. Tardiness in your initial interactions with an employer doesnt bode well for your ability to show up to work on time. Leave early and dont be afraid to arrive at the interview with time to spare to show youre really serious.Lea ve the Nerves at the DoorWhile some level of nervousness is to be expected, candidates that ace their interviews rarely let their discomfort show. Use a firm handshake, make plenty of appropriate eye contact and keep those shoulders back and straight. A little bit of practice with family or friends can also help dispel any last minute, interview stage-fright. Be confident in your background and knowledge and always remember that they picked your resume out of the job applicant pile.Be Prepared with QuestionsMost interviews typically end with the dreaded do you have any questions for me scenario. While some interviewees may be in a hurry to mumble no and be out the door, having intelligent and thoughtful questions ready will score you big points towards landing the job. While your questions should be job specific, consider a few of these as starting off places for a great interview discussionCan you describe what a modell day in my position would be like?How is the office culture?Can you tell me anything about my potential future co-workers?Mind Your MannersWhen it comes to post-interview etiquette, remember your mothers sage advice when it comes to thanking your employer. Sending a follow up thank you the day after the interview is a great way to keep your name fresh in the interviewers mind. While mailed letters used to be the go-to route, emailed thank yous are now the norm and should be sent to everyone you met with, including the HR contact.We hope our dose of interview knowledge has helped calm your nerves and prepare you for your big day. Whether an entry level position or a management role, following our universal advice will go a long way to helping you score that job or career of your dreams.Updated July 12, 2017