When to Ignore Common Career Advice

When to Ignore Common Career AdviceWhen to Ignore Common Career Advice It seems everywhere we turn in life, there is always someone eager to share advice. But which advice is good? And which tips should you ignore?On top of it all, you may be part of the group that is most commonly targeted by these well-intended advisors college graduates . Even though youve left the classroom, the education hasnt ended. You have one last lesson to learn when to trade common career advice for more logical and fulfilling alternatives. No matter what task you are facing - writing your resume , buying an interview suit, paying your dues as the newbie - people will offer their input. But there is no task that draws as much critique as choosing your first job . Perhaps the reason for this is because it is one of the biggest challenges college graduates face. Its a struggle to determine your calling, which path you should take. Even those who have narrowed their focus to, say, teachin g or becoming a doctor, still have important decisions to make. For example, which school district is best? Which grade? Your loved ones will try to make this decision easierby offering schwimmbad advice and old clichs. LikeFollow your passion and youll never work a day in your life. Start by looking for a job in your chosen field. Just find a way to put food on the table. All in all, thats not a whole lot of encouraging, actionable advice.If you ask more than one person for their advice, youre bound to receive different messages. And chances are, those messages will be contradictory. And neither option will likely be the best advice.For example, some people might tell you that you shouldnt base your decision on how much youll earn. Money cant buy happiness, and all that. However, establishing financial stability is a responsibility a lot of people struggle with. You should be thinking about your monthly expenses, your emergency fund, your savings, and your retirement - and how much youll need to earn to take care of all those things. On the other hand, people might tell you to just accept any job so you can start earning a livingand probably paying off student loans . But should you really base your decision on which job pays the most? (No)At the other end of the spectrum, people might encourage you to choose a job based on emotions instead of finances. What makes you happy? This, unfortunately, isnt sound advice either.While it is important to choose a job you enjoy and gives you a sense of purpose, it is foolish to think your career will be the source of your happiness . Want to test this statement? Ask those people who claim they love their job if theyd work for free. The answer is probably no. The reason for this? Psychologist Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic says its because work is a poor vehicle for self-actualization. Pretending otherwise adds heaps of unfair pressure on the average employee to find their dream job. Its raised career aspira tions beyond what it is feasibly achievable for most.Yet, settling isnt the answer either. If you dont feel a sense of purpose at your job, it could be hard to even get out of bed in the morning. So what is the advice you should follow?Author Tim Keller encourages job searchers to consider three thingsDetermine what you are good at, what you enjoy, and what is available. When these three things align, youve found your calling. Of course, these three things wont necessarily align immediately. It might take some time to figure out the first two and for the third to emerge. So, start at the top. You might have to try a couple of jobs to figure this out, to determine what skills you have and how they relate to the workforce. Then, think about how using those abilities could bring you enjoyment and purpose. For example, using your writing skills to keep on writing papers the way you did in college might not seem rewarding, but using those same skills to craft grant proposals fo r a non-profit might be. You may stumble upon an opportunity to combine your abilities and affinity , but in all likelihood, youll probably have to search a little. Get creative. Think outside the box about how your abilities can be used. In reality, there are probably way more opportunities than you realize. Remember, striving for the dream job will simply raise career aspirations beyond what is feasibly achievable. That being said, dont stay at a job just because you found an opportunity. If you discover the first two components are missing - ability and affinity - you still havent found the right opportunity. Think of your job search as a marathon, not a sprint. The advice others give is bad because it is aimed at creating a short-term solution, but your career is a long-term responsibility. Take your timeyoull get there eventually.

10 Skills for Working in Information Technology

10 Skills for Working in Information Technology10 Skills for Working in Information TechnologyWhether you are just starting your technical career or looking to make a career change, it helps to know what career skills are hot in the job market. The following list is of technical skills that are currently in high demand. The list includes information, a brief history of each technology, and links to training resources. 01Unix Operating Systemgilaxia/E/Getty ImagesThe Unix Operating System is the foundation of the internet. Unix is a critical skill for a career in Information Technology.02Linux Operating SystemThe Linux Operating System is a Unix-like operating system that is being used by many large companies. It is quickly growing in popularity and is a popular operating system to develop for. Linux is a great career skill if you want a career as a System Administrator.03Java Programming LanguageJava is an object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Java is a popular career skill if you want to be a Web Developer.04C++ Programming LanguageC is another high level, object-oriented programming language. C is often used in commercial application software development. It has beenand continues to be a hot programming career skill in the market. A career as a Software Engineer would be the most likely with C expertise.05Perl Programming LanguagePerl is a dynamic scripting language that is used quite often in networking, system administration, and website development. Knowledge of this multi-use language is a must-have for many career paths.06MySQL Database ManagementMySQL is a database management tool that is widely used. Knowledge of MySQL is necessary for many careers, including Database Administrators, Web Developers, and Software Engineers.07Microsoft C Programming LanguageThe C programming language from Microsoft Corporation is rapidly gaining popularity as more companies utilize the .NET framework. Itis one of the hottest career skills in the market right now for developers.08XML - Extensible Markup LanguageXML or Extensible Markup language is a popular language that makes information on the internet viewable across many different platforms. It is relatively easy to learn. While many developers know XML, fewer of them are experts in XML. It is a specialty focus that is gaining popularity for a career in webdevelopment.09Project Management Management of technical projects is a necessary career skill for advancement, no matter which technical career path you choose. Formal projectmanagement training is a great start to more senior level technical roles.

The Race to Patent and Cash in On Blockchain Technology

The Race to kapitnspatent and Cash in On Blockchain Technology The Race to Patent and Cash in On Blockchain Technology The Race to Patent and Cash in On Blockchain TechnologyBitcoin is a prime example of the old saying, Something that sounds too good to be true probably is.But even if cryptocurrencies have lost a lot of their investor interest, the technology behind themblockchainis still worth examining.The blockchain encryption technology protects digital files against tampering by linking shared ledgers storing data in time-stamped digital groups or blocks. Interestingly, the first kapitnskapitnspatent for the blockchain technology (No. 5,136,647 dated August 4, 1992) by researchers at Bell Communications Research uses, as an example, the need to protect against later revisions to invention notebooks that might be electronically stored. This patent was reissued (RE 341,954) by the Patent schreibstube in 1995 to add more claims, but has now expired.Kirk TeskaThat hasnt stopped othe rs from patenting improvements to the basic blockchain technology. For example, the inventors of the original patent formed a company, Surety Technologies, to exploit their discovery. They won yet another patent for an improvement to the original patented method, No. 5,781,629 dated July 14, 1998. It took 10 more years before Bitcoinbased on the blockchain technologycame into being.ASMES Top Story Air Taxi Aces Test FlightMore interesting is how others are attempting to patent different uses of the blockchain technology. The original blockchain patent is cited in 258 later patents and patent applications.For example, Patent Application No. 2015/0332283 (2015) is for a method of using the blockchain technology for healthcare transactions validation.No. 2017/0109955 (2017) is for a blockchain electronic voting system and method.Nasdaqs Patent Application No. 2017/0330174 (2017) attempts to cover storing information concerning ownership of shares in a company using a distributed blockc hain ledger.Patent Application No. 2017/0236094 (2017) attempts to protect a blockchain configured distributed architecture-based crowdsourced initiatives ecosystem.More on Disruptive Tech Who Are the Engineers of the Future?This scenario where someone invents a disruptive technology and then others later patent different uses for the technology is not new. I first encountered it long ago when microprocessors became fairly inexpensive and widespread. Lots of people basically patented microprocessor-based technologies that had before been carried out in the analog world.And then came the netz. The dotcom bubble was itself created, at least in part, by companies patenting different ways to use the internet.The Patent Office handed out patents to inventors who took no part in the creation or improvement of the internet and instead claimed as their own the idea of using the internet to do various things. In one notable patent case, that thing was sending out bulk emails in marketing cam paigns.Various court decisions and changes in the patent laws, however, have curbed these practices somewhat. For example, the obviousness bar to patenting was raised by the United States Supreme Court in 2009. Just before that, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit had ruled that adapting previously known methods to an internet web browser was obvious and not patentable. That same court invalidated the internet bulk email patent referred to above.More Big Ideas Six Lean Principles for an Industry 4.0 WorldThe Patent Office too released new guidelines for determining what is obvious under the patent laws and thus not patentable.Another example is when a court finds an idea not patent eligible because the idea is too abstract. Those kinds of rulings are now commonplace.So, what will happen to all the patent applications attempting to cover new uses for blockchain? My prediction is some will issue while others will be rejected by the Patent Office.The Patent Office has not yet substantially reviewed the blockchain patent application examples listed above. For those that do issue, expect heavy litigation. A few patent trolls will inevitably emerge and make headlines. (Do an online search for blockchain patent trolls and youll see what I mean.)My next prediction someone will invent the next disruptive technology, some will patent improvements to it, and others will attempt to patent new uses for it. These cycles will probably continue forever.Kirk Teska is the author of Patent Project Management and Patent Savvy for Managers, is an adjunct law professor at Suffolk University Law School, and is the managing partner of Iandiorio Teska Coleman, LLP, an intellectual property law firm in Waltham, Mass.Read More Exclusive Stories from ASME.org Robots to the Rescue Engineers Making Waves in AquacultureListen to ASME TechCast to Find Out How a High School Senior Helped a Wounded MarineMore interesting is how others are attempting to patent different uses of the bl ockchain technology. The original blockchain patent is cited in 258 later patents and patent applications. Kirk Teska

8 things to help get your financial life in order in 2019

8 things to help get your financial life in buchen in 20198 things to help get your financial life in order in 2019A few weeks ago, in theMoney Circlegroup, someone mentioned that they want to get their financial shit together in 2019. They asked what steps they should be taking in order to do that with their money. This is going to look different for everyone, depending on your situation, but there are certain steps that are always good to take.Decide What You Want to AchieveWhat is the number one financial goal you want to reach in 2019? This might seem obvious, but you have to actually decide which money goals you want to reach in order to reach them. For the new year, sit down and decide what you want to achieve in 2019. That way, you can start taking the right steps to get there.Do you want to create a budget that youll actually stick to? Do you want to get a higher paying job? Do you want to pay off your debt? Whatever your goal is, get clear on it so you can get started. Remem ber to be realistic when setting goals, so you dont end up frustrated and demoralized when you dont reach them.Get Clear on Your NumbersThis is essential if you ever want to be financially healthy. You have to know how much money youre actually working with. Sit down with a notebook or whip up an Excel spreadsheet, however you prefer to do it. Write out exactly how much money you earn each month, and then list out all of your bills. Whatever is leftover should be used for your flex spending, savings, and additional debt payments. To learn more about how to get clear on your numbers to create your budget,check outmypastposts.Schedule Weekly Check-InsSetting a budget is great, but its not very useful if you only look at it once a month or less. Thats why you need to check in with your budget at least weekly. I call it a Money Minute, you can call it whatever you want. The most important thing is that you do it. Schedule at least one time each week to check in with your money. It can l iterally be 10 minutes where you see how much youve spent that week and compare it to whats available to you for the month. It doesnt have to be terribly complicated or painful. In fact, the more you do it, the less painful and more helpful it will actually be.Choose One Monthly Expense to EliminateWe all know theres at least one thing we dont really need to pay for anymore. It could be a small subscription that you dont take full advantage of anymore, or it could be a bigger payment, like the gym membership you never actually use. Once you get clear on your numbers, youll be able to identify one unnecessary recurring expense that you can get rid of. It might not account for a lot of money, but every little bit counts, especially over the course of a year.Open a High-Yield Savings AccountIm a huge fan of high-yield savings accounts (check me out onNerdWallet). These accounts provide an interest rate that actually means something. Unlike traditional brick and mortar banks, high-yield savings accounts have interest rates of about 2% right now Thats over 100% more than a regular bank can offer. If you want your liquid savings to grow in a meaningful way, you should open a high-yield savings account. This is especially important when it comes to youremergency savingsaccount, because it will be a bigger amount of money that you (hopefully) dont have to prise for a while. Let your money work for youI personally useAlly Bankfor this type of account, but there are lots out there now, likeSynchrony,American Express, andBarclays. They all typically have similar interest rates and fees (or lack thereof), but look into each of them and decide which one will be best for you.Automate Your SavingsOnce youve chosen the bank for your high-yield savings account and opened the account, its time to set up automated savings Automation is key when it comes to almost any financial decision. Thats because it takes your emotions out of the equation and makes sure it gets done without you even having to think about it. This is especially true when it comes to saving. Because really, whoactuallysaves the money that they have leftover at the end of the month? Figure out how much you can realistically afford to save each month, and set up direct deposit through work. It can be a tiny amount, or it can be bigger. The point is automating will make sure that you actually do save, and youll be proud of yourself in a few months when you see how much its grown.Make a Plan to Eliminate Consumer DebtConsumer debt is basically any debt accrued by spending money on things that dont gain value. This would not include a mortgage or student loans. Consumer debt is consideredbaddebt because of itshigh interest ratesand low value of return. Conversely, something like student debt typically has low interest rates and the return is that you will (hopefully) succeed in your career as a result. Consumer debt can easily get out of control and the interest rates can make it grow faster than you can keep up with it. If you have debt like this, meaning credit cards or personal loans, you should prioritize paying it off. Of course, this kind of debt payoff can take a long time, so the important thing is to put a plan in place for getting it paid off.Figure out exactly how much you owe. Gather all of the information and put it in a spreadsheet where you can see it in one place. Make sure you include theinterest ratesof each card. From there, decide if you want to take the snowball or avalanche method to paying down debt. You should also look into yourconsolidationoptions. Then figure out if you can afford to make larger or additional payments on your debt each month or throughout the year. Using adebt calculatorcan help you get a good idea of how much you need to pay to get your debt paid off by a certain date. Good luckIncrease (Or Begin) Your Retirement ContributionSaving for retirement is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We can no longer re ly on things like pensions to get us through our old-age. Its up to us, as individuals, to support ourselves. So if you havent already started saving for retirement, make that a priority in 2019. If your employer offers a retirement plan, enroll in it, and invest at least the percentage that your employer will match. If your employer doesnt offer a retirement plan, or if you are self-employed, open an IRA. You can contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA each calendar year.If you have been saving for retirement, its time to revisit your contribution. If you havent increased the percentage that youre putting in, you should do that, especially if youve received a cost of living increase or raise. Even an increase of 1% will make a difference in the long run. A good rule of thumb is to increase your retirement contribution 1% each year, especially as your salary starts going up.- - - If you do even one or two of the items on this list, youll be better off in 2019 than you were in 2018. Its okay if you cant do everything, because youre a human and you have a limited amount of time and money. Be kind to yourself while youre putting new systems in place, but keep moving forwardThis article first appeared on MaggieGermano.com.

Personal Branding is Out. Reputation Building is In.

Personal Branding is Out. Reputation Building is In. Personal Branding is Out. Reputation Building is In. Personal branding has become a hot topic over the last few years. Seems everyone has one, or wants one, or feels as though they should have one, even if theyre not aya what it is. Ill be honest, Ive long been a naysayer when it comes to personal branding. But today I came across this post by Harry Urschel called The Reality of Personal Branding and it helped clarify my thinking on the issue. Harry says this about personal brandingIts a trendy way to think of Reputation Your reputation has always been critical in your career as in your life. People get to know you and make judgments are you honest, competent, inept, trendy, old-fashioned, high-maintenance, easy-going, a blowhard, humble, an expert in your field or industry, foolish, a techie, a technological troglodyte, a hard worker, reliable, loyal, political, or any number of other traits?All of these traits and more form an i mpression in peoples minds about you thus establishing a Brand.7-UP is the Un-Cola just as Bob Smith might be the Go-To Guy for any PC problems in his neighborhood. Both have a Brand.Dont get caught up in trendy language. I personally dont care for the Brand label. However, your Reputation can precede you into any meeting or new introduction. Build your Reputation carefullyI totally agree but I go further. For me the notion of personal branding is a real problem. I know many talented and well-meaning people who work as personal branding coaches and I know they add value to their clients lives in many cases, but I think they also do unwitting damage on a larger scale.I see three main problems with the personal branding trend.Personal branding encourages us to think about ourselves too much If you think about developing a brand, you are thinking about how you should package and present yourself. If you think about developing a reputation, youre thinking about how you should act. To me thats a vial distinction. One is inward-looking and self-centered, the other is outward-facing and more likely to be focused on the needs of others. No one seriously believes they can build a reputation for something without putting any work in, but I think many people see developing a personal brand as an exercise in packaging. We are not products, we are people. We are highly complex, highly contradictory beings and the idea that we can summarize ourselves in one or two personal brand sentences is nonsense. There are aspects of my life where I am very confident and take charge of situations (for example, when working with a client on his resume), and there are other aspects of my life where I am much less sure and act completely differently (when taking classes in a subject I find challenging for example). I am happy to have a reputation as a creative resume writer, author and industry thought leader. But I do not want that to be my personal brand because I dont want to be pige on-holed and defined as just that. In this era of social media and web transparency, I simply dont believe anyone should present themselves as though they were as simple and easy-to-understand as a packet of soap powder. Personal branding can mess with our decision-making I think having a personal brand can lead to inauthentic behavior when the branded person is faced with the need to take action. A client recently told me that he turned down an interesting promotion because he didnt feel it aligned with his personal brand. He had been unhappy at work for some time and the promotion would have taken him in a new career direction. While it intrigued him, he felt that all the work he had been doing to build his brand would be lost when he made that sideways move. But he wasnt happy That makes no sense. Personal branding is too open to misinterpretation I know that well-meaning, talented personal branding coaches would say that my client misunderstood what personal branding was all a bout, and that he should have gone for the opportunity if it excited him. Thats always the defense when criticisms like this are raised. Personal branding advocates say that person just didnt understand and if he had worked with a certified coach he would have been fine. But thats my point. Most people never work with a certified coach. They simply read about personal branding online or in a book, and then try to apply those principles in their own lives. But personal branding is a concept that is way too open to misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Its much less catchy and much less commercially viable to talk about building a strong reputation in your industry, field or area of expertise, but in the end I think its where we in the careers field need to be taking the discussion. With many of our comments, thoughts and ideas documented online forever (and apparently reviewed by the government) none of us can avoid thinking about the reputation we build both on-and offline. For me the unnecessary straight-jacket of personal branding just makes it much harder to do this while remaining true to the authentic, complex, contradictory, fascinating beings that we all are.But this is just my opinion on a touchy subject. Id love to know yours, whether you agree or disagree. So leave a comment below, or click here to shoot me an email.photo credit jakedobkin via photopin cc

Do You Staple a Resume Help!

Do You Staple a Resume Help Ultimately, it has to request the interview. You will never miss an episode. So, be ready to take down some notes on each and every interview. Stressing a couple of attributes will boost your likelihood of being remembered by the recruiter and securing an interview. As you are so near your situation, it can be tough for you to be aware all of your high points and clearly convey all your accomplishments. The correct acting resume format is vital if you prefer to book an acting job. Developing a crisp and concise resume is crucial to landing an interview at which you are going to have the chance to jointly use the remainder of your two page story. Generally, employers wont ask for your references until theyve made the choice to hire you. Proceed to Glassdoor and see whether you are able to establish the preferences of the companies where youre applying. Many businesses will have pamphlets outlining what theyre looking for and details about the pro vider. Some companies dont allow attachments on account of the possibility of viruses. Some of us will use an adhesive sort of paper and they simply attach it to the rear of the headshot and once more, it merely seems hard to line up that manner. For instance, a doctor from Nepal with a work offer in the U.S. could secure a green card without a wait, but a doctor from India in the very saatkorn situation might need to wait up to 8 decades. If youve got a 1 page story, folks will think youre young and inexperienced. When you change and are prepared to turn into a true African individual, I would like to know, she explained. You have to utilize a. Left 2cm. If you have sufficient relevant experience, training, and credentials relevant to the place to showcase on more than 1 page of your resume, then do it. That means you can discover jobs from plenty of different job boards all on a single website. The resume that works best today is one which creates a very clear match betwe en your abilities and employers stated needs for a certain job. Over the duration of a single week, todays top businesses receive thousands of resumes that wind up in the rejection pile, leading job applicants to wonder what things to write in the purpose portion of a resume. Photographers in bigger markets keep on top of the ever-changing trends. For instance, a graphic designer could include a few sentences on educational or technical training and information on the newest projects she completed and her last big employers or freelance jobs. So it is an excellent website to check out, especially if youre on the lookout for work in video game art, programming, design, or even a number of the business facets of game-building, such as marketing and production. Use resume templates that include word processing computer software. Theres not anything wrong with a 2 page resume in several cases. Utilize paperclip if needed. Traditionally, applicants would incorporate a personal s ummary at the commencement of their resume. Your credits ought to be in three individual columns. Within the next section, find out just when youre require a multiple page resume, and the best way to do it right. The very first page of the thesis ought to be the title page which comprises the next. The letter should offer a summary of your qualifications that satisfy the goal the resume specifies. In reference to the preceding answer, many career fields include experience thats not possible to put on a single page. To write a great essay or dissertation, you need a crystal clear idea about what you. Look in the job posting because it will say what sort of information that they want from you. Find out the number of possible employers will be there, and if at all possible, their names. As you compile your list, think about the qualities your prospective employer will be searching for. Whats more, the employer will view your interest as an indication that you will likely stay within the company for a significant time period if youre hired. A reference from a person who hardly knows you is not likely to impress a prospective employer. Not utilize unusual or smaller fonts and single line spacing isnt suggested. Fonts The ideal font to use is a normal serif font that could be reproduced well. While you may create a hybrid of formats you ought to avoid developing a format thats entirely unique or different by utilizing a comparatively obscure formatting. Its not so difficult to master 2-page resume format.

Keep Your Hiring Process Moving Forward -- Even During a Scandal

Keep Yur Hiring Process Moving Forward -- Even During a ScandalFirst Uber, then Volkswagen, and now Wells Fargo. 2017 isnt lacking in corporate America scandals and they dont seem to be ending anytime soon. The most recent one hitting newsstands is Wells Fargo, which has uncovered up to 1.4 million mora fake accounts after digging deeper into the banks broken sales culture. These accounts have cost about 190,000 accounts to be slapped with unnecessary fees.While its obvious to see how the scandal continues to affect customers, Wells Fargos hiring process is inevitably suffering as well. This means as Tim Sloan, Wells Fargo CEO, is off-putting out PR fires and attempting to save the companys image, recruiters will be working equally as hard to ramp up recruiting efforts. Convincing quality talent that yur company is worth their while after a scandal large or small is an intimidating feat. Heres how you can keep up with your hiring process no matter what challenges your company is facing 1. Make one bewertung and stick to it.For Wells Fargo recruiters, I suggest they ask one question and make one statement. Is this an isolated event and do I believe senior leaders are committed to fixing?If the answer is yes, Id make the following statement to candidates At Wells Fargo we acknowledge weve made mistakes and jeopardized the trust and loyalty of our customers. Were not running away from our responsibilities. We also acknowledge that adversity is the very best builder of character. Our current and future employees are the most important part of regaining customer trust. This work is not for the faint of heart. If youre interested in being on the forefront of the most important work an iconic US company will ever make, we should talk.The worst thing a recruiter can do during the hiring process is justify, blame, reject responsibility, sugar coat or paint the situation as unicorns, butterflies, and babies. Recruiters need to be real and credible as they are role mo dels for what Wells Fargo stands for moving forward.Hugh Blane, President of Claris Consulting2. Own up to your imperfections.I dont believe many small businesses will ever have to face such a public relations debacle that United went through a few months ago or what Uber is currently going through. However, last summer we did have a PR miniature nightmare on our hands.You see one, of the small business owners who uses our platform to cut grass accidentally let one of our customers dog out of the fence and lost her dog. It was an unfortunate situation that we had little control over. However, our customer took to social media and local Facebook groups. They proceeded to blast that the GreenPal platform lost her dog. Hateful comments, direct messages, and hateful emails ensued.I remembered reading how Steve Jobs handled the iPhone 4 dropped call public relations disaster. He just said publicly, phones arent perfect, we arent perfect.Dont be afraid to admit to job candidates that your company isnt perfect. bryanmclaytonClick To TweetTaking a page out of that playbook, I calmly handled the situation in a similar fashion and responded to all the online chatter saying our vendors arent perfect, and our platform is not perfect, we are not perfect. In the end, it all worked out. We joined forces with the local service provider, found her dog, and were able to give the story a happy ending.Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPalRecommended Reading Check out our recent post about stopping the panic surrounding the talent pool shortage. 3. Highlight your strengths.General recruiting should highlight the companys financial and industry viability, stability, and continued growth. Recruitment advertising should also mention the companys past or recent humanitarian, volunteer, or corporate social responsibility successes. When working with a very high-profile company that was facing a public relations challenge, the company failed to address the concerns of its employees. Instead, t hey focused on appeasing the general public, media, and key stakeholders. When resulting budget cuts resulted in job cuts, terminated employees created more negative press and poor community relations for the company. The employees who remained lost loyalty for the company because they felt like the company did not care about them. This had a huge impact on the company not being able to recruit for new or vacated positions as well as being able to maintain essential personnel.Recruiting during a scandal is important, but dont forget about your current team.Click To TweetWe helped HR craft authentic language that made past and present employees aware of major updates regarding the issue. We also consistently communicated the company being able to survive and the companys concern for employee welfare. As a result, employee morale improved, its public image improved, HR significantly improved its recruitment of numerous highly qualified candidates, and the company improved its ability to retain great, competent, and dedicated employees. Dr. Rene Carr, CEO of The Carr Advisory Group4. Stick to the program.Its not your job as a recruiter to resolve the scandal or to come up with positioning or public statements. However, it is your responsibility to know what that strategy is and to only use approved language when talking about the scandal. Mixed messaging can increase reputational risk. Should the scandal result in a lawsuit, contradictory public statements can undermine the companys litigation strategy.For a client facing allegations of sex discrimination in employment practices, we countered the narrative by (among other things) getting high-profile regional media coverage of the companys commitment to diversity at all levels, profiling a number of its C-Suite women executives.Warren Cooper, Senior Communications Director of Evergreen PartnersHow do you keep your hiring process alive and well during public company struggles? Let us know

A surprising number of Americans would quit their job over text

A surprising number of Americans would quit their job over textA surprising number of Americans would quit their job over textEveryone has their own relationship with schmelzglas, and for the most part.its complicated.The Adobe Consumer Email Survey Report 2017, which was carried out by Advanis, explores how U.S. white-collar workers who own a smartphone use email, and why. It provides gritty details.For example,when it comes to something as significant asquitting your job, 76% of respondents feel the need to do it in person over any other method, which makes sense. But a surprising number want to avoid any direct personal contact 11% over email, 7% on the phone, and an amazing 3% via IM.We had to pause there. Lets repeat3% of people would quit their jobs over text message.For such an obviously, patently bad idea, that seems a very high percentage. It should be closer to zero.Lets be clear, dear readers do not quit your job via text message.There are a few other findings that surpris ed us, too.Heres how long people spend checking emailFirst, people are spending an absolutely bonkers amount of time just reading their email every day.The research found that every weekday, respondents spend a staggering 5.4 total hours on average checking emails.Incredibly, that 5.4 hours was a 27% drop from 2016, which means we used to spend even mora time in the past checking email, which is possibly the least rewarding of all human activities.The bulk of that time is spent on work emails for an average of 3.3 hours each weekday, down 20% from last year.When it comes to personal ones, people are reading their email an average of 2.1 hours, a 36% decrease from 2016.Email what is it good for?People clearly think that communicating about an assignments progress is nothing like talking about how youre jumping ship at work. Here are a few of the surveys other resultsabout what people like to discuss on emails.When it comes to quick questions, 35% like using email the most, 15% in per son, 25% on the phone and 19% on instant message or textBut where letting your manager know about a crucial issue was concerned, 25% chose email as the best way do so do, compared to 44% who would rather do it in person, 21% over the phone, and 6% via IM.Email Young people are attached to itRespondents in the25-34 age bracket check email more than others 48% ofthem said they looked at email on vacation, compared to 46% of all the people surveyed.Even worse, people under 34 also checked email more in bed than everyone else, with 76% of them reporting doing so - compared to only 54% of all other respondents.47% of people ages 25-34 also check their email while commuting, compared to 32% of all other participants.Younger workers are more prone to certain email behaviors.Heres what people hate most about emailWith the flood of emails we get every day, some are bound to get on our nerves. That being said, the research confirmed the most annoying thing that happens when marketers send re spondents emails.Among all surveyed, receiving emails from brands too frequently was the vorkaufsrecht that took the cake, with awhopping 50% all respondents choosing this. Badly written messages or those with an excessive amount of words took second place at 27%.The option in sixth place is all too relatable, with 13% of people reporting that they cant stand emails that are too customized to their interests, to the point where they find it creepy, among other results.

Should I quit my job How to know when its time to go

Should I quit my job How to know when its time to goShould I quit my job How to know when its time to goIn the vast majority of situations, you know in your gut when its time to quit your job.And as hard as that truth is already to face, sometimes the situation is further complicated by the fact that either youve been working at your current company for a long time and you haverelationships with your coworkersthat make it tough to let go, or maybe youve only been there for a short time and feel bad (for them and for your own hire-ability) about leaving so soon.Whatever the situation, if youve been getting a nagging feeling inside that its time to start looking for greener (job) pastures, but are looking for just a little validation ask yourself how many of the below scenarios feel relatable to you. To be fair there are actually up to16 different reasons that people quit their jobs, however, when youre the one actually stuck in that predicament and asking yourself should I quit my jo b?, just having a reason (or a few) to quit isnt enough.If one or more of these scenarios apply to you, hear it from us quitting and moving on might truly be your best option.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreYoure walking on eggshellsDid you know thatone in five employeesdescribe their workplace as hostile? Walking on eggshells, or that feeling like you have to be super careful with every little word or action, is a classic sign of a hostile or toxic workplace. If you have to tiptoe cautiously around the workplace to avoid explosions from a coworker (you know the one) or even your manager, and youve tried to resolve it but gotten nowhere, its time to find an employer who can create and maintain the kind of environment that feels good.Youve already quit you just havent quit yetWhen you started in your current role, you were great. You burned the candle at both ends, competed wit h your peers to bring the best ideas and best results, and voluntarily passed on events in your personal life to show your boss how dedicated you were to your role. But now things are differentyou show up, sure. But youre constantly doing only the bare minimum to slide through the day. Maybe you even play Candy Crush when the boss isnt looking or duck out a few minutes early at the end of the day. You do your job but youre notlage doing it justice, not the way you used to.Its calledpresenteeismand its associated with disengagement. Disengaged employees hurt those around them and its a huge sign that youre not where you should be. If youve quit (but you havent actually quit yet), its time to go. Dont risk your reputation for a job that isnt a fit.You dread going to work in the morningEven if youre settled into what you would consider a pretty decent (or even dream) job, there will be mornings youre not excited to go to work and thats a fact of life.However, if youve found that this l ack of excitement about going into work has become a regular, ongoing and increasingly bothersome thing, thats a bad sign. And if that lack of excitement evolves into constant anxiety and dread especially dread that creeps into your mind the night before work, like on aSunday night before the ever-hated Monday morning it truly might be time to find a position thatsbetter for your mental healthand soul.Its too late to forgive and forgetSometimes work situations cause hurt and resentment that just doesnt go away (or that we dontwantto go away). Maybe you were passed up for a promotion or your manager handled a difficult situation poorly, or maybe some person or persons in the organization have done questionable things that go againstyour personal values, and youre still hanging onto those negative emotions. Emotions are complicated.Ask yourself, Do Iwantto move past this? If you want to, its likely you can do that with a few tough conversations and commitment to forgiveness. But some times, even with the best of intentions, you might find that there really is no resolution for the hurt and resentment that your current company has caused you. In that case, it might be best for you to simply accept the feelings that you have about the situation no matter how negative or disappointing and move on. And indeed, thats your cue to quit your job andfind another companyto work for.This article originally appeared on Kununu.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

All About Shift Work

All About Shift WorkAll About Shift WorkShift work involves scheduling employees to perform their job duties during all 24 hours of the day and usually the entire week. It is used when a lapse in work would be detrimental for the employer and those who use their services, for example, a hospital, utility, or police department, or when it is mora efficient for the entity to continuously operate, as in the case of a busy factory. Types of Shift Work Schedules There are different types of shift work schedules. Employers may assign workers to a first shift, second shift, or third shift. They may schedule employees to work regularly during that shift, called a fixed shift, or to work rotating shifts. First Shift This is what we often refer to as traditional hours. Individuals who have the first shift usually work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but may alternatively be on the job from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Second Shift Relieving first shift workers are second shift workers who often start at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. and clock out at midnight or 1 a.m. Third Shift The third shift is commonly referred to as the graveyard or overnight shift. Employees arrive for work between 10 p.m. and midnight and leave between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Fixed Shifts Employees are assigned to a fixed shift work the same hours every day. Rotating Shifts Instead of having the same shift every day, workers on rotating shifts work different hours depending on the day. For example, one may work first shift three days a week and second shift two days. The length of shifts may also vary and with that the number of days one works and has off each week. For instance, some workers have four 10-hour shifts and three days off each week. Others work three 12-hour shifts with four days off. Occupations in Which Shift Work Is Common The protective services, production, health care, and transportation and materials moving industries all utilize shift work. Individuals who are employed in those industr ies should expect to have schedules that may include working evening, overnight, and weekend shifts and often have to work on holidays as well. Here are some occupations that commonly employ shift work Fire FightersPolice OfficersSpecial AgentsEMTs and ParamedicsPolice, Fire, and Ambulance DispatchersRegistered Nurses and Licensed Practical NursesHome Health AidesWarehouse WorkersAir Traffic ControllersNuclear OperatorsDelivery Truck DriversPostal Service WorkersAssemblers and FabricatorsHeavy Equipment Operators When choosing an occupation or evaluating a job offer, take into account whether it involves shift work. Some people enjoy this type of schedule, but many do not. If you are opposed to having to work nights, for example, avoid occupations or positions that could require it. How Shift Work Benefits Employees There are positive aspects to shift work, especially for individuals who work during second and third shifts, or are scheduled for earlier or later first shifts, for example, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rather than 9 to 5. Non-traditional hours allows workers to commute during less busy travel times. That means avoiding heavy traffic on the roads and crowded public transportation. There may also be monetary savings. Tolls and fares are sometimes reduced during non-peak hours. Those who work non-traditional schedules also enjoy attending to errands during less busy times of the day. They can go shopping, for instance, while most other people are at work. This is especially true for those who work weekend days with time off during the week. Having hours off during the day, as second and third shift workers do, makes it easier to make doctor appointments, too. Although some medical offices have evening hours to serve people who work all day, many do not. Families may be able to avoid the expense of childcare. Parents can have opposite shifts, for example, with one working the first shift and the other the third. This is a good solution with school-age children since the parent who is on the overnight shift can sleep while the children are in school and pick them up before heading back to work when the other parent returns home. Flextime Some organizations offer their employees flexible schedules, known as flextime. Employers may allow workers to arrive and leave when they want, as long as specific hours are covered or may stagger their shifts throughout the day. Flextime serves a similar purpose to shift work in that workplaces are staffed for more hours during the day than they would be otherwise. Problems Associated With Shift Work Shift work can have negative effects on individuals, particularly those who work overnight. The National Sleep Foundation reports that long-term night shift work is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, as well as metabolic problems, heart disease, ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, and obesity. Mental health could also suffer. A study of South Korean electronics w orkers showed that shift work is related to an increased risk of mental health problems in production workers, and the sleep disturbance related with shift work is a central mechanism for this relationship. Night shift workers may also be at greater risk of work-related accidents. According to The National Sleep Foundation, they include a dip in alertness at night due to the natural pattern of the bodys clock, sleepiness leading to slower reaction times and poor decision making, and reduced supervision during night shifts. Is Shift Work for You? To decide if shift work is for you, answer these questionsAre you okay with being at work while other people are spending time with their families and friends or sleeping?Are you interested in an occupation or industry that typically utilizes shift work?Will you be able to avoid some of the harmful effects of shift work by sticking to a strict sleep schedule during your off time?