Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Free Entry-Level Programmer Resume Templates

Free Entry-Level Programmer Resume TemplatesFree Entry-Level Programmer Resume TemplatesAn entry-level programmer resume covers everything you need. The format focuses on you and what you can offer, without fancy flourishes. The design also enables you to make good use of page space to share your training and education. View the sample provided to see how you can make your own.Create ResumeEntry-Level Programmer ResumeCustomize ResumeIndustry SnippetsThe free entry-level programmer resume template shows you how to write a strong resume to launch your career. Entry-Level Resume Pros and ConsOur free entry-level resume templates are designed to meet the needs of applicants who want to highlight their education, accomplishments, and hands-on experience acquired through internships, student work, or volunteer work.Pros Doesnt try too hard perfect for an entry-levelPros Employers can read it easily, which will make them happyCons Format is not uniqueCons You miss the opportunity to inject aspects of your personality for culture fitResume TextLeslieCranston123 Street,City, ST, 12345 (123) 456-7890 (H) (123) 456-7890 (C) emailisp.comProfessional SummarySkilled Systems Programmer with success in developing custom solutions for use in academic environments. Success in quickly resolving hardware and software issues to minimize disruptions in operations and workflow while continuously offering recommendations for future system upgrades and equipment needs. Proven history of facilitating adoption of innovative solutions and training end-users on new software to drive acceptance.Skill HighlightsSoftware Development Life CycleEnd-User TrainingTechnical WritingStrategy PlanningProcess ImprovementFacilities ManagementEducationTexas State University 2014Bachelor of Science Computer Science (cum laude)San Marcos, TXUpsilon Pi Epsilon, International Honor Society for the Computing and Information DisciplinesTechnical SkillsUbuntu Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, MySQL, MSSQL Ser ver, Visual Studio.NET suite, VB.NET, C.NETProfessional Experience6/1/2014 CurrentSystems Programmer ITexas State University San Marcos, TXProvide technical support to computer operating systems software and assist in evaluation, selection, installation, and maintenance of systems software and hardware for University.Install, configure, support, and update Windows and Linux operating systems, ensuring compliance with security requirements and up-time requirements.Configure and support IIS and Apache web servers to provide end-users access to websites.Install and support commercial and custom applications install routine updates and troubleshoot issues to sustain workflow.Design, code, test, and implement custom applications using Agile software development methodologies.Communicate system status and outages to customers report potential impact of technical events, system status during prototyp usage, and system outages or interruptions.Train end-users on applications supported by ITS to facilitate adoption of technologies by faculty and staff.Support and maintain databases for applications run routine reports to provide users and management information on necessary metrics.8/1/2012 5/1/2014Computer Lab Assistant / Student WorkerTexas State University San Marcos, TXHelped end-users with software and hardware-related problems while providing outstanding customer service.Monitored student use of lab facilities and equipment, protected lab equipment from theft and damage, and maintained clean and organized facilities.Facilitated installation, configuration, and routine updates on Windows and Mac computer systems.Documented and reported hardware and software issues followed up on technical issues with computer lab managers.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

3 Surefire Ways to Land Your Dream Job

3 Surefire Ways to Land Your Dream Job3 Surefire Ways to Land Your Dream JobStand out from the crowd with these top job-search tactics. We all know that the first step to landing your dream job is perfecting your resume. But even then, its difficult to stand out from the crowd. The job market is competitive and a strong resume wont always be enough. You need innovative tactics to make potential employers take notice.Build a flawless LinkedIn profileWhen it comes to job hunting, LinkedIn is the social media site to be on. A massive 78 percent of recruiters have hired through a social network,and 98 percent of those recruiters use LinkedIn. Building a killer LinkedIn profile that complements your resume and connects you to key players in your chosen field is a great way to get noticed.On LinkedIn, youre only able to connect with people you know and send messages to connections of your connections. That means youll need to start building up your network. Network with everyone you know University peers, previous employees and even your own friends and family members. They will be able to endorse you for the skills youve listed and open up further possibilities for connecting with more people. Its well documented that weak ties such as friends of friends and distant relatives can help people to gain employment, and a networking site like LinkedIn is a great way to make the most of your weak ties.Join LinkedIn groupsthat are relevant to your skills and the career that youre after. behauptung discussion forums are perfect for learning expert advice from leading professionals, and will help you to hold your own in even the toughest interviews. And if you can stand out by making pertinent contributions of your own, youre sure to be spotted by other industry professionals.Write articles sharing your expertiseWriting articles and contributing guest posts to popular blogs and influential websites in your field is a surefire way to get noticed. Keep up to date on news head lines that affect your industry and write opinion pieces that are engaging and thought provoking. Read plenty of articles by other industry professionals and share your own thoughts in the comment sections.If youre confident about writing and sharing articles, why not create your own blog? Running your own blog and building traffic is a big-time commitment, but it can really pay off. Using your own blog to further enhance your personal brand, display a portfolio of your work, and add value to your field through written content on hot topics could be the ticket to getting an employer to notice you.Create an verbunden mind map of ideasEmployers are impressed by candidates who not only know their company inside and out, but also have ideas to bring to the table. Dont be afraid to make suggestions and show how passionate you are about moving forward with the company.Jot down all of your best ideas, strategies and thoughts. Consolidate these on to an online mind map or infographic, so th at they are easy to read and eye catching.PoppletorCoggleare great online applications for creating mind maps and flowcharts. You can create text boxes, change colors and insert images and videos.If youre a little more experienced with designing creative templates, consider making an infographic.PiktochartandEaselhave the basic templates available for you to jazz up with your ideas, or you can even create an infographic completely from scratch. Keep your text in small chunks and use relevant images to break it up.One last piece of advice Dont stand out for all the wrong reasonsDifferentiating yourself from others is a powerful tool when it comes to job hunting, but done badly it can do lasting damage to your career prospects. You want to stand out in a way which portrays you as professional, knowledgeable and as an individual who will go above and beyond when it comes to the job.You want to avoid standing out for being overly zaney. Ask yourself whether your stand-out ideas are goin g to prove that you would be a valuable asset to the company you are applying to. If the answer is yes, do it. If the answer is no, rethink your strategy.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

How to Get the Most Out of Your Internship

How to Get the Most Out of Your InternshipHow to Get the Most Out of Your InternshipFor many college students and recent graduates, an internship is a near-requirement for future full-time employment. Without an internship, even entry-level positions are out of reach. So it can be easy to fall into the mentality that an internship is merely a stepping-stone on the path to a real job- something to endure, leid enjoy. But internships can offers all sorts of benefits beyond post-college employment. Sometimes, an internship can expose that a planned career path or industry is not, in fact, the best one for you. Internships can help you build a network of colleagues- and friends- who may brde a lifetime, offering countless opportunities (both career-focused and personal). And, internships can help make you comfortable and confident in the office environment. You wont get all those benefits if youre just showing up and counting down the days until your internship is over, though Heres how to maximize your internship experience, and keep the focus on your whole career- and not just an initial job placement. Seek Opportunities to Gain Company and Industry Knowledge During your internship, try to learn about a range of things. If youre interning with the marketing department, seek out employees on the editorial team, or the programming department, and try to learn how their work differs from your own. Aim to learn about the company as a whole- How is it organized? Whats the company culture? Which employees are considered stars? What makes a good worker?- as well as the overall industry. Keep your future in mind Would you want to work at a company like the one youre interning, or would you prefer a different management or organizational structure? During interviews, youll get questions about how you like to work, and what environments suit you. The knowledge gained during your internship helps inform your response. You may discover during your internship that the com pany or industry is not for you. Dont look at the internship as wasted time if thats the case- its far preferable to discover which paths arent for you early on in your career. Become Confident in Workplace Practices If youve always been in school and worked part-time jobs in retail or food services, an internship may be your first exposure to office culture. Its different. The mora youre exposed to how offices function, from the pre-meeting small talk to knowing who to CC on emails (and when), the more comfortable it will feel once your training wheels are off, and you have a staff position. And, keep in mind that knowing industry-focused jargon is hugely helpful when it comes to decoding job postings, writing effective cover letters, and sounding like a knowledgeable pro during interviews. (Heres what all those buzzwords using in job postings actually mean.) So keep track of the tools used in the office and the buzzwords that come up during meetings. Broaden Your Skills and Track What You Do During your internship, maybe youll write your first newsletter or computer program, create a schedule, or run a project (if youre lucky). But some internship programs reserve tedious grunt work for interns. Rest assured, no matter what work you do, you are gaining knowledge and skills that are different than the ones learned in the classroom. Even simple tasks- reaching out to staffers for the information to include in a daily email, say- can still look powerful on your resume. To that end, keep track of everything you learn and do during your internship. It may be helpful to keep a journal. Or, just have a draft email, and note in it every time you do a new task with the date. For instance, 11/9, learned new Excel formula 11/22 attended conference and presented key points in staff-wide meeting. Later, when youre writing up a description for your resume, these notes will be invaluable. Finally, remember that the purpose of the internship isnt just for you to do work to help the company- its for you to learn. To that end, take notes during meetings, and if something is unclear, ask questions to clarify later. If colleagues mention interesting, relevant news stories, resources, or tips, follow up and learn more. All of this research and follow-through will make you a better, more informed candidate during interviews. Ask for Feedback As an intern, youve practically got newbie in your title. That may be frustrating, and sometimes limit you from more exciting projects, but it also means that youre expected to not know everything. So feel free to ask questions, always. You can also ask for feedback from managers and colleagues. Find out what you can be doing better. While its hard to hear negative feedback, knowing your weak points can help you improve. Better to find out now, then during a full-time job where poor performance may mean youd lose the job. (Plus, youll have something to say when interviewers ask, Whats your biggest weakness?) Finally, know that if theres any time in your career that a mistake isnt a huge problem, its now. Ideally, of course, you wont make mistakes, but if you do, just acknowledge the error in a forthright way, and ask your manager what you can do to fix the situation. Give It Your All The best internships offer challenging, interesting work. But sadly, thats not always the case. Here are a few things to keep in mind if youre struggling to stay engaged You can ask for more Volunteer for additional work and projects if youve completed your assigned tasks. Or, better still, generate a list of helpful projects or tasks, and ask your manager if its OK to move forward with them.Be assertive Meet with your manager early on, if possible, to try to get a sense of expectations. Remember, this internship is a two-way street If you know youre interested in meeting with certain people or achieving certain resume-worthy tasks, mention it your manager- part of a managers job is to ensure you have a meaningful experience. (Do be aware, however, that people in the office are generally over-worked, not under. So be respectful about how much time you take up.) Dont look bored Depending on your responsibilities, this may be a challenge. No matter how tedious the work may be, dont let that show on your face or in your attitude. Dont check your phone during meetings (unless thats part of your job responsibilities) or social media at your desk. Form Connections- And Maybe Even Find a Mentor If youre part of a group of interns, know that you might form relationships that will last a lifetime. So do socialize with your peers (but not at the cost of your work- use lunch time and coffee breaks for conversations, not cubicle-time). Go beyond the interns for your social circle, too. Ask co-workers to coffee, or try to sit with co-workers at lunch. Attend work-wide social events, and mingle. (Warning If theres booze served, even if you are of age, partake sparingly. Being the intoxicat ed intern at a work event is not a good look.) Finally, be on the lookout for mentors, who can give you advice, write recommendations, and help you make important connections. (Here are some ideas for how to find career mentors.) If you have a co-worker who is helpful answering questions about on-the-job tasks or works with your regularly, ask how they got to where they are, what advice theyd give you, and so on. Having these kinds of conversations is the start to a mentor-type relationship, which can be a powerful force throughout your career.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Remote Job

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Remote JobWhat to Include in a Cover Letter for a Remote Job6You need a titelseite letter. Are you groaning? I cant blame you. Out of all of the eye roll-worthy tasks involved with job searching, pulling together a cover letter is usually the one that inspires the most dread.Figuring out exactly what you should highlight is a challenge, and that objective becomes even trickier when youre applying for a remote role.What do you need to call attention to? What actually matters to these remote employers? How can you prove that youre a qualified fit, while leise standing out from all of the other competition?Here are four key things to include in a cover letter for a remote job1. Your experience working remotely.Much like with any other job search, your past experience is going to carry a lot of weight. So, if you already have some remote work under your belt, make sure that you call attention to that in your cover letter.By showing that youve alrea dy worked successfully in a remote environment, youll prove to the employer that you have suitable skills and can navigate the various challenges involved with not working side-by-side with your coworkers.I know what youre thinking now what if you dont currently have any remote work experience? Dont panic yet, and instead move on to the next key competency on this list.2. Any skills relevant to remote work.Alright, so maybe you dont have a long history of working remotely- that doesnt mean you dont have what it takes.Even if you have experience, it never hurts to shine the spotlight on some of your most relevant skills. But, this becomes even more important if you need to show that youre a no-brainer fit- even when your past roles arent quite as traditional.Think through some of the skills that are necessary to work effectively and efficiently as a remote employee. Youre probably thinking of things likeCommunicationTime managementOrganizationSelf-motivationDo you possess any (or all ) of those skills? Find ways that you can work those into your cover letter. Bonus points if you can include real examples of how youve used them to make a difference with past employers.3. Your value.Heres an important thing to remember first and foremost, employers care that you can not only do the job, but that you can do it well. Thats why its important to spend most of your time focusing on the value you can provide for that company, as opposed to what they can do for you.Its easy to fall victim to using your cover letter to talk about the benefits from landing that position. You want that job because you want better work-life balance. You want to be more available for your family. You want a job with increased flexibility, because you need to move a lot for your partners career.I get it- theres no shortage of reasons why that role is perfect for you. But, you know what? That employer doesnt care.So, resist the temptation to focus on what youll gain and turn your attention to w hat the employer will receive. The more you can use your cover letter to outline the undeniable value theyll get from hiring you, the better off youll be.4. A glimpse of your personality.Since youre applying for a remote position, you might not have the benefit of getting to meet these people in person before youre hired.While you still always need to remain polished and professional, it can be helpful to let a little of your personality shine through in your cover letter. Employers want a solid understanding of who you are, and thats tough to ascertain from a generic cover letter.This doesnt need to be anything over the top. Maybe youll start with a brief anecdote about how you discovered your passion for your career field. Or, maybe youll end with something clever. There are tons of different ways you could inject just a little life, and its a great way to set yourself apart.You might never look forward to drafting your cover letter, but its a task youre going to have to tackle wh en youre on the hunt for a new job. Make sure to emphasize these four qualities when applying for a remote role, and youll be that much more likely to present yourself as a no-brainer fit.Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

Thursday, December 12, 2019

The Power of Meeting in Person

The Power of Meeting in PersonThe Power of Meeting in PersonEverybody is busy these days, including salespeople. Thats why many salespeople are shifting to virtual meetings, emails, phone calls, and even texting as a way to communicate with prospects and customers. Yet none of these communication tools can match the face-to-face meetings personal touch. While virtual contacts can be a quick and easy way to stay in touch, periodic physical meetings are still the best way to maintain a strong business relationship. Meeting with someone in person adds a feeling of reality to the situation. If all you do is ?email with a customer, they might as well be communicating with a cleverly programmed sales robot. Phone conversations are a step better - and are probably the best option for staying in touch with customers from another geographic region - but still arent the same as a physical meeting. As a rule of thumb, if youre just looking for a quick exchange of information, then phone or em ail is the best way to go. But if you havent seen a major customerin quite a while or you need to find out something critically important, then a physical meeting is a good idea. And with prospects, at least one face-to-face meeting is almost mandatory. Reveals Body Language Physical meetings give you a aussicht to evaluate your prospects body language as well as what hes saying. And since body language is usually more honest than verbal language, this will give you a significant advantage in figuring out what he really wants. Of course, you can also convey more information yourself through body language - so be sure youre sending the right messages. Helps Build Rapport A real meeting also gives you a much greater opportunity to build rapport, which is important with customers and absolutely crucial with prospects. Meetings usually open with small talk and a round of generally getting to know each other that you just dont have in a chain of emails. Sharing this personal in formation helps you build a comfortable working relationship with the other person. And if you find out that you went to the same college or prefer the same type of pie, thats even better. Helps You Learn About Your Prospect When you visit a prospect or customer at their location, you can learn a great deal about them just by looking around. For example, your first impression of someones distributionspolitik of business might be high-pressure or relaxed, tidy or messy, stark and minimalist or cluttered. These perceptions give you a great starting place for developing the right sales approach. A very conservatively decorated office indicates a company that might be comfortable with a traditional sales approach from a suit-wearing salesperson, while a decor that screams funky indicates a prospect who is probably best suited to a more relaxed, casual approach. This information-gathering becomes even more useful if you have a chance to see the prospects office. The photos on his de sk, posters on the wall, even the degree to which he organizes his things can tell you a lot about that person. An off-site personal meeting can also be very effective, especially if youre gathering information about that persons company. She might not be comfortable telling you about her bosses personality quirks if they are ten feet away down the hall, but if you take her out to lunch, you could end up with a bonanza of insider information. And unlike email, a face-to-face conversation is not in writing and is, therefore, a less risky way to divulge information. No one wants their comments about co-workers showing up in the wrong inbox.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Insider Secrets of Word Online Template Revealed

The Insider Secrets of Word Online vorlage Revealed What to Expect From Word Online Template? The easiest means to do so is to start in Word on your desktop by producing a document based on your template. For instance, you might want to upload the most recent edition of Word to access a specific template. Although originally created for Excel, these templates are now able to be downloaded as Word documents also. Other Reference Letter Templates There are different templates on the internet that you are able to utilize to compose your reference letter. For instance, in PDF, you may use bookmarks to enclose the name of an item, and make your document appear more professional. Users can also make tables in Word. In the veranstaltung the label size youre searching for isnt provided by your version of Microsoft Word, you may still create your labels The Secret to Word Online Template On-line invoice generators or absolutely free invoice creators typically dont offer you non-subsc ribers the choice to save invoices for repeat usage. You will also need to incorporate the name and contact info of the individual or business youre sending the word Invoice to. Word comprises rudimentary desktop publishing capabilities and is the most popular word processing program on the industry. You are going to want to send a word Invoice anytime you total work for a customer and you wish to go paid. How to Choose Word Online Template Utilizing a questionnaire to discover more regarding your clients or other stakeholders, as a company or organization, is important to adequate audience research. If you would like to gather unique and strong details about an audience, a survey will be able to help you tailor your questions and gauge their reactions accordingly. Essentially, the kind of survey or questionnaire you pick will be tailored to your undertaking. There are plenty of aspects to keep in mind while you start to complete your survey or questionnaire templates. A man ufacturing storyboard sample is supposed to define and describe the entire manufacturing process in a thorough and comprehendible method. Adobe illustrator is also simple to use but it requires a particular degree of expertise. If youre working by yourself and you wind up making the exact changes to each document, learn to create, alter, and apply templates. Our templates arrive in several of distinct designs as a way to suite your requirements. An idea about the potential punch lines Here is the way it is possible to design a storyboard. For instance, you might want to modify the font size or style. In case the range of rows you want is dynamic, then user should earn a collection of values and pass it in the repeat field. The wonderful thing about learning the way to create a template is that can tweak it to your style. All you need to do is select a very good template depending on your event, and youre going to be all set to go. There are three major types of resume tem plates. Templates supply the structure and more items like auto text entries and macros. Otherwise, you may download absolutely free business card templates for Photoshop. Everyone can download the genogram template absolutely free of cost.There are several template folders out there. Youre then taken to a page where you could choose a template to make your document or file. The concept map templates are a breeze to use and free. A script storyboard template may be used with the intention. Top Choices of Word Online Template Theres also sample text so that you know the way the layout of your journal will be. Reading a book in only one day, or in 1 breath isnt always an alternative. Reading a document is identical. While the template might provide you a few ideas for the language you will use, you need to make certain your reference letter is centered on the person that you are writing the letter for. Theres no simpler approach to produce the labels you will need. Theres additionally a totally free baby announcement template that you may use to announce a birth of a kid. Still on insert, click on picture and choose the picture you wish to use. Its possible to even alter the font style and size of the company cards, just make certain your information may still be clearly read off your small business card. PDF files are the very best formats owing to its security and accuracy feature. If you find yourself with a perfect template but still your requirements arent meeting then its clear that you are far away from your initial requirements. In reality, in the previous several decades, on account of their versatility, PDF documents are somewhat more popular than Word documents. Your document will open, and youll be able to make additional alterations.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Celia Cecchi - I Scream Nails

Celia Cecchi - I Scream Nails Celia Cecchi I Scream NailsPosted August 31, 2017, by Jenny Sakr Since its debut as a pop-up nail species salon in 2012, I Scream Nails has exploded across the Australian nail scene See how Celia turned her love for nail art into the go-to company for nail art events, collaborating with some of the biggest brands including The Coca-Cola Group, Westfield, David Jones, The Melbourne Cup Carnival and more, and now produces a 100% vegan nail polish range. When did I Scream Nails Start? I began I Scream Nails in 2012 and have been the director ever since. How long have you been a nail artist? I had been practising nail art for a few years before I started I Scream Nails but I no longer do nail art as I am purely focusing on the business side of things. What did you study to get into beauty and nails? It was my hobby and passion What did you want to be when you were younger? Good question I never had any idea what I wanted to do. I worked in the corporate wo rld for a long time until I found my passion which was nails/nail art and I Scream Nails What was your first job? Pizza Hut When did you first know you wanted to be a nail artist? I knew I loved nails forever and then started experimenting with nails. My passion progressed from doing the nail art myself to running a business, which is what I do now. Explain a typical day at work I wake up early, have a cuppa and a shower and walk to work - its about a 40-minute walk, while I walk I listen to podcasts, I have a bunch of podcasts I am obsessed with I think its important to think about things other than work first thing in the morning. Get into work and its go go go Developing new colours, quoting corporate jobs, planning new products, launches, absatzwirtschaft social media, finance meetings, emails OMG it never stops Whats the most interesting thing thats happened to you in this career? Starting my own business has definitely been the most interesting thing that has happened in my ca reer. There are lots of interesting things that happen daily but the main thing is what can come from a simple idea and how it can snowball into something amazing Name the best and worst parts of your job The best part of my job is creating something that doesnt exist, thats pretty cool and working alongside my partner Ben. The worst part of my job is never switching off Whats the most important career tip someone has given you? Keep it simple dont do too many things. Still trying to implement that Where do people have to start to get into nail artistry and what is a standard salary package for this role? Practise yourself at home fruchtwein nail artists are self-taught Watch all the I Scream Nails tutorials Name a career highlight There have been so many Weve worked with lots of amazing brands and businesses including a recent collab with Fanta, Sony Music and being stocked in Moroccos newest major beauty retailer Yan s next for you? Even though some of our product is already avai lable in the US we are about to make our full range available to the US (which is half of our following) and our US clients will be able to purchase our product directly through us Very excited about this. Other exciting things coming up is that we are currently developing some nail art tools. Check out more on I Scream Nails and shop their awesome products Websitehttps//iscreamnails.com.au/collections facebook inchttps//www.facebook.com/iscreamnails Instagramhttps//instagram.com/iscreamnails Enquire about our Nail Technician andBeauty Therapy courses and nail your next career moveNail Technician ResourcesHair stylist/salon manager sample resumeHair stylist/salon manager sample cover letterInterested in becoming a?Beauty TherapistSpa TherapistNail TechnicianMakeup ArtistNail ArtistPopular Career Searchesnail technician course perthnail courses melbourne government fundednail technician courses cairnscourses gel nails perth washort nail coursesNail Technician CoursesAssociate Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of BusinessEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate IV in New Small BusinessEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Applied EntrepreneurshipEnquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend youre most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreOnline studyNine courses you never thought you could study onlineIn an age when almost everything you could want is at your virtual fingertips, the world of education has also moved into the digital sphere.AdvertisingCreative careersSiimon Reynolds - Advertising EntrepreneurTo get my first job in advertising I placed two ads. The first used all of David Ogilvys techniques, and no one replied, and then in desperation I did a wilder ad. ..Dream jobsEntrepreneurshipHow To Start Up A Start-upAirbnb started out as a blow-up mattress on the floor, Facebook started up in a college dorm room and Google was born in a garage. We put a spotlight on the wonderful world of start-ups, and show you how to kick-start your own entrepreneurial dream.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

How to Tell Youre Ready to Be a Manager at Work - The Muse

How to Tell Youre Ready to Be a Manager at Work - The MuseHow to Tell Youre Ready to Be a Manager at Work Youre interested in stepping up into a management role with your current company, but theres just one question that keeps nagging at you Are you ready?Sure, youve produced consistently great results in your existing position and have forged some solid bonds with many of your colleagues. Youre proud of that- but, youre also unsure of whether or elend that truly means youre cut out for a step up the proverbial ladder.Fortunately, there are a few other telltale signs you can keep your eye out for that will help you figure out whether or not youre actually management material.1. Youre Actually Excited About Answering QuestionsYour colleague drops by your desk unexpectedly with a question about a sales report shes compiling. How do you react? Do you see it as a hassle thats only throwing a major wrench in your workday? Or, do you view it as an opportunity? Heres an important thing to remember Being a manager means people are going to come to you with questions- and a lot of them. If the thought of that alone makes you clench your jaw, you might not be ready to make the sacrifice of stepping away from your own to-do list in favor of guiding others. But, if the chance to help other people learn and grow fills you with genuine enthusiasm? Well, a management roles calling your name. 2. Youre Comfortable Giving Up a Little ControlI know exactly what youre thinking Wait, what? Being a manager means I get even more control, doesnt it?Yes, technically, you get the title that warrants you bossing everybody else around. However, managing a team actually involves releasing some control. Youll have to trust that your direct reports are getting things done correctly- without being able to oversee every small detail.Put simply, youll have all of the accountability for what is produced, without being able to have your finger in every single pie, so to speak. Youll need to loos en the reins and empower others- even when they do things differently than you might have done them yourself. 3. Youre Eager to Be More CollaborativeYour team meeting is the highlight of your week, rather than the bane of your existence. You get genuinely excited to head into a brainstorming session, rather than looking at it as another logjam in your already packed calendar.A management role comes with lots and lots of meetings. Youll need to do regular sit-downs and check-ins with your team- both as a group and individually. Youll have to put your heads together with other supervisors and department leaders.In fruchtwein cases, youre going to spend a solid chunk of your workweek away from your desk. You wont get a hr of time to put on your headphones and be heads down in your own work for hours at a time.Sounds horrible? You might not only be better as an individual contributor- youll probably be happier too. 4. Youre Already Known as a Problem SolverLike I mentioned earlier, mana gers need to act as resources for other people- particularly those who work directly under them. If youre already looked at as that go-to guide within your company, thats a solid indicator that youre ready to take on some more formal leadership duties.Everybody within your company- whether its a peer or a leader- knows that they can bring you a problem or a challenge, and youll roll up your sleeves and find a way to solve it. Youre actually motivated by identifying a way around those sticky situations. When thats the case, rest assured, you arent just ready to be a good manager- youre ready to be a great one. 5. Youre Invested in Other Peoples Success as Much as Your OwnIf one of your team members fails, youve failed. And, if one of your team members succeeds, you succeed.Its the most effective leaders who recognize that deceptively simple fact. Theyre highly invested in the growth and development of their direct reports- oftentimes, they prioritize that ahead of anything else (incl uding their own advancement). Ask yourself How do you feel when somebody in your company achieves a major win? Are you filled with jealousy, or are you the one spearheading the celebration? Falling into that second category is a pretty reliable sign that youre a good fit for some leadership responsibilities. You dont want to become a manager for the sake of the title or the money (although, lets face it- those are definitely nice perks). If youre going to step up and accept a larger role within your company, you want to feel at least somewhat confident that youll do a good job with it.It can be challenging to tell whether or not youre truly ready to do that. But, keeping your eyes peeled for these five signs will help you determine if youre truly ready to take on that more demanding position.

Friday, November 22, 2019

What Steve Jobs did to get the best feedback from employees

What Steve Jobs did to get the best feedback from employeesWhat Steve Jobs did to get the best feedback from employeesNo one likes telling the boss bad news, but when youre a manager, your success depends on knowing what your employees know and think. You cannot be surrounded by yes-people. So how do you get honest feedback from reticent employees? To get the best feedback, take note from Apple co-founder and Pixar former CEO Steve Jobs approach to it - dont make feedback an optional question, make it a demand of every meeting that each employee is responsible for answering.In meetings, ask an employee whats working, whats notIn a recent Medium post,Andy Raskin, a San Francisco-based strategic messaging employee,recounted a conversation he overheard between a Famous CEO and a Young CEO about Jobs strategy for feedback.When Jobs was in Pixar meetings, he needed to get caught up quickly, so he would make a point to meet with multiple departments.He would have to figure out where his a ttention was needed really fast, so he would arrange sessions with all the different teams - theCarsteam, the technology team, whatever - so there were a dozen or so people in each one. Then he would point to one person in each session and sayTell me whats not working atPixar,Raskin recounted that the Famous CEO said Jobs did. Then, Jobs would ask other people in the meeting if they agreed with that one employees assessment. Then, he would pick a different employee and ask them what was working at Pixar. Jobs would toggle back and forth between the two questions until he got a sense of what needed to be addressed.Jobs questions work because they are direct requests for transparency. You cannot get out of answering them with a polite yes or no.Its a confrontational approach that may lead to awkward moments, but works if you are confident in your teams abilities.In 1995, when Jobs was asked why he would famously tell employees their work was terrible, he explained that his critiques came from a place of respect for the employee and their potential The most important thing I think you can do for someone whos really good and whos really being counted on is to point out to them when theyre not - when their work isnt good enough. And to do it very clearly and to articulate why and to get them back on track.Kim Scott, a Silicon Valley veteran who is the author of Radical Candor Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, endorses Jobs approach to feedback as a radically candor one worth adopting.People will often misconstrue radical candor as obnoxious aggression. I have found the leading a team means I have to endure a lot of willing to be hated moments, Scott writes. parte of the reason that I call it radical candor is that its rare. But the other reason is that one often has to resort to extreme language or actions to challenge people directly enough to get through to them.So aspiring Steve Jobs everywhere, listen up. When you are a leader, you have to tak e the lead in asking employees how they think - even if that means confronting them on-the-spot in uncomfortable meetings.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

How to be a company that attracts LGBTQ professionals

How to be a company that attracts LGBTQ professionalsHow to be a company that attracts LGBTQ professionalsHow to be a company that attracts LGBTQ professionals Papandrea, contributorWeve come a long way as a nation when it comes to LGBTQ rights and acceptance, but we surely have more work to do, especially in the workplace.In 30 states, its leise perfectly legal to not hire someone or to fire them due to sexual orientation or gender orientation.The good news is some progress is being made. The House of Representatives just passed the Equality Act bill that prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas includingemployment. (Its now with the Senate.)In the meantime, many private corporations are enacting their own inclusive policies that not only protect LGBTQ workers, but nurture them. (Just browse through the list of best companies for LGBTQ workersbased on theCorporate Equality Indexfrom HRC to see which ones are leading the way.) And while youre at it, check out Monsters list of best companies for LGBTQ workers.Becoming a company that welcomes LGBTQ talent requires more than just not discriminating against them its recognizing that diversity can be a growth strategy, says Nadia Rawlinson, chief philanthropisch resources officer at Live Nation.Consumers are diversifying, cultural lines are blurring, social media is driving new levels of public and consumer accountability and the war for talent is at its fiercest to date, she says.To win that talent war, companies need to commit to diversity and belonging, says Rawlinson, which she describes as creating inclusion that is so powerful that employees feel safe to innovate. Companies that do this well will outpace their competitors.If youd like to attract more talent from the LGBTQ community, try emulating some of these best practices recommended by HRC, and used by high-performing inclusive companies.State your intentions loudly and proudlyIt sounds simple, but it really is important to codify that you are an employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, says Beck Bailey, acting director of HRCs Workplace Equality Program.If you have an employee handbook or a written nondiscrimination statement, make sure it includes sex and gender identification. The laws are uneven from state to state, so make sure youre very clear and articulate, he says.A good example of the type of wording you can include comes from Mastercard, which scored 100% on HRCs Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. As stated on its career site Mastercard is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Create a welcoming candidate experienceIn plus-rechnen to adding text to your employee handbook, be sure that job seekers know that youre a friend to the LGBT Q community as well. You can do that by including a welcome invitation in your job placements, says Bailey. Be explicit that all gender identities and all orientations are encouraged to apply.The reason its so important to put this in writing is that it sends a clear signal so that candidates dont have to guess what your intentions are, he adds.As you can imagine, top candidates will be more inclined to apply to an organization that is openly welcoming them, rather than those that keep them guessing. Of course, you have to go beyond just copying and pasting inclusive language into your job postings.We follow through on that messaging through our recruiters, who are knowledgeable about our commitment to Diversity Belonging, and walk candidates through a summary of our purpose, programs, initiatives and goals, says Rawlinson. Live Nation also provides candidates with a summary of its medical benefits, which contain LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive language and benefits.Make inclusion part of your employer brandBeyond adding language to your career page, think about what other micro-signals youre sending to indicate that your company is LGBTQ-friendly, says Bailey.Do you have a rainbow sticker on your door? In the parts of your website where you talk about your values, commitments to the community, and where you invest philanthropic giving, do you sttze your local LGBTQ center? Things like that illustrate to potential applicants that you are serious about your commitment to equality.In other words, putting policies into practice the way companies like Pfizer do speaks volumes.Pfizer strives to be the healthcare employer of choice by providing excellent colleague benefits and support for LGBTQ colleagues and the broader, external LGBTQ community through public advocacy and sponsorships, says Willard McCloud III, vice president and global head of diversity and inclusion for Pfizer, Inc.For example, the company is an annual supporter of Out Equal Workplace Advocates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving global LGBTQQ workplace equality, and a lead sponsor for the HRCs Healthcare Equality Index.Offer lots of internal support, tooIts important to remember that for many, the workplace might be the first place where they interact with people from the LGBTQ community, says Bailey.When people dont have a personal experience or reference point, they may inadvertently say or do things that are not welcoming, he says. Thats why its imperative to start some conversations about what it means to have respectful behavior toward all in the workplace.Companies can request resources from organizations like HRC or local LGBTQ centers, says Bailey. Its pretty easy to have folks come in and do training with staff for a fairly low investment. And theres online training and tools out there, he says. The point is that real change requires intentional dialogue.Something as simple as learning how to address people with their preferred pronouns is important wh en youre meeting with LGBTQ candidates, or introducing them as new hires to your team. If youre interacting with people who are visibly transgender, undergoing transition, or who are gender nonconforming, the thing here is that its about respect, says Bailey. Its interacting with people the way they want to be interacted with.As for LGBTQ job seekers, knowing that their prospective companies have support groups can help them feel confident about navigating a new workplace. At Live Nation, for example, there are seven active Pride Nation chapters dedicated to promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.Be proactive with LGBTQ recruitingIf youre not attracting candidates from the LGBTQ community because your own network may be lacking in diversity, you should try expanding your search.Think about how to elevate or cross post your opportunities beyond your own limitations and your own network, says Ba iley. For instance, there are many local organizations that have either job fairs or community job boards, or you might try to engage directly with local colleges or universities, most of which have an LGBTQ center, he adds.Get in anflug with those groups and let them know that youre seeking diverse candidates to fill your pipeline.Show your prideLots of companies do things in June to acknowledge pride month, so now is a great time to make your LGBTQ hiring initiative known.During Pride Month, Pfizer will be flying the Rainbow Flag at its world headquarters, says McCloud. Other companies will create social media campaigns to discuss what pride means to them, or to highlight their LGBTQ employees.Its worth noting, however, that celebrating pride is not just something that large corporations can do.Small/mid-sized companies need to be visible, too, says McCloud.For instance, participating and/or sponsoring events in local communities during pride month can say a lot about a companys f ocus on DI.Its not always big gestures, but rather even small ones like starting an ally program for LGBTQ people in your company that lays the foundation for a more diverse and inclusive work environment, he says.Nor is pride something that should only be acknowledged once per year. Bailey says its important to continue doing the work year-round if you want to be a company that truly champions the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ bias and stigma is still a very real thing in our world, he says. This work to make transparent what you are doing is really important.