Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom 7 Ways to Maximize Commuting Time

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom 7 Ways to Maximize Commuting Time The average American professional spends over an hour a day commuting. For most, that time involves listening to music, reading the paper, staring out the window, or sleeping. However, whether you drive or take public transportation to the office, your goal should be to leverage your commuting time so that you can spend fewer hours working. Here are some recommendations to that effect. 1. Listen to industry podcasts or webinars. There’s no end to the professional development options available online for instant download, and many are low-cost or free. Instead of taking time out of the office to attend a course or workshop, fire up an audio recording on your smartphone, iPod, or tablet and learn about a new skill or trend while you travel. 2. Replace your entertainment or daily newspaper with a relevant trade. Reading about celebrities is fun, and it’s certainly useful to keep up with the news in your area. But how about taking along one of those industry-related publications that has been sitting on your desk for weeks? If it’s the only piece of reading material in your bag, you’ll be more likely to at least peruse it, and a hard copy won’t hurt your eyes, like squinting at the type on your phone or tablet can. However, we do think The Fast Track looks pretty nice on a mobile device. 3. Hold on-the-go conference calls. If you are in a situation where talking aloud won’t disturb fellow passengers, schedule calls during your commute so that you don’t have to do them at the office. Just be careful that you aren’t too distracted by the conversation to drive responsibly. Like what youve read so far? Check out the full post on Intuits Fast Track blog.

How to Choose a Grad School Resume Template

How to Choose a Grad School Resume TemplateIf you're in the process of preparing a new resume for your upcoming career search, a good grad school resume template can help you get started on a great start. There are many styles of templates available and this article will discuss the more traditional approach as well as other options that are out there.Templates are a great place to start when looking for a way to start building your resume. Since so many different programs have their own unique formats, it's often hard to find the right one for you. Here are some things to consider when considering this option:You should look for a template that looks decent and has a wide range of options. You don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and hours on a resume that only gives you limited options. So take some time to research your options and go with a reputable and attractive template that has a wide range of options to choose from.The next thing to think about is how much time you're wi lling to invest in crafting a resume. You don't want to spend countless hours creating a resume that looks great but is really lacking in details. Most of us are busy and can't devote the time that we'd like to work on a resume. So make sure that you're looking for a template that offers all the options you need without a steep learning curve.If your favorite program only allows you to use their templates, that's not a problem. Most programs allow for resume templates that you can use for free but some require that you pay a fee before you can use the design. Also, don't forget that all programs vary in terms of formatting and layout. With that said, keep in mind that if you're trying to design a one page resume, you're going to need more than a free template.There are many online templates that are free for personal use. While it might be tempting to use these free templates as a starting point, you may be missing out on a lot of information by going this route. Not only are they f ree, they are also usually very basic and do not offer you as much customization as the paid programs. You also may end up paying fees for customizing your own template when using these free programs.Another important tip when choosing a template is to try to fit in as much information as possible. Once you've done your initial research, find a template that matches your needs for the most current information. You don't want to have to go back and fix information you already know! So make sure that the program you're using is up to date with as much information as possible.When looking for different grad school resume templates, it's important to have a plan for your resume and what information you want to include. This ensures that you won't have any problems with your resume or any surprises as you prepare to submit it.

How to Write a Standout LinkedIn Headline

How to Write a Standout LinkedIn Headline Youre on LinkedIn to be noticed for the rights reasons. Potential employers will search for you, and  colleagues, clients and customers are bound to check you out at some point too. Your profile is  your brand,  so dont let yourself be oh-so-bland. When it comes to acing your profile, the headline is arguably the most important feature.  Most users  will spend a lot  of time and energy on  getting their whole profile completed; theyll meticulously fill in their previous employer details, craft a compelling bio and tick all the relevant boxes, then feel theyve done a cracking job, and move on. This is all still important to do, but if there is one little field that is often overlooked, its definitely the headline. Why is the LinkedIn headline important? Your LinkedIn headline is critical as its the only customisable personal information people will about  of you in listings, group discussions and home feeds. When you appear in search results for instance, your name, location and headline will be the three visible bits. That bio you spent 2 weeks writing doesnt make the cut, nor do your Pulse posts. If you havent got something interesting written in your headline, youll just appear like every other Tom, Dick and Harry who does a similar job to you. Unless  your  name is Joe Kickass and you are based in a cool place like  Trollhattan or Xanadu, people wont necessarily feel compelled to click. How do most people  get it so wrong? Its actually very easy to get this wrong.  If you dont change your headline manually, it will default to your job title and company. Sometimes your job title is self-explanatory, but more often it isnt. what does Account Manager even mean? Who is Account, and why are you managing him?  A bad example of a job title is  Consultant at Smithers Smithers. Consultant could mean anything from kettle engineer to project director. Other variations are Founder (do they still work in the business?) and Partner (silent or active?). Smithers Smithers is not a household brand and you cant deduce what they do. This is a typical problem for consultancies, law firms, accountancy firms and other professional services organisations. My default would be to assume  theyre probably funeral directors, it kind of sounds like they are, especially if they added Son at the end. Mediocrity A decent example would be Life Insurance Broker at AIG Insurance. We can pretty much guess what this person does and what they sell. We also recognise the brand. What we dont know is who the target audience is; could be individuals and it could be corporate policies. Or excellence? The best example would be where you manually go in and change the headline to a marketing phrase that is relevant to your target audience. If you have a personal brand statement youll want to use it here. Helping Farmers Sell Truckloads of Turnips is a good start, but still, it can be even more targeted.  Helping British Farmers Sell Truckloads of Class I Turnips is even better. By reading this we instantly know what the person does, whom they do it for and that they have at least some sense of humour. 5  Tips to get you started: First think value proposition how do you provide value? Be as specific as possible here and remember the old saying: the nicher, the richer. Think target audience whom do you provide value for and who will read this? Its not always the end customer that is the decision maker. Unique selling point you are likely to be stacked up against your competitors and you had better have your USP in the headline already to stand out. Now think keywords, pepper your headline with the keywords that you think people will do searches for. The more technical terms here the better (software, standards, certifications etc). Finally, think memorable. Your greatest challenge online is to be remembered so be creative and/or funny so that your headline sticks with the people that matter. Sounds great, how do I actually change my headline? Simple! You login to LinkedIn, click on My Profile / Edit and Headline  then change it. You only have 120 characters so you have to be somewhat concise. Your turn Whats your LinkedIn headline? Please share it  in the comments below! Image: Shutterstock

A Scientist Resume Example to Get That Next Academic Position

A Scientist Resume Example to Get That Next Academic Position A Scientist Resume Example to Get That Next Academic Position If you decided to pursue a career in science after grad school, inevitably, you’ll have to make several important decisions. The first is whether you will pursue a career in academics/education sector, or you will work in the private sector. While this post will largely focus on the challenges of finding a job in academia, it will also provide some counter points for those looking for a position in the industry. That’s a first. Secondly, to keep your career path on the right trajectory, youll also need a great resume. Thats why we have included a detailed and compelling scientist resume sample as well that you can use to model your application. So lets dig in!Be Prepared to Earn Your Academic StripesIn some disciplines e.g. Arts and Humanities, receiving your PhD is your lead into academia. However, merely earning that title is just the beginning in most scientific disciplines. Here are some challenges you may face before you are hired onto any permanent position at a college or university:You’ll need to build up your skills and experience by working on multiple short-term projects, post-doctoral work, and temporary jobs.Your first jobs in academia will likely be part-time adjunct positions.Plus, you will need to compete for the best internships, externships, and assistantships while you attend school to qualify for positions in more prestigious research institutions.Most importantly, you will be up against some very talented people when you apply for academic work. Thats why your resume must be spot on. Here are some great tips for that.Choose an Objective or a Professional SummaryThe first item on your resume should be a summary of your experience, or a career objective. The one you pick depends on a single factor; your experience. If you have more than two years of experience in academics, you should write a brief, professional summary. If you have less than two years of experience, stick with a career objective.What’s the difference? A profession al summary will highlight your experience and job related achievements. A career objective will highlight your skills, and show that your career is on a growth track.Below is a quick career objective sample for a scientist:Recent PhD graduate seeks assistant professorship in the Life Sciences department of a major college or university. One year experience in field biology research. Currently working as a part-time instructor at Wakefield community college in the sciences department.  Are you pursuing a job in the private sector? Good news! The same advice applies.Choose a Chronological or Functional ResumeIf you have significant experience in academics, or the business sector, you should leverage that experience with a chronological resume. This will provide context to your skills.On the other hand, if you are light on experience, try a functional resume format. This will lead off with your skills. By doing this, you can showcase skills you have developed both as a graduate student as well as skills you have learned on the job, and through research projects.Once again, this tip works well for all job-seekers in the science disciplines.Treat Academic Work as You Would Any Work ExperienceWhether you lead with your skills, or your work experience, you should always place work experience ahead of your educational history. However, some of your educational experience does belong in the work history section of your resume. This includes:Work on Research ProjectsWork as a TAPost-Doc WorkInternshipsAs part of each entry, you should provide bullet points listing what you accomplished. For example, if you completed a research project, list the research questions you asked or answered as part of that research.If you are looking for work outside of academics, doing this can show hiring managers the practical results of the work you did as a student.Resume Sample for Scientist (Word Version)Download resume example (.docx)Scientist Resume Example (Text Version) Marilyn L. Waters Tel: 404-466-8363 2901 Barns Street East Point, Wales MIProfessional SummaryExperienced Ecology Professor with a decade of experience motivating, educating, and mentoring students in the life sciences at undergraduate and graduate levels. Adept at explaining complex scientific concepts to students of all abilities. Communicates well with students, peer tutors, and department heads.Work ExperienceEcology And Biology Instructor 8/14/2009 Present Rutger Research University, Wales MITenured 12/15/2014Head of Life Sciences Curriculum CommitteeGraduate Research MentorLecturer: Biology Levels 100 300, Ecology Levels M100 M300Mentored Master’s And PhD CandidatesEarned 14.2 Million Dollar Marine Life Institute Grant For Middle American Riverways Research ProjectsBiology Instructor (Adjunct) 01/05/2008 8/14/2009 Lake Forest Community College, Wales MIEcology And Biology Lecturer And Lab InstructorAssistant Head of Lake Forest CC Science DepartmentHead of Biology Tech And Field Re search Assistant Internship ProgramSkills And QualificationsCurriculum DesignConducting Student EvaluationsUniversity Level InstructionGrants WritingResearch LeadershipAuthoring Scientific PapersOne Last Tip: Don’t Forget to Include Any Academic Honors You Have Received.This includes listing any instances of your having been published in scientific journals and peer-reviewed journals, faculty rewards and other accolades. The easiest way to list your papers is to include some of the most relevant titles and provide a link to your Google Scholar profile for more information. previous article Career (Con)Quest #8: A Side Gig next article Career (Con)Quest #9: Nobody’s Perfect you might also likeA Model Resume Example That Will Get Results

Hiring Resume Writing Services for St Paul Minnesota

Hiring Resume Writing Services for St Paul MinnesotaIf you want to make a very good impression on your future employer, you can hire the services of a professional resume writing service to do the job for you. Resume writing services can do a fantastic job for you if you are able to take advantage of some helpful tips and tricks that are on hand.The first tip on hand is to do your research before you choose which service to use for your St Paul Minnesota resume writing needs. The most important part of your resume is what you put on it, so your resume is only as good as the information on it. There are a lot of websites out there that allow you to conduct a free background check to see who the writer is.The other tip to take advantage of when choosing resume writing services to use for your St Paul Minnesota job search is to be as specific as possible when stating your background. The more specific you are with your resume, the better chance your resume has of being picked up by empl oyers when they are conducting a background check. As long as you give a little bit of background on your experience and education, this should not be a problem.If you want to get a more detailed background check of yourself, then you should also be very familiar with the local laws of the state in which you are applying. This way, when the local officials look at your resume, they can see that you know exactly what you are talking about. It can really help if you can show that you have already dealt with this type of situation in the past. This will make your application much more believable.If you want to make your resume stand out from the rest, you need to come up with a neat layout that goes along with your experience. Being creative with your resume can really help. Take a look at the people you know who are currently employed in this industry. Ask them if you can do a style comparison of their resumes and see if yours comes out looking better.Resume writing services can also be very helpful for keeping up with the ever changing workplace standards that are out there. This way, you know what the newest guidelines are to follow when writing your resume. You can then be certain that you are on the right track.Lastly, it is important that you are prepared in advance of your initial interview. Whether it is a one-on-one interview or an all-company review board, you need to have a complete work history and education history on hand before you go in for your interview. This can make you feel more confident when you walk into the interview room.The best resume writing services have many different templates to choose from, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find one that will suit your unique needs. Check out some of the top resume writing services online and make sure that you know the services they provide are top notch before you commit to any one company.

How to manage a gap in your earnings - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

How to manage a gap in your earnings However much you might want to avoid it, there may be occasions when a gap emerges in your earnings. What exactly do I mean? Im referring to a disparity between what you spend and what you earn. Should the former outweigh the latter, you are obviously on the road to financial problems unless you know how to handle this gap effectively. The mantra that bad times dont last applies as much to finance as it does to other aspects of life. So, how can you prevent your financial situation going off the rails while you wait for your earnings to pick up again? Here are some ways that you can relieve the struggle. Aim to spend less than you earn Its a simple principle: if there is less going out than there is going in, you can create the right kind of earnings gap one that leaves a little surplus money in your pocket. However, struggles can obviously arise if you lose your job or a family member suffers a major health crisis. Therefore, you can benefit from stripping out unnecessary expenses; looking more closely at your spending habits could assist you in doing that. You could also endeavour to grow your income, though this is the harder option; ESI Money notes that earning more requires time and extended effort with sometimes no guarantee of the payoff. This risk could draw you towards simply living more frugally so, how can you do that? Exercise moderate and selective frugality This term comes from ESI Money, which also provides a definition. Moderate frugality means keeping spending relatively restrained, but not to the extent of purchasing something simply on account of its price being the best. Instead, you would seek value weighing up both cost and benefit. So, you could sometimes pay a higher price for something that seems genuinely worth it. Meanwhile, selective frugality is about not extending the cost-cutting to all areas of life. This approach means not necessarily forgoing a new car or trip away though, if you do opt for either of these, you should still aim to obtain it at the best possible price. Develop supplementary income You might still be in a job but have recently seen your level of necessary expenditure skyrocket. This can happen if, for instance, you need to pay for someones health problem a cure for which cannot be funded by any other sources you have access to. In this situation, you could still weather the storm by developing a side business. With freelance writing or blogging, you might be able to dip in and out of it as your financial needs dictate. Alternatively, you could obtain a second job. When you seek to bolster your career returns in any of these ways, reading career advice on job listings site CV-Library could really help. Of course, that advice is also worth considering should you have fallen completely into unemployment a bad spell to which you could soon bring an end.

Tricks to List Interim Jobs on Your Resume - Pathfinder Careers

Tricks to List Interim Jobs on Your Resume - Pathfinder Careers Tricks to List Interim Jobs on Your Resume Right now, with the way the job market is today, many job seekers are taking any kind of work that comes their way, and sometimes that means short-term contract or consulting work. So how do you parlay that onto your resume without coming across as a job hopper? The best way to show that you are full of hustle and not letting the moss grow means that you need to think strategically about how you list these shorter-term stints on your resume. You can either create your own company if your sales volume is big enough (recommended), or you can continue doing business in your own name.   The key is that instead of listing each contract, you can consolidate your contract work as follows: Your company City, ST Title, YEAR -YEAR -or- Independent Management Consultant (or Contract NAME OF TITLE) City, ST Then list under either of these employment stints either a list of clients/projects or generalize indicating small to mid-size _____ firms or Fortune 500 companies.       Then get into the function and results  of what you did in serving those companies. Its easy to feel like short-term employment isnt going to get you where you want to be, when in fact, it can help pave the way.   Its how you shape it on your resume that can make the difference!