Marketing Your Skills for a Job Outside Your Traditional Career Path

Marketing Your Skills for a Job Outside Your Traditional Career Path Marketing Your Skills for a Job Outside Your Traditional Career Path When you started college, you probably had a specific career path in mind, and perhaps youve followed your plans to the letter.However, in todays fluidbusiness environment, many job seekers are discovering their career skills are transferable to settings they never envisioned. Making such a major careerpivot can be both challenging and exciting, and if you understand how to market yourself for the job you want, youll increase your odds ofsuccessfully traveling a nontraditional career path.Embracing Unexpected RolesAs an example of aprofession experiencing this schriftart of role expansion, lets look at social work. There is a growing market for nontraditional or corporate social workersbecause the professional skill sets of social workers can be assets to most businesses.For example, when Pan American Bankdecided to create a financial literacy pr ogram for children and adults in the community, the organization recruited two social work interns to lead the way. After the interns graduated from school, they joined the bank as part-time community outreach coordinators.If youre interested in finding a nontraditional job for your profession, using the right search terms can help. For example,a recent postfrom the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program offers some search terms social workers might consider usingwhen hunting for nontraditional career opportunities- Corporate social worker- Corporate social responsibility- Cmployee assistance programUsing such targeted search terms,a social worker could find jobs like- Employee assistance program regional manager with United Airlines- Community outreach and corporate philanthropy manager with Twitter- Equal employment and alternative dispute resolution manager with the US Treasury Department. Learning to Sell Your SkillsYou may find the thought of steppin g into unfamiliar professional territory quite intimidating, especially if youre competing with others who have mora experience or education in the field. This is why its important to identify the skills you have that employers need and learn how to sell them.For example,USCs DSW program recommends that social workers who want to work in the business world emphasize the following skillsCollaboration the patience and vision to bring people together with opposing viewpoints, build connections, resolve conflict, and foster healthy relationships.Community Organizing the ability to find commonalities around goals and identify paths to achieve those goals among groups of people.Facilitation the skill to improve engagement among project stakeholders and enhance each employees connection to the overall mission and goals of the organization. Marketing Yourself for the Job You Want For any new graduate, knowing how to market yourself for the job you want is key. A few critical components of y our self-marketing includeInternship Experience While the setting of your internship is important, being able to articulate how an employer could benefit from your internship experiences and accomplishments is even more valuable.Cover Letters and Resumes Make sure these essential documents are up to date and emphasize the experience and skills mostrelevantto the job for which youre applying.Networking Take advantage of every opportunity to make connections with professors, professionals, classmates, and coworkers in your field, since they may be great resources for future employment.Informational Interviews Ask potential employers for informational interviews with people in the organization to expand your network and explore whether the job will be a good fit.Making a career change within your field or outside it can be exciting and productive. By understanding what a potential employer needs,how your unique skill set fits the bill, and how to market yourself, you may be able to emb race career opportunities you never thought possible.Colleen ODay is a digital PR manager for 2U Inc. Find her on TwitterColleenMODay.

15 Stress Relievers for Resume and Cover Letter Writing

15 Stress Relievers for Resume and Cover Letter Writing15 Stress Relievers for Resume and Cover Letter Writing15 Stress Relievers for Resume and Cover Letter WritingIn a recent poll, we asked readers which was most stressful to think aboutA) Writing your willB) Writing your resume cover letterC) Doing your taxesOut of 885 votes, 76% of you said that writing your resume and cover letter is the most stressful. And while we cant help you draft your will or do your taxes, we can make your job search experience a little less nerve-racking.How? I compiled a list of our most stress-relieving blog posts on the topics. They provide solutions to puzzling questions and issues that you might face while writing your resumes and cover letters. Give them a read and let me know if they help you feel mora confident about your job search.ResumesCheat Your Way to a Better Professional Summary3 Quick Tips to Seem Younger on Your ResumeI Sent My Resume with a Typo Should I Send a New One?10 Old-School R esume Rules That Dont Apply TodayWriting a Resume When You Havent Worked for YearsCreate an Attractive Resume Employers Will NoticeWriting a Resume When You Have No ExperienceResume Objective or Summary You Need One, but Which?The Resume Mistake Even Savvy Job Seekers MakePlain Text Resumes How to Make Them a Little Less UglyCover LettersWrite a Targeted Cover Letter for Every JobSurvey Says No Salary Requirements in Cover LetterHow to Email Your Cover Letter the Right Way6 Reasons You Wont Get Hired Without a Cover Letter5 Ways to Screw Up Your Cover Letter Greeting

5 ways to make new friends as an adult

5 ways to make new friends as an adult5 ways to make new friends as an adultOnce were out of our twenties, opportunities to meet new people start to get thin on the ground. Caught up in work, family and all sorts of responsibilities, were suddenly too busy to find ourselves randomly running into new people who could enrich our social networks and become firm friends.The International Authority for Professional Coaching Mentoring isthe leading accreditation authority for professional coaches. Here, one of their accredited coaches, Iulia Dobre-Trifan, offers up 5 top tips on how to find and keep new friends even when youre an adult1. Find a home on social mediaIt doesnt matter if youre an introvert or an extrovert, if youre popular or shy there is a social media channel to suit your personality, full of like-minded people who came at the world in a similar way. So find out where your people skipiste out online and start building an authentic presence there, one thatll help them see yo u as a kindred spirit.2. Practice your values, and regularlyShared values bring us close to our friends and keep our friendships strong. So be true to your values and invest your time and energy in honoring them. Practice your hobbies, keep up your favorite sports routine, or tap into the cultural avenues of your choosing, and youll start to tune in with the other regulars. And thats where youll find your future friends.3. Offer your authentic appreciationWhenever you see someone achieving something impressive or making progress towards a goal you genuinely appreciate, take the opportunity to show your appreciation. Whether theyre a new person, a relative, a colleague, an acquaintance, it doesnt matter - if theyre getting involved in something that you find beautiful and worthy, offering them your sincere recognition can open up the way for a new friendship.4. Look at your past from a fresh perspectiveWe sometimes run into people we drifted away from, leid because we didnt like them , but because thats what happens as our lives diverge. Dont pass up the opportunity to rediscover an old friendship if you run into someone you remember fondly, put the effort into a proper catch-up and find out what you still share today. You might be surprised how well you get on5. Travel a lotWere lucky to live at a time when traveling is easier than ever before. Its also a delightful way for you to make new friends, as well as new ideas and opportunities from different cultures and ways of living. It could be the hosts you encounter, or other tourists, or perhaps the people you travel with, but exploring nature and civilization all over this wonderful planet can help you make some of the best friends youll ever have.This article was originally published on Your Coffee Break.

How to Deal With Unexpected Changes in Life - The Muse

How to Deal With Unexpected Changes in Life - The MuseHow to Deal With Unexpected Changes in Life Each night before climbing into bed, I set my alarm for the very saatkorn time 645 AM. Then, I slide into my sheets, let my head hit the pillow, and find a sure sense of comfort in the fact that I know exactly what the next day will hold.My alarm will ring and my eyes will slowly creak open. Ill hit snooze exactly once. When I finally tear myself away from those cozy covers, Ill brew my coffee, grab a granola bar, and sit down at my desk to peruse my inbox. Yes, every day looks pretty much the same for me. Sure, its a little mundane. But, that predictability and certainty is also reassuring. Heres the thing, though Every now and then, I experience those dreaded days that somehow stray from the norm- whether by a lot or just a little. There was that morning when a last-minute request from a client threw my whole schedule on its head. There was that afternoon when a loved ones trip to the hospital meant putting my work on hold. And, even more recently, there was that day when my morning errand to the post sekretariat resulted in smacking off my passenger mirror on the side of my garage. Its in these moments that my love affair with my beloved, stable routine takes a turn. Why? Well, at the very first wrench tossed into my plans, I find myself totally paralyzed by the unpredictable. Even worse though is realizing that Ive come to rely on something that is oh-so-fickle and fleeting the concept of certainty. For a while, I assumed that I was the only self-proclaimed creature of habit who felt this way. But, then I stumbled upon this post from marketing expert Seth Godin, in which he emphasizes the fact that were all pretty much conditioned to rely on that sense of sureness. In the piece, Godin points to traditional schooling. Youre certain to have these classes tomorrow, Godin writes, The class will certainly follow the syllabus. There will certainly be a test. If you d o well on the test, you will certainly go on to the next year.The problem with starting your life this way and getting used to it? Life isnt certain. Things are bound to crop up that take you by surprise. You wont land that job you want. You wont score that promotion. Youll get a promotion you never saw coming. You might be asked to relocate. You might change careers entirely. Or, you might even get fired. Like it or not, the unexpected happens. And, as I know all too well, youll have a much tougher time rolling with the punches when youve come to expect that you wont ever get punched at all.Weve trained people to be certain for years, and then launch them into a culture and an economy where relying on certainty does us almost no good at all, Godin continues.Godin raises a solid point. It seems counterintuitive, but certainty is anything but, well, certain. So, take a page from him and remind yourself of the fact that absolutely nothing is a sure thing- and, while youre at it, think of some different ways that you can become better at adjusting to your ever-changing circumstances, whatever they may be. After all, if life has taught me anything, its this While its more than OK to hope for the best, its usually not a bad idea to plan for the worst.

Whatever They Told You About Resume Builder Free Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why

Whatever They Told You About Resume Builder Free Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why You will simply ought to go visit the websites until you find one which you wish to use. There are several online resume maker tools which will sure help you to acquire a resume in pdf format only as long as you pay them. You are able to also see Resume Templates In MS Word Note that a number of resumes are good to be utilized as example files. The resume schablone will be published in HTML version. Whatever They Told You About Resume Builder Free Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why There are a couple things you ought to look for in free resume builder sites. You may find a lot of great resume schablones, but you are going to have to decide if theyre likely to help or hurt your likelihood of landing an interview. There are lots of beautiful resume templates out there, but nevertheless, it can be simple to feel as a lot of the greatest cost a ridiculous quantity of money, require special design programs in order to edit, or both. There are lots of free resume templates readily available online but sometimes it can be very hard to decide on the best one that is most suited to you. The very first point to do is create an ad that may be posted on relevant sites. The incorrect hire can send things spinning, while the best one can totally transform their company. The very last thing you would like is for your resume to let you down when youre actually the most suitable pick for the job. Ensure you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about New Questions About Resume Builder Free A resume thats captivating and clearly highlights your strong qualities that relate to the job will different you from the remainder of the applicants. Resumes do not need to be boring. They provide the all important first impressions to an employer that an applicant cannot give during the earliest phase of the application process. The Nuiances of Resume Builder Free Simple doesnt need to mean uninspired and boring. Utilizing a template can cut the quantity of time you need to spend formatting your document, which permits you to concentrate on adding content and polishing your resume. Resume templates are one method to guarantee structure behind your resume. You are able to pick anyone from then additionally you may add any of your favourite customized colours. All you need to do is simply edit the document to include your individual info. Theres so many to pick from in his package that theres no use in describing a few of the features, since youll certainly be able to get what you need within. Sometimes all you will need is a traditional style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. Our online Resume Builder features will allow you to create a resume that reflects your best strengths. Resumes dont have to take so much of your time but still shouldnt be neglected. Submitting your resume via email can give you valuable details. Build the content which you will need to compose the most effective possible USAJOBS Federal Resume. Based on the kind of application process youre addressing, it could be appropriate to include samples of your work inside your CV. Your application should stick out to be able to find attention. However much or what kind of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. Utilizing a resume template is now an acceptable and smart practice for numerous explanations. Only professionals in some specific careers should look at utilizing a graphical resume design. If youre searching for a very simple but stunning design thats guaranteed to appeal to any hiring manager than you are in right spot. If you create a site for your resume, youre just 1 step over the competition and that a great deal more likely to get noticed and receive the position youre searching for. The work search may be a lengthy process just examine the statistics below Then, the free resume maker will request that you provide a concise summary of your abilities and talents. You use resume templates if youre an enter-level job seeker who does not have any idea how to begin writing their resumes. Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any stage in the creation practice. You will land more interviews in almost no time, and get hired for your fantasy job.

The Secret to a Successful Transition From Military to Civilian Life

The Secret to a Successful Transition From Military to Civilian Life Veterans sacrifice a lot of things to serve their country, but a normal life once they return from duty shouldnt be one of them.A crucialstep to take after your service ends is getting a job. The good news is there are legions of employers out there that can benefit from the skills and discipline you learned in the armed forces. In fact, a great number of them actively seek veterans to add to their workforces. However, it can be difficult to take advantage of these opportunities if you have trouble adjusting to civilian life.Your experiences in the service may have taught you a lot, but they also may have changed the way you think and feel in certain situations. The sudden shift from the mora regimented nature of the military to the freedoms back home can be jarring. You also might not be prepared to begin searching for a job.If you need some advice on easing yourself back into the civilian world successfully, check out the following infographic, which outlines some valuable tips on beginning this new phase of your life with ease.Jeremy Silverstein is vice president of operations and vehicle dispatching atVeteran Car Donations.

Definition of Style for Creative Writers

Definition of Style for Creative WritersDefinition of Style for Creative WritersStyle, to a fiction writer, is basically the way you write, as opposed to what you write about (though the two things are definitely linked). It results from things like word choice, tone, and syntax. Its the voice readers hear when they read your work. Naturally, your writing style will change depending on your subject matter and the point of view. However, when we talk about developing your writing style, we mean the voice that is uniquely yours. That voice will change as your writing develops, of course, but like personality, the foundation is already there. To an editor, on the other hand, style refers to the mechanics of writing, i.e., grammar and punctuation. These rules change depending on what field youre in. For instance, according to Chicago style, used by book publishers, book titles are italicized. Reporters, using Associated Press (AP) style, would put the same title in quotation marks. (Lite rature students use MLA style, which also italicizes book titles.) For tips on style, for fiction writers, see Developing Your Writing Style. Examples His style of writing had been heavily influenced by Hemingway he wrote in simple, direct sentences and used few adjectives.

Customer Service Keywords for Your Resume

Customer Service Keywords for Your Resume Customer Service Keywords for Your Resume If youre a job seeker or career changer interested in seeing how you compare to your competition, consider browsing through resume examples. Seeing the resumes of people in roles similar to the ones youre after can provide you with insight about the strengths and weaknesses of your own resume.You might find some skills you should brush up on, tools and technologies you could learn, or accomplishments to strive for. You might be inspired to find a way to sell yourself as ready for the next step. Resume examples can be a perfect launching point for a job search.All that said, dont forget that an individual job posting is your primary source when filling out an application. You can demonstrate your ability to fulfill an employers needs by echoing relevant keywords from the job listing. Using the right resume keywords can get your resume noticednot just by an applicant tracking system, but ultimately by a human who can offer you an interview.Resume examples can definitely be useful, but consider them a secondary source.The word wolke above was generated using the text from a dozen customer service job postings. The larger the word, the more times it appeared throughout the posts.Customer service resume keywordsAccountAnsweringClientCommunicationComputerCustomerDatabaseDetailGuestOrganizedManageOfficeOrganizedPhonesRequestsSchedulingServiceSolutionsTeamTrainingVerbalPeople and organizationTo succeed in customer service, you need the foresight to help solve problems for people, and the organization and innovation skills to not only keep things running smoothly, but to spot opportunities for streamlining and simplifying. You also, of course, need people skills. (And remember- it is possible to highlightsoft skills on your resume.)Targeting your resume keywords for customer serviceCheck out Jobscans list of the top 500 resume keywords.To personalize your keywords for the job, tryJobscan s skills comparison tool. Just upload your resume and paste in a job description to see which resume keywords youre missing (among many other resume checks).

Stay at Home Parent Resignation Letter Example

Stay at Home Parent Resignation Letter ExampleStay at Home Parent Resignation Letter ExampleEvery job resignation requires formal notice, even if youre leaving for a positive reason, such as becoming a stay-at-home parent, or resigning because youre pregnant. Its a good idea to let your manager know that youre resigning and to provide a letter for your employee file with the details. If you are leaving your job to stay home with your kids, you can use the template below to craft your letter. Please note the letter is just an example, and youll want to tailor the specifics to fit your individual circumstances. What to Write in Your Letter Its important to stick to the format of the letter, along with the tone your communications should be first and foremost professional, polite, positive and grateful. Also keep in mind that although you should offer a brief explanation as to why you have made your decision, the bulk of your letter should not be dedicated to this reasoning. You don t owe your employer an extremely long-winded description of your specific situation. This can actually work against you. Its best to keep it simple and keep the focus on your good experience in the position, your gratitude for the opportunity, and your interest in maintaining an ongoing professional relationship with your employer after your departure. That way, should you need a reference or networking assistance if or when you choose to return to work, you will be able to reach out to this former employer. Here is a template you can use for your resignation letter. Stay-at-Home Parent Resignation Letter Sample Your NameYour AddressYour City, State Zip CodeYour Phone NumberYour EmailDateNameTitleOrganizationAddressCity, State Zip CodeDear Mr./Ms. Last NameI am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from my position at XYZ.As you are aware, my wife has been at home with our daughter and her maternity leave is coming to an end next month. In order to alleviate the transitio n, I have decided to stay at home with our child while my wife returns to work.Despite the many wonderful years I have spent with XYZ, I am excited to embark on a new challenge being a stay-at-home dad. I will miss my job and the amazing people I have had the pleasure of working with throughout the years.Thank you so much for all of the opportunities and experiences you have provided me during my time with the company.I appreciate your support and understanding, and I wish everyone a successful future. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to alleviate the transition.I hope we can stay in touch and enjoy a mutually beneficial professional relationship in the future.Yours truly,Your Signature (hard copy letter)Your Typed Name Expand Additional Tips for Resigning to Become a Stay-at-Home Parent Wait until youre sure. Of course, youll give your employer at least the standard two weeks notice before your last day on the job. But dont fall into the trap of thinking more not ice is always better. You have a responsibility to yourself and to your family, as well as to your employer, when you quit a job for any reason. You should be financially and emotionally prepared to leave the second you put in your notice, even if you plan to stay for a few weeks. Why? Because some employers will ask resigning workers to pack up their desk immediately upon giving notice. You dont want to find yourself caught unawares or short a few weeks of pay that you were counting on to meet your new expenses. Its also a good idea to wait until after your baby is born to make your decision. Every baby and every parent is different. You may think that you know what you want to do in terms of work and childcare, but until your bundle is on the outside, you wont know for sure. Make all your preparations before resigning.Get all your things in order before you speak to your boss and offer your resignation letter. Clean up your desk, remove your personal files from your computer, and line up references. Be ready to go, just in case you need to leave in a hurry. Consider all your options before making your decision. Staying at home might be the best possible decision for you and your family but its not the only option. Consider whether part-time work or a flexible schedule would meet your needs just as well as becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent. You might be surprised at your employers willingness to work with you to arrive at a better arrangement, especially if youre a long-time employee with a proven track record.