Supercharge Your Job Search by Saving Time

Supercharge Your Job Search by Saving Time 2 Job hunting is a full-time effort. Unless you're careful, you might be working overtime. Here's how to make it seem like part-time. Schedule Yourself If someone calls to schedule a job interview, what do you think is more impressive as a response? “Tuesday at 4pm? Yeah, I'm available all day Tuesday. Whenever you like” or “Let me check my schedule. Sure, Tuesday at 4 is fine.”eval So basic, so simple, yet so few people use schedules outside of an office setting. And even there, people often update their planner only with meetings and events that OTHER people have scheduled for them. As much as possible, divide your job searching activities into one hour blocks that have a single, achievable goal such as “followup to Springfield Nuclear Plant” or “Update cover letter for Mr. Burns”.eval Are you already doing this? The Benefits Are Immediate Planning your time forces you to think about how to spend it. This way, you decrease the risk of doing things out of order. Indecision leads to wasted time. You're less likely to get bored and more likely to stay in focus with a short task. Boredom is when you're least efficient and wasting the most time. Every item on your agenda is a mini-achievement. The feeling of accomplishment adds up throughout the day and increases your confidence. You'll feel terrific by mid-afternoon when you're normally getting tired and looking forward to stopping. Use Simple Tools Palm Desktop If you're comfortable installing software on your computer, this freeware will immediately pay for itself. Not only can you organize your calendar with it and manage your address book, you can also set up alarms so that your computer can warn you when a new activity is supposed to begin. Finally, if you ever decide to buy a Palm PDA or smartphone, you'll be able to simply upload all your information to the gadget right away in just a few seconds. Download the Palm Desktop Google Calendar / Yahoo Calendar If you prefer to work in a browser as much as possible, either Google Calendar or Yahoo Calendar should cover all your needs. Being on the Web means that you can update and check your schedule from anywhere, and easily share that information with other people too. And of course, they're free to use. If you're already scheduling your time, what tools work best for you? This article is part of Inspiration Bit's Time Management group writing project. Was this article timely for you?

Writing Your College on Your Resume

Writing Your College on Your ResumeWriting your college on your resume can be a confusing process for people. Why would you want to put your college on your resume? Well, this article will explain exactly why you should include your college on your resume, as well as what you can do to make it look more professional.While it is not always required, many people like to list their college on their resume so that they can make a statement about their education and career. So, if you are looking to put a strong statement about what you have learned and experienced, this may be the way to go. You can also just list it off as part of your education or job experience, depending on what the listing represents. Some examples include your school of choice (bachelor's, master's, doctorate), education major, or specific courses taken in your school.One thing to keep in mind when writing your college on your resume is that your school may not be listed on every employer. Keep in mind that some pl aces are going to ask for a diploma, even if you have already graduated. This is where it can get tricky. Some employers may choose to call you back for an interview, while others will just not consider your college education. This can lead to further confusion about whether or not you actually earned a degree from your college.By including your college on your resume, you are making yourself a more appealing candidate to some employers. Most likely, if your school is listed in this manner, it is going to be seen as a positive when someone does your resume. If you are applying for a job that requires a master's degree, it can actually be very helpful.Some people who write their college on their resume also write it in the resource box. Keep in mind that colleges often do not give much information about themselves in the resource box anyway. But by including your college in the resource box, it can be seen as an additional credential for the skills and experience you have in your are a of interest. Some people also believe that putting your college on your resume can show that you have the drive to complete what you have started.When you are trying to determine which college to include on your resume, think about what you need to accomplish when you are entering a career's career field. Do you want to show that you went to college in order to get your degree? Do you want to show that you have a background in a certain career or that you have worked in certain job positions? Is there a skill that you have that may be relevant to a certain career that you are applying for? It is important to take your own skill set into consideration when deciding what school to list on your resume.Other reasons to include your college on your resume include if you are currently working toward your associate's degree, to show that you are learning the skills needed for a certain job, or because you intend to go back to school. Again, keep in mind that some employers may choose to look at your degree over other credentials that you may have. This may make it difficult to get hired. So, this is one reason to list your college on your resume. If you decide to work toward a master's degree, you should include it on your resume so that it can be seen as an accomplishment.If you are curious about the benefits of including your college on your resume, check out the websites below. You will find that you will increase your chances of getting hired and having a good career. The resume, whether you write it yourself or take the advice of a professional, can be the first step in achieving your dreams.

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for the Cash-Strapped Student

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for the Cash-Strapped Student Christmas is an expensive time for everyone, and students have to be especially careful during the festive season when funds are limited. Spending at Christmas parties and events whilst trying to buy special gifts for your nearest and dearest can easily escalate into a debt problem. Step away from the credit card and read our top tips on keeping to your budget this Christmas, without compromising on the lovely gifts you give: Secret Santa You probably want to give gifts to your housemates, but with so many of you living together, it could get expensive! A ‘Secret Santa’ (where everyone’s names are put into a hat and you pick one out to buy a present for at random) is an enjoyable way for you to all get a gift without spending too much, and avoids the awkward situation of deciding who to buy a gift for and how much to spend. You can set a budget for each present, and the stress is taken out of present buying as it becomes a fun game, where no-one knows who has bought for them until the day you exchange your gifts. Home-made Gifts One of the best ways to save money is with home-made gifts, as spending your time creating a gift for a loved one yourself shows just how much you care.   This adds a personal touch and saves you a lot of money! You can draw on your areas of expertise â€" if you are good at drawing, needlework, photography or cookery, there will be a great way to utilize your talents. Use your Skills! If you can use a sewing machine, you could make your loved ones gifts this way; for example a cloth doll for a niece would be a gift to treasure, or using a vintage pattern to create clothing would be a great gift for a retro-loving friend. If you like to draw, or even just fancy a little craft project, you can save a lot of money by creating your own cards. If cooking’s your thing, making your own jams or chutneys is a nice touch; putting it in pretty jars decorated with ribbons and a decorative label will make for an attractive and tasty gift. You could also think about making chocolate truffles, which are easier than they look, but impressive.   If your cooking skills are very basic, making cookies and using festive cookie cutters, then decorating with coloured icing could work well. If you’re not crafty or much of a chef, don’t worry â€" there’s still ways for you to give a personal gift. Try compiling a photo album of your happy times together. This is lovely and personal without requiring much skill on your part! Goodwill/Junk Shops For a friend that loves vintage styles and quirky gifts, scouring charity shops can be a great way to find fun nick-knacks at a low price. Buying a new item created in a vintage style will be far more expensive, so why not buy the real thing! Going to charity shops in or near to wealthy areas is a good idea to get better quality items, and for larger items, scouring EBay could turn up some wonderful bargains. Online Sales Browsing your favourite websites regularly is a brilliant idea in the run-up to Christmas â€"  Asos, Urban Outfitters and more run regular offers such as free shipping, or discount days. Keep your eyes peeled! Ultimately, the key to saving money at Christmas is putting extra time and thought into your gift giving. Whether this involves hunting down the best deals online and in the shops, or creating a gift yourself, keep in mind the interests and personality of your recipient and you’re sure to give a gift they will appreciate, whatever the cost.

Nicoles Entrepreneurial Life Im on an Ideas Freeze

Nicoles Entrepreneurial Life Im on an Ideas Freeze I havent written an update about my Entrepreneurial Life in a while and with so many people asking me how things are going, here it is. The last few months have been interesting.  I went from being overly optimistic about my layoff being a huge blessing in disguise, into somewhat of an identity crisis to new a period of calm.  Everyone told me layoffs spark a lot of different emotions, and now that a bit of time has passed I see what yall are talking about. It turns out that working from home is not nearly as glamorous as I had fantasized it would be while I was working in my cubicle.  Therefore Ive been working from a clients office a few days a week.  I didnt realize how much getting up and going somewhere each day meant to me.  Nor did I realize how much my self-confidence would be affected by looking  put together (rather than spending my days wearing yoga pants, a pony tail and no makeup!) and collaborating with co-workers on a daily basis. I also realized that I identify (perhaps a bit too much) with my career.  The loss of these things is what sparked the identity crisis/lull. In fact, while on a beautiful (pre-layoff planned) vacation in Florida a few weeks ago, I freaked out and started to think the solution was going back to work.  But the truth is that there IS no perfect solution. Ive tested several products and services out over the past almost 4 months and many of them turned out differently than I expected. Im now realizing that this is all part of the entrepreneurial process.  Even the largest, highest grossing oldest companies are in a constant state of developing, testing, failing and moving on. Im also realizing that things take time.  Ive finally narrowed down what my company offers and identified what to spend time on and what to cut.  It is a great feeling to hit this milestone and enter 2012 with a clear idea of where Im going. I keep seeing the following quote pop up in various articles and blog posts and I couldnt agree more with it: Most ideas are born and lost in isolation.   Scott Belsky Beware of having too many ideas. It can stunt your growth and keep you in the same vicious cycle.  Most entrepreneurs are  extremely  creative and FULL of big ideas.  Ideas are our greatest strength and our greatest weakness. I often tell recent grads that work isnt always going to be fun, glamorous and sometimes youre just doing work- not changing the world or contributing to a huge life-changing cause.  I think the same thing is true of owning your own business.  It takes planting a LOT of seeds before you get a few flowers to bloom.   That is not the fun part but it leads you to closing business, which gives you a sense of purpose, challenge, accountability and all the other warm fuzzies (and the money required to eat!) that entrepreneurs are ultimately seeking. When I started Ms. Career Girl, it took me about 6 months to get a clear vision for where I wanted it to go.  Once I did, I created a vision board which I checked in with frequently.  Every action I took was based on going toward that vision.  In order to go toward your vision you must: Cut out distractions this may mean spending less time with certain people Carefully choosing how you spend your time Not asking for everyones opinion (because it really doesnt need to make sense to anyone but you) Leaving new ideas on the back burner I think this quote is a much better fit: Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life â€" think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is way great spiritual giants are produced.    Swami Vivekananda Although it may take you some time to select the best idea, once you get it- dont lose sight of what you want.  The great brands and companies of our time stay true to their original value proposition, style and product and then just make simple adjustments and improvements from there. Thanks to all of you who email me, tweet me and encourage me every day!  You guys have been a bigger part of this journey than you know! Nicole

Tips For Writing a Resume For a Nonprofit Job

Tips For Writing a Resume For a Nonprofit JobIf you are looking for tips for writing a resume for a nonprofit job, then this article was written to help you. It's hard enough to find the right jobs, but when you have an educational background that's out of the ordinary, it can be even harder. Don't worry though, because you can still have your job.You have a good chance of landing that nonprofit job if you know how to market yourself properly and if you are able to get information about the job posted at the first place. This means you will have to follow some basic tips for writing a resume for a nonprofit job.To start with, you need to make sure that you make use of any professional contacts you may have. Find out what job openings are available in your field, and send out a form letter that you have written to these professionals.Next, you need to contact your college or universities, which could lead to any sort of job interview. Send out a form letter to your professors and reco mmend them to prospective employers. This is a very good way to get noticed and get into the interview stage. In addition, it also lets your potential employer know you are serious about getting a job.Finally, if you have been working for some time in a field that no longer needs to be addressed, consider creating a resume that outlines all of your career achievements. Make sure that you include all your current and previous jobs. Also, you can include all the work you have done in a field. This will surely help your chances of getting a call from the interview stage.Tips for writing a resume for a nonprofit job can certainly help you land the job. However, it isnot all about luck.You need to get yourself in front of the employers. It may take time and a lot of effort, but you have to know that it will be worth it in the end. You will be able to get that first job and get your foot in the door. You have to put in the effort for that to happen.These are some of the most important tip s for writing a resume for a nonprofit job. If you have never received a job like this before, take it slow and try to relax so that you don't feel rushed.

Top tips to stand out in grad job applications - Debut

Top tips to stand out in grad job applications - Debut Listen up, we all know how terrifying applying to a job role can be. From submitting your initial application/CV, to the dreaded video interviews and the competitive assessment centres. There’s a different type of challenge to face with every process, but the biggest one of all is shining amongst other applicants. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that employers filter through a multitude of applications in one go. They’ll hear a lot of the same buzzwords and sift through candidates who may have extremely similar backgrounds and credentials. But they’re looking for that one gem that stands out from the rest. If you want that person to be you, then here are some top tips from us and the experts over at the international public services company, Serco Group plc. Tailor until your hearts content One shoe size doesn’t fit everyone, and the same thinking applies when it comes to job applications. You need to look carefully at the role you’re applying for and customise the content to perfectly fit the description. For example; if you’re applying for a management grad scheme, do you have evidence of leading a team? Maybe in a university group project, in a society or in a part-time job? This also includes omitting irrelevant information where needed. Whilst you may want to talk about your two weeks work experience at you dad’s office in secondary school, it’s long in the past and probably just wastes time. Really consider what is most important for that particular job. If you’re in a situation where you’re going to be questioned, prepare by thinking about answers that are most suitable for the role you’re chasing. Kate Young, Talent Acquisition Manager for Serco, adds: “When describing your work experience, lead with your actual achievements. A list of your roles and responsibilities won’t help a prospective employer understand how you contributed as an individual. Think about exactly what you did and how you did it, the difference you made and the impact it had. What problems did you solve? What improvements did you make? It’s the legacy you left behind that sets you apart from your peers.” Show off your mad research skills You’d be surprised how many graduates don’t fully delve more into a company they’re applying for. If you’ve spent the time learning more about the business you’re applying to, demonstrate that in your application. It shows not only that you’re diligent, but that you’ve gone that one step further to learn as much as you can about the role. Perhaps you’re applying for a role in marketing. Why not mention a particular campaign that they led in your application? Or discuss how their company values align with your own personal goals? If you’re speaking to someone face-to-face, perhaps mention a project that they were publicly involved in. Impress, impress and impress some more! According to Kate, “If you can’t demonstrate a good understanding of the organisation, your application will go nowhere. Read their website. Find out about their purpose and values and anything else that is of obvious importance and pride to them. Align these to your own experiences and share it. Don’t be shy about showing passion and commitment and standing out from the crowd! For example, can you speak to any of their people or visit any of their sites to get a feel for the culture of the organisation?” Highlight your USP We hate to break it to you, but your degree alone may not be enough to shine amongst the crowds of applications. You really need to find what makes you unique in comparison to everyone else. Whether it’s a role in a society or a somewhat relevant quirky skill/hobby that you practise on the side, it’s definitely worth mentioning. “Recruiters and hiring managers often have hundreds of applications to consider in a short space of time,” Kate explains, “so the more you can do to grab our attention and pique our interest (in a good way!), the better your chances.” Also think about the transferable skills that this USP gives you. If you were on a sports society, then you could say that this has allowed you to work well in a team and cope under high-pressure situations. Always relate everything back to that job role. And who knows? Your interviewer may find something that they find fascinating, and it may strike up a whole new wave of conversation! Don’t forget about your experience Work experience is massively valuable when applying for a job. It demonstrates that you’ve got the ethic for a corporate environment and have been trusted with responsibility in a role. Even if it’s stacking shelves in a supermarket or pouring drinks behind a bar. Any work experience contributes to your overall employability after all! If you have the chance to get work experience or an internship in a related field to the job you want, don’t hesitate. Skills that are directly related will be extremely valuable to an employer. However, if you’re struggling on the work experience front, try putting more emphasis on your experience in education and extracurricular endeavours. “Think about your full range of life experiences,” says Kate, “any of which might demonstrate your strengths and aptitude for the job. For example, consider any voluntary or fundraising work, team and individual sport and leisure achievements and even personal projects that you’ve undertaken.” Never underestimate your presentation Presentation applies across several different fronts. When it comes to written applications, for example, never skip proof-reading your work. Equally, if you can get creative with your layout, it could potentially work in your favour. Did you know that someone once got a job at GQ by using his design skills to replicate a magazine cover with his application? If you’re preparing for a video interview, consider how you come across on camera. Speak clearly, look engaged at the screen, dress appropriately and make sure that there’s no background noise/distractions to detract from your performance. For assessment centres, consider how you communicate with both the employer and your fellow applicants. Take a look at our extra nuggets of information on what to expect on the day. And don’t forget about your social media footprint. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ allow employers to get a glimpse of who you are outside your CV, cover letter or interview. Kate cautions: “Think before you post. Would you be happy for a prospective employer to view your profile? If you choose to share content publicly on social media, make sure it’s always working to your advantage. For example, content that highlights worthy accomplishments in a positive way.” And finally â€" perhaps the most important message of all: “It’s easy to feel intimidated by the prospect of job applications and assessments” says Kate. “Yes, there’s an element of competition. Yes, the employer needs to make a decision. But for us it’s not about ruthlessly filtering out those who might fail, it’s about supporting and selecting those who demonstrate genuine passion and potential to succeed. “Our own process is about discovering the best in people. What that is exactly can vary from candidate to candidate. It’s not for us to educate our candidates about what good looks like â€" they should be educating us! It isn’t meant to be easy, but rather than being something to fear, it’s an engaging, enlightening and enjoyable experience for all involved. And if you have questions or you need help, never be afraid to ask â€" that’s what we’re here for. We believe that everybody should have an equal opportunity to prove themselves.” This article was written in collaboration with Serco Group plc. Kate Young, Talent Acquisition Manager for Serco in the UK has shared her expert advice for job and graduate role applications. The Serco Graduate Programme launches this year â€" offering you the opportunity to build a career in public services doing meaningful work that matters whilst gaining unparalleled experience and working with great people. Applications open soon and will be announced here on Debut, so watch this space! Download Debut  and  connect with us on  Facebook,  Twitter  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Getting to Know You Appreciating Diversity

Getting to Know You â€" Appreciating Diversity Science has confirmed what some of us have known for years: diversity fosters innovation. More and more companies recognize this and are making diversity a priority. “As innovation becomes more of a key differentiator for the world’s largest companies, these organizations increasingly see having a diverse and inclusive workforce as critical to driving the creation and execution of new products, services, and business processes.” (Forbes). But once an office becomes more diverse, its not always one big happy family. Some experience ethnic and cultural differences in the workplace that can pose difficulty. Others simply may not have experienced co-workers’ differing cultures and ideas. Ironing out ways to work effectively, courteously, and successfully takes some investment. The first step is to appreciate diversity itself. A social media influencer for diverse, bilingual, and Latino job seekers, Cherise Tolbert offers useful advice for individuals to show appreciation for diversity at work. When Someone Does Something Unique, Praise Them for it. A little bit of positive encouragement goes a long way. Be on the lookout for uniqueness and emphasize its positive aspects. Many who come from diverse backgrounds may be worried that their uniqueness is something they should hide or suppress. Their skills and personality traits can be very beneficial in the business world. Whether you are in a leadership position or in the cubicle next door, let your coworker know how much you appreciate their uniqueness. It could be as simple as catching your office mate to say something like, “Hey, you know you were so confident at the gathering last night. A small compliment can move mountains in terms of self-confidence and create a sense of welcome. Organize a “Favorite Home Cooked Meal” Lunch Potluck. Food binds people from all backgrounds. It provides a unique opportunity to share one’s heritage and delicious differences in a positive setting. If you provide casual opportunities to share food, such as lunch potlucks, people will ask each other about their dishes. Ask the new guy who brought in an exotic-looking dish to explain how his delicious smelling sauce was made. It is small acts of appreciation that go a long way to creating cohesion and understanding. Don’t forget to make sure that you bring in something that is chat-worthy too. Dishes with stories behind them provide special insights into home life and culture. Although it may seem insignificant, people take important cues from what you say about your memories of food and these micro tidbits are what help bring understanding and empathy. You don’t have to divulge your innermost childhood experiences, start with something simple like, “Oh, my grandma always made this dish because my dad loved dates as he was growing up in the south.” Talking about home life may have once been taboo in the workplace, but sharing food provides opportunities for team building, bonding, and better communication. You never know what you might have in common with someone! Celebrate Diversity. Creating traditions that honor differences is a lovely way to infuse cohesion, build teamwork, and show appreciation. Many workplaces have moved toward generic holiday practices, for example, to be more inclusive. But what about bringing in many holidays practices, instead of none? Each team member can list a holiday they particularly care about and everyone can be introduced to them all. Encourage co-workers to bring in small bits of individuality and build team cohesion. There is a fine line between forcing others to celebrate a holiday they do not believe in and sharing holidays in ways that everyone can feel comfortable with. Focusing on small, non-religious symbols can provide the right opportunity for this. Do a Skills Discovery Exercise. Plan a skills discovery activity for your whole team. Classic team building exercises go a long way. You can bring a sense of connection by understanding the skills people bring to the table, both common skills you all share and skills unique to a few individuals. An activity that incorporates shared and unique skills can create appreciation for your team’s diversity of skills, ingenuity, and knowledge. Diversity Yields Benefits. There can be no question that appreciation of diversity yields benefits. People who feel appreciated work harder and stay longer at a company (Glassdoor, 2013). Heightened positivity, inclusion, cohesion, and lessened cultural tension are just a few benefits that may be reaped from bringing in a focus on diversity appreciation. An Investment in human capital is rarely misplaced. Bringing people together in small meaningful ways will contribute to the workplace success you are looking for. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class now and get the most comprehensive job search system available!

Tough (Question) Tuesday Who will you prove wrong

Tough (Question) Tuesday Who will you prove wrong You Proved Us All Wrong Congratulations Card from Colette Paperie At the Golden Globes, Jean Dujardin (did you see him in The Artist? You must, you must!) said that when he was first starting out, an agent told him hed never work in movies because his face was too expressive. When he accepted his award, he said, Thank you for giving me the chance to prove him wrong. Who will you prove wrong? -