Mastering the Art of Technical Communication

Mastering the Art of Technical Communication Mastering the Art of Technical Communication Mastering the Art of Technical CommunicationEngineering professionals have been talking about the importance of soft skills for years, and in the past decade, universities and technical schools have recognized their responsibility in meeting the need to provide education in technical communications.For experienced professionals, there is no dearth of courses available, both online and on-site. Yet the call for even better skills (in writing for example) continues, and programs are continually being revamped and improved.Much work that contains a great absprache of technical value gets ignored because the people who did the work failed to communicate properly, according to Alan P. Rossiter, president of an engineering consulting and training firm Rossiter Associates, in his book Professional Excellence Beyond Technical Competence, published by John Wiley Sons.Effective CommunicationZachery Kopp elmann, coordinator of the Purdue School of Mechanical Engineering Writing Enhancement Program, which addresses concerns of the faculty, alumni, and corporate partners, says Writing is the foundation of efficient, effective communication between engineers and non-engineers. The program evaluates undergraduate ME writing, identifies weaknesses, and develops instructional resources to directly address those weaknesses.Engineers work with complex processes and extremely detailed data, says Koppelmann. Being a great engineer is mora than being able to individually understand the processes and data it is also being able to explain the processes and data in a manner that allows audiences to understand their importance, he adds.That means being able to communicate well with both other engineers and those with non-technical backgrounds.Many engineering students we work with are brilliant at design and the execution of their designs, but they are often poorly prepared to explain their work t o folks outside of their project, explains Koppelmann. The most brilliant design can only be used if engineers can effectively explain the design, clearly connect the design to other designs or concepts and directly demonstrate the benefits of the design. Raw data is not self-evident.Providing FeedbackSoon after the program started, it was learned that the feedback to ME undergraduates from their instructors was inconsistent. To address this, the program now has specific feedback guidelines and is providing special training for dedicated raters. After this implementation, there has been marked improvement in undergraduate ME writing, says Koppelmann.Benefits are being realized in more ways than in just the communication process. We have found that the more engineers are required to explain their designs and processes, the better the designs and processes become, Koppelmann says. We believe that this is a result of engineers having to think more carefully about what they are doing, a nd why they are doing it, so they can effectively and efficiently write about their work, he adds.In his book, Rossiter concurs Writing is an integral part of a project and should be done as a project progresses and not at the conclusion of the project. Develop an outline and a structure for the report early in the work and draft parts of the report as a project progresses. The result is not just a better report but a better, more complete, piece of technical work too.Nancy Giges is an independent writer.Being a great engineer is more than being able to individually understand the processes and data it is also being able to explain the processes and data in a manner that allows audiences to understand their importance.Zachery Koppelmann, coordinator, Purdue School of Mechanical Engineering Writing Enhancement Program

7 Accomplishments for Introverts in the Office - The Muse

7 Accomplishments for Introverts in the Office - The Muse7 Accomplishments for Introverts in the OfficeWhen youre an introvert, it can be easy to beat yourself up for not being social enough, energetic enough, outspoken enough, or whatever else. With so many people talking about it being an extroverts world, you probably havent noticed how big of a deal it is when you do make an effort to get out of your comfort zone- which likely happens mora than you give yourself credit for. So, what if youre not the strongest voice in that big team project? Lets celebrate all your little victories that have you made you successful so far.Obstacle 1 Getting Noticed in a Group of ExtrovertsTheres nothing like a department-wide meeting, group project, or a large company lunch to make you feel like the quietest partieality there. And I get it- when youre watching that one co-worker who always has the guts to speak whats on her mind (even if its a totally irrelevant or useless statement), you silently envy her confidence. There are a few times throughout the hour that you have a couple of things you want to add, but they dont seem that helpful or insightful. So, you keep them to yourself.Small Victory Making at Least One ContributionIts helpful to weigh your possible outcomes with this one. The most exciting possibility is that your comments can fill the room with excitement- and you leave those meetings, working sessions, or events feeling nice and accomplished and special. The worst case scenario? Everyone takes in your thoughts and moves on.You dont have to be the person to respond to every single thing, and youre not a failure if you spend most of the event listening or taking notes. But you do owe it to yourself to believe in your ideas and to give them a chance to impress people. Committing to making one contribution in each meeting or event you attend will only make offering your ideas in the next one feel that much more doable- and thats worth being proud of, too.Obstacl e 2 Making Office Small TalkIf youre mucksmuschenstill experiencing a lot of awkward silences during brief moments of chit-chat with co-workers youve known for months, fight the urge to beat yourself up about it. Not everyone naturally knows how to transition from photos of your colleagues new baby to last nights episode of Scandal. Small Victory Checking in With Co-workersHeres where being an introvert can be to your benefit Science says it means you listen well and have great emotional empathy.The easiest way to get to know your co-workers is to simply ask how theyre doing, and making that extra effort each day to check in with them and learn more about their personalities and interests will make you better at understanding and working with them. So what if youre not attending their birthday parties or wedding celebrations? You dont have to be BFFs before you can recognize that youve already branched out more than youre used to or normally would like to, and thats worth recognizin g.Obstacle 3 Working on a Group ProjectIm not koranvers I know anyone who doesnt hate group projects. And for introverts, part of the problem is that in brainstorming sessions, it can feel like everyone is moving a million miles per hour with half-ideas instead of fully-formed plans. With so many strong personalities involved, it can be easy to feel drained instead of accomplished by the end of the working meeting. Small Victory Contributing to the Project on Your Own TermsSo maybe youre not giving the final presentation at the end, but its equally important if youre the one who takes on a more silent leadership role in the background. Remember when everyone had those haphazard ideas? You were the one who listened, organized and delegated the tasks necessary to stay on schedule.Heres one great lesson everyone could learn from group projects You dont need to have the spotlight to have been vital to the team. Obstacle 4 Celebrating Your AccomplishmentsHave you ever met an introvert wh o likes to brag about himself? Me neither. Sometimes, it can feel like your boss is paying attention to your peers accomplishments way more than he is yours, or that Lisa from Sales is always receiving props for her cool ideas while yours are being left in the dust. Sure, you might be thinking, If my work was actually great, I wouldnt have to explain to people how awesome it is. I shouldnt have to tell people when Ive done a good job. And maybe thats true, but that doesnt mean you cant speed up the process a little.Small Victory Speaking Up and Taking Credit for Your RoleYou dont have to display every little accomplishment for the world on LinkedIn, but you can speak up when you were involved in bringing in new clients or played a key role in developing a new project. There are plenty of ways you can be confident and humble at the same time.Keep in mind Promotions arent the only sign of success in the office. And at the end of the day, you know what you were capable of to see someth ing great through, and you shouldnt devalue your accomplishments just because others dont notice it.Obstacle 5 Pulling Off Big PresentationsYouve probably watched a lot of teddy boy Talks in your spare time, so Ill save you the trouble No, your presentation does not have to be a 20-minute speech, with perfectly timed jokes throughout, that draws a standing ovation. Its OK to have jitters beforehand, and its OK if you feel like you stumbled somewhere in the middle. Small Victory Doing Your Research BeforehandTry to keep in mind that youre giving this presentation because youre informing people on something important- not because youre a semi-celebrity in your field. While it certainly helps to charm your audience, thats not the standard you should hold yourself to.The best way to impress your crowd is by being an expert on the topic youre presenting on, and good news- youre in control of all the research and information you dig up in preparation. Sure, the random questions at the end might seem like the most stressful part, but theres no better opportunity to show off your knowledge on the subject. Just answering them with confidence is worth celebrating.Obstacle 6 Thinking on the SpotYoure in the middle of something at your desk, and someone comes up to you and asks your thoughts on a project hes working on. Hes stuck for ideas moving forward, and he wants to brainstorm with you. People around the office know you for having great ideas, so you feel pressed to come up with something good- and dont want to say anything until youve formulated that full thought.Small Victory Going With Your Gut for OnceWhats one of the scariest things you can do? Saying whats on your mind- before youve completely refined it. And thats worth being proud of in itself. Introverts tend to want to think before speaking. But, sometimes that can have the opposite effect, and you end up thinking yourself into utter silence. Next time youre put on the spot, take a chance on yourself and sp itball a couple things as they come to mind. After all, no ones actually expecting you to come up with the next Facebook on your first try.Obstacle 7 Actively Shaping Your CareerSaying no to a colleague or being assertive to your boss about what you want more or less of at work are both very intimidating conversations to have, but absolutely essential ones to your happiness and fulfillment in your career. Sure, one extra task here or there wont hurt anyone, but they add up over time. Small Victory Being HonestObviously, you dont have to quit tomorrow, but you know what they say You are your own best advocate. Communicating with others about your needs and wants, especially in the office, is the only way youre going to get them. And by starting small, like saying no to an extra project or asking to try something new, youre standing up for yourself and prioritizing those tasks that matter most to you.Sure, your boss might still have you do a few projects you arent passionate about, bu t at least youll have been honest about your interests. And, chances are, he or she will remember that for next time. It can seem almost unfathomable to go from being that always-silent person in meetings to full-on running them, so lets celebrate the baby steps along the way.What little ways do you make an effort to step out of your comfort zone at work? Tweet me caroqliu and let me knowPhoto of happy person courtesy of Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images.

The Best Resume Action Words Power Verbs List with 250+ Examples

The Best Resume Action Words Power Verbs List with 250+ ExamplesThe Best Resume Action Words Power Verbs List with 250+ ExamplesI am a really good kollektiv-player...I was responsible for managing...I dont really know what Im doing so Ill use the saatkorn word over and over again...The last one is more or less the summation of the first two lines. Recruiters are so tired of going through the saatkorn points in hundreds of resumes that they develop an ability to read between the lines.And you cant blame them. When you scan resumes at that volume on a daily basis, it needs a whole another level of ingenuity to stand apart from everyone else.And thats where the action verbs for resume come in.The idea is not to sound like an English major who just graduated and is looking for avenues to flex his/her vocabulary muscles. The idea is to break free from the rest while being genuine and authentic.Our 2019 Guide to Resume Words with a focus on Action Verbs Examples will provide a detailed r oadmap for you to shift your resume from oh well to wow.Well broadly be covering the following topicsWhat are action words or resume power verbs?Most people who are looking for quick hacks around making their resumes usually tend to scan the Job Description of the profiles they were in and pick points from there.Are you nodding silently because you do that too?Well, theres a downside to that. A JD is typically responsibility-based. Its designed to give the applicants an idea of the work theyll be doing.A resume, on the other hand, is achievement-based. Simply cherry-picking points from the JD will leave you high and dry. You need to turn the responsibility-based points in the JD to achievement-based points in the resume.How do you do that? Or rather, how do you that in a way which gets you those shortlists?Two words. Action verbs.Most resumes that we see, particularly IT resumes, will involve the same function endlessly across all profiles. So, for instance, if youve worked across 5 different companies in IT, the work profile will more or less remain the same.But thats not the worst part. The worst part is you copypasting your points in one work profile into all other profiles. We know your work profiles were the same, but cant you show a tiny bit of initiative and at least try to not sound like a robot?What that essentially involves is a single work profile containing a few dozen points all beginning with Managing or installing, maintaining and troubleshooting...We get it. Your profile was the same. What else can I do?If you are asking that question right now, read on.Why action verbs for Resume?Let us start off by clarifying what action verbs are not.They are not steroids for your resumes. They wont beef up your achievements if there arent any to begin with.They are not designed to add unnecessary fluff to your resume. It shouldnt look like you used the default synonyms in MS Office for every word that you fancied - and believe us, most competent HRs and Rec ruiters can figure that out too.They are simply the cherry on top. The cherry itself will do no good if there isnt a smackilicious cake below it. Action verbs for resume can only bolster your existing achievements but cant replace them.They dont describe your work profile. Or your self. They are only used to showcase how you accomplished your achievements. Additionally, they act as a breath of fresh air for the recruiters who are tired of seeing the same words day in and day out.Action verbs for resume possess an ability to elevate your responsibilities or achievements.You dont simply manage a team. You champion or spearhead a team.You dont reduce costs. You slash costs by x% or achieve a cost reduction by y%.The difference is subtle, but its significant enough to overshadow a dozen other resumes who are managing everything.Most people have a vague idea of the skills which they think are desirable. And they go on to include the same in their resume.For instance, I am an experienced Manager possessing excellent team management and negotiation skills.Off the top, this looks like the person who wrote it went through the JD and figured that the recruiters will be looking for Managers with team management and negotiation skills.But guess what. A hundred other applicants like you are doing the same.What do you do then?Show, dont tell.Show how you possess team management skills. Did you team surpass other teams w.r.t KPIs? Demonstrate how your negotiation skills helped achieve higher margins.Below examples will clear that right out.BORINGWOWPossesses excellent team management skillsChampioned a team of 15 to surpass KPI targets and secure the Top Rank out of 20 other lokal teamsArmed with stellar negotiation skillsSpearheaded negotiations for the Microsoft B2B Strategic Alliance to achieve a cost reduction of 22%Difference between Resume Keywords and Resume VerbsWeve often seen people getting confused between Resume Keywords and Resume action words, but they are comp letely different concepts.Resume Keywords are centered around your base skills. They are the skills which the recruiters are looking for, which are critical to the vacancy which is advertised.Resume action words, on the other hand, are incorporated to elevate your existing achievements and refine them better. Their scope visvis Resume keywords is limited and are only there to present your achievements in a better light.A typical point in a resume will begin with an action word. The idea is to convince the recruiter how you accomplished something in a way better than the rest.Resume keywords will showcase your specific skills. They are majorly sourced from the Job Description, which indicate the priorities of the recruiter, the skills which the organization is looking for.For instance, process optimization, project management, cost control, etc. are all examples of resume keywords.On the other hand, directed, spearheaded, administered, etc. are all examples of resume action verbs.Res ume keywords play a critical role in getting you those shortlists that you want. Aligning and optimizing your resume along the lines of the keywords and skills which the recruiter is looking for will go a long way in surpassing the competition.Meanwhile, action words dont particularly help you directly in that regard, but they play a key role in refining your resume and helping you break away from the rest.Kickass Resume action verbs to replace commonly used wordsStrong Resume words for Planning or Strategic PlanningAdministeredDevelopedFormulatedPreparedRevisedAnticipatedDevisedIdentifiedPrioritizedStrategizeCommissionedEvaluatedObservedResearchedReservedDeterminedForecastedTailoredAdditionally, check out this great resource for more action verbs around Strategic PlanningGood Resume words for ManagingAlignedCultivatedDirectedEnabledFacilitatedFosteredGuidedHiredInspiredMentoredMobilizedMotivatedRecruitedRegulatedShapedSupervisedTaughtTrainedStrong Resume words for OrganizingAcquire dDesignatedActivatedCentralizedDesignedMapped outScheduledAdjustedFacilitatedOrderedChartedDispatchedEstablishedSecuredClassifiedSimplifiedArrangedImplementedProcuredAssembledContractedIncorporatedProgrammedSuggestedAssessedCoordinatedInstitutedRecruitedTrackedAssignedCustomizedIssuedRectifiedTrackedAuthorizedDelegatedGood Resume words for Supervising or LeadershipChairedAuthorizedCultivatedDelegatedDirectedEnabledExecutedFacilitatedFosteredGuidedHeadedHostedInspiredMentoredMobilizedOperatedOrchestratedOversawSpearheadedTrainedControlledInspectedScrutinizedReviewedRegulatedRefinedOversawOverhauledMonitoredMaintainedStrong Resume words for Executing or Worked on or Handled ArrangedCompiledComposedConstructedCreatedDevelopedEngaged InFashionedForgedActedAdministeredConductedFormulatedMade Progress OnOperatedOrganizedPerformedPreparedPerfectedPut TogetherSet UpUndertookTrainedExercisedInspectedScrutinizedReviewedRegulatedRefinedOversawOverhauledMonitoredMaintainedPursuedProcessedContr olledGood Resume words for CommunicationAdvocatedAuthoredClarifiedComposedConsultedConveyedConvincedCorrespondedDefinedExplainedFieldedIllustratedInfluencedInformedMediatedModeratedNegotiatedPromotedPersuadedPublicizedTransmittedSystematizedSynthesisedSurveyedSummarizedSubstantiatedSolicitedSpecifiedSanctionedRepresentedReportedRenderedReinforcedPerceivedPresentedMarketedInterpretedInstructedInferredEducatedTrainedDraftedDemonstratedDeliberatedBrainstormedArbitratedBriefedInterfacedStrong Resume words for HelpingAidedBolsteredEasedFamiliarizedPrescribedAccommodatedCoachedElevatedProvidedSavedAdvisedValidatedEnabledIntercededProtectedServedAlleviatedCooperatedEndorsedMobilizedRehabilitatedSustainedAssistedCounseledEnhancedModeledRelievedTutoredAssuredDealtEnrichedPolishedRescuedGood Resume words for Creativity or Problem SolvingAlteredDraftedOverhauledBuiltEnhancedPatchedCorrectedEstablishedPilotedCraftedFashionedPioneeredDesignedConceivedRebuiltDeterminedInitiatedResolvedDevisedInve ntedBrainstormedTheorizedSynthesizedRevitalizedRevampedRemediedInvestigatedRemodeledFormulatedEngineeredDecipheredDebuggedConceptualizedStrong Resume words for Responsible for or Getting ResultsAccomplishedOperatedTargetedAcquiredPartneredRejuvenatedAchievedPerformedReduced / MinimizedActed AsPreparedRealizedCreatedProducedQualifiedFinishedSecuredQualifiedForgedSucceeded InOrchestratedNavigatedUndertookLaunchedNegotiatedIntegratedInnovatedIntegratedGeneratedExpeditedExcelledEliminatedDemonstratedGood Resume words for Team PlayerUnitedAssimilatedAcknowledgedCoalescedCollaboratedContributedDiversifiedEmbracedEncouragedEnergizedBlendedHarmonizedIgnitedJoinedVolunteeredMergedParticipatedPartneredResume Buzzwords 2019 List of Resume Verbs to Include and AvoidWhat to AvoidWhat to IncludeTipsHard WorkerAchievedMention instances to demonstrate your achievementsCreative/Outside the pckchen/InnovativeCreatedShow, dont tell. Detail your creative endeavours with examplesStellar CommunicatorInte rfaced/NegotiatedDetail how your communication skills benefitted the organization across specific domainsResponsibleDirected/OrchestratedRealign your resume from a responsibility-based document to an achievement-based oneLeadershipDirected/FacilitatedTo morph what Tywin Lannister said, anyone who needs to say that he is a leader is no true leaderPassionateGained an in-depth understanding ofA passion to learn triumphs over the passion for anything else in any professional environment.Strategic ThinkerStrategy FormulationShowcase the strategies which you designed and the impact which it managed to deliverExperiencedTrack record ofThe former is vague and gives no concrete information. Mention a track record of the most significant thing youve done instead, with performance figures to showcase the quantifiable impactGo-getterTarget-orientedGo and get what? Be specific and highlight the targets which you successfully achievedSynergyAlliances/TeamworkIts not 2010 anymoreGo-to personSPOCMe ntion SPOC only if you were, but do try and see if you can avoid the formerResults-drivenData-drivenThe former is a generic term which is hard to quantify. However, its easier to convince the recruiter that you rely on a data-driven approach by, surprise surprise, providing data.To Sum UpTo recap everything that we discussed till nowAction verbs for resume are different from resume keywords. The latter pertains to professional job skills which the recruiter is looking for. The former helps to realign your resume from responsibility-based to achievement-based.Simply stuffing your resume with action vebs will do you no good. Its always a better idea to validate everything that you say with quantifiable instances and achievements.If everyones special, no ones special. Resume buzzwords come and go with each passing season and its of critical importance to be aware of the trend. Our section on the 2019 Guide to Resume Keywords will give you an idea of which ones to use and which ones to avoid.Use our extensive compendium of action verbs for resume grouped by resume skills to revamp your resumeStill have doubts regarding action verbs for resume in particular or resume writing in general? Drop in a line at teamhiration.com and our Resume Experts will personally help you out

An Inside Look with Informational Interviews

An Inside Look with Informational InterviewsAn Inside Look with Informational InterviewsInformational bewerberinterviews are a great way to get the answers to questions you might have in your job search. Maybe you just graduated with a degree in finance, but youre not quite sure which area you want to work in. Or you already have an accounting job, but youre looking to forge a new career path. Chances are you have plenty of questions.Asking experienced professionals who have specialized expertise about their role and what it involves can give you real-world insights.It can also build relationships and open doors that could lead to a job. Eighty-four percent of CFOs in a recent Accountemps study said they were likely to alert someone who impressed them in an informational interview of new job openings.Read more about informational interviews in our survey of more than 2,200 CFOs, shown in the infographic, below.Here are some tips to help you with this classic networking tactic and ge t the most out of an informational interview.First, land the informational interviewBefore you approach anyone, research the fields and positions youre most interested in, and make a list of job titles and specific companies youd like to check out. Then reach out to your network - both online and off - to look for connections Maybe you have a LinkedIn contact who works in the field youre interested in, or perhaps your college roommates brother is employed at an organization you admire.Approach each contact separately dont send a mass email. Personalize your message to each potential interviewee and let them know why youd like to chat with them for 20 or 30 minutes. Finally, make it clear that youre not asking for a job, but rather that youre looking for information to help you decide what kind of job you want.Looking for a job? Accountemps can help you find a new opportunity.WORK WITH OUR RECRUITERSThen prepare your questionsUnlike a job interview, where you need to answer questio ns, youll need to prepare a list of questions for the informational interview. Avoid yes or no questions instead, go for those likely to lead to long, detailed responses, such as theseHow did you get your start in this career? Whats your favorite part of your job? Least favorite? What skills do you use the most? Whats a typical day like? Are any trends emerging that you think might affect your job and/or the industry? If you could go back and give yourself a piece of advice on your first day at your job, what would it be?Also, try to include a few customized questions based on the company research you did on the professionals company and position. For example, you might ask about a recent project, a high-profile client or conferences that have been especially useful.Consider details, such as your wardrobeFollow the same basic rules for informational interviews as you would for job interviews Dress professionally and conservatively, arrive early, and be sure to maintain eye contact w hen others are speaking to you.And finally, dont forget to follow upAfter the meeting, follow up with a thank-you note, and connect with the person on your social networks if you havent already.Then pat yourself on the back for completing this fact-finding, relationship-building mission. Its not always easy to put yourself out there - but you never know where your efforts will lead you.

8 Best Practices for Successful Remote Workers

8 Best Practices for Successful Remote Workers8 Best Practices for Successful Remote Workers These days, it isnt always necessary to commute to work every day. More and mora people are working from home , or from any location where they can have access to the Internet. Working remotely offers a lot of benefits and freedoms, and there are many jobs that can easily be done from home. Plenty of companies are now offering work-from-home positions , and there are also thousands of freelance jobs available for those who want to work remotely and be their own boss. But, working remotely also has its drawbacks, because it can be too easy to slack off and not get things done. Here are some tips that will help you to be a productive and successful remote worker .A lot of people think that being able to work in their jammies is a dream come true. But, successful remote workers get dressed before the begin working. When you sit around in pajamas with blankets and pillows, it i s all too easy to end up getting lazy and not getting anything done because you are too comfy. Plus, if you have to meet with your team or clients, you will be all dressed and ready to go, even if you are only given a moments notice. It will also help to boost your self-esteem when you look good, even if you are the only person to see it. One of the great things about being a remote worker is that you can tischplatzdeckchen a schedule that works for you. If you are morning person, you can start your day early. If you are more of a night owl, you can begin working at midnight. Just remember, once you set a schedule, you need to stick with it in order to get your work done. Create a schedule that will allow you to get the most done with as few interruptions as possible. Dont forget to include appointments, meetings, and allow some time for unexpected interruptions. That way, you wont become frazzled when the unexpected happens. It is a good idea to use an employee timesheet template to help keep track of your schedule, projects, hours or work, earnings, etc. If you are required to have meetings with your team, clients, etc., make sure that you try to schedule everything to take place back-to-back, within the same time block. That way, you dont have to stop and start what you are doing to go from one meeting to another. You can get them done all at once, and get back to work without having to worry about further interruptions. If you have other appointments, you can schedule them in the same manner so you can get things done faster and be more productive. When you set up a space that is specifically for your work and nothing else, it is a lot easier to get your work done because you dont have a lot of distractions. Find a room in your home that is not used for other purposes, and turn that into your office. Of course, you always have the freedom to switch it up once in a while, and create a new and different workspace to keep you from becoming bored and ending up being easily distracted, and then you wont be nearly as productive. As a remote worker, you are going to be using your email more than ever, so it is time to become an expert at it. First of all, be very precise in your wording, as it is easy to take things the wrong way in email communications . Keep all emails documented, and make sure that you take the time to read and answer all of your business emails. Use your email to share everything with your team, from face-to-face conversations to online conversations, and more. Take advantage of this important tool, and set up distribution lists to make sure that the emails you send always get to the right parties. Your workspace should include all of the tools you will need to get your work done. As a remote worker, there are specific tools you are going to need, including a headset, a laptop or other mobile device, video conferencing (Skype is a good example), meeting tools (LiveMeeting is a popular option for many remote workers), a microphone (external and noise-cancelling, not the laptop internal microphone, which is low quality), etc. Not only do you need to use the right tools, you also need to make sure that you know how to use them properly, in order to get the most out of them. Because you work remotely, you are not tied down to any one specific location. You might be surprised at how much more productive you can be if you move to a different location once in a while. Instead of sitting inside, move to your yard, or to a local coffee shop. It is going to help to re-energize you, and you wont be bored by looking at the same surroundings all the time. Working remotely is about freedom, after all, and as long as you have an Internet connection, you have the freedom to work from just about anywhere in the world. When you are a remote worker, it can be really easy to start becoming more and more of a loner. You need to make sure that in addition to scheduling your work time, that you also schedule time t o get out and be social with others. You dont want to become that person who never leaves their home and becomes the neighborhood hermit. If you are introverted, it is even easier to slip into hermit mode, so you need to make sure that you are at least getting out to chill with a best friend, family member, co-worker, etc. Take opportunities to get out into the world and away from your home once in a while. Its good for your mind and body. Jane Hurst is a content manager from San Francisco. She is a business writer and writing coach. Find Jane on Twitter .

What Every Body Is Saying About Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter Is Dead Wrong and Why

What Every Body Is Saying About Difference Between Resume and titel Letter Is Dead Wrong and Why When you are attempting to figure out which resume writer you would like to hire, dont make the error of studying the cost only. Possessing the best story may be the difference between landing and losing your perfect job. Sample resume are now widely on the net and there are a good deal of websites that handle the role of writing resume. Its obvious because the most important goal of both is to persuade somebody who will read the letter that youre definitely the most suitable candidate for any given position. Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter - the Story Youll also get to see, by means of the sample resumes, what you ought to write and the way you should write them. Its different from an application letter on account of the way that they present the essential details. Focus just on the middle portion of just about youre a great use it. A resume should have a relevant a nd in depth work history section. Characteristics of Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter Employers dont have the time to read a quick story. Although it isnt uncommon for resumes to have references included, its mora common for CVs to come with an additional page of reference info. Your CV may include everything which youve done thus far. Along with length, CVs and resumes also differ in regards to editing. Its important that you know the difference between a CV and cover letter and to be conscious of the similarities between a CV and cover letter in order to make the ideal job application. If it isnt stated, you can choose whether to incorporate a cover letter with your work application. Getting the most of a sample resume or cover letter can help you finish your very first application. A letter thats attached to or sent with a different document (i.e. CV or resume) and contains the overview of some other document is called Cover Letter. Before you even start your cover letter, gather information regarding the employer and the business that youre applying to. A It intends to introduce you, since the applicant, to the employer. A resume ought to be simple to navigate and scannable every time a prospective employer looks at it. Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter and Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter - The Perfect Combination Cover letters also provide you with a chance to explain what interests you regarding the job. Keep in mind that the actual goal of a cover letter isnt highlighting your accomplishments and your previous career except to point out how your credentials match with the prerequisites of the work opening and why you are definitely the most proper candidate for the business. A motivation letter is largely utilized to enter a university, receive a scholarship, be qualified for a home loan, or make an application for a volunteer position. A cover letter for the job offers you an excellent opportunity to emer ge higher from various candidates applying for the exact same post and job. The perfect cover letter specifically emphasizes your fit for the position and the way your special abilities and experience can assist the employer. The greatest aim of every work seeker is to leave an enduring impression in the minds of possible future employers. Discuss the way the skills listed in your resume translate in the job you are looking for. All abilities and key areas ought to be mentioned in the experience so the qualities can be highlighted. Up in Arms About Difference Between Resume and Cover Letter? By comparison, a cover letter gives a chance to spell out why youre qualified for the job. Your cover letter provides you a chance to advertise yourself and stick out from other applicants. It acts as the preliminary stage for an employer to get an insight into your personality. A fantastic cover letter provides you with an opportunity to portray your gifts in entire sentences. Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a particular individual, like the hiring manager or the recruiter responsible for filling the position. Write a letter of interest, also referred to as a letter of inquiry, whenever you have an interest in a specific company but might not know whether any positions are readily available. After youve successfully gotten via the interview procedure and obtained a verbal offer, you will soon get an offer letter. Any moment you submit an application for a different position, be certain to tailor your cover letter for that particular position and its job description. It isnt necessary to attach a resume to a letter of interest, even though it is more appropriate to achieve that. In this kind of situation, a letter of interest is the ideal tool. Although it should include a lot of the same information as a traditional cover letter, the opening is slightly different. A letter of interest is more focused on why youre interested in the organization and why you feel youd be a very good fit if any openings come up.

3 Ways to Cure a Sick Organizational Culture - Spark Hire

3 Ways to Cure a Sick Organizational Culture - Spark HireCulture is the epicenter of every organization your companys values act as a road map for its success. However, some organizations leave their culture up to chance, and a go with the flow mentality isnt whats going to drive your engagement to soar through the roof.Like a bad virus, a sick organizational culture can be the pitfall of your workforce. Everything from productivity, camaraderie, and retention will all suffer a huge hit when employees become disengaged. TINYpulses Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture Report revealed this unfortunate newsA whole 64% of employees dont feel like they have a strong work culture. You might think its not possible to fix a culture ailing with disengagement, but here are three easy ways to cure a sick organizational cultureFoster a Community, Not CompetitionDo your employees work together or against each other? If its the latter, then theres a good chance youve got a toxic culture on your hands. When people are constantly butting heads or trying to sabotage their colleagues, theres no way a business can succeed.When it comes to keeping employees engaged, SHRM uncovered that the relationship with coworkers is a more important factor than the relationship with direct supervisors. To facilitate a culture of camaraderie, youll need to consider culture fit during the hiring process.During the interview, ask the candidate questions based off your core values. If one of your values is to Embrace change, then consider asking the person to provide an example of how a change they faced and how they adapted to it. If this person isnt able to live out your values now, theres a good chance they wont be able to do so while on the job.Start By Building a Transparent CultureA meeting behind closed door tends to evoke assumptions among employees. Now, were not saying that you need to have all of your meetings out in the open. Closed doors have their time and place, and thats not the case when it comes to providing employees with access to information. In the saatkorn Employee Engagement Report, we found that transparency is the number one factor that contributes to employee happiness. No surprise there. Who likes to be left out of the loop?Whether its good, bad, or ugly, let your employees know whats happening with the organization. Is the sales team trying to close a deal with a high-profile client? Or perhaps the business isnt doing so well financially. Even if your employees arent working on that specific project or theyre not in the same department as the changes, everyone deserves to know whats going on.To maintain transparency, hold bi-weekly company meetings. Whether you have 10 or 1000 employees, gathering everyone into one room trumps sending out a company-wide email that has the potential of getting lost in inboxes. Bringing people together creates an interactive environment where anyone can spontaneously ask questions and leaders can answer them right on the spot.Dont Forget to Listen to EmployeesWhen leaders put a damper on their employees voices, theyre setting up the business for failure. On the other hand, when they make an effort to solicit employee feedback and do nothing about it, theyre putting themselves in the same situation. There are three critical steps when it comes to leveraging employee feedbackGet rid of the open-door policy Opt for an anonymous pulsing survey (the keyword is anonymous). These are sent out weekly and typically feature only one question so managers can keep up to date on employee sentiment.Share the feedback Maintain transparency by letting your employees read through the survey results so they can get a gauge on how their colleagues are feeling.Find a solution Set aside some time during the company meeting to discuss the results. Get your employees involved in finding solutions to these issues so they understand that this improvement is for them, not for you.We get it being a leader a nd managing people is tough. But change doesnt happen overnight. Follow these steps, and youll create a positive culture where employees will thrive.About the AuthorSabrina Son is a Content Marketing Specialist at TINYpulse, writing about and researching new ways to make employees happier. A Seattle native, she loves her morning (or anytime) coffee, spending her weekends on the mountains, and of course, the famous rain.Image monkeybusinessimages/BigStock.com

The Truth About Using Personal Days and Taking Time Off

The Truth About Using Personal Days and Taking Time Off The Truth About Using Personal Days and Taking Time Off The Truth About Using Personal Days and Taking Time Off The whole truth and nothing but the truth about taking time off by using personal days.Every new job comes with its own benefits. Vacation time, sick time, personal time thats enough to make anyones head spin Each company has its own rules about taking time off, paid time off policy, manuals and ways in which they apply and enforce them. Would you like to get that sorted once and for all? Read on for the primer you need.The three types of paid time off.Think of paid time off as a set of three bucketsVacation timeSick timePersonal timeVacation time and sick time are easiest to understand, but what is personal time? In most companies, personal days are yours to use for time off from work however you like. You could use them for moving, longer medical appointments or a family emergency. Some companies will allow you to a dd personal days onto your vacation days, or official holidays, to get a longer stretch of time out of the office.Here are some additional things to keep in mind.Some companies split your paid time off from work into buckets. Others simply give you a pool of paid time off to use however you like. It is helpful to understand the companys paid time off policy on this as you are going through the hiring process, especially if you have a preference.Vacation time is typically accrued at a certain rate during the year so that you earn a fraction of a vacation day for every week you work. Sick time allotment is usually made available at the start of the year. Your companys rules may vary, so read the employee manual to understand the details. Its disappointing to find out that your 10 day vacation to the Caribbean a month after you start your new job will have to be mostly unpaid because you have not earned enough vacation time yet.Understand the companys policy on rolling unused vacation and personal days into the following year. Some companies allow you to bank unused vacation and personal time for one year and use it later, others require that you use it in the assigned year or risk losing it.If the companys standard split between vacation, sick time and personal time is not optimal for your needs, consider re-negotiating it. For example, if you typically dont need personal days and would prefer to have more vacation days, make the request.Employee manual is one thing, but your managers expectations and preferences around paid time off from work are equally important. How far in advance do you have to request time off? What criteria does the manager use to grant or deny it? This is a delicate subject to bring up during interviews, but if you know that you need paid time off for a specific non-negotiable purpose (honeymoon or a big surgery coming up) you may want to get some clarity before you sign the offer.Unpaid time off is a viable option that often gets overlo oked. Understand the companys policy for granting unpaid time off and what the maximum number of days is. A blueprint for making the most out of your personal days.Now that you understand the three big categories of paid time off from work, how do you make the most out of them specifically the mysterious personal days? Make sure youre actually taking time off.This should be obvious, and yet so many professionals feel guilty about taking time off. Sure, your team is busy all the time. However, paid time off is your earned benefit. It is a part of your compensation package. You wouldnt feel guilty about cashing a payroll check, so why do the same about vacation or personal days?Communicate up front.I recommend giving as much advance notice as you can when you plan on taking time off. Your manager is in charge of making sure that the work gets done and will appreciate the lead time to plan and align resources accordingly. Vacation time typically calls for more advance notice than pers onal days. How much notice you give and how you explain the request is up to you a lot depends on your relationship with your manager and the cultural norms of your company.Be gracious and reasonable.Yes, vacation and personal time represent your earned benefits. However, your manager is not required or guaranteed to grant every request. Look at it from your managers perspective and work to find a solution that will satisfy you both. If there is a deadline that could be compromised by your absence, some flexibility on your part can earn extra credit.Think twice before lying about being sick.Did you wake up late? Is it a gorgeous day that you would rather spend at the lake than in the office? Are you just not feeling it today?Sorry to disappoint, but none of those are valid reasons for faking illness to get a day off. Sure, you could call your manager and claim stomach flu in a shaky voice. However, think about what this move will cost you in terms of integrity and professional rela tionships.If you know there are no urgent deadlines and you would not be letting anyone down, you might consider asking for a personal day. However, I would caution you against doing this frequently and on short notice. If you establish a pattern of being flaky or unreliable, it will affect your career prospects. From special high-value projects to promotions, managers choose professionals they can count on.Dont use paid time off to avoid difficult tasks.We all run into challenges at work. Whether you are dealing with a difficult client or a co-worker who wont collaborate, sometimes it might feel like avoiding the next interaction is the best strategy. Try to be present to your thinking I dont recommend asking for personal time off to avoid attending a tough meeting. After all, work responsibilities will catch up with you sooner or later.If youre taking time off, use it wisely. Spend at least a portion of the day unwinding in constructive and effective ways. Binge-watching Game of T hrones may not be the best thing you can do to get recharged Consider going for a walk, catching up on errands that will make your life easier, resting up and eating well. Enjoy the company of family and friends, or spend the day solo. The important part is knowing yourself and doing the things that will recharge your batteries.In summary, understand the rules and your managers preferences to make the most out of your paid time off. Think twice before lying, and dont use personal days as a means of avoiding a difficult task. Spend your time off in ways that boost your energy, nurture your spirit, and give you the space to recover and get back to work. Use these tips, and you will arrive at the office bright-eyed and brimming with fresh motivation to get things doneWant to see how your resume stacks up? Try out our free critique today

Learn About Being an Aquarist

Learn About Being an AquaristLearn About Being an AquaristAn aquarist is responsible for the care of fish and seestreitkraft mammals kept in captivity. Aquarists have a wide variety of duties primarily focused on providing care for marine creatures and maintaining a quality environment for these animals to live in. Job Duties Primary duties for an aquarist include monitoring water quality and temperature, cleaning tanks, repairing equipment, designing exhibits, giving educational presentations to visitors, observing animal behavior, providing behavioral enrichment activities, and preparing and distributing food each day. Some positions may also involve restraining animals for veterinary treatments, capturing, and quarantining sick animals, or breeding replacement stock for the aquarium. In some cases, an aquarist may be required to travel to various locations (often both domestic and international destinations) to collect specimens from oceans, rivers, or lakes. These captured sp ecimens must then be safely contained and transported back to the aquarium. Open water diving skills and certifications are necessary for this sort of work. A passport is also required for international travel. Aquarist careers often require strenuous physical activity, significant periods of time spent in the water while outfitted in scuba gear, and the use of tools and equipment to complete the required tank maintenance tasks. Career Options A variety of organizations may provide employment for aquarists including aquariums, zoos, theme parks, laboratories, and research facilities. Positions exist primarily with private businesses but may also be available with divisions of government. Experienced aquarists can advance to supervisory and managerial roles such as curator positions within the aquarium. It is also possible to branch out into other related positions such as marine mammal trainer, veterinary technician, or marine biologist. Education Training Aquarists must ha ve (at minimum) a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology, zoology, aquaculture, or a closely related area. Scuba diving certification is also required, as is a certification course in first aid and CPR, to ensure that the aquarist can safely carry out their duties (which may involve a significant amount of time spent underwater). It is wise for aspiring aquarists to pursue marine internships to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field. There are many paid and unpaid opportunities to work with marine mammals, turtles, fish, and other marine life. Volunteer work at local aquariums and zoos will also lend strength to the career seekers resume. Professional Groups Many aquarists choose to become members of professional groups related to marine animals. These groups provide a variety of networking opportunities, educational information, and other support to the aquarist community. One of the most prominent groups for aquarists is the Association of Zoos Aquariums (AZA). The AZA is an organization that also provides accreditation to zoological parks and aquariums that meet criteria related to conservation, science, and education. Individual memberships in the AZA are available to employees of zoos, aquariums, related facilities, or organizations designated as conservation partners. There are also many international, regional, and state groups that can provide information and support to aspiring aquarists at the professional and hobbyist levels. Salary The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not separate aquarist salary data into its own separate category in their salary survey, but they do include the career as a part of the more general category of nonfarm animal caretakers. In 2017, the BLS reported a median salary of $22,950 per year for nonfarm animal caretakers. Experienced aquarists in supervisory roles earn significantly higher salaries, often in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 per year. New aquarists should expect a starting salary mor e in the range of $18,000 to $20,000. Of course, total compensation may also vary due to the geographic area, the size of the aquarium, the aquarists area of specialization, and the specific duties the job entails. Career Outlook The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey indicated that careers for nonfarm animal caretakers would show a 22 percent increase over the decade from 2016 to 2026, a rate much faster than the average for all careers, and this should also be reflected in the growth rate for aquarist positions. There is also a particularly high turnover rate for aquarist positions, as they are frequently used as an entry-level stepping stone to other marine careers. Positions working with marine mammals tend to be the most difficult to obtain, as there is a particularly strong level of interest from individuals wishing to work with marine mammal species, such as dolphins, seals, and whales. Those interested in marine mammal aquarist positions should gain significant expe rience through internships to strengthen their resume, as there are usually many applicants for each available position.

How to Locate Air Force Personnel

How to Locate Air Force PersonnelHow to Locate Air Force PersonnelThe AF Worldwide Locator handles official and unofficial requests to locate Air Force Personnel. The AF Worldwide Locator only has location information on individuals who are currently receiving compensation from the USAF (Active duty, Air National Guard, Reserve, Retired and Civil Service Personnel). If the individual has separated from the AF, no information is available. Information on individuals stationed overseas or in a sensitive position will not be released. However, the locator service will forward mail to that person for up to 90 days, as long as the correct postage is on the envelope and any required fee has been paid. Official Requests Official requestsare defined as requests received from any government agency and the Dept of Defense (DOD). All other requests are considered unofficial in nature. DoD official requests may be handled over the phone providing the requester gives their full personenname, rank, SSN, organization, and purpose of the request. Failure to provide ?requested information will result in non-disclosure of requested information. Phone numbers for DOD Official Requests are Commercial (210) 565-2660 or Miltary to Miltary (DSN) 665-2660 Hours of Operation 730 am - 430 pm (Central Standard Time), Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Federal or State Government agency request for information must be in pursuant to the Privacy Act as stated in the United States Code 552(a)(7). The request must be in writing on official letterhead and signed by a Section Chief or higher. Law enforcement agency requests must be in writing on the appropriate letterhead. Unofficial Requests All unofficial requests must be in writing and fees may be applicable (Note Parents and spouses may utilize the above phone number). Requests must be in writing. State in your request who you are looking for along with your name, address, and telephone number. Your request constitutes consent to release this information to the member. Place this information in an unsealed envelope with a return address, postage affixed and the individuals name in the addressee portion of the envelope. Mail all information to the Worldwide Locator. Information Required The following information is required to make a positive identification Full name to include a middle initial, rank (officer/enlisted/GS)Social Security Number or Air Force serial number (in known)Date of birth or an Air Force duty history to include the place, month and year of assignments after June 1970 (Note The AF Locator Service does not maintain assignment information prior to June 1970, so such information cannot be used for validation purposes). Fees A fee of $3.50, per individual request, is required from all personnel or businesses requesting addresses on military personnel. Requests must be in writing. The Worldwide Locator also provides a Statement or Verification of Service. It applies to acti ve duty AF personnel only. A fee of $5.20, per individual written request, is required. Checks or money orders must be made payable to DAO-DE Randolph AFB TX. Air Force Locator Address HQ AFPC/MSIMDL 550 C. St West Ste 50 Randolph AFB TX 78150-4752 Family Emergencies Families with emergencies should not use the above procedures. Families with emergencies should contact their local chapter of the American Red Cross. Use operator assistance if necessary, or you may also find your local Red Cross chapter telephone number by visiting www.redcross.org, then entering your zip code in the Find Your Local Red Cross box on the left side of the page.