Former White House Communications Manager Gets Help with His Message

Former White House Communications Manager Gets Help with His MessageFormer White House Communications Manager Gets Help with His MessageSteve Derr knows how to keep secrets. But when he wanted to broadcast his skills, he looked to Ladders resume service.Steve Derrs high-level security clearances with the government mean he can be counted on to keep top secrets. When it comes to his personal brand, however, hes all about communicating.Thats what prompted the TechnologyLadder member to purchase a resume rewrite from Ladders. Currently employed as a senior vice president of engineering in the government subsidiary of a leading communications company, Derr is not actively looking for a new position. Nevertheless, in these uncertain economic times, he thought it prudent to update his resume.Derr is interested in a position similar to the one he currently holds a role in senior federal-sector technology leadership, such as vice president of federal sales or chief technology officer. Derr h as held positions that have effectively combined both functions. Among his career highlights While employed by the U.S. government, Derr served as communications manager for the White House.J.M. Auron, the resume writer who reworked Derrs resume for Ladders, said he was immediately impressed with Derr as both a job candidate and as a person.He is extremely highly cleared, working in the federal-contracting space, Auron said. Looking at what he sent me, I could tell he was an A player. You could tell he had accomplished a lot. His resume was long.Military precisionDerr spent nearly a decade in the Air Force, where he honed his communications skills and expertise in all manner of telecommunications and networking technology. Auron said generally he likes working with ex-military job seekers because they are typically comprehensive in providing information.They are great but not always concise, Auron said of his military clients.However, experience with process and protocol has its adv antages. Derr delved into the worksheet Auron provided and gave him a detailed view of his career history.Collaboration pays offYou get out of it, what you put into it, Derr said. The resume worksheet that you fill out must be as complete and accurate as possible, with enough detail for the writer to work with.In addition, a phone call to discuss the resume worksheet verbally with the writer is also a must. They dont know you so you have to educate them about yourself in order for them to do their very best in writing your resume.Auron elaborated, His worksheet was so detailed that it took me a long time to work through it he gave me every possible detail I would need.But work through it he did. And Auron was able to lop one page off of Derrs original resume. He eliminated long Career Summary and Qualifications Summary segments of Derrs original resume.Specifically, Auron said, he cut out details describing Derrs technical expertise and accomplishments and instead focused on the way s Derrs efforts had helped his employers bottom line. I had to downplay the technology and upsell how he impacted sales, Auron said. Everywhere he has been, he has solved problems and brought in business. I had to play that up.Auron added characteristics such as product business plans, strategic planning, team leadership/motivation, competitive analysis, needs assessment, presentations, product launch, sales forecasting, and budget planning/forecasting to a list of areas of expertise that also highlighted Derrs technological skills.Moreover, with Aurons help, the three introductory sections, the objective, career summary and qualifications summary, were condensed intoDrivenprofessional with two decades of combined commercial and military experience in all aspects of Federal sector communications business development, including DoD, Civilian, and Intel, with a history of rapid promotion to positions of increasing responsibility. Dynamic problem solver, able to organize information, a nd develop and execute effective strategic and tactical plans. Motivational leader who consistently transforms organizations into world-class teams. Expert communicator, able to work effectively with senior management and technical stakeholders.He is extremely cooperative, which is typical of former military people, Auron said. Hes extremely loyal, as hes been with the same organization for nine years. If I was still recruiting in that space Id be marketing this guy in a minute. And in addition to that, with his history prospective employers can count on Derr to keep their vital information close to the vest.

Applying for Jobs Under the ADA

Applying for Jobs Under the ADAApplying for Jobs Under the ADATitle I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawfulfor an employer to discriminateagainst a qualified applicant with a disability. The ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employees, employment agencies, labor unions, and state and local governments. In addition, some state laws require reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Check your state labor departments website for information on regulations in your location. The ADA defines an individual with a disability as a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record or history of a substantially limiting impairment, or (3) is regarded or perceived by an employer as having a substantially limiting impairment. Applicant Qualifications An applicant with a disability, like all other applicants, must be able to meet the employers requirements for the job, such as education, training, employment experience, skills, or licenses. In addition, an applicant with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the job on their own or with the help of reasonable accommodation. However, an employer does bedrngnis have to provide a reasonable accommodation that will cause undue hardship, which is significant difficulty or expense. Reasonable Accommodations Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodation to enable you to be considered for a job opening. Reasonable accommodation may also be required to enable you to perform a job, gain access to the workplace, and enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment available to employees without disabilities. An employer cannot refuse to consider you because you require a reasonable accommodation to compete for or perform a job. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, examples of reasonable accommodation include providing or modifying e quipment or devicesjob restructuringpart-time or modified work schedulesreassignment to a vacant positionadjusting or modifying examinations, training materials, or policiesproviding readers and interpretersmaking the workplace readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities The employer must make all areas of the workplace that are used by employees accessible, not just the part of the workplace the person with a disability will be working in. That includes places like the cafeteria and a location where employer-provided transportation is available. It is best to let an employer know as soon as you realize that you will need a reasonable accommodation for some aspect of the hiring process. An employer may need advance notice to provide certain accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, an alternative format for written documents, or a wheelchair-accessible location for a test or interview. Prohibited Questions and Medical Exams The ADA prohibits employers from asking questions orally or in writing that are likely to reveal the existence of a disability before making a job offer (i.e., the pre-offer period). They are also prohibited from requiring a medical examination that might reveal the existence of a disability before making a job offer. Such questions and medical examinations are permitted after extending a job offer and before the individual begins work (i.e., the post-offer period). However, the medical exam must be required of all individuals in the same job category, and an employer is not permitted to reject a candidate because of a disability that was revealed by the medical exam unless the disability would prevent the candidate from performing necessary functions of the job. Examples of prohibited questions during the pre-offer period include Do you have a heart condition? Do you have asthma or any other difficulties breathing?Do you have a disability that would interfere with your ability to perform the job?How many day s were you sick last year?Have you ever filed for workers compensation? Have you ever been injured on the job?Have you ever been treated for mental health problems?What prescription drugs are you currently taking? Hiring Decisions An employer is not required to hire you if they determine you are unable to perform all of the essential functions of the job, even with reasonable accommodation. However, an employer can not reject you only because the disability prevents you from performing minor duties that are not essential to the job. If an employer has several qualified candidates, they are not required to choose the candidate with a disability. If a person with a disability is hired, the employer may not pay them less to offset the cost of the reasonable accommodation that enabled them to do the job.

How to Prepare for an Internship

How to Prepare for an InternshipHow to Prepare for an InternshipAlthough you might have missed the deadline to apply for a fall internship, its not too early to start thinking about snagging an internship for the spring. If you dont have any experience, you can use this semester to beef up your resume so youll be a star candidate when applying.Research companiesIn 2015 were blessed with the almighty search tool Google- use it. Look up companies that youre interested in and find out everything you can about them. What types of internship programs do they offer? What qualities do they look for? What do current and past intern LinkedIn profiles look like? Follow the companys or employees social media pages and dont be scared to engage with them in a thoughtful manner. They might not engage back, but at least you will show an enthusiasm for the company and its work. By doing this, you can get a sense of the companys brand and if its what you really want out of an internship.Build up your experience without having to get a jobAfter youve researched the company and the types of internships it offers, youll know what skills to cultivate this semester. If its looking for leadership, you can join a student group youre passionate about and consider running for a position on its executive board. If it wants someone tech-savvy, you can learn how to build your own website or app from a number of online resources like CodeAcademy.com. Are you looking at a social media internship? Find ways to create an engaged following on your social media accounts.Reach out to your networkAs a college student your network is definitely bigger than you think. Take advantage of your colleges career center and reach out to your professors about possible internships. Also, see if your colleges alumni work at your target companies. It doesnt hurt to send alumni a thoughtful message expressing your interest in their company and requesting a quick phone chat or coffee date. Start earlyStarting re search on companies and their internship programs that youre interested in early will guarantee that you dont miss any deadlines and youll have a good sense of what to expect. Cultivating your skills now, like creating your own professional web page, will make your more attractive than another candidate who scrambled last minute to create one. If you reach out to your network now versus later, youll develop more meaningful relationships than someone who is desperate around internship application season. With a little bit of effort this fall semester, youll be able to snag the internship of your dreams next spring.

5 Tips for Staying Calm During a Job Interview

5 Tips for Staying Calm During a Job Interview5 Tips for Staying Calm During a Job InterviewWe all have some version of that familiar recurring nightmare. In the middle of a recital, business proposal, presentation, or other big career-making moments our calm, collected, confident and knowledgeable personae flees only to leave us fumbling and bumbling in front of a crowd of people typically without any pants on.While such unclothed exaggerations are generally nightmarish products of our overactive imaginations, losing your cool during a job interview is a far more common scenario. With the kompetenz for losing a callback or job offer, the real-world implications of failing to keep calm during an interview can even put our bad dreams to shame. If this sounds like an all-too-familiar scenario, never fear. We have a few tried and true tips to help you chill out, relax and keep calm while you interview on.Put on Your Study CapsOne of the easiest and fruchtwein effective ways to combat a case of pre-interview nerves is by increasing your confidence and knowledge. For candidates, this means youll need to head back to the study board and brush up on your job opening knowledge. Before your interview, you should review a quick refresher of your common industry trends, major issues, rules, laws or other applicable guidelines to ensure youre brushed up on the most recent lingo. Speaking the language of your profession will go a long way towards putting yourself at ease during the interview. Dont forget that all important company-based research, either. Knowing the history and current news regarding your potential employer can help you feel prepared and will allow you to ask smarter questions and craft your answers in terms more applicable to the employer, all of which are big nerve-quelling plusses during an interview.Avoid ProcrastinatingIf youve ever rushed out of the house last minute, snatching coffee with one hand and a danish with the other, while trying to button y our shirt and fumble for your car keys, you know that few things are more destructive to a sense of calm then trying to fit tasks in last minute. Simple tasks such as laying out your interview outfit the night before, planning your commute or prepping a simple breakfast or packing a bag, can go a long way towards helping you feel relaxed and calm on the big day. Youre Not the Only OneAnother tactic that can help worried interview applicants is the realization that your interviewer is probably also suffering from a mild bout of the nerves. Sure, the hiring manager or another company representative may have the bargaining chips, but their decision-making abilities are also on the line when it comes to choosing just the right candidate. At the beginning of your interview, take a deep breath, smile, and mentally visualize that your interviewer is probably feeling much the same as you are. If youre feeling comfortable and are good at reading the room, a small joke about interview tables reminding you of the principals office, or some similar comment, can often break the ice for you and your prospective employer.Get That Beauty SleepOne of the most tried and true methods for preparing mentally and physically for your job interview doesnt require any extra effort. Sleep plays a critical function in physical well-being and mental clarity. Many studies show that sleep-deprived individuals are often more anxious, nervous and have slower reaction times. Get a solid 8 hours the night before, and preferably for a few nights before that, to help keep nerves to a minimum come interview day.Take it Easy on the Morning JoeWhile most of us need our daily dose of coffee to ensure proper mental and physical function, overdoing it on the caffeinated goodness can be just as bad for your sense of calms as skipping out altogether. Excessive amounts of caffeine not only cause jitteriness, it can also prompt headaches, quickened heart rate, and excessive sweating. Keep your caffeine i ntake to normal, reasonable levels for increased calmness during your interview.Early is On TimeOur final piece of advice hearkens back to words of wisdom from our mothers early is on time, on time is late and being late is unacceptable. Showing up late for an interview will leave you flustered and your interviewer impatient over the waste of their valuable time. Arriving 15-20 minutes early also gives you a few moments to collect yourself, get a glass of water and mentally prepare for whats to come.Got another trick to staying calm on interview day? Wed love to hear from you Drop us a comment, email or other helpful hint and maybe your advice will help fellow job seekers keep their chill during their next job interview.

Tips for Producing an Effective Online Book Trailer

Tips for Producing an Effective Online Book TrailerTips for Producing an Effective Online Book TrailerVideo platforms like YouTube and Vimeo have created a great conduit for book promotion via online video book trailers. Like a TV commercial- only usually cheaper to produce and all-but-free to distribute- the right book trailer can help spread the word about your book to a wide audience. The ideal, of course, would be for a book trailer to go viral and reach hundreds of thousands- or millions- of viewers. A mora realistic (and perhaps even more practical) goal is to create a book trailer that gets passed along from potential reader to potential reader- like-minded people who are truly interested in the books subject matter and might actually buy the book, rather than just appreciate your video production skills. There are several things you can do to make a book trailer more effective. Be Informative At the very least, the book trailer should provide potential readers with an ide a of what the book has in store for them, whether thats a good romance, great baking recipes, a thrilling mystery, or a peek into the history of a World War II general.If your book is in a how-to genre in some way, shape, or form, you can help promote your book with a piece of useful advice taken from the text. In this way, youre giving the book trailer viewer a true idea of how helpful your book will be to him or her. A title about automobile maintenance might show the viewer how simple it is to check the oil a knitting book can demonstrate a tricky stitch. A great example of a useful trailer to promote a cookbook is the video produced for the cookbook Les Petits Macarons. Authors Kathryn Gordon and Anne McBride produced an extensive demonstration video of the pastry techniques that go into making French macarons and that are outlined in the book. The trailer got great attention and boosted book sales. Be Visually Arresting Video is a visual medium that demands movement, which makes it great for books that are art or graphically focused, including childrens books. Even if you dont have any live action in your book trailer, you can create movement in other ways, such as by panning over still images. If the book is very visual, its especially important that the trailer showcases the photography, graphics, or artwork in a dynamic and appealing manner. The book trailer for Once Upon a Time Machine, editor Andrew Carls graphic collection of fairy tale retellings, brings the books images to life brilliantly. Create an Atmosphere When promoting fiction- especially fiction in a genre like mystery, romance, sci-fi, or historic- its helpful to create an atmosphere to draw in potential readers. Fans of the particular genre will recognize the conventions of what they love to read and will be more inclined to investigate the book. For an example of a book trailer that creates an atmosphere, check out Kevin V. Symmonss video for his magic-infused romance novel Rit e of Passage. Be Clever and Bold Online video viewers are used to- and very much appreciate- cleverness. Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho, the authors of Creative, Inc. The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business, made a fantastically creative video to promote their book. It was cleverly done and highly appealing to their creative base of potential readers. A bold move can capture eyeballs, too. Author (and adviser extraordinaire to other authors) Steven Pressfield created an epic trailer for his novel Killing Rommel, complete with rented tanks and filmed in a California desert with the help of Hollywood pros. The book trailer probably cost more than fruchtwein of us would spend- but it was an over-the-top way to show serious World War II buffs that the author meant business. And as a bonus, it helped land Pressfield a gig with the History Channel, narrating a television show about General Erwin Rommel.

The Monster Genius Pitfall

The Monster Genius Pitfall Drop by anytime you would like to read no cost fast latest novel. Nobody cares what it is that youre thinking ahead of shooting a commercial, they simply would like you to shut up and do your work. Besides the Floating Image Pearl, its the Divine Pill and the gods which help to cultivate. Genius is definitely modest, he explained, with a laugh that wasnt good to hear. In plus-rechnen, the guy that buried him is essential to the story too. Thanks so much in case you read all of the way to the bottom I cant binnensee what you are speaking about. Once here, speak to your Palico, and make sure that you leave them behind. The look of a person does not appear old, but the bone age can reflect the real age of someone. But because of this, Xiao Luo wasnt responsible in any respect. In terms of the fruits you would like, the exact same is true. In terms of the fruit, I didnt encounter it. God fruit, the overall effect is much better than Divine Pill, a nd the majority of the fruit can be refining into Divine Pill, not many folks sell directly. Hes chased around the health club by other clients and jumps from a second story window. The road differs from many other comprehension Space Law people. So the residence is now purchased. When it isnt, quick travel to Rotten Vale Central Camp (11) and you are going to want to visit Area 15. A number of them were what youd anticipate, while a number of them were outright insightful. At best, itll be a fantastic behaviourist. So it is a tough one, as its all intuitive for me. It cant truly be explained. Up in Arms About Monster Genius? Rap Monster is just one of the biggest driving forces behind Bangtan. There are over 90 Genius on the planet, but only some are active. Monster Math provides a completely new story and a different type of adaptive game play to keep the math levels at the most suitable distributions-mix for children. Prepare to get devastated by Joker. The tour de force role is a significant challenge for virtually any actress. I think that its only fitting our leader takes the very first spin Hes almost always a dependable leader. The Appeal of Monster Genius Whether youre into rock or not, this song will certainly make it in your playlist. The lyrics are extremely defensive. The album includes 14 tracks. It consists of ten tracks. This is 1 movie youve got to experience for yourself. I understand this film meant a lot to a good deal of people, but I think that it meant the most to him. Especially since she isnt really a character in the movie It would take some type of mad genius to receive critics to provide high praise to a film starring Adam Sandler. The truth of the problem is that prices are excessively expensive in many areas no matter government intervention. We do so to be able to be in a position to get in touch with you in connection with job opportunities which are currently available and relevant positions that be come available later on. Yet prime mortgage defaults are currently soaring because the simple fact that you are able to buy something doesnt indicate that it is possible to afford it or that employment is still hemorrhaging. And of course we have a lot of things in various stages of development at various businesses. In the process, I thought I want to hold responsibility for that and I have to think about such things. Its possible to even receive a skill-by-skill analysis. Hip-hop is totally free and open but at the very same time that its a really conservative culture too. Fassbinders establishment of a Hollywood-like manufacturing base remains one of his best innovations, not just in terms of its uniqueness vis-a-vis the bigger German film scene but in addition due to its extraordinary success. Consider catching up to $26,461 when youre already struggling. Because theres no smoke without fire. In the event the bird doesnt spawn in any way, you will wish to fast travel ba ck to Astera, and start your expedition process over again to see whether it spawns in. Christmas is the ideal excuse to have an office party so make the the majority of it. The TheaterWorks production has a couple of difficulties, too. The most urgent task is to locate a way to cover up my bones. So, timing is vital. This is a chemistry experiment that you dont wish to repeat in regard to human beings, Keteyian states.

Avoid These Mistakes When Building Your Personal Brand

Avoid These Mistakes When Building Your Personal Brand When you want to build a anthroponym for yourself, taking time to focus on your brand is crucial.What is a personal brand? In short, its who you are, what you are good at, andwhat people go to you for. Its your reputationand your unique set of skills, values, and strengths. Your personal brand represents your value to your target company.In todays digital world, boosting your brand isnecessary if you are tokeep up with the competition. Avoiding some common mistakes along the way will help you develop your brand and showcase your ROI to your target audience. Youre going to spend a lot of time shaping your brand no matter what, so you might as well do it right the first time.Liar, Liar, Pants on FirePeople can see right through a person when they arent authentic. You can optimize your LinkedIn profile to make yourself sound like an expert at everything, but that will only get you so far.Its possible to boost your brand without going overboard. Remember, youmust be able to back up everything you say on your profile when you make connections in person. Exaggerating in your profile is, essentially, lying. Not only willthis limit your opportunities, but it could also cause permanent damage to yourcareer. It only takes onelie to ruin your reputation forever.Is Your Message Clear?In order to send a clear personal branding message, you have to know what youre trying tosay.Take time to understand your professional identity and the unique value you can offer to employers. Also, give people a glimpse into your future. What goals do you aim to reachalong your career path? Creating the strongest personal brand requires complete alignment between your overall message and every aspect of your professional presence.Dont Forget to Target Your AudienceIt doesnt do your brand a lot of good if you dont know to whom your brand should be marketed. When it comes to personal branding, you have to be able to connect with the right audience in order to make a name for yourself.Research your target employers and professional connections. Understand their missions, values, and goals. Then, you can tailor your brand to reflect these things, thereby creating a personal connection between yourself and your audience.Social Media Is KeyMany of my clients tell me they dont want to deal with social media. It seems daunting, or tedious, just one more thing they have to do. Others simply dont want their private lives out there.First, you dont have to worry about putting your personal businessonline. When you use LinkedIn, you are only telling your career story. Second, social media platforms are key to job searching, networking, and showcasing your brand in the digital age. People will be searching for you on these platforms, so ensure your presence is strong and professional.Its okay to maintain personal accounts, but be sure to strengthen your privacy settings so prospective employers ca nt find them.Align Your Personal and Professional BrandsThe best way to earn and keep business today is through trust. If an employers or professional contacts trust in you wavers, that could spell the end for your professional relationship.Always be honest with your brand. If you aim to show people that you value trustworthiness and professionalism, then get those pictures of you skipping work andchugging beers at the game off your profiles. Your personal brand and your professional brand go hand-in-hand. Make sure they are aligned.Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a certified professional resume writer, career consultant, and the president ofProfessional Resume Services.

CIOs Reveal Top Barriers To Bringing On Tech Talent

CIOs Reveal Top Barriers To Bringing On Tech TalentCIOs Reveal Top Barriers To Bringing On Tech Talent*/Read the infographic text.TECH HIRING TROUBLESIs your hiring process preventing you from landing the best talent?CIOs say these are the most common barriers to their firms when hiring top candidates44% Candidates want higher salaries than we offer33% Not enough qualified applicants21% Company is not seen as an employer of choiceTIMING IS EVERYTHINGCIOs were asked, How long does it typically take to fill a staff-level IT role in your department?24% One to two weeks47% Three to four weeks2% mora than three months27% Between one and three monthsOn average, CIOs reported it takes 4.5 weeks to fill a staff-level IT role.41% of CIOs say the hiring process for staff-level IT roles takes longer than they would like57% of workers surveyed said the most frustrating part of the job search is the long wait post-interview to hear if they got the job.Workers were asked, After an interview, how l ong are you willing to wait for an employer to inform you of your status before you lost interest in the role?23% Up to one week46% One to two weeks8% More than a month23% Two to four weeksSource Robert Half Technology survey of more than 2,500 CIOs and Robert Half survey of more than 1,000 workers in the United States. 2017 Robert Half Technology. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Preparing For Your 2007 Job Search

Preparing For Your 2007 Job SearchPreparing For Your 2007 Job SearchOut With the Old, In With the NewHappy New Year Whether your 2006 was a bang or a bust, theres always room for career advancement in 2007. The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to set your sights on beginning a new job or career.To prepare for personal and professional success in the New Year, its wise to take some time for reflection and housecleaning. Before youre ready to move on to something new, youll want to tie up loose ends, put any negative thoughts behind you, and focus on your goals in both your profession and your life. Youll be amazed at how good youll feel when you can truly start your job search with a clean slate. Here are some suggestions - both personal and professional which can help you get you off to a great start. Follow these and youll be ready for greatness in 2007. In Your Professional LifeThink about every aspect of your career - past, present and future. If youre currently une mployed, focus on what, for you, defines a good transition. If youre employed, but considering your options for 2007, think about why youre dissatisfied. Do the negative aspects of your current job have a tendency to worsen? Would you be happy or unhappy to find yourself in the same place you are now in 2008?Your Career Past. Have you made direct contact with potential references from past jobs? How do you plan to stay in touch with them? What will they say to erleichterung your move to a new position? If you left your last job under difficult circumstances, what can you do to get rid of any bad feelings of anger, fear, or resentment? Sometimes career coaching can be helpful with this.Your Career Present. Have you spoken confidentially with people at a current job whove agreed to give you references? How will you make an easy transition from this position to another? Are you likely to get a counter-offer from your current job? Do you have unfinished business at this job? Think about what you would need to do when you give notice and have two weeks to close everything out. Then do what you can nowIn terms of the documents youll need, have you updated your resume ? Is everything on it verifiable? Do you have a portfolio (formal or informal) about your recent duties and accomplishments? When you leave your job you dont want to take information that is restricted by confidentiality agreements. But it is your responsibility to keep your own record of your career highlights. Is this one of those things youve always meant to do? If so, make a New Years resolution to actually do it now.Your Career Future. You should have a written job search plan in place, with tangible goals for what you intend to do and when you expect to get your new position. If you want a new job by April 1st, what is your 90-day plan? Exactly what will your target job look like? Have you made a list of all the people you can contact, through professional associations, internet resources, and loc al job networking groups? Who is in your support group? How many hours a week do you realistically plan to devote to this? Be specific.In Your Personal LifeJanuary is a great time for housekeeping for all aspects of your personal life. If your personal life is not in buchung, it may impact your ability to focus on your job search. Whether youre unemployed or employed, take any steps you can to clear the decks so youre ready to get right to work when you land your next job.Your Home Office. Is it in good shape? When was the last time you actually cleaned your office thoroughly, in every nook and cranny? Is the garbage can overflowing or are there crumbs on your desk? Are your plants healthy? Have you cleared out old paperwork, particularly anything related to your past job(s)? Are your computer files such as e-mail and contact database records cleaned up? This is a good time to get rid of anything that will be irrelevant to your 2007. If you are unhappy with your prior employer, give away all the briefcases, clothing, and other items with the company logo. For things you do want to keep, such as performance reviews and examples of your work, put them in storage. You dont need to see them every day.Your 2006 Taxes. Heres an unusual strategy. What if you assume that you will be too busy with your new job in March and April to focus on your taxes at that time? Get everything in order now, particularly if you have a refund coming. This is a really good way to emotionally and financially close things down for 2006.Your Personal Care. There are things we do not often discuss as professionals. But, when was the last time you went through your closet? Are your clothes ready if you got a new job tomorrow? What about grooming, such as hair and nails? Are there medical appointments you can take care of now, such as getting your teeth cleaned? Does your pet need to go to the veterinarian? Assume you wont have the time to take off for those types of medical appointments whe n you start your new job. Does your house need clutter cleared or repairs made? It is indirect, but the more you can clear up your personal life, the more you can focus on your job search.Skeptical? These suggestions work. I have had people tell me they were glad to throw out work clothes they didnt want anymore. They felt more prepared for a new job. Others have been really surprised at how good it felt to get their taxes done in January, particularly if the previous year was tough financially.Some people prefer to really do an all hands on deck effort, particularly for dealing with a backlog of things to be handled in their personal lives. Others prefer to do a little every week. Its up to youGet rid of anything you do not need from 2006 in both your personal and professional life. Try it Preparation in January will help you get your new job in 2007.

This Trick Will Make Your Résumé Stand Out

This Trick Will Make Your Rsum Stand OutThis Trick Will Make Your Rsum Stand OutWhen crafting a rsum, perhaps the most important thing you should do is aim to differentiate yourself from other job applicants. After all, the ultimate goal is to make your rsum stand out to recruiters, enough so that they reach out to you individually. So, how can you make your rsum stand out? We have a trick youve likely never considered.Although it can be tempting to distinguish your rsum by making it visually different from others (using an unusual font or adding extra design elements), its best to stick to a traditional rsum format for most jobs. Visual discrepancies can actually work against you- unless youre applying for a creativeposition.That said, using a traditional rsum format can be limiting, making it hard to express your personality and work style, both of which can be major factors in a recruiters ultimate decision to hire you- or not.The solution? In your rsum, hyperlink to work youve cr eated to showcase not only examples of the caliber and kind of work you produce but also your writing voice and work style. For example, hyperlinking to reports, published articles, or graphic design samples will add another dimension to your rsum. This, in turn, will personalize you in the eyes of recruiters, who will associate you with producing high quality work of a certain type. Furthermore, many job applicants dont link samples of their work to their rsums, so by doing so youll differentiate yourself from them and gain a competitive advantage.That said, be careful not to overwhelm your reader by including too many hyperlinks in your rsum- be selective and choose just a couple examples of your best work. And while youre at it, you may as well hyperlink your email address, to make it easier for the hiring manager to reach out to you directly.So now on to the technical part- how do you hyperlink a rsum? First, if youre applying to a position online, you should check whether the a pplication allows you to upload your rsum as a PDF. Unless the application requires you to submit a plain-text rsum, you should always submit your rsum as a PDF in order to preserve the formatting and links.Once your rsum PDF is ready, use a free tool such as PDFescape to link words on your rsum to their corresponding URLs. Leave the URLs themselves off the page, as they can appear clunky and take up valuable real estate on your rsum that could be delineating more of your accomplishments. Furthermore, if the hiring manager happens to print out your rsum, he or she is unlikely to type a URL out on the computer- so its best to just use hyperlinks, which will not appear when a rsum is printed out.Once youve added all the links you wish, save your rsum as a PDF with your first and last name, the name of the company youre applying to, followed by the word rsum, and voil Your rsum is ready for submission.