Week five Procrastinating, Computer Screens, Coventry and Amsterdam

Week five Procrastinating, Computer Screens, Coventry and Amsterdam by Michael Cheary Week five:  Procrastinating, Computer Screens, Coventry and Amsterdam  This week our interns completed important projects, got some new hardware, and travelled to exotic lands. Oh, and Coventry.  Here’s what they had to say about  week five:ANDREWDo you remember how at the beginning of every term while you were in uni you said to yourself, “I’m going to start things early, work hard everyday, and not procrastinate?”Do you then remember saying a couple weeks later, “I really shouldn’t have procrastinated?”  After looking at the list of projects we still need to  start  finish on our white board within the next three weeks, that feeling of mild despair has come over me this past week…  Partly because I’ve always had an over-sensitive panic mode button in the back of my mind, and partly because the movement of projects between “In Progress” to “Done” seems to be moving slower than the stagnation of tourists trying to figure out how t o navigate Piccadilly Circus’s underground station.  (Side note: Completely hypocritical, but if I could I’d write the 10 Commandments as to how  not  to be an annoying tourist in London).  The neon jumble that is our mess of sticky notes plastered on our desk, detailing the subtasks we need to complete for each project is one of the few things keeping me moderately sane on the inside.  While in the back of my mind I’m beating myself up for not planning things out sooner versus having my head up in the rainy clouds of London, there’s something reassuring about this all.  It’s oddly comforting to know that the bad habits we cultivated in school can still plague adults in the professional workplace; “Familiarity with dealing with the side effects of procrastination” might have to find a place onto my LinkedIn.It may be a frantic rush, but the light at the end of the proverbial tube tunnel is steadfast approaching, unless you’re the unlucky fellow stuck queueing for the central line.  That light may never come in that case.  STEPHANIEAfter an amazing bank holiday weekend attending a beautiful wedding in Coventry (I promise, I don’t make these things up; it’s my third one this summer), I managed to come in to work and look at our white board full of tasks and deadlines and realise we were in week 5 already! And it hit me. As the tasks get wiped away at the end of each week and our board gets clearer, summer is gradually escaping back to its cave and our time is slowly but surely coming to an end.The routine of waking up, getting the 07:48 train, having a nice newspaper read (and the occasional nap, then waking up with people intensely staring) and skipping up the escalators to work shall surely be missed. But I digress, although, I shall save my Emmy-style speech for the very last blog.So far, each task I have been a part of has been so different from the next and, even though the last couple of projects will be challenging, I can’t wai t to start tackling them. I would say one main thing I’ve enjoyed the most is using my personal experience in finding jobs as a fresh graduate and use my first-hand insights to enhance customer experience for reed.co.uk.It’s exciting to see teams of people that are open to suggestions and an alternative view on things and I feel this is one main reason why reed.co.uk is developing so well. They’re not afraid of change when it comes to improvement.As the weeks are winding down and our bonds are much closer, it seems like just yesterday we went to eat at Wagamamas on day 1. Well, like I said, I shall leave the sentimental reflections for the last blog post. Till then, we have important projects to finish: reed.co.uk wasn’t built in a day!ALLYI cannot recall when The Monitor was installed at our desks. This is not because I have a hazy memory or short attention span. I was away Monday and Tuesday and did not have the privilege of witnessing the birth of this equipment into our lives. I wish I had. The Monitor, which stands sentinel at our desk and proudly displays all our dates and projects, may as well be a child to me, so attached have I grown to it and, dare I say, it to me.All it takes is a casual swipe of the mouse pointer from the netbook to that mysterious land of the east, and whatever one is carrying swoops off to the big screen for all to see. Magic, you say? Why of course not, mostly it’s technology. With a little magic sprinkled in of course.Some days The Monitor gazes into the distance with our calendar appointments blazing bright. Other days we gather round it and work on our project unified by a single screen. Some days, I admit, The Monitor lays blank and forgotten until all of a sudden we notice the void in our lives and race to turn it on again, imploring forgiveness for our negligence and ignorance. On no day does The Monitor let us down.Why, it was but a few days ago we were gathered at The Monitor like children round a campfire. Wit h a draft of our presentation in front of us we could communicate together in a way that was far less feasible before. Even as we wrote our individual career guides for reed.co.uk, The Monitor was there standing tall and silent, showing us the career guide template like a teacher reveals an answer. Heroism in its purest form.Many have written on the efficacy of this machine. Many agree it is the future of desktop information technology. Some naysayers hold fast to their camp and deprecate this innovation, while some straddle the fence and say nothing. This intern knows where he stands. Do you?CONNORAsk and you shall receive… After writing last week’s blog, I have experienced an increase in the level of accountability as my assignments have progressed. I even got the chance to edit and update what is perhaps the most important financial document that is required of the company.I am becoming progressively more efficient with my daily tasks and it seems as if the amount of hours in the day have diminished. It’s hard to believe that five weeks have already gone by and the next three will presumably pass even quicker.This Bank Holiday, Yaseen, his cousin, and I travelled out of the UK to a city that I, honestly, never expected to have the privilege to see: Amsterdam. Now, before your pre-conceived notions of what an intern would do while on holiday in a city known for its widely controversial amenities, I just wanted to say that I am in utter awe of the immense beauty this city has to offer. I swear I took a picture of every street, building, and immaculate dish we encountered. It seemed as if every decision we made while there was the right one. From our accommodation with terrace having a 360 degree view, to the Italian and bagel cafes we randomly decided to walk in to, it all went seamlessly. Overall, the city surpassed all the (good) expectations I had of it and it will go down as one of the best weekends of my life.All in all, it was a solid and very fas t week. Perhaps, that is because I was anxious for the weekend’s escapades but I am glad that my work responsibilities have grown.YASEENThis is not the usual blog which my audience has grown accustomed to.This weekend was not the typical weekend. Excuse my short and simple prose, for that is all my weary brain can handle at present. I am happy to report to my blog family that I have successfully travelled to and somehow returned from Amsterdam.  I decided that was a great place to end the paragraph for the gravitas of that statement to actually sink in. All stereotypes aside, I am quite convinced that Amsterdam is the nicest place in the world. I know what youre thinking: stupid American, go travel and see the beauty this world has to offer. But I will have you know I have travelled quite a bit, and what I truly meant was that in terms of people, scenery, and general affability of the city, Amsterdam tops them all.  I will not comment on the relaxed nature or laws of the country , but I can say that all of my stupid childish expectations of Amsterdam were shattered.The reason I bring up my trip is because I could not help but see the relationship between this liberal, relaxed country and our very own reed.co.uk. The liberal nature of the country allows its citizens and tourists alike to engage in any kind of activity they choose to partake in, a freedom that most countries cannot fathom, let alone grant. At reed.co.uk not a single employee is forced to “clock in” or out, and there is a work culture so agreable it does nothing but create a drive to work.The city’s backdrop is as beautiful as any other, but with its liberal views it is also able to be extremely efficient. reed.co.uk has an office as advanced as NASA (OK, possibly an exageration), with lovely colour schemes, and filled with the most open-minded individuals, in a relaxed environment, with no a dress code, which most would think may lead to some chaotic corporate disorder. It is amazing to see how much more efficient employees perform when they are given some personal liberties both physically and mentally.  reed.co.uk is the UK’s top recruitment specialist, and the more time I spend interning here, the less trouble I have understanding why or how. I do apologise for my ghastly juxtaposition of Amsterdam and reed.co.uk but it is currently 4:30 pm and my office chair seems to be slowly creeping to the pub.The interns have finished week five. Stay tuned to see how they get on in the coming weeks.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development Features

How to Use a Resume Pre-Writing Activity

How to Use a Resume Pre-Writing ActivitySometimes the most difficult aspect of creating a resume is pre-writing. And if you're having trouble with this activity, then this article should help you.When it comes to pre-writing activity, there are several techniques that you can try. The most important thing is to be clear on what your objective is. Making a good resume isn't as hard as you think.What I recommend you do is to write down your objective in your letter of intent. I like to put the words 'To Apply For...' and write in bold under my name. That way I know I'm being targeted for employment.In pre-writing activity, you should also think about the audience you're trying to target. The audience in your job application includes both you and your prospective employer. The potential employer is looking for the right candidate. That's why they're calling your references.Your resume is a first impression. The more clearly you can state the benefits of your skills, the better. Also rem ember that your resume is what your employer sees when they read it.Keep your resume interesting by presenting it in different ways. Include a section of bullet points that allow your employer to skim through and decide whether you're the right fit. You could also use them to list strengths and weaknesses.To submit your resume, you'll need to use Microsoft Word. This is the tool of choice for most employers. Use a new version of it. You'll find all the instructions and tips you need for proper formatting in the Help menu of Word.If you want your resume to be viewed, you should consider sending it electronically. There are many vendors who offer electronic submissions. It's important that you double check that the submission is properly formatted for the best results.

Five Things To Know Before Accepting A Job Offer - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Five Things To Know Before Accepting A Job Offer - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Whether you’re starting your career or looking to improve your present one, you need to start looking out for yourself.  After all, if you’re not for yourself, who will look out for you? But on the other hand if you’re only out for yourself, what kind of person are you? The wisdom behind these questions can be applied to your job search. They force us to look  inward  and consider the way were living our lives. They also challenge us to be accountable for our choices. Would any employer want to hire you if they sense your goals are entirely self-serving? I’m sure you answered, of course not.  At first glance these questions might sound obvious or too philosophical to apply to your life right now but they are the most essential questions job candidates need to ask themselves. You need to understand the yinyang of the employee-employer relationship to make the most of your situation. Striking the right balance between caring for yourself and filling the needs of your employer will determine your success, happiness and fulfillment at work. On one hand you have to think about what you can offer your employer that will add value to his/her firm, but on the other hand you need to look after yourself.   Ultimately it’s up to each person to do his research in order to find an optimal work environment. As a career coach, I’m responsible for helping people match their interests and skills with the needs of the world may it be for college admissions or for employment. I consistently stress the importance of getting yourself known as a person who identifies problems, finds solutions and is a valuable team player. That being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t share the other side of the coin. There is a pervasive problem of unfulfilled potential and mismatches in the job market. Far too many people are leaving jobs disgruntled because they didn’t really know what they were getting into when they accepted their job offer.   More often than not I’d argue that this situation could have been avoided. A recent poll by consulting firm  Accenture shows that many 2013 grads, 34%, say they were willing to take the first job they were offered. The urgency to accept a first offer sheds light on the high anxiety among job hunters. It also suggests that many think it’s presumptuous to have any personal criteria in ones job search.  In doing so candidates miss the opportunity to find a job that fits their needs. This strategy hurts both the job candidate and the perspective employer. Take stock of the big picture In today’s challenging economy it may sound absurd to suggest that prospective new hires should be discriminating when it comes to choosing where they work.   According to the U.S. Census Bureau, College graduates’ of 2014 have an unemployment rate that is the highest in over 20 years. CNN called them the ‘Boomerang’ kids: 85% of college grads moved home in 2012. This could explain why in recent years job candidates have become more conservative in their approach to seeking employment. Here’s some encouraging news Though job candidates need to be realistic about the competitive market they’re entering, they needn’t fall into despair. The median forecast in a recent Bloomberg survey called for 4.02 million job openings. In other words, there are still jobs available and companies who are hiring. Having a strategy for getting hired is more important than ever in both preparing for your interviews and knowing what to look for in a prospective company. Now’s the time to focus on what will make you happy in the long run and see what you CAN do to leverage your skills. A great match in the job force is at the intersection of what you want and what the world needs. This is also the intersection where you can find your purpose and will be engaged and productive at work.   Take time to understand yourself and your desires. Infuse some realism into your idealism and approach your job search with positivity and some criteria that’s focused both on what you can do for the firm and what you need to get in return.  Be discreet in terms of what you share about your personal needs.   This is for you to know as you pursue a specific place of employment.  It’s not what you share in your interview. As a wise person once said, “Hold your cards close to your chest.” See: how to ace any interview 5 things to know before accepting your next job offer  Your boss’s management style.  Most job candidates don’t realize that your boss will have a huge effect on your overall well-being at work. Find out as much as you can about him/her before accepting your offer, as s/he will determine the major factors, which will affect your job satisfaction.  What you’ll need in terms of salary and benefits.  Learn what it will take to cover your living expenses.   Salary.com is a good place to find out what youre worth in the marketplace. Job duties that will be interesting or challenging. Company’s culture.  What is the atmosphere in the firm? Do they encourage creativity and innovation. Is it formal or informal? Growth opportunities. In short, learn as much as possible about what you’re getting into so you don’t end up frustrated and burnt out in your new job. Working for a boss who is a great leader will make a huge difference on how inspired you are to get up every day and go to work and whether you go home everyday feeling fulfilled by your work. Try to assess how employees feel about their immediate boss and about the CEO. Your supervisor typically controls the work you get, your salary, growth opportunities and the overall atmosphere in the office. Don’t underestimate the importance of being able to click with him/her. This person will either nurture your innovation and creativity or stifle it so look for a boss (not just a company name) who is known to be a great leader. Look  beyond a company’s management profile, website and Facebook page  and  find people who actually work at this company (or who previously did)  to learn the truth about what it’s like to work there and what you can expect as a new hire. If you don’t know anyone personally who works at a firm youre interested in, use LinkedIn to connect with people there;  Join your LinkedIn alumni association group and industry related groups on LinkedIn and connect with people from these groups who work at firms that interest you. You can then  request a 15-minute informational interview  with these current (or past) employees. The personal stories insiders share will give you a glimpse into your future. The insights you gain could help you avoid unnecessary headaches from accepting an offer where the culture could stifle your growth and happiness. Key questions to ask in an information interview:  The answers to these questions could help you discern whether your next job will be a great fit or a potential disaster. Here’s a list of positive traits you should look for in your next employer: Builds trust Gives public recognition of others accomplishments Puts employees needs before his/her own Make people feel they belong Frequently says, ‘How can I help you?’ Gives employees his/her time Give up perks when it matters Encourages employees to take control of projects and run with them Creates a safe environment; one where employees feel they express views, no finger-pointing Is open to creative ideas (employees don’t feel they’re being critically judged) Encourages people with different skills to work together Fosters Leadership: give others leadership opportunities to drive action Encourages taking risk: allows employees to try new ways of doing things or new projects that no one has tried before Affords autonomy: allow employees to work independently on projects Offers training Offers meaningful work: delegates work that is challenging and interesting Provides space for both social and private time Five signs your next boss could be a nightmare Has a reputation for: Taking control of all decisions Assuming credit for other’s work Pushing hard for compliance  Expecting others to follow whether right or wrong Always knowing the answer… gives orders vs. encourages collaboration Hiring managers appreciate candidates who have done their homework about what the company does, how they do it, what distinguishes the firm in the market and how they could add value there. Being able to articulate what you like about the company’s culture is a sensible thing to mention in an interview as it will show your emotional maturity.  After all, companies make a huge investment in training new employees. Its in their interest for you to succeed as they’re investing in you from the moment they say yes to an interview! Great corporate cultures do exist at both large, medium and small companies but they aren’t necessarily ones that pay top salaries or have a known brand. Since you’re the one who will benefit from finding a place that makes you happy to get up and go to work every day, it’s worth doing some preliminary research before you set off on requesting interviews. The best companies to work for are ones that help their employees develop their skills, foster a collaborative atmosphere, celebrate each other’s successes and have a collegial culture. They groom leaders who will perpetuate this supportive, trusting environment.   Looking for these corporate cultures will give you your best chance to thrive. Ignore the naysayers who discourage you from looking for meaningful work in the marketplace.  The process might take a little longer, but the result could be life altering.   With the right kind of research you might find work thats challenging and an environment where you can have an impact. If you feel happy at work 80% of the time thats a sign youve found the right balance between your needs and your employers. Your scoping out the marketplace prior to accepting an offer will improve your chances of achieving your career goals.

Upcoming Get Ahead Club Interview With Kristi Hedges

Upcoming Get Ahead Club Interview With Kristi Hedges I am so very excited to announce an amazing interview we have coming up in the Get Ahead Club. Our next interview is Monday, December 9th with Kristi Hedges, author of    The Power of Presence: Unlock Your Potential to Influence and Engage Others. Kristi Hedges is a communications expert, author, speaker and sought after leadership coach. In her 20-year career working with leaders to help them communicate more effectively she’s encountered every personality type imaginable, yet remains more than a little passionate that anyone can learn presence. Her workshops and leadership coaching programs have been utilized by CEOs and teams of all sizes in companies spanning the Fortune 500, government, non-profit and privately held businesses. She runs her own coaching practice, The Hedges Company, and is a founding partner in the leadership development firm, Element North. Kristi writes about leadership for Forbes.com , and penned “The Leadership Factor” column for Entrepreneur.com for more than three years. She’s been featured in publications as diverse as Washington Post, Reuters, MSNBC.com, Dallas Morning News, TheStreet.com and numerous others. She’s been honored as one of the “50 Women Who Mean Business in Washington, D.C.” and as an owner of a top 25 Largest Women-Owned Businesses by the Washington Business Journal. What is the Get Ahead Club? I created the  Classy Career Girl Get Ahead Club  for professional women who are determined to get ahead in their careers.  This is my entry level of membership  and a great way to have ongoing access to me and other career experts at a very affordable rate. Topics range from how to get promoted, how to manage your time, how to find your dream job and how to manage stress and burnout. These women that I pick to interview are women that I REALLY want to talk to. I have heard them speak before and they have completely inspired me.  So I am being very picky and only choosing the best experts and successful professional women that I REALLY want to talk to. So I won’t waste your time. This is as good as it gets!  Today there are over 48 women in the Get Ahead Club and  the interview recordings are ready to  download and listen to for inspiration and motivation at your fingertips!  I suggest listening to them while you are working at your desk, driving to work or exercising. I am a big fan of making the best use of my time and sitting and doing nothing is not something I am good at:) Getting ahead is hard and I don’t want you to do it alone.  I want to support you and so does everyone else in the club.  Click here to join us in the club. I encourage you to invest this small amount in your future career success and then get ready to GET AHEAD!

Tips For Writing Resume For Argentina

Tips For Writing Resume For ArgentinaWriting a resume for Argentina can be very difficult and this is why you must be able to make use of the most commonly used resume formats in order to be able to get through your application with flying colors. However, when you do find yourself in a situation where you need to take the time to create a resume that will help you land a job, it can be extremely frustrating. You want to be able to be as prepared as possible, but with all of the hassle that comes with preparing a resume, it can be difficult to create something that meets your expectations.The first thing that you should do when you are creating a resume for Argentina is sit down and discuss what your goals are. What are the tasks that you would like to have accomplished before you arrive in Argentina? You should also make sure that you prepare a short list of skills that you would like to have before you arrive. This will help you when you are creating a resume for Argentina.Once you have a rough idea of what you want out of your resume, you should then spend some time in order to learn as much as you can about the different fields that you want to apply for. This is important because you will want to make sure that your resume matches up with the job openings that you find. There are certain requirements in the United States that need to be met in order to find jobs in certain types of fields. If you are applying for a job in the science field, for example, it would be a good idea to list this on your resume.After you have a basic idea of what you want your resume to consist of, you will need to set out some specific fields that you would like to focus on. You will also want to create a summary of your career. In order to do this, you will need to think about what you would like to emphasize about your abilities and skills. You can do this by listing down any specific projects that you have workedon or any specific skills that you have.When you are creating a resume for Argentina, you should look at your resume from a different perspective. Instead of thinking about what other people think about your abilities, you should start to put yourself in their shoes. What will you have to offer a potential employer?Once you have taken the time to organize your career and what you would like to highlight about your skills, you should go about filling out your resume in a logical way. When you are doing this, you will need to make sure that you understand all of the format options that are available. There are many ways that you can make sure that your resume will be understood by whoever reads it.Keep your resume concise. A resume that is too long will not be read by the employer. It is important that you keep it simple and to the point. You should write down your objective and give a brief overview of what your skills and responsibilities are, but you should also keep your resume as short as possible.No matter what writing resume for Argentina l ooks like, it will be helpful if you know the basics of how to use these formats. You should never rush through a resume or try to make it look fancy. You should always be professional and give a strong impression with your resume.

How to Turn Your Workspace into a Desk Sanctuary CareerMetis.com

How to Turn Your Workspace into a Desk Sanctuary â€" CareerMetis.com With the new year comes a desire for a fresh start, and the most common ways people set out to achieve this is through a new fitness program or by giving up unhealthy foods.And while these are always great ideas, all too often we neglect to pay attention to some other aspects of our lives that could use some freshening up as well.For example, when is the last time you resolved to do things that would help your mental state and bring focus and clarity to your mind?evalOne way we suggest that you can do this fairly easily is by starting at your workspace or desk and taking the time to clean and organize. While it can seem like a dreaded chore, taking a few minutes to tidy up each day and keep on top of your clutter.If you’re someone who might be tempted to skip this or forget, consider adding a reminder to your work calendar or phone to go off and remind you. Also, try to do this at the same time each day so that this task becomes a habit that’s built into your routine.Sure, some s ay that a disorganized atmosphere is better for creativity, but some serious studieshave been done on the topic of messy vs clean desk and have been able to prove that a an organized desk dramatically improves productivity and focus of one at work.So maybe go ahead and daydream or brainstorm ideas in your disorganized space, but keep a clean desk for when it’s time to sit down, focus and crank away!With the right desk set-up, you could be looking at days filled with focus, balance, clarity and heightened creativity. The best part it, all it takes is some good decluttering and a few small arrangement adjustments â€" invest in a comfortable chair and your workspace will start feeling a little less like a disaster zone and more like a sanctuary.Thisinfographic from National Penhas some great ideas on how to get started and spark some inspiration so you can start feeling stress-free in no time.To summarize, the infographic suggests you should change your layout and implement some guid elines of Feng Shui, infuse your desk with purpose and declutter.evalIt also suggests adding a personal touch and bringing in some natural elements by adding plants.Lastly, the graphic suggests adjusting your lighting and adding a splash of color.If any of those resonate with you, check out the graphic below for more details. And if you have any ideas of your own, share them in the comments!

Are You Ready for the Other Side

Are You Ready for the Other Side Photo credit: Nick Kenrick.. on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA [Article republished from “Mondays with Mike â€" 2/12/18” email newsletter  ==  Subscribe to get weekly newsletter in your inbox plus FREE REPORT] Im a planner. I almost always think things through before taking a big leap. But even for me, I dont always truly understand what Im getting myself into before I jump. Now maybe youre like me.   Or maybe not.   Maybe you just jump and figure it out later.   Thats fine too. Today I want to share my experience with several of these jumps.   Either from my personal experience or from conversations with people whove taken the jump.   To give you a sense of what the other side is like.   And to give you some ideas on how to make a better transition. Parkour I took up Parkour (the art of moving around obstacles quickly and easily) as a way to get some exercise outdoors (I hate working out in a gym).   I got inspired by watching American Ninja Warrior on TV (an obstacle course competition) and thought this might be something I could do to get in shape with and also do with the kids when I took them to the park without looking ridiculous (because Im just playing with my kids, right?) So you jump from place to place, climb walls, vault over things, jump off things with a soft landing or roll. I found it entertaining.   And as I progressed I tried different things. And if youve ever watched this stuff on TV or YouTube, youve also seen the fails. One time I was vaulting over the side of a slide but planted my hand wrong and biffed it.   Happened to have my kids and Dad there.   They all got a chuckle out of it. In this case Id done the vault many times before but not with this kind of hand placement.   And I failed. I failed many times and luckily none resulted in injuries other than skinned elbows. But by taking the risks and learning as I went I found the skills helpful. One case was I was going on a run and one of the expansion cracks as I went from the sidewalk to the street was raised extra high and caught my foot.   I lost my footing and tumbled head over heels.   But because Id practiced my Parkour Roll so many times, I automatically tucked into my roll, rolled smoothly, and popped back up and kept runningnot even a scratch ?? Now you might be asking, What does that have to do with me?   I couldnt care less about learning Parkour. So lets take the next one. The Other Side of 9 to 5 There are three version of this two  Ive already experienced and one  Im preparing for. My first experience with this was back in the late 80s.   I got a job selling residential real estate. Now this was before I had many 9 to 5 jobs. I loved that I set my own schedule and no one told me what I had to do.   My manager gave me guidance.   Such as about how to farm a neighborhood (getting the owner info from a title company and then walking the neighborhood and talking to homeowners). But early on I realized that doing this during the daytime, even back then when the working mom thing wasnt as common, there were still very few people home at that time that I could talk to.   They were generally gone during normal business hours.   Either at work or out running kids around or shopping or just not answering the door. So I found that I was working more evenings and weekends. The fun part was this allowed me to go golfing during the day during the week.   When the courses were wide open.   One time I golfed with other people in a similar situation as me.   They were pro bowlers coming through the area.   They bowled when people watched (evenings and weekends).   So our schedules lined up. The downside of all this was my friends werent available when I was home.   So even though I had time to do things when others werent and that allowed me to avoid the crowds, I couldnt do it with people I wanted to share my time with.   That sucked.   It was lonely for me.   Didnt like it. So that got me thinking, especially as I crossed the 50 year old mark, what retirement will be like.   And how I might plan it better. Retirement Planning Retirement isnt just about having the money to retire.   That is a very important piece.   But what many neglect is the social part of retirement. When you go from spending 8-12 hours (including prep and commute) at a job.   And then you now have that time available to you now (40-60 extra hours a week to do something).   It can be a shock to your system. Are your friends retiring with you?   Or are you going to have to make new friends? Do you have a hobby that can take up a big part of each day? Can you volunteer? Can you consult? Will you spouse or partner be okay with having you around the house that much more?   Or will you drive each other crazy? Heres the thing. Most people get really excited during the first few years of retirement.   They take up golf.   They travel.   They do the things on their bucket list. But at a certain point youve run through the list of things that you were really excited about doing and now youre down to the ho hum ideas. So you scale that back. And at that point you really need to figure out what it is you can do and want to do that will fill up your days. Because without that figured out, youll likely do nothing and eventually die.   It used to be that people died within a couple years of retirement.   They just didnt know how to cope.   Losing all their friends and their purpose.   Their reason for living. That is why Social Security was sustainable.   The bad news is it is no longer as sustainable because people are living longer after retirement.   But that is probably good news for all of usbecause were figuring out this retirement thing. Which leads me to a solution to prepare for the other side in a safer, more fun way. The Side Hustle As you know this is my side hustle. Writing this weekly email newsletter, blogging, writing resumes and LinkedIn profiles for people, and helping small businesses get more business, higher profits, without just spending more time and burning out. Many people think you can only do one thing or another. Have a job or be an entrepreneur. Have a job or retire. Get a job or go to school. But heres the great thing. In this digital age, it has never been easier to do both. You can have a job AND a side hustle. You can build a side hustle while youre in school. You can build your side hustle to prepare for retirement. You can have a side hustle IN retirement. It can be something you do for fun. You can learn things from it you could never learn in your day job. You can learn things to apply to your day job and make you even more valuable. You can pay off credit card debts and student loans. You can build a vacation fund. You can build your emergency fund so if you lose your job youre not out on the street living out of dumpsters. Ultimately, this helps you do each transition better.   It gives you flexibility to learn as you earn.   And figure things out while youre handling the rest through your day job or schooling.   You can see how you like it.   You can make new friends as you help each other along.   You dont have to work in isolation if youre working from home on this. Is this for you?   Only you can decide.   But I want to open your eyes to the possibilities. Thinking a side hustle might be worth checking out?   Shoot me an email and we can discuss your situation specifically.

Considering Hiring a Resume Writer Heres What You Need to Consider - Hallie Crawford

Considering Hiring a Resume Writer Here’s What You Need to Consider Recently, I worked with a client that was very hesitant about hiring a resume writer and extremely skittish about the process. I understand this and wanted to give you some suggestions. If you are considering hiring a resume writer and have concerns or are struggling in seeing the value of a resume writer, this is for you. First and foremost, understand the value of a professionally written resume.  Here is the REAL cost of prolonging your search: The average job search is 16 weeks.  (If there is a collapse in the economy similar to 2011, then a job search can take up to  twice as long.) If you make $50,000 per year, your 16 week job search costs you  $15,384.62 or $961.38 per week in lost income. If you make $100,000 per year, your 16  week job search costs you $30,769.23 or $1923.07 per week in lost income. The small  investment you make in your professionally designed resume, cover letter, and  employment campaign will get you more interviews faster and cut weeks off your  search, which translates into money in your bank! Choose a resume writer that gets you. A resume writer that is patient, understanding, to the point and most importantly honest. The last thing you need is to pay for something you don’t need. But on that same note, realize the importance a resume writer may play in the next step of your career move or your transition. Realize that it is a process. Your resume writer does not know all the intricacies of your career, the challenges you faced, or the accomplishments made, so they should be asking thought provoking questions which enable you to answer all those and more. Know that it is a partnership. They can only work off the information you provide. It is not possible for them to read your mind, and they’re not a “bug on the wall” to know everything you did in your career. A background check is normally not part of the process, and they cannot intuitively understand the acronyms of your unique industry / trade / company, or know specifics of your position without you providing that information. So be honest, and forthcoming, it will be in your best interest. Understand the role of your resume. Your resume serves to get your foot in the door and not to list everything you’ve done since you were 16. The details should be left for the interview! And the irrelevant experience should be de-emphasized or not included. So many people instinctively want to include everything, including “their kitchen sink”. Know and understand that your resume is not the place for that! You literally have 10-15 seconds to make an impression. Let it be good! Not bogged with details. Not wordy and full of mistakes. Not inconsistent and boring. Your resume is usually your first opportunity to make an impression, no second chances. It should be full of active verbs, full of measurable accomplishments, full of your relevant and applicable value proposition, full of results and successes. So next time you are thinking of hiring a resume writer, keep the above in mind. For your investment, you have hired someone to take the plethora of information you provide to create an attention grabbing document that effectively highlights your value for the position of interest. We hope this information is helpful to you.  And, thank you to one of our resume experts, Jasmine Marchong, for this article and the resume tips. Schedule a free consult with HallieCrawford.com today