How to Define a Real Job - The Muse

How to Define a Real Job - The MuseHow to Define a Real Job I vividly remember my first job babysitting in high school. I loved it some days, hated it others.But mainly, it didnt feel like a real job. Sure, I was getting paid. But I didnt have a desk, or business cards, or a boss necessarily (even if I worked for some bossy mothers).So I dont count it in my imaginary list of adult experiences. In fact, I dont consider any other gigs I had in school as real jobs. It took getting my own desk in an office, a company-provided laptop, and even my own company swag before deciding I was in my first actual job. I could afford to pay rent, a monthly subway pass, and food all on my own- and that made it real.But is that the right way to think about your career? Every single one of those experiences mattered. In fact, I wouldnt be where I am and who I am today without them. But what are they then, if not real jobs?This is the question I grappled with as I read a recent Billfold article by Megan Reynolds titled, What Defines a Real Job? As a freelancer, she says she struggles to explain her career choices to her loved ones. For them, and for many, an office job is considered the only definition of real work There is a sense of obligation to a larger entity that will punish if you if you fail to do the job you were hired to do. If you dont show up for three weeks, someone will eventually notice. There will be consequences. There is accountability to someone other than yourself.But do objects and people define work? Does a paycheck? Does a timed schedule?As Reynolds points out, the working world is changing and we all know it. People work from home, they travel and work, they work part-time, they have multiple jobs, they freelance, they get side gigs. And from most, if not all, of behauptung activities, people are compensated one way or another. And regardless of how, theyre all accountable to someone or something. Thus, nothing of significance makes these any different from a desk job.So, Reynolds tries to take a different approach to the real job argument If what you do makes you tired by the end of the day and makes you want to lay face down on the floor for an hour or so, then its work. If the only thing you can think about after your work is closing a computer and reading a book, then thats work. If you need one solid day to recover, alone and silent, sitting outside in the sun, its work. At the end of the day, if you can pay your bills and are happy, then youre doing just fine. To her, its about exhaustion, or the physical and mental effort of work- where you spend your energy, how much of it you use up, and the way it makes you feel.As much as I liked this response, I still wanted to get a feel for how others felt- so I reached out to my own co-workers and asked them this same question, How do you define a real job? Chatu Abeysinghe, an account executive, says its about having a career versus a job- as Chris Rock states in an NSFW bit (a.k.a., j ust put your headphones in before watching),When you got a career there aint enough time in the day...time just flies...when you got a job, theres too much time. Its about flow, or enjoying what you do every day so much that you lose track of time.Ekene Ugboaja, a sales development representative, agreesAs an immigrant, a real job was always something that was traditionally successful, such as a doctor or lawyer. Something your parents can talk to their friends about. Ive only just started to learn that a job real or fake doesnt even have to feel like a job or work. I now see a real job as something that makes me enough money to sustain a healthy, happy lifestyle. Muse Senior Editor Stacey Lastoe argues that they come in many different forms After working as a server for years, I received an offer to manage the restaurant I worked in. I took the position, in part, I now believe, because it felt mora real than waiting tables. It came with benefits and was salaried, so there was a cer tain level of security that wasnt present before. That to me made it feel real. In retrospect though, I think servers and bartenders and hostesses and bus boys and line cooks- basically all of the people who contribute to the operation of a restaurant- have real jobs. Why is an office job more of a real job than a pastry chefs? After hearing these answers, I asked a follow-up How do you find the right real job for you? Andrew Weisse, an account executive, for example, says he defines his own version by the three Fs fit (how much do you personally and professionally fit into the company?), family (is there a good sense of work-life balance?), and fortune (do you have enough money to live comfortably?). If all three of these things arent met, its not a real job. Kara Walsh, CMO, similarly says that to be considered legitimate, it should contribute to your overall career- and life plan Its a pursuit in which you spend the majority of your waking hours and think about even when youre of f hours. Not a real job is one youre doing just to pay the bills and kill time until you get the real one.Truth talk I dont have the ultimate answer. But whatever definition you decide to take, its clear from all these answers that one big part of the definition is that it mean something to you- for some that means a way to pay the bills, for others its a channel to explore your passions, and for some in my office, its the right step on your chosen career path. Perhaps, if youre lucky, youll be able to find a position that hits on all three of those. What do you consider a real job? Tweet me, Id love to knowPhoto of desk courtesy of JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images.

How to Prepare to Talk about Yourself During an Interview

How to Prepare to Talk about Yourself During an InterviewHow to Prepare to Talk about Yourself During an InterviewYouve sent your resume, received a call to set up an vorstellungsgesprch, and youre feeling great Until you realize you hate talking about yourself Whether it is on the phone or in-person, interviews are nerve-wracking. In the back of your mind, you may be thinking, If I blow this interview, I am back to square one, so get it togetherMany job seekers dont realize that you can prepare for your interview answers without knowing the interview questions. When people ask me how best to prepare, I tell them to study their resume. What about their career history and transferrable skills are they happy to talk about? Was there a certain project, decision, or tactic that you came up with that made a difference? Whatever that is, practice talking about that with friends or family. The idea is to get across your passion, your skill, and add value to the next role.In the beginning of most interviews there is a version of this question asked Tell me about yourself? Most people arent prepared to answer which is something we can all practice So lets talk about how to successfully answer this.Factors to considerWhen interviewing you have already sent your cover letter and resume which prompted a response from the company.The company knows where your last job was, what college you may have graduated from, your name, and where you live.Interviewing is about learning more about a potential candidate so know what is on your resume and expand.Its your time to shineWho are you? What skills throughout your career have you always been positively noticed for and what are you proud of in your career? None of those answers clearly appear on your resumeso develop a 15-45 second statement about WHO you are because remember they know WHAT you doHow to develop your pitchKey descriptive words include, leader, savvy, established, professional, skillful, specialist, etcThink of your pitch as a way to start a conversation. At the end you want someone to feel compelled to ask a question about you.Fake it until you make it- nervous about talking about yourself? Try to find a way to be confident and you sent the tone for the rest of the interviewPractice makes perfect Friends and family are there to help Also, the mirror If you are nervous or not sure if youre talking too fast, too slow, using filler works (um, ya know, like) practice your elevator pitch in front of a mirror. This helps you focus on your words rather than being nervous.Regional, National, or International Accent? Speak slowly On a normal basis people may be able to understand you but you dont want to risk someone misinterpreting what you have said. Slow it down and you can avoid this.Ready to useDont just wait until an interview to use your newly polished answers Attend a networking event, email a recruiter or a former colleague and tell them about yourself

3 Times You Need to Stay Productive at Work - The Muse

3 Times You Need to Stay Productive at Work - The Muse3 Times You Need to Stay Productive at WorkMost of us would probably be lying if we said weve never taken it easy at work. That weve never gotten through all our absolutely-must-dos, checked out our should-do list and thought, Nah, Im going to head home early. Even the hardest workers deserve those days. But there are also a few circumstances in which you shouldnt coast at work, even if nothing seems imminent. Because when you do kick up your feet in these instances, you run the risk of making everyone elses lives harder. And that doesnt make anyone think too fondly of you.So, before you go into cruise control, here are some of the most common examples of deceivingly relaxing moments at the office. 1. When Your Deadlines Months in The FutureIf your project isnt due as soon as you finish reading this article, Im not telling you to cancel all your plans for today to get it done. But even though it feels like you have all the time in the world to complete the work, its also easy to get too comfortable with putting it off for another occasion. After all, you probably have mora pressing tasks to get done right this second. (Such as a dinner or yoga.)Be careful, though. Again, Im not urging you to crank the project out now. But you should create a to-do list that lays out all the essential steps- and you should attach a timeline to each step. By doing that, you might discover that itd be a huge benefit to yourself to get started now. Not only will this reduce your stress, but it will also show your babo and teammates that you wont leave them in the lurch.2. When Everyone Else Is Getting Ready to Head OutWhen you see everyone around you packing up for the weekend, its easy to assume you can do the same. Its even more common to think that even if something is due right this second, nobodys going to read it today anyway. Of course, you might be right. But the truth is that your teammates could all walk out for the da y right now knowing that theyre going to ask you about your deliverable first thing tomorrow morning. Im not going to lie. Co-workers have promised things to me on days when everyone around the office is taking a breather- and in many cases, I didnt find it necessary to follow up until the next day. But there have been plenty of other instances in which I needed something on a Friday afternoon, only to be left out to dry. So even if you have a feeling that the person youre working with wont respond to you immediately, if its due, its due. And the sight of your co-workers heading out for happy hour drinks isnt a good reason not to stay productive.3. When Youre Looking for a New JobThere are probably friends out there reading this and thinking, Rich, you are Exhibit A of coasting when you wanted a new gig. And for those of you who knew me when I was younger, Im not here to tell you that youre wrong. In fact, Im writing this now because of the mistakes I made when I was looking for a w ay out of previous companies. Even if you feel like youre going to quit the next time your boss sends you a passive-aggressive email, that doesnt give you license to start loafing in your current position. Thats not to say you shouldnt look for something new. Quite the opposite, in fact. But take it from me- youll feel much prouder of yourself if you end this job on the highest note possible. There are many reasons to do that, but one big selfish one is that your co-workers could prove to be valuable connections down the road. And its dumb to burn a bridge just because youre over your job.There are occasions at work when its perfectly OK (and necessary) to take your foot off the pedal. But there are also situations in which theyre not quite as good of an idea as you think. Before you take a breather, see what you have going on. If nothing mission-critical is due and things around the office are a little bit lax, go ahead and join in. But if you have a commitment, follow through on i t, even if it means working a little harder than you think you need to.

Strategies for Women to Negotiate Salary Compensation

Sttarifgies for Women to Negotiate Salary CompensationStrategies for Women to Negotiate Salary CompensationNegotiating salary isnt easy, and it can be especially difficult for women. In general, women are less likely to ask for mora money when they are offered a job and mora likely to stay in a lower paid job. Reasons vary, but some of it involves being uncomfortable discussing salary and being hesitant to ask for mora. The Gender Pay Gap The fact that women earn less than men complicates the salary situation. Its not just that men earn more, and women earn 79 cents for every dollar for every dollar a man earns. Payscales report on The State of the Gender Pay Gap in 2019 identifies significant differences between mens and womens earnings based on a variety of factors. The only time there isnt a gender gap between men and women is when you compare single childless men and women. After that, the playing field isnt even. Jen Hubley Luckwaldt, Editor of Payscales Career News blog say s, The data show that women pay a penalty for marrying and having children - even when they never prioritize family over work. The only time the pay gap is 0.0 percent is when we compare single, childless men and women, with the same jobs and experience, who never prioritize the personal over the professional. What this means is that the pay gap is due at least partly to unconscious bias. Even when they have the same jobs as men, and work just as hard as their male colleagues, women with families are perceived to be less dedicated and suffer the professional consequences. Given that youre not starting on a level playing field, being able to negotiate a compensation package is important. It doesnt even have to equate with your gender. Its just as much a question of getting paid what youre worth in todays job market. If Youre Not Comfortable Talking About Salary, Its Not Just You If discussing what you have earned - and what you expect to earn - makes you uncomfortable, youre not alone. Asurvey from Glassdoor reportsthat60 percent of woman and 48 percent of men believe salary history questions should not be asked. Women are also less likely to negotiate compensation,twoout ofthree women (68 percent)do not negotiate paycompared to just about 52 percent of men. When (and When Not) to Negotiate Salary Some experts believe you should always negotiate salary and ask for more money. Before you do that though, its a good idea to research the job and the employer to be sure that the compensation package is negotiable. There are some positions where the pay rate is set in advance. On the plus side, there wont be gender discrimination because everyone is paid the same. On the negative side, what you are offered is what you will be paid. Some of the jobs which tend to have a fixed pay rate include Retail, customer service, and hospitality low-level jobsHourly positionsEntry level jobsUnion jobsJobs that pay a prevailing rateGovernment and civil service jobsJobs at large companies with a structured compensation plan (you may be able to negotiate a higher amount on a range in this case) As you move up the career ladder and compensation becomes more competitive the gender pay gap becomes more significant. Payscale reports that female pay levels off at $49,000 at 35- to 40-years-old, while male pay levels off at $75,000 at 50- to 55-years-old. The largest pay gap is for executives with women earning 32.8 percent less than men. Many mid-career to high-level jobs have negotiable salaries. Compensation may be part of a salary range with a low, mid and high point or it could be paid selectively based on the candidates qualifications, which is when gender becomes a factor. Women are more likely to be paid at the lower end of the scale because they are starting at a lower price point. Because you are currently earning less, you may be offered less. This can add up to a significant amount of lost compensation during your working career. How to De termine If a Job Offer Is Negotiable The best way to determine whether a job offer is negotiable is to conduct as much research on the job and company as you can. You dont have to say yes right away. Request some time to consider, and then collect as much data as you can. Use sites like Payscale and Glassdoor to research what the job - and you - are worth. If you know someone at the company, ask if they would be able to help you consider the offer. You can also ask if they are able to give you any insight into the companys compensation policies and practices. When to Negotiate a Counter Offer If you are absolutely thrilled with a job offer, you can accept it right away. Or, you can take a little extra time to be sure. Carefully evaluate the offer, comparing it to the job you have now, the future prospects at your current employer, and the other jobs you have applied for. Consider the benefits, perks, retirement plan, stock options, and other extras before you start negotiatin g. Know which employee perks are typically open to negotiation. If everything seems perfect, you dont have to ask for more money just because you can. Do remember that this job, if you accept it, is the baseline for your future earnings so carefully consider whether to make a counteroffer before you accept. Tips for Women for Asking for More Money Know how much you want to earn.Before you even think about negotiating salary, its important to know how much you expect to earn in your next job. If the offer isnt close, you dont need to take it. If you were expecting $60,000, for example, and the offer is for $40,000 it is probably too much of a reach. Rethink your expectations and realize this probably isnt the job for you. Know that its acceptable to ask.You may not feel comfortable asking for more money, but that doesnt mean its not okay to ask. Its better to ask the question than wonder if you could have negotiated a better offer. For example, a candidate was offered a terrific comp package by her dream employer. Even though she would have taken the first offer, she inquired as to whether there was any flexibility. The company offered her more base pay and a bonus. If she hadnt asked, she wouldnt have known there was room to make a better deal. Be aware of gender differences.Taking the time to research salaries will help you learn if this is a role where women may traditionally be paid less. If it is, there may be a chance to get more. Be creative when countering, if the base salary isnt negotiable, perhaps bonuses, benefits or a commitment for a future raise may be. Get the hiring manager on your side.The hiring manager can be your advocate for a better offer. If he or she really wants to hire you, they can push human resources or management to get you more. One way to approach it is to say something like, I would be thrilled with the position, but is there any leeway in the compensation package? That way youre not directly asking for more, youre simply i nquiring. Be informed and prepared to make a pitch.When discussing a job offer with an employer, be ready to explain why youre worth a higher salary. You can share the data you have collected, remind the hiring manager of your credentials, and reiterate your ability to help the organization succeed. Be careful what you say.There are good ways - and not so good ways - to ask for more money. There are some things you should avoid saying when youre negotiating salarybecause they wont help you make the case. Keep it positive.When the job offer is much lower than you anticipated, keep any negative thoughts you might have to yourself. Dont demand more money. Even if you get it, it may cause hard feelings. If its so low that you know you wont take it, its fine to mention that the offer wasnt what you expected. Thank the employer for the offer, and move on. Know that you dont have to take the job.If there is no way that you and the organization can come to terms on a reasonable compensati on package that is agreeable to both you and the company, if a counteroffer doesnt help bridge the gap, you can politely decline the offer and continue your job search. The Key to Salary Negotiation Success Even though negotiating salary isnt easy, the better informed you are, the more you research, and the more data you collect, the better equipped you will be to successfully negotiate a job offer. If you are willing to ask, you may be able to get a higher salary. Remember, if you can increase the salary for this job, youll also up your future earnings potential.

The One Thing to Do for Resume Outlines Examples

The One Thing to Do for Resume Outlines Examples The Tried and True Method for Resume Outlines Examples in Step by Step Detail Employers know your aim is to find the job. My purpose is to find the job. Your aim is to find the job. Objective Statement Your objective should concentrate on the position youre seeking with a specific business. Your resume needs to address an issue for employers (which is the reason why theyre hiring). In the event you prefer to get the interest of the hiring manager, make certain you include your education in the area on your resume and make certain it will soon be an effortless job to determine. You want to not just catch the hiring managers eyeyou have to make sure they look over your meinung and say Whew Dont allow the hiring manager skip you resume only because they couldnt discover your Name. If you previously live close to the businesss office, great Focus on how youre an advantage to the companynot the way the corporation can help you. Mak e certain its tailored to not merely the position, but the provider too. You should also think about the position, company and industry that youre pursuing. The Argument About Resume Outlines Examples Pay attention to the resume format you opted to pick, as you will need to reveal your skills, dependent on the format you made a decision to pick. Once youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to know how to vary using action verbs and receive a feel for what makes an effective accomplishment statement. The most suitable format presents your resume history and techniques in the very best possible light. The so-called functional resume format is one which focuses on your abilities and experience, as opposed to on your career history. As a consequence that youll need the keywords to turn into the words business advancement. If you are interested in an instance of amazing messaging in a resume, take a look at the digital marketing and advertising executive r esume sample among our completely free downloadable resume templates. If it comes to best resume format, know that reverse chronological is almost always a good bet, due to how its among the most common and well-known resume formats. The Characteristics of Resume Outlines Examples Instead, you are going to need to take into account other job resume examples if youre trying hard to find out how to word items. The very last thing that you want to do is receive a job which you cant do. Ensure you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about If you would like to create the job of writing a resume even easier, theres a way. Resume objectives can be a little controversial. Once it does, its leise true that you must hold their focus to make it to the following measures. Nonetheless its also the easiest approach to talk about your experience and qualifications. Highly relevant expertise in a field is the very first thing employers search for. Using Resume Outl ines Examples Be sure your resume is current and communicates that youre the ideal fit. In addition to that, you receive the free resume fonts and icons you see here so you will be able to earn something similarly brilliant. Unless you happen to be a graphic designer looking for employment, theres no need to over think the plan of your one-pager. There are a lot of free resume authoring templates online that can help you with layout etc.. Keep in mind, the introduction isnt a required element. You may create new sections, add in unusual info, or develop creative techniques to present your qualifications. This section is a string of questions created to assist you quantify your performance in a place to write far better accomplishment statements. Other Sections According to your background, there might be other sections, which you are going to want to grow your resume. At times its a really small edits, which might help you to acquire the job. If you truly feel like your re sume will be longer than two pages, you might elect to prefer a curriculum vitae. Infographic resumes are impossible to comprehend, states MacIntyre. To begin with, youll need to draft your resume in another document and upload it to Loft Resumes. Limit your resumes to a single page if youre able to. You may also download absolutely free templates from our Resume Library to get going on your best resume.

The Run Down on Resume Sample Format Revealed

The Run Down on Resume Sample Format Revealed Resume formats be certain that your best achievements are right there on the top, prepared to be noticed. Simple resume they help you in making your resume. There are just two forms of formats you want to pick from and theyre Chronological resume format and Functional resume format. There are many letter formats you may use for your cover letter, and multiple resume formats also. Resume Sample Format at a Glance The very first thing a CV has to do is get the interest of the hiring manager or employer. The reason most men and women utilize the Functional resume format is the fact that it enables them to be creative with certain facets of their work history, highlight key abilities or hide long amounts of unemployment The disadvantages of working with a functional resume is that several recruiters, hiring managers view them with skepticism. If it comes top writing resumes, you must always put your very best foot forward so you be come called for that work interview. A good resume simply shows employers you have the abilities and experience that satisfy their criteria. Your resume should place you in a positive light. A sample of resumes can allow you to reap advantage from the scenario. It also tells you what is hot in the area of your interest. Practical Sample When youre referring the online resume samples, you will take a practical sample in case you have work spaces in your past. How to Choose Resume Sample Format Every CV we write is original and tailored especially to fulfill your requirements and requirements in the most efficient approach to receive effects. Walk into any computer computer software shop and youll discover a number of programs which will help you with your resume. Your cv format is imperative to job search success. Looking for resume format is easy now on account of the access to information over the net. Its quick and simple to find and use templates. Templates will be able to help you structure your letter and resume so they are well organized. Resume Templates also be certain you dont miss out any practical part of information about yourself which can be important for the organization. A template also simply makes it possible to conserve time.

IT Resume [2019] - Guide & Examples

IT Resume 2019 - Guide & ExamplesIT Resume IT Professional Resume - Samples How to GuideEvery business has technology needs in the globally-connected world of the 21st century, and IT technicians keep everything running smoothly. If you want a secure job that involves problem-solving and working with technology, this is a great career to get into. Your skills will always be valued.Responsibilities and duties of an Information Technology Specialist includeinstalling and maintaining computer systems and networkssetting up computer workstations, including peripheral deviceschecking hardware for functionalityinstalling and configuring software and its functionstraining computer usersoptimizing the performance of hardware and softwareensuring security and privacy of networks and computersorganizing and scheduling upgrades and maintenance so that others can continue working uninterruptedtroubleshooting to diagnose and resolve computer problemsmaintaining records of repairs, fixes, and mai ntenanceidentifying equipment shortages and placing orders for moredealing with technical questions from usersproviding phone, chat, or in-person supportfollowing company guidelinessetting up user accounts and profiles(Hint use this list as a starting point when youre writing your list of job duties and tasks. Dont forget to include your unique achievements too)How confident are you feeling about your resume? If you need more help, you can always refer to the following resume sample for an IT fleckStart Building Your ResumeWhat Companies Expect to See on an Information Technology ResumeWhen applying for an IT job, its important to remember that your skills and experience are more important to most employers than your academic qualifications.Most employers will expect to see a degree of some type in an information technology-related field (like computer science or engineering), but if you dont have one and still feel qualified for the job, all hope is not lost. There are many things you can list on an entry-level IT resume to get your foot in the door. Many of these options take some time and planning to achieve, but if youre serious about your future career, it will all be worth it.

These are the cities where people wake up the earliest and latest

These are the cities where people wake up the earliest and latestThese are the cities where people wake up the earliest and latestThere are many studies that say people who wake up early will be more productive all day. Of course, there are also studies that say night owls who then wake up later are more mentally alert and creative all day. In other words, there are advantages and disadvantages to both (and bragging rights associated with each), but are there certain cities where people tend to adopt one sleeping habit over another?Well, luckilyBest Mattress Brand analyzed datafrom the American Community Survey, an ongoing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2009 to 2015 to determine who welches getting up at the crack of dawn and who was letting their alarm go straight to snooze.Early birds have flocked to the WestThough you would think it would be East Coasters, cities in the middle of the country and many in California were found to have more early risers. No laid- back surfers here East Stroudsburg was the only East Coast city that made it into the Top 10. These cities had the highest average percentage of commuters who leave for work earlier than 5 a.m.Elkhart-Goshen, Ind. 13.3%Pascagoula, Mich. 11.9%El Centro, Calif. and Stockton-Lodi, Calif. 11%Hammond, La. 10.9%Merced, Calif. 10.1%Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. 9.9%Stockton, Calif. 9.5%Modesto, Calif. 9.4%East Stroudsburg, Pa. 9.2%Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, Ala. 9.0%Though waking up early can be really hard these folks are in good company. Pepsico CEO Indra Nooyi wakes up at 4 a.m. and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Ellie Kemper is also all about it. Kemper toldThe Cut, Im a morning bird. I love getting up before its light out if its possible. I wake up, I have a black coffee. Im an 86-year-old man.Night owls migrated to theEastSo, which part of the country has the most people deciding to start bingeing a new Netflix series at 1130 p.m.? Well, East Coasters may work long hour s but it looks like they are starting a bit late. Atlantic City-Hammonton, N.J. took the number one spot followed by Ithaca, N.Y. Here are the cities with the highest average percentage of commuters who leave for work later than 9 a.m.Atlantic City-Hammonton, N.J. 35.8%Ithaca, N.Y. 33.9%Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nev. 33.4%Muncie, Ind. 33%Lawrence, Kan. 32.9%Logan, UT-ID 32.0%Lafayette-West Lafayette, Ind. 31.7%Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev. 31.6%Bloomington, Ind. 31.6%Lafayette, Ind. 30.9%They start the day a bit later but this could actually help their work wertzuwachs and this group is also in good company as Daily Show host Trevor Noah, and Buzzfeed CEO Jonah Peretti are both considered late sleepers. Winston Churchill famously slept until 730 a.m.and then worked from bed in the morning.What should be kept in mind here is that there is no greater impact on the amount of sleep we get than our jobs. It has been found that theearlier your shift starts, the less sleep youll get on aver age, and Americans who start the workday at or around 6 a.m.typicallyget six hours of sleep compared to Americans who check in at work between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.This means the night owl group is usually getting about an hour and a half more of rest each night, which is therecommendedaverage by the CDC.

Explanations Go a Long Way on Resumes

Explanations Go a Long Way on Resumes Explanations Go a Long Way on Resumes Its difficult to balance out the amount of information presented in a resume. With the shorter attention spans today, its important to get to the point. You dont want to bog the reader down with reams of useless information but you also need to make sure you include vital information that demonstrates why you are worthy of further consideration. You cant just cut your resume down for the sake of word count.Make Sure Your Resume Includes Pertinent InformationWhile there are many areas this tipcould apply to, lets focus on past employment. As a hiring manager, this is the first area of a candidates resume that I look at. I want to see if the candidate has any related work experience, and I want to see how stable their employment history is.Most hiring managers are looking for long-term employees, and stability is important. Despite that, I receive mora resumes today than ever before with tenures of five mont hs here, four months there, and seven months here, with no explanation. Short job tenures are elend bad in and of themselves, but without an explanation of some kind, the worst is assumed. I will usually leid waste my time doing a simple phone screen and definitely not an in-person interview with a candidate that has a history of unexplained short-tenured positions.Case in PointA good friend of mine found herself unemployed at the end of 2013 due to staff cuts resulting from her company being bought out. Her unemployment dragged on for about six months, with very little activity.After looking at her resume, I figured out why. She had a stable work history with three companies up until 2009, averaging eight years of tenure at each business. Then, after 2009, she had six jobs in a couple different industries. It was no wonder she was not getting any calls It looked as if something had happened to make her very unstable in thisperiod.My friend had been employed in the building materi al industry for her entire career. Beginning in mid-2006, the housing slow down led to tough times in that industry. My friend had been laid off or downsized in company buyouts or mergers four times during this period. She was also a single mother and had to take a few part-time jobs to pay her mortgage and put food on the table.Just looking at her resume, you could not tell any of this. It looked as if something had gone haywire and hiring managers were reluctant to even call her. Dont expect that a hiring manager is going to take the time to try and connect the dots on your resume. Thats not their job. Its up to the candidate to try and fill in any holes in their own resume.The Proof Is in the DetailsMy friend went back and filled in all the gaps on her resume by including thereasons why she separated from each company. Within in the first few days of using this updated resume,she began getting interviews and job offers worthy of her experience and talent. Within a month, she was hired by a leading specialty building material supplier.My frienddidnt change anything about her fragmented work history. All she did was add a little explanation. This had the tremendous benefit of helping hiring managers especially those that lived through the difficult economic times understandwhy her resume looked the way it did.Are You Explanations Satisfactory?There are many satisfactory explanations for short job tenures they just need to be noted for busy hiring managers to quickly and easily see them. Theshaky economy of the belastung few years has increased the number of downsizings, closings, and mergers, all of which have resulted in many layoffs.Similarly, some positions are, by nature, contract- and project-oriented. These roles will result in job changes every six months or so, but not because you are an unsteady or troubled employee.Furthermore, there are also those younger adults whohave been working internships to try and gain experiencein various careers.In tod ays new economy, there are also those part-time and stopgap positions that employeesneed to bridge the gap between permanent, full-time positions.Just remember that having multiple short-tenured positions is not the kiss of death if you take the time to provide a short explanation for your limited tenure, that is. It need be no more than a few words under the job title, such as contract position, internship, temporary work, layoff, or whatever the situation was.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.