Saturday, December 28, 2019

Alliteration Examples in Fiction Writing

Alliteration Examples in Fiction WritingAlliteration Examples in Fiction WritingThe word alliteration is derived from the Latin word latira which means letters of an alphabet. It is a stylistic device that writers use in which a number of words that start with the same first consonant sound are repeated close together in a series. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers is one famous example. Function of Alliteration Unlike poets, fiction writers rarely discuss the uses of alliteration and how it can be used consciously to create more powerful fiction, but it does play a critical role in fiction as well as in poetry and prose. Alliteration creates a musical effect, creating rhythm, mood and motion while also imbuing sentences with beauty and a certain flow. For example, repeating the s which sounds like a snake can imply danger. Repeating the h sound lends a soft, heavenly air whereas a repetitive b makes for a percussive consonant. A secondary type is calledsymmetrical all iteration which makes use of parallelism the phrase contains a pair of words at the beginning and end of the phrase that starts with the same sound, while the middle words are similar - for example, rust brown blazers rule. Alliteration Examples in Fiction In his lecture, The Sentence Is a Lonely Place, Gary Lutz urges writers, Avail yourself of alliteration... Such repetition can be soothing and stabilizing, especially in a sentence whose content and emotional gusts are anything but. He provides an example from Don DeLillo featuring hs He was here in the howl of the world, and from Christine Schutt He knew the kind of Kleenex crud a crying girl left behind. But alliteration can also play a less subtle role. In Moby Dick, Melville uses alliteration to build character and to help the reader experience the scene on board a whaling ship. The character, Stubb, is described as having rather a peculiar way of talking to them in general, and as saying the fruchtwein terrific things to his crew. Melville uses alliteration to help illustrates these claims. The devil fetches ye, ye ragamuffin rapscallions, Stubb says. Start her - start her, my silver spoons In this last quote, we not only havealliteration in the repetition of the S sounds, but also an example of assonance in the words start and marling, which is the repetition of a vowel sound. Additional Examples of Alliteration The soul selects her own society. -Emily Dickinson From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-crossd lovers take their life. -Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. -The Great Gatsby,F. Scott Fitzgerald My father brought to conversations a cavernous capacity for caring that dismayed strangers. -The Centaur,John Updike His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead. -The Dead, James Joyce While you may use assonance in more poetic moments of your prose without even being conscious of it, Donald Westlakes alliteration in the beautiful blonde bludgeoned tends to call attention to itself. Unless you intend for this to happen - in order to build character or drama or to create a comic moment - its wise to employ alliteration selectively to maximize the effect without overdoing it.

Monday, December 23, 2019

How to Find a Federal Government Job

How to Find a Federal Government JobHow to Find a Federal Government JobAbout 2 million people are employed in a government job, making the federal government Americas largest employer. Less than10% of these workers are located in Washington, D.C., the rest work in federal government jobs throughout the United States and overseas. Government employees are hired in just about every career field and a wide variety of occupations. Heres what you need to know to find a job with the federal government. Government Job Salary and Benefits The salaries for most government jobs are based ona General Schedule (GS) pay scale. There are 15 grades within the salary structure, and each grade contains 10 steps. Salaries for 2018 range from $19,048 for Grade 1, Step 1 (the lowest level) to $138,572 for Grade 15, Step 10 (the highest level). The average salary for federal, non-postal employees welches $84,913 according to theOffice of Personnel Management(OPM). Federal jobs that are hard to fill may offer special pay rates that are higher than average, and there are salary differentials based on location. In addition, there are generous benefits including health insurance, sick and vacation leave, child care and retirement savings/pension plans. Competitive Versus Excepted Service Jobs Competitive tafelgeschirr jobs are all routed through USAJobs. Candidates must take appropriate exams and abide by all Office of Personnel Management procedures for hiring. Excepted service jobs are offered through certain government agencies, and those agencies are not required to advertise through the USAJobs site. Agencies set up the screening procedures for these positions, and the process may deviate from the established OPM protocols. Veterans Preference Veterans Preferenceis a program, created under Title 5 of the Veterans Preference Act of 1944, which helps veterans advance into federal employment. Veterans are entitled to preference over others in hiring and in retention duri ng times of workforce reduction. Additionally, veterans are given extra points on the entry-level Civil Service Exam. Veterans Preference does not apply to promotions, reassignments, or transfers. Candidates for Veterans Preference must meet the following requirements 1.Have an honorable or general discharge. 2.Military rank must be lower than major or lieutenant commander, unless the veteran is disabled. Levels of Veterans Preference There are two levels of preference eligibility, Disabled and Non-Disabled. These levels translate into bonus points on Civil Service Exams. Veterans are eligible on the disabled level (5 extra points) if they received a purple heart or have any service-induced disability, and eligible on the non-disabled level (10 extra points) if their active duty was one of the following 1.Over 180 days (other than training) after September 11, 20012.Between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 19923.Over 180 days (other than training) between January 31, 1952 and Octob er 15, 19764.Receipt of a campaign badge between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955 Federal Government Job Search Tips The best place to start looking for a government job is on theUSAJobswebsite. In addition, if youre interested in working at a specific government agency or department, youll find career information available on the careers section of the agency web site. The USAJobs site details information about hiring paths for special categories on candidates including veterans, disabled workers, students/recent graduates, native Americans, military spouses, and current/past federal employees Agency websites are the best place to look for excepted service positions since they may not be posted on the USAJobs site Office of Personnel Management (OPM)FBI JobsForeign Service CareersInternal Revenue Service JobsPost Office JobsTransportation Security Administration (TSA) JobsUS Government Departments and AgenciesEmployment Sites for Federal Agencies Networking for Government Job s Candidates should conductinformational interviewswith college alumni, church, family and professional contacts who work for government agencies. These individuals can provide insight about vacancies relevant to your hintergrund and coach you through the application process. Your contacts may exert some influence upon hiring in their agency especially for exempt service positions if you impress them during your consultation. How to Apply for a Federal Government Job There are a variety of ways to apply for a government job. In all cases, the first step is to reviewcurrent openings. Then you can decide which jobs are of interest and follow the instructions on how to apply. TheUSAJOBsweb site has an online Resume Builder. Users can create online resumes specifically designed for applying for Federal jobs. Resumes created on the USAJOBS resume builder can be printed from the system for faxing or mailing to employers and saved and edited for future use. For many of the vacancies l isted on the site, job seekers can submit resumes created through USAJOBS directly to hiring agencies through an electronic submission process. Regardless of the format you choose, you will need to include certain information in addition to the specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement Job InformationAnnouncement Number, Title and Grade(s) Personal InformationFull Name, Mailing Address, Zip Code, Phone Numbers (day and evening)Social Security NumberCountry of Citizenship - in most cases you will need to be a U.S. CitizenVeterans Preference - if you are a veteranReinstatement Eligibility - if you have a previous worked for the federal governmentHighest Federal civilian grade held EducationHigh School - Name, Address, Zip Code, date of diploma/GEDCollege/University - Name, Address, Zip Code, Degree(s), and Major(s)List credits earned if you did not graduate Work ExperienceFor each jobJob Title (include series and grade if Federal job)Duties and AccomplishmentsEmpl oyers Name and AddressSupervisors Name and Phone NumberNote whether your current supervisorin can be contactedStart and End Dates (Month/Year - Month/Year)Hours Per Week, Salary Other QualificationsJob-related training courses (give title and year)Job-related skills (other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (publications, memberships in professional/honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards)Give dates, but do not send documents unless requested. How to Get Your Application Noticed Carefully review your application to make sure that you have incorporated all the information required in the job announcement. If your resume or application does not provide all the information requested on this form and in the job vacancy announcement, you may lose consideration for a job.Proofread your document for spel ling and grammatical errors before submitting.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

How Networking for Accountants Can Benefit Your Career

How Networking for Accountants Can Benefit Your CareerHow Networking for Accountants Can Benefit Your CareerBy Kathleen DownsYouve probably heard the old saying Its not what you know. Its who you know. In the field of finance and accounting, your technical skills will undoubtedly help you get hired and climb the corporate ladder. But knowing how to network and expand your professional circles can put you a step ahead of the competition - and open doors for your accounting career.Networking is relationship building. For job seekers, it can be as valuable as the contents of your resume. For working professionals, it can be the key to career advancement, conflict resolution and a positive work environment - or lead to valuable word-of-mouth advertising.I find that networking enriches my life in many ways, allowing me to meet people, acquire new clients and connect with influencers. It also offers opportunities to help others, which gives me great satisfaction.One of my professional ne tworking opportunities is with the National Association of Black Accountants. In my role with the NABA Greater Orlando Leadership Team, I have conversations with many of my clients about an organization within our profession that is doing great work. I also can meet new people through my efforts to find corporate partnerships for our conventions, and show others how I give back in a meaningful way.If you and I were having a conversation, and you asked me how to network, I would give you these specific tips, whether youre happily employed or actively searching for a job1. Discover how to network in the workplaceMany people overlook the value of networking in their own accounting offices. But coworkers come and go, and you never know where theyll end up. They could put in a good word for you when you need it, introduce you to others you can connect with, let you know about opportunities elsewhere - or someday move up to become the CFO at your company or your own strategic partner.Eve n if you consider yourself an introvert or a non-networker, you can make an effort to connect professionally with your team or others in your firm. You can meet for coffee or organize a monthly lunch or happy hour. Put out the welcome mat, look for common ground, collaborate on projects, share ideas and contacts. If you leave the company - or they do - keep in touch, knowing that current and former colleagues can play important roles in your future career success.2. Work with a specialized recruiterStaffing agencies offer an array of services when youre looking for a new position. They can be your eyes and ears to the job market, with abundant ideas about how to network with professionals in your area.If a specialized staffing professional reaches out to you, take time to listen, then ask about the best ways to keep in touch. Even if youre not looking for a job right now, theres no predicting what will happen in a few years.Find out mora about how you can work with Robert Halfs re cruiters to find a position matched to your unique skill set and requirements.3. Find ways to do networking verbundenSocial media platforms, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn, offer myriad ways to interact online with colleagues, former classmates and professionals. They allow you to share insights and knowledge, meet new people and follow influencers. If youre looking for a job, be sure to enhance your social media profile.Think about how you brand yourself to showcase your strengths online. Join groups on some social media platforms and find online discussions. Looking for new methods for tackling financial challenges? Interested in learning how to approach big data? The possible topics for conversation are endless.4. Mingle at networking eventsNetworking at outside events can be very beneficial. It brings you together with people youd never meet otherwise. I suggest attending talks and lectures on subjects that pique your interest. Then hang out afterward to shake hands and make connections with speakers and participants. If youve done your homework, you should have at least a partial list of attendees that you want to find in the crowd.Make sure you trade business cards so you can follow up with an email afterward and connect on LinkedIn. Many organizations use networking events as an opportunity to scout for talent, so thats another reason to have your business cards handy.5. Join professional organizationsTrade associations that serve financial and accounting professionals give you a chance to get together with industry colleagues outside the office. They can promote professional development in many ways, helping you step into leadership roles and learn new tricks of the trade. Membership also demonstrates your career dedication to your employer.Here are several of Robert Halfs strategic alliances dedicated to finance and accounting professionalsAmerican Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)AICPA has been an advocate for certi fied public accountants (CPAs) for more than a century. Its various conferences, volunteer activities and task forces allow you to expand your networking. Youll also have access to continuing professional education opportunities offered to members, which focus on the latest issues CPAs face.American Payroll Association (APA)APA offers members a wide range of benefits, including free e-books, webinars and career resources. In addition to its local chapters, the organization hosts national events. APAs annual Congress lets members rub elbows with fellow payroll professionals.Accounting Financial Womens Alliance (AFWA)AFWA gives you opportunities to hone essential leadership skills and network with other female finance professionals. The group hosts several regional conferences a year, as well as an annual national conference. In addition, members have the chance to acquire CPE credits, backed by a scholarship program for degrees and certifications like the CPA, Certified Management A ccounting (CMA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)NABA is a network that has professional and student chapters and offers community outreach, student development and networking. There are 7,000 members nationally and local chapters throughout the United States.Financial Executives International (FEI)The mission of FEI is to advance the success of senior-level financial executives, their organizations and the profession. For more than 80 years, FEI has connected senior corporate executives, now with more than 11,500 members globally.The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA)Established in 1941, the IIA is the internal audit professions global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate and principal educator. It serves more than 185,000 members from more than 165 countries as the professions watchdog and resource on significant auditing issues around the globe.Knowing how to network and to take your introductio ns to the next level can help your career today and in the future. I wish you the bestSubscribe to the newsletter for articles and resources to help you with your accounting and finance career - all sent directly to your inbox.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

How to Create a Professional Resume

How to Create a Professional Resume How to Create a Professional Resume There are some basic rules that you must follow when building your resume so that it is presented professionally, which will encourage hiring employers to pay more attention to the information presented within it. These rules includeThorough ProofreadingNothing turns a hiring manager off quite as quickly as a resume that is filled with typographical errors, grammar problems, misspellings, and other demonstrations of lack of attention and care. These show that you did not take the time to enkoranvers that your resume is correct and clean, which translates into a questionable work ethic and level of responsibility. After you have put together your resume, make sure that you go through it several times, running it both through a spell and grammar check, and reviewing it manually to make sure that any mistakes you have made are caught and modified.ConsistencyConsistency in your resume will demonstrate professionali sm, dependability, and a basic level of attention to detail. Demonstrating consistency throughout your resume means choosing one symbol to illustrate points, whether that is bullet points, dashes, or numbers, and using the same font styles throughout the different sections, such as choosing either bold or italics. Having these elements consistent throughout your resume will help the document flow without frustrating the hiring manager.Professional PresentationYou may want to stand out to the hiring manager of a new job, but you dont want that to be because you have a garish or completely outlandish resume. Do not fall into the temptation of using an unusual or brightly colored paper or ink to catch the attention of the manager. This will only make you look amateurish and immature. Rather, you should use a high-quality white or cream paper with professional quality black ink. Use a font that is simple and easy to read, not ornate. You may think that this will show your personality, b ut it will only make it more difficult for the hiring manager to read through your resume, and may indicate that you are not a team player because you crave too high a degree of individual expression.The Right StyleThere are several different types of resumes that address the specific needs of different lokalitts. It is important that you identify the type of resume that would be the most appropriate choice for the career that you want and make the most out of that style. Targeting your resume to the position that you hope for demonstrates your desire for the position and willingness to work toward specific goals.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Unusual Facts About Nanny Resume Examples Uncovered by an Old Pro

Unusual Facts About Nanny Resume Examples Uncovered by an Old Pro Be certain to include the duration of time you held each position. It is very important to customize your resume to the particular position youre applying for. The next step youll need to take to create resumes is determining what kind of resume youre likely to require. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult. You will need to not just catch the hiring managers eyeyou have to make certain that they study your statement and say Whew The piece you truly need the hiring manager reading is your latest work experience (and be koranvers you tailored that info to fit the work description). Your resume should quickly persuade the prospective employer that youre a very good candidate for the nanny job and the most suitable person to care for their children. On the flip side, functional resumes are generally used by fresh graduates or those who have less experience but want to grab the work vacancy. Another frequent mistake on nanny resumes is repeating the exact same experience and qualifications again and again. You need to appear neat and tidy and prepared to take at work. Each time you put in an application for a new job, check your resume to make sure that it isnt only targeted, but in addition current. Whether youre searching for your very first job or your next one, you require a resume that shows employers that youre a skilled professional. Vital Pieces of Nanny Resume Examples Your jobs might be varied, your experience and abilities vast, and it can be challenging getting it all on paper. You must also chat about past experience. In spite of no experience, you still ought to show experience. Employers like to realize that you have work experience of some type, at least. Nanny care can frequently be an economical alternate to daycare. A nanny undertakes each one of the tasks related to providing care for those children. She is a full time babysitte r in which you usually live in the home of your employer. Bear in mind that for most families, selecting a nanny is an incredibly personal and individual choice. Nannies should endeavor to make an environment that encourages safe exploration. They should be aware of dietary limitations and respect the parents wishes of healthy eating. The Nanny Resume Examples Pitfall Resume software is really much beneficial to make the ready resume. Resume microsoft word is among the design ideas that you could utilize to reference your Resume. Resume microsoft word is among the pictures inside the category of Resume and a lot more images found in that category. However far along you could possibly be in your career, you must remain open to learning new abilities, new methods of doing things, and new technologies. Writing a resume is not hard, but it does take some time and planning. You dont require experience to get achievements. It is possible to find two means by which you can crea te resumes. Well-loved nannies can appear to be part of the family, therefore its essential for parents and kids alike to find somebody whos the correct fit for the job. If you need assistance figuring out the best way to do so, take a look at our office worker resume samples and expert writing tips. Your nature and work style can help parents determine you when youd be a very good fit for their family members. Most folks look at writing a resume as just something youve got to do to have a job. Not everybody is good at managing others, so in the event you can offer hard evidence of your people skills by quantifying the impact youve made through exceptional customer support, youll be irresistible to possible employers. If parents subscribe to a particular philosophy, like attachment parenting, that needs to be mentioned also. Also, highlight subjects youre able to tutor in should you get a strong subject like maths etc.. As you need your resume to be complete, find out the way to avoid overloading it by unnecessary particulars. Therefore, if you would like resume help, you are going to want some good resume examples. Once youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to learn how to vary using action verbs and receive a feel for what makes a potent accomplishment statement.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

What Sending Resume Email Is - and What it Is Not

What Sending Resume Email Is - and What it Is Not If youd prefer to include merely a normal emaille signature, make sure that you include your complete name, email and telephone number. Be cautious regarding the time you decide to send your resume email. Even in the event that you craft the ideal email to send a resume, its still true that you require a killer cover letter. Your resume email must be short and sweet. In any event, youve met your objective of getting your resume before an actual individual. An additional tip, always remember to produce your whole job application relevant and specific to the job that youre attempting to land. When it isnt formatted correctly, you might be passing up the work prospect. There are many places on the net where you are able to get at no cost. Type of Sending Resume Email When youve written your outstanding cover letter providing more info on your expertise and the way it is related to the job which youre applying for, its very i mportant to format it correctly before sending it to any recruiters. Dont let a deadline keep you from applying. When youre asking for work, you need to always send a resume and cover letter. Youre asking for a pspeciesicular job. Then its likely that you might wind up excluding some important places and which include other people who are elend that needed. Inside actual, locating a guide letter is more tough, together with many situations an origin a huge quantity of anxiety. Each time someone questions people to have a reference mail for those children, you may use the specific letter reference words in order to saving time on the job. Sending Resume Email - the Story You might not know the hiring manager, but you probably know somebody who does. You might believe you learn how to email a resume to a possible employer. Do you should write or update a resume to submit an application for work. If youre qualified for the job, do it. Choosing Sending Resume Email Is Simpl e Recruiters are a few of the most visible professionals on the internet today and following up with them via email or on social media after putting in an application for a work opening, may also be an effective method to enhance the likelihood you will obtain a response from the corporation. The informational interview is a small lost art form. Specifically, resume writing is among the most searched topics on the web. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Sending Resume Email Open the attachment so youre confident you attached the proper file in the correct format, and that it opens correctly. You could also attempt to discover the name and title of someone to whom you will be mailing your application. In case you decide you need or will need to incorporate a cover letter, it is possible to either post the text directly in the email or attach it like a second file as well as your resume. A follow-up letter to the Human Resources contact should incorporate the j ob title in the topic line and the very first line or a couple of the katechese itself.

Friday, November 29, 2019

5 Common Reasons People Get Fired From Their Job - The Muse

5 Common Reasons People Get Fired From Their Job - The Muse5 Common Reasons People Get Fired From Their JobI see no point in mincing words here If youre an at-will employee- as most of us non-union members are- you can get fired at any time for no reason at all (so long as it isnt illegal). Thats a fact. But assuming you dont work for an organization thats likely to ax you for well, doing a great job and garnering high performance marks, you probably dont need to overthink this one. With that out of the way, lets talk about some common reasons people lose their jobs (and Im not talking about unavoidable mass layoffs or inability to meet a clearly defined sales goal). No, Im referring to those altogether avoidable things that you have no business doing- unless you dont care about getting let go.1. Stealing Company EquipmentIt sounds like a no-brainer, but take a step back and you might see some less-obvious transgressions. Think no onell notice if you take a stack of printer paper hom e every week? If you accidentally lose your mouse and need to expense another of each? If you pocket snacks, and tea bags, and community honey every afternoon to stock your own pantry?Fine lines, maybe, but all of it is taking whats not yours, something companies consider a serious offense. If you get home one evening and realize you have a stack of Post-its in your bag that you could really use to leave notes for the babysitter, youre probably not going to raise any eyebrows (or suspicion), but if theres ever an ounce of doubt about what youre taking- on purpose or otherwise- the only answer is not to do it. 2. Lying to a Client (or Your Boss)Were not talking about those little lies everyone tells at one point or another. Taking a sick day because you had terrible insomnia and cant fathom the thought of putting on pants is one thing, but telling your anfhrer that a family member died when really you found a cheap flight to Europe is another, wouldnt you say? Misleading a clients ju st as schwimmbad, and dont for a second think that it wont come back to haunt you (these things typically do). Often, we think that fudging the truth will save us from getting in trouble, but when the story comes out, the hot water is bound to be so much hotter. If your boss or clients cant trust you, how will you ever move up? Forget that How will you keep your job? If youre worried about something reflecting badly on you, be the one to initiate the conversation about what went wrong. I promise its a heck of a lot easier than trying to cover it up after the fact.3. Bullying or Harassing a ColleagueYou know this one, right? Sexual harassment or workplace bullying is intolerable and pretty much guaranteed to get you canned if HR gets wind of it. Good. But be careful for all the small ways this might manifest. Shaming a co-workers greasy hamburger and fries lunch could easily be considered obnoxious and mean. Commenting on a colleagues dress or making flirty comments, no matter how su btle, isnt OK if its unwanted. Simply being nasty in an email to a team member you dont like- even if theyre doing a terrible job- is a conversation better had offline with the offending party. Acting like a bully and causing someone to literally dread coming into work each day is one of the best reasons Ive heard for losing your job. So, play nice Be respectful, kind, and aware.4. notlage Doing Your WorkMost of us can relate to going through a rough patch when motivation seems impossible to grasp and were barely eking out a decent days work. Maybe some days, you look back and wonder how you wasted the whole day. Hey, it happens to the best of us. But, struggle to complete any work over an extended period of time, and you can bet your boss isnt having it. If you cant be depended on to do your job (and were not even talking about going above and beyond), then how can you make a case that you deserve said job? Communicate with your manager if you need an extended deadline or if youre approaching burnout, but dont just stop doing your work.5. Calling Out or Coming in Late on a Regular BasisSick and personal days exist for a reason, and you should use them at your discretion and with your supervisors approval. And sure, sometimes the flu will knock you out for a week, or youll have a family issue and need to use all of your personal days across a short period of time. But when you start calling in sick weekly or coming in late every day, you better believe your managers taking notice.Again, we all have hard weeks, where bad commutes or childcare issues play prominent roles. When your absences become egregious, however, you put your job security at risk. Employers want reliable, committed people on their team, and if you cant be this person, theyre bound to find someone who can be. Getting fired is awful- very often for both parties. Former HR professional Dorianne St Fleur says that managers dont enjoy having to fire anyone and will usually try to give chances whe re possible, but when it comes to company policies being blatantly violated, theres no alternative. Your job- aside from doing your job- is to refuse to give them a reason to show you the door. Policies are in place for a reason, so do the right thing, and youre more likely to get promoted than terminated.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

4 Factors That Advance Your Career (That Have Nothing To Do With You)

4 Factors That Advance Your Career (That Have Nothing To Do With You)4 Factors That Advance Your Career (That Have Nothing To Do With You)Youre awesome at what you do. Youve mastered the skills you need, gained some solid experience, and built an impressive portfolio. Thats what it takes to land you that promotion or next job, right?Well, yes, thats part of it. But there are many more factors that contribute to your career advancement- factors that have nothing to do with how well youre doing in your current gig. In fact, many of the things that can impact your future and success arent really about you at all.Heres a breakdown of some of the external factors that can influence your professional growth- and the best ways to leverage them into bigger and better things.1. The Right IndustryYes, you can advance your career in any field out there- but your opportunities to climb the ladder are going to be much more plentiful in a field thats growing versus one thats going through tough ti mes. So, its always a good idea to look for opportunities in emerging industries (or at least ones likely to remain stable over time, like education).Of course, thats easier said than done if youve already established yourself in an industry thats waning or going through a difficult period, or if your passions are leading you in that direction. In that case, you dont necessarily have to jump ship, but its not a bad idea to explore other fields you might be interested in. Ever thought about technology or healthcare? Now might be the time to parlay your skills that way. And in the meantime, focus on what you can learn from your current experience, like how to manage teams through change and the best strategies to navigate through layoffs- valuable skills no matter what industry youre in.2. The Right LocationIf you want to work in television production, youre most likely to succeed in LA or New York. If you have an interest in higher education, a state with tons of colleges and univers ities makes sense, like Massachusetts or Texas. And we all know that Silicon Valley is still the capital of tech.In short, if youre committed to a certain industry, its helpful to be in the right place. Its not a hard and fast rule, but when you want to work in an area where your field is less prevalent, there will certainly be fewer opportunities- and stiffer competition for those that do exist. On the other hand, being surrounded by companies that do what youre passionate about is a great way to establish relationships with people who can help you find opportunities and expand your future.If relocating isnt an option, think about other ways you can expand your network and increase your exposure in your industry. Join professional associations, attend and speak at national and regional conferences, or even take on freelance work in other markets.3. The Right NetworkYouve heard it before and youll hear it again Its not always what you know but who. Relationships mean everything prof essionally, and the people youre connected to are often your best bet in finding a new job or receiving a promotion. Dont underestimate the power of meeting and staying close to people in many different positions and companies, even when youre not looking for a job.One of the easiest ways to expand your network is to join a local industry group (like PRSA if youre in public relations, or Toastmasters if you frequently deliver presentations). In addition to helping you meet like-minded professionals, these groups frequently offer training and job boards, tools that ultimately can boost your career growth.4. The Right MentorNo matter how great your industry, your network, or your experience, one of the most crucial factors to career advancement is having the right mentor by your side.For one, theres a lot that youll never learn in management textbooks and seminars- but that you will from firsthand conversations with a trusted advisor. A great mentor can also help you figure out which new areas you can explore within your field and which skills you should be expanding upon.Having a mentor within your company is particularly valuable- she can identify opportunities for advancement you might overlook, guide you through challenging projects, and help you build relationships with higher-ups. fruchtwein importantly, if shes influential, she can earn you recommendations for special projects or teams that you might not have been considered for otherwise. And these are the factors that are going to pave the way for success at your company.If you arent sure exactly how to find a mentor, start by asking your manager or HR for suggestions. It doesnt have to be formal, either- look around and see who the stars are in your organization, and ask them out to coffee. If youre not finding anyone in your company, approach members of professional groups you belong to or check out industry organizations with official mentoring programs.It would be awesome if there was a clear recipe we could follow to ensure a successful career path- but, well, you already know theres not. Career advancement isnt an easy or straightforward task, but by continuing to do great work and identifying and leveraging the other factors that can impact your goals, youll put yourself on the right track.Photo of woman in the city courtesy of Shutterstock.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

June 2019 Jobs Report

June 2019 Jobs ReportJune 2019 Jobs ReportIn June, the U.S. economy saw solid job growth, with employers adding 224,000 positions. The gain was higher than most analysts predictions and followed lower-than-expected payroll expansion of 72,000 jobs in May. Since the start of 2019, employers have added more than 1 million positions, or about 172,000 per month, on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).The following sectors created the most jobs in JuneEducation and health services 61,000 jobs addedProfessional and geschftsleben services 51,000 jobs addedTransportation and warehousing 23,900 jobs addedConstruction 21,000 jobs addedManufacturing 17,000 jobs addedUnemployment rate up slightly to 3.7%The national unemployment rate in June was 3.7% - up from 3.6% in May, which was a 50-year low. The unemployment rate for college-degreed professionals who are 25 or older - the most sought-after workers - held steady at 2.1% for the third consecutive month.Meanwhile, un employment rates for many roles that require specialized skills are trending well below the national average, according to the latest figures from the BLS. Some examples are accountants and auditors (1.5%), software developers (1.6%), attorneys (1.4%) and administrative managers (0.8%).What employers need to knowMany candidates have multiple job opportunities to consider in this tight hiring market. And some job seekers will wait until they receive a solid offer of employment before deciding whether they actually want to work for a company. They might even say yes to the job - and then change their mind. In fact, a recent survey found that more than one-quarter of workers (28%) have done exactly that. The top reason job seekers fail to commit? They received a better offer from another company.You cant prevent every promising candidate from changing their mind about joining your organization. But you totenstill want to reduce the chances of that happening. These strategies can help youDont drag your feet. If you think youve found an outstanding candidate, theres a good chance that other employers are courting that person as well. So, be careful not to take too long to hire. Do the necessary due diligence, but then move as swiftly as possible to make an offer.Dont skimp or lowball. In a hiring market with low unemployment, you cant afford to hold back on offering competitive compensation and compelling perks. Present a generous hiring package that makes sense for your business but is also difficult for the candidate to refuse.Stay in contact. Take a high-touch approach to communication with potential hires. From the moment you first reach out to them for an interview through their first day on the job, maintain constant contact with candidates to ensure they are feeling good about the process and youre aware of any questions, concerns or second thoughts they might have.Continue the above approach throughout your companys onboarding process, too. You want to hel p new hires succeed from Day One and help ease their anxieties. The onboarding phase is the time when you need to reassure your new employees that they made the right choice in joining your firm.REQUEST TALENTWhat job seekers need to knowfruchtwein skilled professionals can find job opportunities in the current hiring environment - especially if they are in a hot market or industry. However, the abundance of options can make some candidates fickle with employers during the hiring process. Theyll turn down a position after theyve already accepted it because they received a better offer elsewhere. In some cases, candidates will walk away from a potential employer without any explanation or even a thank-you.You shouldnt accept a job that isnt right for you, of course. But you shouldnt string along or end up ghosting an employer who is interested in hiring you, either. Its just bad form, as well as a surefire way to tarnish your professional reputation. The following tips can help you to avoid creating an awkward hiring situationBe strategic. Are you blasting out your resume to employers at scale, just to see who bites? Are you taking time to consider all the things an employer might offer that would make pursuing a job truly worthwhile? Be thoughtful and strategic in your approach as a job applicant, and youll be more likely to connect with employers who would be a good match for you.Be transparent. If youre interviewing with multiple companies, or even considering other job offers, let hiring managers know. It could prompt them to move faster or extend a more generous job offer.Decide quickly. If you go through the hiring process in good faith but still get cold feet once a job offer is in hand, dont leave the employer hanging. While you dont have to explain your decision, consider offering some insight into why youve said no. It can help the employer to refine their hiring approach - and it will help you to make a positive impression in a delicate situation.W hile you may not be interested in an employers current job offer, you might want to apply to the company again someday. Or, in the future, you might encounter the hiring manager you met at another firm. So, strive to be thoughtful, honest and graceful in every aspect of the hiring process, as it could very well impact your future career path.