Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job Done

Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job DoneDid School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job Done?Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job DoneWe spend many years in school with the belief that a good education will prepare us for the many more years well spend at work. But, what you learn in the classroom can take you only so far. Its the work experience thats most critical in helping you get where you want to go in your career.Employers expect everyone to come out of school with a set of basic skills, notably math, writing, reading, and at least some computer proficiency. Rather than worry about how well employees can add, subtract, speak, or write and send an email, employers would rather focus on the stuff that matters most increasing revenue, keeping costs down, making processes more efficient, and making sure everyones working to their full capabilities and getting along like a bunch of happy campers.Yet, according to a recent survey by The Conference Board, about 34 % of employers believe high school graduates are not prepared for the workforce, and about 17% say the same of four-year college grads. In fact, close to half of employers feel the need to provide some form of workforce readiness training to boost new employees skills after theyre hired. Most employers focus their programs on skills such as teamwork/collaboration, leadership, and technology skills. Some even offer programs on enhancing communications skills.But theres a bright spot here When The Conference Board conducted a similar survey in 2006, most employers found that new high school grads were adequately prepared in technology skills and teamwork/collaboration. (The fact that teenagers are more technically adept than their parents is a big help.) Maybe we can take that as a sign that school systems are expanding beyond the basic subjects and aligning whats being taught with the skills workplaces really need.

The Federal Resume Profile Debate

The Federal Resume Profile DebateThe Federal Resume Profile DebateThe Federal Resume Profile DebateMost private industry resumes include a profile or summary of qualifications, outlining skills that an applicant can offer a potential employer. The profile can be changed for each application to feature the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant for the position. Profiles range in size from the very short (e.g., 5 lines) to the very long (e.g., 40 lines).A typical profile looks something like the followingPROFILE Results-oriented manager with 25+ years of leadership experience in operations, administration, and budgeting. Pioneer with a proven ability to lead large-scale undertakings in highly sensitive and publicly visible contexts. Recognized for financial stewardship, I possess a record of strategic planning, improving business processes, increasing productivity, and achieving significant cost savings. Strong interpersonal and communication ability with a record of proact ively conveying operational needs to senior executives.But what role do profiles play in Federal Resumes, if any?This question is regularly debated among jobseekers some arguing that profiles play a key role in helping their resumes stand out and get rated mora highly, while others are not so sure. The reality is more complicated there are pros and cons to including a profile in your resume.PRO The federal supervisor may read your profile to get a snapshot of your background. This may help you stand out once your application is on the hiring managers desk. But a profile, in this context, is an eye-catcher, not the selling point. If the profile is interesting enough, the remainder of your work experience, education, and competencies as demonstrated throughout the rest of your resume will determine whether you are called for an interview.CON Including a profile on your resume does NOT help initially qualify you for the position. The profile does not count toward establishing quali fications, category ratings, or points toward your application during the evaluation process. If the information in the profile is not anchored to a specific position and corresponding platzdeckchen of dates, the Human Resources Specialist will not know how long you have possessed your claimed skills and abilities.So whats the best solution?Establish your One-Year Specialized Experience by moving the profile content into the Work Experience sections. Profiles make for nice reading, but ultimately dont help qualify you (i.e., increase your score) for target federal positions. Hiring managers will review your entire resume regardless of whether your resume sports a profile. The best approach is for you to demonstrate your experience and qualifications in the meat of the federal resume. Doing so will help you get qualified and help you get full consideration by the hiring manager.

7 habits you should form to become more inspired at work

7 habits you should form to become more inspired at work7 habits you should form to become more inspired at workA shocking85% of employees say they are not engaged or are actively disengaged at work.And although it is unrealistic to be actively thrilled byeach and every dayof work (even if yur job orcompany is awesome), if youre finding that youre getting more and more disengaged and uninspired over time rather than just once in a while you should probably start doing something about it.Here are some useful strategies to feel more inspired at work when you find yourself dreading going to work or feeling blah fruchtwein daysSet challenges for yourselfSettling into the same old routine may feel boring after a while, so spice things up by getting into the competitive spirit. Setting challenges for yourself is a great way to feel more motivated by your work. Think about your short, medium, and long-term goals for your career. Then, set specific, measurable, and time-limited challenges that address each of these goals. Thinking about your longer-term plans can help you feel rejuvenated and more inspired at work.Reconnect with the companys missionWhen you first started working for your organization, you likely receivedon-boardingmaterials aboutthe companys mission. After months or years of the daily grind, however, that mission may have gotten lost along the way. Get re-inspired by thinking about what got you excited about working there in the first place. Post a sticky notenzeichen on your computer with a quick, mission-driven mantra to repeat to yourself when youre feeling uninspired. This helps you focus on the big picture of the work you do, even if it feels like you spend most of your time in the minutiae.Set better boundariesFeeling uninspired may be a sign that youre losing the balance between your work life and home life. Take a hard look at your daily routine to determine what is serving you well and what habits you need to change. If youve been working lo ng hours lately, reset your priorities by establishing a set time to leave work every day. Setting better boundaries will give you the opportunity to reconnect with your non-work passions. Lest you succumb to feeling guilty or lazy about this lost work productivity, remember thatpeople who have a strong work-life balance work 21% harder at their jobs and are 33% more likely to stay with that organization.Request feedback about your workTalk to your colleagues or supervisor about your work, areas in which you excel, and areas in which you can continue to grow. This gives you positive reinforcement about your strengths and can give you ideas about new areas of growth. At the least, this will give you something new to focus on thats totally self-driven, rather than relying on other people or thingsLearn something newSometimes, a little change in routine is all it takes for us to feel more inspired about our work. Look for opportunities to learn something new, whether that means attendi ng a conference, completing a workshop, taking a training course, or even going back to school if your employer offers a tuition benefit. If your company does not have strong opportunities for training, remind your supervisors that employee learning benefits the bottom line, too.Companies that devote more resources to training enjoy a shareholder return 86% higherthan those who are less training oriented. This may spur your company to invest more in employees training, giving you more opportunities to stay engaged and inspired.Celebrate the little thingsWe are reward-driven creatures, yet the modern workplace sometimes feels like a punishing place. Boost the inherent rewards you experience at work by creating an incentive structure for yourself. This could be as simple as getting 5 minutes to surf the Internet when you have completed an hour of hard work or rewarding yourself with a latte when you meet a goal on a project. Celebrating small milestones throughout your workday gives y ou a sense of accomplishment as you work toward larger goals.Take a vacationMore than half of American workers leave vacation time unused, with an astonishing658 million vacation days going unused in 2015. Taking some time to relax and recharge is one of the best ways to become more inspired upon your return. Even if you cannot afford to go on an extravagant trip, take a few days to explore your city or simply relax at home. This is a smart way to hit the reset button on your job and return with fresh energy.This article first appeared on Kununu.

Job Search Tips Based on Product Management Principles

Job Search Tips Based on Product Management PrinciplesJob Search Tips Based on Product Management PrinciplesIn many companies, including those that produce technology and consumer products, a product manageris responsible for identifying new product opportunities and creating a roadmap for product creation and delivery.In advance of launching the next generation smartphone or gaming device, product managers spend months assessing the features of competitors products, understanding the most up-to-date technologies and identifying the features they want to include in the new product. The goal is to design and launch a product that is different and better than current offerings so that it can compete in the market.As a job seeker you are a product competing in the job market, and you must prove that you are different and better than other candidates. Here are some core product management practices to help you enhance yur job search and position yourself as the best candidate.A/B TestWhe n product managers make improvements to a product, they typically come up with a series of educated guesses about what is causing a problem or what changes could improve the product. In buchen to determine whether a single element is the root cause of a problem or a point of opportunity, they often run an A/B test. They create two groups that are identical in every way except for a lone attribute. They run the test and then compare the results. If the outcomes are significantly different, they can conclude that the cause of the difference is that single attribute. They can then base decisions on this newfound knowledge.Its a good idea to test as you tweak your resume or any other element of your job search process, from the types of roles you are applying for to the different channels for submitting your resume and even the outfits you wear on interviews. Note the differences in your efforts and keep records of the respective differences in outcomes to determine the best methods for job search success. For example, create several versions of your resume and elende which version results in more interest from recruiters. Use this version or continue to make controlled adjustments until you have the best representation of your talents as a candidate.Quantitative researchRelated to A/B testing is the need to collect and analyze data. An important first step is to consider the metrics that matter to you. At Simply Hired, our product team looks deeply at feature and product upgrades that help job seekers find the right jobs quickly and easily. They track progress towards this aim via metrics such as return visits and increasing click-through rates.Ultimately your goal is to find a great new job. As you go through the process, ask yourself, What are the metrics that confirm that I am headed in the right direction? They are likely emails or phone calls from recruiters in response to resumes that you have submitted as well as phone screens and interviews with your desi red employer. Track the outcomes of each of your efforts noting variations as if you are running A/B tests to identify and repeat the things that are working best for you.Sample of a spreadsheet to use for tracking informationQualitative researchWhere quantitative research entails collecting a large volume of information for analysis, qualitative research entails getting deep insights, typically from customers through interviews. Without hearing directly from customers, you run the risk of misunderstanding data or inaccurately assigning causation. Conducting interviews and allowing customers to speak for themselves offers useful information to complement and enhance insights from data.In addition to noting the success rates of your job search activities, seek out feedback from friends or professional contacts to better understand ways that you can improve your product. Ask others to critique your resume. Participate in mock interviewsand ask for explicit feedback on your verbal resp onses and physical presence. While it may feel embarrassing or humbling to ask for this assistance, ultimately it will yield helpful suggestions that you may not have considered and that can help you improve your performance when it counts.Competitive AnalysisWhen designing new products, product managers consider the competitive landscapeinto which a product will enter. They think about competitors and their products, the positioning of the products to customers and the pricing. Having this context allows the product manager to determine what product they should create and how it may perform when launched. Having this information also helps the product manager eliminate ideas for products that would not do well if launched, thus sparing the company the time and resources involved in product development.As a job seeker, you do not exist in a vacuum. For any job that you are pursuing, there are other candidates who are also interested in and possibly qualified for the position. You sh ould perform competitive analysis such as checking out LinkedIn profiles or talking to peers at industry events to understand how others are positioning themselves. Doing so can help you figure out how to best communicate your suitability as a candidate. It can also help you identify areas of improvement and give insight into the roles or industries where you may struggle to be successful. For example, data scientists often have technical or quantitative backgrounds and advanced degrees. This is not to say that you should not pursue this type of role if your background does not fit exactly, but knowing this gives you some insight into how you may compete against other candidates and may be a reason to consider other types of opportunities as well.PrioritizationOnce sufficient data has been gathered, it is the product managers job to decide which projects should be prioritized ahead of others. With limited time and resources, a company must make tradeoffs and pursue projects with hig h potential impact and reasonable cost of implementation.As a job seeker, you also have limited resources- mainly time. After you have brainstormed and gathered some insights on activities that might improve your success as a candidate, try to assess the relative impact of each activity as well as the level of difficulty in accomplishing each task.For example, sending emails to college alumni working in your desired field to set up informational interviews is a low-cost, high-impact activity. Getting a graduate degree that is common in a field you want to enter is also something that can have a positive impact however, this is something that will take time to accomplish and has higher cost and therefore risk. It may be something you put in your longer term plans for product development, but it is not likely something you can finish quickly.Daniel Brakin, a Simply Hired product director, points out that there is always an opportunity costto the projects you take on. By doing one thin g, you wont be able to do another. Make sure the thing youre doing is most likely to help you succeed.Simply Hired Product Manager Priscilla Wong points out that in addition to finding new product areas in which to compete, it is important for companies to look inward and be cognizant of the performance of their current products.Shifts in the industry and the introduction of new competitors can make your products or your competitive edge obsolete. As a candidate, be mindful of changes in your line of work, and be critical of your strengths so that you dont find yourself falling behind the pack. Taking classes or seminars or reading about developments within your industry can help you maintain the competitiveness of your current product.

Facts, Fiction and Sending Resume Email

Facts, Fiction and Sending Resume Email Using Sending Resume Email The employment market is continuously evolving at a fast pace. Seeking employment isnt an acceptable subject. Do you should write or update a resume to submit an application for work. A legal professional seeking the most suitable job ought to have a strong resume as a way to be notlageiced by the employers. Sending Resume Email the Ultimate Convenience You can see the complete cover letter at the next link. You will see various sample epistle. The point is that your cover letter shouldnt be any longer than 1 screen in length. Job postings frequently dont list the name of the individual to contact and just provide an emaille address. It is almost always better to deal with correspondence to a name in place of a title. To begin with, before you begin drafting your letter, ensure that your email address is professional. A follow-up letter to the Human Resources contact should incorporate the job title in t he topic line and the very first line or a couple of the message itself. In regard to candidates engaging recruiters and hiring managers, there are three sorts of messages you are able to consider when youre doing your reachout to inquire about opportunities at a business or specific positions. In case it looks fine then youre able to send it to the employer. You may believe you understand how to email a resume to a prospective employer. Naturally, be sure not to do this in the event the employer specifically tells you to submit your resume in another way (such as through a web site or via mail). Sending Resume Email Secrets There are a lot of different nuts and bolts you have to tinker with to acquire actual sales and conversions. There are in fact loads of resume making software programs to pick from. Writing a perfect resume email is merely a fraction of all of the situations you must keep in mind before you click send. Prior to going, be sure you download the templates that Ive personally utilised to find a response from a number of the worlds busiest people. Earlier than you get began using the software, its an excellent suggestion whenever you have all of your info ready. You have to begin together with your own personal info. Additionally, its simple to personalize and doesnt appear to be a cookie-cutter automated email. The Basics of Sending Resume Email That You Can Learn From Beginning Today High school is an amazing likelihood of students to get started gaining work experience. Inside actual, locating a guide letter is more tough, together with many situations an origin a huge quantity of anxiety. The informational interview is a small gelbkreuzgas art form. Nowadays its relatively simple to locate peoples email addresses due to Chrome extensions like Email Hunter. Individuals frequently dont find out how to deal with e-mail-nachricht job enquiries. Be careful regarding the time you opt to send your resume email. Sending an emai l is absolutely free, it doesnt call for a stamp, check out the post office or a visit to the organization youre applying for. Up in Arms About Sending Resume Email? It appears at the base of every email you send and includes important contact information, including your email address and contact number. Try to remember that should you go for full confidentiality, it can be your responsibility to remember to delete contact info from your resume. All you have to do is plug in your information and its prepared to use. Youre able to find more details on formal writing here. Sending Resume Email - the Conspiracy You ought to be permitted to evaluate a website to make certain its a very good fit to you before adding your information to their database. Its possible to be visible but private online, but how visible you wish to be vs. how comfortable youre in public is a question only you are able to answer. Whats critically important is to adhere to the firms instructions. Many companies finally have career centers on their sites. 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. If its your very first job, and not too formal, you could have considered trying something fairly easy. You found the person that you wish to recruit. Any moment you desire another person to generate a personal reference letter for yourself so youre in a position to search for the job which you might accomplish just after you will be able to publish directions personal reference file format for those kids and let them find the help people need. Some employers request that you e-mail your resume in the suitable format. If you only use regular e-mail its tricky to understand this. The Basics of Sending Resume Email Job search experts recommend you maintain duplicates of your resume in every one of these versions or formats. Employing these inferior application s will end in poor Sending A Resume Email Template with minimal probability of succeeding. To have the ability to get a gorgeous structure to your Sending A Resume Email Template, youve got to create use of a lot of care, consideration to element, and the suitable formatting.

Maternity Leave in Australia - Know Your Rights

Maternity Leave in Australia - Know Your Rights Maternity Leave in Australia Know Your RightsPosted July 30, 2019, by JennySo youre having a baby... Congratulations But before we can get to talking baby names and gender reveals, lets discuss your maternity leave rights and how to navigate maternity leave and your career.In Australia, the Federal Government mainly decides maternity and paternity leave entitlements, however, you should also get up to scratch with the policies of your State Government and employer.Am I Eligible for Maternity Leave?The Federal Government states that an employee is entitled to 52 weeks of unpaid maternity or parental leave when that employeeGives birthPartner gives birthAdopts a child under 16 years of ageTo be eligible for the leave, expecting parents must have worked for their employer for a minimum of 12 months (either full-time, part-time or in some exceptions, casual basis) before the expected date of the babys birth/adoption.What About Paternal Lea ve?This is known as Dad and Partner Pay which offers eligible working fathers two weeks of paid leave at the national minimum wage of $740.60*When Should I Tell My Employer Im Having a Baby?Theres no hard and fast rule about when you need to tell your employer youre pregnant. Its all about when the time feels right to you however, many choose to wait until the end of their first trimester. If you are feeling morning sickness or your job is either highly stressful or laborious, then youd probably want to have a sit-down conversation sooner rather than later.Legally you need to give your employer atleast 10 weeks leidice that you intend on taking maternity leave. Atleast four weeks prior to your planned last day you need to provide a letter to your employer outlining your maternity leave start date.When Should I Start Maternity Leave?Deciding when to start your maternity leave can be tricky. If you start too early and run over your due date that that could be six or eight weeks of tim e just waiting around for baby, on the other hand, start your leave too late and you could have very little downtime before bub arrives. As most workplaces hold your role for 12 months from your leave date, it could be a difficult decision to make as the sooner you leave the sooner you need to come back.There is no right or wrong answer. Everyones pregnancy is different and a lot of it comes down to how you feel. Have you been sleeping well? Is your commute tiresome? Are you uncomfortable sitting or standing for long periods? Are you feeling stressed at work? These are important considerations and can impact how long you continue working.How Much Parental Leave Does the Government Pay?As of June 2019, the paid parental leave amount is $740.60 per week (pre-tax) for 18 weeks. If your employer offers paid maternity leave then you are still eligible for the government payment.Parental Leave Pay can be paid to you by your employer or directly from the government.Usually, your employer w ill receive the amount from the government and then pay it to you in your usual pay cycle. This allows them to withhold your usual amount of tax and allow for any other payments or contributions that you regularly make (super, salary sacrifice etc).Note The scheme provides you with 18 weeks of Parental Leave Pay but does not give you any entitlement to leave, thats something you need to discuss with your employer.How Much Parental Leave Do Employers Pay?According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, employers can provide for paid parental leave in registered agreements, employment contracts and workplace policies. The amount of leave and pay entitlements depends on the relevant registered agreement, contract or policy. Employer-funded paid parental leave doesnt affect an employees eligibility for the Australian Governments Paid Parental Leave Scheme. An employee can be paid both.How Do I Claim Parental Leave?Soon to be parents need to ensure they follow the right steps to claim their parenta l leave.You may apply for a maximum of 18 weeks of parental leave pay within 34 weeks of your child being born or adopted. All claims must be made before your baby turns one, so if you apply once your child is 36 weeks the most you will get is 16 weeks of payments, if your child is 42 weeks then you will get 10 weeks of payments etc.Note while its best to start your application before your child is born or adopted, you will not be paid before their birth/adoption.You can simply create or log into your myGov account to set up your claim, just be sure to have all your supporting documents ready to go to help answer some of the questions.Know Your EntitlementsHaving a new baby is a mixed bag of excitement, nerves, overwhelm and a whole lot more, so when it comes to working and preparing for baby, its important to take your time, know your rights and do your research. Speak to your HR team, review your contract and company policies and check Government sites to ensure youre getting ever ything youre entitled to. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searcheshow to ask your boss for time off on short noticematernity leave letter samplehow to become an engineer in australialeave letterhow to become a data scientist in australia CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJennyRelated ArticlesBrowse moreStudy tips21 Motivational Quotes Thatll Make You Want to Study HardGetting motivated and staying motivated can be difficult but sometimes all you might need to pick you up is that one great quote that resonates with you. Here are 21 quotes to inspire you dur ing your study journey and cultivate a successful mindset.A royal careerBaby Cambridge has entered the world with some royally big responsibilities ahead of him. Its got us thinking about just how much influence parents can have on their childrens career paths.Charles Sturt University (CSU)zwischenstaatlich studentsBoKyung Kim - South Korean International student, Charles Sturt UniversityHave an open mind and accept the Australian culture and nature. Then you can enjoy the relaxed, friendly, natural lifestyle.

7 productivity hacks for when you dont sleep a wink

7 productivity hacks for when you dont sleep a wink7 productivity hacks for when you dont sleep a winkNo matter which way you toss and turn, how many melatonins you pop or sheep you count, there are some nights when sleep is more of a pipe dream than a reality. Considering the CDC estimates one in three Americans doesnt rest the recommended eight hours per night, youre definitely not the only one battling the Sandman. Regardless though, theres nothing more taxing - or overwhelming - than attempting to get through your workday when youre exhausted.As career expert Wendi Weiner explains, following a restless night, your bodys energy is sucked dry, leaving not only your body, but your creativity sluggish. If your brain hasnt been given ample opportunity to shut off, it cant re-charge its internal batteries, she explains.This makes it far more likely that youll give into distractions - like your phone, Facebook, post-work plans, and the list goes on. Until the clock ticks to 6 (or 7) though, focusing on the task at hand is your priority. Before your boss catches you napping in your cubicle, read these tips on how to maintain steam at the office, no sleep requiredGet your heart rate upHitting up your beloved indoor cycling studio or trekking to the park near your apartment for a quick jog is likely the last priority on your mind when youre sleepy, but licensed psychotherapist Melody Li stresses the major perk of endorphins. When you get your heart-rate up, you automatically receive a boost of serotonin that will help you feel more energized - and ahem, less cranky - in the office.If a morning workout is simply out of the question, she suggests rahmen an alarm on your phone for every hour where you complete 20 jumping jacks, 20 air squats, and 20 push-ups. Even this mini sweat-sesh will have you better prepared to tackle your to-do list.Dont focus on your lack of sleepConsider when you miss a deadline, deal with an unhappy client or receive a poor review from yo ur manager how much time do you waste going over every little thing you could have done differently? More often than not, professionals are our own worst enemies, since we engage in negative self-talk that impacts our confidence and perspective. The same goes after a night of insomnia, according to yoga therapist and natural health expert Dr. Lynn Anderson.While it might seem like it doesnt make a difference, if you concentrate on the night before, youll feel that much more tired. Get up and get moving without focusing on the amount of sleep you got the night before. If you dwell on the lack of sleep it will chase you around all day, youll be in a bad mood and this will reduce productivity, she explains.Each time you start to discuss your lack of rest with a co-worker - or even silently to yourself - take a deep breath and dive into something that requires your attention instead.Choose three tasksAs much as youd like to hit all of your daily tasks out of the park when youre tired, you might not be able to perform at your highest level. Thats why Weiner suggests taking the pressure off yourself by choosing three major, important, pending tasks that you cant delay. And do them ASAP, when youre still reaping the benefits of the morning. When you are sleep-deprived, those first two hours that you are actually awake will tend to be the most productive.Tackle those major tasks and non-negotiable projects first. Do not wait until the end of the day when the 3 p.m. fatigue sets in and you lose your mojo, she explains.Eat a healthy breakfastWhen youre feeling down - or merely sleepy - you might convince yourself a sugar high is just what you need to improve your spirit. Though sure, a doughnut will fulfill you at the moment, Dr. Anderson warns of the crash thats sure to come. Because youre already operating at less than 100 percent, the pitfall of that sweet A.M. treat will be that much more detrimental to your work. Instead, she suggests a nutritional combination of proteins and carbs, like eggs, a protein and a piece of avocado toasts. Lack of sleep is similar to low blood sugar,so keep your blood sugar steady throughout the day by eating a healthy diet, she suggests.Drink cold waterYou already know water is a must-have for your body, no matter how tuckered out you are. But Weiner says cool H20 is even better. It awakens the body and enhances your internal energy. It is great for when you are exercising as well as the cold water is a jolt to your body as well as an excellent way to nourish it, she says. Consider exercising and drinking cold water to provide an extra boost of energy. Your endorphins will be elevated, you will feel revived, and you will be ready to tackle the day.Take your work outsideIf your job description includes plenty of cross-country or transatlantic commuting, you already know how important it is to spend time in the great outdoors (even in the middle of a large metro) to overcome symptoms of jet lag. The same philoso phy applies when you didnt sleep the night before, even if you werent exactly on a red-eye.Dr. Anderson explains the incomparable benefits of sunshine and fresh air for tired workers You will also get a jolt of vitamin D from the sunlight. Studies indicate that low vitamin D may affect our ability to get a good nights sleep, so after a lack of sleep what we need to do is reset our internal clock. Vitamin D has been linked to excessive sleepiness throughout the day so a good dose of D will perk us up and this leads to productivity.Start with caffeine - but dont go overboardWhile effective, Anderson says to be mindful of utilizing caffeine as your only source of energy after a disruptive night of sleep. Your go-to beans, shot of espresso or matcha green tea will help you feel more energetic in half-an-hour, but that doesnt mean you should down several cups throughout the day. How come? Too much of a good thing can actually wreak havoc on your concentration.We need to be careful about pacing ourselves throughout the day if we use caffeine as excess can cause us to feel jittery and this reduces focus which is exactly what we need to be productive, Dr. Anderson says.

How to get inspired again when you become bored or complacent

How to get inspired again when you become bored or complacentHow to get inspired again when you become bored or complacentIf youre dreading work in the morning or have found yourself on many occasions staring at the clock to count the minutes before you can just go home, youre not alone. A full70% of U.S. employees are not engaged at work. And being bored or complacent at work isnt just badeanstalt for your productivity, its also damaging to your overall happiness.Keep in mind, though, that theres a difference between being unengaged because youre in the wrong job or companyand being unengaged because youre just in a rut.If its mora the first (thinkbad managerand / orcrappy company culture), then your solution is probably to look for a better job. However, if youre just dealing with bouts of boredom at an otherwise pretty good job situationthen your solution is simply to battle that boredom and find some inspiration.Dont waste another moment and instead, resolve to shake things up an d take steps to get inspired at work again1. Define (or revisit) your valuesWhen looking for a job, we often focus on the what of the job description rather than the how and why. The same goes for when youve been in the same routine for a while you focus on the surface level things and forget about what actually drives and motivates you.To gain some inspiration, reconnect with your why by thinking about your values and whether your current work fulfills them. Workplace values might include making a positive impact in society, being able to work independently, being part of caring great team, or using your creativity. If your current position doesnt align with your values, or if over time youve realized that your values have changed a bit, its time to think about new opportunities. Look around your workplace to identify other positions that better match your career values.2.Learn something newIn many organizations, on-the-job training or on-boarding takes just a few short days or wee ks. And when this initial necessary learning period is over, what typically happens is that unless your company has a defined long-term professional development program in place youre left to do your job without much additional opportunity to formally develop new skills. Its no wonder youre starting to feel boredom and complacencyYoure not alone either. Up to86% of Millennials say better career development opportunities would keep them from leaving their jobs. To combat this font of disengagement, look for opportunities to learn a new skill, especially those that would directly enhance your work-life and desired career path. Want to become more technically proficient? Take a coding class online. Want to pursue more responsibilities and work towards a management role? Find a leadership workshop or training session. Want to become a subject matter expert in a certain area? Join professional industry groups or attend a professional conference.3. Expand your professional circleMost of us work with the same small group of people day-in and day-out. Although this can build team camaraderie and cohesion, it can also lead to stagnation and, yes, boredom. Combat this by making an effort to branch out of your usual professional circle.Simple things you could do are consulting a colleague from a different department about a project youre working on or introducing yourself to someone new in the break room. You could even take it a step further and join (or start) an interest group either within your company or outside of it, which connects you with other people with similar interests. Any of the above will help you generate new ideas and a sense of new inspiration.4. Identify the mismatch between your talents and your workWhen were feeling uninspired at work, its usually because our abilities are not being used effectively. Only1 in 9 employees say their talents are being used to their fullest potential. Unfortunately, many of us wait for our managers to see our unique talents, rather than engaging in a little self-promotion. If this sounds like your situation, its time you make a plan and get proactive about it.Start by making a list of your skills and talents. Then, make a list of the daily tasks you do at work. Identify areas of mismatch and also think of opportunities to fill in the gaps, and bring them to your manager. The point is not to simply tell your manager how unhappy you are but to come with ideas to alter your responsibilities to better draw upon your unique talents. You may not get everything you wish for, but sometimes small tweaks to your daily routine can make a big difference in making you feel appreciated.5. Take on a challenge.If your workplace routine has left you feeling stifled and bored, chances are you need to challenge yourself more. Shake things up by saying yes to a new opportunity that comes your way, even if it seems daunting or over your head. Giving yourself a chance to get out of your comfort zone by taking on a n ew responsibility is one of the best ways to get inspired again. If your manager doesnt offer any projects that catch your eye, pitch one of your own6. Cultivate better work-life balanceTheres more to life than work, yet many Americans find it difficult to balance their personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, the more pressure you feel to put in long hours at work, the less productive youll be.Workers who are satisfied with their work-life balance are21% more productive than their peers. Instead, take a step back. Figure out ways to boost your productivity at work while remaining committed to a fulfilling personal life. Advocating for flexible work time or work-from-home opportunities can help you recharge and feel inspired again.This article was originally published on Kununu.

3 Interview Tips to Show You Deserve the Job

3 Interview Tips to Show You Deserve the Job3 Interview Tips to Show You Deserve the JobYou passed the phone screening after the lengthy online job application. Now, you have been called in for the job interview to meet in-person. If you think you only need to prepare for the interview with a nice outfit and great resume, the interview will not go well. Do not think you deserve the job just because of an interview. Read ansicht easy interview tips to the show the company you deserve the job1. Research the company inside and outNo one is saying you should be a stalker but it certainly may feel like it. But what you are really doing is the appropriate work to know the company (and if you should work there). Learn how to talk about the company by researchingYelp reviewsGlassdoor reviewsEmployees on LinkedInCompany blog and social mediaCompany homepage and what they say about their company cultureFind out who is working there, what they believe and prepare to talk about it.2. Show you ar e confidentConfidence is not arrogance. Showing confidence works when you do the followingDress appropriately for the interview. Show you care by how you dress.Use professional business language. Not informal language such as, Wassup or Hey man.Carry yourself in a positive demeanor. Make eye contact, be friendly, and use firm handshakes.Unfortunately, people given the advice to fake confidence usually end up coming across as insecure or arrogant. Confidence is a state of being comfortable and flexible not a state of pretending you are too good for a job or an expert. Great ways to make yourself confident include practicing all the popular interview questions. You can also practice some of the curveball interview questions.3. Always ask informed questions at the endIf you have done the steps in 1 this will be a million times easier. Informed questions are not, Can I come to work at 900 am instead of 800 am. Try these questions out for size in your next interviewHow would you describe your company culture?Is this a position where I am taking over work or creating a new path?Where do you see this company 5 years from now?How is performance measured by this company?These are professional, informed questions you will want answers to whether you realize it now or not. Even if it seems a little rehearsed, your preparation will reflect positively on you.The one tip left out and whyThe tip of common courtesy was left out specifically because showing courtesy should be a reflex response when meeting people and interviewing for a job. Treat everyone you meet with the same courtesy you expect. It is a Universal truth when building business relationships First impressions are forever.So, remember to always do the followingTreat every person you meet with respect and kindness.Smile and be courteous to others.Always say Please and Thank you when required.Represent yourself as if you were the ambassador of your own career.You will not be right for every job you interview for but at the end of the day, you want employers thinking, What a good person. He/she should be working here.