How to Boost Your Creative Brainpower

How to Boost Your Creative BrainpowerHow to Boost Your Creative BrainpowerSearching for inspiration? Heres how four accomplished creative professionalscome up with all-star ideas.Generating ideas for new projects can seem daunting, and getting abfluged is frequently a huge part of the battle. Feeling stuck? We talked to Gail Anderson (cofounder of Anderson Newton Design), Will Miller (partner and creative director atFirebelly Design), Andrea Pippins (founder ofFly and adjunct faculty member at the Maryland Institute College of Art) and Ron Thompson (cofounder of Italic Studio) about how they tackle the idea generation process. Based on a wealth of experience, here are their tipsWhen it comes to idea generation, beginning is often the hardest part. How do you kick-abflug yourself?Anderson I collaborate with my partner, Joe Newton. Its great to have someone to commiserate with. He is probably more polite than he needs to be, but its good to know that theres someone there to shoot down my bad ideas as needed. We do a lot of pencil sketches and have copious notes scrawled everywhere, so we typically dont rush to the computer right away. Both Joe and I really enjoy dissecting a project together, so its fun to just sit at our desks and talk about all the possibilities.Miller Many times, we push ahead by looking back. Past projects provide many opportunities for good ideas that began to take shape but might not have come to fruition. We also ask ourselves what weve seen out in the world thats exciting - a special print process, a certain type of binding or an interaction we werent expecting. If its something of interest to the studio and makes good sense for a project, well try and find a way to explore it and make it unique.Pippins I typically start writing down words that come to mind when thinking of the topic at hand. Its usually in a list form or a mind map. I use those words to refine my research for inspirational imagery. I love going to the library to do rese arch, but I also use online resources. I build private mood boards on Pinterest for projects, and collect images that I can use as inspiration and reference throughout the process. Then I start sketching. Most times, those thumbnails are scanned in and used as a base where I build the final design or illustration.Thompson Luckily, we dont begin any project in a vacuum. We have a starting point that is spelled out in the client brief. After listening to our clients talk about the problem theyre trying to solve, well do a deep dive with them to learn all about their industry and their product. This initial research gets us in the right frame of mind for developing our concepts, from which all other ideas and visuals will flow.Do you have idea generation sessions with clients to get their input?Anderson Some clients really appreciate engaging, and others are too overwhelmed with their own day-to-day chaos to have time for more than a quick email. But its always preferable to draw clien ts out to get any tidbits of information, even if its simply telling us what they dont want. Weve been working with one client whos been really great about including us in their internal process, and who welcomes our input and guidance. Thats been really energizing, and keeps us on our toes. When a client truly respects your point of view, you want to give them 110 percent. Everyone wins.Miller When we talk about ideas and inspiration with the client, its typically early in the project. We present real-world examples of design, art, and architecture, and we talk about each example in a way that highlights the clients need or captures a key characteristic of the project. A 10- to 15-page deck of inspiration, organized by concept and design direction, really helps our client understand how what we do will directly tie to their goals and objectives. An added benefit of this step is it allows clients to voice their subjective distastes, helping us focus on what will be most well-receive d.Thompson Each client is a bit different. Some want working brainstorming sessions while others are fine being hands-off and letting us do our thing. With that said, we always start every project with a kickoff meeting in which we discuss the creative brief with our client, listen to their goals and then ask a ton of questions. Then, we like to break out on our own to really dig into our ideas rather than sit in a room and have a big brainstorming session where ideas are jotted on whiteboards. Those meetings can work against you when it comes to being efficient and letting your mind flow unedited.What do you do when you hit the proverbial wall? Do you have any advice on how to overcome creative blocks?Anderson Over time, Ive learned that the best thing to do when you hit a wall is to step back from the project. Close the file and walk away - temporarily, of course. Even when things are time-sensitive, you need to take a stroll around the block, get a cup of coffee, or whatever it takes to shift your mind and focus on something else, preferably not work-related. Its really important to figure out what to do when the needle gets stuck. Its a lesson that took me about 20 years to learn.Miller Theres a huge amount of collaboration in the office, so when one person is hitting a wall and feeling stuck, well share files and discuss. Theres no ownership of work and no one is protective of a project. We try to work together to move projects forward in the best and most appropriate way. Being willing to ask for advice and critique is a solid way to move forward.Pippins Having a person you can go to for feedback on a project is a great way to get unstuck. He or she can ask you questions and provide insight you havent thought of, or tell you what youre doing is great (youre overthinking it) or terrible (you need to go back to the drawing board). It always helps.Thompson I wish we had a secret serum (whiskey, perhaps) that would always allow us to be at our peak, but we all get blocked. For us, just stepping away tends to be the best cure. Go run, walk, surf, bike, read a book or whatever it is that you like to do outside of work. It can help to take your mind off things and open you back up to new ideas or ways to approach the project.Do you have any tips for recent grads just starting out their creative careers on how to generate ideas and stay fresh?Anderson When youre walking down the street, put your smartphone down and remove your earbuds. Constantly observe your surroundings, noting even the most mundane daily occurrences or patterns. There are stories everywhere, and those stories are the basis of ideas. Not being afraid to fail is important, too. An idea might seem corny or bad in the moment, but you never know if theres a kernel underneath that can be built on. I find that even now, Im sometimes too self-conscious to take a chance on throwing an idea out there that might be a clunker, only to hear someone else say it. And then everyone th inks that person is a genius Ugh.Miller Stay aware of whats happening in the design world. Dig into projects that have a lot of writing accompanying the final piece. Reading how other visual communicators have turned colors, symbols and ideas into something fresh is exciting and empowering. Not only does it help you understand how to talk about successful projects, it promotes the vocabulary needed in your own work to articulate challenging concepts.Pippins I show my students at MICA different techniques to generate multiple ideas like visual brain dumping (quick doodles) or giving them a random word to think about in relation to the topic. My advice is to get off the Internet when doing research and go to the library. Looking for historical references and the original sources for an idea you saw online can trigger another direction. When we learn as much as we possibly can about a topic, within a given timeframe, it gives us more information to be inspired by.Thompson Get out of yo ur comfort zone and live. Meet new people, try new restaurants, visit a country youve never been to, take a class and so on. Also, write down your thoughts or keep a journal. And I mean write, not type. Its amazing how the mind works differently when using a good old-fashioned pencil or pen on paper. Just get your ideas out and get them out fast.Idea generation can be tough when youre a freelancer who works alone. For more tips, read our post, How to Brainstorm When Youre Working Solo.SEARCH ur JOB OPENINGS

Raising a Mid-Level Resume to VP Level

Raising a Mid-Level Resume to VP LevelRaising a Mid-Level Resume to VP LevelCertified professional resume writer Ken Moore bridged a senior sales executives varying roles together to elevate a sub-par resume.Sometimes its hard to recognize that your resume doesnt really reflect your talents - or may even give readers the wrong impression.Case in point Bill Johnson.Bill, who asked Ladders not to use his real name for this article, is a senior sales executive with proven leadership in geschftsleben development. But to read his old resume read, you would think he was a mid-level strategic partner, not a vice president-level expert in both wireless technology and construction materials.Bills former resume would have given people a false impression that he only had mid-level experience, said Ken Moore, certified resume writer with Ladders. He was much more senior than he was portraying. Also, there was no focused job target in his intro.Johnson attended a networking event Ladders held re cently at the New York Athletic Club, where he received a resume critique. (For more information on upcoming events nationwide, drop a line to the career services team.)You know, I was pretty skeptical about the whole thing, Johnson admitted. There are a lot of people trying to take advantage of this downturn, and lots of job sites that are polluted with garbage. I made sure to grill them about things. And I got my answer.The answer? His resume needed a professionals touch.I decided I would try the free resume critique they had there at the event, Johnson said. They were very gentle about it. They went out of their way to critique it in a way that was considerate, but they ripped it to shreds. It was a gentle but constructive shredding.Johnson said he is really pleased with his new resume and much preferred collaborating on it to going it alone.I had a hard time reconciling my two very different sales roles in wireless and construction supplies, Johnson said. I also had a really har d time writing about myself, and I really wasnt up with the style of resumes written today. Writing your own resume is kind of like cutting your own hair. Ive tried it, but it didnt exactly look right. Two roles, one goal One challenge we had with Bill was to bridge and condense his expertise in two very different fields, Moore said. But we also had to overcome some common mistakes in resumes that we see a lot, like the use of personal pronouns and the lack of things like revenue numbers and percentage of business increased.In a field as competitive as technology sales, it becomes incredibly important to quantify the bullet points in your resume. With guidance from Johnson, Moore was able to go back and retrofit the resume. He included hard numbers about business Johnson won and brands he supported, and he consolidated the document to focus on the past 10 to 12 years.Bill had a lot of one-liners, said Moore. Things like 1 sales performer in U.S. for two years but no qualification of what that did for the business. Anyone can write that, but you need to qualify it in a more detailed fashion.The formula for a successful resume, according to Moore Say what you want by saying what you are.Its not personal, its businessYou have to capture the reader of the resume right at the very beginning, Moore said. You have to point out your immediate career goal and show your value to a future employer.Moore said it takes subtlety to focus on what you want without overdoing the personal angle.Your career goal is not a personal objective statement, Moore said. Its a branding statement that says, This is who I am and This is what I can do for your business. What surprised Bill most about the process of having his resume tuned up by The Ladders professionals?They know what they are doing, Johnson said. Its like the difference between an autobiography and a biography. You know what I mean? Its like having a nice, finished, polished product thats been andrang through all the quali ty checks. It was very worth it, and I got it back in a week. They were good and fast.

4 Tricks to Landing Interviews Without Ever Applying for the Job

4 Tricks to Landing Interviews Without Ever Applying for the Job4 Tricks to Landing Interviews Without Ever Applying for the JobEverything infuriating about applying for a job can be easily summed up in that one unpleasant feeling that twists knots in our stomachs the moment we hit the submit button carrying our resumes away to the next level. In other words, its the waiting process that does the most damage to our poor hearts and weakens them.However, there are times when, paradoxically, you submit one resume after another, yet no call is being given back. It all becomes even more frustrating when you hear tales of impossible happenings involving a certain someone applying for one job only and getting a meeting appointed thirty minutes later. Yes, job searching can be really terrible.This isnt an article talking about how to make your application stand out more. This is all about being one step ahead of everyone else and landing an interview without even sending in a CV. Why? Becaus e chances are that this particular someone earlier mentioned did similar backstage work in order to get to this point. All it takes is to follow the formula laid out by people like them.1. Stop Waiting, Take ActionWeve already established that waiting sucks. Surely, you can try all kinds of tricks to stand out from a list of applicants. You can even find ways to stand out without having to actually apply. For example, you can polish your LinkedIn profile or your social media and fill them up with crucial information that might be really eye-catchy for any companies scouting the Internet and search results.However, that does still involve a little bit of waiting, doesnt it? What is left to do is to take the initiative. Do make sure that you have all of these elements in check regarding your Internet parta. Seek out contact information for your company and, as the name suggests, actually do take contact Send an e-mail or a message on a social platform to a company representative in th e shape of an open letter. Let them know of your interest in a collaboration and line up some incredible skills and sets of experiences that will make it difficult for them to overlook your request.2.Get a Boost with Wink MarketingAka probably the most commonly used tactic by aspiring youtubers. What is this wink absatzwirtschaft we speak of, exactly? Its essentially the equivalent of standing idly in someones line of sight for so long that they have no choice but to notice you. In other words, in means making yourself known without showing any direct intentions that youre interested in what the recruiters have to offer.Lets return to the YouTube comparison for a better understanding. When you scroll down in the comment section of a popular video, you can easily spot out numerous people trying to bring attention to their channels. Some go about it with a complete lack of tact pro tip, do avoid using phrases of the likes of please check out my channel. An efficient way is to leave c omments that compliment the video, that talk about anything else. By being an active member of a community, people are going to grow an interest in you at some point.3. Make Use of ConnectionsAlthough this seemed like the most obvious advice, it only came out now because there tends to be a rather grim connotation behind this tactic. Its not all about fraud and unfair advantages, but rather about taking an approach which means getting to know a representative as a person before you get to know them as a company worker.If youre not lucky enough to become acquainted with someone who can earn you a direct visit to a recruiters office, you can always do so through referrals. Statistically speaking, many recruiters have admitted to prioritising referrals over classic CVs and standard applications. If you dont know where to start, zero is a good place. If you want to get a referral for Crossmark, make an account on their website, browse it, find contact means, and start with baby steps.4. Build a ReputationMake some noise on the Internet You cant exactly travel from company to company with a paper filled with ideas, suggestions, and qualifications and expect anyone to actually pay attention to it. Even if they do, chances are youll be sadly forgotten rather quickly. But this doesnt need to happen in the online space. This is because once you put something on the Internet, it remains there forever.Create a blog or a website where you can publish some writings demonstrating some of your ideas. Offer useful critiques to the works of others, something thats specifically useful if youre seeking to publish articles. E-mail important people with ideas and suggestions. Basically become this Fairy Grandmother of great ideas and an incredibly benevolent desire to share them with someone.Its not necessarily easy to take this approach, but its definitely worth it if executed right.Share Your Feedback or Ideas in the Comments

Air Force Radio and Television Broadcasting Job Description

Air Force Radio and Television Broadcasting Job DescriptionAir Force Radio and Television Broadcasting Job DescriptionThe Department of Defense has a radio and television channel. It is called AFRTS - American Forces Radio and Television Service. Headquartered at Fort George Meade, Maryland, this multi-media platform distributes news, entertainment, and policy updates for military personnel around the world. The Defense Media Activity is the unifying command of the television, radio, print, and multi-media mission. The AFRTS mission is to communicate Department of Defense policies, priorities, programs, goals and initiatives. By providing stateside radio and television programming to those who are part of the Department of Defense, AFRTS offers a touch of home, to those outside continental United States. AFRTS includes the Radio and Television Production Office (RTPO), The Pentagon Channel and the AFN Broadcast Center. Specialty Summary The men and women of the Air Force Radio a nd Television Service organize and conduct broadcast operations, produce programs, and directs radio and television broadcasts. The journalists and video specialists, prepare informational materies in broadcast format for use on Armed Forces Radio and Television (AFRT) and commercial media serves as talent and operates broadcast equipment. Sporting events that are happening in America are high lights of deployed airmen, sailors, marines, and soldiers every week. Being able to slip away even for a few hours while deployed is needed R R that is provided by the AFRTS network. Duties and Responsibilities The men and women of AFRTS also prepare informational materials for use on AFRT and commercial media by identifying and selecting newsworthy events. They are able to produce radio and television scripts, narrations, spot announcements, and news and sports broadcasts. They also select associated visual material as necessary and available and coordinates the use of graphics, sets sp ecial effects, and audio and video material to support programming requirements. This job requires both creative skills as well as organizational skills. In order to prepare and maintain schedules, daily operation logs, and continuity book, they must assist public affairs officer in working with electronic media as well.They are responsible for programming and directing radio and television broadcasts by selecting and scheduling programs for broadcast on AFRT stations. They review all copy and program materials for host country sensitivities before airing and coordinate receipt and disposition of AFRT program materials. Maintaining station library or recorded programming is also another responsibility as well as evaluating audience feedback. The men and women of AFTRS monitor station programs for effectiveness, professional quality, and support of mission objectives. They also manage resources to support the United States Air Force Internal Information Program. They also learn to operate radio and television broadcast equipment and arrange remote broadcast coverage of special events. Additional Responsibilities Supervises radio and television broadcast operations.Coordinates maintenance of radio and television equipment.Directs positioning of lights, cameras, microphones, properties, and personnel.Conducts broadcast rehearsals as necessary.Coordinates maintenance and acquisition of broadcast equipment.Performs as talent in programs produced for AFRT.Conducts radio and television interviews.Performs as disc jockey, newscaster, sports announcer and producer. Specialty Qualifications Being creative and organized isnt the only skills one should have when considering a specialty code within the Defense Media Activity. One must be a good writer, speaker, and reader in order to perform at this very public job within the military television and radio, internet, and print media world. Here are more details of the types of qualifications one must have Knowledg e. Knowledge is mandatory of radio and television writing and broadcasting regulations and policies governing AFRT and other public affairs activities broadcast equipment capabilities and methods of researching public attitudes. Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or general educational development equivalency is mandatory.Training. For award of AFSC 3N032, completion of the basic broadcasting course is mandatory.Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated (Note See Explanation of Air Force Specialty Codes).3N052. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3N032. Also, experience in broadcasting and directing television or radio programs.3N072. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3N052. Also, experience in performing or supervising broadcast activities.Other. The following are mandatory as indicatedFor entry into this specialty1. A favorable evaluation of a voice audition.2. Ability to type 20 words per minute.F or entry, award, and retention of these AFSCs, absence of any speech impediment, and ability to read aloud and speak distinctly. Strength ReqH Physical Profile 333333 Citizenship No Required Appitude Score G-69 (Changed to G-72, effective 1 Jul 04). Technical Training Course E5ABD3N032 000 Length (Days) 60 Location FGM Possible Assignment Information

Why the idea of the big leap is total nonsense

Why the idea of the big leap is total nonsenseWhy the idea of the big leap is total nonsenseWhen you think about getting to where youre going, or when you hear about the people who have, theres so much emphasis on the single, life-changing moment when everything came together, the giant plan that made it all happen. The day someone quit their job and went all in on their dream. The day they pitched their crazy idea. Or when they finally put their hat in the ring for that huge versetzung that changed their whole life.Those moments are all real. I have had a few of them myself. But theyre not the whole story. You dont have to upend your life to be living it. You dont have to risk it all immediately to get what youre hoping for. Big leaps dont guarantee you getting to your desired future faster.Quite the contrary, I believe there isnt really any such thing as the big leap. Its total bullsh-t. Rather, the big leap is an inflection point that happens to be preceded by a long series of sma ll steps and tiny plans.Think about running a marathon. Youve taken how many steps? Lets say thirty-three thousand. And its not until that final step that you cross the finish line. Was the last step any different from the first one? Other than you feeling much more tired, no, it just happens to be the one step with a little bit more specialness because its the step that got you to the end, the same but different from the 29,999 steps before it. The big finish didnt happen as a result of one massive fucking leap. You didnt long-jump the marathon. Rather, its the result of small step after small step for 26.2 miles of torture (or at least thats how it felt for me).Overnight successes are almost always 10 years in the making and filled with these tiny steps. How long was Kendra Scott running businesses before her jewelry line took off? How long was Kerry Washington acting before anyone knew her name? The answer, despite the details a long fucking time.But they kept going. They kept cr eating. And they had been executing on their small plans a seriously long time before they ever hit that inflection point.Whats important is to be all in on your commitment to yourself and to your bite-size plans, regardless of whether any recognition is coming your way. Its not about making massive changes that require you to upend your life. Gradual is a beautiful thing. Gradual builds. Gradual allows you to adjust. Gradual allows you to change and refine. Gradual is a beautiful thing. Gradual builds. Gradual allows you to adjust. Gradual allows you to change and refine.Your energy and daily actions can be all in without your how being abrupt or hasty.Thisarticlewas originally posted onMaxieMcCoy.com.

Things You Wont Like About Indeed Summary Examples and Things You Will

Things You Wont Like About Indeed Summary Examples and Things You Will Last, read the directions carefully to make sure that you finish the appropriate portions of the shape and know when the deadline is. 1 A resume summary is a brief, snappy introduction paragraph that delivers a summary of your very best work. Now imagine if this SAME resume had had a summary statement on top clearly outlining why youre an ideal candidate. Indeed Summary Examples for Dummies You might also have your communication and disciplinary abilities, along with highlight how patient youre with your students. The major advantage is it helps your resume stand out. There are lots of ranking aspects to take into consideration in regards to improving your resumes search visibility. Theres loss of communication, due to external forces. Your measurable achievements help it become real. You ought to have five objective statements. Summaries are fantastic, but they may be a detriment to your resume if theyre done incorrectly. The absolute most efficient summaries target one career objective. What Everybody Dislikes About Indeed Summary Examples and Why You dont require experience to get achievements. Once mora, different can be useful. The job requirements can function as a preliminary job-fit test thats extremely scalable. Our reviews contain information like the score of the clients, our rating, starting prices, Discounts, and caliber of the papers. The piece you truly need the hiring manager reading is your latest work experience (and be sure you tailored that info to fit the work description). On the flip side, functional resumes are normally used by fresh graduates or those who have less experience but want to grab the work vacancy. If you follow the advice above you will have an interesting, compelling resume summary that is likely to make the reader want to find out more about you even regardless of your lack of work experience Landing a large internship for a college student is an excellent means to get prepared for the challenges of life after the university. For some of them you will require help, while others youll be able to write all on your own. If youre an art student then you need to know these things. The applicant managed to mention important qualifications in just a few sentences. Indeed Resumes are visible to employers so they can allow you to know about jobs you may be interested in. Lies Youve Been Told About Indeed Summary Examples Thus, the most essential rule of writing a LinkedIn summary is to help it become original. Take a look at our FAQs if you have any questions regarding your resume. A list of Indeed Resume Mistakes that youre going to want to prevent. Youre going to compose a resume summary which gets many more interviews. Utilize Hirations Online Resume Builder to aid you in getting results. The very first is for you if your work search does not need to be kept secret. If you dont need to continue to keep yo ur search secret, its important to create clear that youre searching for employment, and to give clear contact details. Revamping your resume in front of a work search is almost always a good idea. Your cover letter is similar to a skilled sales proposal to promote your skills, wisdom and experience in the very best possible light. The vast majority of Indeed resumes that show up on the very first page are resumes which have been updated within the last few months. You may want to think about a qualifications summary which we outlined in last weeks postbut if only you need to have a summaryhere are some examples to help you begin. You ought to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why youre a perfect candidate for the particular job and business. You may even check out several reviews and decide on the business that most suits your requirements and very affordable budget. With a little preparation and a deep comprehension of the local job market, its p ossible to easily simplify your work search. If youre applying for at least 1 position or career field, utilize a different summary for each position to make certain that you keep on topic. Make certain its tailored to not merely the position, but the provider also. The Importance of Indeed Summary Examples Even in case you nail the other 3 steps, if you are not successful on the fourth one, then the entire issue is a failure. To make it simple to compose a profile that covers all the vital points, Im likely to provide you two unique templates that you are able to customize to suit your own hintergrund and situation. Luckily, theres nothing like a tiny bit of inspiration to receive your creative juices flowing. The very first thing that you want to do is go back and examine the job which youre applying for and determine your intended audience.

How to Get Better Interview Answers from Job Candidates - Spark Hire

How to Get Better Interview Answers from Job Candidates - Spark HireLets face it weve heard and even said it all before kollektiv player, people person, self-starter. While these are all great adjectives, they have been overused so much in the job search that hiring recruiters and managers dont take them seriously anymore. As far as theyre concerned, everyone seems to be a self-described team player or people person during a job interview.So how can hiring recruiters and managers wade through the overused clichs to learn the truth about candidates? TIME suggests asking the right follow-up questions for these overused interview answers.If a job candidate describes themself as a people pleaser, ask them about times theyve differed with a client or co-worker and how they worked to win them over. Or if they state that they are flexible, follow up with a question about having to change focus mid-project or times when theyve had to adjust to a changing market.Candidates who use the phras e problem solver in the job interview can be asked to articulate a time or situation they encountered that required them to do such. And if youve really planned ahead, put together a problem they might experience in your workplace or industry and ask them about steps they would take to find a solution.TIME explains that self-starters should be prompted to talk about a time when theyve taken action while team players need to be asked about their previous experiences with co-workers, both good and bad. When using follow-up questions for hard workers, ask for examples of times theyve met difficult deadlines as well as scenarios in which they performed beyond their job description, states TIME.And finally, when it comes to the most overused phrase on the resume highly qualified prompt candidates to elaborate during the job interview. Youll be looking for interview answers that express unique skill sets, certifications and recognitions.Getting the interview answers youre looking for as ks you to do a little more preparation before the actual job interview. Too much these days, hiring recruiters and managers are bogged down with other responsibilities and priorities, and they neglect to do the necessary prep before a job interview. Instead, theyre accepting clichd answers just as theyre asking clichd questions.With a little research and a half an hour of prep time, hiring recruiters and managers can avoid circling standard interview conversations and learn more about the candidates theyre interviewing. With that, theyre making better hiring decisions, which yields better results for the business and happier new hires.

10 Resume Lies to Avoid

10 Resume Lies to Avoid 10 Resume Lies to Avoid Your resume is often the first and only impression employers get of you prior to the initial einstellungsgesprch. It is, often more than any other, the deciding factor in whether or not you receive an interview for the lokalitt.This is one reason many find it tempting to embellish certain aspects of their experience, hoping to get a better chance at landing the interview.However, this can cause serious repercussions that may have a lasting effect on your career. Not just with that employer, but with others word can spread about applicants who arent being honest, and many people fired after being caught in resume lies have had their reputations ruined.In some cases, this embellishment is innocent. You may not remember exactly which month you started at a job you had a decade ago, or the exact amount by which you increased sales. If you are unsure about something, it doesnt belong on your resume.Here are 10 common resume lies to avoid.1. Listing inaccurate educational hintergrundCompeting with a well-educated workforce can be difficult, especially if you have no higher education. Its for this reason that some job seekers opt to add untrue statements to the education section of their resume.This can include anything from listing extra credits or semesters completed to universities the applicant didnt actually attend. Some even change their major on their resume to better fit the position to which they are applying.The reality is that checking up on someones education is remarkably easy now, and par for the course for most human resources departments. If someone is caught fibbing on their resume, the result can include termination and even being automatically denied a chance at another position.If you feel like you must exaggerate your level of education to be considered for a job, chances are that you are targeting the wrong job.2. Listing technical skills you dont haveHaving relevant technical skills makes you a des irable candidate for a job, but once you come to work the first day, its up to you to back up anything you boast in your resume.In many cases, the interview will test your level of knowledge in a specific technical field. A developer might be asked to write or fix a block of code, a writer may be given a small writing assignment, etc.Coming in to an interview based on having a certain set of skills, and not being able to perform them during the interview, can prevent you from landing or keeping the job.In many cases, technical know-how can be taught on the job, and employers are flexible with this as long as the applicant is honest about their level of experience going in to it.You can teach technical skills, but you cant teach honesty.3. Inaccurate employment datesIt can be difficult to remember exactly when you started or left a place of employment, especially years after the fact. That said, its better to be vague than inaccurate.Detailed employment dates are important to include on your resume, but if you cant recall the exact month you started job, you may be better off listing just the year.Alternatively, you may have the option to call your previous employer to confirm your precise employment dates. This is exactly what a responsible employer would do prior to hiring someone.4. Overblown salary historyIts best to leaveinformation about your previous salaries off your resume. However, some employers do ask for it. Like your employment dates, this information can be confirmed with a phone call, and inaccuracies here are taken as signs of dishonesty.This is especially true if you overstate the salary, as it would be seen as a trick to receive a higher offer.5. Name-droppingIf you claim to have worked with a famous name or big brand in a previous position, you should be ready to have that claim tested. You never know who your potential employer might know.Should your claim be tested and found inaccurate, you may lose your reputation with more than just the company youre applying to.6. Language skillsHaving a grasp of multiple languages looks great on a resume. For an employer, it equates to a useful tool in the event that someone is needed who speaks that language.However, this can blow up in your face if you boast fluency in another language you arent actually fluent in. You never know when or under what circumstances you might be called on to open dialogue with someone in their native language.7. ResponsibilitiesIts customary to list some of your key responsibilities at previous jobs in your resume (though of course its best to create a resume full of accomplishments). This can help the reader learn more about your experience and gain an understanding of whether you are capable of handling the role they are looking to fill.However, your responsibilities at previous places of employment can be confirmed. If you say you led a team when you didnt, or that you were in charge of social media management when you werent, those lines in you r resume can come back to haunt you.8. Job titlesApplying for a job as a sales manager, but the last position you had was as a sales associate? You may have filled in for the sales manager at your last job, but if you werent actually a sales manager, dont list it as your title.One of the main questions employers ask during the background check, or when talking to your job references, is the position you held at the company. Either they will state what you listed in your resume, or they will ask for the position. In either case, being caught in a lie here means no job for you.9. Volunteer activitiesVolunteer work is a great addition to a resume. It offers insight into your character, and can allow you to show off additional skills or fill in where employment gaps might leave your resume a little light.However, volunteer work is confirmable. Someone at the arbeitszimmer might volunteer for that organization themselves, and many (if not most) volunteer organizations keep records for th eir own legal reasons. Dont exaggerate your contributions to any organization or effort- paid or not.10. Certifications and other titlesFor a little money, you can become an ordained minister online From some of these same organizations, you can get a doctorate or be declared a saint.While you might be able to perform a wedding ceremony, most such titles do not carry any legal weight. Because of this, you actually run the risk of getting your future employer sued for liability if they present you as having a specific certification or title when, in fact, you dont have anything legitimate to back it up.Accrediting agencies keep detailed records of people who receive legally recognized titles from accredited sources. If your name isnt on these lists, then you will run into some problems during a background check.When it comes to resumes, honesty is the best policy. Its better to leave out details than to give false or embellished statements. Even if your lies land you a job, false sta tements can put your career at risk.Honesty is the best policy, scan your resume here

10 Ways to Reinvent Yourself After An Unexpected Job Loss

10 Ways to Reinvent Yourself After An Unexpected Job Loss10 Ways to Reinvent Yourself After An Unexpected Job LossYou did everything right, or so you thought You educated yourself, earned your degrees, landed some jobs that allowed you to gain some real-world experience. You made a lot of connections in the professional world. You did not think an unexpected job loss welches possible. Losing your job is something that happens to everyone else, except this time it happened to you.Dealing with job loss can be a humbling experience. In certain positions, you became a rock star. You were the go to person to solve issues whether it was internally at your company or for your external clients. Life was great, but just when you develop a system for yourself and a nice rhythm, bam Your position gets eliminatedThe client started downsizing their business and the program that you oversee has gone through major shrinkage.You saw it comingTo some degree, you saw it coming. But you hoped that thin gs would get better because of who you are and what youre capable of, but it happened. Despite your optimistic outlook, you take the severance package from your unexpected job loss. You move into action by sucking it up and putting yourself out there to market your skills. You start to look for new work.Sounds familiarWhether youve been laid off once or multiple times, this transition after losing your job can be the most challenging any professional can face in their lives. According to the types of companies you worked for, getting laid off may be a blessing, or a curse, for some.Unless you hedged yourself financially from the beginning of your employment, dealing with job loss will be difficult. The main school of thought typically isHow am I going to support my family?How long is it going to take to find a job?What is my marketability now, even though it wasnt my decision to leave the company?Why does it seem as though everyone else is moving ahead except me?Why did this happen to me and why now?There are so many more questions we ask ourselves after an unexpected job loss. We keep replaying them in our head until we cannot stand it. Losing your job can lead to hopelessness and eventually giving up. Others see it as a learning opportunity and persevere until they are back on their feet and thriving again.Ways to handle the transition after an unexpected job lossHere are some endearing ways to utilize the transition period that you are seeking employment in a very productive way, even when you dont feel like it. The following tips should distract you temporarily until you gain some perspective1. Road tripTake a mini road trip with your family for a few days to distract you for a bit. The worst that can happen is you have a little fun with those you love and you get to create some wonderful memories.2.Make a personal to do listFocus on all the things youve been meaning to do when you were employed but never had the chance to do. For example cleaning out the garage, potty training your kids (if applicable), work on improving your credit score, volunteering in and around your community.3. Start your own businessWhat are you really good at? Think about key problems you may have the solutions to for a niche market or general business. There are thousands of success stories surrounding people who lost their jobs and started their business as a result of having a new outlook on life.4. Start a blogWith all that accumulated education and work experience, Im sure you can think of some topics that you are an expert at. Someone is always in need of YOUR advice5. Brush up on your technical skillsIf youre not already a tech expert try to stay current. Get certified in something new like Salesforce, Quickbooks etc., that can add more value to your work history.6. Seek Inspiration DailyRead articles or books that will help you in your quest to become a better person and a stronger leader. Seek out books that will help you to become more innovative.7 . Attend free webinarsWebinars provide information on key topics like personal branding, emotional intelligence, salary negotiations and more. This allows you to become more open-minded.8. Diversify your networkWhether its on LinkedIn or any other social platform, connect with professionals outside of your industry to learn something new. You never know where this can lead. Knowledge is everything9. Help inspire othersSomeone actually is a lot worse off than you. The more you help others, karma has a really cool way of returning the favor at just the right time.10. Exercise, exercise, exerciseIf youre accustomed moving around especially in a large facility and all of a sudden you arehome, youll be tempted to eat more, eat the wrong things or become sluggish. Resist the temptation and stay healthyDealing with job loss is a learning opportunityRemember that every situation is a learning opportunity. Life happens. No one knows for sure why things happen throughout our lifespan to shake us up a bit. One thing is for certain is that life is too short to wallow in what did not happen. Moving forward should be the ultimate focus regardless of our circumstances.Its called hope.

This is how you can raise emotionally intelligent kids

This is how you can raise emotionally intelligent kidsThis is how you can raise emotionally intelligent kidsDealing with kids aint easy. They need an exhausting amount of attention and help.FromRaising An Emotionally anspruchsvoll ChildBehavioral psychologists have observed that preschoolers typically demand that their caretakers verstndigung im strafverfahren with some kind of need or desire at an average rate of three times a minute.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraMost advice on parenting focuses on how to deal with misbehavior. While helpful, this is also akin to only offering advice on how to surviveaftera nuclear holocaust and elend talking about how to prevent one. Whats the secret to making sure yur living room doesnt resemble a scene from Mad Max Fury Road?What usually underlies schwimmbad behavior is how the child handles negative emotions. And this is something we rare ly teach deliberately and almost never teach well. Showing kids how to recognize and deal with feelings prevents misbehavior - and its a skill that will serve them their entire lives. It prevents tantrums at age 4 but its also the difference between saving college money and saving bail money later on. Look at it as potty training for feelings.But how do wedothat?ProfessorJohn Gottmanis the guy who revolutionized the study of relationships, getting it to the point where he could listen to a couple for just a few minutes and determine with a frightening amount of accuracy whether or not theyd divorce. Well, luckily, Gottman also analyzed parenting.And this wasnt the latest parenting theory-of-the-week that somebody came up with over lunch - this was a truly epic study of mind-bending proportions.He took over 100 married couples with kids ages 4 or 5 and gave themquestionnaires. Then conducted thousands of hours of interviews. He observed their behavior in his lab. Taped sessions of the kids playing with their best friends. Monitored heart rates, respiration, blood flow and sweating. Took urine samples - yeah,urine samples- from the kids to measure stress-related hormones. And then followed up with the children and families all the way through adolescence, conducting mora interviews, evaluating academic performance and Okay, enough. You get it. The plans of Hollywood Bond Villains arent this thorough. And when it came to dealing with emotions, Gottman realized there are 4 types of parents. And three aint so hotDismissing parents They disregard, ignore, or trivialize negative emotions.Disapproving parents. Theyre critical of negative feelings and punish kids for emotional expression.Laissez-Faire parents They accept their childrens emotions and empathize with them, but dont offer guidance or platzdeckchen limits on behavior.Children of these parents didnt do as well over time. They misbehaved more, had trouble making friends or had self-esteem schwierigkeits. One of them may be breaking into your car right now.And then there were the Ultra-Parents. These mothers and fathers unknowingly used what Gottman calls emotion-coaching. And this produced emotionally intelligent kids. These parents accepted their childrens feelings (but not all of the childrens behavior), guided the kids through emotional moments, and helped them problem-solve their way to a solution that didnt involve putting the neighbors kid in the emergency room.How did these tykes end up?FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildThe children were better at soothing themselves when they were upset. They could calm down their hearts faster. Because of the superior performance in that part of their physiology that is involved in calming themselves, they had fewer infectious illnesses. They were better at focusing attention. They related better to other people, even in the tough social situations they encountered in middle childhood like getting teased, where being overly emotio nal is a liability, not an asset. They were better at understanding people. They had better friendships with other children. They were also better at situations in school that required academic performance. In short, they had developed a kind of IQ that is about people and the world of feelings, or emotional intelligence.And it all came down to how the parents handled the childs negative emotional outbursts. These parents did five things that the other types rarely did.Alrighty, lets get to it 1) Be aware of emotionsParenting is stressful and can feel non-stop. Often its not like running a marathon - its like running until you die. So theres a natural tendency to look around when things are (finally) calm and think, Nothing is currently on fire. Okay, life is good.But this can be like standing in a coal mine ignoring the thousands of dead canaries. Usually emotions precede outbursts. So noticing the childs emotions early - and not just the resulting bad behavior - is critical.Not misbehaving doesnt mean not upset. When a passive-aggressive spouse crosses their arms, scowls and says, Im fine, at leastyou know theyre definitely not fine.Kids may not even understand what theyre feeling or how to best express it. So being aware and noticing early can prevent Tonka trucks from taking flight without FAA approval.But the problem many parents have here is noticing theirownemotions. If youre not aware of your feelings and moods youll have trouble noticing and relating to those of others.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildOur studies show that for parents to feel what their children are feeling, they must be aware of emotions, first in themselves and then in their kids Emotional awareness simply means that you recognize when you are feeling an emotion, you can identify your feelings, and you are sensitive to the presence of emotions in other people.Dont be afraid to show emotions in front of your kids. Gottman found that even anger (as long as its expressed respectfully and constructively) has its place. If parents hold back from showing feelings then kids can learn Mom and dad dont have these emotions and neither should I.Seeing arguments and then seeing them resolved amicably is far better than never seeing them at all.Kids need a role model not just for values, but also for feelings.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildSuch moms and dads may try to compensate for their fear of losing control by being super-parents, hiding their emotions from their children The irony is that by hiding their emotions, these parents may be raising youngsters who are even less capable of handling negative emotions than they would have been if their parents had learned to let their feelings show in a nonabusive way. Thats because the kids grow up emotionally distant from their parents. Also, the children have one less role model to teach them how to handle difficult emotions effectively.Shielding kids from emotional situations and then sending the m out into the world is like sending an athlete to the Olympics with no training. Kids need those moments in order to learn how to regulate their feelings.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my bestselling bookhere.)Notice feelings now and avoid a crisis later. But what perspective did the smart parents take when outbursts did occur?2) Emotion is an opportunity for intimacy and teachingIts understandable to see a tantrum as an irrational inconvenience that should be eliminated ASAP. But the parents whose children thrived saw outbursts as teaching moments and a time to bond with their kid. Yeah, that doesnt always feel natural when a child is angrily throwing things.Does saying anything resembling, You should not feel this way ever work with emotional adults? Exactly. Then it sure as hell isnt going to work with your kid. SayingTheres nothing to be afraid of, or Oh, itll be fine is dismissive. This is how kids learn to doubt their own judgment and lose co nfidence.The Emotion-Coaching parents realized that a tantrum was the best time to connect with their child and teach them a valuable skill.Yes, you need to stop misbehavior immediately. But you want to do it in a way specific to the childs actions and not make it about their identity. So you want to say, We dont paint Grandmas couch purple, instead of, Stop being a nightmare The children who consistently heard the latter did not fare as well in Gottmans follow ups.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildWhen we checked in with these same families three years later, we found that the children who experienced such disrespectful, contemptuous behavior from their parents were the same kids who were having more trouble with schoolwork and getting along with friends. These were the kids who had higher levels of stress-related hormones in their bodies. Their teachers reported they were having more behavior problems, and their moms reported they had more illnesses.It takes practice but you want to see kids emotional pain like youd see their physical pain. Its not their fault. Its a challenge theyre facing. And one you can help them with.(To learn the two-exakt morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)Okay, so youve got the right perspective. Youre an emotional mentor, not a corrections officer. But what do you actually do to help?3) Listen empathetically and validate feelingsDont argue the facts. Feelings arent logical. You wouldnt expect the new employee to know how to find the bathroom and you shouldnt expect a child to know how to handle emotions that, frankly, you still have problems dealing with after decades of experience.Dont immediately try to fix things. You need to establish youre a safe ally before you can solve anything.Understanding must precede advice, and, just as with adults,theydecide when you understand.The critical distinction Gottman realized is that its important toaccept all feelings - but not all behavior.If you skip imm ediately to problem-solving, the kid never learns the skill of how to deal with those uncomfortable emotions.You want to use empathetic listening. Get them to talk. Help them clarify. Validate their feelings (but, again, not necessarily their behavior). They need to feel you really understand and are on their side.Take a deep breath, relax and focus on them. Theyll notice if youre impatient or frustrated and just going through the motions.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildIn this context, listening means far more than collecting data with your ears. Empathetic listeners use their eyes to watch for physical evidence of their childrens emotions. They use their imaginations to see the situation from the childs perspective. They use their words to reflect back, in a soothing, noncritical way, what they are hearing and to help their children label their emotions.Relate their child problems to adult problems in your head to help you empathize.But why is she freaking out about he r new baby brother? It makes no senseReally? How would you like it if your spouse brought home a new lover and expected you to welcome them into the home? Get out of your head and into theirs. Relate. Empathize.Probing questions may be too much for a little kid. It can feel like interrogation. They may not even know why theyre sad. Try sharing simple observations. Say, I noticed that you frowned when I mentioned going to the party and then wait for a response.(To learn the 4 rituals neuroscience says will make you an awesome parent, clickhere.)Alright, theyre opening up. How do you calm them down and teach them how to cope?4) Help them label their emotionsA young child is not going to be able to say, Dearest mother, I apologize for my unnecessary irritability. My transition to the new kindergarten class has caused me an unexpected amount of stress. My future academic adjustments will be conducted with a level of grace heretofore unseen in our lovely household.Youve got the words the y dont.Help them get a handle on whats going on by labeling what they feel.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildProviding words in this way can help children transform an amorphous, scary, uncomfortable feeling into something definable, something that has boundaries and is a normal part of everyday life. Anger, sadness, and fear become experiences everybody has and everybody can handle. Labeling emotions goes hand in hand with empathy. A parent sees his child in tears and says, You feel very sad, dont you? Now, not only is the child understood, he has a word to describe this intense feeling. Studies indicate that the act of labeling emotions can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping children to recover more quickly from upsetting incidents.Dont gloss over this. Labeling is absurdly powerful.Neurosciencehas repeatedly demonstrated its ability to soothe emotions. Its one of the main techniqueshostage negotiatorsuse to keep the most dangerous situations calm.So w hen a child is crying because their sister got a better gift than they did, you dont want to be dismissive and say, Im sure youll get a better present next time. You want to validate and label the feeling with something like, You wish youd gotten something more fun. I bet that makes you feel kind of jealous.Now the kid is thinking, They understand me. And theyve learned something about how to cope by talking it out and labeling the emotions to get a handle on them. And Gottman found this leads to really good things.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildAs we have discussed earlier, the implications of teaching a child to self-soothe are enormous. Kids who can calm themselves from an early age show several signs of emotional intelligence They are more likely to concentrate better, have better peer relationships, higher academic achievement, and good health. My advice to parents, then, is to help your kids find words to describe what they are feeling. This doesnt mean telling ki ds how they ought to feel. It simply means helping them develop a vocabulary with which to express their emotions.(To learn how to make sure your kids are resilient, clickhere.)Theyre more calm. The storm has passed. Theyre learning about emotions. But how do you teach them better behavior and how to fix the actual problem?5) Set limits and help them problem-solveAgain, all feelings are acceptable - but all behavior isnt. You need to set limits.The parent-child relationship is not a democracy. Once the emotions are dealt with, you can be firm.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildAfter the parent acknowledges the emotion behind the misbehavior and helps him to label it, the parent can make sure the child understands that certain behaviors are inappropriate and cant be tolerated. Then the parent can guide the child into thinking of more appropriate ways to handle negative feelings. Youre mad that Danny took that game away from you, the parent might say. I would be, too. But it s not okay for you to hit him. What can you do instead?After youve listened empathetically, labeled feelings, and set limits on any bad behavior, its time to fix things. Someone needs to lead the problem solving. And that person isnotyou.This is another skill you want to help them develop. You wont always be there to tell them what to do. So encourage them to come up with ideas, guide them to a solution in line with your values that is effective and takes other peoples feelings into consideration. This is how emotionally intelligent kids become resourceful, responsible children.(To learn how to be a better parent, from Wharton professor Adam Grant, clickhere.)Okay, weve learned a lot. Lets round it up and address the question every realistic parent has been thinking from the startHow the heck am I supposed to do all of this stuff when Im stressed to the gills, were in the middle of the mall, and already 15 minutes late for a doctors appointment?Yes, there is an answer Sum upThis is how to raise emotionally intelligent kidsBe aware of emotions Canaries. Coal mines. Sometimes you can ignore the words but if you ignore the underlying feelings youre going to be cleaning spaghetti off the walls.Emotion is an opportunity for intimacy and teaching The best lessons about dealing with emotions are learned when things get emotional. Yes, this is inconvenient.Listen empathetically and validate feelings Accept all feelings but not all behavior. Dont interrogate, validate.Help them label their emotions Youve got the words they dont. It works for hostage negotiators so use it to make sure your kids dont end up talking to hostage negotiators.Set limits and help them problem-solveWe dont stab Timmy. Now how might we be able to exact revenge in a way that doesnt leave evidence?You dont always have time to do all of the above when a meltdown happens Or, more accurately, its extraordinarily rare when youeverhave time to. Understood.Dont worry. Gottman says you donthaveto do it when the problem occurs. That would be preferable, but as long as you set aside time to sit down and have the conversation, you can help your kid become more emotionally intelligent.FromRaising An Emotionally Intelligent ChildIn an ideal world, wed always have time to sit and talk with our kids as feelings come up. But for most parents, thats not always an option. Its important, therefore, to designate a time- preferably at the same period each day- when you can talk to your child without time pressures or interruptions.Emotion-coaching is not a panacea. It doesnt have Harry Potter magic powers to turn your little devil into a little angel. There will still be outbursts. Youll still need discipline and limits. But with time itll build a tighter bond with your child and help them develop a skill that will benefit them the rest of their life.What most parents want more than anything is for their kids to be happy. Whats happiness? An emotion.So youll teach them to go potty. And school will teach them how to think.But more than anything, dont forget to teach them how to feel.Join over 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via schmelzglashere.Thisarticleoriginally appeared atBarking Up the Wrong Tree.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people