The Gift of Focus Marla Gottschalk

The Gift of Focus Marla Gottschalk Ive been stuck on the word focus for the past couple of weeks. Focus, or rather the lack of it â€" appears to be a growing problem in our work lives. At work, our attention has become infinitely divided; calls, e-mails, meetings, devices. We all need become acutely aware of the need for focus or I fear the quality of our work will slowly diminish. The reasons to allow time for focus are many. However the core justification really rests deep within our brains. While we possess the ability to switch between tasks, we simply do not have the ability to attend to all of them effectively. (Research at Stanford has shown that heavy multi-taskers have trouble mastering even the simplest of tasks.) So, Id like to pose the question: How are you doing focus-wise? Are you taking control of the issue? Here are a few practical suggestions to help you bring more focus into your work life. It all starts with one small step. Strategies to consider: Tame those e-mails. Seriously, e-mails are going to be the death of us â€" as they insidiously rob us of focus each and every day. (Do you feel like you are falling down the rabbit hole?) Forward thinking organizations are beginning to ban e-mails during designated time periods or specific days, to allow employees the opportunity to focus on their work. First rule to tame this problem, courtesy of LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Wiener â€" if you want fewer e-mails, send less of them! Segment meetings.  Many meetings lack direction and become the antithesis of focus. One method to solve this, is to use a targeted agenda to thoughtfully segment the time spent in the meeting. For example, if you plan to meet for 60 minutes, segment time to allow for no more than 2-3 topics. Devote 20 minutes to each â€" enough time to review information, discuss and gain some closure. Identify a time-keeper to keep things on track and record topics to be addressed later. Control your calendar. Only you can take the steps to make your spent time count. Review your schedule for the past week and ask yourself the following question: What you can eliminate to make room to focus on the tasks that matter? Then offer that gift to yourself. Look around you. If your work environment doesnt allow time (or a bona fide quiet space) to really focus, start making waves, While offices are designed for efficiency, open floor plans can become an enemy of focus (How about a few well placed walls?) Discuss options with your manager to provide an appropriate space to collect your thoughts. Set a routine that works for you. Be sure set the right scenario to allow for focus. Consider elements such as the time of day that you seem sharpest, and the physical elements most conducive for you to think deeply (Personally, I require music). Aim for a 30-minutes of focus each day, to start. Of course, remember to build in breaks, as this allows your thoughts to coalesce. How do you build focus into your day? Share your strategies here. Additional reading: Tame the E-mail Beast, Entrepreneur.com Make Time for the Work That Matters, Julian Birkinshaw and Jordan Cohen, Harvard Business Review Control Your Workday, Gina Trapani, Geek to Live

Slash Workers and the Current State of Affairs in Freelancing - CareerMetis.com

Slash Workers and the Current State of Affairs in Freelancing With the job market in a volatile state, many people look to freelance opportunities to make ends meet. Unfortunately, in most cases, freelancing can be quite a difficult journey that may involve dealing with shady contracts, gig scarcity, and employers who give you the runaround when payment is due.While a few have the mindset that freelancing is only viable until the next full-time job opportunity comes around, most see it as an opportunity to gain independence from more traditional job structures.Taking the step to freelance full time is not easy, but better comprehending the ins and outs of the new workforce makes that transition considerably more manageable.evalGet on board with a better freelance career by understanding the current state of affairs for “The Slash Workers,” a future of work-study commissioned by AND CO.Who Are Slash Workers?Slash workers are independent workers who offer different services or skills depending on the client or project. Most have cultivated at least 2 or 3 related skill-sets to help attract more clients.This is becoming increasingly common and is an example of how modern career is evolving.While our grandparent’s generation may have stayed at one job for the entirety of their working lives, and our parents might have moved around a handful of times, the new generation is looking to work on multiple projects and generate different income streams.Only 5% of freelancers interviewed said they accept work around one skill, and only 13% work for just one client.Only 7% said that they wanted to freelance primarily for financial gain. 40% of freelancers in the study claimed that “personal growth” was the primary factor; “flexibility” came in second.Key Things to Know About Slash Workers1) Freedom v. WealthevalSome say that wealth is a form of freedom, but most say happiness is achieved regardless of money.evalAs much as 43% of freelancers say they are worse off since moving away from more traditional employment, but 34 % argue that things have largely stayed the same for them since the switch.The major difference, regardless of success, is that 68% feel happier about what they’re doing.There’s certainly a trade-off when it comes to picking between happiness or wealth. But at least according to the results of this study, when one has a higher quality of life, they are better off overall.For some, working a permanent position intrudes on their work-life balance.evalAccording to a study from McKinsey Global Institute In any form of business, it’s important to protect yourself from harm. Unfortunately, the average freelancer will have a hard time getting a proper respect for the work they do or being protected in the correct manner.Here are a few reasons why freelancers get stiffed:1) Bad ContractsA bad contract will give you limited rights or say-so over the content you create, potentially coming back to bite you later down the line. Also, a bad contract may force an exclusivity clause, which d eters you from working with others.There are times where a client may not need your content for a while, which may result in weeks or months of lost income if they pay on publication. As a result of situations such as these, 35% of freelancers claimed that vague or shady contracts resulted in them not getting paid.2) Not Taken SeriouslyevalThere’s often a bad stigma associated with working with freelancers, especially when employers are faced with shady Craigslist ads or content mills offering ridiculously cheap prices for deliverables.For many, working as a freelancer has an unfair connotation of unseriousness; those that work independently know how unearned and unjust such an assumption is. Nevertheless, situations like these can bias employers from giving freelancers fair treatment from the start.evalLOOKING AHEADWe are very much at the beginning of the freelance wave with considerable growth and complexity expected over the next few years.Indeed, many estimates suggest that by 2020, 40% of the US workforce will be freelance, engaging a range of different careers and redefining what it means to be an independent worker.That doesn’t mean that it’s too soon to begin your career as a “Slash Worker.”Though there will be continued dynamism in this space, and the economy more broadly, there is nevertheless a strong opportunity to get ahead of the curve and generate multiple income streams, build a range of diverse, marketable skills, and begin to embrace a life of flexibility and freedom.

6 ways to start your interview off on the right foot - Sterling Career Concepts

6 ways to start your interview off on the right foot 6 ways to start your interview off on the right foot The followingare important points to keep in mind while preparing for your next interview.The first three apply before you even shake hands with the interviewer since from the moment you arrive, you are making an impression on your prospective employer. The second set of three kick into gearonce the interview gets started and you develop a dialogue and rapport with the interviewer. Arriveat the receptionist’s desk approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Not much earlier and preferably not later than that. With a smile, give your name to the receptionist. Make a strong initial impression by speaking clearly and distinctly and maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor. The expression “you’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression” rings true in the interview process â€" including receptionists, assistants, and secretaries. As you wait in the lobby, envision a great interview happening. Visualize being a strong candidate for the job. Picture yourself as a contributing member of the company’s team. Achieving success is easier once you have it firmly implanted in your mind. This is the power behind visualization. Keep cool under pressure. If you are kept waiting or encounter any stress before the interview, maintain your composure and self control. It may be a unavoidable schedule delay or it may be a test. Either way, remain calmand flexible to changes. Speak in a rich, self-confident manner. Answerquestions with energy and conviction. Vary the tone of your voice during the conversation. Dont be afraid to show emotion and enthusiasm. Eye contact is a powerful form of communication. It demonstrates confidence, trust, and power. Employment personnel are wary of the honesty of someone who cannot make direct eye contact. You don’t want to ‘stare down’ the interviewer, but good, consistent eye contact indicates self assurance and poise. Determine and adapt to the interviewer’s communication style by listening and observing how he/shewalks, uses body language,and dresses. Observe overall mannerisms and behavior and do your best to mimic that style. In the final analysis, most people hire people they like andjob candidates who are similar to them. Keep in mind, the employerishoping to like you, that your skills and strengths are a match with the jobs needs, that you will fit in with the existing personality of the group. No one wants to have to interview a long stream of candidates to find the right one.With that in mind, prepare thoroughly and present yourself well to put your best foot forward and ace that interview! 6 ways to start your interview off on the right foot 6 ways to start your interview off on the right foot The followingare important points to keep in mind while preparing for your next interview.The first three apply before you even shake hands with the interviewer since from the moment you arrive, you are making an impression on your prospective employer. The second set of three kick into gearonce the interview gets started and you develop a dialogue and rapport with the interviewer. Arriveat the receptionist’s desk approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Not much earlier and preferably not later than that. With a smile, give your name to the receptionist. Make a strong initial impression by speaking clearly and distinctly and maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor. The expression “you’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression” rings true in the interview process â€" including receptionists, assistants, and secretaries. As you wait in the lobby, envision a great interview happening. Visualize being a strong candidate for the job. Picture yourself as a contributing member of the company’s team. Achieving success is easier once you have it firmly implanted in your mind. This is the power behind visualization. Keep cool under pressure. If you are kept waiting or encounter any stress before the interview, maintain your composure and self control. It may be a unavoidable schedule delay or it may be a test. Either way, remain calmand flexible to changes. Speak in a rich, self-confident manner. Answerquestions with energy and conviction. Vary the tone of your voice during the conversation. Dont be afraid to show emotion and enthusiasm. Eye contact is a powerful form of communication. It demonstrates confidence, trust, and power. Employment personnel are wary of the honesty of someone who cannot make direct eye contact. You don’t want to ‘stare down’ the interviewer, but good, consistent eye contact indicates self assurance and poise. Determine and adapt to the interviewer’s communication style by listening and observing how he/shewalks, uses body language,and dresses. Observe overall mannerisms and behavior and do your best to mimic that style. In the final analysis, most people hire people they like andjob candidates who are similar to them. Keep in mind, the employerishoping to like you, that your skills and strengths are a match with the jobs needs, that you will fit in with the existing personality of the group. No one wants to have to interview a long stream of candidates to find the right one.With that in mind, prepare thoroughly and present yourself well to put your best foot forward and ace that interview!

What You Should Know About Resume Writing Services

What You Should Know About Resume Writing ServicesIf you are looking for resume writing services Everett is the place to be. If you have the creativity and desire to work in the best hospitality industry, you should look into the opportunity that comes with your resume writing services. Let's discuss some of the services that the company provides.Resume writing services offer professional resume services. The company can help you write the resume of your dreams. You will find what you need from their experienced team of professional resume writers. They will take care of the content, formatting, as well as graphics on your resume.The company has an expert team of writers who have done dozens of cases of perfect online resume for their clients. Their job is not just to make your resume perfectly complete but to make it conversational. They know how to adapt resumes to suit the needs of your job application and make it compelling.It is their goal to match you with the employer. They ca n match you with the employers who will hire you as their next employee. You can find out if they can match you with the right job, if you need more information about them, or even if they need your resume before they consider you as an employee. This way you can know how much time and effort they put into your resume so you know if they are the right fit for you.Resume writing services provide writing and editing services to other industries as well. A writer can help you out with creating a cover letter or other documents for a trade show or convention. If you are one of the several hundred people who attend a trade show every year, hiring someone to help you with your resume writing will ensure that you do not forget any of the important details that you need to include. The hired services will help you make your resume design professional and eye-catching.Another reason why you should consider hiring the services of resume writing services is the fact that they can get you the j ob faster than you would try to do it yourself. The professionals will use different tools and templates to meet your needs. These are tools and templates that you do not need to learn about on your own. These tools and templates will help you a lot and you can make use of these tools to your advantage.The last reason why you should consider using their services is that they can give you a resume template to start off with. This will make the job a lot easier for you. Your resume writing services will create a template to begin with that meets your requirements and specifications.They will create your resume for you that makes you stand out from the rest. Resume writing services Everett can help you on your way to career success. If you have already decided to hire the services of a resume writing service, I urge you to take a closer look at their portfolio.

Why Cerificatyion Resumes Are Better Than Other Resume Writing Services

Why Cerificatyion Resumes Are Better Than Other Resume Writing ServicesWhen writing a resume, writing Cerificatyion resumes is a necessity. That's because Cerificatyion resumes are more effective and it is the best option for first time job seekers.Now you're probably asking yourself, why is Cerificatyion so much better than any other resume writing service? Well, most hiring managers really look at Cerificatyion resumes, instead of ones from any other company. They go to companies like yours for their resume writing services, but those people will not give you any benefit, if they don't know how to write your resume! Let me explain what I mean...First of all, Cerificatyion writers do know how to write a good resume. You've probably seen thousands of resumes written by these professional resume writers and they have all taken pains to write a resume that can easily get you that interview. It is an art, and they really know how to do it.They also have great real talent that goes beyon d simply 'writing' a resume. Let me explain... If you are considering hiring a resume writer and that resume writer knows how to write a resume, that is the main thing.Another great thing about Cerificatyion resumes is that the people that work there really are interested in your career, and in helping you get the job. They are interested in your future career, as well as your current job. This is a trait that you do not see very often with hiring managers and hiring recruiters.What you will find is that most resume writers are there to simply give you their opinion on your resume, and they're not really going to care about your career or your future career plans. Your Cerificatyion resume writer is there to help you get your dream job, and to show you how to get that dream job.That's why Cerificatyion resumes are much better than others. Please consider all this and consider your next resume writing service for yourself.

Life After Json Resume

Life After Json Resume Finally, to see the template you will need to run lite-server. Templates may be used for making CV, resume so as to apply for jobs. Also don't hesitate to fork this undertaking and submit new suggestions to add to the JSON Resume Schema standard. You will use somebody else's work and you'll also probably not be presenting yourself in the very best light possible for the job. The work description for any specific position gives you a clue as to what's important to the employer. Before putting your company funds to work on anything, you need to make yourself an expert. Therefore it's good in the event that you can make changes in line with the job and company you're applying. What to Expect From Json Resume? Converting PDFs into JSON can be challenging based on the intricacy of the PDF layout and the sorts of data you want to extract. It isn't possible to provide a good example of a Parquet file. It is possible to also specify the format with the ad dition of a format argument to the command also. You should make certain to settle on a format that's easiest for you. Allow the listener understand how to reach you. Next, you are going to want to alter the description and author. A RESTful web service may be configured to generate distinctive forms of response like XML, JSON, html, plain text and the majority of the MIME types. The app folder holds all your assets. In a conventional web program, when the user login credentials are validated, logged in user object is going to be kept in a session. When integrating to our API, make certain that all of your API calls use same edition. Possessing a REST API for your internet application is a good addition. Configuration is quite much like JSR223. The server utilizes a custom made Razor formatter to bring in resource representations. You may use the services key to make sure that the Apache HTTP service is restarted. Facts, Fiction and Json Resume When you get an error besides a 5xx error, you don't have to use an exponential backoff strategy. The break statement can likewise be employed to jump from a loop. The way to create a signature Each request should make a new signature and timestamp working with the subsequent method. Said otherwise, you wish to make sure the extracted variable is accurate. The rest of the technique is unchanged for processing the JSON data connected with a recipe. Multiple API calls might be issued as a way to retrieve the whole data set of results. There'll be times that you should take care of various PDF layouts that are structured differently, for instance, if you would like to extract data from PDF purchase orders offered by different trading partners. If you want to use a modified block format and you've never done so in your life, it is most likely best to use a complete block format. Nevertheless, it's even far more advisable to take note of any processes which you managed to enhance. Frequent issues s uch as spelling and grammar mistakes will make you appear stupid. To be able to use a resume to compose a CV, it is very important to acquire several examples that possess the relevant specifics. Some examples are given below.

HIRE ME! 7 Tips For Getting A Job After College - Work It Daily

HIRE ME! 7 Tips For Getting A Job After College - Work It Daily HIRE ME! 7 Tips For Getting A Job After College - Work It Daily In today's job market, college graduates have a tough time. The words “HIRE ME” taped on the top of the mortarboard have become a cliché indicator of the desperation of today's graduates to stand out. Related: 11 Job Search Commandments For College Grads Many colleges have job searching courses that help you build resumes and extol the virtues of the book, What Color Is Your Parachute? If you missed the course, here a few tips to help you: 1. Create an online presence It is now common practice for employers to run Internet searches on potential job candidates. Having a profile on networking sites such as Linked In can help employers find you, or add credibility to an existing application. You may also put yourself out there with a professional blog. Blog about your industry and achievements as they occur. If you're in a creative field like graphic design or photography, display it. Forbes Magazine suggests if you don't have a career focus, blog about things that interest you, but put you in a positive light. Creating a profile on temp and employment agency websites like GradWeb are also great ways to get yourself noticed. 2. Take an extra internship You probably did an internship as part of your degree plan, but there is nothing wrong with doing a post-collegiate internship. If you graduate with no options available, taking an unpaid internship may help you refresh your job skills and build new contacts. Not to mention, an internship at a recognizable name can add new life to your resume. 3. Join a professional group Professional groups offer opportunities to meet with other industry professionals and keep on top of the industry. Many colleges have chapters or registration drives. It's not who you know anymore that counts. It's who knows you. Getting your name out there and meeting other professionals can get your resume past the slush pile, and into the right hands. 4. Brush up your resume and cover letter If you didn't create a resume before you graduated, take a resume class or use your school's college and career center. After you have one, ask your professors to look over it and offer any suggestions. If you no longer have access to your school's resources, many community colleges will offer resume critiques for free. Always get your first resume critiqued. 5. Use your college and career center Your college and career center exists to help you. Use them for all they all worth. Talk to the counselors. Attend job fairs. Use their employment and interview tips. At some schools, the career center can connect you with successful alumni willing to offer advice. 6. Be willing to start low Many college graduates hit the job market with stars in their eyes, thinking the world is open for their dream career. It's important to dream big. But, more than likely, you won't get that dream job right away. Be willing to start low. Of course, don't stay low. But, working as a secretary in a company where you want to be an advertising executive, can get you in the door. Or, starting your own advertising company, while continuing your part-time college job can add open doors that your diploma wouldn't. 7. When all else fails... volunteer This advice goes for any job search. Being out of work for a while can have adverse psychological effects. You may feel unproductive, and your self-esteem and confidence may begin to wane. As the days wear on, and the job ads look grim, gloom and despair may set in. Volunteering anywhere, for a few hours a week, can help boost your self-image and add some productivity and life to your daily routine. This boost can bring the shine back to your interview skills, and give you the motivation to keep searching. It may also unwittingly bring you across the right people, or open doors you hadn't even considered. Your career can take you anywhere. Don't let it be limited to where you think it might go, otherwise you will miss out on the joy of the journey. Or, you will spend years frustrated that it didn't go exactly like you planned. Now, more than ever, it is important for graduates to dream up new ideas and possibilities and self-employment is on the rise. Don't be afraid to chase your dream. As a young college graduate, it may be the only time you can. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts 7 Common Job Hunting Mistakes Students Make Who Is Hiring Recent Graduates? 6 Job Search Tips For New Graduates   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!