How to Add the X-Factor to Your CV

How to Add the X-Factor to Your CV When competing in todays job market, the new job seeker must consider having a CV that stands out. The background and job skills for the applicant must have what is called an x-factor. These unique qualities about the CV will stand out. These qualities may be about achievements or personality. What is the x-factor Finding the x-factor may be as simple as brain storming about the applicants achievements or about the applicants background or something in your personality. An ex-boss may be able to quickly assist with a list of the characteristics that made the employee a productive one. For example, being on time is always critical. Completing job tasks by a deadline is always required. Performing at least 100% is critical in todays job market since there are many applicants for the same position. Examples of x-factors X-factors may be a background in economics, for example, if the job position is at a banking facility. Advanced degrees always help to place a person ahead of the pack. Attending seminars and lectures in the employment field is critical for placement and advancement. Impressive CVs may include teaching or demonstrations that the applicant has presented in the selected field. Quality in a subject matter can be realised in this manner. Supervising in a selected field is a way to show that a particular avenue is well accomplished. Is your x-factor/achievement relevant The accomplishments noted on a CV are important. They show that a certain level of performance has been reached. However it is important today that the accomplishments be more matched to the job that is being applied for. Academic grade accomplishment can show that certain subjects that are relevant to a job have been well learned. Higher grades mean a better understanding of the subject matter and perhaps show that the individual may be a better employee. How to get the x-factor across in the CV How to get the right information across to the potential employer is critical. Presenting the right information must begin by specifically matching the job skills with the job. Standing out could come at this juncture. If the job requires certain knowledge, then focusing on this area of study with the CV presentation is a positive idea. The more the CV matches, the more it will stand out to the employer. Why it is important to stand out from the crowd It is important to stand out from the crowd because the competition is something that cannot be ignored. Always remember that someone brighter may be around the corner. Explaining and proving why the CV being presented is the one to select is the critical job for the new applicant. Other ideas to put the CV ahead of the rest Other ideas that could be used to gain an advantage include a spotlight on any extra activities that might be beneficial to someone in that job position. If volunteer work is helping the applicant to understand the field of choice, then this kind of information could help sway the selection. Hand delivery of an application may be something to consider. Since there are probably numerous applications coming in for the same job, putting a face to a piece of paper may be the deciding factor between two possible employees. Phoning the employers office on a weekly basis after handing in the CV, may keep that particular person in the forefront of the job contenders. Researching the company thoroughly is a good idea. Knowing critical details about the company may help in the final decision-making. Showing a genuine interest in the job and the company will always put a best foot forward. It says that the person is interested in the position. Are you trainable Two other indicators that an applicant will be a good employee seems to the critical talents of being trainable and fitting in the office culture. If an employer sees that the applicant is just not willing to go along with the group dynamic, then it may be determined that this person is either not trainable or will not be a good social match. For example, if the group dresses rather conservatively and the applicant comes in unusual attire, then the management may conclude that this particular person may be somewhat disruptive of the culture at the office. If the personality is one that comes across rather loudly, then the interviewers again may think that a degree of disruption may occur. Innovation Innovation seems to be important in finding that perfect job. Having the right attitude is critical. Being able to see new ways of presenting in a job interview may be important. As always, tempering innovation and common sense are the critical factors in deciding where to apply and how to do this. Remember that not all jobs are for everyone. Besides the certain qualifications needed, there is a culture that must be addressed. Developing new skills may be a new adventure. The right person for the right job may be determined by the outstanding CV. Marie Warren is a avid careers adviser and keen blogger who works for online recruitment agency  recruitmentrevolution.com Image: Shutterstock

Top Skills White-Collar Workers Will Need

Top Skills White-Collar Workers Will Need The character of a white-collar worker has to be perfectly suitable for an office setting. He/she needs to be organized, professional, polite, skillful, and agreeable at the same time. People who haven’t had direct contact with this profession think that white-collars are cold, stiff, and narrow-minded. Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth. A real representative of efficient administrative setting should possess distinctive skills that will contribute towards the organization’s growth. Are you interested in becoming a white-collar worker? That won’t be an easy goal to achieve. These are the top skills you need to work on: IT skills When IT skills are in question, most people think that such training is meant for old-school workers who have lousy computer skills to begin with. The reality of a white-collar worker is related to continuous training at all levels. Since this job is dependent upon computer work, one has to be aware of the latest changes and updates of the system. If you are considering this type of job for yourself, then you need to accommodate your skills to the growing demand. New technology undermines the value of the traditional skills related to this profession. Instead of performing routine manual tasks, today’s white collars are more focused on using technology to do the needed work efficiently. Public speaking skills You thought this was the type of job that would enable you to hide behind your desk for ages? Wrong! You’ll work on different projects, and you’ll need to present them to your superiors. If you want to make progress in this career, you’ll need to feel comfortable in a public setting. When you prove your exceptional public speaking skills, you’ll stand out from your colleagues. That means only one thing: a chance for promotion and higher salary. Time-management and organizational skills Deadlines will become part of your everyday life if you become a white-collar worker. Boosting your time-management skills is one of the main aspects of personal growth and development in this career. Throw that old-school planner and replace it with modern technology. Try using different organizers and time-management apps before you find the perfect one. When you are able to fight distractions and focus yourself to do the work on time, you can call yourself a successful white collar. Writing skills A modern office employee relies on written communication on a daily basis. Clerical workers have always been masters of the typewriting machine. Today, their skill set has grown from typing to actual communication that requires classy expressions, authority, and an ability to convey the most complex concepts in clear language. The way you write emails and reports can be favorable or detrimental to your success as a white-collar worker. You need to practice and develop skills of argumentative, critical, creative, and descriptive writing! Foreign languages The office setting is not an isolated environment. Being skilled in at least one foreign language is a universal and transferable requirement. If you are able to bring these assets into an organization, you’ll be much more attractive for the employers. The work of a white collar used to be limited within an office cube full of paperwork. Today, there is much more flexibility to this category. You’ll get to establish connections with foreign organizations and collaborate on various team projects. You can achieve much greater success when you list a foreign language in your resume. Style No matter how superficial this seems, the appearance of a white collar worker is extremely important. He needs to be clean, sleek, and chic. You don’t want to look like a librarian from the 60s. Each organization has office attire standards, so you’ll need to dress in accordance with them. If you landed an interview for a white collar job, your ability to show style and class will be greatly appreciated. As you can see, the skill set of modern white-collar workers is much more complex than you imagined. Not everyone can do this job with success. Do you have what it takes?

Responding Well is an Art Form - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Responding Well is an Art Form - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career When you are faced with a decision do you make a Snap Decision or a calculated and Measured Response? Different situations can call for one or the other. If you are driving and someone steps into the street or a car veers your direction you will need to implement a quick response. If your customer calls or your boss stops by and wants an update on a project. Again, you will need to be on your toes and provide a quick response.  Albeit, in this second case you will need to know the context, perhaps look something up or confer with others. But, you will be expected to have a quick response. Pro-Tip: Responding quickly is a skill developed in Toastmasters. The Measured Response There are other situations where you have more time. Perhaps too much time, but more time nonetheless. For example,  if you are asked a question or given some information that requires you to reflect upon your response. You should do that.  The suggestion in this post is …  You should reflect upon your response before clicking send or speaking too soon. Otherwise you risk blurting something out that may come back to haunt you. Take the time to make a Measured Response. Remember, Responding Well is an Art Form. Below I will describe The 3 S’s to consider when creating a Measured Response. Have you ever been given bad news? You didnt get the promotion? Your project is going to be discontinued? You didnt get the order? Did you feel like you had to say something? Sometimes you do need to provide a response. Was your first reaction to blurt something out?   Before Blurting … Consider a Measured Response.  Remember Graciousness goes a long way. And the old adage from your mother  applies here too: If you dont have something nice to say Dont say anything at all. But what about those times where you have to provide a response. The suggestion of this post is … Make it a Measured Response. Consider The Three Ss as you consider your (measured) response: Source Situation Scenarios When Crafting a Measured Response: My suggestion is to think about the Three S’s. Consider the Source  â€" Where does the person or team asking the question fit in the big picture. Let that guide your response. Understand the Current Situation  â€" What are the underlying factors? Who are the players? Look at the big picture. Envision Scenarios  â€" Think through a few scenarios. Perhaps something as simple as a Good  â€" Better  â€" Best scenario or a little more complicated with a BATNA option. As you consider and evaluate  the three S’s you will have a better chance to shape and get the response that works for you. Of course, There may be no single response that is always going to be right. That’s life. And sometimes  it’s more effective and pragmatic to just give the black and white /  yes or no response. As you get better at creating and crafting  Measured Responses your skill at assessing situations and the likely reaction from the other parties will improve. In my case … There are many times I just want a Yes or a No. I don’t need or want the pre-amble or post-amble. Just tell me. There are other times I do want to know the thinking behind the decision. Remember. Responding Well is an Art Form. It takes practice. It takes thinking. And when done right will enhance your reputation, your career and your leadership skills. Author: Jeff   is a veteran in the Enterprise Content Management industry. Over the past 20 years he has worked with customers and partners to design, develop and deploy solutions around the world. Jeff is currently the Director of Strategic Alliances at Winshuttle. He has worked for Microsoft, FileNet (IBM), K2, Captaris, Open Text, Kofax and Kodak. He speaks and blogs about ECM and the Intersection between Social, Mobile and Cloud Computing.

10 Ways to Measure the Success of Your Branding Efforts - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

10 Ways to Measure the Success of Your Branding Efforts - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career How do you measure whether your branding efforts are working or not? What do you look for? The following answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the worlds most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, the YEC recently launched #StartupLab, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses via live video chats, an expert content library and email lessons. 1. Talking to People If people are likely to get on the phone with you when you reach out or better yet, if they are coming to you then your branding efforts are working. Weve seen a huge change in the last year of businesses coming to us instead of us reaching out because of the articles weve published that build credibility for our brand. Kelsey Meyer, Contributor Weekly 2. Asking for Feedback We directly ask our potential business partners and customer leads how they heard about us. I’m always asking for feedback on our creative work like mailers and infographics in every business-related meeting. It helps me to keep thinking about how to improve and open the conversation to learn what branding efforts other businesses are pursuing. Phil Laboon, Eyeflow Internet Marketing 3. Tracking Events We are an extremely data-driven company. Every branding effort is being tracked and categorized, including engagement on our site, leads, sales and demographic information of readers and installs. Anytime we appear in an article, run an ad, etc., we track it and every event that surrounds it. This way, we’re able to make clear performance-based decisions appropriate for our target demographic. Sarah Ware,   Markerly   4. Checking Your Conversion Rates If your conversion rates have increased, it can mean that the same visitors who have never purchased before are now excited to get to know your product or service. Branding helps soft sell to potential customers who werent ready to make a purchase initially but might give your business a chance after repeated exposure. If your conversion rates go up, your branding efforts are not in vain. Danny Wong, Blank Label 5. Tracking Leads We keep a very close eye on our metrics particularly lead gen. If our subscribers, opt-ins and sales are increasing, we know that were doing a good job promoting our brand. We are particularly interested in tracking referrals from clients because we are intensely focused on providing excellent customer service. If our clients are referring friends, we know that were doing a great job. Patrick Conley, Automation Heroes 6. Seeing Company Growth We help our clients assess branding efforts through seeing increased leads, higher lead conversion rates, faster close rates, higher paying customers and overall company growth. If you arent hitting all four cylinders, get some outside expertise to help you! Raoul Davis, Ascendant Group 7. Using Fresh Web Explorer I measure our branding efforts explicitly with Fresh Web Explorer. I use it to track every mention of our brand and branded terms across the Web, including tweets, comments, forums, blogs, etc. It helps me discover conversations I wouldnt have otherwise noticed, and it enables me to keep a pulse on the broader reach of our marketing campaigns. Matt Ehrlichman, Porch 8. Seeing Strangers Recognize Your Logo Branding is an important part in marketing because it means youve made a personal connection with your audience and inspired some level of longevity for your brand. Its not just about a number, but rather the feeling you invoke in your target audience. They say that if you capture their hearts, you have them forever. You know this when strangers recognize your logo or company during conversation. Andy Karuza, brandbuddee 9. Using Google Analytics We use Google Analytics to check our branded keywords and how they grow weekly, monthly, etc. Its a good way to measure branding efforts to see how many times people are typing your brand into the search engine. Pablo Palatnik, ShadesDaddy.com 10. Being Recognized It sounds simple, but the best way of knowing if your branding efforts are working is to ask someone to say (or spell) the name of your company. If fellow business colleagues, industry insiders or consumers can say or spell your company name correctly, then half of your battle is already won. Recognition is key to recall efforts. Kim Kaupe, ZinePak

Nursing Home Volunteer Resume - These Tips Will Help

Nursing Home Volunteer Resume - These Tips Will HelpWhen you're writing a nursing home volunteer resume for employment, it's very important to include the information listed below on the first page. You may be wondering why these tips are important. These points help to emphasize that the purpose of the resume is to get you the job.There is one thing that you want to keep in mind when writing your nursing home volunteer resume. This tip should be considered, because some of the personal information that you list on this resume will remain on your file forever. Therefore, you need to have them all spelled correctly and up to date before you submit your resume.The first thing that you want to ensure is that your spelling is correct. You don't want to let your bad spelling ruin your chances at being hired. You also don't want to let this error cost you any money or improve your chance of getting hired. In addition, you don't want to overlook things like proper spacing.When it comes to s pelling, you want to be sure that you can spell medical situations, treatment and medications. When you use all lower case letters, you'll want to consider that some employers may find this as an indicator that you may not be able to spell all your words correctly. Some people find it easier to write in full sentences and then use capitals when they are going to spell something.When you are listing your special talents, you want to be sure that you mention them when they relate to times nursing home volunteers, and that you mention them clearly on your resume. For example, if you're an excellent dancer, you need to list it on your resume. However, if you're an excellent chef, then be sure to be specific about it. If you don't want to mention it, leave it out on your resume.If you list activities that may be different than what you normally do, be sure that you know what you can do to fit into your nursing home volunteer experience. This means that you should really list them out on your resume rather than just including them in a blurb on the cover page. This may make the job easier, but it will also make your nursing home volunteer resume stand out more from the others.Finally, you need to consider that some employers only read the cover page of your nursing home volunteer resume. This is the page that the hiring manager sees first before he or she goes over your entire resume. They'll be looking for the most important information on the cover page. If you aren't writing it yourself, you should try to see what information the company has on their website, even if it isn't on there specifically.It's important to be aware of the details in your nursing home volunteer resume, because you want to take it seriously and be sure that you include all of the information that they need to hire you. If you don't make this point very clear, you could easily lose your chance to get hired. It's a good idea to really consider all of the tips and suggestions above.

One More Time with Feeling - Whos Hiring in Entertainment - CareerAlley

One More Time with Feeling - Whos Hiring in Entertainment - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. A word to the wise aint necessary its the stupid ones that need the advice. Bill Cosby When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a performer (I guess we all did). I did the usual playing in bands, acting and even majoring in music in college my first two years. For most of us performer wannabees, reality sets in a some point and we get a real job. But there are plenty of real jobs in the Entertainment Industry that dont require you to perform (on stage that is). From traditional jobs like Finance and HR to industry specific jobs like stage manager or lighting director. Todays post is all about finding those Entertainment jobs. Entertainment Industry jobs What better place to look than CareerAlleys Whos Hiring job search site (powered by SimplyHired)? The link at the start of this paragraph will take you to an Entertainment specific job search. Enter Location at the top of the page and adjust your search by tweaking the categories on the left hand side of the page (like Company, Title, etc.). Entertainment Recruiters This site helps you find recruiters who specialize in entertainment. 4entertainmentjobs.com This search site is an industry specific site (Entertainment of course) and, according to their statistics, there are over 3,400 jobs in Entertainment on this site. Top right hand side of the page has a search engine where you enter your Job Category and Location (then click Find my Dream Job). Right below this is a list of some of the companies that look for candidates on this site. Featured jobs and employers are listed on the right hand side of the page and there is a link for entertainment internships on the right hand side of the page. TheatreJobs.com Another entertainment search site, this one specifically for (as Im sure youve guessed) the Theatre. The top of the page has links for Search Jobs, Post Resumes, Auditions and more. Left side of the page has search jobs, with a list of categories and a place for your email address so that you can get notified. Middle of the page is Post Resumes and Promote Yourself while the right hand side of the page is a browse auditions section. There were 409 job opportunities when I checked the site. Entertainment Trade Magazines Last, but not least, dont forget trade magazines, where you may get some leads. Variety.com An old time mainstay, the online version version is a great source Billboard.com Music is the name of the game Backstage.com Broadway and more Filmbiz.com Good luck in your search.Visit me on Facebook

Following up is not optional

Following up is not optional Following up is not optional during job search. It is mandatory! Instead of hoping youll hear back, these are things you can do to improve your odds of getting a response.     Youve applied for dozens if not hundreds of jobs online.   You havent heard back.   Join the club.   This is probably one of the biggest frustrations of job seekers.   So what can you do? Adapt Your Resume and Cover Letter Did you take the time to personalize, customize and make your cover letter and resume relevant for each of job posting? Can the employer clearly see (without having to think) how your experience relates to the job? Review the job posting line by line and highlight the wording theyve used that matches what youve done. Now, go back and make sure youve used that EXACT wording in your resume. As for your cover letter, you must show the company you are interested in working for them. Do you know people who like working there? Have you used their product or service? Does the company have a mission that aligns with your values? Its up to you to explain why you want to work there. Take Ownership Stop waiting. Take action. If you are really interested in any of the jobs you applied for, then take the time and effort to follow up with an email or phone call. The only way youll know whats going on with the job is if you follow up! A word of caution. Be sure you follow the instructions, for example, if the job posting said No calls please, that means you shouldnt call.   Looking for some advice on making these follow-up phone calls?   Read my post Follow-up Tactics. Find an Insider Talk to everyone you know and find someone who works for that company.   When you find someone who works there, ask them if they know about the job, its status, and who they might recommend you speak to.   Be super nice to them because you will want them to be an advocate for you or at least an informant. You might be able to find names of people to contact on the company website. You might be able to find the company and its employees on LinkedIn You might be able to read the companys blog to gather names or information You might be able to follow the company on Twitter Timelines SlipDont Give Up I read an article that suggested that job seekers give up if they havent heard back from an employer.   I would caution against this, especially if it is a job/company you are really interested in. Companies do not purposely keep applicants hanging.   There are many valid reasons why you havent heard from the company: timeline slips, priorities change or theyve put the job on hold for some reason. Dont give up. Find out from your information (company insider) whats going on! Feel Empowered, Not Victimized Sure the employer has what you wanta job.   But, what can you do to feel empowered?   Take action.   At least you can say and know that you did EVERYTHING possible.   Waiting isnt taking action.   One email isnt enough. Be pleasantly  persistent! Here is a post I wrote which addresses the fear of many, What will they think (you dont want to come across as aggressive or desperate, so how much is too much follow-up?)