signature

signature When I speak, I talk about a personal branding secret weapon, which is your email signature.  Its a secret because even though we all can have an email signature, many of us dont, or we mess it up.  And, its a secret because even though people see our signature all the time (or, every time they read our emails), they dont think oh, thats a personal branding ploy! Ive talked and blogged about this a lot over the last few years.  You can see some great links below.  In this post, I want to boil my thoughts down to help you optimize your email signature.  I could critique email signatures and go into more depth, but these are the four things I want you to know.  Note that I go into this in my Developing a Killer Personal Brand course on Pluralsight, which you can get for free (and if you watch it, you can get free premium upgrade on JibberJobber).  See the short video at the bottom to see how that works. First, have a clean, clear, usable name.  If your name is Robert, but NO ONE calls you Robert, then put Bob.  Or Bobby.  Or Rob.  But if no one calls you Robert, dont put Robert!  Also, unless you have a good reason to do otherwise, dont put your middle initial.  Your email signature is not a government contract put what you want people to call you!  Nothing more, nothing less. Second, have what you might call a tagline, or a value statement.  This is a jargon-free, cliche-free line that says what you do, or what value you bring to the table.  A job title is not typically the right thing to put here, unless you are comfortable assuming (or, taking upon yourself) that every stereotype that is associated with that title, then you should not use the title.  Instead of Product Manager (which can probably be interpreted ten different ways), how about something more simple and to the point, like I help companies take something from idea to product, and share it with the world.  Okay, thats kind of lame, but its different than a title.  Realize that coming up with a short, impactful tagline could take a lot more time than you think but its time well-spent! Third, have a link, or a call to action.  I have at least six websites I *could* point you to. But there is only one I want to point you to, which is JibberJobber.com.  This is my business.  This is what I do for a living.  This is my passion.  Every once in a while, I might point you to another site, but it depends on who you are (the audience) and the purpose of the message.  Combined with your tagline, this link or call to action invites the reader to take the next step, learn more, etc. Fourth, consider not having anything else.  Every single character or pixel beyond that has the potential to distract from your brand messaging.  Dont put fax numbers or street addresses dont put a quote from some smart person from 100 years ago, dont muddy up your signature with a cute drawing of a turkey, or rainbow colors.  Yes, Ive seen all of these things, and they are all distracting.  More is not more.  More can discourage people from reading any of your signature. Here are some links that you might like: I Love a Good Email Signature (2009) Email signature: Make It Count (2010) Email Signature Critique: Julianne Franke (2011) Job Search Communication, Email Signature Critique (2012) Want to watch the Developing a Killer Personal Brand course for free? Watch this video to see how to get access to this, and many more courses.  No credit card required.

Resume Examples - Are They a Good Idea?

Resume Examples - Are They a Good Idea?When it comes to resumes, many people resort to using resume samples to help them write a great one. Using resume samples can be beneficial, but they aren't always the best idea. With so many resumes out there, you need to be careful who you use for inspiration. Here are some tips on how to pick the right resume samples for your needs.One of the first things you should do when looking at resume examples is to take note of the tone. It is important that you are confident in your ability to present yourself professionally. A way to help get around this is to use a resume sample that is written with a conversational tone. You don't want to present yourself as an overbearing personality because it can give the impression that you are uncaring.Another thing to keep in mind is that different types of employers will have different expectations when it comes to the style of your resume. For instance, certain types of work will demand a formal format whi le others are not as formal. A resume that is informal, for example, will show more of your personality and career goals. Make sure to read your resume as a whole and see if it will give you the feeling that you are someone who is well qualified for the position.The next thing you should do is to use an organization that has a professional but easy to follow presentation and an easy to read presentable outline. These two things will help keep you organized and make your resume easily read. You should also make sure that your resume is concise, has good formatting, and includes all the information needed to communicate what you are looking for.Some resume examples have sections that tell you exactly what information you will need to include in your resume. Others will have a section where you simply fill in the blanks. It is a good idea to find a resume sample that matches your style. You can use resume examples to help you make sure that you are making a great first impression.While writing your resume, remember that formatting and organization are important. Many people struggle with this aspect of a resume. If you make sure that everything looks clean and organized, you will be able to present yourself more easily and create the impression that you are a successful person. Try to add as much information as possible without creating a confusing layout.Finally, the most important thing is to check out a resume sample that is relevant to the position you are seeking. Remember that there are plenty of resume examples out there. Use these examples to help you write a great one. By using resume examples to get ideas, you will be able to write a great resume that fits your needs.Overall, resume examples can be helpful, but they aren't always the best idea. If you have been rejected by a past employer for a certain reason, you may want to consider using resume samples. In most cases, though, using resume examples are not worth the hassle, and you can put more effort into reviewing your skills and creating a great resume without using one.

Why its OK to fail University of Manchester Careers Blog

Why it’s OK to fail University of Manchester Careers Blog Written by Humanities Careers Consultant, Helen Buzdugan If you’re making job applications at the moment, you will almost certainly encounter failure and rejection, if you haven’t already. It’s tough, but it’s normal. More than that, it’s actually a GOOD THING. As a society, we focus far more on success than we do on failure. A quick Google search yielded almost twice as many results for the word “success” (1.32 billion) as it does for the word “failure” (683 million). We tend to admire success in others, and believe we should strive for success in our own lives, but there are some problems with this approach. Focussing purely on success can deter you from taking risks, as you may be afraid that if you do something outside your comfort zone, you will fail. For example, I see students who tell me “I’m not going to bother applying for X job, because it’s too competitive, and I wouldn’t get it anyway”. And with that, they let their dreams float away. I know it’s tough facing the prospect of putting a great deal of time and effort into doing online tests, making applications and going to interviews and assessment centres, when you know the level of competition for that dream job is high. But someone has to get that job, and most of the other graduates will probably be feeling the same way as you. Plus, if you live by that logic, only daring to do things which have a guarantee of success, you wouldn’t ever try anything new. Remember, with job applications, you have to be in it to win it! Secondly, focussing purely on success can make your self-esteem vulnerable. It may lead you to set unrealistic expectations that you will always achieve high standards in whatever you do or that you should ‘get it right first time’. If you don’t give yourself permission to make mistakes the first, second and even the hundredth time you do something, you will be less resilient when you do something less than perfectly, or when factors outside of your control (e.g. other more experienced candidates or unstated employer demands) thwart your ambitions. Job interviews are a great example of a new skill that you can’t necessarily expect to excel at the very first time you do it. It takes practice to get it right, and even experienced people who have done hundreds of interviews still get nervous sometimes and have off days. Perhaps most importantly, when you are successful, there’s less opportunity to learn and grow. Most successful entrepreneurs have had plenty of failures en route to success. Just look at Richard Branson. Failure provides us with fertile ground to learn more about ourselves and particular skills and situations, so that we can develop and improve our performance. The best response to failure is a ‘growth mindset’ approach. A person with a growth mindset will look critically (but not judgmentally!) at what went wrong in a situation, analysing the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of what happened, and assess what they could do differently next time. This might involve asking for honest feedback from others, e.g. from a recruiter following an interview in which they were not successful. Crucially, they will believe they can improve, and they will be willing to try and fail. JK Rowling â€" someone who has experienced the extremes of failure and success â€" once said, at her Harvard University commencement address: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might not have lived at all.” So I urge you to go out there and try. Apply for that job that you believe you have no chance of getting. Go to that interview that is way out of your comfort zone. And when you mess up, hear nothing back, or are rejected, remember that it’s a normal human experience, pat yourself on the back for giving at your best shot, and think about how you could do better next time. And then one day, with perseverance and a sprinkling of luck, you will nail it! All Positive thinking

What Your Look Says About Your Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What Your Look Says About Your Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career [Sponsored Post: We use Grammarlys  plagiarism checker  because it gives your personal brand more integrity.] Throughout our professional lives, we’re constantly reminded about the importance of nonverbal communication. It makes up around 90 percent of all communication, meaning it’s essential to pay attention to it. The way you look and act, even before words come out of your mouth, is a huge part of your personal brand. How you dress and how you act say a lot about you as a professional. It’s time to break down the pieces of your nonverbal communication to find out exactly what your look says about your personal brand. How to dress Whether you’re at a job interview, networking event, or simply in the office, how you dress says a lot about you. In all of these situations, it’s important to dress appropriately and professionally. Business attire is a must. Men should wear a solid color suit with a long sleeved shirt, tie, belt, dark socks, and polishable shoes. Your hair should be neat and professional, and your nails should be trimmed. Women should also stick to a solid color suit (pants, skirt, or dress is up to you). You should also wear conservative shoes, avoiding heels if you can’t walk in them. Your hair should also be neat and professional, and you should limit yourself to very basic jewelry and makeup. These instructions are especially important for interviews and networking events. It’s better to dress up than to be the only one in the room dressed too casually. When it comes to dressing for the office, the rules change depending on your workplace. However, in all professions, it’s essential to continue to dress professionally. Even if you’re allowed to wear jeans to work, you should always stick to conservative shirts and shoes. If you want your brand to say you’re very professional, you need to look the part. The saying goes, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” If you want to be taken seriously in your career, it starts with what you wear. Remember, dress for success! How to act In addition to your look, the way you carry yourself is also an essential part of your brand. Your body language carries just as much weight as your appearance in nonverbal communication. One of the easiest ways to improve your body language is to smile. In every professional situation, it’s important to smile because a smile makes you appear more friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re networking or interviewing, a smile will draw people to you and they’ll want to learn more about you. If you forget to smile, they’ll be turned off and not want to hear what you have to say. A smile opens so many doors. Additionally, your posture is also essential to strong body language. This means you should stand (or sit) straight with your shoulders back. Additionally, maintain eye contact with whomever you’re speaking. Good posture like this says you’re honest and confident. When you combine your professional attire with a professional attitude, your personal brand will definitely benefit. Your appearance tells others that you’re capable of taking on whatever task you’re given. Others will be drawn to you because you seem confident and successful. Back this up with intelligent things to say, and you’re golden. What are some other things your look says about your personal brand? Author: Heather R. Huhman  is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder president of  Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the instructor of  Find Me A Job: How To Score A Job Before Your Friends, author of  Lies, Damned Lies Internships  (2011) and  #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle  (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for  numerous outlets.

Important Things to Know About a Teacher Resume

Important Things to Know About a Teacher ResumeWhen applying for a teaching position, it is important to remember the importance of a teacher resume. Many of us fail to consider the writing and presentation of a teacher resume when applying for a teaching position. These are essential when you want to get a job.Different companies will have different ideas on what should be included in a resume. Therefore, make sure that your teacher resume not only includes your teaching experiences, but also the accomplishments that may come with your teaching certificate or degree. The resume needs to clearly show how you will enhance their learning experience.The teacher resume should highlight the fact that you are an effective communicator. It should also be eye-catching and contain something that people want to read and see. You do not need to copy any pictures from other resumes, but using your photos wisely is a great idea. For example, include images that clearly show what you look like, wh ich is extremely important.It is also important to use a picture that shows your face, but not your student's name. Teachers usually take photos of themselves and their students while in the classroom. If you use your student's name, it can appear as if you are trying to push them to do something. Therefore, avoid including your student's name as well as using their picture.Writing is an important part of the resume. Do not use legible cursive letters, but instead use easier-to-read fonts and pictures. As the resume is formatted and written, it will be more interesting and appealing to potential employers.Employers want to know that you present a business-like appearance, rather than trying to attract attention. Give your teachers the impression that you can perform well in a simple presentation. Choose your words carefully and you can also include some of your teaching experiences, which they can also use when interviewing. Use the phrases 'addressed', 'presented', and 'instructed' when referencing specific lessons.There are many places where you can learn more about what a teacher resume should be like. There are also many types of them, all of which are made to meet different specifications. Most places that offer resumes make it easy for you to pick out the one that will best fit your needs. Many professionals also offer tips on what to include and not to include in a teacher resume. You can also find great tips on what to put in the teacher resume yourself.While there are many different opinions on the topic, you should keep in mind that these are only guidelines. No one has all the answers. Find a resource to help you. Your teacher resume is your tool in getting a teaching job and will make all the difference.

Technical Resume Tips

Technical Resume TipsUsing the list of skills, abilities and experience that're finding on a technical resume can often do more harm than good when you're trying to land a job. Here are three things you can do to make your technical resume stand out in an industry dominated by companies that are competing for different positions.First, you should create a skill list that includes all of the areas of a technical person's life. These areas could include work experience, technical writing skills, technical knowledge and managerial skills.Next, consider how you could break down each one of these areas. Taking a sample resume for a certain type of position and matching it up to that individual's skill list is a great way to help the recruiter decide if you are the right candidate for the job. Making this decision in advance means that you'll have a great chance of getting that job interview.Finally, you will also need to be prepared to speak your mind. The way you present yourself will be the first impression that the recruiters receive. If you want to impress them, then you need to come across as an individual who can contribute in an effective manner.For a technical resume, you can put together a few lists of skills that you feel are useful to the company. If you are going to school, then the list should include your major, any technical writing skills, your interests and hobbies. This will help the recruiter come away with an idea of the type of person you are and why they should hire you.Also, if you need to write a lot of technical documents, then you may want to put together a separate list for each different areas of expertise. You might list the fields of study and their specific areas of expertise.Finally, you should write about those areas of writing where you actually have experience. Even if you don't have a lot of experience in these areas, you can still use these points to help you stand out in the eyes of the recruiters. You need to show that you can contribute to the company and that you can write in that area.When you use the above tips, then you should have a much better chance of landing that job with a technical resume. You may not be able to get that first interview, but you can be successful with your technical resume as well as every other technical resume that comes across your desk.

Why is Career Change So Challenging - Kathy Caprino

Why is Career Change So Challenging In preparing to launch my new summer Career Change teleseminar program â€" Change Your Careerâ€"Change Your Life!, I’ve been thinking about why it’s so hard for many midlife women to find and maintain a joyful and successful career, and why it’s so challenging to shift out of one career into another, to a more fulfilling path. In my personal experience, there were some very heavy blocks that kept me from realizing with clarity and confidence that I wanted out of my corporate marketing career, and from taking forward-moving action to get out. My blocks were: 1) Time â€" I had invested so much time in building a marketing career (18 years, in fact), that it seemed ludicrous to “throw it all away.” 2) Ego â€" My ego told me that I had worked so hard to achieve a powerful position in the corporate hierarchy (in my last corporate position, I was a Vice President), that I didn’t want to step back and be a beginner again, and lose so much ground 3) Confusion â€" If I were to chuck this professional identity, what would I  do instead?   Despite years of trying to answer this question, I couldn’t figure out.   Sure, I fantasized about being in the film industry or doing something exciting and glamorous â€" but what did I really want to do?   What would I do if I won the lottery?   I couldn’t find a new path that made sense. 4) Money â€" I earned a lot, and believed I needed every cent of that to provide myself and my family the living we needed and wanted. 5) Going against the pack â€" Most people in our lives want us to do the safe, reasonable and secure thing.   They don’t want us to suffer, or to lose everything.   So they tell us â€" strongly and loudly â€" to play it safe.   6) The unknown â€" finally, I didn’t want to change because I wanted what I had to work out for me, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.   Truthfully, I was scared to death to leap into the unknown. Now, eight years into my career reinvention, I see things differently.   I can say that none of the reasons above are sufficient to keep you stuck in a career you hate.   Loosen the vice-like grip these fears have on your life, your soul, your mind, and your livelihood, and youll find the courage and energy to begin to change your career, and change your life. So here’s a new way to look at the challenges above: TIME: Every minute you DON’T make the changes you long for, is a minute you spend holding yourself back from the growth and expansion that you know â€" deep down â€" that you need and want.   Also, after revising your career to something you like better, you’ll find that you will use fully and joyfully each and every heart-felt talent and skill that you worked so hard to develop in the past. EGO: Achievements are â€" in the end meaningless if they don’t resonate with your heart and soul.   Don’t let your ego lead you around by the nose.   If it does, you’ll find that your hard-won recognition and achievement will leave you feeling empty and sad. CONFUSION: Yes, it’s hard to sort out the “sounds-great!” career change ideas from those that will really make you happy.   It’s hard, but not impossible.   Find some great coaching and mentoring help today to do it.   Get unconfused. MONEY: We all want and need money.   The question is â€" how much do you truly need to make to be happy, fulfilled, and enjoy your life?   And what is your relationship with money â€" is it healthy and balanced, or are you a slave to it, addicted to having “things” surround you, because in fact, you feel  depleted  and joyless? THE PACK: The pack mentality is a fear-based, group think that doesn’t support innovation, individuality, and risk.   So which type of person do you want to beâ€" a pack-like follower, or a cutting-edge thinker and leader? THE UNKNOWN: Here’s a fascinating truthâ€" it’s ALL unknown, folks.   If you think you’ve got it figured out, and that what you carved out for yourself is going to be constant and unchanging, please do think again.   Life is change.   The universe WILL deliver to you continual opportunities for you to experience your own adaptability and resilience.   So, what would you rather do â€" embrace your resilience and proactively find a new path now that brings you joy, or do nothing, and let life foist change on you? If you truly want a career change, I hope you’ll begin on a path today to making it happen.   Help is all around you! I’d love to know what holds you back MOST from taking action to change your career, and what you need specifically to help you move forward?   Please share your comments below â€" I LOVE your input (and it will help me deliver a fantastically powerful career-change program this summer)!   Thank you!

Looking for a Job During the Holidays A Survivors Guide

Looking for a Job During the Holidays A Survivors Guide Many job seekers erroneously believe that searching for a job during the holiday season is a waste of time. Nothing could be further from the truth.   In fact, the holiday season, the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year, is often one of the best times to look for a new job.   This is true for several reasons.   First, there is often less competition because so many job seekers suspend their job search during these months.   Second, corporations with hiring budgets are often looking to ‘spend off’ their remaining budgets, making it easier to find an ideal position.   The key is utilizing unique opportunities available to job seekers during the holiday season and remaining positive. For those looking for a job during the holiday’s, the following tips should be carefully reviewed and considered as part of their ‘survival guide’: Remain upbeat: Those that have been searching for a new position for an extended period of time often find their mood flagging during the holiday season.   Depression can quickly lead to wasted job seeking opportunities, so be sure to remain positive.   If needed, create a schedule for yourself, providing at least one job-seeking task each day.   Remember to treat your job search like it is a job in itself. Use holiday parties to network: You never know where the next opportunity will come from, and holiday parties offer the perfect opportunity to network and increase your visibility.   Whether attending family parties or industry events, put on your best face, be positive and network.   Holiday parties are the best opportunity for networking around. Holiday greetings: While the old ‘Merry Christmas’ cards are considered politically incorrect, Holiday Greeting cards offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with industry contacts or potential employers.   Be sure to include your business card or contact information in the card to fully take advantage of this opportunity. Regularly review postings: Remember that as the year comes to a close, many businesses are struggling to fill open positions before their budget ‘resets.’   Keep checking classified ads and online listings and keep in close contact with your headhunter to ensure that you don’t miss any opportunities. Consider seasonal work: While seasonal work isn’t the ideal opportunity, especially for those looking for executive positions, sometimes taking a seasonal position can be beneficial.   The act of working again can do wonders for depression and if you are lucky enough to land a seasonal position in your field or industry, help keep your name visible. Oh, and might I add one very important thing: DISCOUNTS. Don’t use the holiday season as an excuse to forgo your job seeking activities. Instead, try to remember that the months in-between Thanksgiving and the New Year can offer plum employment opportunities.   Use your survival guide to take advantage of the unique opportunities the holiday season can present. Above all, remain committed to your job seeking activities. Failing to do so during the holidays can quickly ruin any momentum you currently have.