How to Plan and Grow Your Executive Career

How to Plan and Grow Your Executive Career You lead a busy life and know you are doing great in your executive-level position.The idea of managing teams and a business to success fills you with a fiery passion.Your resume is a track record of success and there is no one better than you who can develop successful teams.However, you still do not do enough. This post covers how to manage your executive career when you know there is more you can be doing.Start Thinking Long-Term When It Comes to Planning and StrategyYou may have a great executive career going today and can prove you are successful now, but as the saying goes, “Here today, gone today.”Great executive career management requires long-term thinking, planning, and strategy. It involves investing beyond today and years into the future, not just being great at picking up new trends in the moment.Even if you are thinking, “I am successful. I do not see what I have to worry about”, you have to think about where you will be in 10, 15, or 20 years. New technology, i nflation, health, family, and an ever-changing workforce means you run the risk of losing all the great things you had accomplished.Avoid This Common Mistake About Job SearchingThe most common mistake people make is thinking the right time to job search is when you don’t have a job or will lose your current one.The reality is an executive career requires always keeping your eyes open on a job search for that next position and “getting out while the getting is good”.Job searching is a requirement for all executives, all the time because executives always need to leave the company at the peak of its success. This line “Go out on top!” thinking is why most people do not like becoming executives. It requires owning your decisions and successes, right or wrong, so much so that executives do not stick around for the accolades.They move onto bigger and better projects, usually leaving others scratching their heads wondering, “But I thought all was going well? Why leave now?”W hy? Think about it for a moment: Would a company rather hire an executive to run it after he/she was laid off, or after he/she just closed a $50 million dollar-merger? One of the best ways to secure a new, better position is to go on the job hunt right after a major accomplishment.Be the Executive of Two Careers Rolled Into OneAll executives should plan to manage two types of careers:Business Personal lifeDoing this requires creating as much cross-functional career planning as possible so that business and personal executive moves start to serve one another.For example, an executive with great business skills chooses to make time to learn what is going on in his/her son’s life. During that time, the executive discovers how certain technology works and how his son thinks, acts and interacts with others.Because of this, the executive is not socially disconnected from the needs and wants of his/her regular employees. Meanwhile, the executive is able to plan and afford his/her son’s education through investments and possible opportunities while keeping the son on a solid career path.Decide on Your Code of Ethics, Morals, and CharacterEvery executive has to decide on their core values. They must decide on their code of ethics, morals, integrity, and character. This is even truer today than ever before due to the possibility of executives being thrust into the spotlight after something negative on social media.Every executive must be comfortable within their skin when making a decision that affects people’s jobs and lives. Additionally, they must be comfortable with explaining it to everyone.When an executive has a strong code of ethics, morals, integrity, and character, making difficult business decisions is easier.The strength of these qualities determines a leader’s ability to explain decisions and gain followers in the process.How to Discover What Makes You ValuablePick up your resume and look at it carefully. Read the information out loud to yourself. A nd while you are doing this, start to draw a line through the experiences you simply find unattractive to you.Next, go back and read what is left. You are doing this for a reason. Companies will never decide what makes you valuable on your behalf.They expect you to know. In order to target future opportunities properly, you have to be able to say out loud, “I know I will be of great value for this opportunity because [insert reasoning].”Write a Top 10 list of everything that makes you valuable and thenmemorize it. Watch how it liberates you from fear during your executive interviews.Build a Brand Around Your Values and Code of EthicsThe most desirable executives possess a unique point of view that shows the ability to think outside the box or offers something no one else has; a personality of its own.It is important to have the business skills, of course, and not just be a collection of unique opinions.Your brand should be a collection of everything you have done, including link s to websites, previous work, and a solid LinkedIn profile.

Interview Series - Career Experts - Douglas Levin from JobStars CareerMetis.com

Interview Series - Career Experts - Douglas Levin from JobStars â€" CareerMetis.com In this interview series, we caught up with Douglas Levinfrom JobStars USA LLCwho shares her expertise and insights about job search, career change,etc.in today’s marketplace.Tell us a little bit about your company evalJobStars USA is a general practitioner of career services Is this something you decided early on in your career? Coming out of undergrad Bar none, the most exciting and/or rewarding thing is hearing success stories from past clients.I also really enjoy the interaction of working with professionals of all industries and experience levels. I am constantly learning new things.evalHow do to stay abreast of the industry as an expert? I do a lot of blogging and self-exploration.I also rely on leadership within PARW and CTLto disperse valuable information that keeps me abreast of goings-on.What are some of the things that you see job seekers struggle with the most?Job seekers struggle with personal insecurities like physical appearance, age, and on and on. Interviewing is s cary for many people.What are the common mistakes that you see them do? Coming across as a jack of all trades.evalIt’s very important to narrow your focus and take options off the table, instead of trying to play the field.How should job seekers approach job search today?Job seekers must use all the tools and resources at their disposal.Avoid being overly reliant on any single job search method. Mix it up and don’t be lazy!Unemployment is at the lowest levels, why do you think that is? Companies are innovating, technology is spurring growth in all new ways. Let’s hope for more of the same!What is the biggest trendDon’t be pushy or needy. Don’tsend invitations to connect with people who don’t know you. Find ways to participate and engage One exciting thing is that we now offer B2B services (outplacement) for small parties.What are the best resources you recommend to job seekers? There’s so much good stuff out there, I wouldn’t know what to begin. Instead, I would like to share a link to acompilation of all the best resourcesthat I’ve seen over the years.What is the best way for our audience to reach you? Submit a contact us message through our websiteâ€" JobStars.Connect with or Follow Doug Levin JobStars on Social Media:LinkedInTwitterFacebook PageDouglas Levin and JobStars USA have also been featured in our recent compilation of the most resourceful career experts and career blogs â€" Top Career Advice Websites.

The crisis Let me tell you how I feel about the crisis! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

The crisis Let me tell you how I feel about the crisis! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Like just about anyone else, my favorite caf? here in Copenhagen is tired of hearing about the financial crisis. And this is how theyve reacted: That shows guts, initiative, playfulness and a commitment to fun. I love it! It doesnt stop at the posters and postcards (which I apparently inspired), the owner does many things to make this a happy workplace. Heres one: As an employee on your birthday, you can either get a gift from the caf? or you can throw a party and the caf? will pay for it provided you invite all your co-workers. Which is just one more reason why I love this place. That and the pancakes :o) In fact, Im writing this at The Laundromat Caf? and I also wrote large parts of my first book here. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

How to perfect YOUR Cover Letter format!

How to perfect YOUR Cover Letter format! Today I received a fantastic CV, from an extremely educated and qualified young man. Let’s refer to him as Kevin. Kevin had 6 GCSEs, 2 A Levels and had spent most of his short career working in customer service. At first glance, his CV showed me everything that I wanted in an applicant. The problem was, there was no cover letter. Because there was no cover letter, there was no way for me to ascertain what kind of a person Kevin was. On an initial basis, there was no way for me to ascertain whether he would fit into my team. As a result, there was no way that I would interview Kevin. His application was quickly discarded, and I moved onto the next one.Have you heard the above story before? It should sound familiar. The unfortunate truth is that far too many applicants let their outstanding resumes down by failing to include a cover letter. Some people will tell you that employers don’t look at a cover letter. This is a myth, and an extremely damaging one at that. In this blog, I†™ll show you the importance of including a cover letter, and give you some top tips on how perfect your cover letter format.What is a Cover Letter?A cover letter serves as a written prequel to your resume. It is a short letter that comes attached to the CV, which outlines your personal values and the reasons for your interest in the role. The aim of a cover letter is to get the employer interested in you before they even look at the CV.Why write a Cover Letter?As I’ve already mentioned, there is an unfortunate myth being spread amongst job seekers, that most employers won’t even look at a cover letter. This is simply not true. You can tell an enormous amount about someone from their cover letter format. Your cover letter format shows the employer that:You are someone who can fit into their team. Personality is important. Employers don’t want someone who will cause conflict or won’t gel. They need to know that you match the core values of the company, and that you are truly interested in working there.You can construct a good letter. Grammar is extremely important. The best CV’s will lay out the candidate’s information in a clear and easy to understand way, whereas the best Cover Letters will demonstrate that the writer knows how to construct a letter, using good grammar punctuation and spelling. Needless to say, if your cover letter is riddled with spelling mistakes, your CV won’t really be worth looking at.You have the personal strengths that they are looking for. While your CV is a comprehensive demonstration of the qualifications you have achieved and your key skills, a cover letter allows you to showcase your personal qualities, such as the ability to work as part of a team, determination, drive to succeed and discipline.How To Begin A Cover LetterSince the majority of CVs are now submitted online, most employers will allow for a space where you can insert your cover letter before submitting your CV. What this means is that you probably wonâ €™t need to list the address of the employer etc. However, you should still make a point of laying it out like an actual letter. When you start your cover letter, it’s also important to address the employer, state the role that you are applying for and that you believe this is the right role for you.Take a look at the below example: Dear Mrs Bruce, I am writing to apply for the position of Customer Services Assistant. I believe that I am the perfect person for this role, and would be an excellent fit for your company. The reasons that I believe this are as follows…The MiddleIn the middle or main part of your cover letter, you should state the reasons for why you are applying. While you can mention experience, in this section of your application it’s a good idea to focus on your personal qualities. Using key words such as enthusiastic, determined, hard-working, leadership, professional, customer orientated and motivated are great ways to impress any employer.Take a look at the below example: Firstly, I have fantastic customer services skills, and believe strongly in the value of putting customers first. I understand that without the customers, there would be no business, and therefore it’s essential that we do our best to meet their expectations. In line with this, I am a firm believer in professionalism and making sure that every task is completed to the best of my ability. As you will see from my resume, I have worked in customer service positions for a number of years, and firmly believe that I could put my experience to great use whilst in this role…The EndFinally, finish your cover letter by stating/summarising why you believe you’d be perfect for the position: In summary, I see this as a fantastic opportunity. I know that I would make a professional, hardworking and enthusiastic addition to your team, and would bring a wealth of new ideas to the table. I would be extremely grateful if you could consider my application. Yours sincerely.Hopefu lly the above has given you some idea of how to create your cover letter format. If you are interested in more top tips, make sure you check out our FREE CV Resource Library! This entry was posted in Resources. Bookmark the permalink. Richard Structured Interview Questions: How To PassFirefighter Test: How To Pass The Role Play

Top Books to Read On Happiness Positivity - Punched Clocks

Top Books to Read On Happiness Positivity - Punched Clocks A smile might feel elusive when you’re in the workplace, and that’s where the following 29 books come in. They have different authors and come from different genres, but they share one core theme: happiness. Whether you wonder how to find it or how to hold onto it when it seems fleeting, one of these books will hold the answers to your questions â€"  and the keys to unlocking that grin that’s been under wraps. Read on to find out which book best suits you, and then add it to your reading list. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor: We’ve been going about obtaining happiness the wrong way, says Achor in his book, inspired by the tenants of positive psychology. He sets out to prove that happiness fuels success and not the other way around â€" an interesting thought if you’re jonesing for a promotion or new position. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin: Gretchen Rubin believed she should have been happier in her life than she was, so she set out to change it. She sought to achieve happiness in different areas of life, charting her progress with measurable goals â€"  her more successful attempts could fuel your own happiness. Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman: We touched on positive psychology above, and here’s a book on it by its founder and champion. Seligman has spent his career touting the benefits of choosing happiness, as he believes it has nothing to do with genes or luck. His advice could help you choose happiness, too. Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill by Matthieu Ricard: Matthieu Ricard’s background seems to lend itself to being an expert in how happiness works: He worked as a molecular biologist before becoming a Buddhist monk. Here, he provides a guide to finding bliss that seems to be working for him just fine â€"  scientists have called him the “happiest man alive.” The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama: Much like Ricard, the Dalai Lama is known for his bright smile and outlook, despite having lost his country. Still, he uses his platform to help others. He wrote meditations and guides to help you navigate through anxiety, discouragement, anger â€" all emotions you’re likely to feel at work and beyond. Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert: How often do you find yourself daydreaming about your next day at work, your next presentation or your next promotion? Daniel Gilbert breaks down humans’ propensity to look to the future and decide how they’ll feel about the changes that will come â€"  ultimately, you don’t know who you’ll become and how you’ll feel down the line. Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar: Harvard professor Tal Ben-Shahar’s class on Happiness has students lined up to take it  and saying their lives have been changed by the end of term when they do. His book puts his lectures on paper, combining research, scholarly articles, self-help advice and spiritual guidance. The end result is an actionable list of principles you can apply to your workplace life and beyond. Before Happiness by Shawn Achor: Work colleagues, friends, family members: Perhaps you see others in your life who seem so much more able to achieve happiness than you. This book gives you the proof that it’s possible for you to do the same, and it also reiterates the importance of happiness in achieving success in all things. The Optimism Bias by Tali Sharot: Most people still hold onto a super positive outlook on life despite the world around them, and Sharot believes it’s because optimism is vital to the human existence. Among the points she makes, Sharot shows how optimistic visions can affect your decision-making in the workplace. Happiness at Work by Srikumar Rao: This book teaches readers to reset their notions of what’s “bad” â€" instead labeling less-than-good things as “neutral.” From there, you can start to find positivity in environments that don’t typically create that sentiment, including the most stressful workplaces. The Myths of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky: Society has given us all the idea that, once we reach a certain age and maturity, we’ll have it all figured out and everything will be A-Okay. Lyubomirsky shatters that notion and says it’s dangerous to our happiness long-term. See how you can find satisfaction with your normal. How to Be Happy, Dammit by Karen Salmansohn: Not everyone loves to read self-help books. This frank take on positivity will suit that crowd and show them what it takes to draw satisfaction from every single day. The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt: You walk into work with an agenda in mind, and yet, by the end of the day, you’ve somehow managed to avoid half of the items on your list. Haidt explains this phenomenon â€"  the human difficulty to stick to our pre-made plans â€"  and others in this book. The Resilience Factor by Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatt: Authors Reivich and Shatt believe resilience is the key to having a happy life â€"  the way you face and overcome obstacles can make or break your happiness. Of course, they provide tips and tricks to improve your resilience so you can clear life’s hurdles better and, therefore, feel better. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: You can probably remember a day at work when you were in the flow: creative, focused and so productive that you lost track of time. Csikszentmihalyi teaches how this positive state of mind doesn’t have to be something that happens â€"  you can control it and make it happen for yourself on a regular basis. Work Happy by Jill Geisler: Maybe  your whole team needs their outlook updated. This book provides all of the information and action you need to workshop through it to foster better relationships and build better leaders. Learned Optimism by Martin E.P. Seligman: Some tasks at work will leave you feeling so flustered and frustrated that your only reaction is to throw your hands in the air and give up. Seligman will help you stop doing that by changing the way you act and the way you talk to yourself. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson: A client running late to your sales pitch. A copier that’s seemingly constantly out of toner. A co-worker who pops her gum in the cubicle next to yours. Carlson knows it’s easy to stress about little things, but he gives you ways to calm down despite the ample amount of triggers in your everyday life. Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson: Positivity is a powerful tool. It can make your connections more secure, your future visions clearer and your ability to rebuild after a setback stronger. Fredrickson puts readers into what she calls an “upward spiral” to achieve this new outlook. Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham: You won’t become a leader by focusing on your flaws. Instead, Buckingham believes you need to determine your talents and strengths â€" and then hone them to rise to the top. This business-minded self-help book aims to help you become better personally and as a manager. The Positive Dog by Jon Gordon: In a collaborative environment like the workplace, you don’t want to drag others down. Your pessimistic side does just that, though â€"  this book sets out to change it. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte: There’s something more important than setting goals, according to Danielle LaPorte. It’s figuring out how you want to feel at work, and letting that guide your decision-making. This and other nuggets of wisdom make this book a great read for everyone seeking success via happiness. Feel the Fear Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers: This book was released in 2006, and yet it continues to be a staple â€" and salient â€" in the self-help world. Jeffers teaches readers how to empower themselves to do anything they want, whether it’s finally asking for a raise or heading up an important project â€" no fear allowed. Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson: Hint: Buddha’s brain was no different from yours, at least biologically. He made changes so the thoughts going in and out were more likely to be positive ones, however. This book provides tips so you can do the same. Lift by Ryan W. Quinn and Robert E. Quinn: Your mindset doesn’t just hold you back â€"it can hold back those around you, too. Since that’s hardly the point of working together and collaborating, you can use this book to teach you how to create your positive attitude and use it as a positive influence instead. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown: Society as a whole and your co-workers in the workplace might give you a false idea of who and how you should be. Brown’s book implores you to shake the habit of comparing yourself to others and instead find compassion and confidence in being yourself. Being Happy! by Andrew Matthews: Here’s a good book for someone who is generally happy, but has fallen into a rut. Matthews deals with everything from self-image to risk-taking and drawing inspiration from children and nature. Bottom line: Happiness and a high quality of life are yours to achieve. Loving What Is by Byron Katie: Big-time problems often lead to big-time emotions: depression, anxiety and fear, for example. Author Byron Katie went through the same downward spiral, and it ended up giving her the tools she needed to solve any problem in her future. In this book, she provides four questions to ask yourself the next time you face a tough problem at work or in your personal life â€"  they just might change the way you feel about what’s plaguing you. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: Sometimes, what’s holding you back is you. Don Miguel Ruiz helps you to believe in yourself, which will make you happier, less stressed and more free. Which books will you read? Let us know in the comments section below! And while you’re here, be sure to  subscribe to the PC newsletter  for  more book recommendations and advice to fuel your happiness!

Resume Writing Common Core Standards - an Overview

Resume Writing Common Core Standards - an Overview Argumentative essays are made to convince the reader of a specific point of view. All 3 books, while classics, aren't particularly challenging concerning sentence structure and complexity. Students will explain the idea of case law, how it's formed by court decisions, and the way it impacts the enforcement of Criminal Law. They will know the different types of evidence as well as the purpose and limits of each type. The Basics of Resume Writing Common Core Standards Resume writing has students imagine an extremely specific audience usually a possible employer and reinforces the significance of writing for a true audience. A teacher in a teacher training program, learns that so as to teach effectively, it's essential that teachers make customized lesson planning and try out various procedures of teaching based on the topic at hand or the specific trainee group. There's substantial evidence that much of what students are read ing isn't particularly challenging. Make your writing a lot more persuasive. New Knowledge Games are a really good tool to utilize in the classroom to consolidate new understanding. The Common Core State Standards does not call for children to understand how to write in cursive. Students will compare and contrast high school lessons they have received with the way the material would be addressed in an academy. They will know the basic rules of grammar and be able to apply them in their reports. Curriculum is currently state-run standards. The PLMs are to take advantage of and build on existing expert development programs. Standards are essential to make sure that students get a high excellent education. Core standards are a valuable part of teaching students the pieces of information that they will need to know to be prosperous later on.

3 Ways To Practically Guarantee You Get The Job - Work It Daily

3 Ways To Practically Guarantee You Get The Job - Work It Daily You’ve Got To Make An Irresistible Offer Have you ever had the experience of sending out your resume EVERYWHERE, and getting no results? Related: 3 Signs You’re Sabotaging Your Job Search No emails. No callbacks. No interviews. It sucks, doesn’t it? I had that experience a few years back… And then a profound realization changed everything for me. I realized that… You’ve Got To Make An Irresistible Offer And a boring, traditional resume just doesn’t do that. (Here’s a free resource that’ll help you out with this, by the way) See, employers and recruiters are used to seeing the same thing over and over: A plain-Jane resume and cover letter. And they’re dying to get something fresh… something that makes an impact… something that’s irresistible. We’ve all sent in boring resumes in our lives… but now, it’s time for an update. 3 Ways To Practically Guarantee You Get The Job So here are three ways to practically guarantee you get the job: 1. Prove You’ll Earn Them More Than You Cost Here’s the truth: You need to make your employer a profit. Meaning… hiring you comes at a cost. And likewise, the effort from the work you do brings in revenue. So what’s the easiest way to practically guarantee you get the job you’re applying for? Simply prove, based on past results, that you’re going to bring in more revenue to the business than you cost them. For example, one campaign I thought of and helped run at my past employer paid for my annual salary within a couple of weeks. That’s solid, tangible proof that I’m worth more than I cost. So, if you haven’t already - start thinking of measurable ways you bring in revenue for a company - and then put those detailed examples on your resume. The numbers will speak for themselves. 2. Provide Credible Proof That You Can Perform Testimonials from credible people - whether they’re mentors, peers, employers, or teachers are one of the best ways to show proof of past performance and character… And past performance combined with character are 2 huge elements employers look for in potential employees. The good news is that LinkedIn has made gathering these testimonials easier than ever… so if you don’t have any yet, think of a few people that could provide great testimonials for you, and ask for them. They’ll make a huge difference in your next job application. (Here’s a great resource to help showcase this) 3. Work To Learn, Not To Earn When you’re first starting out - and you don’t have proof of generating results or credible testimonials, then the best way to get your foot in the door is by working for free for a week… or even up to 3 months. In fact, I got my dream job - the position I had my heart set on - by offering to work for free for 3 months. Now, of course you don’t want to do this for ANY employer… Only offer this if you’re fairly certain that working for free will lead to a job… and that job will open up a world of opportunities within 2-3 years for you. That’s what it did for me, and that’s what it could do for you. And Here’s A Fourth Way… Your bonus tip is to stand out online. Why? The first thing any employer is going to do when you apply is Google your name… And what if what they found blew them away so much so that they shortlisted you for the position immediately? That’s what can happen with a great online presence - and nowadays, that’s easier than ever to achieve. In fact, here’s a free resource that’ll help you get started in minutes. You don’t have to be tech savvy, you don’t need to spend any money, and they’re easy to use. Enjoy! This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts 5 Exciting Career Moves That Will Change Your Life 10 Inspiring Quotes About Career Success Beware: The #1 Myth About Getting Your Dream Job About the author Ryan Niessen is a keynote speaker and co-creator of The Gateway Method: a simple, proven way to gain inside access to the world’s best employers and get your dream job. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Facebook.       Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here.   Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!