Top Tips That (Almost) Guarantee Self-Employed Success - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Top Tips That (Almost) Guarantee Self-Employed Success - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach More and more people are going into self-employment, and you might want to consider the switch, too. With the job market as it is, the competition for places is making life very hard for those that want to go into traditional employment. There are just so many people applying for the same job that it is almost impossible to get a foothold in the race. Self-employment, however, is booming and jobs are nowhere near as hard to find. Plus, lots of jobs pay well and offer a job security. There is no doubt that the industry is on the up and that a self-employed role should feature in your thoughts. Before you pull the trigger, it is essential to understand that self-employment isn’t easy. As far as full employment goes, that is a cakewalk compared to what you might have to go through. But, the hard work is well worth it in the end, especially if you like the flexibility and power of being the boss. It is also worth it if you know how to sidestep the landmines on the road to success. Here is a handful of tips that should help. Good luck! Be Prepared To Work Hard Yep, working in the industry does have its advantages, like working from home. Just think â€" you get to roll out of bed and work in your PJs! Although it is a nice thought, it is something everyone should try to avoid. The fact that you get to work at home is a benefit, but it shouldn’t get in the way of your productivity. Far too many workers that have a home office don’t get through the amount of daily work they should because of the distractions. The main distraction is that, because you’re at home, you think you can procrastinate. Sorry, there isn’t time for procrastinating if you want to be successful. Treat the experience as if you would any other job as it’s the only way it will work out in your favour. Set Deadlines Saying you will treat it as a regular job and doing it are two different things. Walking the walk is never easy because it takes a lot of time to get into the swing of self-employed. Anyone that has never worked from home or been the boss might struggle initially. A good way to get past this stumbling block is to set strict deadlines that you intend to keep. The deadlines will centralise your focus so that the work comes first, as well as keep you productive. For example, if you want to finish by 4 p.m, you can’t take 2 hours for your lunch. Break the work down into bite size chunks and use the pieces to tackle the day. Don’t Take Holidays Let me rephrase that because everyone deserves a vacation. What the title should say is that you shouldn’t take unnecessary holidays because time is money. As you aren’t in full employment, you don’t get the same benefits as other employees. That means you don’t get holiday or sick pay, so you lose money when you don’t work. For anyone that wants to make a killing, this isn’t a big deal as long as you treat your vacation time as a gift. Sure, save a couple of weeks throughout the year, and use them whenever possible, but don’t go overboard. The more time you spend on a beach, the less money you will make. Although money isn’t everything, it is important when you need to pay the bills. Sort Out The Tax As a self-employed worker, you are responsible for taking care of your tax contributions. Lots of people won’t know what to do, which is why its imperative you do your research. For starters, begin with what you will have to pay over the course of a year. To do that, take a look at your wage and project your yearly income. Then, subtract the income tax threshold and divide the rest by 20%. Also, don’t forget to include national insurance contributions which work out at around 9%. The trick, once you know the amount, is to put away the money each week so that there isn’t a gaping hole in your taxes. The good news is you don’t have to focus on paying taxes â€" you can concentrate on cutting them, too. The self-employed enjoy a lot of tax loopholes which everyone should use to save them money. After all, your tax contributions come to almost 30% of your wage, and it’s legal. The main thing to look out for is tax expenses. Non-permanent employees can claim everything from a uni form tax rebate to a business lunch. As long as it is relevant to your job and you keep the receipts, you’ll be okay. A word of warning â€" make sure you keep detailed receipts. Should the taxman knock at your door, he will need solid proof. Otherwise, you can get a fine or a jail sentence. Treat Yourself Well Because you have to pay for everything, you will try to cut corners. It is only human nature because you want to save money. The thing is that cutting corners isn’t the right tactic even if it seems like a good idea. The problem lies with the fact that you don’t give yourself everything you need to succeed. Instead, the self-employed try to get by with the bare minimum, and it affects the final product. So, if you have to pay for something, fork out the money. In the long run, it will work out to your advantage as it will reflect in your products and services. Plus, they are all business expenses that you can use when you file a tax return. A good boss never cuts corners, and you need to realise that now you’re in charge. Find Permanent Work Although it sounds like a contradiction, it is possible to be self-employed and have a full-time job. Let’s break it down so that it’s easier to understand. As a freelancer, you need lots of work to pay the bills. And, it isn’t always easy to find sufficient work to make ends meat. The alternative is to find a client that offers full-time employment for you on a daily basis. In this sense, ‘full time’ means that the day revolves around one client. That way, your pay won’t be in jeopardy because the wage will be a constant, and you’ll have more security. Some freelancers don’t like this idea because it means they have all of their eggs in one basket. However, it is possible to keep an eye out for more work just in case the agreement breaks down. Also, clients tend to give a notice period which will give you time to find another regular. Pay Attention, Literally Doing the work is the easy part as well as the fun part; getting the money is the hardest. Now, no one wants to lay the blame at the feet of the employers, but they will take their time to settle their debts. Some are forgetful, some do business that way, and others are the take. As long as you get the money, though, it isn’t a problem, so with this in mind you need to get annoying. Set a payment date with your clients and make sure they honour it by hounding them relentlessly. If they don’t want to pay, they will in the end because of sheer frustration as people hate constant phone calls and emails. It is worth noting that lots of clients will pay on time, which means you will be the problem. Those of you that have plenty of work won’t always remember which client owes you money, and you can lose said money as a result. The secret is to make a list of every person that owes you money so that you don’t forget. Also, do it every week for consistency. Look Professional Want to know what the biggest mistake self-employed people make? It’s coming across as small and unprofessional. Lots of firms do it, and they do it because they have esteem issues. You know how big you are and feel as if you have to be open with the clients for some reason, but its nonsense. Speaking them like a small company will only make them view you in the same way, and it will affect your client retention. What you need to do is sound like a huge company even if you are only a startup. For example, say you’re in a meeting when you have to pick the up kids, or youre out of the office when running an errand. The clients are none the wiser, but they like the terminology all the same. Should you have to meet them in person, dress to impress like a proper entrepreneur and bring along a friend. They might have nothing to do with the business, yet they give off the right impression. Follow this advice and your career in self-employment will go from strength to strength.

The New Angle On Software Developer Resume Format Just Released

<h1> The New Angle On Software Developer Resume Format Just Released </h1> <p>Creating programming can be hard, dreary work, in this way it's critical that you don't get hindered or disheartened at whatever point you don't succeed the absolute first time you take a stab at something. In light of the applicant, exactly the same errand can be drawn closer in different manners. Coding and programming are puzzles of a kind, and in case you're an individual who preferences explaining a secret by considering the immense picture and the more conservative strides in transit, you will be comfortable creating programming. To complete the business, a colossal bit of what it is that they do is dealing with the undertaking from start to wrap up, certain they remain in consistent contact with key partners. </p> <p>Software designers frequently have a four year college education in software engineering and vigorous PC programming capacities. Software engineering offers you the instruments you should examine code and see how to win your code perform quicker. Innovation is a fairly wide point. </p> <p>The program demonstrates the ads at the booked second. Without the capacity to program, or compose calculations, you won't be set up for an occupation as any sort of an engineer. Since engineers are answerable for programming from beginning to end, they must have the capacity to fix gives that emerge all through the arrangement procedure. In addition, web designers may make content for the website.</p> <p>The abilities of programming engineers are required in a scope of enterprises. A product architect ought to be able to do everything a product designer does, yet utilizing an alternate structure theory. Without a cognizance of the study of trees and the best approach to utilize them, there'll be issues that you as a designer won't have the option to fix. The perfect programming engineers are inventive and have the specialized mastery to perform imaginative thoughts. </p> <p>As of January 2008, the business is the world's greatest furniture retailer. Show the business you have what it takes the business prerequisites. Frameworks engineers will presumably observe new open doors because of an expansion in the assortment of items which use programming. Engineers working in a money related foundation, for instance, ought to have comprehension of fund so they can appreciate a bank's figuring prerequisites. </p> <h2>Using Software Developer Resume Format </h2> <p>Developers may likewise improve pay possibilities with various capacities, rewards, and benefit sharing chances, in view of the particular manager. Plainly, the designer compensation (in Ukraine alongside in some other locale of the world) relies upon various extra measures. Python follows closelythe normal pay in the assembled realm is $74,388 every year. </p> <p>The capacity to check at comparable code and custom tailor it to the specific case you have is fundamental. Choose a programming language for you to compose code, you ought to comprehend a minumum of one language, the more the better! Designers frequently chip away at numerous locales of an application or framework at precisely the same time and needs to in this way be in a situation to think and focus on detail. An engineer should have the option to make an application structure start to wrap up. </p> <h2> The Battle Over Software Developer Resume Format and How to Win It </h2> <p>Software designers require a great deal of apparatuses added to their repertoire. They should have amazing scientific abilities since they will be required to persistently contrast needs and programming capacities. A product engineer will be slanted to have area explicit comprehension. The Software Developer continue objective is basically a little segment. </p>

Australian Students Air-Powered Bike

Australian Students' Air-Powered Bike Australian Students' Air-Powered Bike Australian Students' Air-Powered Bike Any kid whos invested any energy in the tub with an inflatable fueled vessel realizes firsthand that packed air can move stuff. Put the inflatable over the cylinder at the harsh, explode it, let go, and watch the toy pontoon flood through the cleanser bubbles, leaving only air pockets afterward. Could a similar rule work to move a bigger toy sufficiently quick to win a land-speed record? The teacher and understudies of a modern plan course at Australias Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University think so. Motivation The thought initially came to educator Simon Curlis while recuperating from a cruiser mishap. The gas fueled machine Curlis had been riding was totaled and, during recovery, he turned his brain to his next bikeone that he trusted would assist him with setting some new land-speed record at Australias Speed Week, held each March on the salt pads of Lake Gairdner. In any case, Curlis needed to do as such in the greenest manner conceivable, so he made the mechanical plan course at RMIT to make sense of the most ecologically benevolent intends to control a muscle bicycle. In their exploration, Curliss understudies before long went over an air-controlled motor made by Melbourne-based specialist, Angelo Di Pietro. The motor had basically no contact, required a solitary pound for each square inch of puffed air to get this show on the road, and was littler than an ignition motor. I for one think it is a virtuoso creation, said Edwin Conan, the understudy who headed the plan venture. They reached Di Pietro and he consented to let them utilize the up and coming age of his motor, given that they keep the innovation covered up under a dark spread. This understudy developed counterfeit of the air-fueled bicycle highlights two air tanks tied onto a vintage Suzuki frame.The body of the structure depended on a Suzuki GP100 from the 1970s, possessed by a companion of Curlis. It had just been smoothed out for dashing purposes yet the class stripped it down further. We tossed out essentially everything on the first bicycle, the petroleum tank, the motor, gear box, and whatnot, Conan said. Essentially, we are just utilizing the casing of the bicycle and the haggles. The motor is controlled by two tanks of packed air, and with them the motor hits 3,000 rpm immediately. This forestalls the requirement for a gearbox, so there is none. With just a solitary rigging, the bicycle has just one switch on the handlebar: the brake. Theres likewise no front lamp, brake light, or light of some other kind, however cameras have been introduced to record the bicycles speed. In a perfect world the bicycle would wear lightweight packed air tanks made of carbon fiber, yet right now such expectations are restrictively exorbitant. What are the odds this understudy planned bicycle could established a precedent? Really great, really: There is starting at yet no authority compacted air-fueled motorbike speed record, so any number would get the job done. Conan and Curlis fantasy about outperforming 100 mph. Whatever the bicycles top speed, at more slow speeds it could turn into a fumes free method of puffing about the area. A touch of a handle could permit pretty much air in the Di Pietro engine to change the rpm. In the event that the bicycle were to be really green, the air tanks would live on the bicycle and a sun oriented fueled generator would be liable for topping them off. (A battery-or packed air-controlled vehicle is just as spotless as the force source used to energize it.) But one must be able to top off compacted air tanks, Conan stated, so we adhered to the trading air chamber thought for the occasion. The motorbike is as yet an idea, be that as it may, as Conan and Curlis keep on searching for subsidizing to transform structure into the real world. On the off chance that funders and assets are inevitable, Curlis plans to utilize a superior casing than the vintage Suzuki GP100 utilized for the class venture. That old corroded edge may not be sheltered to deal with all the force and rubbing of the speed run, Conan said. Sufficiently reasonable. He doesnt need to have another bike crash. [Adapted from Running on Air, by Michael Abrams, for Mechanical Engineering, May 2010.] The motor is controlled by two tanks of packed air, and with them the motor hits 3,000 rpm immediately.

Vital Pieces of Writing a Cv or Resume

<h1> Vital Pieces of Writing a Cv or Resume </h1> <p>A CV is a far reaching record of your profession history and essentially all you feel your boss should think about you. Abstain from posting all the in-house instructional class you've at any point joined in, on the off chance that you don't feel something is extremely significant or significant. Your point is to quantifiably demonstrate that you're ready to. The point of your resume is to make sure about you the meeting. </p> <p>A design like the one beneath has consistently ended up being protected. With this sort of a constrained amount of room as of now, including an image doesn't bode well. In case you're not sure what CV is in the local setting, you generally have the choice to look through the formats in the nation where you expect to apply to find a new line of work. It's likewise basic to see how to organize a CV in a way that is both perfectly clear and all around organized. </p> <p& gt;If you must expound on bunches of abilities or capabilities, quickly state them in a few lines or much better use projectiles. Proficient who's an entire picture possibility for grouped controls. Understudies choose for low maintenance employments so they can gain something while seeking after their investigations. They likewise need to give weapons to coursework for the two semesters. </p> <p>Expert composing arrangements truly can help. Select whether you might want to begin with an individual report. A CV contains a total history of your experience. Composing a CV or resume is a basic undertaking on the off chance that you couldn't care less about the activity which you simply put on the data that gives off an impression of being proper. </p> <p>Whether you need it or not, you're attempting to sell yourself as an imminent recruit. You are endeavoring to sell yourself. You're scanning for work. Thinking about all the assistance of web and PCs, you can pr omptly investigate the planned endeavor. </p> <h2>The Benefits of Writing a Cv or Resume </h2> <p>Just make a point to make the business read why and how you can fulfill their prerequisites. It is especially obvious when work searchers need to find a vocation conveying their resumes or CVs to many conceivable future managers. It's additionally static which expect it doesn't need to be custom fitted for a specific status in the manner most continues ought to be balanced for prevalent request for employment results. You're continually going after a specific position. </p> <p>A great approach to get an expert looking cv is with the guide of Free simple cv producer App. All in all, the previously mentioned plot is amazingly basic in light of the fact that the work search technique, in spite of the entirety of the nervousness and disarray, is strikingly simple. Destitute pointers and resumes aren't precisely the same. The further that you make your sel f recognizable utilizing the activity parameters and also the business itself, the more adequate your CV will be for that particular business. </p> <p>Similarly, in the occasion the activity requests that you're ready to drive, notice that you've a driving permit. Your CV is the absolute first possibility you get the chance to create an extraordinary impact on a planned boss. All in all, your CV must create the business belive which you merit a shot. </p> <p>From your CV, the business must accept you have the demeanor just as the qualities that will make you be a significant promotion to the group. So when you have a test to create a CV or resume, you generally have the choice to arrange the separate kind of administration from our organization. </p>

6 Solid Reasons to Leave Your Good Job - The Muse

6 Solid Reasons to Leave Your Good Job - The Muse 6 Solid Reasons to Leave Your Good Job Some of the time in your profession, there are these mammoth, blazing, neon signs that appear to holler, Hello, you! Better believe it, you with the hopeless look all over! It's the ideal opportunity for you to blow this popsicle stand and get yourself another gig. Possibly you despise your chief or your duties make you need to cry. Maybe you've been reliably skirted for advancements. Or on the other hand, possibly you're conspicuously abused. In any case, it's horrendously evident to you that you have to find employment elsewhere. Be that as it may, different occasions? All things considered, the signs that are disclosing to you it's an ideal opportunity to take off are extremely simple to voyage directly by. Indeed, they're regularly missed inside and out and just discounted as a typical piece of being utilized. What kind of mysterious clues am I discussing? All things considered, here are six not really clear signs you ought to presumably tidy off that resume and search for something new. 1. You're Always Unmotivated You complete your work. Be that as it may, you'll likewise be the first to concede that it's a day by day battle. Compelling yourself to sit at your work area and walk your way through your daily agenda feels like an accomplishment of superhuman quality. What's more, you find that-as opposed to intending to go well beyond you're continually scratching by with the absolute minimum. Tune in, we as a whole have those occasions when we'd preferably be doing whatever else. Notwithstanding, that shouldn't be the everyday standard in your activity. In the event that you wind up feeling continually lethargic, unmotivated, and downright impartial? That could be an unmistakable marker that it's a great opportunity to search for something that will start to really want fire once more. 2. You've Been Doing the Same Thing Since Day One You've worked in your present job for some time. When you contrast what you do today with your absolute first day at work? Everything looks practically indistinguishable. You haven't been tested to push your limits and acknowledge new assignments. You haven't had the chance to take on extra obligations. Truth be told, it's extreme for you to locate a solitary thing that is changed or developed over the span of your residency. Feeling good and certain about your vocation is a certain something. Be that as it may, feeling stuck set up? That is an altogether independent issue. At the point when you start to understand that you're stuck in unbiased, that may mean it's a great opportunity to either talk with your chief (this article has some extraordinary tips!), or locate another job that will permit you to extend your viewpoints somewhat more. 3. Your Stress Level's at a Constant High Your stomach's consistently in tangles. Your fingernails are for all intents and purposes nonexistent from your steady biting. You can't take a two-minute restroom break without checking your inbox. A specific measure of pressure is ordinary each occupation has those errands or minutes that motivate a touch of palm sweat or on edge lip biting. What's more, perhaps you're someone who appreciates and flourishes in a high-weight and quick paced condition. Hello, if stress is the thing that inspires and satisfies you at work, good luck with that! In any case, on the off chance that you find that continually feeling like a tangled nervous wreck is extremely just hauling you down inside the workplace and out, it merits investigating some different open doors where your anxiety won't should be at a consistent high. 4. You're Irritable You wind up raging at your friends and family. The littlest disturbances can move an exasperated moan and an eye roll that could be seen from the space station. In any event, when you're checked out for the afternoon, you feel mysteriously irritable. Have you considered the way that your activity could be the explanation? As somebody who had a place that transformed her into a normal Debbie Downer without acknowledging it, I know firsthand that your vocation can hugy affect how you feel outside of the workplace for better or in negative ways. It is safe to say that you are far less bad tempered on the ends of the week? Odds are, your position's shading your viewpoint more than you even want to concede. It may be an ideal opportunity to look for greener (and more joyful!) pastures. Certainty: IT NEVER HURTS TO LOOK AROUND AND SEE WHAT'S OUT THERE So why not go through five minutes taking a gander at great employment opportunities simply click here 5. You Can't Remember the Last Time You Were Excited to Go to Work Okay, there are not many of us who cartwheel up on Monday. No one is constantly excited to head into work. Be that as it may, on the off chance that you can't recollect the last time you felt the littlest suspicion of fervor to handle another undertaking, take an interest in a meeting to generate new ideas, or even rule your office's guacamole rivalry? That is an issue. Hoping to feel overjoyed eagerness each and every day's preposterous. In any case, in case you're loaded up with a sentiment of fear even on days that should be simple or fun at work (hi, there's guacamole!)- it's to your greatest advantage to discover something that will reignite your enthusiasm. 6. You've Considered Getting a New Job A couple of times, you've considered leaving your place of employment and discovering something new. Without a doubt, you never truly gave the thought genuine thought or made any moves to really get it going. In any case, you've reflected on it over a couple of times-you even referenced it in ignoring a common canapé with your companions. Contemplating work looking is similar to attempting to return toothpaste in the cylinder once it's out there, it's out there. Think about this: If you were actually all that happy with where you are presently in your vocation, you likely wouldn't have even considered escaping. Perhaps quite possibly your inner mind is attempting to reveal to you something here. There can be a perilously almost negligible difference between ordinary work complaints and warnings that show that it's the ideal opportunity for you to get together your work area and get yourself a new position. Indeed, these signs are anything but difficult to discount as issues that everyone manages they're ordinary. Be that as it may, the distinction lies in consistency. In case you're feeling, doing, or saying these sorts of things all the time, that is suggestive of something beyond an awful workday. Thus, in the event that you wound up gesturing alongside one (or all!) of these signs, it may be a great opportunity to give some genuine thought to getting yourself another position.

Fighting Stereotypes In The Job Search

Fighting Stereotypes In The Job Search Quick, what are the first stereotypes that come to mind for these five labels: Software programmer Republican business owner Democrat who volunteers time Person with bad spelling on her resume Female driver What are the five things that came to mind?  Perhaps it was: nerdy, not good with social skills, sometimes rude greedy capitalist cat lover who puts cats, trees and stuff like that in front of human needs unqualified and not smart or caring enough to deserve this job distracted, aloof Now, Im not saying that the people from the first list always, exactly, or ever match the descriptors in the second list.  But. You see, our world is rife with generalizations, titles, categories, stereotypes.  We like to take something complex and simplify it and have a name for it.  We like to say he is ______ and then everyone can say ooooooh, that explains everything. I get it now. Its like when I was talking to a recruiter and he asked me about my education. I said I got a CIS degree and an MBA, and he said oh, I know everything about you.  People like you are a dime a dozen. Yep, he said that. Externally Im sure I just looked at him internally I was really quite bothered (furious would be too strong of a word). I had been stereotyped, categories, generalized. I thought Im so much more than that!  Let me talk with you for a while, whether thats five minutes of five hours, and youll learn that Im not the dime-a-dozen CIS/MBA kid! The world is full of quick-thinking categorizers (as a blogger, Im entitled to make up words.  Wait, did I just generalize all bloggers as pompous word creators?). I know YOU are a categorizer (which is a lot softer than saying you are biased, a stereotyper, or the very harsh word: a racist). We all make these quick judgement categorizations in our head.  We meet someone and based on what we take in (see, smell, touch (strength of handshake), etc.) we generalize. We learn about where they are from and make generalizations. We hear their job title, or where they went to school, or even what state they live in or are from, and make generalizations. I LOOK AT YOUR BUMPER STICKERS ON YOUR CAR AND I MAKE GENERALIZATIONS! Our brains are just wired to think this way.  Its not necessarily right, its not necessarily fair, but its the way we all think. So, how do you fight being stereotyped while you are in a job search?  Because we all know that job seekers are, for one reason or another, pathetic, right?  We know that if you were really that good then you wouldnt have lost your job in the first place right? Oops, there I go generalizing again. Okay, here are my thoughts on fighting the stereotypes: Accept that people will, and do, stereotype.  The biggest bias I hear about in my travels and at my presentations is that of age discrimination.  Heres what Ive learned: if you are older, it starts around 35 or 40. If you are younger in the professional world, it will last until you are about 30.  But trust me, even those who are between 30 and 40 will have age-based bias and discrimination.  IT JUST HAPPENS. Understand that you can break out of the stereotype.  Sometimes this is easy, but sometimes you will be fighting stereotypes in someones mind that are impossible to fight. It might just take sitting over lunch with someone, while they get to know you, and having the right conversation.  Once they know you as a dynamic human, instead of a prejudged (fill in the blank), then you are breaking out of the stereotype.  However, some will not be broken.  Like the woman who said I will never hire a women in childbearing years.  Illegal, for sure.  But something had happened to bias her against hiring someone who might have a kid. Fighting that stereotype with that person is a losing battle. Breaking out of the stereotype takes consistent work and use of tools.  Tools like a blog, where you can wax eloquent about your virtues, your experience, your value add, etc.  Tools like a strong and appropriate LinkedIn Profile.  Tools like a tagline or value statement.  Tools like a catchy or effective business card.  Tools like your choice of clothes, or how you do your hair or makeup.  Word choice, etc.  How you present yourself should be aligned with what your brand is.  Dont assume that your resume is your (only) branding tool. You can control what your brand is.  Did you see how we shifted from stereotypes to branding?  They are pretty much the same thing.  You either have an unintentional brand, usually based on stereotypes and generalizations, or you have an intentional brand, which is how you want others to perceive you.  You need to think about how you want others to perceive you, and then actively work on your messaging, and help them perceive you that way. These are four ideas to get you pointed in the right direction with taking control of how others perceive you.  I know this can be a lot of work, but it should be who you are. In other words, once you understand this stuff, it shouldnt feel like its a lot of work.  Its just how you act, what you do. Once you have broken out of the stereotypes, and your brand is louder than those generalizations, you will have an easier time with all-things-career, including networking, interviewing, switching jobs, etc. Fighting Stereotypes In The Job Search Quick, what are the first stereotypes that come to mind for these five labels: Software programmer Republican business owner Democrat who volunteers time Person with bad spelling on her resume Female driver What are the five things that came to mind?  Perhaps it was: nerdy, not good with social skills, sometimes rude greedy capitalist cat lover who puts cats, trees and stuff like that in front of human needs unqualified and not smart or caring enough to deserve this job distracted, aloof Now, Im not saying that the people from the first list always, exactly, or ever match the descriptors in the second list.  But. You see, our world is rife with generalizations, titles, categories, stereotypes.  We like to take something complex and simplify it and have a name for it.  We like to say he is ______ and then everyone can say ooooooh, that explains everything. I get it now. Its like when I was talking to a recruiter and he asked me about my education. I said I got a CIS degree and an MBA, and he said oh, I know everything about you.  People like you are a dime a dozen. Yep, he said that. Externally Im sure I just looked at him internally I was really quite bothered (furious would be too strong of a word). I had been stereotyped, categories, generalized. I thought Im so much more than that!  Let me talk with you for a while, whether thats five minutes of five hours, and youll learn that Im not the dime-a-dozen CIS/MBA kid! The world is full of quick-thinking categorizers (as a blogger, Im entitled to make up words.  Wait, did I just generalize all bloggers as pompous word creators?). I know YOU are a categorizer (which is a lot softer than saying you are biased, a stereotyper, or the very harsh word: a racist). We all make these quick judgement categorizations in our head.  We meet someone and based on what we take in (see, smell, touch (strength of handshake), etc.) we generalize. We learn about where they are from and make generalizations. We hear their job title, or where they went to school, or even what state they live in or are from, and make generalizations. I LOOK AT YOUR BUMPER STICKERS ON YOUR CAR AND I MAKE GENERALIZATIONS! Our brains are just wired to think this way.  Its not necessarily right, its not necessarily fair, but its the way we all think. So, how do you fight being stereotyped while you are in a job search?  Because we all know that job seekers are, for one reason or another, pathetic, right?  We know that if you were really that good then you wouldnt have lost your job in the first place right? Oops, there I go generalizing again. Okay, here are my thoughts on fighting the stereotypes: Accept that people will, and do, stereotype.  The biggest bias I hear about in my travels and at my presentations is that of age discrimination.  Heres what Ive learned: if you are older, it starts around 35 or 40. If you are younger in the professional world, it will last until you are about 30.  But trust me, even those who are between 30 and 40 will have age-based bias and discrimination.  IT JUST HAPPENS. Understand that you can break out of the stereotype.  Sometimes this is easy, but sometimes you will be fighting stereotypes in someones mind that are impossible to fight. It might just take sitting over lunch with someone, while they get to know you, and having the right conversation.  Once they know you as a dynamic human, instead of a prejudged (fill in the blank), then you are breaking out of the stereotype.  However, some will not be broken.  Like the woman who said I will never hire a women in childbearing years.  Illegal, for sure.  But something had happened to bias her against hiring someone who might have a kid. Fighting that stereotype with that person is a losing battle. Breaking out of the stereotype takes consistent work and use of tools.  Tools like a blog, where you can wax eloquent about your virtues, your experience, your value add, etc.  Tools like a strong and appropriate LinkedIn Profile.  Tools like a tagline or value statement.  Tools like a catchy or effective business card.  Tools like your choice of clothes, or how you do your hair or makeup.  Word choice, etc.  How you present yourself should be aligned with what your brand is.  Dont assume that your resume is your (only) branding tool. You can control what your brand is.  Did you see how we shifted from stereotypes to branding?  They are pretty much the same thing.  You either have an unintentional brand, usually based on stereotypes and generalizations, or you have an intentional brand, which is how you want others to perceive you.  You need to think about how you want others to perceive you, and then actively work on your messaging, and help them perceive you that way. These are four ideas to get you pointed in the right direction with taking control of how others perceive you.  I know this can be a lot of work, but it should be who you are. In other words, once you understand this stuff, it shouldnt feel like its a lot of work.  Its just how you act, what you do. Once you have broken out of the stereotypes, and your brand is louder than those generalizations, you will have an easier time with all-things-career, including networking, interviewing, switching jobs, etc. Fighting Stereotypes In The Job Search Quick, what are the first stereotypes that come to mind for these five labels: Software programmer Republican business owner Democrat who volunteers time Person with bad spelling on her resume Female driver What are the five things that came to mind?  Perhaps it was: nerdy, not good with social skills, sometimes rude greedy capitalist cat lover who puts cats, trees and stuff like that in front of human needs unqualified and not smart or caring enough to deserve this job distracted, aloof Now, Im not saying that the people from the first list always, exactly, or ever match the descriptors in the second list.  But. You see, our world is rife with generalizations, titles, categories, stereotypes.  We like to take something complex and simplify it and have a name for it.  We like to say he is ______ and then everyone can say ooooooh, that explains everything. I get it now. Its like when I was talking to a recruiter and he asked me about my education. I said I got a CIS degree and an MBA, and he said oh, I know everything about you.  People like you are a dime a dozen. Yep, he said that. Externally Im sure I just looked at him internally I was really quite bothered (furious would be too strong of a word). I had been stereotyped, categories, generalized. I thought Im so much more than that!  Let me talk with you for a while, whether thats five minutes of five hours, and youll learn that Im not the dime-a-dozen CIS/MBA kid! The world is full of quick-thinking categorizers (as a blogger, Im entitled to make up words.  Wait, did I just generalize all bloggers as pompous word creators?). I know YOU are a categorizer (which is a lot softer than saying you are biased, a stereotyper, or the very harsh word: a racist). We all make these quick judgement categorizations in our head.  We meet someone and based on what we take in (see, smell, touch (strength of handshake), etc.) we generalize. We learn about where they are from and make generalizations. We hear their job title, or where they went to school, or even what state they live in or are from, and make generalizations. I LOOK AT YOUR BUMPER STICKERS ON YOUR CAR AND I MAKE GENERALIZATIONS! Our brains are just wired to think this way.  Its not necessarily right, its not necessarily fair, but its the way we all think. So, how do you fight being stereotyped while you are in a job search?  Because we all know that job seekers are, for one reason or another, pathetic, right?  We know that if you were really that good then you wouldnt have lost your job in the first place right? Oops, there I go generalizing again. Okay, here are my thoughts on fighting the stereotypes: Accept that people will, and do, stereotype.  The biggest bias I hear about in my travels and at my presentations is that of age discrimination.  Heres what Ive learned: if you are older, it starts around 35 or 40. If you are younger in the professional world, it will last until you are about 30.  But trust me, even those who are between 30 and 40 will have age-based bias and discrimination.  IT JUST HAPPENS. Understand that you can break out of the stereotype.  Sometimes this is easy, but sometimes you will be fighting stereotypes in someones mind that are impossible to fight. It might just take sitting over lunch with someone, while they get to know you, and having the right conversation.  Once they know you as a dynamic human, instead of a prejudged (fill in the blank), then you are breaking out of the stereotype.  However, some will not be broken.  Like the woman who said I will never hire a women in childbearing years.  Illegal, for sure.  But something had happened to bias her against hiring someone who might have a kid. Fighting that stereotype with that person is a losing battle. Breaking out of the stereotype takes consistent work and use of tools.  Tools like a blog, where you can wax eloquent about your virtues, your experience, your value add, etc.  Tools like a strong and appropriate LinkedIn Profile.  Tools like a tagline or value statement.  Tools like a catchy or effective business card.  Tools like your choice of clothes, or how you do your hair or makeup.  Word choice, etc.  How you present yourself should be aligned with what your brand is.  Dont assume that your resume is your (only) branding tool. You can control what your brand is.  Did you see how we shifted from stereotypes to branding?  They are pretty much the same thing.  You either have an unintentional brand, usually based on stereotypes and generalizations, or you have an intentional brand, which is how you want others to perceive you.  You need to think about how you want others to perceive you, and then actively work on your messaging, and help them perceive you that way. These are four ideas to get you pointed in the right direction with taking control of how others perceive you.  I know this can be a lot of work, but it should be who you are. In other words, once you understand this stuff, it shouldnt feel like its a lot of work.  Its just how you act, what you do. Once you have broken out of the stereotypes, and your brand is louder than those generalizations, you will have an easier time with all-things-career, including networking, interviewing, switching jobs, etc.

Building Your Brand at Your New Job - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Building Your Brand at Your New Job - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The national news outlets have been touting an uptick in hiring over the past year and if you are beginning a new role with a new organization, it is time to consider to your personal brand. During the interview process, you may have communicated your brand to the search committee by use of stories and themes  that you wove into your interview day.   That was then and this is now it is time to activate your brand within your new company. Actions speak louder than words: When beginning your new job, your co-workers will evaluate you by your actions and not by your words. Instead of claiming to be a strong relationship builder, prove it by your actions. This tip is doubly important for those who will be in a supervisory role. Your employees will watch what you do, say, and how you handle yourself very closely. Be cognizant that you are building your brand with your colleagues each and every day by your actions big or small. Day one, square one: You have a clean slate when beginning a new job.   No one knows your past mistakes or failures. On the flip side, no one knows your past successes or your work ethic. Your co-workers, clients, and bosses have no history with you and thus you need to be ready to prove yourself all over. This is time to build your brand again with your actions. Build intentionally: There are many skills and attributes you would like to convey to your new boss, co-workers, staff, and/or clients.  Building your brand takes time. What attributes and skills would you like to build first? Is easy-going important for your staff to know on day one or would you rather them know you set high expectations for your teams. Building your brand takes time and cannot be accomplished in one day. When beginning a new role, consider which parts of your brand you wish to build first with your new staff. Beginning a new job is an exciting chapter for your career.  Be intentional on how you plan to establish your brand with your new colleagues. Before you know it, your brand that was communicated in the interview process will be backed by the brand your employer witnesses everyday through your actions. Author: Kevin Monahan  is the Associate Director of the Notre Dame Career Center.  In this role, he leads the center’s  employer relations efforts in addition to coaching  young professionals in career management and career change capacities. He combines career consulting services with employer outreach to help find opportunities for both constituencies.  He is the author of the  Career Seeker’s Guide  blog.