Trips to San Diego and Seattle

Trips to San Diego and Seattle Tomorrow morning I arrive in San Diego at 10am. If you are in the area, check come join us for dinner: Location: Charlies Sports Restaurant Bar            Town Country Resort Convention Center            500 Hotel Circle North            San Diego, CA 92108            619-291-7131 TIME:     7:45pm DATE:     Tuesday, September 23rd RSVP:     through this form   Orders will be separate checks.   In San Diego Ill be attending the National Resume Writers Association (NRWA) annual conference from Wed evening through Saturday.  I really like NRWA its an eye-opener for me to be in a room with professional resume writers who are all trying to improve their profession.  At one time I thought writing my own resume would be the way to go, but as I have learned more about resume writers, and their passion, and how current they are on the job search and resume space, I became convinced I should hire a resume writer instead of writing my own resume. Next month Ill be in Seattle for the Career Directors International conference.  This is another amazing conference, where I learn a ton about the career services industry.  Emphasis is not on resume writing, rather, on all aspects of career coaching, including counseling, job search coaching, resume writing, personal branding, etc.  I plan on flying in early (perhaps Sunday night (October 12)), and hope to do as many presentations before the call as I can, including some kind of LinkedIn and/or JibberJobber dinner.  If you are in Seattle, please let me know so I can let you know where Ill be, see if you can do dinner, and pick your brain about places I might be able to present. Both groups are really, really fun.  Ive only been to San Diego once when I was little, and Ive never been to Seattle Im jazzed! Trips to San Diego and Seattle Tomorrow morning I arrive in San Diego at 10am. If you are in the area, check come join us for dinner: Location: Charlies Sports Restaurant Bar            Town Country Resort Convention Center            500 Hotel Circle North            San Diego, CA 92108            619-291-7131 TIME:     7:45pm DATE:     Tuesday, September 23rd RSVP:     through this form   Orders will be separate checks.   In San Diego Ill be attending the National Resume Writers Association (NRWA) annual conference from Wed evening through Saturday.  I really like NRWA its an eye-opener for me to be in a room with professional resume writers who are all trying to improve their profession.  At one time I thought writing my own resume would be the way to go, but as I have learned more about resume writers, and their passion, and how current they are on the job search and resume space, I became convinced I should hire a resume writer instead of writing my own resume. Next month Ill be in Seattle for the Career Directors International conference.  This is another amazing conference, where I learn a ton about the career services industry.  Emphasis is not on resume writing, rather, on all aspects of career coaching, including counseling, job search coaching, resume writing, personal branding, etc.  I plan on flying in early (perhaps Sunday night (October 12)), and hope to do as many presentations before the call as I can, including some kind of LinkedIn and/or JibberJobber dinner.  If you are in Seattle, please let me know so I can let you know where Ill be, see if you can do dinner, and pick your brain about places I might be able to present. Both groups are really, really fun.  Ive only been to San Diego once when I was little, and Ive never been to Seattle Im jazzed!

How to Write a Perfect Resume

How to Write a Perfect ResumeOne of the most important things when trying to land a new job is the perfect resume. If you know the types of jobs out there, how do you find the right one for the job you are applying for? You will want to learn the basics of a perfect resume and how to craft it to look professional in appearance.Before you start on your resume, think about what type of job you are hoping to get. Will you be looking for a sales position or an administrative job? Are you more into a computer programmer type of job? Try and find out what kind of job you want in order to craft a perfect resume.For the most part, the right size for a resume is around six inches by six inches. Make sure you have all the information about you on the front as well as the back. Make sure to put in every single thing you have going for you such as education, work experience, awards, etc. Do not leave out any information on your resume unless it is very important. Even the smallest mistake on a r esume can cost you the job you are after.The next thing to consider is the font you will be using. There are many different fonts available that are used on resumes. Many people decide to use fancy fonts to make it look better, but others choose plain and simply write the most important information.Ask yourself some of the right questions when writing your resume. Do you have any experience with the company you are applying for? If you do, highlight it so that it is easy to read.What type of job are you looking for? Is it a job with a big corporation or maybe you are looking for a job with a small company. These are the kinds of questions you need to ask yourself if you are not sure what you want to see on your resume.Have you completed high school and have a high school diploma? Try to place this on your resume as well. You do not want to get asked to present your high school diploma, but it will help you prove that you have some skills that are relevant to the position you are app lying for.Make sure that the information on your perfect resume is organized. That means the necessary data should be on the front and the back of the resume. This will make it easier for the interviewer to read it.

How to Plan Your Office Party

How to Plan Your Office Party These days, just getting drunk and humiliating yourself isnt the only thing you need to worry about at your work Christmas do. Sadly with the rise of the #Metoo movement, being over familiar with your work colleagues could land you in a whole heap of trouble. Laurie Huspen, the founder of Valuable Resources Co., suggests it can no longer be tossed aside in the name of tradition and fun. She says: The traditional office party is rooted in the very behaviors that recent movements have exposed. To suddenly validate bad behavior in the name of celebrating a successful year runs completely contrary to what we have learned in recent years about overt harassment on many levels. We’ve heard very clearly over the last year that women in particular felt very uncomfortable in the workplace and what many thought was fun was truly harassment. I think we can all celebrate the holidays in better fashion. So how can your company enjoy a holiday celebration for employees without the threat of a law suit? Here are some suggestions To Booze or not It is in a company’s best interest to have an event without alcohol as it reduces the possibility of many negative circumstances occurring. Should alcohol be available, offsite parties might do well to have a cash bar or use drink tickets with each employee only getting a limited number of tickets. If the party takes place in the office, have it confined to limited hours and if alcohol is served, make sure there is plenty of food to go along with it. What not to wear Set a dress code that discourages inappropriate clothing. Companies like to change their parties each year. What may have been a casual cocktail party last year could be a black-tie sit-down dinner this time. Plan a theme that all your employees feel comfortable with. Do games This is a great opportunity to build in a game or event that everyone can participate in. Whether its an end of year quiz, silly awards for staff or a raffle, there are many ways to make the party fun, create good memories and even build camaraderie with just a little creativity. Planning the office party may not be down to you in terms of the venue and timings but setting the standard for your party planners to follow needs to come from you. And if youre worried your employees wont have a good time just as they did in previous years, youd be surprised just how much these little tweaks can work in your favor. Laurie Huspen adds: You might find that the old parties weren’t really all that enjoyable. You may find the majority of employees didn’t really have fun avoiding those who were overserved and obnoxious and dreaded the climate at work the following Monday as people perhaps avoided eye contact after a night of boorish behavior. For most employers, the whole point of a party isnt to flash your cash and spend the companys profits but to say thanks to your staff for their hard work and commitment to your company. Your employees wont really care that there isnt a free bar, or being held at an exclusive venue with top-notch entertainment if they did then they probably shouldnt be working for you. Theyll just be grateful that you thought of them and bothered to do something for them to show them your appreciation. If youve already thrown your office party then keep these suggestions for when you plan the next one, and if you havent, then what are you waiting for?

10 Step Beginners Guide to Blogging Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Step Beginners Guide to Blogging Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career 1) Learn about blogging Before you even start a blog around your brand, introduce yourself to the concept. It helps to know what youre getting into before you rush in and only fools rush in as they say. If you want to know the difference between traditional media and social media, check out this New York Times article (static), followed by a New York Times blog post (dynamic) on the same topic. Notice the difference in formatting and how the blog has comments open but the regular article doesnt. The blog is more opinionated, while the traditional news article is straight fact. They both have sharing features, such as the ability to submit the news to Digg, Facebook and even LinkedIn. You can also view the Wikipedia definition of blog, which contains the history, types of blogs and how they have blurred the roles in media. Alltop.com can help you locate the best blogs in several categories. 2) Listen to current conversations In order to start a successful blog, you need to know what youre getting yourself into and what has already been talked about in the blogosphere. To do this, I recommend a few tools, such as Google Reader, Technorati, Google Blogsearch, Google News Search and Summize. Google Reader: I use Google Reader as a way to collectively gather all news and information related to my interests, such as recruitment, marketing, branding, social media and public relations. After subscribing to each news source, I skim all the headlines in the morning and use del.icio.us to add the sites I want to refer back to in the future. This is an extraordinary combination. Its helped me track all the research for my new book. Technorati: Conduct a search for your name and all the topics that might interest you. Subscribe to each on RSS and list each result by Technorati Authority (# of blogs linking to a blog). Click on the blogs with the highest authority and subscribe to them. Google Blog/News Search: Just like with Technorati, you will want to search for all relevant terms, including your name, and subscribe to each on the left hand side of your screen. Summize: This website will help you listen and monitor conversations on Twitter. As stated before, search for everything you want to track and subscribe through RSS. The end result of this exercise is a flood of content delivered right to your feed reader. When this happens, you can actively monitor your personal brands reputation. As blog posts teleport to your feed reeder, you can comment on your favorites by clicking the title and absorb new ideas for your own blog. 3) Take a niche After a few weeks or even month, you will have a thorough understanding of what people are talking about, how they are responding and how you can join in on the discussion. Find a way to take a niche of a popular category or trend. The tricky part is that you need passion and expertise to backup your niche. Once you can lock down what youre good at and enjoy, then find some angle, application or topic that coincides with it. 4) Get your equipment ready Believe it or not, the technical part of blogging is the easiest part. Many blogs have really bad design layouts, but with 5 star content and are extremely popular. Some choose poor platforms, while others are technically proficient so they can build their own. This post is for beginners though, so here is what I recommend. Domain name: Ive posted about this at least 4 times since Ive started blogging. Please visit GoDaddy.com or another domain registering service and search for yourname.com. If its unavailable try yourname.net or yourname.org. If they are all taken, try your middle initial. If that is taken, find a way to use your niche as keywords for your domain (keywordkeyword.com, etc). WordPress.com: For free, you can start a blog in minutes. WordPress.com gives you Gigabytes of space to upload pictures, audio or video. It uses Akismet to block all blog spam and people get thousands of spam comments daily. The downside is that you have to play by his rules, meaning no javascript or AdSense. Take your domain name and click on Upgrades on your WordPress Dashboard after youve signed up. There you can mask your domain over yourname.wordpress.com, such that is reverts back to yourname.com. 5) Pick your logo and theme There are over 20 different themes on WordPress.com. Start by filtering the themes by header. The resulting themes will all allow you to upload a custom header that you can create using Photoshop or another graphics program. This is important because it allows you to brand yourself as the one and only and not a copy. Select the theme with your favorite colors and with a flexible layout. I recommend right sidebars because people read from left to right and you want to play up your content. 6) Create your personal brand page Your personal brand page is more important than any post youll ever write. Everyone wants to know the credibility of a personal brand before taking his or her posts seriously. Think about it, if a 5-year-old kid is blogging about marketing and CEO is blogging about marketing, whose are you going to pay more attention to? Describe yourself to your readers before even posting; it will make or break your blog.   When titling your page, dont use author, but rather your own name. Best practice Name Personal brand statement Professional picture Summary of qualifications Short paragraph about personal life LinkedIn profile badge (as a resume) 7) Get an RSS feed Get an RSS feed at Feedburner.com. RSS is important for acquiring loyal readers and establishing a community. Its also essential for having posts be shared from feed reader to feed reader (Google does this with Google Reader). Your RSS count is VERY IMPORTANT because perception is everything. I really dont care what the critics say, your RSS subscription base is one of the most important blog statistics. Trust me, PR people arent going to pitch their clients to you if you have 3 RSS subscribers, even if they are Barrack Obama and Madonna. Subscribers remain anonymous, so the number matters. DO NOT promote your RSS chicklet (shows the # of subscribers you have) unless you have over 150 subscribers. Otherwise, by the law of social proof, people will automatically perceive your blog as being just another blog or unpopular. 8 ) Claim your blog on Technorati Use the same website you viewed in Step #1 to claim your blog; Technorati. All you have to do is sign up for Technorati, fill out your profile information and claim your blog. Once you claim it, Technorati will track all links your blog receives. You can keep a running tab on who links to your blog, so you can return the favor and view your Technorati Authority go up or down. 9) Widgetize your blog I consider widgets to be glitzy. They arent too necessary but do add value or I wouldnt have used them on my own blog. The one widget that will really make a difference for you is your blogroll. When you first start blogging, a blogroll is your way of establishing some quick traffic and relationships with bloggers. Add your favorite bloggers to your blog roll, email them and tell them you like their site and that you linked to it, WITHOUT asking for anything in return. You might want to add in a few comments to some of their posts first. Other widgets you should add: Search: Ive posted over 300 times and if didnt have a search area, I might not even be able to refer back to any posts I did last year. Add search, not just for yourself, but for the good of your readership. Tag Cloud: As you tag each post, a tag cloud is any easy way to present categories to your readers. Recent Comments: This widget will both help you build a community and reward those who comment on your blog simultaneously. ) Write 5 remarkable posts As a blog coach for a Fortune 500 company, I always recommend executives writing at least 5 posts before they publish a single one. I give this advice because no one wants to visit or read a blog with no content. A lot of people dont trust blogs with only one or two posts. To launch your blog successfully and seriously, put some thought into 5 remarkable posts and then publish each one in a given week.

Oral and Writing Fluency Resume Tips

Oral and Writing Fluency Resume TipsIf you are an oral and writing fluency resume writer, you probably know that just the fact that you're employed should not mean that your employer will accept your resume for consideration. Why? Because it has to be able to convince your potential employer that you're the best candidate for the job, it has to show how you can perform the tasks being requested of you, and it has to be detailed enough to demonstrate the skills you possess.While the oral and writing fluency resume itself can be an excellent tool in the hands of an experienced professional, there are still a number of important things that you'll want to keep in mind when you're writing it. In order to avoid getting your resume rejected, there are some key tips that you can use to make sure that you get your job applications reviewed.One of the first things that you should do when you're writing your resume is to make sure that it's presented in a way that makes sense to the prospectiv e employer. Remember that when you are writing a resume, it's one of the first pieces of communication between you and the employer, so you should make sure that your resume looks like a professional presentation. Make sure that you don't use a lengthy and confusing sentence structure, as this might come across as rude and abrupt.In order to make sure that you don't come across as unprofessional, you should always start your written communication in an effective way. Be concise and to the point, and if you're addressing the prospective employer directly, you might even consider writing out a letter or email to them. This gives them the impression that you're not just trying to get your resume reviewed, but also that you've taken the time to try and get to know them, as well.You should also focus on finding jobs where you are most likely to be employed and try to find as many jobs as possible that you are most qualified for. If you already have a certain type of job that you would li ke to change to another, your oral and writing fluency resume should reflect that.However, it might be helpful to you to branch out of the same specific career fields, and take some other job opportunities. Having some of the same skills and abilities as what you have is helpful for getting in some other types of positions, such as a nursing assistant, at a nursing home, or at a medical office. By doing this, you might even be able to position yourself better for those other employment opportunities.Lastly, you should use keywords in your oral and writing fluency resume. Don't include the name of a city, state, or zip code, because it might come across as impersonal, but rather include something like 'Work in Cincinnati, OH', or 'Address Cincinnati, OH'. This makes the person who reads it more inclined to believe that you know something about the city you're looking for.In order to be a more convincing candidate for the positions you apply for, you should use some of these tips on y our oral and writing fluency resume. Keep in mind that using professional written communication and proper grammar skills, coupled with a resume that is clearly written, will definitely increase your chances of being hired.

Considering Accounting as a Second Career Read this First - CareerAlley

Considering Accounting as a Second Career Read this First - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Making a career change can be a nerve-wracking decision but a rewarding experience. For some it comes after years of indecision, for others, its straightforward and easy to take the leap. If youre considering new career paths and have settled on a role in the accounting field, consider these facets of the industry first. Why Is Accounting a Solid Choice? There are many reasons a career in accounting can be a valid path for a person of any age, at any point in their current career. For one, it offers stable career progression. According to recent statistics published by the United States Department of Labor, job growth for both accountants and auditors is forecasted to increase by a whopping 12 percent before 2022. With such solid job prospects, individuals of all ages are considering accounting as a second career option. Compensation rates are also enticing individuals from all industries; in 2018, the median salary for auditors and accountants came in at $67,190. While this can vary based on firm size, location, and experience, accounting offers plenty of opportunity for a lucrative career. source Youll Need a Bachelors Degree in Accounting If your current career has nothing to do with accounting, youll need to get the right education pre-requisites in order to be considered for any accounting jobs. If you dont already have a degree in accounting, youll need to get one. Few employers will hire accounting staff that doesnt have some sort of educational background in this discipline. Luckily, there are numerous ways to achieve this degree, whether you take online classes or attend courses in a traditional university setting. While school reputation can be important if youre looking to work your way into one of the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PriceWaterhouse Coopers), generally youll find that an accounting degree from any certified institution will be sufficient to grant you access into a variety of roles and companies. What youll think of an accounting career depends on your personality, working style and life priorities. Once you understand the possible pros and cons of an accounting career, you can make an informed decision on whether its the right career path for you. Rasmussen College College Accounting: A Career Approach (with QuickBooks Accountant 2015 CD-ROM) Price: $77.36 Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 2, 2020 Immerse Yourself in the Accounting Industry One of the biggest struggles youll encounter during a career change into accountancy is the need for experience. Many find that they must first take low-paying internships to gain access to the industry. While it can be a financial struggle for many, the experience gained in these internships can be invaluable to future employers and cement your chances of being gainfully employed in years to come. When it comes to the private and public sector, career changers should consider public accounting first. Working in a public accounting firm can give you experience in a wide variety of industries, including working with multiple clients and gaining understanding about the various aspects that play into a successful accounting business. Check out the job listings for public accountants. Photo by William Iven on Unsplash What You Can Expect In Compensation Of course one of the most enticing aspects of a career change to accounting is the promise of rewarding compensation. According to recent statistics, the mean annual salary for an auditor or accountant hovers around $75,000. However, it is important to understand what youll trade in return for such competitive pay rates. Many accounting professionals find themselves spending far more than the traditional 40 hours per week in the office. There are seasons where you may find yourself working upwards of 80 hours just to get things done, especially if you decide to work in a public accounting firm in which you work with numerous clients. Entry Level Accounting Jobs There are quite a few paths to take in Accounting. Typical entry-level positions include: Bookkeeper Budget Analyst Financial Analyst Tax Analyst Bookkeeping Essentials: How to Succeed as a Bookkeeper Price: $26.17 Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 2, 2020 What Do Accountants Do Accountants prepare and review financial records. They help ensure that the financial records of companies properly reflect profitability and that they are efficiently operating. Responsibilities typically include analyzing data, finance reports, budgets, tax returns, and accounting records. Accountants might also make recommendations based on their review. A few typical tasks include: Reviewing financial statements to ensure accuracy. Prepare and maintain financial records. Ensuring that financial statements and records comply with local laws and regulations. Take a look at this Accountant Job Description Sample. Get CPA Certified There are numerous certifications that give accounting professionals a step up in the industry; these will help you differentiate yourself from the competition and earn higher salary rates. The most popular of these designations is becoming a Certified Public Accountant or CPA. Anyone considering a career change in accounting should consider pursuing this certification. Individuals must possess a certain number of years of experience, then pass a difficult exam. In accounting, there are a variety of jobs that may suit you. Many of these jobs also offer a great income! The majority of accountants who worked for tax, payroll, and bookkeeping services, averaged $75,000 a year. However, there are far more jobs and many of them can help you to earn far more! Tweet This This test is composed of four parts, and many find they have to retake the various portions multiple times before passing. If you do decide to become a CPA, give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the exam. Always use review courses; going in blind almost always assures failure. Sites like http://beatthecpa.com offer study materials and mock tests to help individuals prepare, and its best to begin studying as soon as possible, even if you dont intend on taking the exam for another year. Before taking the leap into accounting as a mid-career change, consider these aspects of the industry and determine if this position is the right choice for you. CPA Exam Review 2019 At Least Know This Financial Accounting and Reporting Price: $25.00 Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 1, 2020 What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

3 Practices You Need to Do When Building Your Online Presence - CareerEnlightenment.com

3 Practices You Need to Do When Building Your Online Presence Ever since you were a kid, you wanted to work in sports. You loved watching baseball games with your family, and you knew you belonged with your favorite team.When you enter the workforce, you realize that finding jobs in niche industries is especially tough because they are highly competitive. You discover that when searching for work in sports you need something special to stand out from the crowd.The best way to earn attention in your niche is by creating a strong online presence. That means more than just keeping your Facebook professional and adding a catchy summary to your LinkedIn account.Let’s take a look at three things you’re overlooking when you build your online presence:Managing Personal SEOIf you’re applying for a position with your favorite baseball team, the hiring managers are bound to search your name in Google. In fact, according to a 2017 survey from JobsInSports, 22 percent of employers say this is the first action they take when they get an application.Wh en you know the basics of search engine optimization (SEO), you can manage your reputation by pushing negative search results out of the higher ranks. Start creating content that shows your passion for your niche.When the baseball team’s hiring manager searches for you, are they going to see how passionate you are about finding work in sports? Show them why you fit in their organization.Sharing Your ExpertiseCreate content that highlights your passion, skills, and experience. Employers also want to see how you interact with the industry.The JobsInSports survey found that 64 percent of employers prefer to see candidates who joined professional organizations, and 26 percent prefer candidates who have an industry-specific blogIf you want to get into sports marketing, start a blog where you can comment on trends, dissect marketing campaigns, and demonstrate your knowledge of marketing and sports. Use your online presence to highlight your involvement with professional organizations. W ant to Read More Articles Like This One?Sign up here to receive weekly updates from Career Enlightenment, and never miss another powerful job searching tip! SUBSCRIBE! You have Successfully Subscribed!We hate spam too. Unsubscribe any time. In fact, the JobsInSports survey also found that 15 percent of employers say the best way candidates can show their enthusiasm for a niche industry is by attending industry events. Your professional organization helps you to stay up-to-date on them.After attending seminars and events, share what you learn online. Document this on your blog and social media accounts.Engaging EverywhereThe JobsInSports survey found that employers love job seekers who are actively engaged with their industry online.  They prefer to see candidates who comment on industry discussion boards and forums (49 percent), share industry content on social media (37 percent), comment on industry blogs (32 percent), engage in LinkedIn groups (30 percent) and engage in Facebo ok groups (26 percent).Start using your online presence to expand your network. Start conversations, offer your input on forums, and link to industry blogs.When you expand your network, you may even earn referrals. As the JobsInSports survey found, 60 percent of employers say they give referred candidates more attention and consideration than other candidates.Your online presence is crucial to building your credibility, expanding your network, and showing your passion to potential employers. This is the best way to stay competitive in niche industries.How are you standing out in niche industries?