8 Ways to Make the Most out Your Liberal Arts Degree

8 Ways to Make the Most out Your Liberal Arts Degree8 Ways to Make the Most out Your Liberal Arts DegreeYoung people who are considering college majors, and their families, are often conflicted when selecting an appropriate course of study. Should the young aspiring writer choose a major like English, or something deemed more practical like computer science, nursing or business? Given the rising cost of education, it has been harder and harder for some to justify choosing a liberal arts discipline. Fortunately for those taking a sophisticated approach to this dilemma, tzu siche is some middle ground. The college student can combine liberal arts study in an area of academic passion with a more practical grounding via experiences like a minor, internship, volunteer experience, or graduate study.All of these pursuits enable a candidate to demonstrate to employers a genuine interest in a field and to document relevant knowledge or skills. 8 Ways to Make the Most out of Your Liberal Ar ts Degree 1. Supplement a Liberal Arts Major with a Minor or Cluster of Courses in a More Applied Discipline The student who loves Victorian literature but has no plans to go on for a Ph.D. and teach might select a secondary area of study or interest. If the student enjoys writing, that might mean taking on a minor in communications or absatzwirtschaft.A psychology major might cultivate an interest in organizational/industrial psychology and choose a few courses in human resource management.The philosophy major intrigued by logic couldtake a few computer courses and try her hand at programming. A sociology major fascinated by social issues can take on a minor in public policy.A math major with an interest in the stock market will prepare for a career in quantitatively based trading by completing a minor in finance. Consider adding a full second major in a more applied field if you are up for the rigor.Taking on academic challenges proves that you are a hard worker. A double major g ives you the opportunity to pursue a passion like anthropology that may bedrngnis have obvious career implications while providing grounding in another discipline like information technology with a clearer connection to a career. 2.Choose Campus Activities that Develop and Showcase Career Oriented Skills A physics major with an interest in teaching might volunteer as a tutor.A sociology major with an interest in counseling can take on positions as a resident adviser, peer counselor or student orientation volunteer.An English major interested in communications could work for the campus newspaper, magazine, radio or television station.A biology major interested in public health might volunteer as a peer health adviser. An economics major interested in finance could run for club treasurer or student government finance officer. A math major with an interest in technology could get a job assisting other students at the campus computer labs. A psychology major interested in event plannin g might take on the role of social chair for her sorority. Employers of all sorts are interested in potential leaders when hiring college graduates. So, taking on any campus leadership position, such as club president or student government officer, where you can document a positive impact on student life can enhance your resume effectively. If you see a need on your campus and start a new club, employers will view you as an impact person who takes initiative. 3. Develop Focused Goals by Researching Careers Related to Your Major Reach out to the career office and department faculty at your school to obtain a list of graduates who majored in your discipline. Ask for contact information and job titles so you can reach out to alumni working in interesting fields to conductinformational interviews. Ask these individuals how their major helped prepare them for their current career. In addition, be sure to ask them about the other experiences or coursework which were critical to their care er development and enhanced their marketability.Students who can articulate a clear rationale for their interests will have a much better perspektive of being hired for a job that is not obviously related to their major. 4. Gain Experience in Career Fields of Interest Through Internships and Jobs An economics major with a banking internship or experience as a teller is a much different and more attractive candidate for finance jobs than the plain economics major. Even some high school students are completing internships now, so it is never too early to start. Meeting alumni, friends of the family or local professionals for information and advice can lead to internships once they get a chance to know you. Contact the career office at your college and speak with your department faculty for assistance and to access listings of internships. Even basic summer jobs like an office assistant for a marketing firm or camp counselor can highlight an interest in a field and showcase your work e thic.Students who have always worked and even juggled multiple jobs will often be viewed as attractive prospects by employers. 5.Choose Course Projects Related to Potential Fields of Interest You will often be given leeway from professors regarding the topics of your papers and course projects. By selecting topics that relate to your career interests, you can demonstrate to employers a sincere interest in a particular role or industry. For example, if you have an interest in working for a political consulting group, you might choose a topic like the impact of social media strategies on political campaigns as part of a political science course. A student with an interest in marketing who is taking a social psychology course might undertake an analysis of the impact consumer attitudes have on purchasing patterns. Senior theses and independent studies are excellent mechanisms for showcasing an intellectual interest in a career field. Career-related projects and independent studies can be listed on your resume and referenced during interviews as proof of your related career focus. 6.Complete Graduate Work in a Field of Interest The combination of a liberal arts major with a professional degree enables many graduates to access lucrative and satisfying career paths. Combining a professional degree with a liberal arts major allows students to pursue academic and intellectual interests at the undergraduate level with the assurance that they will gain solid career preparation through graduate study. Most professional schools place a high value on a strong liberal arts preparation when screening applicants transcripts. So, a math major with an interest in finance might go on to get an MBA.An English major who loves books might acquire a masters in library science. A biology major with an interest in health issues might complete a program in public health or become a physicians assistant.A foreign language major might go on to study international affairs, and a philosoph y major could go to law school. Review these questions to ask yourself before making a decision on going to grad school. 7. Serve as a Volunteer in a Community Based Organization Students who complete service programs while in college or afterward through programs like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps demonstrate maturity and a seriousness of purpose to prospective employers. In addition, if you are interested in helping or in public service careers then volunteering can add skills and qualifications to your background, and show your dedication and caring. 8. Develop a Record of Success in Your Academic Major and Other Activities Following your intellectual and academic passions is more likely to lead to a record of superior achievement. Employers prefer candidates who can prove that they have been successful in their major pursuits within the academic realm, and in their activities or internships. Liberal arts graduates who can demonstrate a commitment to excellence will generally be highly recruited by employers.

Apprenticeship Programs Versus Internships

Apprenticeship Programs Versus InternshipsApprenticeship Programs Versus InternshipsMany people will confuse an apprenticeship program with an internship. This confusion is understandable, but they have some fundamental differences. An apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with academic instruction, while an internship is purely on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are also called dual-training programs because of the combined occupational and in-class components.Internships are focused solely on the development of a particular skill, while apprenticeships help individuals put their academic skills to practical use in a variety of careers. Time Involvement Makes a Difference If you think that aninternshipand an apprenticeship are the same or similar, you couldnt be further off the mark. Apprenticeships are formal, paid, long-term training programs that provide valuable classroom instruction coupledwithon-the-job training for skilled, high-paying jobs. Internships ar e usually short-term (rarely lastingmora than a year),whereasapprenticeshipprograms can last for as many as four or five years. Training from apprenticeships typically results in an industry-recognized credential such as a certification that opens the door for ongoing employment in the field. Compensation and College Credit Apprenticeships also differ from internships in terms of monetary gain. Most apprentices are paid, with salary increases similarto thoseofemployed workersandwhich increaseas the apprentice completes various parts of the program. Working as an apprentice can lead to apermanent union jobor a non-union position in your field, whereas an internship will only move you up the ladder in a unidirectional way. Apprentices and interns may earn college credit for their experiences, though this is more likely for internships than apprenticeships. When apprentices earn credit it is usually through community colleges that partner with apprenticeships programs, while intern s at four-year colleges often gain credit for their internships. Types of Opportunities Apprenticeship programs have traditionally focused on skilled trades in industries like manufacturing and construction.Opportunities are now more diverse,including additional areas like healthcare, IT, energy, telecommunications, business/finance, transportation, landscaping, and hospitality. However,the top fiveareas for apprentices by far remain thetraditional tradesof a plumber, carpenter, electrician, truck driver, and construction craft laborer. Internships are more likely to focus on pre-professional roles for potential college graduates,suchas advertising, marketing, public relations, law, medicine, engineering, finance, and information technology. How to Find Registered Apprenticeship Programs TheOffice of Apprenticeshipwithin theDepartment of LaborsEmployment and Training Administration provides a number of registered apprenticeship programs. These are apprenticeships approved by the government that often receive workforce development grants and tax benefits. Registered apprenticeship programs offer career training in areas such as carpentry, home health care, electrical work, law enforcement, construction, manufacturing, and technology. Apprenticeship.govis a one-stop shop for all things apprenticeship. The site features an apprenticeship finder you can use to search apprenticeships by city, state, and occupation. Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed can be used to generate options by searching by keywords like apprentice or apprenticeship. How to Find Internships Finding an internshipcan seem like a similar process but since the concept is different, so are the listings. Since internships are less regulated, it is often easier to find them by going directly to the person or business where you want to intern, rather than through a state-sponsored job portal or similar outlet. For this reason, it is usually much easier to find an internship versus a forma l apprenticeship. It might be worth considering an internship with a short time period before committing time and money to an apprenticeship program. Data and Statistics According to the U.S. Government, an individual employer, group of employers or an industry association can sponsor a registered apprenticeship program. Sometimes these agencies work in partnership with a labor organization. Programs are operated on a voluntary basis and are often supported by partnerships consisting of a community-based organization, educational organization, the workforce ordnungsprinzip, and other stakeholders. In the most recent data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted the following More than 190,000 individuals nationwide entered the apprenticeship system.Nationwide, there are over 533,000 apprenticesobtaining the skills theyneed tosucceed whileearning the wages they need to build financial security. This figure represents an increase of over 28,000 from 2016.64,000 participant s graduated from the apprenticeship system in FY 2017.There are more than 22,000 registeredapprenticeship programs across the nation.Over 2,369 new apprenticeship programs were established nationwide in FY 2017. It is difficult to find much data related to internships since they are inherently informal. Due to the mutually beneficial relationship between employer and employee, it is safe to assume there are substantially more interns each year than formal apprentices. The Bottom Line While apprenticeships mayseem like the more formal option(as they combine both traditional education and on-the-job training), internships can be a better choice if you are unsure what you want to do and need to get your feet wet before committing to a career path. However, since you will not spend time in a classroom setting, you can earn more money in less time and enter the professional workforce earlier. The downside is that if you decide to change your career path, you will be missing the educ ation an apprenticeship offers and the power that educationandvocationaltraining couldhave on your resume.

Study finds Twitter makes kids perform poorly on tests

Study finds Twitter makes kids perform poorly on testsStudy finds Twitter makes kids perform poorly on testsTwitter has become a platform used for hate, misinformation, viral memes and now it isnt helping your intelligence, according to a new study.Italian researchers at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan published a report in May arguing how the popular social media platform, which is used by teachers is a course activity in Italy, is doing more harm on students than its actually helping them.The economists found that students using Twitter suffered a poorer performance on standardized testing, reducing from 25% to 40% of the tests standard deviation.The paper welches determined to find out if Twitter actually benefitted students after the platform became a teaching tool for teachers through literature. For their study, the researchers tested nearly 1,500 students from across 70 Italian high schools between the 2016-2017 school year.Their measurement was used by ha ving half of the students analyze The Late Mattia Pascal, a novel published in 1904 by Italian writer Luigi Pirandello.Using a model encouraged in teaching young students literature, those students initiated in an online discussion with their teachers where they posted quotes and their interpretations of the work online. The other students who were excluded from the online portion were treated to traditional teaching methods. All students were tested on the book in areas like reading comprehension and understanding.Its quite detrimental, Professor Gian Paolo Barbetta told The Washington Post. I cant say whether something is changing in the mind, but I can say that something is definitely changing in the behavior and the performance.The study found that students who normally perform better (this group included female students, students who attend a gym or lyceum, students born in Italy, and students who tend to score better on baseline tests) were actually harmed more compared to the rest.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

10 Cool Cities Where You Can Actually Afford A Home

10 Cool Cities Where You Can Actually Afford A Home10 Cool Cities Where You Can Actually Afford A Home Think the only way to experience big city living with great career opportunities is to pay an arm and a leg? Think again. While large, expensive cities like New York and San Francisco have earned reputations as career destinationalstaats, there are tons of cities out there that are just as exciting - and WAY more affordable.From the Midwest to the south to the mid-Atlantic, these cities offer all the jobs you could ever want, plus food, music, culture and more. And most importantly, buying a home there isnt just a pipe dream. Looking to make your next big move? Read on.Often called the birthdistribution policy of rock and roll, Memphis is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern living, all at an affordable price. While the economy is heavily focused on transportation and shipping, a variety of companies call Memphis home, such as FedEx , AutoZone and B aptist Memorial Healthcare . Once youre there, make sure to check out great barbecue joints like Neelys, Elviss Graceland estate and the world-renowned National Civil Rights Museum.As a native Michigander, Detroit will always hold a special place in my heart. While the Motor City has historically suffered from deindustrialization and suburbanization, anyone whos been there within the past ten years can tell you its an up-and-coming city to watch out for. Detroit is still an automotive stronghold, home to companies like General Motors and Ford Motor Company , but the tech scene is blossoming as well - Quicken Loans has been headquartered there since 1985, and smaller startups appear on an almost daily basis.Traditionally known as an industrial hub, Pittsburgh has seen a revitalization in recent years, with booming healthcare, education and tourism sectors. Build your career with Pittsburgh-cousined organizations like the University of Pittsburgh , Allegheny Health Network an d PNC Financial Services Group . After work, get your fill of culture at one of the citys many art museums, or your sports fix from a Steelers or Penguins game.While I cant say Im crazy about their basketball teams (DubNation), theres a lot to like about Cleveland the culture, the proximity to Lake Erie and of course, the plentiful career opportunities. With a notably diverse economy, Cleveland houses everything from manufacturing companies like Sherwin-Williams to legal firms like Squire Patton Boggs and even to greeting card giant American Greetings . Dont miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mitchells Homemade Ice Cream or ( sigh ) watching the Cavaliers in action.Known as the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis is located within a single-day drive of 70 percent of the nations business centers and port cities . While the majority of the citys economy is driven by finance, insurance and manufacturing companies like Anthem and Allison Transmission , its also seen a tech b oom over the years, with companies like Salesforce setting up shop there. Check out the legendary Indy 500 race or the Indianapolis Childrens MuseumIt may be known as the Gateway to the West, but St. Louis is also a destination in its own right. With a number of major corporations like Nestl Purina , Panera and Anheuser-Busch , stunning tourist destinations like the Gateway Arch and a unique food scene comprised of quirky local dishes like St. Louis-style pizza, ribs and toasted ravioli, St. Louis has all of the benefits of a big city without the hefty price tag to match.The second Ohio city to crack this list, Cincinnati proves that you dont need to live in an expensive, coastal city in order to advance your career. In 2015, Cincinnati was named the fastest-growing economy in the Midwest , with major companies like Procter & Gamble , Kroger and Fifth Third all headquartered there. But Cincy, as its affectionately known, isnt all work and no play - some of its notable a ttractions include the zoo, the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Great American Ball Park, home to the Cincinnati Reds.A city steeped in history, Birmingham is in the middle of an economic and cultural revival. The city was once known for its steel industry, and while companies like McWane are still prominent players in Birminghams local economy, it has also become one of the nations largest banking hubs, with Regions Financial and BBVA Compass both based there. Tourists and locals alike rave about the down home cooking, Civil Rights District and Ruffner Mountain Nature Center.The largest city in the Show Me State, Kansas City is a hub for great barbecue, live music and, of course, plenty of open jobs. The federal government is one of the largest employers in KC, with a significant presence from the IRS , as well as healthcare organizations like Cerner and Saint Lukes Health System . Kansas City boasts an impressive number of museums, from the National World War I Museum to t he Arabia Steamboat Museum, and a burgeoning craft brewery scene.Houston was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey in late August, but a month and change in, the road to recovery has begun. And there is reason to be optimistic for Magnolia Citys future hiring has remained strong throughout the recent tragedy. Online job postings on Glassdoor today showed a slight dip following Hurricane Harvey, but have since recovered to above pre-storm levels, said Glassdoor Chief Economist Dr. Andrew Chamberlain. Although restoration will be a long and gradual process, job opportunities abound at companies like Phillips 66 , Memorial Hermann Health System and S & B Engineers and Constructors .Methodology Affordabilityis determined by the ratio of median annual base salary to median metro home value. (Median annual base salary per metro based on at least 2,500 salary reports shared by local employees on Glassdoor over the past year 8/16/16-8/15/17). Median home value is according to the Zillow Hom e Value Index for All Homes , as of June 2017). Number of job openings listed as of 10/1/17.

Gallup study says bosses are the only ones who can stop jerks at work

Gallup study says bosses are the only ones who can stop jerks at workGallup study says bosses are the only ones who can stop jerks at workThe office can be an emotional place, and who you interact can affect your performance.Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO at Gallup, outlined how to assess a companys culturein the articleAre You Sure You Have a Great Workplace Culture? and included the companys suggestions on how tomake improvements to each type.Gallup also conducted interviews, analyses from outside researchers, information from executives, managers and workers, and a review of their databases of mora than 60 million workers for a research paper called Re-Engineering Performance Management.Clifton writes about how managers are the key to company cultures. But be aware that you could also become like your negative coworkers if youre caught up in a badeanstalt work environment.Positive company cultures start with managersYour supervisor can impact the nature of your workplace.Clifton em phasized just how significant a role he or she can play.Remarkably, 70% of the variance between lousy, good and great cultures can be found in the knowledge, skills and talent of the kollektiv leader. Not the players, but the team leader. This is one of Gallups most profound workplace breakthroughs, Clifton writes, after attributing the idea that managers are the silver bulletto the companys Chief Workplace Scientist Jim Harter.Gallup finds bosses needs to motivate employees moreA few findings stood out in the companys comprehensivepaper- including the role supervisors can play in shaping the targets that workers want to reach.While just 30% of employees strongly agree that their manager involves them in setting their goals at work, those who do strongly agree with this meinung are 3.6 times more likely than other employees to be engaged, the paper says.But it doesnt seem like many workers feel they have the tools necessary to do a great job.Only 2 in 10 employees strongly agree th at their performance is managed in a way that motivates them to do outstanding work,the paper says.The authors of the paper go on to point out that performance management is meant to enhance corporate culture, but that traditional approaches have consistently fallen short of this goal.The papersays that in many companies, workers consider the annual performance review to be unfairly subjective and that they dont happen enough to help people do better at work. The authors suggest that performance management practices - including performance ratings and reviews dont have to go, but that talks about how workers are doing and how progress reviews are carried out should be enhanced.How you do at work could hinge on your relationship with your manager.Lousy corporate cultures must be torn down and rebuiltClifton categorized workplace cultures as good, lousy and great, depending on the people working there (managers included), and said that improvements can be made at all levels.One of th e companys recommendations that stood was total restructuring.After writing about the influence of the team leader, Clifton writes, So you say, What exactly do you recommend? Our answer is, it depends on where your culture is today. If its lousy, you should start over. Get out a clean canvas and announce you are reorganizing the whole company.Restarting with a clean slate could change how employees view their environment and their assignments.Gallup also made moresuggestions, including that teams should alter their leadership philosophy from the current command-and-control to one of high development, high purpose and strengths-based coaching, that they should change expectations for managers (have weekly coaching sessions with team members), and that they should announce the changes in culture to theexecutive committee and board.Why you should avoidthe wrong people at workYou could become like the negative people you meet at work, according toresearch fromthe bookThe Ahole Survival Guide How to Deal With People Who Treat You Like Dirtby Stanford professor Bob Sutton.Suttons tips reportedlyinclude avoiding them if possible, resisting revenge (but if you choose to consider your role in relation to the other persons, have proof, and the power of having multiple people on your side), and reappraising.Eric Barker puts it more succinctly If you spend most of your day around a jerk, your chance of becoming a jerk more than doubles.

A Fools Handbook to Walk Me Through Your Resume Sample Answer

A Fools Handbook to Walk Me Through Your Resume Sample Answer Walk Me through Your Resume Sample Answer Features Evidently, there are a number of things you might stumble across that you ought notlage bring up in in the interview (the Tinder profile is a superior instance of that). Youve got a rock-star reaction to why you ought to be hired. Think of the vital glaubenszeugnis you would like to convey to the interviewer concerning this very first job. The interviewer wants to check whether you understand how to present a succinct response again in case they ever choose to place you in front of a customer. Whatever They Told You About Walk Me Through Your Resume Sample Answer Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why In truth, its likely your only opportunity to earn a strong first impression face-to-face. Remember your WMTYR answer should concentrate on key messages. If youre not prepared, theres a risk your answer will wind up rambling and incoherent. Sometimes seeing an illustration can be useful, though each individuals Tell me about yourself answer will differ. Finding the Best Walk Me through Your Resume Sample Answer After all, its your experience. This is a chance to demonstrate that you are able to be an ideal cultural-fit. If youre unemployed talk about non-job related pursuits. Its vital to be accurate once youre recounting your work history. Your communication and capacity to keep on track by means of your answer is something they are watching closely. Regardless of what, if youre pressed, dont lie. Second, it is an excellent sense for your capacity to present your story in a concise and very clear way. The right answer will sound just a little boring. You will also have to prepare to speak through any gaps on your CV. A small amount of structure and preparation for the narrative arc you wish to paint will pay large dividends. Therefore, if youre choosing jobs within different regions of banking, you ought to have different walk me throug h your resume answers you tailor the reply to each form of employer. Which will prevent you from getting sidetracked and getting your answer drift in random directions. Although its very critical that you speak properly and in a contextual manner the moment it comes to speaking about your background, you also have to package all of the data in the very best way you can. Normally, a great technique to answer such question is to point out that theres no such thing as a regular day and attempt to give examples of various scenarios which you have already been engaged in. Answer it smartly with a transparent tone. Dont concentrate on every detail. Its not to impress them into providing you a job, its simply to set the stage just a little bit and create their job as an interviewer a bit easier. This answer also makes it seem just like youre interested in work, any work not this job particularly. This area of the work interview is also an excellent opportunity to spell out job mo vement as it relates to your career. Every interview will always focus to find the most out of the work seeker. Its very natural to become nervous for this sort of questions as it judges your general personality all together. You ought to have an intimate understanding of your resume and your answer. It is better to speak that which you have prepared but dont lose the soul of the answer by expressing it faster in an incredibly bookish way. You must tailor your response to them, just like I suggest tailoring your resume. The Rise of Walk Me Through Your Resume Sample Answer You would like to get comfortable with the suggestions and concepts behind your stories, together with the English language in general (as much as possible) You are going to have to improvise based on the questions that you get asked, which means youll want some flexibility in your stories. Brevity is one particular key which helps a whole lot in such fields like management consultants in plus-rechnen to marketing wherever your skills of communication have been evaluated. Guarantee the technology works Details of Walk Me Through Your Resume Sample Answer Walking me through your resume is among the most frequent questions that you shall face when youre attending an interview. There are a variety of ways to tackle this kind of open-ended interview question. There are not many common interview questions which has to be prepared well before hand. There are not very many interview questions which shouldnt be answered creating on spot answers. This is the way I created the commencement of my career arc story. I suggest starting with something which might not be the very earliest chronological item if a career has been quite long or early experience isnt related to the present job, Raiffa states. A lot rides on the quantity of experience that you have, and the way that your career has developed. Again, you dont have to go into a great deal of detail here, but if theres an employ ment gap of 3 months or more, you ought to at least explain what you were doing during this moment. Your interviewer wants to check whether you know what information is critical to communicate, and whats irrelevant. The sole exception is questions for school-specific info or fit. You have to offer relevant, concise details. All this info is helpful to control the interview. You are aware that its probably coming. As much as you would like to practice an ideal answer, be certain you also think on the fly. Forgetting about when and where you worked at any certain time may not look like something that may happen. At precisely the same time, you do want to make aya you arent missing anything significant. Mistakes happen, therefore dont get worried if you arent happy or your performance wasnt at your very best. As you talk through the expert experience which you do wish to highlight, so in this instance, your experience for a PA, give a succinct summary of your role and the responsibilities which relate to the role youre applying for. The regions of your experience which arent as pertinent to the part in question, so in the above mentioned instance, your function as a retail assistant, will still need to have a mention. Now you have an expert overview, take some notes on wherever your career aspirations or private passions overlap. What Everybody Dislikes About Walk Me Through Your Resume Sample Answer and Why Time is limited, which means you wont be in a position to have into long spiels about your complete life story. You dont need to bore the individual interviewing you. At the start of nearly every interview, the interviewer will request that you walk them through your resume. There arent any trick questions. Once you comprehend the authentic question, answering it will become a good deal simpler. Some questions undoubtedly produce any resume, however bulletproof. There are a lot of ways of answering this question which may be correct i n all different ways. Aim to speak for a couple minutes whenever you have to answer this question, but dont talk for so long your answer gets tedious. There are lots of things which impresses the interviewer in only a couple of seconds. The response to this question ought to be 2-3 minutes long, so when you have decided on the things you want to highlight, practice your answer several times to be certain you can fit it into that timeframe. Normally, the response to this interview question ought to be two minutes or less.

What is Your Competitive Edge Strategic Planning for Your Brand

What is Your Competitive Edge Strategic Planning for Your Brand Do you have a competitive edge over your competition? Do you have a clear vision for your brand? Do you know the difference between the two, and is there really a difference? What is Your Brand?Your brand is the essence or soul of your geschftlicher umgang. Every action you take impacts your brand. Ideally, you want a brand that is memorable, has a great reputation and clearly explains to potential customers just what your geschftlicher umgang is about. Your brand should be appealing to your target market demographic, and be timeless so that you do not have to rebrand as your business grows and changes.What is Your Competitive Edge?Your competitive edge can be anything from pricing or tafelgeschirr to your overall business model. What is it about your business that makes you different from your competition? If there is no clear answer , you need to strategically plan and develop your brand further so that you can gain the competitive edge you need to succeed in todays market.Strategic Planning for Your Brand, and Ultimately Your Competitive AdvantageImage, and the first impressions it creates, is everything. Potential customers will form an opinion of your business within the first 30 seconds of visiting your website. Your website should be modern, easy to navigate and get the message about what makes you different than the competition across quickly. If you need reassurance that your website presents your brand properly, go to your website, set a timer for 30 seconds, and think about what you had the chance to view during that time. If the picture isnt clear, look for a solid web designer that can help you redevelop your design to catch and keep the attention of guests.Everything you do in the course of a business day will affect your brand. Nothing spreads faster than negative feedback. Always handle every cust omer with the utmost care, as everyone with Internet access has the potential to be a critic that can majorly impact your reputation. Likewise, customers that are treated well and have a pleasant experience with your business will spread the word as well. Despite all of the marketing tools available today, word of mouth is still the most profitable form of advertising.Look online for feedback about your business and your competitors. Make a list of what you can do better, and what your competition does best. Rank these in a top 10 format and work your way through the list. Make changes to your business model that will position you as the best in your industry in each category. Your brand, and your competitive advantage, will improve greatly as a result.

How Late Is Too Late to Reply to a Job Posting

How Late Is Too Late to Reply to a Job PostingHow Late Is Too Late to Reply to a Job Posting2Youve been searching for that perfect job for weeks now. Finally, you come across a listing that would be ideal for you- your qualifications match the requirements of the job, and it has a flexible schedule that would work well for you and your family. Only problem? The job posting date is from a month ago. Many job seekers find themselves in this predicament and wonder how late is too late to apply to a job posting.Consider this advice when deciding if you should submit your application or notUnderstand the timing.Lets state the obvious ideally, you should apply to a job listing within a week or two of the posting. Being one of the first to get your name and resume in front of a recruiters eye will only be beneficial to you. After all, a report from Brazen found that 43% of job openings are filled during the first 30 days. However, this stat also means that 57% of job postings may leise be a ctive after a month. So even if youre nearing the 30-day mark, you may still have a chanceDo some research.Unfortunately, not all companies stay on top of the job listings on their websites. It can happen that a company fills a position, but doesnt remove it from its website. Or its removed from the website, but the page link is still active, meaning you could still stumble upon it during a job board or Internet search. Pay attention to the companys career page to determine if its cleaning up its positions. Are there jobs with dates from months (or even years) ago? Chances are, there could be outdated or already filled positions listed.Make it count.Just because a listing might be older doesnt mean that you should half-heartedly send in your resume and cover letter. If youre planning to apply, make aya that your application counts Tailor your resume so that it highlights your education, experience, and skills that correlate to the job youre applying for, and write an amazing cover l etter that would win over any employer. After all, if you wind up submitting your application after the deadline, you still want it to impress a potential employer- and hopefully have them reach out to you for this job, or hold onto your application for any positions in the future.Highlight your strengths.Some recruiters may wait and collect resumes for a few weeks or a month before looking them over. Some may start glancing through resumes as soon as they come in. Even if the job has been open for a month or so, it may be worth it to apply to a job posting if you are a strong candidate and highly qualified. If you highlight yourself as a star candidate and show your enthusiasm, recruiters may be open to interviewing you even if theyre partially through the process with other candidates. Passion and qualifications can go a long wayShow the connection.Lets say that your friend or a former colleague tells you that the company youd love to work for is hiring. But, they point out, Theyr e already in the middle of the hiring process. Having a connection to someone who can refer you to a job is a great reason to send in your job application late, even if the posting has been up for a while. Be sure to mention early in your cover letter that So-and-So recently told you about the position, and youd like to be considered for the role. This can help excuse your tardy application, and give you a leg up on the competition by already having a recommendation from a mutual colleague or friend.Dont be disappointed.Even if you decide to apply to a job posting thats been open for some time and you dont get the job or even a call back, your effort is not necessarily wasted. Perhaps the company has an upcoming opening for a similar position, or even the same position, and your resume may be kept on file. Its ultimately up to you to determine if your time might be better spent searching for more recently posted jobs.Strategize your search.It can be incredibly frustrating to find a potential job, only to find out the listing has expired. Keep in mind that, sometimes, using big job search boards can actually slow down your search, since youll have to weed through many listings that you arent interested in, just to find the jobs that youd like to have. Sites like can help you have a clean job board, since we clean out our jobs database every week to ensure the listings are still active, fresh, and as always, legitimate flexible jobs.Browse Open Flexible JobsJennifer Parris contributed to this post.

The Worst and the Best Words to Use in Your Resume [infographic]

The Worst and the Best Words to Use in Your Resume infographicThe Worst and the Best Words to Use in Your Resume There are three things that make a great resume An impressive content, beautiful and neat design and perfect wording. The first part you will have to take care of yourself by getting experience and skills that will make you stand out. The second thing you dont have to worry about because with the help of you can design your kick-ass resume in minutes.When it comes to words in resume, thats where the thing gets tricky. You have to be careful about your choice of words. Many phrases that were once popular in resume writing became clich buzzwords that we dont recommend using. Theyve been overused so many times the hiring managers simply got tired of reading them all over again so if you want to stand out, keep them outof your resume.On the other hand, there are some power words the recruiters strongly advise to use to make you look more competent and professional.When pick ing the right words for your resume, you should take the job description intoaccount, too. From how the job offer isadvertised, you can clearly identify several keywords crucial for the position. Select the most important keywords describing the ideal candidate and repeat them on your resume because these are the specific characteristics you should have to get an interview invitation.Based on the recent study conducted by 2,200 hiring managers, weve put together the list of the most efficient words in resume together with the least functional ones. Get inspired and polish up your resume. Good luckDiscover what are the best and the worst words to use in your resume.Share Your Feedback or Ideas in the Comments

How to Write a One-Sheet for Your New Album

How to Write a One-Sheet for Your New AlbumHow to Write a One-Sheet for Your New AlbumA one-sheet is what a distributor uses to sell a release to record stores. One-sheets are similar to album press releases in that they tell information that sells the album, but they also must include additional information that a store needs to know before deciding to buy an album for their shop, like the dealer price they will have to pay and the formats of the release. Sometimes music distributors will write one-sheets themselves, but in most cases, the label will be the one to open the one-sheets, and the distributor will then tweak it as necessary. Getting the one sheet right is important after all, this is your chance to tell record shops why they should be selling your album to their customer. This template will help you put together a one-sheet that does the job. First, a few basic points to keep in mind One-sheets are called one-sheets for a reason theyre supposed to be one page long. Keep it clear and concise. Remember, shops have tons of these to read.Your one-sheet can be essentially the saatkorn as your album press release, with a few little changes. The Header Think of the header as the quick reference section of your sales sheet. Here, you should include Label NameArtist NameRelease NameFormats of the Release (CD, vinyl, etc)Catalog Number(s)Release DateDealer PriceContact Information - Label Contacts and/or Distributor Contacts Your header may also contain your label logo somewhere, or you may choose to have the logo above the header, in one of the upper corners of the page. If the album has a major selling point, such as it features a well-known artist on a track or was produced by someone well known, you can include that info in a tagline in the header to grab attention. It helps to set the header off from the rest of the one sheet by boxing it, bolding the text, italicizing the text or any combination of these methods. Paragraph One The first paragra ph should include the most important information about the release. It should have enough basic information in it that someone could read it and know enough about the release to sell it. If this is elend the first release by the artist, use this first paragraph to remind the readers of past achievements, or if this is a debut release, give a brief introduction to the band. Remember that you have to keep one-sheets short, so if you feel that you cant tell everything about the band that you need to here, consider a separate band bio. After introducing the artist, give some facts about the album that would be useful to the shop in selling it. These points will vary from release to release, of course, but they may include facts about who is featured on the album, where it was recorded, famous fans of the band and so forth. You should also give a description of the music comparisons to other musicians are usually the most useful. Paragraph Two This paragraph is where you have the spa ce to expand on some of the points you introduced in paragraph one. What you need to flush out here in your one-sheet depends on the release. For a new band, you might want to use this space for extra biographical information. For a group with a few releases under their belt, you might want to talk about a successful tour they had or a single from one of their last albums that did well. Paragraph Three In this final paragraph, include information about how the album will be promoted. If you are hiring PR, state that here. Mention any upcoming tours planned to support the album or any major press pieces you know are in the works. Record stores need to know this information so they know that youll be working to sell the album, and the more promotion you can show that you have planned, the more copies theyre likely to stock. Closing In closing, include links to your labels website, the artists website and any other relevant promotional sites someone in the store might be intere sted in seeing to learn more. You can also include again a contact at the label for information and/or a contact at the distributor. Like the header, setting this information apart in some way is helpful.