What I did today

What I did today Wow.  I feel weird writing this. Its Tuesday, but Im backdating this so it shows up on Monday. I dont think Ive ever done this in the last 6+ years Ive been blogging. Anyway, yesterday (Monday) I did some general maintenance stuff, then spent time doing four separate recordings, about one hour each, for a client. I didnt realize how fried my brain was going to be by the end.  I finished around 3:30, and then drove two of my kids and their friends to the library, where we hung out for a couple of hours. I needed to get out of my office (or, away from my monitors) and brainstorm some stuff, so I took a notebook and pens (no technology) and I brainstormed the most amazing thing for JibberJobber. No, really.  This is THE MOST AMAZING thing. I had to have JibberJobber get to the level it is at now in order to do this. If JibberJobber is awesome, the new stuff I designed/brainstormed at the library yesterday will take awesome to the nth degree. Its really that amazing. I expect it will take 3 6 months before anyone can see any of it.  I cant wait! To finish the night, I had a fun evening watching Flushed Away with my kids.  Lots of laughing What I did today Wow.  I feel weird writing this. Its Tuesday, but Im backdating this so it shows up on Monday. I dont think Ive ever done this in the last 6+ years Ive been blogging. Anyway, yesterday (Monday) I did some general maintenance stuff, then spent time doing four separate recordings, about one hour each, for a client. I didnt realize how fried my brain was going to be by the end.  I finished around 3:30, and then drove two of my kids and their friends to the library, where we hung out for a couple of hours. I needed to get out of my office (or, away from my monitors) and brainstorm some stuff, so I took a notebook and pens (no technology) and I brainstormed the most amazing thing for JibberJobber. No, really.  This is THE MOST AMAZING thing. I had to have JibberJobber get to the level it is at now in order to do this. If JibberJobber is awesome, the new stuff I designed/brainstormed at the library yesterday will take awesome to the nth degree. Its really that amazing. I expect it will take 3 6 months before anyone can see any of it.  I cant wait! To finish the night, I had a fun evening watching Flushed Away with my kids.  Lots of laughing

4 Tips For Worry-Free Webcam Interviewing - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

4 Tips For Worry-Free Webcam Interviewing - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career If a company said 15 years ago that they conducted interviews remotely through a camera in your computer, you would have thought you were applying to Hogwarts. Now, webcam interviewing is becoming a mainstream method of recruiting saving employers both time and money while still giving them (almost) all the information they need to make a hiring decision. While some people prefer webcam interviews because they take some of the pressure off, others think the complete opposite. Whether you have a webcam interview coming up or just want to be prepared in case one comes your way, here are four tips you can use to pull one off flawlessly: 1. Make sure your environment is professional By environment, this means everything behind you that the interviewer can see. If you’re interviewing from your house, a messy room could prove distracting, as well as give off the impression you’re unorganized and unprofessional. Also, make sure you’re interviewing away from any loud noises or potential interruptions, such as a TV/radio, pet, or smoke detector that needs new batteries. Just like in a traditional interview, keep your phone on silent the entire time. As for lighting, make sure you’re set up in a room with adequate lighting to show off your face. When a hiring manager sees shadows on your face or a darkened picture, it lessens your impact and hurts your appearance. 2. Wear the correct clothing Just because you’re interviewing remotely doesn’t mean you can’t still give off a terrible first impression. Wearing anything but professional dress is absolutely unacceptable and shows the interviewer you didn’t put in effort or care enough about getting the job. When choosing professional dress, it’s always better to wear lighter-colored clothing so the webcam can pick you up clearer and easier. For women, wearing a little makeup to supplement your features will help show the interviewer more detail. You can’t show them exactly what you look like in-person, but doing this can help give them a better idea. 3. Have a strong internet connection You may think this one is out of your control, but there are plenty of ways you can be sure your wireless signal is strong. Here are a few: Restart your computer before the interview to ensure background programs aren’t slowing you down. Turn off unnecessary programs to allow your computer to better focus its resources. Make sure other people using your wi-fi aren’t downloading large files or playing video games that require large drains in Internet speed. If your residence has a history of poor Internet connection, find a location (friend’s place, library, etc.) that has a stronger, more reliable connection. 4. The nterviewer may feel uncomfortable, too Since webcam interviewing is relatively new, older and less tech-savvy hiring managers may feel out of their element dealing with confusing technology. You can use this to your advantage by staying calm, focused, and confident when answering questions. This could diffuse any awkward vibe being given off, and show the recruiter that you know how to adapt to different situations. Keeping a positive attitude will make a shaky interviewer feel more at ease, letting both parties maximize the success of their roles. What other tips can you offer for worry-free webcam interviewing?

Careers @ The Atrium University of Manchester Careers Blog

Careers @ The Atrium University of Manchester Careers Blog In case you missed the news the Careers Service has moved to the Atrium In University Place in September. The Atrium is a collaboration between Careers the Student Information Advice Guidance team. So its a one stop shop for careers, money advice plus advice on studying abroad and and wellbeing advice. We have now been in situ about 6 weeks and we are working out how to best use our new location to best effect. What services can  I access? From Careers You can pop in any time 9-5 monday to friday to have a chat.   The Careers  Information Team can: Help you research career options. Talk to you about finding part time work. Help you find  out about postgraduate study and funding. Show you how to use CareersLink to find jobs or search the events. Give you advice on interview preparation. Advise you on best practice on making applications or writing a CV. We also make referrals to other appointment based services that we offer. Applications advice help with CVs, application forms, cover letters and personal statements both for jobs and further study. Careers guidance appointments   anything from I dont know what  I want to do   to the specifics of getting into a particular career  or getting relvant experience. We also have a Careers library with loads of takeaway guides plus reference books and journals covering as many career and professional areas as possible. Theres a large area of comfy seating with WIFI and power for laptop users. There are also a few desktop  PCs for those who travel light! So take the plunge come on up and see us. Where is the Atrium? Its on the first floor just near the lifts. What about the ground floor? You can visit the Information zone where we have displays of takeaway guides, different ones depending on the time of year.   Its just a taster  of whats upstairs! All Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted

Make Doing the Right Thing Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Make Doing the Right Thing Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The true test of character is doing the right thing even when no one sees. Eight days a week you will encounter temptation to break your personal code of conduct of doing the right thing. One college conducted a sting to test cheating. Of the 600 students who took the test one-third cheated. When a student was interviewed about it, he said, “What’s the big deal, everybody does it all the time.” To do what’s right, you merely make one of two choices: be honest or be dishonest. That’s it. It’s not complicated. And you don’t: -intentionally mislead -straddle the line -disseminate false information -break promises -go back on your word -waltz around -exaggerate -or participate in other chicanery Also, these words do not come out of your mouth or get put into an e-mail: “Everyone else does it.” “It’s a victimless crime.” “I can hide it.” “It doesn’t matter how it gets done, I just have to get it done.” “Well, maybe just this one time….” “No one will ever know.” “I’ll just shred (or burn) that document.” “What’s in it for me?” “How much can we get away with?” “I’d say anything goes.” “I will deny we had this discussion.” “We didn’t have this conversation.” “This is a non meeting.” “Is this legal?” Nothing baffles people full of trick and duplicity than simple straightforward integrity.

What is Driving the Change in Corporate Company Culture - CareerMetis.com

What is Driving the Change in Corporate Company Culture So much about the workplace has changed in the last decade, from office design to the technology we use, the way we dress and the hours we work. Significantly, organizational culture has undergone a dramatic transformation.There’s little doubt that business success today is dependent on more substantial investment in people.Company culture is now the buzzword in the business world. So, what is driving this phenomenal change?1) New TechnologiesevalevalThe rapid development of new technology over the past decade has had a dramatic impact on the way we work. As technology has progressed, both communication and company culture has changed significantly.Technologies such as mobile devices, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things are changing the way companies operate, while social networking and HR technology have changed the way companies hire, manage, and support people.Digital technology is shaping how workers collaborate. It’s also having a positive influence on employee experienc es at work. HR technologies have developed significantly in recent years, enabling more satisfying and progressive engagement with individuals at work.Virtual meetings, screen sharing and instant messaging are proving advantageous to both employers and employees.There is no doubt that technology has enabled more flexible and collaborative ways of working. Businesses may have embraced this initially as a cost-saving but have also seen increased efficiency and employee satisfaction.2) Change in the Formal, Hierarchical Business ModelevalThere has been a significant shift in the business model from traditional, formal hierarchies to a network of teams.Deloitte spotted the trend for deconstructing hierarchical business models a couple of years ago, writing “Companies are decentralizing authority, moving toward product- and customer-centric organizations, and forming dynamic networks of highly empowered teams that communicate and coordinate activities in unique and powerful ways.”The Deloitte report also reports the growth of the Millennial demographic, the diversity of global teams and the need to work more closely and innovatively with customers as being the driving forces behind new organizational flexibility.3) A Change in AttitudeevalCEOs, leaders and supporting executives are realizing that corporate culture is not merely a catchphrase. It is the backbone of a company’s overall performance.Increasingly, businesses understand now that success relies heavily on getting the company culture right. Attitudes at the top are changing, as can be seen in a plethora of organizations and businesses around the globe.The attitude amongst leaders in SMEs is shifting. Inclusiveness, transparency, a move from micro-management to personal responsibility and autonomy, a growing interest in workplace wellbeing, flexibility and strengthening of communication and workplace relationshipsâ€" forward-thinking leaders in their businesses are championing all these changes.4) Rob otics, Healthy Work-Life Balance and Well-BeingNot only are businesses recognizing the benefits of promoting a healthy work-life balance within their teams, but AI and automation are also freeing up time to support those policies.Correcting mistakes on low-level tasks is now being completed by robot technology. Machine learning and automation are also enabling workers to progress and focus on more satisfying activities.Robotics and AI in the workplace will undoubtedly provide businesses with challenges, but greater automation in the workplace also offers significant opportunities and has the potential for positively shaping company culture in the future, with more emphasis on a healthy work-life balance and improved well-being.eval5) Workforce ConscienceBy 2020 Millennials will comprise nearly half the working population, and this bunch of professionals is getting choosy about their employers.evalMillennials’ values are having a drastic impact on the shape of the corporate culture .Businesses looking to employ the best talent are shifting towards more ethical company cultures and values as a direct result. Millennials want more emotional engagement at work, a better work-life balance and to lead a life with more purpose. Corporate cultures are adapting to emphasize personal growth alongside career growth.6) Toxic Cultures Are Being ExposedThe digital age isn’t without its problems. One of the good deeds to come from the digital world is transparency and ease of communication. Poor management, discrimination, and unacceptable behaviors are being exposed and shared at the touch of a button. Finally, we are starting to unearth toxic work cultures.Uber’s string of scandals, blunders and PR disasters have all been exposed and have significantly damaged the business’s reputation. Sexual assaultallegations against Harvey Weinstein are highlighting Hollywood’s toxic culture, and the cultural conversation that ensued has gone viral.We live in an age of transpa rency. Toxic cultures in a global society will find it more and more difficult to hideaway.eval7) Role Model Businesses Attracting the Best TalentEmployees today are placing much more importance on the benefits that come with the job, rather than pinning everything on salary. Attractive companies are the ones with a strong company culture. As a result, businesses today are making the company culture a big part of their brand. It’s important to customers, and it’s helping to attract and retain talent.8) Millennials Are Also CustomersCustomer requirements can force a shift in culture. When a customer base demands a different approach, culture shifts in response. This can be from a change in pricing structure or how a company goes about delivering a service.Competitive markets can be unkind to some corporate cultures which shift in the wrong direction in an attempt to manage profit margins.However, there are signs of consumer behavior having a positive effect on company culture. Mi llennials don’t just work for companies; they are customers too. Culture matters to millennials from both sides of the coin.Millennials care deeply about authenticity, transparency, and purpose. This is a digital-savvy generation that can hurt your business. If a brand fails expectations, millennials will tweet it out in an instant.The driving force behind the incredible change in company culture over the past decade is multi-faceted. Technology, the global economy, and people are at the heart of those changes. What is clear is that workplace culture will continually evolve.Business culture is comparable to an ecosystem that requires sunlight, food, and water to grow. Businesses who ignore the call for cultural change, or believe culture is things, do so at their peril.

The #1 Rule for Building a Valuable Network - CareerEnlightenment.com

I toss those business cards in the trash on my way to get a fresh drink.The master networkers I have witnessed â€" and try to emulate â€" are the ones who flip the script. They are artful in providing value and trying to help. They listen to others’ needs, seek to help, offer to make connections with members of their network, and are always seeking to provide value.I am always left with the deep desire to pay it forward and when they ask for a favor or when I hear of a way I can help them, I rush to provide assistance. They are the masters!How to Start Building Your Network TodayFor those who are early in their career and looking for ways to develop their network, or those who would like to develop new relationships in other industries, here are a few suggestions.First, engage in local business networks like Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), national industry groups, or your local chamber of commerce. These are great ways to meet other members fr om a wide array of industries.Second, volunteer for local, state, and national charities and nonprofits. Not only will you be helping your community, you’ll end up socializing with leaders who are also passionate about those causes. Many of my best friends came from helping in these causes, and in turn I built valuable relationships across multiple industries that aided me in my career.Just remember: a contact is not in your network until you have a relationship with them. It takes time to build a real friendship. Build trust and provide as much value to them as possible. Give before you ask and stay in touch throughout the year, even if it’s just to say hello.Over time you will find that your network is one of your most valuable assets. Your goal is to have friendships with people who are eager to answer your call and want to pay you back because you’ve helped them.As the old saying goes, “Dig your well before you are thirsty!” There is no better time to get started than today.

How to Write a Good Resume Objective

How to Write a Good Resume ObjectiveIn any job interview you will need to use a resume objective to stand out from the crowd. Your resume is probably your most important work item because that is what a potential employer is going to see first and this is the main area that you will be focusing on when looking for a job. In this article I'm going to help you outline your resume objective so that you can focus on it more.What exactly is a resume objective? It is the section of your resume that has your goals and objectives in order to get the job that you are seeking. This section should include three main things that you can use as a basis to go into detail about each of the three areas in your resume. The three areas that I recommend is your educational background, skills and interests.These are the three most important sections of your resume, but I'm sure you would agree that your educational background is also extremely important. There are some general requirements for the type of job that you are applying for so if you don't have the best educational background you should still be able to get the job because the employer doesn't care as much about your educational background as they do about the skills and interests that you have.Remember that the employer wants to hire someone who is knowledgeable and has relevant experience. You may not realize this but you are also going to have a much better chance of getting a good job if you include at least two years of relevant experience. And you should always include your skills because these can directly translate into the type of job that you want.Your job objective should be something like 'I am looking for a job with a small company where my educational background and skills are relevant to the position'. This shows the employer that you are using a resume objective that is actually relevant to the job that you're seeking.The main reason why you should always use a resume objective is because it is the only way that the employer can see exactly what you can do for them. A resume objective lets the employer know exactly what they are getting for their money and they can easily determine whether or not they want to hire you based on these criteria. Now you may think that you have these skills and education but if you don't put them on a resume objective you may not get hired even though you are a good candidate.The other main thing that you should include on your resume objective is a specific number of references that you can offer them. If you don't include these references you could find yourself out of work in no time. The references are the information that your potential employer is going to use when reviewing your resume and therefore they should be exactly what you provide them to them.The reason why a resume objective is so important is because it gives the employer information to focus on when reviewing your resume. With the correct resume objective you will stand out from the crowd and you will have a better chance of getting a job. I hope that this article was helpful to you.