Monday, December 30, 2019

Half of employees think they could do job in 5 hours or less

Half of employees think they could do job in 5 hours or lessHalf of employees think they could do job in 5 hours or lessThe case is getting stronger for a shorter workweek.According to a global survey of nearly 3,000 employees across eight nations conducted by The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated, 78% of full-time workers say it would take less than seven hours each day to do their job if they could work straight with no interruptions and 45% said their job should take less than five hours per day to complete.This falls in line with a study that was conducted earlier this year at a company in New Zealand. They tested out a four-day work week for two months on their 240 employees and found that they reported greater productivity, as well as work-life balance and they experienced less stress.Countries that want a 4-day workweek the fruchtweinThe appeal of a 4-day workweek and therefore a 3-day weekend is very strong. The survey from Kronos found that if their pay remained con stant, 34% of global workers say their ideal workweek would last four days, while 20% said they would work three days a week. However, 35% of workers would take a 20% pay cut to work one day less per week.Canadians led the way with wanting the 4-day workweek the most at 59% followed by Australia at 47% and the U.S. at 40%. The Brits (26%) actually think a 3-day workweek would be ideal.However, even though the demand is there for the shorter week, many of the employees surveyed admitted to needing overtime to do their work.Even though 75% of full-time employees globally say that they have enough time in the workday to finish their major tasks, nearly 37% work mora than 40 hours each week and 71% claim work interferes with their personal lives.Still working overtimeAustralians and Brits, even though both of these groups very much want a shorter work week, felt strongly that theydo not have enough time in the day to get the job done. This could be because they dont work as many hours a s the U.S., which leads the way with overtime 49% report more than 40 hours each week, followed by India at 44%, Mexico at 40%, and Germany at 38%.A lot of the problem is time wasters at work which is causing them to not be able to get all their work done in an average workday.Fixing a problem not caused by me (22%) and administrative work (17%) were the top two answers given by full-time employees when asked what they waste the most time on at work. Meetings (12%), email (11%), and customer issues (11%) round out the top five time-wasters.As for which countries find that they waste the most time on administrative work Mexico comes in first at 31% followed by Canada at 19%. The U.S. (29%), U.K. (28%), and Australia reportedly waste the most time cleaning up after others.Flexible work options are the keyBut the solution of just cutting the week down is perhaps a little too simple, according to the authors of the study.DanSchawbel, research director of Future Workplace and author ofB ack to Human said, Employees are working harder than ever and at the cost of their personal lives. This study confirms that we can all be more efficient with our workday, that theres an opportunity to remove administrative tasks in exchange for more impactful ones and that the traditional workweek isnt relevant in todays business world. Employees need more flexibility with how, when and where they work, and leaders should be supportive of an employees personal life, not just theirprofessional one. When employees get time to rest, they become more productive, creative and are healthier, so they take fewer sick days.According to FlexJobs 7th annual workplace survey of more than 3,100 respondents,65% of workers think they would be more productive working from home than working in a traditional office environment. Fewer distractions (75%), fewer interruptions from colleagues (74%), reduced stress from commuting (71%), and minimal office politics (65%) are the top reasons people prefer t heir home office.It is estimated that only 60% (or less) of work time is actually spent productively.The survey did find that one in four global employees (28%) are happy with the standard five-day workweek.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

The New York Times Internship Programs

The New York Times Internship ProgramsThe New York Times Internship ProgramsThe New York Times offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students during the summer and throughout the academic year. These opportunities provide students with a chance to spend time working alongside professionals who truly care about their work and who are committed to doing the best job possible in their daily assignments. There is work is available for college students to participate in all media outlets that the New York Times is involved in - digital operations, magazines, newspapers, radio, and television. The New York Times Internship Programs are available to United States authorized workers only. The New York Times Summer Internship Program The New York Times 10-week summer internship program is open to all students interested in pursuing a career in journalism. In addition to the valuable experience, interns will obtain while completing an internship with the New York Times the exp erience will become an integral part of any resume and the recommendations received from supervisors can move a candidate forward when they begin looking for a full-time job. The New York Times has long been committed to offering opportunities to students from all ethnic backgrounds and internships are open to all students. The New York Times understands the importance of having a diverse staff of people to help them deal with the incredibly wide sortiment of newsworthy stories that are written on a continual basis. The New York Times Offers Summer Opportunities in the Following Areas James Reston Reporting FellowshipsThomas Morgan Internships in Graphics, Design, and PhotographyEditing Internships Benefits The New York Times offers paid summer internships. Housing is available for many students at the NYU downtown campus. To Apply for a Summer Internship With the New York Times, You Can Contact Dana CanedySenior EditorThe New York Times620 Eighth AvenueNew York, NY 1001 8 The New York Times Academic-Year Internships Semester-long internships are available for motivated graduate students majoring in journalism. These students get a chance to work right alongside New York Times reporters and editors and will have an opportunity to observe news events, evaluate news releases along with competitors stories and will even get the chance to get their work critiqued by regular staff members of the New York Times. Eligibility Students must receive academic credit for the internship.Provide contact information for the professor or advisor who will be setting the criteria and doing the evaluation for the internship.Preferred candidates will have an interest in journalism and previous internship experience writing for other publications.Students do not need to be journalism or communications majors as long as they have previous internship experience and can provide published clips of their work.Students will work flexible days and most likely somewhere b etween 6 to 8 hours per week. To Apply Complete an application formSubmit resumeTwo letters of recommendation from professorsSix newspaper or online clipsA letter outlining what student hopes to learn from the internship All applications for academic-year internships must be sent to Nancy SharkeySenior Editor - Recruiting620 Eighth AvenueNew York, N.Y. 10018

Saturday, December 21, 2019

This is how to be productive without being miserable 8 proven secrets

This is how to be productive without being miserable 8 proven secretsThis is how to be productive without being miserable 8 proven secretsTheres plenty of good advice onhow to be productive. But fruchtwein of it makes you feel like you need to turn yourself into a machine.You dont want to be Robby the Robot.Heres the thing you often dont need help with thedoingpart. You know what to do. Sit down and finish the damn task. But you dont. Why? Often its aboutfeelings.What really gets in your way?It scares me.I dont feel like it right now.This sucks and I dont wanna do it.Those are feelings. And if you dont deal with those feelings, all the mechanistic lifehacks in the world arent going to help you scratch things off your to-do list.The best productivity system is the one you stick with. And if a system makes you miserable, its bedrngnis going to last. End of story.So can you be mora productive without turning into Siri or Hal 9000?The research and experts say the answer is, Yes.Lets get to itStart the day happyThe sound of the alarm clock should not signal, Time for the pain to begin.So indulge yourself a little in the morning. Whatever puts you in a good mood, allow yourself some of that. TV, video games, something tasty - whatever.Research shows yourmood in the morningaffects your productivity all dayResearchers found that employees moods when they clocked in tended to affect how they felt the rest of the day. Early mood welches linked to their perceptions of customers and to how they reacted to customers moods.And most important to managers, employee mood had a clear impact on performance, including both how much work employees did and how well they did it.Youll never be as productive as you could be if you dont make a little effort to improve your mornings.(To learn the 7 step morning ritual that will keep you happy all day, clickhere.)Okay, youre starting the day off happyand that leads to productivity. But how can you come up with new ideas and clever soluti ons to problems without a machine-like 27 step brainstorming process?This answeris easy, fun, and feels greatScrub your way to creativityResearchshows theres a strong relationship between feeling relaxed and being creative. And whats the most relaxing part of the average persons day?That morning shower.Scott Barry Kaufman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, found that 72% of people have new ideas in the shower- in fact,far mora often than when theyre at work.Heres ScottWe did this international study and found that more people reported having great insights in their shower than they did at work. Disconcerting, I guess. It seemed like theres definitely some benefits to being in a relaxed state.So step into the shower with more than soap - bring a problem to noodle on. Youre primed to be at your most creative, so take advantage of the opportunity.(To learn what Harvard research says will make you happier and more successful, clickhere.)Your rubber ducky is giving you the Eureka moment you needed. But bad feelings can be an obstacle to getting things done onceyou hit the office.Your mindcan be filled with worries that play over and over like a song stuck in your head. Thiscommon condition has a name. And a solutionClose loops to kill worriesResearchers call it theZeigarnik effect. But nobody can pronounce that so you and I willjust call it, Oh-Lord-God-Please-Make-The-Anxiety-Stop.When youve got something you know you need to take care of but you havent done anything about it, your brain is like anannoying smartphone app that wont stop with thenotifications.And guesswhat? The problem iseven worse than you thought. Those constant worries arent just annoying and anxiety-inducing, studies show they alsomake you stupidFive studies examined whether the processes associated with unfulfilled goals would interfere with tasks that require the executive function, which has a limited focal capacity and can pursue only one goal at a time. In StudiesStudy 1andSt udy 2, activating a goal nonconsciously and then manipulating unfulfillment caused impairments on later tasks requiring fluid intelligence (solving anagrams Study1) and impulse control (dieting Study2).So how do you clear your head? Write down the concern along with a quick plan of what youre going to do to address it.Once youve done that, your brain can relax. It closes the loop and ends theZeigarnik effectCommitting to a specific plan for a goal may therefore not only facilitate attainment of the goal but may also free cognitive resources for other pursuits. Once a plan is made, the drive to attain a goal is suspendedallowing goal-related cognitive activity to ceaseand is resumed at the specified later time.(To learn how to use writing toovercome anxiety, tragedy or heartache, clickhere.)Youre happy, creative and your head is clear. But now the task in front of you is filling you with dread. How can you get motivatedto startsomething you absolutely do not feel like doing?Make awfu l tasks your ownDan Pink, bestselling author ofDrive The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, says the research showsone of the keys to motivation is a feeling ofautonomy.FromDrive The Surprising Truth About What Motivates UsThink for a moment about the great artists of the last hundred years and how they worked- people like Pablo Picasso, Georgia OKeeffe, and Jackson Pollock Nobody told themYou must paint this sort of picture. You must begin painting precisely at eight-thirty A.M. You must paint with the people we select to work with you. And you must paint this way.The very idea is ludicrous.So take five minutes and find a way to make an awful task your own. Rather than mechanistically following a standard process, think about what you can bring to this. How willyouchoose to handle it?How much of yourself can you inject into the process? What will make this more interesting? How can you leverage your strengths or your abilities to do it your way?The more you make the work som ething uniquely you, the more motivated youll be.(To learn more from Dan on how to motivate yourself, clickhere.)The dread is dead. But you still might procrastinate. You can make a task your own but you might be downright afraid of it, overwhelmed or just insecure about your ability to handle the project.How do you get those awful feelings out of the way so you can unleash the kind of productivity that will put a dent in the Earth?Break down procrastinationAnything that increases yourperception of controlover a situation - whether it actually increases your control or not - can substantially decrease your stress level.ViaYour Brain at Work Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day LongSteve Maier at the University of Boulder, in Colorado, says that the degree of control that organisms can exert over something that creates stress determines whether the stressfaktor alters the organisms functioningOver and over, scientists see that the perc eption of control over a stressor alters the stressors impact.And dont just trust the research.Astronauts, Special Forces soldiers and even Samuraiagree a feeling of calm control can reduce how much you stress about a task.But whats an easy way to get that control flowing through your veins?David Allen, the guybehind the popularGetting Things Doneproductivity system, says we often feel stressed because projects seemtoo big and scary. So break intimidating tasksdown into tiny steps that you can easily manage.FromGetting Things Done The Art of Stress-Free ProductivityDefining your work entails clearing up your in-tray, your digital messages, and your meeting notes, and breaking down new projects into actionable steps.Im pretty sure Genghis Khans to-do list didnt say, Remember to conquer Asia tomorrow. Whoa. Too big.The post-it note on his desk probably said, Just decimate the tribe next door. And then the next tribe. And then the next.Thats manageable. And before you know it, youve go t your own continent.(To learn how to stop being lazy, clickhere.)Okay, youre conquering the bad feelings that preventaccomplishment. But how do youincrease thegoodfeelings to get even more done? Its not hardKeep progress visibleYou probably have a to-do list. But Ill bet you dont have a did-it list.When I spoke to the awesomeJosh Kaufman, bestsellingauthor ofThe Personal MBA, he said a did-it listis a critical tool.It allows you toseeyour progress. AndTeresa Amabiles research at Harvard found that the single mostmotivating thing is progress in meaningful work.ViaThe Progress Principle Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at WorkThis pattern is what we call the progress principle of all the positive events that influence inner work life, the single most powerful is progress in meaningful work of all the negative events, the single most powerful is the opposite of progress- setbacks in the work.So keep a list of all the things youve accomplished today where you can see it. Thats dehydrated concentrate of motivation, thats what that is.You might think, Well, Iknowwhat I did today. Thats not enough. Write it down. Take a tip from the happiness research. When youtake a moment towrite down the thingsthat made youhappy that day, they have more power.(To learn the best way to manage your time, clickhere.)So you do all these things but youre still not as productive as you need to be. And that makes you feel lousy. How do you prevent those feelings from putting you back in the productivity doghouse?Forgiveness keeps you goingWhen you dont get everything done that you expected to, the most common reaction is to beat yourself up. Again, mood and productivity are connected. And guess what?Beating yourself up only makes it harder for you to get things done.Forgiving yourself is like a miracle drug. Instead of letting you off the hook and making you lazy, research shows it actuallyreduces futureprocrastination,increasescreativity, andboostsself-control .Want to be more self-compassionate? Its easy. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend who was feeling down about not being productive.Kristin Neff, a professor at University of Texas at Austin, explainsOne easy way to be self-compassionate is just ask yourself, What if I had a very close friend who was experiencing the exact same thing that I am experiencing now? The idea is you use that same quality of warmth, support, encouragement, tenderness, understanding with yourself that you more typically show to other people.Be nicer to yourself when you screw up and youll not only feel better - youll get more done.(To learn the schedule that the most productive people use every day, clickhere.)Alright, weve learned a lot. Lets round it all up and get the final tip on the emotional path to improving productivitySum upHeres how to be productive without becoming a miserable robotStart the day happy How you wake is how you work. Having a little fun early means better results lat er.Scrub your way to creativity Bring a challengeinto the shower and come out with a solution.Close loops to kill worries Make a plan and write it down to silence the voice in your head.Make awful tasks your own Put your own spin on how you do something andyoull be more motivated.Break down procrastination Conquer Asia one tribe at a time, Genghis.Keep progress visible Put a did-it list next to the to-do list for motivational rocketfuel.Forgiveness keeps you going Beating yourself up kills productivity. Treat yourself like you would a good friend.These days one of the biggest enemies you deal with is distraction. But theres a fun solution to this work neara super-productive friend.Even if theyre not helping you, just being around them can improveyour focus. How powerful is this? Powerful enough to help people with ADHD.ViaFriendfluence The Surprising Ways Friends Make Us Who We AreJust having friends nearby can push you toward productivity. Theres a concept in ADHD treatment called the body double, says David Nowell, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist from Worcester, Massachusetts. Distractable people get more done when there is someone else there, even if he isnt coaching or assisting them. If youre facing a task that is dull or difficult, such as cleaning out your closets or pulling together your receipts for tax time, get a friend to be your body double.You wont be super-productive by trying to pretend yourea machine.If you really want to get things done you cant justkeep your head down. You also need to keep your smile up.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulThis article first appeared at Barking up the Wrong Tree.

Monday, December 16, 2019

5 Things Art Taught Me About Being a CEO

5 Things Art Taught Me About Being a CEO 5 Things Art Taught Me About Being a CEO As the CEO of peer-to-peer investing platform Fast Invest, I use my training in business and knowledge of technology to make the company a success. Before I was a tech CEO, however, I was an artist. I have a degree in fine arts from the Vilnius Academy of Arts, and you maybe surprised to learn my experience in art has been very useful to my work as a CEO.Art degrees may seem like they dont prepare students for the realities of modern business, but my time at the Academy of Arts taught me invaluable lessons that I use on a daily basis, like the following1. Be ObservantIn buchung to recreate something in paint, you need to be truly familiar with your subject. Simply painting a tree trunk with some leaves and flowers isnt enough to create something beautiful. You need to pay attention to the way the light falls on the bark, the way the blossoms rustle in the wind, and the contrast between the treetops an d the sky.Likewise, being observant pays off in the startup world. The best way to make your business stand out is to observe your surroundings. Observe the market, observe the systems in place, and observe your competitors. Identify what makes your business a necessary part of the economy and better than the competition. If you are able to truly see and understand your surroundings, your startup will be much better for it.2. Dont Be Afraid of FailureIt took many tries before I painted something of which I was proud. In order to create a masterpiece, you have to fail first and by fail, I mean really fail.As a young artist, I would sometimes get angry if what I painted didnt look like what I intended. At the time, I didnt understand the importance of failure. I hadnt yet realized that with each draft of a painting, or each attempted work of art, I would be able to learn from the experience and apply what I learned to the next draft. Failure improved my ultimate results.Fast Invest h as grown tremendously in the past few years, but elend every idea we have is a good one. When something doesnt work out as planned, Im able to look at what happened and apply those lessons to future projects.3. Be PatientIn the fast-moving fintech world, it may seem like everything is rushed. Quick expand our operations Ah we need to integrate new technology Move fasterBut rushing isnt a recipe for success at all, even if it seems like technological innovations occur at an ever-accelerating pace. Good work takes a long time, both in art and in business. I learned from my years as an artist to be patient with both the process and with analyzing results. If you rush, your finished product may be sloppy.4. Be DisciplinedAccording to TV shows like Silicon Valley, tech CEOs are always sitting around in sweatpants, only working when they feel like it. The reality is much different. I work 10-12 hours a day, every day. It is my job to know about every aspect of the company, to truly unde rstand what each person isdoing and what each projectis. This can be exhausting and difficult work, but I have committed to it nonetheless.My discipline is a skill that I learned from being an artist.I wasnt alwaysin the mood to paint, but I needed to practice and put in the hours to create something special.5. Dont Be Afraid to Color Outside the LinesIn art school, we studied the masters of the form. Without an appreciation for the best artists of the past, I wouldnt have been able to create the art I wanted to create. The same principle applies in technology and business We can learn best practices by studying successful entrepreneurs and CEOs and the decisions theyve made.However, we cant be limited by what has been done in the past. We need to break the mold and find new ways of doing things. Currently, Fast Invest is working extensively with blockchain software, making it useful and accessible to people who previously werent using the technology. Working with new technology and expanding previously established markets is an important part of being a successful innovator.Simona Vaitkune is the CEO of Fast Invest.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

What to Include in a Manager Cover Letter

What to Include in a Manager Cover LetterWhat to Include in a Manager Cover LetterWhy use a cover letter?The goal of writing a manager cover letteris to provide insight into yourself as a candidate that wont be found on your resume. This schrift of cover letter is a bit different from other types of cover letters.First, you have to show you have the skills to perform the required tasks. Next, you must also show your ability to inspire others to succeed at their jobs. Managers writing cover letters need to show they can inspire others.In order to do so, a cover letter for a management position must have specific things included.What to include in a manager cover letter?This is what employers look for in cover letters for management rolesEvidence that you had lead teams and projects successfully in the past.Evidence of cover letter words matching keywords in job requirements.Quantifiable success numbers showing growth statistics, numbers, and percentages.Statements by you explaining wh at you hope to accomplish as a manager.A bewertung explaining how your skills and abilities can help the company grow.Tips for a management cover letterOne of the most important and confusing things about cover letters is avoiding the dreaded trap of sounding too generic. Meanwhile, every company is expecting you to customize your cover letter to your specific type of management job and industry.Here are some extra tips for managers to consider when writing a cover letterReview cover letter samples for a variety of career levels One size does leid fit all. A director of operations will not have the same type of cover letter as an operations manager. There are many types of manager cover letters.Do your research and tell them why youre specifically interested in the company. Show you can be likable, fit in, and perform well within the company culture.Do not be afraid to be yourself. Hiring managers read cover letters all the time. If you understand what your cover letter needs, you c an put a personal spin on it.Dont Forget the Cover Letter BasicsIt can be easy to forget the basics of a manager cover letter. You do not want them to forget who you are when you send your cover letter. Try this basic cover letter format for salutations and signatureYour NameYour AddressYour City, State, ZIP CodeYour Phone NumberYour EmailDateCompany NameJob TitleOrganizationCompany AddressCity, State, ZIP CodeDear insert salutation,body of letter Check out this article for a more in depth look into cover letters.Sincerely,insert name signatureWriting an schmelzglasle cover letterIf you are going the paperless route for your cover letter and sending an email for a manager role, remember to include the following. Keep in mind emails are easy to delete and you need to get the readers attention quicklyUse the subject line wisely. Just list your name and job title.Keep it short and sweet. You run less risk of losing the readers attention.Skip all the large headings of contact informati on. It is just more to read or scroll through.Use an email signature with your contact info in it.Of course, any time you need atemplate for an email cover lettersignature you can find plenty of templates in a simple search. Ultimately, it is best to include your name, full address, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn Profile URL.The ultimate goalYour manager cover letter should convince people that you are successful and will make others around you successful. Prove that the track record of success you had with previous projects and companies will be continued at this new company

Friday, December 6, 2019

Sample It Resume Reviews & Guide

Sample It Resume Reviews & Guide Sample It Resume - the Story When you make an application for work in person, you could possibly be requested to complete a paper application. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. Bear in mind that you need to ask someone to serve as a reference before it is possible to list them as one. First off, we should discover what type of job seeker youre.Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better probability of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. See if youre making the quick first impression you wish to make. All you need to do is point and click. The goal is to show youre an ideal candidate for the position youre applying for. A Secret Weapon for Sample It Resume Resumes give potential employers a means to learn about applicants quickly and readily, and theyre your very first step toward new job opportunities. They can be used for a variety of reasons, but most often they are used to secure new employment. They may be organized in different ways. Sample It Resume for Dummies Resume objectives can be a little controversial. Possessing a strong resume will enable you find quite a few great jobs. Possessing a crystal clear and professional resume is essential in the health care field. Agricultural Resume is a type of resume thats being submitted by an applicant who would like to work in agricultural research, agricultural area and farming operations. Various kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a lot of the exact skills. Customer service is a critical element in many jobs and its imperative that you concentrate on that in your resume. In any case, youll certainly like our price policy. To Find A New Job Change can be forced on a worker businesses do not share all of the information that could potentially impact employees or at times the organization is blind-sided b y changes beyond its control. Want to Know More About Sample It Resume? Employers will request references beforehand should they want them. Job seekers deserve to discover decent content quickly. Concentrate on these sections to understand whether you meet the requirements for the position. Notice how the example resumes are extremely specific when it has to do with technical skills. What You Need to Do About Sample It Resume Beginning in the Next 4 Minutes All resume samples are categorised so that it is easy to locate the very best sample resume for yourself. You need to pick the best IT resume format. How to Choose Sample It Resume If you want to bring a number to it, dont use your birth year. Everyone knows that when hunting for work, the very first task you will need to complete for a possible employer is, Send a copy of your resume. If you are in possession of a considerable collection of honors or awards, a distinct category is most likely appropriate. If your re sume exceeds one particular page, be sure your name and contact information are listed at the very top of every page. A Startling Fact about Sample It Resume Uncovered In truth, it might not have dates whatsoever, but you must be listed in order of relevance instead. You are going to receive unique texts, which will be finished in time. You must have five objective statements. In the majority of cases, a resume objective is simply a couple of sentences long. There is an assortment of benefits of utilizing the simple resume formats. The Simple resume formats can be employed by anyone who wants to put in an application for a job. Simple resume they help you in making your resume. Have a peek at these examples to select which format is most suitable for you.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

test

test test One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot mora to offer than steel-toe d boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most constructi on companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSala ries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo-verstrker welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

LEGOs Women of NASA Set Is Available Today

LEGOs Women of NASA Set Is Available TodayLEGOs Women of NASA Set Is Available Today Want to unleash your inner astronaut? Youre in luck. Today, LEGO rolled out their highly anticipated platzdeckchen honoring the Women of NASA . The set includes four minifigures of Nancy Grace Roman, Margaret Hamilton, Sally Ride and Mae Jemison.In all realms of science, engineering, and technology, pioneering women have historically been underappreciated for their often groundbreaking work. We have also seen that when girls and women are given more encouragement in the STEM fields, they become more likely to pursue careers in these areas, said LEGO fan designer Maia Weinstock who crowdsourced herbei idea to honor these women.With this project, I wanted to spotlight a fantastic group of women who have made seminal contributions to NASA history. My dream would be to know that the first human on Mars - or an engineer or computer scientist who helped her get there - played with th e LEGO Women of NASA as a child and was inspired to pursue a STEM career as a result.In addition to the minifigures, wannabe astronauts both young and old can play in three LEGO builds that illustrate the expertise of the NASA iconsIf playing with NASA LEGO figurines isnt enough, both NASA and LEGO are hiring now. Apply to these amazing companies and land the job of your dreams

Friday, November 22, 2019

Including a Photo on Your Resume

Including a Photo on Your ResumeIncluding a Photo on Your ResumeShould you add a photo to your resume? After all, your picture is on LinkedIn and your other social networking site profiles. So its only reasonable to wonder if including a headshot photo on your resume will enhance your chances of getting noticed and hired. Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume? There isnt one right answer for including a photo on your resume, though its typically been considered a bad idea for most job seekers.Depending on your circumstances, it can be no, maybe, or even yes. Or you can consider a creative solution for showing a prospective employer your smiling face. The Traditional Answer - No The traditional advice regarding placing photos on resumes has been an emphatic No. The only exception is for actors and models, whose appearance matters for hiring. The rationale for excluding photos has been to protect employers from allegations of discrimination based on race, age, weight, gende r, attractiveness, or personal style. Plus, many employers are eager to avoid unconscious bias in their recruitment, using strategies like removing college and candidate names from resumes before reviewing them. Including a photo can make the quest to have a bias-free recruitment process more challenging. This perspective is still embraced by the majority of experts and human resources professionals. Because of that, its worth considering carefully if its worth it or will be beneficial for your candidacy to include a photo. Some segment of people who review resumes will likely view including a photo as somewhat unprofessional. It could be a mark against your candidacy. That said, we live in a multimedia age. Most likely, a quick online search of your name will reveal photos and social media profile pages with your face. And, even regular, non-celebrities often try to establish a professional brand, using a photo as part of that strategy. That means theres a bit more nuance to the question now. There are also ways you can get employers to view your picture without having to add your photo to your resume. Review these options for including or not a photo on your resume. There are some exceptions to the no picture guidance that might work for you. Option Include the internetadresse of Your LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn profiles regularly incorporate a photo and are widely utilized by candidates in their job search and by recruiters sourcing talent. If you believe your appearance would be an asset for your target job,incorporating a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resumeis a safe and acceptable way to showcase your looks. Though a certain appearance is essential for actors and models, an attractive, trustworthy, or approachable appearance can also be an asset in many other fields. Sales representatives, receptionists, bartenders, financial planners, public relations representatives, recruiters, and many other service providers can benefit from projecting a certain image. Option Add a Photo to Your Networking Resume Another possible exception to the accepted wisdom regarding the inclusion of photos is when you are utilizing your resume mostly for networking purposes.If you are distributing resumes at conferences or other events where you will be interacting with many individuals, a photo can help new contacts to remember you. In addition, if you are being referred by your contacts to other individuals who dont know you, you might include a picture on your resume if you believe your appearance would be an asset. You can mention to networking contacts that you would be glad to furnish a version of your resume without a picture if they would like to forward your document to other individuals for formal job screening. Option Attach a Business Card with Your Photo to Your Resume One more option for in-person networking is toinclude a business cardwith a photo that youve made just for your job search. If you share your resume and your card with your contact information, both can be passed on if youre being referred for a job or to another networking connection. Where to Put the Picture on Your Resume If you do opt to include a photo on your resume, the recommended place is at the top of the page. The photo should be a professional headshot, similar to or the saatkorn one you used for your LinkedIn profile. Here aretips for taking and choosing a professional photo. Be Careful If You Need to Add a Photo Even though you can add a photo in some circumstances, it doesnt mean that you should. It could get your resume knocked out of contention for a job if the employer doesnt think its appropriate. Consider what value a picture will add, if any, before you start reworking your resume.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Why Mentoring Is the Key to Achieving Your Career Goals

Why Mentoring Is the Key to Achieving Your Career Goals Why Mentoring Is the Key to Achieving Your Career Goals Earlier in my career, I asked myself, What am I doing thatis getting in the way of me reaching my goal as a leader? I posed that question to a colleague I respected, who responded,Have you ever asked anyone for help? That simple question made a huge impact on me.Even if youve never been involved in a formal beratung program, youve had ratgebers along the way. A teacher, a colleague, a boss, a friend with a particular experience or skill set All of these people can act as mentors, guiding you along your journey to reach your goal.When you set out to achieve career success, finding a mentor is critical to your personal development. However, it can seem like a daunting task. Where do you start? What do you ask? Who qualifies for such a role?Heres the secret The whole process of mentoring is actually much easier than you think.The Importance of Mentoring - on Both SidesMento ring impacted me, and not only from a career standpoint. Mentoring has led to different behavior in my personal life. The more you are mentored, the more you realize there is equal value in serving as a mentor yourself.Mentoring - both for thementor and for the one who is mentored - engages us on a menschenfreundlich level. It addresses two separate but often intertwined human urges the drive to get better and the desire to help others.As we look up to others for guidance, we should also be looking below and sideways to provide guidance ourselves. It is not only good for the soul to do this, but there is also a practical side The people you mentor will eventually advance and become good industry contacts.8 Ways to Make the Most of MentoringHere are some things I have learned about mentoring - some I learned while being mentored, and some I learned as a mentor1. Mentoring Can Be Both Formal and InformalThere are many fine, formal mentoring programs organized bycompanies and profes sional societies, but there are also informal opportunitiesthat can be of equal and perhaps even greater value.Maybe there is someonewho has a skill or capability you admire. Consider asking them if they have time for a meeting over coffee. Then, ask them about their career path - what worked for them, what didnt, and whether they have recommendations they would make to someone who is developing in their own career.Im not sure if my informal mentors knew they were mentors to me, but I appreciated their time and wisdom, and I learned a lot by connecting informally, listening to their stories, and soliciting their advice.2. Be Clear on Your Mentoring GoalsKnow what youd like to learn from a mentor, whether its how to influence others, how to present new ideas or concepts, or something else entirely. Share your goals with your mentor so they know how to help youreach them. In most formal mentoring relationships, the goals you want to achieve should be clear so progress can be measured along the way.3. Learn From Negative ExamplesYou can learn from anyone - even people you didnt really like working for or alongside. In fact, these negative examples can teach you a lot about the professional and personal pitfalls to avoid in life. Seeing and experiencing things I didnt like made me think about the behaviors I didnt want to exhibit as a leader.4. Look for Opportunities to Be a Mentor YourselfMentoring doesnt always come by looking up in an organization. Dont look up all the time Look down and sideways, too.Opportunities to mentor others can come from being a resource to new employees joining the organization.We have all been in that situation, and most of us would have appreciated having a buddy to help us navigate a new company or role. Your helpfulness will be returned many times over.5. Confidentially Is KeyConfidentiality is an essential component of mentoring, andthat may mean that you will need to seek a mentor outside of your immediate chain of command. The mentor/mentee relationship should be a safe space, a circle of trust.There is another benefit to having a mentor outside your reporting chain, tooThey may be able to share what they know about you with other people in the organization. Its great to have advocates across the organizationwho can speak highly of you and your accomplishments.6. Trust Your AdvocatesAs indicated above, a mentor can talk on your behalf. As one mentor put it to me, its a matter of building your fan club. Bosses appreciate hearing positive feedback about you from others.7. Dont Be Afraid to Ask Someone to Be Your MentorEven if its someone at a senior level. Senior-level people are easier to reach for help than you might think. You may not find them available at your company, but they can be found informally in your social circles and community life.Every senior-level person with whom I have spoken has told me getting to where they are welches never easy. Most have had their setbacks along the way, and they can share with you how they bounced backin the face of adversity.8. Be Open to ListeningAgain, mentors can be found anywhere. Once you have foundone, you have to listen to what they have to say.- I could go on and on, but let me stop myself and end on this final noteA mentor can provide a fresh perspective they can point out new things you hadnt considered before.Being amentoror a mentee puts you in a position to teach and communicate, which makes you a better professional.So go ahead. Get mentored, and become one yourself. It will be a game-changer in your life.Cheryl Middleton Jones is chief people officer for CO-OP Financial Services.