The Differences Between Employed vs. Self-Employed

The Differences Between Employed vs. Self-EmployedThe Differences Between Employed vs. Self-EmployedSomeone who is self-employed generally works for themselves as a business owner, freelancer, or as anindependent contractorfor another company.Earnings are usually directly from the business or freelancing, instead of salary or commission-based reimbursement. Definition The Internal Revenue Service defines an individual as beingself-employed, for tax purposes, as You carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor.You are a member of a partnership that carries on a trade or business.You are otherwise in business for yourself (including a part-time business). Employment Status When youare employedby a company youare consideredanemployee. Employees are on the company payroll, and the employer withholds federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Employeesare providedwith unemployment and workers compensation insurance. Employeesmay beoff ered benefit packages that include things like paid sick leave, vacation, health insurance, or 401(k) or other retirement plan participation. Self-Employment Taxes If youreself-employed, you are responsible for paying your own taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to your state tax department. Even if you do not owe any income tax, you must complete gestalt 1040 and Schedule SE to pay self-employment Social Security tax. In addition to income taxes,self-employedworkers must also pay Social Security and Medicare taxes in the form of SECA(Self-Employment Contributions Act). Independent contractors are not entitled to employee benefits, even those mandated by law like unemployment and workers compensation because they are not employees of a company. Unlike a typical employee, independent contractors work less regularly. They work as and when required, and usually bill by the hour or per project, depending on the terms of their contracts. From a tax perspective, employing regular employees costssignificantlymore for employers than independent contractors because theyare requiredto pay Social Security, Medicare, State and unemployment taxesin addition toconsistent, salary or wage-based work. Health Insurance and Other Benefits However, self-employedindividualsand independent contractorsmay beable topurchasehealth insurance and other benefits for you through theAffordable Health Care Act(Obamacare) or throughorganizations like the Chamber of Commerce or others groups thatprovidebenefits for self-employed workers and small business. If you have self-employment income, then you can take adeduction for health insuranceexpenses incurred for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Other self-employed tax deductions include home office costs, internet, phone, and fax expenses, meals, business travel and car expenses, interest on business loans, education, IRA contributions, and even some entertainment. Pros and Cons While there are many positives to being self-employed such as choosing your own hours (full orpart-time), shortening or completely avoiding your commute, focusing oncareerobjectivesthat matter most to you, being able to work remotely and tax deductions, one of the downfalls is that benefits usually included in salaried workmust bepaid forout-of-pocket. Furthermore, self-employed workers are responsible for both losses and profits. There are no paid holidays or sick pay, and the earning schedule may be less in theshort term when you are starting out.With no boss or supervisor to manage you, it takes great focus andmotivationto beself-employed. In many circumstances, hours are long and working on your owncan belonely. Health insurancemust becontracted for by theindividual, there are no paid vacations or sick days, and retirementmust beplanned for. Becoming Self Employed For those interested in making the move to becomingself-employed, Small Business Canada Expert Susan Ward has great advice on transitioning fr om being an employee to beingself-employed.

5 Things You Should Know About SMS Recruiting

5 Things You Should Know About SMS Recruiting 5 Things You Should Know About SMS Recruiting Millennials - perpetually glued to their phones and always posting everything to social media, right? Maybe, but theyre not the only ones who love their smartphones.Seventy-five percent of US adultsuse a smartphone, andnumber of cellphone users around the world is expected to surpass the5 billion markby 2019.What you may not realize is that heavy smartphone usage presents an opportunity to savvy recruiters. Emerging technologies are allowing recruiters to contact candidates where it matters most via text messaging.bedrngnis All Candidates Are Millennials (Obviously)Before you rush out to start texting your candidates, you have to understand who in your talent pool is using their cellphones on a regular basis. While we all know millennials are highly receptive to mobile technology, they arent the only ones.Seventy-nine percentof people between the ages of 18 and 44 - which includes millenni als and Gen. X-ers - have theirsmartphoneson hand 22 hoursa day. Moreover, 68 percent of millennials, 73 percent of Gen. X-ers, and 75 percent of baby boomers are open to receiving job opportunities via text.The takeaway Text messages can open up worlds of talent beyond the millennials.Is SMS Recruiting Right for You?Now you know that text messages can engage a variety of candidates - but is integrating SMS into yourmobile recruitment sttarifgyright for you?Opinionsvary on this matter, but on the whole, recruiting teams binnenseem to be embracing the possibilities of text messages in recruiting 78 percent of recruiters use text messages to schedule interviews, 76 percent use text messages to confirm interview times, and 80percentfeel it is helpful to follow up with candidates after their interview via text messages.Are Text Messages Even Appropriate for Recruiting?Considering 81 percent of Americans regularly send text messages, we know this is a quick, easy way for recruiters to contact candidates. The question, however, is whether the ease is worth it.Are text messages really an appropriate way to communicate with candidates?There is little consensus among job seekers on the matter. According to a Software Advice survey, 35 percent of job seekers consider text messaging a professional mode of recruiting communication, 34 percent consider it unprofessional, and 31 percent consider it neither professional nor unprofessional.You need to considerwhat kind of communication - and how much - you are willing to have via SMS. Your decision will largely depend on your talent pool. Understanding the industry norms and your candidates demographics should help you determine whether or not SMS is a viable addition toyour mobile recruitment strategy. One great way to settle the matter is to let candidates choose for themselves Add a text message option to your job ads or career site and see who utilizes it.The Facts of SMS RecruitingStill debating whether or not you sh ould be texting candidates? Here are six facts to help you decide1.89 percent of job seekers think mobile devices play a critical role in the jobsearch Getting on board with some form of mobile recruiting technology can drastically improve your candidate engagement and outreach, because candidates are already using that technology. Why not meet talent where they are?2. 65 percent of job seekers use their smartphones at least once a day for job search tasksThe majorityof your candidates are already searching for your business on their mobile devices. Incorporating a text messaging framework into your recruiting methods puts you directly in the palms of their hands.3. 78 perent of candidatessay theywould apply for a new job through their mobile device if the process were simpleIn todays candidate-driven market, appealing to a candidates needs is more critical than ever. Presenting yourself as a business that understands what candidates want will distinguish you from competitors and ma ke your organization an employer of choice.4. 73 percent of job seekerswould like to receive targeted job opportunities via textCandidates want to receive job opportunities in a way that fits their lifestyles. They dont want to trudge through job boards on their laptopsor wait anxiously for an employer to respond after theyve submitted dozens of applications. Candidates want to feel connected to potential employers right from the moment they hit the submit button.5.Text messages havea 95-98 percent read rateProbably the most important statistic to sway any business to text recruiting is the open rate. Candidates read their texts. In fact, nearly every smartphone user reads their texts right away, whether theyre applying for jobs or not. By comparison, emails onlyhave 20 percent open rateon average.A version of this article originally appeared on theClearCompany blog.Sara Pollock is head of the marketing department atClearCompany.

10 High-Paying Side Jobs for Job-Hunting Recent College Grads

10 High-Paying Side Jobs for Job-Hunting Recent College Grads10 High-Paying Side Jobs for Job-Hunting Recent College GradsIf youve just graduated from college (or are about to), you may have a full-on job search underway. While youre looking for just the right position, you may be able to bridge the financial gap with high-paying side jobs that allow you to work remotely.Recent college grads may find that hunting for apost-college full-time position is a daunting undertaking. Whats mora, data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers projects that while salaries are up, hiring will dip by 1.3 percent for recent college grads. All the more reason to look for side gigs that may offer you some breathing room.The high-paying side jobs below allOffer part-time schedules ranging from 5 to 35 hours per weekAllow a person to work mostly or completely from homePay more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, and in some cases, much more (based on zentralwert pay satz information from PayScale.com)Require the skills and experience that a recent college grad may be likely to possess**The jobs on this post are now expired, but you can searchnewest flexible job listings here**1. Marketing Consultant or SpecialistHiring Now Marketing ConsultantPayScalemedian hourly rate$34.57As a marketing consultant, your duties may include overseeing newsletters, email campaigns, online advertising, social media, and website layout. Its a plus if you have a demonstrated, specialized knowledge of one or more particular industries, and past experience in related work.2. EditorHiring Now Features Copy EditorPayScalemedian hourly rate$11.82 $31.03An editor reads content and makes revisions and corrections to drafts of articles, blog posts, books, manuscripts, and other written documents. A bachelors degree is often a requirement, along with knowledge of one or more widely accepted style guides and understanding of grammatical best practices.3. Graphic DesignHirin g NowDigital Assets CoordinatorPayScalemedian hourly rate$11.52-$28.03Graphic designers use a variety of creative skills to provide visual solutions for a variety of products including online platforms, magazines, brochures, and advertisements. A degree or certification in graphic design is often required a portfolio of past work and demonstrated experience is a plus.4. WriterHiring Now WriterPayScalemedian hourly rate$20.34Professional writers provide content for a wide variety of online and print publications, with duties such as writing original content, researching, and completing other duties relevant to the job. Top-notch communications skills are a must, and its helpful to have5. InterpreterHiring Now Staff InterpreterPayScalemedian hourly rate$20.02The work of an interpreter is to provide on-demand interpretation services, often during phone calls between two people who speak different languages. Usually, fluency in English and at least one other language is a requirement. O ther prerequisites at least a high school diploma and advanced cultural knowledge in the relevant area.6. TutorHiring Now Tutor, AccountingPayScalemedian hourly rate$19.68Tutors help students of various ages and levels of education improve their knowledge of a particular subject. Employers offering online tutoring platforms hire people with a degree or proven knowledge of a specific field. High-speed Internet access and a desire to help people learn are also required.7. Personal ShopperHiring Now Personal ShopperPayScalemedian hourly rate$16.50Personal shoppers (and fashion stylists) offers guidance and advice to help consumers make purchases, from clothing to home furnishings, that suit their styles, needs, and budgets. A degree or certification in merchandising or fashion design may be required, and you may need to show a client book tdemonstrating past success.8. Web-Based ResearchHiring Now Web Search EvaluatorPayScalemedian hourly rate$16.39A web or online researcher uses a var iety of Internet resources to collect data, potentially on an array of different topics from science to popular culture. Specialized knowledge or education may be required (in technical subjects, for example), and access to reliable high-speed Internet is a prerequisite for remote research jobs.9. AdministrativeOperationsHiring Now Operations AssociatePayScalemedian hourly rate$15.84Administrative professionals performa organizational and clerical tasks that help ensure smooth operations for employers across virtually all industries. While the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma, responsibilities- and pay- usually increase with more education. Great computer, communication, and office skills are essential.10. Social Media CoordinatorHiring Now Social Media CoordinatorPayScalemedian hourly rate$14.83To be a social media coordinator, youll need to be highly conversant with virtually all social media platforms to perform duties like posting to social media channels , keeping on top of trends, and connecting with customers and consumers via social media. A bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field is often required.Browse Open Flexible JobsBrie Weiler Reynolds contributed to this post.This article was originallypublished on May 11, 2017. It was updated on May 2, 2017.

Customize this Outstanding Transcription Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Transcription Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Transcription Resume SampleWhen you upload or deliver a resume for consideration, you are putting your trust and opportunity into this one document. For this reason, it is important to hand in a resume that truly puts your best foot forward. The current job market is highly competitive, and employers are often inundated with possible new hires. To beat out the competition, it is imperative to have a resume that is polished, thorough, and accurately lists everything you have to offer.The grant assistant resume sample below gives a detailed look at all the components that go into a quality resume. Use this guide to create your own document, paying attention to the formatting, word choice, and length. For even more assistance, check out our resume builder.Create Resume David Smith100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryDetail oriented Medical T ranscription with experience transcribing documents for doctors and medical professionals seeks full time job in the transcription field. Adept at using different forms of medical management software, strong understanding of medical terminology and capable of working independently.Core QualificationsMedical terminologyFast and efficient data entryDetail orientedTrained in medical softwareCertified in transcriptionIndependent workerExperienceMedical Transcription, April 2011 January 2015New Cityland Community Health Clinic, New Cityland, CAResponsible for listening to and transcribing letters, patient records and otherbei documentsFollowed federal regulations to protect the privacy of patientsUsed speech recognition software and checked with doctors to ensure it recorded the right informationSent reports to clients and made any changes they requestedWorked in the transcription office to record documents that later went to patientsMedical Transcription, June 2009 March 2011Work from Home Medical Assisting, Los Angeles, CAWorked from home and used professional software to record and enter information submitted by doctorsCreated rough drafts of documents, edited drafts and submitted drafts to clients for approvalUsed remote software to enter documents and information into the computer systems used by hospitals across the stateResponsible for replacing certain terminology with codes to protect patientsIdentified any errors or issues found within each report or document submitted by a clientEducation2009, University of California, New Cityland, CAAssociates in Applied Health ScienceCustomize ResumeWhy Is This a Good Grant Assistant Resume Sample?Looking over a well-written resume is extremely helpful when tackling your own. This resumes various components make for an excellent grant assistant resume sample. Right at the beginning, the applicant has a professional summary that emphasizes her background. She includes specific information, such as having experience w riting grants for community colleges and universities. This shows the employer what type of focus the applicant has, which can make for a stronger document, especially when the focus of the job opening and the applicants background align. The professional summary goes on to list both job skills and qualities, such as meeting tight deadlines and writing essays. Specific information such as this is more powerful than bland and overused statements such as hard worker.The core qualifications section is extremely easy to read, as the applicant has used bullet points to set off the information. She uses short phrases to describe her skills and sticks to those that are relevant for a grant assistant. The bulleted list in this grant assistant resume sample provides a snapshot of the key attributes the applicant will bring to the position. Note that she doesnt use periods in this section and includes both hard and soft skills.While the applicant only lists two jobs in the work experience sec tion, each one is detailed. The five bullet points each start with a strong action word, such as assisted and prepared. The jobseeker includes metrics in this section, such as a grant amount and the number of applications completed, which provide solid evidence of her abilities. Dont be afraid to talk yourself up in this section and consider how you served the company successfully.The education section is succinct but important. In this grant assistant resume sample, the applicant hasnt completed advanced education however, she is sure to list her high school diploma and relevant information, including the name of the school, the city and state, and the year of graduation.Why You Need a Strong Grant Assistant ResumeThe Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the grant and fundraising field to grow 9 percent between 2014 and 2024. Therefore, there will likely be an increase in applicants, making employers all the quicker to eliminate candidates who dont make the grade. This makes having a standout resume extremely important. In general, employers only have a few seconds to look over a resume before deciding which pile to place it in. A quick glance shows the employer whether the applicant can write well, whether his or her information is easy to digest, and if relevant keywords jump off the page. Since your position will involve writing, making your words clear and grammatically correct, as shown in the grant assistant resume sample, demonstrates your written proficiency.Costly Grant Assistant Resume Mistakes To AvoidAs mentioned above, proper grammar and syntax are extremely important for a resume in this field, since the job requires a great deal of writing. When composing your resume, look over the grant assistant resume sample to see where to use periods and where to leave them out. The sample also shows the effectiveness of phrases over full sentences and when those are acceptable. Since this field requires a great deal of passion, commitment, and desire for po sitive action, you want to stress these attributes in your resume. If you have experience volunteering, you may want to include that as well, in a separate section. Doing so further demonstrates your giving spirit and your willingness to help others. Of course, you dont want to be vague or clichd when you list your generous attributes. Attach them to action whenever possible, especially in the work experience section. This shows that you dont just see the glass half full you also work to keep it that way.ConclusionPeople often sell themselves short in their resumes or dont take the time to really think about what theyve done. If you feel like your resume isnt strong enough, ask a friend or colleague to help you brainstorm what makes you a strong candidate. Then use the grant assistant resume sample to input this information into your document. Youll come out strong and ready to apply for that perfect job.

How to Make a Resume for Job Application - What Is It?

How to Make a Resume for Job Application - What Is It? Type of How to Make a Resume for Job Application The wizard will help you through the fundamental steps of preparing your resume. The resume creator will ask you to put in your information into the blanks offering a detailed strategy to writing. You are also able to get a hyperlink to your resume hosted on its website, and share precisely the same on social networking platforms. You may expect to have to quickly learn to believe and write utilizing a trend thats to be altogether not utilised to you. Adding personalization to your headline is a remarkable idea. The Battle Over How to Make a Resume for Job Application and How to Win It The first job of writing a good cover letter is the format. Without an impressive resume and an equally impressive resume title your probability of landing a job wouldnt be very bright that is why it pays to understand how to compose a resume title. Then, it is going to get fit together wit h the little heap of resumes that leave your very first cut. Your resume should be customized based on the post youre applying for. When you submit an application for jobs on the website, you simply should click the saved resume you created on the website. There are several online resume maker tools which will sure help you to have a resume in pdf format only as long as you pay them. Resumes are tricky its sometimes hard to know exactly what things to include. In case it doesnt, it isnt the very best Resume. Each resume that is sent out should incorporate a letter thats specific for a specific job offering. You may learn to compose a title for your resume by understanding a little more about what type of title attracts most attention. As of the moment, its extremely hard to look for work. Its well worth it if you receive the job after the interview.One of the greatest ways to look at your letter is to read it rather loud. Your application can readily get your employers att ention using the name of an important person that has gained the respect of your employer. The good thing is an online resume maker gets you a professionally formatted resume in almost no time, which means you may take the very first step toward a better paycheck faster. Dont forget, build the employers keywords all of the way via your application, so the employer sees you as an ideal match for the position. If youre looking for a job and dont want your present employer to understand, its certainly not the most discreet alternative. On the opposite hand you should not neglect to help it become striking and persuasive for the employer. Nobodys perfect, but anything you send to a possible employer should be absolutely flawless. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for How to Make a Resume for Job Application The internetadresse may also be shared with potential employers. You could add extra information here like your availability. If thats the case, dont be concerned about what it appears like, because it is going to be consistent with the other resumes in the database. Although the absolutely free version lacks some powerful features provided by other builders, its still among the most easy-to-use resume tools. Drafting an effective and effective marketing letter has to be given significant attention. If its not done properly, it cant increase your capacity to compete for a number of jobs and to generate interviews. A global firm might look for a diverse workforce so that your race may be a competitive benefit. It is not sufficient anymore simply to present your abilities.

Choosing Buy Custom College Papers Is Simple

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YouTube Job Search and Online Recruitment [INFOGRAPHIC] - Spark Hire

YouTube Job Search and Online Recruitment INFOGRAPHIC - Spark HireYouTube home to flipping cats, daredevil stunts gone wrong and the latest viral sensation. But what you may not realize is that YouTube is also revolutionizing todays job search, and it has the potential to help in your recruitment and hiring efforts.Utilizing YouTube in your online recruitment efforts may be uncharted territory for your business, but understanding how users engage with this medium can help you spread the word about your company and attract top talent. With their attention, you can better show why they need to be a part of your company now.Engage. First, lets look at some figures on YouTube user engagement. According to the infographic below, courtesy ofHireRabbit, YouTube is the largest search engine after Google. On average, the site receives 140 views from every person on earth each year, and each visitor stays on the site for an average of 15 minutes.leid only are videos a better medium for which y ou can engage with job candidates, but they enable those candidates to find you more easily too. Each month, Google records nearly 185 million job related searches, and job postings with video end up in around 70% of the top 100 results.Recruit. Now that youve engaged with job candidates, its time to recruit them. HireRabbits infographic shows that job postings with videos are viewed 12% more than postings without video and they have an even greater application rate.When it comes to company videos, its important that youre showcasing the correct aspects to effectively recruit top talent. HireRabbit points out that job candidates are most interested in videos that show off company culture, employee experiences and video newsletters that talk about current events and trends in your business.Hire. Conversations with job candidates can even begin on YouTube. After all, it is a social media network, complete with the ability to like, comment and follow videos, brands and companies like y ours. HireRabbit states that 100 million people like, comment or share a video each week. Furthermore, millions of users subscribe to brands and companies every day.Companies like Google and Northwestern Mutual have created successful YouTube job search channels for online recruitment. Youll find that they research and identify the type of job seekers they want to attract, invest in quality video production and messaging, and include a call to action on their videos.By establishing this relationship with prospective job candidates on YouTube, youre opening doors to attracting, interview and hiring top-notch talent.Would you use YouTube in your job search and candidate hiring process why or why not? Share in our comments now

What does bankruptcy mean and should you file for it

What does bankruptcy mean and should you file for itWhat does bankruptcy mean and should you file for itI remember while I was growing up, I only really heard about bankruptcy when it came to celebrities like MC Hammer or big businesses like General Motors. I also thought that bankruptcy was something that you could never come back from and was a big admission of defeat and failure. People talked about it like the people who file were stupid and should be ridiculed. But as Ive gotten older, as with most things, Ive realized that its more complicated and nuanced than that. Sometimes bankruptcy can be the best choice for some people.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWhat Is Bankruptcy?Bankruptcy is a legal process for an individual, family, or corporation that finds themselves unable to pay off their debts. In this scenario, the person or entity can have some or all of their debt er ased.There are two different kinds of bankruptcy for individuals Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 (Chapter 11 is only for businesses). Chapter 7 is the simplest approach, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, that wipes out most of yur unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills without requiring a repayment plan. In this scenario, any assets of value will be sold to help pay back your debts. If you have no assets of large value, it is called a No Asset Case, and the courts will notlagelage sell your property. In 2016, 63 percent of bankruptcies were Chapter 7. To qualify, you must meet income requirements that show that you literally dont have enough money to pay back your debts.If you make too much money, meaning you have a consistent income and have anything left over after paying your required monthly costs, you have to file under Chapter 13. This is an option for people who are struggling to pay back their debts and are being harassed by creditors, not those who dont have th e income to make any payments. Many people choose to file for Chapter 13 because it offers benefits such as catching up on missed mortgage payments without losing their home. Under Chapter 13, you have three to five years to resolve your debts.What Is the Process for Filing?Find a Good AttorneyYou should find an attorney to help you through this process. Make sure they are experienced in bankruptcies and familiar with bankruptcy law. Your state bar association should have directories with bankruptcy attorney information. There are also online directories, such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the American Board of Certification, where you can find a qualified attorney.Conduct a Bankruptcy Counseling SessionThere are two mandatory credit counseling sessions that must be completed with a counseling agency that has been approved by the U.S. Justice Department. The first round of counseling happens before you file bankruptcy paperwork with the courts. Dur ing that session, the counselor will review your budget and look at the pros and cons of bankruptcy, as well as proposing alternatives to bankruptcy.File for Bankruptcy With the CourtAfter completing counseling, you officially file with the court. At this point, the bankruptcy will appear on your credit report and creditors must stop attempting to collect on your debt. This is because bankruptcy invokes an automatic stay, which stops all legal activities the moment the bankruptcy is filed.Liquidation or RepaymentDepending on which type of bankruptcy you file, the next step may involve liquidating any assets of value to repay your creditors (Chapter 7) or repaying a portion of your debt (Chapter 13). If you have secured debts that you wish to keep, like a house or car, you will need to keep making payments on those debts. You must tell your attorney about any secured debts that you would like to keep after bankruptcy.Complete a Debtor Education CourseThis is the second round of requi red credit counseling sessions. You must complete this before discharge.Debt DischargeAt the end of this process, eligible debts will be discharged. This means that they will be wiped out and you will have no obligation to pay the creditors included in the bankruptcy.What Are the Limitations of Filing?Not everyone can file for bankruptcy. There are certain limitations in place. For example, you may not file if you obtained a discharge in a Chapter 7 case within the past eight years, or in a Chapter 13 case within the past six years. You may not file if a previous bankruptcy case was dismissed within the past 180 days because you violated a court order, you were determined to have engaged in fraudulent conduct, or you requested dismissal after a creditor requested relief from the automatic stay. There are also income and debt limitations.There are several types of debt that will not be erased if you file bankruptcyMost student loan debtCourt-ordered alimonyCourt-ordered child support Reaffirmed debtA federal tax lien for taxes owed to the U.S. governmentGovernment fines or penaltiesCourt fines and penaltiesSo if you have any of these debts, you cannot get rid of them through bankruptcy. Thats important to know before you go through the process.What Are the Benefits of Filing?Of course, the obvious benefit of filing for bankruptcy is having some or all of your debts erased. This would allow you to start from scratch, financially speaking, and hopefully make better decisions moving forward. It can also be helpful to have a clear way forward, even if you are required to pay back your debts through Chapter 13.What Are the Consequences of Filing?As with most big financial decisions, you must weigh both the pros and cons. After doing that, you have to see if the benefits of a decision are worth the negative consequences of it. And the answer to that question will be different for everyone. But heres what you need to know about the negatives of filing for bankruptcyLos s of propertyIf you file for Chapter 7, your assets will be liquidated to pay back your debt. If you cannot afford to continue paying on secured debts like a house or a car, those would be sold to pay back the debt.Damaged relationshipsIf a family member or other loved one is a co-signer on any of the debt that you are trying to wipe, they might leise be responsible for paying it back. If you are filing for bankruptcy and they arent, the responsibility could go to them. This could hurt your loved ones financial situation, and damage your relationship with them in the process.Damaged creditBankruptcies are considered negative information on your credit report, and can affect how future lenders view you. This may prompt creditors to deny you for credit or offer you higher interest rates and less favorable terms. Depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, the mark can appear on your credit report for up to a decade.When Should You File?Filing for bankruptcy is not a decision you sho uld make lightly. And its not an easy solution to get out of a bad situation. However, like I said in the intro, sometimes bankruptcy is the right option.Bankruptcy might be right for you ifYoure being sued by creditorsIf creditors are taking legal action against you for debts you havent repaid, youre in a bad situation. Of course, if youre being sued for debts you can afford to pay back, you shouldnt file for bankruptcy you should pay back the debt or settle with the creditor. But if youre being sued for debts you couldnt possibly pay back, bankruptcy might be a good option for you.Youre at risk of foreclosureIf your other debts are making it so that youre unable to pay your mortgage and youre at risk of foreclosure, bankruptcy could be an option for you. You can request to keep your secured loans, like your mortgage, if you can afford to make the payments once your other debt is wiped out.Youre using loans to pay your bills If youre relying on things likepayday loansjust to get by everyday, you clearly are in a bad financial situation. Taking out loans to pay for your everyday expenses is a bad practice that will only keep you in a cycle of debt and overwhelm.Youre liquidating your retirement assets Liquidating your retirement accounts should be the absolute last thing that you do to get ahead. As Social Security becomes less reliable, saving for retirement is really the only way we can ensure that well be supported in our old age. If pulling from your retirement accounts is the only way you can think to afford your life or pay back your debts, it might be time to look into bankruptcy.What Are Your Other Options?For many, bankruptcy is not the right option. And it isnt always necessary to do. There are other avenues you can take to get control over your debt and manage your payments more successfully. This is especially true if your financial troubles are temporary and you can see a way out in the future.Talk to a Credit CounselorThis is an option that Ive r ecommended to clients in the past. Working with acredit counselorallows you to create a plan to pay down your debt and move forward. Credit counselors can sit down with you to look at your entire financial situation, create a budget, and even help you come up with adebt managementplan that helps you repay your debts. A debt management plan is when you and your creditors make an agreement for you to pay down your debts.Its important here to look for a nonprofit credit counseling organization that belongs to either theNational Foundation for Credit Counseling(NFCC) or theFinancial Counseling Association of America(FCAA).Get a Second or Part-Time JobOf course, this suggestion isnt easy and it wont be possible for everyone, but sometimes the solution is to bring in more income. Ive had plenty of clients who have cut every expense that they possibly could, and they could still barely break even. In that case, the only way forward is to bring in more income. Its the same when your debt is overwhelming you and youre struggling to make a dent on it. If asking for a raise at work isnt an option, look into getting a side job. If you do this, make sure youre putting that income solely towards your debt payments. If you start spending the money somewhere else, youll still be stuck where you are.Negotiate with LendersDid you know that we have more power as customers than we think we do? In a Capitalist society, businesses need their customers in order to survive. Thats why we canvote with our dollars. Its true, then, that we can try to negotiate with our lenders when it comes to paying back debt. In fact, last week, someone in theMoney Circlegroup said that they tried to set up a payment plan with their doctor for a big bill and the doctors office forgave the whole amountIts certainly not a given that your debts would be reduced or forgiven, but it doesnt hurt to ask. Reach out to your lender and tell them about your current financial struggles. After for a reduced amount to pay or a repayment plan that you can afford. The worst they can say is no and youll just still be in the same situation youre already in. In the best case scenario, they will reduce or forgive your debt and youll be better offIf youre in a situation where you think that bankruptcy is right for you, its important to remember that youre not a failure. Go talk to a lawyer and see if this is the right decision. Ask for help so that you can get your life back on track.This articleoriginally appeared on Maggie Germano.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 female executives on how you can empower younger employees

10 female executives on how you can empower younger employees10 female executives on how you can empower younger employeesEven though the number of female executives reached an all-time high on the annual Fortune 500 list, the digits still leave much room for improvement. With just 32 women managing the top companies in the world, the journey to equality is still ripe with opportunity. To bedrngnis only rise to a leadership position but to exceed in influencing younger generations of trailblazers, its important to approach the workplace and your career through the lens of female powerhouses who have already carved their own paths.In honor of Womens History Month - and in an effort to inspire more women to negotiate their salaries, fight for the titles they deserve and own their much-deserved seat at the boardroom table - take some notlagees on how you can empower younger employeesBe ruthless - but kind.For Annie Cheung, the co-founder of Noon Home, Inc., success requires two very distinct - and different - qualities being ruthless, and yet, kind. Without empathy and effort, you never develop the resilience you need to keep chug along, no matter the setback. These are the values that create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration, and thats key when youre working in an industry where you have to constantly innovate to survive. Dont build a workplace where your best talent is out for themselves. Build one where theyre constantly throwing new ideas into the ring, and feel supported doing it, Cheung adds.Dont beat yourself up over mistakes.Everyone from Sheryl Sandberg to Indra Nooyi not only have days when theyre off their A-game, but theyre willing to admit it. Its this quality that Shruti Gandhi Buckley, the global head of Hampton by Hilton, prescribes to younger generations of female employees.In fact, she says asking for help and owning when your shortcomings is a sign of strength - not weakness. When youre able to do this, you take ownership of your ca reer and gain the ability to communicate your next steps Women are tough on themselves. Dont beat yourself up about a mistake or misstep, instead, learn from them. Use your mistakes as a tool for learning and development, she says. Make sure you know what you want and clearly articulate your needs in the workplace to ensure you are positioned for success.Trust your gut.While science might not be able to prove if its biology or a figment of our imagination, Sarah Frey, the founder of Tsamma Watermelon Juice, encourages entry-level females to tune-in to the whisper of their intuition. It may not be able to spit out reports, predict business trends or manage your finances, but it can be a powerful tool when you trust it. I have found that 9 times out of 10 that truly listening to your gut and believing in yourself, even when theres a little risk involved, will lead to amazing thingsand those are good odds, she explains.Just try it.For the chief marketing officer at ClassPass, Joanna Lo rd, the best approach to getting started as a leader is, well, just that taking the step, the leap, the offer, the whatever. The most empowering words a female mentor ever gave me welches just go and I pass it on any chance I get, she explains. Just try it. Take the job. Make the leap. Dont overthink it. Dont second guess yourself. Trust that you are were brought to this moment for a reason and that you have what it takes because you were and you do.Surround yourself with interesting women.And not only in your own industry, but in others that evoke your creative flow, too. The owner and creative director at the Rose Gold Collective Sarah Sebastian, says your tribe is everything, and more you work together - instead of against one another - the happier youll be in your career. Having a mindset of collaboration will help reshape the workplace and support more women executives, she shares. We can learn so much from women in other industries that can provide universal creative solutio ns.Your age has nothing to do with your ability.When Meryl Draper, the CEO and co-founder of Quirk Creative started her company she welches only 24 years old. At the time, she was worried her clients would think she was too junior to lead an ad agency. After she removed that limiting belief, she actually found the opposite. Instead, she realized actions and talent spoke much louder than the date on her birth certificate, and applied that knowledge to many facets of her business. Its the advice shed give to all hiring managers I dont care how old you are or how many years of experience you have, only that youre confident you can get the job done.Always be adaptable.Once you reach the manager level, finding your footing is often a foreign experience. Even if you excel in your skills, the process of teaching others to hone their individual talents and guide their working style takes practice, according to the chief product officer at HelloFresh, Stacy Gordon. Embrace an adaptable leade rship style to better understand and meet the individual needs of your team. There may be some team members that do their best work independently and you shouldnt micromanage or opposite, while with others you may need to provide more hands-on support, she explains.Take learning into your own hands.For the CEO of Three Girls Media, Erika Taylor Montgomery, sitting still was never an option. In fact, she credits her success to her self-motivated commitment to learning, right from the start. When I was coming up in my two careers I had to seek out mentors, ask my supervisors unending questions and read everything I could to expand my knowledge. Without being so proactive I would not have advanced in my careers and ultimately wouldnt have been able to start my own marketing business, she shared. Even if you dont have entrepreneurial goals (just yet, anyway), you can apply this mindset to fully immersing yourself in your industry to strengthen your skill set and expand your network.Be w illing to negotiate.Even if you prefer to be behind the scenes instead of center stage - when it comes to your career, your title, your salary, the managing partner and co-leader of Witt/Kieffers Healthcare practice, Donna Padilla says its up to you to shine. After all, if you dont stand up for what you deserve, youll never earn it. It is to the benefit of the individual woman and the entire company when a female leader is a strong negotiator. If you have the skills to negotiate successfully for yourself, you will also be able to advocate well for the company that you lead, she says.Dont be in a hurry to find success.Though instant gratification is an enticing pipe dream, its one that wont fulfill you quite as much as all of the grit and hard work thats actually required for success. As Kylie Carlson, the CEO of the Academy of Wedding and Event Planning reminds, no businesses - or careers - are built overnight. Remember it is a marathon and not a sprint and the chance of instant success is unlikely, so slow and steady does it. Be ready to work harder than youve ever worked before. And remember failure can be your best friend. Some of my best successes have come on the heels of failure, so learn from it, dust yourself off and carry on, she shares.

How to Work Remotely, and Successfully

How to Work Remotely, and Successfully How to Work Remotely, and Successfully Working from home may sound like a dream-come-true for some, but it’s not all about relaxation. Are you up for the challenge of staying on-task while away from office? Before hitting that “apply” button, it’s always best to compare a company’s offered benefits against your own set of job-happiness requirements.For example, if having the ability to work from home has moved up from a “wouldn’t-that-be nice” perk to a total necessity, then congratulations - you’re joining many like-minded professionals.As VP of People at Trello, I’ve seen this growing trend firsthand. Trello is currently 44 employees, with 22 in our New York City headquarters and 22 working remotely around the world. On average, we’re hiring two to three new employees per month at an equal HQ-to-remote ratio.But we’re not the only company who’s become plugged into this new remote-friendly culture. And it’s not just in tech; across all industries, talent decision-makers are realizing that in order to attract and acquire top prospective employees, you need to cast a wider net.From the recent college graduate to the candidate with 20+ years’ experience, employees (and companies) are seeing the benefits of being able to work from home. Home, by the way, can even mean renting a house in Key West for a month to escape a soul-crushing winter. Why not? If work is getting done, let’s allow our employees to be as happy as possible.Working from home, however, requires a different skillset and work ethic than working in-house. A productive in-office employee might not be as productive at home, or vice versa. A magical employee who is productive regardless of location does exist, but not everyone may be as adaptable.How can you utilize this perk? What does it take to be a successful remote employee? I asked some of the best ones I know, my remote coworkers. They quickly and energetically provided me with some invaluable tips useful for anyone debating whether or not remote empl oyment is right for them.Establish a routineSticking to a schedule is key. If you normally arrive at the office by 8 a.m., then start your remote day by 8 a.m. Be sure to take a proper lunch break. Go for a ten-minute afternoon walk. End your work day when you would normally leave the office.Doing this gives your work days the structure necessary to perform effectively. Nighttime plans or a post-workday reward routine will also help keep you focused during the day and on-schedule.Keep consistent hours if possible, and have some kind of presence indicator (in your company’s chat, for example) so that people can see you’re available. People can’t physically see you, so they need another way to know that you’re ready for work. If your schedule varies, make your schedule, presence, and interruptibility as visible, accessible and known as possible to your colleagues. (They need to be aware of when they can bug you about random things!)Be conscious of when you’re most productive , and divide tasks appropriately. If your work requires you to be “heads down,” perhaps shoot for afternoon meetings and do heavy lifting in the mornings.Your routine sets the tone for the day. If chat or emails lead you down a rabbit hole of “wasting time,” try avoiding checking emails too much, at least until the afternoon. Set up a routine that works best for you.Limit distractionsA dedicated work area really helps to separate work and home life, and lessens the inevitable distractions that working remotely can cause.Having a private space with a door that closes is a must.Make your surroundings inspiring for you! You spend more time in your home office than anywhere else, so create a positive environment.You can occasionally take a laptop into other areas outside of your dedicated work space, but have that be the exception, not the norm.Boundaries need to be established if others will also be home while you work. Figure out the most respectful way to interrupt each other . For some text message works best, for others it’s G-chat.Over-communicate keep connectedSchedule frequent one-on-ones or check-ins with people who are supposed to know what you’re working on. Use video calls for this.Also,chat with your co-workers! It can sometimes feel lonely working remotely, especially if you’ve never done it before. Whether it’s discussing your latest project or just talking about last night’s “Game of Thrones,” chatting with your coworkers will make you feel like you’re connected.Be an effective, thorough and reliable communicator. Don’t send vague emails or chat messages about your project. Don’t disappear for 15 minutes from a chat conversation that you’re having. You no longer have the ease of walking over to talk to your coworker, so be clear in what you’re saying and asking.It’s helpful to replicate some office chat that doesn’t happen otherwise. Follow coworkers on social media to remind yourself that you work with real huma ns and not just chat avatars.Over-communicate! You may have to work a touch harder to keep an emotional pulse on what’s going on with each member of the team, but it’s crucial to have regular virtual meetings with everyone to ensure you’re all headed in the same direction. Also, don’t assume you know the intended tone of someone’s email or chat post. If it SEEMS hostile or weird, get on a video call with them as soon as possible.Have an easy-to-use video chat with screen share that you can get to quickly (e.g. appear.in ). Own a chatroom that you can easily link to the chat. Invest in a good, dependable platform. You use it every day; it’s worth it.Stay alert activeGet dressed like you would if you were going out for the day. A common pitfall of remote employees is the whole, “Hey, I can work in my pajamas from under my covers!” After the novelty wears off, however, you can fall into a rut. Dressing as though you’re going into the office can really give you a boos t.Exercise before, during or after work is also beneficial for mental and physical health, as well as keeping focused at work. You may want to consider a treadmill desk to make up for the fact that you’re not walking to work or lunch anymore.And don’t be intimidated â€" it’s perfectly fine to goof off with coworkers for a few minutes on video chat. Trust me, you’re doing this less than on-site employees, and time spent goofing off with other employees is not really time wasted.You’re going to be smiling and laughing less at work as a result of being alone, and spending less time around your coworkers. Do something to make yourself laugh. Listen to comedy albums, or take short comedy clip breaks.Deliver consistent resultsWhen you work remotely, your focus has to be on getting things done that are visible to others in the company. This should be the case for on-site employees as well.But keep in mind, when you work in an office, sometimes you can get away with just being vis ible, and not necessarily making your work visible or conveying daily progress. With remote work, the need to consistently deliver results is even higher, because nobody sees you every day â€" and they can’t see you actually working.So next time you read that “remote-friendly” job description, do an honest assessment of yourself and the skills needed to get the job done. If the above makes you think, “Yeah, I can do that,” then go for it! Book that house in Key West and live the remote dream!

3 Professional Contacts You Dont Need in Your Network - The Muse

3 Professional Contacts You Dont Need in Your Network - The Muse 3 Professional Contacts You Dont Need in Your Network Everyone has that fantasy about their last day at a horrible company- the day when they can finally send that email to the entire team, outlining everything that’s wrong with the organizational structure, with the way annual goals are formed, and more specifically, with the person you report to. Then that day comes and you instead send out a short, sweet email promising to keep in touch with everyone. (Here’s my personal Gmail! you type, to drive the point home.) And you do that because it’s the smart choice. While your original draft may have been chock-full of brutal truths the CEO needs to hear- it would also probably burn all your bridges. And from day one in the professional world, we’re told not to burn bridges. After all, you never know when you’ll need to reach out to an old boss to ask for a reference. Or, email a former colleague who now has major pull at your dream company. Or, even an intern who showed up late every day but currently works for your career idol. But, what if there are bridges you need to burn? What if (metaphorically) setting a fire to a few professional connections could make your life a whole lot easier? Well, I’m here to tell you that there are people you absolutely should break up with, professionally speaking, and it will indeed make your life easier. Better yet, you can do it so nicely that you won’t actually burn any bridges at all. So, with no further ado, here are three people you should bid adieu to this year: 1. The Former Co-worker You Have Nothing in Common With The two of you originally bonded over your insane boss’ rambling emails and insistence upon keeping you up to date on his ailing hamster’s health. Before long your friendship evolved from the “Hi!” Gchat to the “Let’s grab drinks after work” text to the “My friends asked if we’re dating because I talk about you so much” conversation. Truth be told, you couldn’t get through your day without him. But then, three jobs later, you realize over your monthly happy hour that you actually have nothing in common. At all. Turns out that getting nostalgic over your manager’s hamster eulogy isn’t that funny anymore, and you find yourself resorting to weather talk before the drinks are even done. Burn That Bridge Look, your former co-worker probably feels the same way. The two of you are just doing this out of habit now. So, while you don’t want to just go MIA, you can pull the “I’m so busy” card the next time he suggests you hang out. (And if needed, once more after that.) Trust me: He’ll be relieved, and you’ll be off the hook. And if that doesn’t do the trick, wean your way down from monthly meetups to quarterly to yearly. 2. The Networker Who Won’t Leave You Alone You agreed to meet with a recent grad from your college last fall. And she was great- asking relevant, researched questions about your field, inquiring about your career path, and thanking you for your time. You left the coffee date on good terms and told her you’d keep an eye out for any positions you think would be a good fit. However, she decided the best way to keep in touch was to email weekly to ask broad career questions, see which of your LinkedIn contacts would be best for her to reach out to, and inquire about any upcoming openings in your department. Burn That Bridge It’s time for a little tough love. Obviously this person thinks highly of you and is trying to impress you with her go-getter-ness. It would be endearing, if it wasn’t so annoying. So, do her a favor and offer a little professional networking advice. Tell her this isn’t the best way to keep in touch, and you’d hate for her to- get ready for it- burn any bridges. While she may be embarrassed, she’ll ultimately appreciate the advice. And hopefully, leave you alone. 3. The Colleagues You Only Talked to Because You Had To While there are plenty of people in your office you trust and respect- there are others you only speak to because you need to. Such is life when you’re an adult. Maybe it’s the company publicist who’s the only one on the team who can book event space, or perhaps it’s the tech consultant who you email when the site crashes at 3 AM. Regardless of who it is, it’s someone you inevitably end up developing a relationship with. Someone who feels comfortable enough to friend you on Facebook. And someone you’re obligated to invite to your party because the rest of the team’s coming, too. Before you know it, this person you don’t love (to say the least) is a part of your social life. Burn That Bridge While you shouldn’t immediately block this person on Facebook the second you quit, you can take him off your list of people you’re obligated to be friends with. That means you don’t have to invite him to your birthday festivities, your housewarming party, or a casual drinks get-together. While you shouldn’t go out of your way to be exclusive, you’re allowed to remove him from your mental friends listserv. While you should never go out of your way to end professional relationships, it is OK to let some fall to the wayside. Assuming you’re a smart and ambitious hard worker, you’re most likely racking up a number of great connections as you climb that career ladder. So, losing a few people along the way won’t destroy your chances of moving onward and upward. And if you think I’m wrong, let me know on Twitter. Photo of matches courtesy of Shutterstock.

Navigating the transition from college to career

Navigating the transition from college to career Navigating the transition from college to career I’m attending my 10-year college reunion this weekend in Providence, RI, where I’m excited to reconnect with old classmates and host  a #BossedUpBook Tour stop  with my college bestie, Vanessa.If you or anyone you know is in the area, please feel free to join me on  Saturday, May 25 at 11 am here.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!As I see so many happy graduates proudly posing with diplomas this time of year, I’m reminded of all the things I’ve learned over the past decade about making that transition. It’s a big shift. All our lives up until graduation day we’ve been mastering the art of performing, perfecting, and pleasing others. Life after graduation requires a few big mindset shifts that I wish I’d known about earlier. I share a lot of those lessons learned in my new book, Bossed Up, but here are the top take-aways I want every new grad to keep in mind.Make Your Own SyllabusThe days of figuring out what the professor wants from you and then going home to put your nose to the grindstone and deliver it are officially behind you. The workforce rewards a more proactive approach: the kind of person who sees a need and fills it; who steps up to make things better, even if that means trying something new or different; who speaks up assertively. Don’t wait to be handed a rubric for success, because more often than not, it’s not coming.Everything is NegotiableAs students, we’re conditioned to follow the rules. But outside the confines of academic life, things are often more negotiable than they might seem. Got a job offer that you like but don’t love?  Ask for more! Have a work schedule that makes getting to the dentist or doctor near-impossible? Ask for the flexibility you need.My sister, Isabel â€" who’s 11 years younger than me â€" recently landed an internship here in Colorado for the summer. The office she’s working in initial ly offered her only 2 days of work a week, but when she learned that her college would only provide a summer stipend if she worked more than that, she was feeling stuck. I encouraged her to ask for what she needed to make it all work and what do ya know â€" they were happy to alter their initial plans.Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you don’t, no one will for you.Build in Your Own BreaksPart of the reason I found myself  burning out  before the age of 25 is because I was waiting for the end of a semester that was never going to arrive! Life after college doesn’t come with the built-in breaks that students become accustomed to. If you’re waiting for permission to take a break, you’re going to be waiting for a long time. Look at each week, month, and quarter in life after college and build in time for breaks.Find people and activities that leave you feeling refreshed and make them a priority. Take a vacation â€" even  a mini one  or a staycation â€" every three to six months. Schedule reminders for dentist appointments and annual check-ups. Learn to set a budget and spend time learning how to make the best financial choices you can. Part of #adulting means learning to take care of yourself, and the reality is: that takes time. Only you are going to make the time, so be proactive about building in breaks.Seek Out the Support You NeedYou know how most colleges have career centers and high schools have guidance counselors? Well, in life after school, you’re on your own, kid.I’m only partially kidding. Here’s the scoop: some of your peers are going to have the privilege of coming from families with connections and friends in high places who can open doors for them. If that’s the position you’re in â€" use it. If you’re like me â€" having family connections was never really my experience â€" you can still take the initiative to  land meetings with important people  who can influence your career trajectory. It takes time, effort, and some skill to learn  how to connect with people,  but it is  important.It’s not enough to be good at your job. To really cultivate the career you want, you’re going to have to build your network, grow your power and influence, and not be shy about seeking out support.Want more guidance on navigating the college to career transition?Pick up your copy of my new book,  Bossed Up,  and then register to join me for  my upcoming webinar  for recent grads on how to transition from college to career coming up on Thursday, June 13.This article first appeared on Bossed Up.  You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

Cover Letter Paragraph and Margin Guidelines

Cover Letter Paragraph and Margin Guidelines Cover Letter Paragraph and Margin Guidelines Every resume you send out to a potential employer should be accompanied by a tailored, well-crafted cover letter. Most hiring managers will review cover letters in order to decide whether it’s worth their time to continue on to read the attached resumes. Thus, your cover letter is your “teaser” â€" the all-important first introduction that explains why you are a candidate they need to seriously consider hiring. When writing  cover letters, your paragraphs should be concise, grammatically flawless, and should focus on your qualifications for the job. Ideally, they should also convey an impression of your own unique personality. Cover Letter Paragraph Guidelines A cover letter should include three paragraphs: IntroductionBody/Selling PitchConclusion The first paragraph  explains why you are writing. It is your first impression and should contain a basic explanation of who you are and why you are writing. It is also acceptable to describe how you found the position (through job boards? LinkedIn or Craigslist postings? a recommendation from a professional contact?) or why you are interested in the job. The second paragraph, known as the  body of the cover letter, explains why you are qualified for the position. It is the part of the letter where it is most appropriate to highlight your experience, skills, and attributes that make you a perfect candidate for the job.  Don’t restate your entire resume; rather, focus on the most important factors that make you desirable. Because you don’t have a lot of space for elaboration in your cover letter, the best way to choose which qualifications and experience you should highlight is to use the employer’s job announcement as your guide. Take note of the top attributes they list in their ad’s “Qualifications Section,” and make sure you mention examples that demonstrate how your knowledge, experience, or training has prepared you to fulfill these requirements.   It can be quite eye-catching to incorporate a bulleted section within this second paragraph that provides examples that quantify, through the use of percentages, numbers, or dollar figures, the contributions you’ve made in this job role for previous employers.   The third paragraph  is a brief conclusion thanking the employer for their time and consideration. This is where you should enthusiastically reiterate your interest in the position and describe how you will next follow up.   Be sure to leave a space between each paragraph in your cover letter. Cover Letter Margin Settings When writing a cover letter for a job, the ideal margins should be approximately 1 all around. The left and right margin should be set at 1 and the top and bottom margins should also be set at 1.  This gives your cover letter an uncluttered look and provides plenty of white space, which helps with readability. You should align your text to the left; this is how most documents are aligned, so it will make your letter readable. When  You Need More Space for the Letter If you have more text than fits on a single page, you can tighten up the margins slightly rather than writing a two-page letter. Keep the margins consistent, so your letter is balanced on the page. For example, if you adjust all the margins to .70 it will give you more lines and space for the letter content. Another option is to reduce the left and right margin to .70 and leave the top at 1”. Try several options to see which looks best. When You Need Less Space for the Letter If your letter is short, you can make the margins larger, so the letter looks balanced on the page without too much white space. In that case, try 1.5” for each of the margins. How to Adjust Page Margin Settings in Microsoft Word Here’s how to adjust the margins in Word: Select  Page Layout Margins Normal  (for 1” margins).There are a variety of other selections, or you can set your own margins by selecting Page Layout  Margins Custom. How to Adjust Page Margin Settings in Google Docs Here’s how to adjust the margins in Google Docs: Select  File Page Set Up.You can adjust all the margins (left, right, top and bottom) from this window. How to Write a Cover Letter Need more tips? Check out this additional information about how to write a cover letter, including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

45% of employees have seen a colleague get harassed at work

45% of employees have seen a colleague get harassed at work 45% of employees have seen a colleague get harassed at work Recent data from international specialist insurer Hiscox shows that 45% of employees have seen a colleague get harassed at work, with 42% of people in this pool saying that they didn’t speak up about it.  In addition, 78% of those accused of harassment at work are men and 73% of those who’ve been harassed say the person who did it had a  had a higher-level job than them.  Overall, 35% of employees “feel they have been harassed at work” â€" 41% for women.Here are the most common ways people get harassedAlthough the study notes that  â€œmany claims cite multiple forms of harassment,” here are the ways this happens the most frequently: “Gender/Sex:” 50% “Race/Ethnicity:” 17% “Religion:” 15% “Sexual Orientation:” 13% “Age:” 13% The study â€" carried out by Wakefield Research, who surveyed 500 American, adult, full-time workers â€"  shows that 36% of employers don’t have “anti-harassment training” for their workers. Still, 51% of workers say that their workplaces have put “new policies related to workplace harassment” into place over the last year. But the report then added that “25% of respondents say the new policies were the result of social movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp.”Patrick Mitchell, Management Liability Product Head at Hiscox USA, commented on the research in a statement:“As the spotlight on workplace harassment intensifies, companies must be aware of the peril they face by ignoring this issue … Businesses of all sizes face steep financial, reputational, and workforce consequences if they fail to take steps to prevent, detect and mitigate inappropriate behavior in the workplace,” he said.Here’s why people don’t speak up about harassment at workKeep in mind that respo ndents had the option to pick more than one reason: “Fear of hostile work environment:” 53% “Fear of retaliation from employer:” 46% “Fear management wouldn’t properly handle the situation:” 39% “Fear of retaliation from the harasser(s):” 33% How to stop harassment from happening in the officeUnfortunately, some of this behavior is inevitable at work, but the study includes some points on how to stop it from happening in the workplace. One of the recommendations is to engage in the process of “educating your employees about harassment: what it is, how to avoid it and how to report it if it happens.” Another is to start “maintaining a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment, and making sure all of your employees are aware of it. This policy should be in writing, and each employee should sign to indicate they have received and read it.”

Job Seekers, Watch Out Reshipping Job Scams

Job Seekers, Watch Out Reshipping Job Scams Job Seekers, Watch Out Reshipping Job Scams 6 For those unfamiliar with reshipping scams, here’s how it works: you apply to a job posting for a company (usually U.S.-based) as a “reshipper.” You will receive packages at your home that are often filled with tech devices such as laptops, iPhones, etc. You’ll open these packages, sometimes testing to ensure that they work, and then repackage them and ship them to an overseas location. Seems fairly legit, right? Wrong. The packages contain items that have been purchased with stolen credit cards. But why would these items be sent to you and not to another address? Well, the scammers need someone (i.e., a mule) to help them smuggle the goods out of the country. If that weren’t bad enough, you’re also asked to fill out a W-2 or a 1099 form that includes, you guessed it, your personal information such as your name, address, social security number, and bank account. Not only are you at risk of having your information stolen (and then used to purchase similar items that you’re repackaging), but you could potentially get sued for your part in a crime (i.e., robbery) or even mail fraud, since the postage labels for reshipping can also be bogus. And if you do receive a check, it will most likely be counterfeit, so you won’t get paid for your work. Here are some tips on how to spot the warning signs of reshipping job scams: Know the lingo. If you want to make sure that you don’t fall prey to a reshipping scam, as this local news story describes, you first need to know how the job scammers advertise for the position. While they might list the job ad as a reshipper, that term has now become synonymous with job scams. So you might come across a job description for a “merchandising manager” or a “package processing assistant.” Some of the duties might include receiving, processing, and mailing packages to a foreign address using pre-paid postage mailing labels that are provided by email. So keep an eye out for these job titles or responsibilities in order to steer clear of a reshipping scam. Use common sense. If you come across a job description for a reshipper, you should ask yourself this: why would a company pay me to open a box and then ship it to another location? Wouldn’t it make more sense to simply ship it directly? Companies worldwide often offer free shipping, so to have a package shipped twice doesn’t add up. Before you apply for any job, read through the job description carefully, and use your judgment. If any part of it doesn’t make sense or seems dodgy, stay away! Use reputable job search boards. Job scammers are slick- they advertise on big job search boards because they want to attract the most people (i.e., victims) to apply and “work” for them. That’s why you should always use niche job search boards, particularly when you’re looking for work-at-home jobs, which is what the reshipping scam is. Sites like ensure that each and every job is hand-screened to avoid any potential job scams. You can browse hand-screened flexible jobs in over 50 categories by visiting our jobs page. Contact the BBB. Let’s say you find a job posting with a company that seems pretty amazing. There aren’t any real red flags to be concerned about, but you still want to make sure you’re not innocently falling into a job scam. You should absolutely contact the Better Business Bureau, particularly if you’re applying for a job with a company you haven’t heard of before. And if scammers claim to work for a large, well-known company, you can always contact that company’s HR department directly to make sure the job you’re applying for is real- and not a job scam. Readers, have you ever been the victim of reshipping job scams or seen ads for jobs like this? Let us know what happened in the comments below!

6 Social Media Tips & Tools to Help You Land Your Dream Job

6 Social Media Tips & Tools to Help You Land Your Dream Job 6 Social Media Tips & Tools to Help You Land Your Dream Job 6 Social Media Tips & Tools to Help You Land Your Dream Job Make sure your social media profiles support your professional brand, rather than weaken it. [TWEET] Finding your dream job not only requires the perfect resume and cover letter, appropriate attire for the occasion, and a polished interview strategy, it also takes a well-crafted social media presence. In fact, a study by Jobvite found that 93 percent recruiters will review a candidate's social profiles before making a hiring decision. Hiring managers and recruiters will search for you on Google,Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for keys to your personality. Here are some of the most common social media tips and tools to manage your online activities and make sure your social appearance matches your resume. Hootsuite Hootsuite is a freemium online software designed to manage multiple social media accounts in one place. It can be a pain to spend time logging in and out of your social media networks to update a few posts a day and build your personal brand. To simplify things, consider this social media tip: by putting all of those networks in one dashboard, you can streamline your workflow. And don't forget to build saved searches using specific hashtags. Click on the following link to view a list of must-follow hashtags for job seekers. Buffer Buffer is very similar to Hootsuite, but it allows you to schedule more than one post at any time. With the free account, you can connect one profile for each social platformTwitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn, and you can store or schedule up to 10 concurrent posts for each profile. Use it to schedule engagement with brands and companies that you want to impress. Schedule retweets from those organizations' official handles or from a recruiter's handle to help draw attention to yourself and pace those posts over the course of a day or week. IFTTT If This Then That (IFTTT) allows you to connect seemingly unconnected applications, through a super simple interface, to put your social life on autopilot. This open-sourced, online software has more features than other automated websites. But it can be a bit confusing at times. If you need a little push in your job hunt, there are even ways to set reminders to look for new jobs. Clear This is one of the most important social media tips because one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make with social media is misunderstanding the privacy settings. Facebook is notorious for changing privacy rules and not alerting users. While the general rule still applies don't post it if you don't want your mother to see it there are other tools to protect you. Clear was developed by a former chief technology officer for Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush who ultimately lost his job because of things found in his public social feeds. He built this app, which can safely scour your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts to find potentially job-costing pictures and posts. Twitter Advanced Search Twitter's advanced search function allows you to search hundreds of millions of 140-character posts going out each day. You can set your eyes on target companies and determine if they're a good fit. Retweeting those posts is also a great way to show your interest. Search for hashtags like #jobs within a particular distance of you. Your Resume Yes, your resume still has a stronghold on earning you the job. Your resume is one of the most valuable tools in your job-hunt arsenal and can open doors for you through social channels in ways you might not have known. Make sure you have an up-to-date, keyword-driven resume on sites like LinkedIn. Regularly follow LinkedIn tips for job seekers so that the next time you log in, your next job will find you instead of the other way around. Need more personal branding tips?Our expert resume writers can help.

Students March 20 is the Deadline to Apply for an ASME Scholarship

Students March 20 is the Deadline to Apply for an ASME Scholarship Students March 20 is the Deadline to Apply for an ASME Scholarship Students: March 20 is the Deadline to Apply for an ASME Scholarship The ASME Foundation and the ASME Auxiliary will offer more than $180,000 in scholarships to ASME student members for the upcoming school year. The deadline for applying for one of 45 undergraduate and graduate scholarships is March 20, however. So if youre interested, visit go.asme.org/scholarships, click the Apply button, and fill out an online application now. ASME student members in good standing can login to the ASME Scholarship application using their ASME member number and the e-mail address on record with ASME. Applicants must be accepted and enrolled in an ABET-accredited university for the upcoming academic year beginning this fall. Scholarships available for undergraduate students this year include one $13,000 Kenneth Andrew Roe Scholarship, one $11,000 ASME Foundation Scholar award, up to three $5,000 Nuclear Engineering Division Scholarships, up to two $5,000 Garland Duncan Scholarships, and two $4,000 Melvin R. Green Scholarships. Six ASME Scholarships are open to student members pursuing graduate degrees: the Willis F. Thompson Memorial Scholarship, the ASME/Virginia Tech Memorial Scholarship, the Kate Gleason Scholarship, the Bruce J. Heim Foundation Scholarship, the Marjorie Roy Rothermel Scholarship, and the Elisabeth M. and Winchell M. Parsons Scholarship. For details on the various ASME Scholarships available to student members, to learn more about the scholarship program, or to fill out the online application, visit go.asme.org/scholarships.

Why No One Is Discussing Failure Resume and What You Need to be Doing Today

Why No One Is Discussing Failure Resume and What You Need to be Doing Today My third and last pregnancy miscarried. According to a lot of eminent psychologists, women have a tendency to be very expressive. If you practice meditation regularly, you are going to be amazed by how you're able to condition your brain and accomplish your goals faster. Because the kid would like to be regarded as a huge girl, she alters her behavior. It is possible to connect to yourself very easily as soon as the period of failure stuck. Be honest once you create your failure resume. A failure resume is a superb way to understand how you succeed. Your failures assist you in finding yourself. Failure resumes also are a really significant part a prosperous life. Failures are needed to make your living an amazing experience. They also take part in it. Examining our failures is the sole means to recognize and overcome our blind spots. The Foolproof Failure Resume Strategy My main learning revolved around the creation of the proper leadership context to drive any kind of sustainable change inside an organisation. You truly begin to feel worse initially. Courage is actually just taking action. The leadership company is booming. If you're anything like me, you attempt to place a failure out of your mind as fast as possible. The largest mistake you can possibly make in life is to be continually fearing you'll make one. For all of us, feeling to be an imposter is the norm! Another instance is the fear of danger. So being out there teaches execution as you can still keep working on your merchandise. When it has to do with the demand for the user to comprehend the s ystem he interacts with, opinions vary. There's value in frictions since they allow us to understand the systems that we're dealing with everyday and learn that which we need to be able to master new skills. If you get a rough time attempting to find your ideal payment gateway, consider the fundamental parameters that define the ease of a payment processor. The Hidden Gem of Failure Resume Drop-in is the simplest way to start. Perhaps you're not quite prepared to utilize your failure resume as a means to have a job, but there are other public examples that you may look to for inspiration. What it does in the very long run by putting yourselves out there in the industry is it pushes you to work out a good deal of different things necessary to run a company and sustain success. Consider the worst approach to receive a job. You can acquire the most fabulous idea on the planet, but execution matters. Back then, it wasn't a perfect time to try to make it like a food writer. For some, death is not a great thing since they cannot fathom the concept of not existing. The Little-Known Secrets to Failure Resume It's possible for you to learn how to concentrate on more positive emotions. All people don't behave in exactly the same fashion and therefore there are different communication styles at work. Individuals that are deciding on the best initiatives and are eager to execute them. Or their acceptance in the very first location. By comparison, men look calmer and don't show emotion. Therefore, they might wonder as to why women need to talk so much as they normally do. So every time a man turns away and starts looking at different areas of the room, women have a tendency to think that he's not interested in what's being discussed. Both women and men have very different methods of listening to a con versation. A woman might not have a good idea of whether what she is saying is needed. If you would like to spread the great word on Grit, please click on the green heart below. The things you learn from your failure resume divides them in a little area of the information and apply that small role in your life and adhere to this procedure until the entire task is finished. The dashboard prototype was created through iterations. Keep the track of all of the changes you're making. In a nutshell, it's among the easiest approaches to cover anything in an app, across any gadget. One other important thing about any payment processor is, naturally, security. In case you have any questions, don't be afraid to get in touch with us for more details. Real payment data will not operate in the sandbox. You may also opt to create a personalized UI and after that tokenize the payment information directly. New Ideas Into Failure Resume Never Before Revealed If you dare and is able to ensure it is public. You must be unique (one might even say quaint) in order to be noticed. Thse steps have to be done ASAP or you're just wasting your time. It will be six times provided that your regular CV.

The Benefits of Free Modern Resume Templates

The Benefits of Free Modern Resume Templates The Characteristics of Free Modern Resume Templates Career Perfect is a great supply of resume advice and seems to have a superb reputation online too. Employing the right resume format is vital in quickly draw in the eye of a prospective employer. They all are absolutely beautiful! Try to remember a modern font is ideal for impressing a modern employer. It's full editable and simple to edit. A modern resume ought to be simple to read and attractively designed. The freebie includes a PSD file and all the layers are named and grouped perfectly and simple to customize to satisfy your needs. It is possible to also alter the font if you wish (and the exact same goes for every single template in our list). Our free resume templates arrive in two kinds of layouts. The upcoming free resume template was created in the shape of a brochure. What's Really Happening with Free Modern Resume Templates Open sans will get the job done nicel y as an alternate font choice. As soon as you have modified the standard resume template that you found on the internet, make it simple on your upcoming self and save a number of versions of your resume. Once you have selected your perfect resume template from our selection, follow our completely free expert guidance about ways to craft the ideal modern resume. You can pick the template which is suitable for your preference together with requirements. Surely, you don't need to bore your possible employer with lifeless simple resume. Capture the eye of all possible recruiters with the perfect resume. When you're asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you require a resume template you may inject a little more personality into to make it pop'. Modern resumes like your modern CV should be job specific to stick out from the remainder of the basic resumes submitted. The Free Modern Resume Templates Chronicles It is possible to download the resume template a t no cost and can readily edit the template using Microsoft word. The template can be used with Microsoft Word together with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. It includes two resume pages as well as a cover letter template and can easily be edited and customized with your choice of fonts and colors. The templates are extremely simple to edit and are totally layered. The effective use of layout permits the applicant to showcase an all-inclusive info about themselves. The clean and easy design can help you to clearly show your skills, portfolio items in an outstanding way. A gorgeous, minimal and user-friendly template which you can edit depending on your abilities and experience. The majority of the templates are supplied by named, resume writing specialists and thus the quality is extremely good. Free Modern Resume Templates All the layers were created carefully which may help you to construct a professional resume within a really brief moment. Business cards are also incl uded to finish the look. Each one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. Most Noticeable Free Modern Resume Templates Since you may see, there's a wide selection of freebies to select from. What's also cool about our hand-picked selection is the simple fact that numerous packages include bonuses like cover letters or company cards. As a result of the use of the 2 columns, all entries are scannable and extremely apparent. 7 Another completely free Word resume example made by MOO together with Microsoft. Free Modern Resume Templates for Dummies There are lots of free creative resume templates you'll be able to use, allowing you to focus your energy on everything else you should do. Perhaps it's that you're attempting to force all the most impressive aspects of yourself onto a very small white rectangle, or the simple fact that, like it or not, resumes are among the most significant elements of the work search, second just to the intro email. You're able to conduct research regarding its drinks and food provided by going to the bar during your spare time. Avoid messing up the dates, especially when you have been unemployed for a lengthy moment. There's no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better likelihood of standing from the crowd even supposing it's made utilizing a template. How well you layout your resume is essential to increasing your likelihood of getting hired. No matter if it's your very first job resume or not, it's important to know that any resume should have 5 essential elements. Ensure you didn't miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about!

Kids, Work and Best Resume Templates Free

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