10 Job Search Tips in a Down Market - Your Career Intel

10 Job Search Tips in a Down Market - Your Career IntelThe national job market has been on an up and down roller-coaster since the 2008 Recession, and the market here in Houston is no exception. With many jobs tied closely to the oil and gas industry, Houston job seekers continue to face challenges finding new positions in todays down market.As a Senior Executive Search Consultant with more than 18 years of experience with chemical, energy, engineering and automation companies, Ive watched even highly qualified professionals struggle to get their foot in the door.The job search strategy that works during boom times wont work in a down market. The marketplace is crowded with more talent searching for work at top companies. These companies are also more cautious in their hiring, so youll need to work harder to stand out from the competition and make a positive impression on hiring managers.Need a leg up in Houstons competitive job market? Brush up on your resume and interview preparati on with these essential tips for successStrengthen your resumeQuantify and contextualize success. Its not enough to list exceeded ausverkauf expectations on your resume. How did you exceed these expectations? Include personal success metrics and broader company/industry context for these metrics (e.g., increased year-on-year sales by 54% when industry-wide sales dropped by 22%).Explain how you add value. List specific examples of how you have saved your current employer or clients money, improved their ROI, or proactively identified and corrected a problem.Include professional and community affiliations. Strong community and industry ties can be seen as a bonus during the hiring process. Do you volunteer with a community group? Are you active in a professional organization? Include these affiliations and activities on your resume.Limit your resume to two pages. Include the month and year when you started and ended your employment for each position listed.Pre-interview prepDo your re search. Brush up on relevant market trends. What are the major opportunities and challenges facing the company? How does your past experience uniquely qualify you to take on these challenges? An interviewer may assess your capabilities and work ethic based on the amount of research and preparation youve done for the interview.Practice answers to tough questions. If you are currently employed, youll likely be asked, Why do you want to change jobs? Even if money is a major factor in your decision, never state this as your primary reason. Focus instead on your desire to expand your technical skill set, improve your leadership skills, or gain exposure to new markets.Be early. Without fail, traffic or a confusing address/location will make you zustrom behind schedule on interview day. Plan to arrive early and give yourself a comfortable cushion. In a down job market, something as simple as arriving late for the interview could eliminate you from the running.Dress for success. Professiona l attire not only reflects your personality but also your attitude towards the company and the job. How you present yourself is a visual representation of your overall personal brand make it a positive impressionBe organized. Bring a professional binder with you including a notepad, pen and at least four copies of your resume. If you will be sharing samples of work during the interview, organize these samples in advance and ensure you have multiple copies.Treat every interaction like an interview. Everyone you meet at the interview site is a potential interviewer. Treat the receptionist who greets you with the saatkorn courtesy you would give your interviewer.This is the first part of a two-blog series.Do you have experience applying for jobs in a down market? I invite you to share your resume and interview tips below.

Competition Winner To Meet Scobleizer on Wednesday

Competition Winner To Meet Scobleizer on Wednesday Competition Winner To Meet Scobleizer on WednesdayFor those who have been following the WayUp blog, this summer has been all about competitions from ur best photo to shadowing Dave McClure, we have been doing our best to make-up for a summer without Olympics. One of the most heated competitions was to win a mentorship lunch with tech icon Robert Scoble, who has a penchant for helping visionary entrepreneurs share their product ideas and goals with the world.Today we are excited to announce Dimitry Lukashov as the winner of the Robert Scoble mentorship lunchDimitry is a recent CS grad from the University of Tulane, an active user on Quora, and Twitter, and during his undergraduate career published a paper on reducing technical redundancy at large institutions. He stood out for his thoughtfulness on personal growth and a desire to do something big in the tech industry.Tomorrow we are flying Dimitry from New York City to Silicon Valley and on Wednesday he will be meeting Robert Scoble at his home for lunch. He will be getting the opportunity to ask him burning questions about his future, the tech world, and what he has learned from speaking to industry leaders like Mark Zuckerberg.If you want to get involved, Dimitry knows he is not the only one with questions for Robert, and has decided to crowd source some answers, so if there are questions you would like him to ask Robert, feel free to tweet your questions to shpiel and wayupSearching for World Changing TechnologiesThere are a lot of reasons why we knew Robert Scoble would be the perfect candidate for this mentorship lunch, but perhaps the strongest is the in gleichem abstand nebeneinander we see in Scobles self proclaimed quest to surface world-changing technologies, and the quest we see students going through in trying to make the right career decisions before leaping into the professional world.Across the country students are asking big questions about thei r future and pondering trade-offs like big salary vs. company culture? Work life balance vs. intense professional growth? Working on a small team vs. a large established company?These are massive life decisions that require a great deal of research and reflection and we know that Robert, having spoken to thousands of entrepreneurs and executives and having traveled the world, can offer a great deal of feedback.Thanks to everyone who took the time to get involved in the competition, there were more phenomenal entrants than I could count. We are excited to share more about the experience on our blog next week and for those interested in seeing the footage of the interview, or who want to be part of any competitions in the future feel free to join our non-spammy (we promise) newsletter updates on the top right of this page.

A Secret Weapon for Excel Skills Resume

A Secret Weapon for Excel Skills Resume The Excel Skills Resume Game Key skills are work-related skills that you will need to do a job. Technical skills are either something youve got or you dont, but theyre always something which you are able to learn. You probably have the proper computer abilities. Job-specific skills vary dependent on the position. For that reason, its important to continue to keep your skills current and educate yourself on the numerous tools that excel must provide basic and advanced. Dont say youve advanced Excel skills as that will mean unique things to various individuals. Whatever job youre going to be doing, you can be sure your Excel skills will be helpful. Excel skills are sometimes a terrific boost to your career. Get the Scoop on Excel Skills Resume Before Youre Too Late Additionally, it is going to supply you with a type of the resume you can utilize to make your personal. If one of these categories is an area where you excel, visit its precise page to learn how resume skills may be used to your benefit. Plus, it is going to help you show off your very best PC skills easily A simple online search will end in a huge volume of information concerning the way to create a resume, ways to design a resume, how to impress businesses. The very best approach is going to be to learn what is necessary for you So, having the ability to drive is fruchtwein likely the top rated hard skill you have to have to do the job. By way of example, say youre applying for the job of dump truck driver. Perhaps your skill set is wholly different. Conditional Formatting is just one of the most well-known features of Excel. Excel is an extremely strong program employed by businesses all around the world. Microsoft Excel makes it a lot less difficult to interpret numbers and information that are necessary if you are going to be working in finance or accounting. Excel Skills Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone You will have to know all the most important keyboard shortcuts to help save time and build models as fast as possible. Apart from learning how to compose formulas and calculating things in excel, the main issue is in order to continue to keep your spreadsheet organized and present the results in a logical easy to comprehend manner. To make your spreadsheet simpler to understand, attempt to select one particular font and stay with it. Excel has various kinds of charts that may be employed to suit the requirement but most commonly used are bar and line charts which every accountant must understand how to do.

Open plan offices are so terrible that a new company is selling workplace tents

Open plan offices are so terrible that a new company is selling workplace tentsOpen plan offices are so terrible that a new company is selling workplace tentsIn an open office plan, you are surrounded by co-workers, buffeted by the winds of their noisy company, whether you like to hear it or not. A new device wants to offer you a one-person escape pod from the tyrannies of this setup.stopp Pod, which markets itself as the worlds first private pop up space suitable for all your relaxation needs, was launched as a Kickstarter campaign in April, and now can be bought in its prototype stage.The Sweden-based entrepreneurs said they were inspired by the blanket forts we used to build when growing up.It looks like a child-sized tent, it functions like a tent, so what makes it different than a tent? Thats the big question.Like other tents, Pause Pod uses light-reducing fabric, portability, easy pop-up construction, spacious pockets, and ventilated openings to keep you comfortable. Unlike mos t other tents, it also has a fold-out leg compartment so that you can stretch your limbs and become a living, breathing hazard on your office floor for bemused co-workers to step over.If youve always wanted a leg den for your indoor office needs, Pause Pod is the tent for you. For additional upgrades to your portable cave of solitude, you can get an ear mask and ear muff, also known as the Mini Pause.Testimonials of workers who have used Pause Pod say that it can function as a breather from the distractions of noisy, busy workplaces.Pause Pod is not the first gadget to attempt to disrupt the workforce with a promise of peace and quiet. There are nap tents for your desk and noise-blocking astronaut helmets you can take Skype calls on that make this grand promise, too.The promise of solitude has gained more traction in recent years as more of us are forced to reckon with each other outside of the closed comforts of rooms with doors.According to the International Management Facility As sociation, nearly three-quarters of U.S. employees work in open plan offices. And that frustrates us. A 2013 study found that public sounds were the biggest frustration for employees in open cubicles.So if youre ready to forsake your dignity for innerhalb peace, go ahead and pitch your tent. When your co-workers chatter is driving you to the edge of your sanity, an indoor tent that can buy you back some inner peace - at the cost, perhaps, of your dignity.

Why money actually can buy happiness (and how)

Why money actually can buy happiness (and how)Why money actually can buy happiness (and how)Okay, bear with me herbeie. Its true, money provides a whole lot of problems, and thats well known in psychology studies. Theres even a term for the phenomenon of money misery, describing the feeling of never being satisfied in our society, we never feel like we have enough - enough clothes, enough Instagram followers, enough money. Once we reach a goal, we immediately make a new one. And all of that can be attributed to this chase for more money.So, to clarify, happiness is notlagedependenton money. Potential to be happy doesnotincreasewith your salary. Havent you heard Notorious B.I.G? Mo money, mo problems But what if we rewired our idea of the happiness and money relationship tothink that more money does not equal more happiness, but instead, the money you already have can be rearranged andbudgeted to help you be happy? No matter your income, money can be used to give you a healthier,easi erlifestyle, depending on what is best for you. And thats bound to make you happy.Heres how to use your money to buy happiness (kind of)Rethink your spending habits.Im guessingyou already have a budget (and if you dont, thats a differentstory). No matter the size of your salary, you know the cost for rent, utilities, groceries, benefits, bills, etc. You have your payment plans for student loans or debts, and you budget. So Im guessing you also have a spendingbudget that you allow yourself.In order to use money to buy happiness, you must first know what you spend this money on. Do you orderPostmatesfor dinner a few nights a week? Do you buy a matcha latte every morning, or craft beer when youre out on weekends? Do you Uberpool to work when you dont feel like taking the bus? Do you buy a new sweater, or spend $300 on Nordstroms Anniversary sale?The only relevance of knowing what youre spending your money on (however much or little that is) is not to judge your spending habits, but rat her to think about if these things are really making you happy. Are theybringing you peace, content, ease, and lasting joy? If they are, good for you But if not, maybe reconsider your spending toget rid of all the things that dont make you happy, to provide for the things that will.Reevaluate the items that bring you happinessWeve all had the experience of coming upon a new purse or dress and feeling like we justneedto have it. After however much or little deliberation (no judgment), we buy it, and then are on a shopping high for about a day or two when we get to wear our brand new item. However, we also all know the moment when the shopping high comes down and the newness becomes normalized. This item is no longer exciting or making you happy, and you even start binnenseeing it as just another thing in your closet, as you pine after Madewells new collection or the dress you saw in Nordstroms store window.This is what they mean when they say money cant buy happiness. Possessions are fleeting, and we have trouble appreciating what we have.But thats not always the case. Make a list of the things you really truly love - the hobbies that bring you enjoyment time and time again, the things you love to learn about. Think about what passions and interests are not fleeting, when its not the newness that youre attracted to. Instead of buying for newness, buy based off this list.If you love art, walking by a painting you really love hanging up in your dining room really can make you happy every single day.If you lovemusic, a vintage record player or a signed poster of your music idol will likely bring you joy time and time again. Instead of buying new clothes here and there or dozens of drugstore beauty products you dont end up using, save up to invest in the pieces that will make you happy to own, no matter how old they get.Spend money eliminating the things you hate doing most.Of course, we all hate chores and the things we need to do. Thats just called adulting. But sometimes, we have that one chore that we justreallyhate. For example, laundry is a weekly occurrence, right? (Or, if youre like me in college, you can spread it out a few extra weeks longer than you should.) Imagine how much time in your life is spent doing laundry if youdespiselaundry. What if you took a little extra money out of your spending account to pay for someone to do your laundry every other week? Or if youreally dread grocery shopping, splurge, just a little, for a tafelgeschirr likeInstacartthat will do the shopping for you, orBlue Apronthat sends the ingredients to your door.Dont feel bad spending your money on things that you could do yourself because itnotonly would eliminate those chores from your regular to-do list, but will give you more free time. And then spend thistime wisely - dont use the extra few hours sitting around and watching TV. Learn something new, catch up on work, spend time with your kids or the friends that make you happy.Buy experiencesSometime s it can be hard to spend money on these bigger budget items. Buying a $15 lunch a few days a week seems much less daunting or scary than a $1000 trip. But guess what - buying $15 lunch just 3 days a week adds up to over $2000 a year. So if youd rather a trip than your takeout habit, budget accordingly, and then actually plan the trip, no matter how scary a big sum of money at once may seem.Spending your money on traveling or classes in something youve been wanting to learn, like a cooking class or learning a musical instrument, has clinically been proven to increase feelings of contentment with your life.Bonus happiness spend your money on experiences with someone you care about. Getting to experience something like a trip, a concert, or a class with a loved one is shown to not only increase emotional connection, butmight also become memories and photographs that mean a lot to you. This also goes for gifting too - if your sisters birthday is coming up, dont just buy her apair of shoesyou know shell like or a nice candle. Buy tickets for the two of you to a festival shed love or a concert with her favorite artist.Not only will you have a lot of fun together, but the experience will mean more to her,long after the candle wouldve gotten lost on her shelf or the shoes wouldve worn out.Budget for indulgences that really matter to youIndulgences may not be something you do on a regular basis. But think about the times you actually feel content or at peace when youve splurged in your life. Was it after a really good massage? During an impeccably good meal? When you took a greatyoga class that had fancy towels andessentialoils? These things may seem frivolous and unrealistic, but if you know its financially smart to invest in stocks, its also emotionally smart to invest in yourself care.Give yourself the indulgences that will actually increase the quality of your life and wellbeing,because these are the things worth saving money for.Think about how you can readjust the way you spend money in your life now to allow for these occasional indulgences. If afacialputs you in a state of bliss for days, try to see where you can find the money for it, at least once every few months. This might be as simple as using a Keurig instead of your $3.50 Starbucks every morning,packing lunch instead of buying it, or pulling from your clothing budget.In the moment, alatte in the morning might seem more financially stable and necessary than a facial, but if that indulgence makes youfeel at peace(and your skin glowy), its worth reevaluating whats worth the money.Actually spend the money when you canSure, you need to save up and be financially smart about the future, but life is meant to be enjoyed. Dont feel guilty if you do spend a bigger sum of money on a vacation or a yoga studio membership. If you know you can afford it, think of it as investing in your happiness,like you would invest at the bank.If all were doing is working and not really living, what kind o f life is that? Be smart, budget, and most importantly, live the life that makes you happy.This article first appeared on The EveryGirl.

9 Workplace Insecurities (and How to Fix Them) - The Muse

9 Workplace Insecurities (and How to Fix Them) - The Muse9 Workplace Insecurities (and How to Fix Them)When was the last time someone told you he or she was done growing as a professional? My guess is never. Thats because everyone is looking to improve somehow, and in that respect, insecurities can be useful in motivating us to grow. But, when your self-doubt is setting you back instead of contributing to your progress, thats when things need to change. Here are nine common workplace insecurities, and how to approach them accordingly.As a general elende, trying to understand what causes insecurity could really help you work toward resolving the negative feeling. (Psychology Today)If the income differences between you and your peers are causing you stress, rest assured there are plenty of ways to navigate those sticky financial situations. (Forbes)When those body insecurities start following you into the office, remind yourself that youre valued for what work you can bring to the tabl e, not your physical looks. (Health Guidance)If you feel as though your social skills could use some sharpening, or you just want to be more friendly at work, the fix can be as simple as smiling more. (Entrepreneur)Are you an older employee who never seems to forget it? The good news is You bring a lot of life experience to the table. And you can take measures to stay relevant and up-to-date among your co-workers. (Business Insider)When you notice yourself envying a colleagues success, working toward overcoming that jealousy is essential to fostering a healthy office community. (Lifehacker)If youre constantly feeling like your peers are smarter than you, keep in mind that you wouldnt have been hired if you were seriously behind them. Plus, you have a lot to gain from being a part of such an experienced team. (Inc.)Second-guessing your leadership skills? Not everyone is born a natural leader, but patience, practice, and self-reflection can help you pinpoint how to become a better one . (The John Maxwell Company)And finally, be sure to ask yourself this Is my insecurity something I actually need to work on, or is it just a bad case of imposter syndrome at play? Knowing the difference could save you a lot of grief for next time. (The Daily Muse)Photo of man looking worried courtesy of KidStock/Getty Images.

Things to Consider Before You Become a Sales Manager

Things to Consider Before You Become a abverkauf ManagerThings to Consider Before You Become a Sales ManagerIf youre thinking about transitioning into the management side of abverkauf, it might be a wise choice. Glassdoor has pinpointed sales management as the 10th best job in the country based on potential earnings and job availability. The two main paths to sales management are to move from a sales position to sales manager, or to shift from another type of management job over to sales management. The type of job youre coming from will likely determine your biggest challenges as a sales manager. From Salesperson to Sales Manager This transition can be rough, especially if youre taking charge of your old teammates. Youll have to set some boundaries to make it clear that youre no longer one of the gang and this can be tricky and difficult. Start by meeting with each member of your team one-on-one. Go over what you think their responsibilities are. This includes giving everyone ve ry specific goals. But make it clear that youre ready to listen to any comments or concerns they have you want to defuse any resentments as quickly as possible before they become major issues. If you move into a sales manager role in a different organization, you wont have the same awkwardness with your sales team but you might still find the transition jarring. Again, youll have to keep reminding yourself that youre now the leader. Youre not one of the pack, so behave act accordingly. On the other hand, dont overcompensate by treating your salespeople like lesser creatures. Its best to hit a happy medium where you act as an authority figure but one that your salespeople respect rather than fear. From General Manager to Sales Manager You might be disconcerted by how quickly your salespeople see through your management tactics if youre a newcomer to sales. Salespeople are professional persuaders, and most will be well aware of it when theyre being manipulated. Often the best app roach is the straightforward one give your salespeople their goals, let them know youre there to help, and keep a close eye on them so you can reward top performers and step in when others are struggling. Heres a hint Salespeople are highly rewards-motivated. They tend to be very competitive, and fostering that feeling can encourage them to produce. But you could end up with salespeople who hate each other if you overuse this approach. Always strive to keep the competition at a friendly level or youll turn your sales team into Glengarry Glen Ross. Is the Job Right for You? This job is a somewhat unique blend that requires people skills on two levels with your team and with their potential customers so if you dont consider yourself to be a people person, it might not be for you. But if you are, youll find that it can be a risky but highly rewarding career choice rewarding in both money and personal achievement whatever trajectory you take into the position. If that sounds li ke a good combination to you, go for it. If not, a sales manager position probably isnt your cup of tea.