How to Tell an Interviewer You Were Fired Spin to Win

How to Tell an Interviewer You Were Fired Spin to WinHow to Tell an Interviewer You Were FiredHow to Tell an Interviewer You Were Fired Spin to WinThe interview is going splendidly. You landseem to have exactly the background theyre looking for. Youve built a good rapport with your interviewers, and you have a good feeling about the corporate culture. Then comes the question youve been dreading. Why did you leave your last job? The short answer is that you were fired. To this day, it still hurts to even think about it. But you have to answer the question. Your challenge lies in how to spin the answer to avoid coming off as a whiner.Tempting as it may be, you know you cant lie because, as interviewing expert Michael Neecesays, Experienced interviewers have well-developed BS detectors.The truth is Your old employer let you go because you and your boss didnt see things eye to eye. It was a case of mutual frustration, and in the end, they felt you were the expendable one.This is where th e concept of spin comes in handy. Put simply, spin is a way of explaining something negative so that it enhances, rather than detracts from, your objectives.So, pretend youre a hiring manager and youve just asked the candidate Why did you leave your last job? Below are two possible answers. Notice how the first sounds negative, emotional, and whiny, while the second sounds positive, factual, and professional. Thats the wonderful world of spin.Negative, Emotional, WhinyIt was a really hard job, and I got a new manager who didnt really like me. I was doing my best but he just kept criticizing my work. The frustration kept mounting and he knew it, but did he do anything about it? Nope. Then the business had a bad quarter, so all departments had to make budget cuts. He took the easy way out and canned me.See how this lays most of the blame on the boss? Note especially the phrases didnt really like me and took the easy way out. It doesnt say how the job seeker might have been proactive a nd tried to correct the situation. Such a negative answer might leave the hiring manager seeing this part as a malcontent who likes to complain.Heres the answer with the positive spinPositive, Factual, ProfessionalWell, I worked very hard at the job I was doing and I was working with a new manager. I checked in with him every couple days to be sure I was meeting his expectations and that we were on the same page. But it seemed that objectives for me and my department were never well defined. One day, not long after the quarterly revenue reports showed companywide losses and management had ordered each department to make budget cuts, he pulled me into his office and told me things werent working out, so the company was letting me go. I was upset, of course, but as it turned out, the time off has allowed me to assess what happened, what kind of company I want to work for, and what I needed to change within myself to achieve success going forward.In this example, the job seeker doesnt disparage the ex-boss, and recounts the firing through the use of objective facts ( he pulled me into his office and told me things werent working out, so the company was letting me go ). Then it gets better. The job seeker explains how he looked within himself during the time out of work to make personal improvements that would apply in future professional roles.The LessonWhen youre presenting your credentials to a would-be employer, you are your own salesperson. You need to emphasize the positive stuff and minimize the negative as a way to stay on your chief message that you are the one who can solve the hiring managers problems.If you can put a positive spin on an otherwise negative answer, the employer just might conclude that you not only have the right skills, you have a positive attitude, which is something just about every organization wants throughout its ranks.

Start an Employee Referral Program

Start an Employee Referral ProgramStart an Employee Referral ProgramStart an Employee Referral ProgramAdapted from the book Finding Keepers The Guide to Hiring and Holding the Worlds Best Employees by Steve Pogorzelski, Jesse Harriott, Ph.D., and Doug Hardy. Published January 2008 by McGraw-Hill. Are you ready for an employee referral ordnungsprinzip to succeed? To beschreibung Professor Frederick Reichheld (from his excellent book, The Ultimate Question), what really matters is whether yur current employees would recommend your organization to their friends. Chris Forman, president of human resources consulting firm AIRS, believes that you train amateur recruiters by telling stories. He says Employees remember stories. Right now were looking for customer service representatives, so I told people, I was out to dinner the other night and I had the best waitress in the world. She was phenomenal. She was smart, she was there, she was on time, and I gave her a 30 percent tip. And at the end I gave her my business card and said, you know what, if you ever get sick of this, give us a holler. People get that. I tell our engineers that when they attend a meeting of the Upper Valley Connecticut River Engineers Club, they should go up to the smartest person in the room and say, Youre the smartest person in the room. I would really love to have you work with me. Why? Because youre the smartest person in the room. Chris points out that a good referral system can break old rules, for example, about hiring relatives. This might sound counterintuitive, but we love nepotism.We have brothers-in-law and sisters who work here. My father works in the business. Theyre our best employees. You never hire two people at once, but when people say dont hire friends, neighbors, or relatives, they might be overlooking great candidates. There are plenty of ways to set up an employee referral program, from the most informal bonus system in a small organization to a full-blown system that id entifies and tracks the employees who make the greatest contribution. Managers can offer additional incentives to people who bring new hires into their departments. Individuals might receive a better raise based on the performance of the people they bring in. You can teach essential networking skills to every employee and broadcast victory stories. You can offer a portion of the reward when a referral is hired and the rest after 3, 6, or 12 months.Rob OKeefe of TMP Worldwide Advertising and Communications suggests a variation he calls a preferral programA referral program works on the premise that an employer notifies employees about open positions and employees think about who they know that would meet the requirements and do well in the organization, and then rise to action.A preferral program first focuses on identifying employer brand evangelists at the height of their evangelism (when they first join the company), and staying with them throughout their employment experience. It asks these evangelists to identify potential referrals across all positions in the organization, regardless of whether they are open or not.In other words, use employees to fill the pipeline with candidates before you need them. Intelligent engagement by employees who promote your employer brand is the ultimate outreach. It belongs in any recruiting program, in any recruiting discipline. Its common name is networking.

4 Ways to Stay Sane in a Toxic Office

4 Ways to Stay Sane in a Toxic Office4 Ways to Stay Sane in a Toxic OfficeWork, like life, is bound to have its ups and downs. Whether its a new manager who thinks hovering behind your chair is productive, a round of lay-offs that wipes out half your work friends, or yet another spate of cost-cutting austerity measures- the atmosphere in your office can sometimes quickly go from manageable to miserable.Naturally, when faced with a hostile environment, your first thoughts probably lean toward finding ways out of the situation. However, leaving your job isnt always an option- at least not right away. So, until things improve or youre able to plot your exit strategy, youll still need to show up every day and deal with whatever tension ails your office.Although dealing with a toxic work environment is anything but fun, you dont have to be at the mercy of your surroundings. Here are a few steps you can take to get a handle on the situation and get through it relatively unscathed.1. Establ ish Your Support GroupBuilding a support group outside of the office is always a good thing, but its especially important when you find yourself swimming in toxic waters. When tensions at work are high, you may not want to or be able to vent to your colleagues. Plus, there are some things you just shouldnt discuss with them, as constantly airing your frustrations could easily be misinterpreted if overheard by the wrong person.So save your curse-laden tirades for you trusted friends and family, and keep them to after hours. Just remember not to overdo it- you dont want them to end up as frustrated as you are.2. Find a Friggin OutletI cant stress this enough. When things at work get tough, find something to do after work- every single day. The first time I encountered an awful 9-to-5 environment, the biggest mistake I made welches to wearily drag myself home every day, pour myself a glass of wine, and re-hash the days events over and over in my head, dwelling on how miserable my life had become.Fortunately, by the time this happened for the second time in my career, I had learned my lesson. I was already a member at my local gym, so I added weekly classes to my routine and attended religiously. When I wasnt in the gym, I was working on little home improvement projects around my house, and when I ran out of those, I taught myself how to knit. Dont laugh Knitting was seriously one of the best hobbies I couldve picked up. It required constant concentration, so I could never allow my mind to wander (or wallow), and its surprisingly soothing.The key is to make sure youre living a fulfilling life outside your job- itll make the drama you endure after punching in far more tolerable.3. Stay Positive- Even if You Have to Fake ItThis might be the most difficult step in the process, but its also one of the most important. Have you ever hung around someone whos constantly negative, and then found yourself becoming a bit pessimistic, too? The same can happen when youre posit ive. And even if keeping your chin up doesnt rub off on your colleagues, it will definitely help keep you from falling into the trap of never-ending negativity in the office.That said, be sure not to overdo it, as an overly joyful attitude may seem inappropriate to your colleagues in the office- especially others whove found their situations as difficult as your own. You dont need to be the company for their misery, but you also dont need to go out of your way to act like nothing is wrong. Focus on your work, treat people with respect, and be as polite and genuine as you would in any normal, healthy office.4. Make Lists- Every DayHaving a great attitude (or at least pretending to) is great for the big picture, but when it came down to the minutes and hours of each day- that could drag on tortuously- I found I needed a more hands-on approach.Those of you who like to make lists will love this, and to those who dont, trust me. It will make such a difference that youll start making list s for everything- even when youre not at work.Several years ago, when dealing with a particularly painful situation in my office, I noticed I had become quite distracted. I would forget important meetings, or write an email but never get around to sending it. Because my job seemed to no longer have real purpose, my days dragged on and I never felt I like was working toward anything.And then I started making lists. I wrote down every little thing I needed to do that day, all the way down to the most insignificant details, like washing out my coffee mug before leaving each night. The results were incredible. Suddenly, I had things I needed to do. If I had a list, I had a purpose, and no matter how awful the situation was, I had a nice long list of tasks to keep me busy every day- and keep me from staring blankly at my screen.A toxic office is a challenge I hope none of you will ever have to face. But, if you do, remember these tips to help ease your journey through the choppy waters- and youll be better equipped for success once the storm passes, too.Photo courtesy of Ed Yourdon.

The Difference Between Heavy and Large Aircrafts

The Difference Between Heavy and Large AircraftsThe Difference Between Heavy and Large AircraftsAirplanes are divided into different categories based on the weight of the aircraft. Its common to hear aircraft referred toas large or heavy, but do you know the difference between the two? Here are the factorstheFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers when determining the weight category for different aircraft. Thefirst thing to know is that the FAA defines aircraft (and their characteristics) differently for airplane operatorsthan for air traffic controllers. For example, the term heavy is used by air traffic controllers to determine separation minimums, speeds, climb rates and other various characteristics of aircraft. However, the same term has little meaning to pilots, except to denote that when an air traffic controller uses the word heavy in front of an airplanes callsign, the pilot should watch out for wake turbulence. Heavy vs. Large vs. Small Aircraft Additionally, the term large with respect to aircraft means one thing to air traffic controllers and another thing to pilots. A heavyaircraft, according to the FAAs Air Traffic Control Policy, Order JO 7110.65V, effective April 3, 2014, is one that is capable of taking off at a weight of 300,000 pounds or mora. The key word is capable -an aircraft can operate with less than 300,000 pounds during takeoff and still be classified as heavy under this air traffic control policy. A large aircraft is one with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 41,000 pounds and less than 300,000 pounds. A small aircraft is one with a maximum certified takeoff weight of 41,000 pounds. Sourcefaa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc/AppdxA.html For pilots, the definition of a largeaircraft is taken from the Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 1.1, which defines a large aircraft as aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of ?more than 12,500 pounds. In contrast, a small aircraft is one with a maxim um certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds. So, why does that matter? One practical application of this term is to determine which airplane a pilot is certificated to fly, or a pilots privileges and limitations for his or her particular pilot certificate. A pilot who possesses a Private Pilot Single-Engine Land pilot certificate, for example, is legally allowed to fly any single-engine aircraft except for large or turbo-powered airplanes, either of which requires a specific type rating. All large aircraft (above 12,500 pounds) require a pilot to have a type rating specific to that airplane. Source ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgndiv8node141.0.1.1.1.0.1.1

Know What the Experts Think About Bookkeeping Resume

Know What the Experts Think About Bookkeeping Resume Make certain you are interviewing the best bookkeepers. Getting ready for a job interview. Every geschftliches miteinander needs a bookkeeper. You can also locate remote work for a bookkeeper for a business in a more customary employment model. Its possible for you to ask a prospective bookkeeper how theyd manage a financial situation specific to your company. When youre searching for a remote job as an accountant, youll discover opportunities that are with accounting firms along with jobs posted with individual businesses. Introduction Below youll find a bookkeeper cover letter. No one wants to employ a bookkeeper free of experience. Youre going to see an ideal bookkeeper resume sample. Bellow, youll discover a bookkeeper resume sample that you are able to download and edit depending on your experience and strengths. Bookkeeping Resume the Ultimate Convenience Because of the quantity of money whichre inclined to be acco untable for managing, your employer is probably going to perform a background check. An associates degree in accounting is the fruchtwein typical requirement. While bookkeeping isnt a certified profession, employers or businesses that will need to employ consultant bookkeepers may look to certification for a demonstration of competency. You must be accurate even in the event that you work fast, to guarantee you perform your duties well. Bookkeeping also involves organizing and reporting a providers financial info in such a way in which the company can make informed decisions about the way to use its capital. Accountants also function to calculate taxes for people and companies. Finances and taxes go together, thus a bookkeeper that pursues education in the field of tax preparation provides a full-service business enterprise. Many accountants work for accounting businesses, while some work at government entities or finance and insurance businesses. The Battle Over Bookkeeping Resume and How to Win It You may also read some strategies and advice for the work interview. Even if youre applying for work by means of a reference, your resume still has to be great. The interview is just one of the main sections of the work hunt, so its only fitting that you prepare for yours. Or, should you need some extra assistance, try out our easy-to-use resume generator that may secure the business done in minutes. Furthermore, in the event you trying to locate work thats outside your specialty thats existing, you have to TARGET your resume to prove to the hiring supervisor youve got the abilities to execute the job. Furthermore, you can look for data entry jobs on Monster. At the precise identical time which you could conduct a superior job of handling your checkbook in your house, an employer might need to see evidence that you able to take care of monetary matters. If you want to get more information, click the logo below. Its crucial prepare resumes in a right fashion and these downloadable samples will allow you to prepare your resumes well. The template is straightforward to use. Irrespective of your degree of work knowledge, your resume format is essential to making your program stick out. Even though a bookkeepers basic tasks are enumerated above, the precise scope of the bookkeepers task might vary based on the size of the business and its financial capacity. Once you set out to start a business then you be in a place to track the full operation of their enterprise and also ought to be accountable for your finances. Prove you comprehend the businesss goal for the job. Small companies with simple needs may search for high-school education and give on the work training. Getting in a position to curate a thorough entry-level resume can help you do the trick. If you arent familiarized with a job and wish to try if youre able to do good should you get hired for that post, being an entry-level employee is the best thing for you t o aspire as of the moment. In attempting to impress your employer, you might end up irritating him. In that time period, an employer will choose whether they likely to call you to have work interview. As you most likely know, a resume objective is a significant part of your resume. When it has to do with writing a resume, you always ought to stay honest. Perfecting your resume is a superb method to boost your odds of getting hired. Working on your interview skills is a remarkable way to improve your odds of getting work. Make certain you have a fantastic comprehension of HOA accounting requirements. The duration of an entry-level bookkeeping resume isnt essential. As youll get experience, youre most likely to be given tasks and more responsibilities to execute. As soon as its almost a given that any possible applicant will have accounting computer software experience, you still need to list each of the relevant applications on your bookkeeping resume.

ZwillGen Listed As A Best Law Firm By US News World Report

ZwillGen Listed As A Best Law Firm By US News World Report Below is an article originally written by PowerToFly Partner ZwillGen, and published on November 3, 2017. Go to ZwillGens page on PowerToFly to see their open positions and learn more.Were getting bombarded with emails touting firms that are listed as a Best Law Firm by US News & World Report. Were not sending one, because, who really needs more emails? But, in case you were wondering, were listed too. Its just that when we kick a field goal, we dont believe in doing a TD dance. One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard geschftsleben Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innov ative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candi dateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Best Questions to Ask During an Inteview

Best Questions to Ask During an InteviewBest Questions to Ask During an InteviewOne of the most important questions asked at almost every job interview is, Do you have any questions for me?. You should always have questions prepared for when that subject comes up. Its notlage just about asking questions you have to ask the right questions. If you dont, it can seem like you are either unprepared or uninterested.You and the lokalittThese questions show the interviewer that you are prepared to aim for success if you are chosen for the role. It also gives you the opportunity to learn some things about the position that werent listed in the job description. Learning more about the position will give you an idea of what your daily routine will be like at the company. You will also get a better idea of the specific expectations and skills needed for the role. This will help you to decide whether you will be a good fit for the position.What are the expectations for the first week/month/year in this role?What is the typical career path for someone in this position?How do I compare to other candidates you have interviewed?Can you offer more information on the day to day responsibilities in this role?The interviewerAsking about the interviewer is an excellent way to build rapport. The person interviewing you may soon be a coworker or even your new boss. It helps to give you an inside look at the type of people you will be working with. This gives the interviewer a mglichkeit to talk a little bit about themselves. It will help you get an idea of what they are looking for. Asking about the interviewer will leave an impression on them when they go back through their list of applicants later.What is your favorite part about working for this company?What are some of the challenges/accomplishments that you have faced during your time here?How long have you been with the company?What made you decide to work for this company?The companyYou are working for a company, not just your boss. Asking questions about the company shows the interviewer that you are interested in the business and not just the job. It will give you an idea of where the company is headed down the road, the work culture and whether you can see a future for yourself at the company. Making sure you are a good fit for the organization and not just the job plays a significant part in your success down the road. If you dont like the companys culture or values, odds are you wont be a good fit.Can you tell me a little bit about the work culture at this company?What are the most significant challenges/opportunities the company is facing right now?What perks/benefits are offered by the company?Where do you see the company in 5 years?Whats next?These questions show that you are confident enough to bring up any weaknesses you may have openly. They allow you the chance to understand and address any concerns the interviewer may have about your performance or qualifications. They also show you are conf ident and prepared to proceed through the interview process.Do you have any additional questions for me?What are the next steps in the interview process?Do you have any concerns about my background or qualifications?When is the anticipated start date for this position?Most likely you will not ask all these questions during your interview. You should prepare at least two relevant questions to ask at every interview. Be careful not to ask questions that have already been answered or were openly available in the job description. Asking questions increases your chance of getting hired. It shows the interviewer that you came prepared and have a genuine interest in the role and the company.

Tips and Advice for Getting a Union Job

Tips and Advice for Getting a Union JobTips and Advice for Getting a Union JobAre you interested in working at a job where youll belong to a labor union? Unions are found in every industry, and manyunion jobs pay well. They strive to ensure higher wages, shorter work weeks, and safer work environments for their members. Joining a union gives members good wages and benefits, as well as some protection against arbitrary firing, so union positions are attractive to many workers. Benefits of Union Jobs Union workers in jobs comparable to those of non-union employees typically have better wages. For instance, according to the United StatesBureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), the zentralwert weekly income of a non-union worker was $860 in 2018 as compared to $1,051 for a union worker. Non-union workers earned only about 82% of the wages garnered by union employees. Thus, union workers earned an average of about $10,000 in increased wages over the course of a year, due to belonging to a uni on. In addition to coverage by a collective bargaining agreement, this earnings difference was influenced by other factorstoo. Greater distributions of union members than nonunion employees exist in some higher-paying areas within occupational, industry, age, firm size, and geographic region categories. For example, the overall average of workers represented by unions was 10.7%, but in protective services and education, the rate of union membership was 33.9% and 33.8%, respectively.Men, who traditionally receive higher compensation in this country, were mora likely to be members of unions (11.1% for men versus 9.9% for women). Union employees also have access to better benefits. In 2018, 94% ofunion workers had access to medical and retirement benefits, while only 66% of non-union employees had medical benefits.Medical debtis the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States, so healthcare benefits are a huge asset to employees. Non-union workers are usuallyat-will employees, meaning they can be fired for virtually any reason at all, as long as it is not based ondiscriminationregarding gender, race, or religion. If an employer decides they do not like your hair length or if you come in five minutes late, they have every right to fire you immediately. Union employees, however, have greater job security. To fire you, there must be alegitimate cause. There has to be evidence of actual misconduct or poor performance, and there is typically a process that takes place, including arbitration with union leaders. Union members also have strength in numbers. If conditionsare getting dangerous or hours are too long, they can work together to lobby company leadership without fear of retaliation. Common Occupations and Industries for Union Workers According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations with the highest concentration of union workers include Protective service occupations 33.9%Education and library occupations 33.8%Construction and extraction occupations 17.1%Installation maintenance and repair occupations 15.1%Transportation occupations 14.5%Community and social service occupations 13.8%Production occupations 11.9%Healthcare practitioners 11.4% The industries with the largest number of union workers include the federal, state, and local government sectors, utilities, transportation, telecommunications, construction, educational services, motion pictures and sound recording, and manufacturing. There aremany different types of jobs available within each industry. Tips for Finding a Union Job Union jobs can be more difficult to find than other forms of work. When the economy worsens, more people seek union work for greater protection, particularly when layoffs become more common.Union workers have higher wages and more powerto influence company leadership than non-union workerstypicallydo. Because of unterstellung factors, competition to enter the unions can be stiff, so you often need to spend a good deal of time net working with union members to get hired. Apply Directly to Companies Affiliated with UnionsOne of the easiest ways to get a union job is to look for major employers and companies that work with unions already. You will typically find that information right on the company website or by inquiring with neighbors, family friends, members of your church group, and other contacts. Use Union-Specific Job BanksThere are also union-specific job banks. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), a national trade union center and the largest federation of unions in the United States, posts union listings by industry on itswebsite. Visit the websites of otherunionsto find job postings or inquire about opportunities through union officials.Unionjobs.comis an excellent source for union jobs, including positions working directly with the administration of unions. Check Job BoardsMany union employers willpost job listings on other major job search sites, suc h as CareerBuilder, Indeed, or Monster. You can also attend labor council meetings in your county to meet union leaders and find out which companies are hiring. Research Apprenticeship ProgramsApprenticeship programsare common within skilled trades labor union occupations like plumbing, construction, carpentry, electrical, and pipe fitting, and are an excellent way to acquire training and gain access to union jobs.Search for apprenticeships in your state by using keywordssuchas, apprenticeships Illinois or apprenticeships New York. Contactunionsin your field and geographic area of interest and inquire about apprenticeship programs. TheUnited States Department of Laboroffers information about apprenticeship programs for union and non-union workers through its website. Get Some ExperienceIt will be easier to gain access to an apprenticeship or union job if you have some experience in your target field.Consider working as a laborer or assistant for a local non-union trade worker in con struction, plumbing or another area of interest to gain exposure, build some skills, and prove that you have a genuine interest in the field. Attending atrade school programis another way to get the basics youll need to get hired. How to Join a Union If youre employed by a company that is affiliated with a union, ask the human resources department at your employer or the national office of the union for the contact information for a local union representative. Research the dues and benefits for joining the union. Secure and complete the paperwork (or online documents) for joining the union and having your dues deducted from your paycheck. In construction and other trades where you might work for a union contractor, independently, or on a project basis, identify the local chapter of the union for your field.Meet with a representative to learn about dues and how the union will connect you to projects.Ask to speak with other local members if you have questions or doubts. You may ne ed to apply to be eligible to join the union. The union representative will explain the process to you. If youre accepted, complete the required membership documents, and youll be allset.

How LinkedIn Resume Builder Can Ruin Your Job Search

How LinkedIn Resume Builder Can Ruin Your Job Search How LinkedIn Resume Builder Can Ruin Your Job Search Im a big fan of LinkedIn and encourage all my clients to use it actively. Im even writing a guide on how to make the most of it as a job search tool. But not everything LinkedIn does is a good idea and the Resume Builder tool is a perfect example of this. It sounds great in theory create a LinkedIn profile and then transform it into a resume at the click of a button with no extra work. Who wouldnt want that? Heres the problem There are two things wrong with the idea1) Almost everybody has an ineffective LinkedIn profile to start with. If you translate that badly written, half-completed, impersonal and boring profile into a resume, guess what kind of resume you have.2) If your LinkedIn profile is written the way it should be, it wont translate into a good resume because the rules for LinkedIn are different from the rules for resumes. There are resume conventions that recruiters a nd hiring managers expect you to follow. For example, never using the word I and omitting a and the for clarity. They also expect (and need) your resume to show a story of career progression and accomplishment and to illustrate it with action-oriented bullet points describing your achievement. The language is expected to be professional and crisp if you sound too chatty, people will not think he seems like a nice guy they will think he seems like someone who doesnt know how to write a resume. Web Versus Print But LinkedIn is different because its a website and web communication needs to be fundamentally different from print communication. It needs to be more informal, more conversational and more concise. This is why so many geschftlicher umgang websites fail by the way. They make the mistake of speaking on the web exactly the way they speak in print. Its boring enough to read a corporate mission statement in a brochure, but post it online and you have a guaranteed cure for insomn ia When I write a LinkedIn profile for my clients, I dont write it in the third person. I use the word I liberally. My tone is conversational, and I include personal details and even humor when appropriate. My descriptions of each position are far more concise than on a resume (because people dont like to read long blocks of text on the web) and the profile headline is different from the resume headline. Why? Because the context is different. No Shortcuts If a business decided to create a website and then copy that website exactly to create a print advertisement, Id say they were nuts. Even if the website was excellent. The same is true of LinkedIns resume builder. I know were all in a hurry. I know we want quick and easy solutions. But the truth is that looking for a job is hard work and if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Bottom line, every font of communication is different and everyone needs to be tailored correctly for the medium and the audience. Theres no s hort cut to get around that fact.