Writing a Resume With Wisconsins Job Market

Writing a Resume With Wisconsin's Job MarketWriting a resume is a really important part of getting a job. To be sure, there are many who get jobs but the ones who do so successfully for years are really few and far between.To have an effective resume, there is a certain standard of the wordings that needs to be followed. For example, you should make sure that your resume contains a good and proper wordings of your qualification and experience.In order to make a strong and impressive job history, it is important that you include all the relevant and important details of your achievements that will assist them in making a decision about you. You can easily add these facts and details into your Wisconsin resume or cover letter if you hire someone for the job.If you want to write a resume that will get you the job, then the first thing that you need to do is to spend some time researching and thinking about what things you would like to highlight in your Wisconsin resume. A simple checkl ist of these things includes:Your job objective: You need to state your job objective clearly and honestly. This needs to be included in your resume at the top of the page so that others who read your resume will understand what you expect out of the job and how the company or the employer sees your capability and skills.Skills: You need to write down your skills clearly and accurately. The skills that you have in the past are very important for the evaluation of the company, so you should be sure to list down everything that you can possibly remember.Qualifications: You need to include the qualifications that you possess in a great detail. It is important that you outline your personal experiences and achievements.Employment history: This is one of the important parts of your resume and it must be written carefully. The employment history of a person is also known as the career history and this is an important information that has to be considered when looking for a job.

How to Make a Smooth Transition from A Freelance to Full-time Career - CareerMetis.com

How to Make a Smooth Transition from A Freelance to Full-time Career Freelancing is categorically different from working a full-time 9-to-5 job. The characteristics are different, and so are the challenges and perks. As a freelancer, you do not have a boss.You are not bound by any confinements or rules other than deadlines. But at the same time, you lack financial stability, the perks of community working, and meaningful long-term professional relationships.evalMost people prefer the perks of a full-time job rather than that of freelancing. The primary reason why most freelancers make the shift is to eliminate their financial uncertainty.And it is only wise to do soconsidering the bandwidth of opportunities you get in the 9-to-5 work model. It gives you a control over your career, unlike in freelancing.However, the shift doesn’t come easy. You will experience a lot of unexpected twists and turns in this new lifestyle. Changes that you may not be comfortable with.To ensure a smooth transition from freelance to full-time you need a sweeping paradigm s hift. In this article, I will cover some tips that will make your transition smoother and doable.1. Adapting to new job expectations evalIn the freelance work model, your job expectations are clearly stated: get the desired results, and move ahead. It is as simple as that.However, in the full-time job you are expected to deliver more than that. Your objectives will be twofold:To fulfill individual goals â€" the goals that you will be given as an individual professional that will include your personal monthly targets, and other value additions that you can render under your specific job title.To fulfill organizational goals â€" organizational goals aren’t as clearly stated as individual goals, but they still need to be met if you have to grow in your careers. These goals include the tangible or intangible values that you can add to your corporate community, industry, etc.Individual goals in the full-time work model are similar to that of freelancing. Your boss/manager will tell you what to do, and you’ll have to figure out how to do it.evalHowever, you have an added advantage of getting help from your seniors. If you feel stuck at your job at any point, your colleagues will be more than happy to help.This advantage extends to the organizational goals, that is â€" taking the team forward with a unified organizational vision in mind.This means that you’re no longer working just for yourself. It is a community where you have to constantly give your inputs at every point.The “I” of freelancing now becomes “All for one and one for all.” evalYour problems are no longer just your problems; they’re also the problems of your corporate community. In return, you are expected to add value to the team in whichever way you can.Since you have worked as a freelancer, meeting the individual goals shouldn’t be much of a problem for you. It is the organizational goals that you have to learn how to meet.To meet them, you have to understand the functionings of you r organization, what your organization expects from you in return.Bid adieu to working in alienation! In the initial days of your joining, observe your team. Interact with your colleagues, and figure out where they lack. See if you can help them in any way. Try to understand the organization’s work culture, and find out the way in which you can add value to your community’s culture.If there is something that you can do and your colleague cannot, teach them. Adhere to the values and norms of the corporate culture. Do whatever you can to ensure that your organization benefits from you being a part of it.2. Get comfortable with routine Routine can be the best thing and also the worst about the full-time job. For people who hate any kind of a routine, full-time is probably not for them. But even as a freelancer, if you’re comfortable with one routine means that you CAN get comfortable with another.You just have to adapt to this new routine of full-time working. Be aware that as so on as you start working full-time, your whole life is going to take a dramatic turn. The routine will change and you’ll have to change accordingly.The early morning commute, the one-hour lunch break, and traveling back home can seem tedious and frustrating at first. But after a point, they’ll become one of the major reasons you’ll stick with a job.The best thing: you probably won’t have to take your work home. After the office hours, you’re free to spend time however you want. This liberty you don’t have in freelancing. When there is a deadline, you have to adhere to it. There are no two ways about it.3. Remember: You’re still working for yourself evalMost people dislike full-time job because “they’re working for the boss.” This is not entirely correct. Sure, you’re on the payroll, but you still are working for your personal benefits. Apart from the organizational goals

The Employers Guide to College Career Fairs

The Employers Guide to College Career Fairs 8 Flares 8 Flares In a post last week, I wrote a Students Guide for College Career Fairs, and compiled a list of action items that would ensure students have a competitive advantage over their peers when it comes to career fairs.  Somewhere in that piece, I mentioned that most employers are god awful at college recruiting, and especially with career fairs.  As promised, here is my Employers Guide to College Career Fairs. Obviously, the amount of planning, time and money spent, and number of universities to attend will vary based off of how big or small the company is and the industry that company fits into.  Once this is mapped out, a company needs to select a number of target schools to attract talent from.  Unfortunately for most organizations, just selecting a school, and attending their career fairs alone wont bring the college kids running through your doors. To have a successful college recruitment/college career fair program, a number of connections need to be built with each school.  Relationships need to be built with faculty, professors/teachers, and students. Faculty When I say faculty, I mean those folks working in the career services office, the people who schedule and set up the career fair, and basically anyone that has access to influential people at the college. Why build a relationship with these people? Better booth locations for career fairs Access to information that employers generally dont have Theyll spread the word about your company Knowing why to build is one thing, but how do you go about building the relationship? Employers often times complete career fair registration online, with no interaction with the staff.  If possible, go into the office, or make a phone call in order to set up your registration for their events. Schedule a short in person meeting with career services faculty.  Show them the benefits of working for your company, and explain that they are a target school.  Schools always aim to develop strong relationships with employers Find out which employees are alumni of the school, and let faculty know that these employees are willing to come in to run work shops discussing the industry Send the career services office a small gift, thanking them for their help in your college recruiting efforts Professors/Teachers Why build these relationships? Theyll provide referrals, and access to top students Give you an opportunity to come in and speak to their class Most of them are looking for consulting jobs to make extra cash.  Never know when one of them could help out as a consultant How to build a relationship? While it is also an advantage for your company, offer to come in and speak to their class.  Teachers love a nice break from speaking (make sure to bring in quality SWAG for the teacher and students no pens please) Talk to them about possible opportunities to consult with your company and make extra cash.  Unless independently wealthy, they will be listening Keep in contact with them.  Have a representative from the company speak in his/her class every semester, and when a consulting opportunity does come up, make sure to reach out when ideal Students This should be obvious, but this is why youll need to build relationships with students: Build up a pipeline of students who can work internships, co-ops, and permanent positions with your company Word of mouth advertising on campus Pre-selected list of students to talk to further at the career fair How to build relationships with students: Utilize your connections with faculty and professors to reach the most talented students After speaking on campus or in a classroom, allow students some 1-on-1 face time with you or whoever spoke Have your company sponsor a wine and cheese event, or an information session on the company.  This should be done weeks, if not months before the career fair Take a small, select group of students out to dinner to talk about their career.  Have the company pay for this event Allow interested students a chance to come tour the company/office.  Theyll like feeling familiar with the area, office, and company Schedule 1-on-1 time with them for the career fair.  They will feel privileged, and will put your company on their short list The Big Guys What about the big time companies, like Google and other well branded places?  While the small companies suffer from low to zero traffic at career fairs, the large organizations suffer from too much traffic, and not enough time to converse with each student. Even the big guys need to make connections with, and identify top talent before the career fair.  There is no way they will gain value from talking to all 500 interested students, but if they make lasting connections with 50-75 of the most talented students, then they will have themselves a successful college recruiting experience at the career fair, and beyond. A Word on Marketing When you do everything above, you dont need to spend thousands on expensive SWAG, and the most ridiculous booth set ups.  With that said, students will definitely want to see a neat set up, so do spend some time and money on creating a nice atmosphere at the event. Bring inexpensive handouts to give to students that arent on your list, and give your top students something special.  Something like a personalized mug, or even an i-pod shuffle (if your company can afford it) will win over their student hearts for good. Final Remarks If your company isnt doing much of my above recommendations, realize that it does take time and effort to build up a relationship with a school.  Try starting with just one or two, and go from there. Reach out to me if you have any questions on my suggestions above.  If your company is looking to upgrade their college recruiting program, feel free to contact me if a consulting opportunity is an option.

How to Receive Feedback Constructively - Career Advice Blog for Millennials

How to Receive Feedback Constructively - Career Advice Blog for Millennials Nobody’s perfect, so the saying goes. But in our minds, we’re pretty darn close. Part of being an adult means assuming you know the best course of action and can act appropriately. Another part, however, is learning how to receive feedback and use it to your advantage. Take it from Sheryl Sanderg, CEO of Facebook and founder of Leanin.org. When asked the most important trait to look for in someone who can rise through ranks and scale with an organization, she replied, “Someone who takes feedback well. Because people who can take feedback well are people who can learn and grow quickly.” Mic. Drop. Receiving Feedback According to one survey, criticism, when delivered well, is appreciated by 92% of respondents. Let’s face it, though â€" most people are terrible at giving criticism. They’re nervous and clumsy. They feel prepared to be met with contention and may have a difficult time effectively delivering their feedback. Most people are pretty terrible at receiving it, too. We’re defensive and emotional. We have a hard time seeing feedback for what it is: an opportunity to learn. That’s why it’s important to sift through the language of the criticism, look for the takeaway and make room for change. How to Receive Feedback Constructively Feel uncomfortable when receiving constructive feedback? Transform how you think about the conversation. Here are some tips on how to receive feedback like a champ: 1. Avoid Knee-Jerk Reactions Instinct may tell you to respond to criticism defensively, as if you’re being attacked. If that’s the case, you need to re-learn how to receive feedback â€" even this feedback. Instead of putting up your shield and attacking back, hear what is being said. Consider it a conversation and work to be a part of that conversation. Avoid any immediate reaction to hearing feedback â€" no snarky comments and avoid that look â€" you know the one. Take time to think about what theyre saying before you react. 2. Avoid Black-and-White Analysis Don’t assume every part of your feedback was negative or positive. The brain has a tendency to hear what it assumes is true, and sometimes that means leaning on all-or-nothing ways of thinking. Criticism isnt bad. It isnt a punishment. And it doesnt mean youre failing. It just means you have room to grow. Know, too, that the offered feedback isn’t the sum total of your work with the company. Most HR execs â€" nearly 80% â€" believe that employee evaluations aren’t an accurate representation of an employee’s ability. Sure, you can do better in one area of your work. That doesnt mean that all areas of your work need improvement. 3. Don’t Take It Personally You aren’t being attacked as a person or a professional, so avoid confusing identity with behavior. Someone is asking you to change your performance, not your personality. Another aspect of taking criticism too personally is by demonizing the messenger. Even if the messenger’s delivery of the information wasn’t the best, now isn’t the time to focus on that. When you understand the importance of feedback, it’s easier to see the difference between a personal attack and constructive criticism â€" no matter who you’re hearing it from. 4. See the Benefits Even if delivered clumsily, feedback is there to help you. Take a minute to see how getting criticism â€" even before thinking about how to use the feedback â€" is beneficial to your career. Receiving feedback â€" no matter what the feedback entails â€" is an opportunity to improve and be better at your job. 5. Listen The moment someone begins offering feedback, even if you think you are ready for it, it’s hard not to interrupt and explain yourself. You may be thinking, “Yes, but I did it that way because…” or, “No, that’s not what happened.” Bite your tongue â€" at least metaphorically. Your thoughts may be accurate, but they could be a response to your own insecurity about getting feedback. Listening is a soft skill that’s hard for many to develop. If you’re one of those people, learn that skill today for better overall career advancement. 6. Ask Questions When the speaker has completed giving your feedback or after you’ve finished reading it, ask questions. If you know you’ll have a hard time asking questions that aren’t critical of the feedback â€" like “But how much of it did you understand?” or “Are you sure these comments are valid?” â€" take a breath. Sit on it and write down possible questions to ask that will help you better understand the information, rather than simply defend yourself. Don’t just skip this step, though. It’s a crucial one. When you ask constructive questions, feedback givers know you’ve heard them. And â€" here’s a crazy thought â€" it may also help you improve at your job. Consider these as jumping off points: Ask for examples. Explain that you understand the feedback and would like specific examples on how to improve. Ask for help. If you know there is truth to the criticism and it’s more than you can handle, see if there is help available. Ask for patience. Getting better and improving at anything takes time. When you explain you are working on improvement and ask for the criticizer’s patience in making changes, they are likely to see you’ve heard the feedback and are trying to get better. 7. Say Thanks No one really likes criticizing others. It’s a pretty thankless task. When someone takes the time to explain how you can do something better, however, a word of gratitude goes a long way. Even if you disagree with the feedback, acknowledge that this person is trying to be helpful. Explain that you appreciate their time and consideration â€" and avoid the temptation to add a “but…” Make Feedback Work for You Most people looking for career advancement are already perfectionists. When it feels like you are giving 110% and someone indicates any kind of flaw, it’s hard not to explain all the ways you are going above and beyond. Don’t do it. Trust yourself and don’t explain. If everything on this list is a struggle, boil it down to this: Listen and say thanks. Work through the other stuff in your own time. Have you learned lessons from getting particularly harsh feedback? Or do you have advice to offer as the feedback giver? Talk to us and subscribe to Punched Clocks to be part of the conversation. Remember â€" you don’t have to kill the messenger, use the message to perform better and maybe be the messenger yourself.

How to Define a Good Objective

How to Define a Good ObjectiveWhen writing a resume, the next question that often comes up is how to define a good objective. The answer is easy. A good objective states the right reasons for you to be a candidate for the job.When creating your own resume, it is also important to show your academic record, work history and other achievements. An objective that is not clear will not motivate you to put in the time needed to finish the project. Remember, this is why the person hiring you will be looking for your qualifications, not the other way around.When writing an objective, it is important to be specific. An objective that is too vague and general will do nothing to make you stand out from the crowd.If you want to land the job, then go with the best job you can find. In order to have a good chance of landing the job, it is important to give a strong resume, which covers all the bases.When you get the job, it is important to set your goals and activities in writing your first assig nment and a good job objective for the position you are applying for. It is a great way to determine if you are suited for the job and it shows you are able to keep on track.To ensure that you can achieve your goal, you should target score as high as possible in your placement test. Although your curriculum vitae is important, it is not a guarantee that you will get the job. You need to make sure you have something to show to make an employer understand you are fit for the job.When creating your personal statement, try to show you have a strong work ethic and possess an understanding of human nature. An important thing to remember when writing a resume is that the purpose is to create an objective. If your objective is not clear, it will cause you to forget your goal and create confusion about why you are applying for the job.

Job Stress Can Be Good for You Brain Cells, Longer Life

Job Stress Can Be Good for You Brain Cells, Longer Life Yes, stress has a negative effect on our health. It can raise our blood pressure, increase the risk of heart disease, and contribute to obesity and other illnesses. And that may seem like reason enough to quit your high-pressure job, but before you throw in the towel and dust off your resume, there’s something you should know about job-related stress. As much as you’d like to banish all that frustration from your life, consider that your constant 9-to-5 headache may be making you healthier. Yep, you read that correctly. Recent research found that a moderate amount of everyday stress has a surprising positive effect on the brain and body. Now, this doesn’t mean you should run out and get the most stressful job you can find, or stay in occupations that push you over the edge. There’s good stress and there’s bad stress, and it’s important to understand how each affects the human body. Chronic stress, which lasts for weeks or months, is bad stress, and can trigger long-term problems. But considering that our bodies are wired to react to stress, the everyday pressures you deal with at work aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Here’s why. 1. It Improves Brainpower Whether you’re facing tight deadlines or preparing for an upcoming meeting with a difficult client, these types of situations can increase your stress level and send you into panic mode. Every job has its fair share of pressure, and at times it can feel as if you have too much on your plate. These aren’t the most favorable circumstances, but the upside is that manageable amounts of stress can improve your brainpower. This not only helps you perform better on the job, it also boosts cognitive function over time. The reason is that moderate stress encourages the production of neurotrophins, a type a brain chemical that supports the growth and survival of nerve cells. So while chronic stress slowly damages brain structure, research shows that short-term stress has the opposite effect and stimulates the growth of new brain cells. A study discovered that exposure to short-lived stress triggered the development of new nerve cells in the brains of laboratory rats. After two weeks, the lab rats had improved mental performance. Researchers concluded that controlled, manageable stress on the job prompts a similar reaction in humans, improving our memory, concentration, and alertness. Read More: 3 Reasons You Are More Than Your Job 2. It Boosts Your Immune System Some people who battle ongoing stress notice a difference in their health because too much stress can suppress the immune system. This makes us more susceptible to illness and infections. But with regard to short-term stressors â€" such as those you might experience at work â€" these types of demands have the potential to reinforce or strengthen protective chemicals in your body, which can give your immune system a pick-me-up. High-tense situations set in motion a fight-or-flight response, which is a physiological reaction to a perceived threat. This is an inborn response that prepares your body to fight or flee impending danger. Your heart rate increases, your body releases adrenaline and extra sugar for energy, and you react more instinctively. According to a study by the Stanford University School of Medicine, the fight-or-flight response activated by short-term stress not only jump-starts a spontaneous reaction from your body’s resources, it also promotes stronger immune function, which makes it easier for your body to ward off and fight infections. Read More: 8 Important Reasons to Always Call In Sick When You’re Sick 3. It Lowers Your Risk of Prolonged Stress Short-term stress also increases resiliency and teaches you how to confront and tackle everyday pressures and demands. The first time you come up against a particular situation, you might crumble or think you don’t have strength to handle the hurdle. But the more you face the problem and overcome the stressor, the easier it is to cope in the future. If you toughen up and develop positive strategies to manage your time and emotions, you’re less likely to suffer from chronic stress. As a result, you decrease the risk of health problems triggered by prolonged stress, such as heart disease, cancer, and infections. Read More: 10 Frugal Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress 4. It Might Help You Live Longer Do you want to live longer? Your stressful job might be the secret weapon. A study conducted by the Indiana University found that “employees in stressful positions were a third less likely to die than those with less strenuous jobs.” These findings might have you scratching your head, especially since we already know the negative consequences of stress, but the study also revealed that those in stressful positions who lived longer were also in control of their workflow. The study, which took place between 2004 and 2011 and included thousands of workers, concluded that participants who enjoyed greater flexibility in their stressful jobs were 34% less likely to have died than participants in high-pressure jobs who enjoyed little freedom. One theory is that participants with less control in their high pressure jobs were more likely to adopt unhealthy habits as a way to cope with their circumstances. These habits included overeating (which leads to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems), and smoking, which increased the risk of cancer and other health problems.

2013 Resume Writing Trends - Work It Daily

2013 Resume Writing Trends - Work It Daily A new year has begun, and that means new job hunting trends. While resumes have played an important role for years, their format and contents have changed. The most important thing to remember in writing your resume is that 2013 is the year of showing, not telling. Here are some other resume writing trends for this year? 2013 Resume Writing Trends If you want to write a resume that will help you stand out, you should pay attention to these tips: 1. Social Resumes If you are serious about landing a job in 2013, then you'll have to realize that resumes are no longer static pieces of paper. One of the most important changes in 2013 is the sociability of resumes. Resumes are becoming living entities online. Social media has changed the way hiring managers and prospective employees communicate. You can now get direct access to the people in power much more easily. Prospective employees have the opportunity to interact with, and sometimes befriend, hiring managers before applying for a position. Companies are increasingly likely to use social networks to research applicants and/or recruit. Your social media accounts are now a true first impression. 2. Twitter The popularity of Twitter is growing astronomically. The good news is that you are probably already on it. Job seekers can harness the power of a tweet by explaining why they are an excellent candidate in 140 characters or less. Fortunately, you have 160 characters to describe yourself in your Twitter bio. Your Twitter bio is the online version of your elevator pitch. You have to use it as an opportunity to show your expertise. It is your opportunity to figure out what really makes you different. Brands refer to this as their Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Twitter is your chance to figure out your USP and develop your personal brand. Once you've hooked your prospective employee with your amazing biography, then you need to link your website, resume or other professional networking site, i.e. LinkedIn. 3. QR Codes If you are applying for a technology-related position, then QR codes might help you stand out. A QR code is that small, square, barcode-looking image that you’ve probably seen in publications, advertising, and some product packaging. Having one on your resume shows that you're aware of technology trends, and you know how to use technology to your advantage. It's not mandatory, of course, but it can be a good way to add a coolness factor to your resume and make it stand out from the crowd. Some tips for using QR codes on your resume: Consider the type of position and the people you're targeting. QR codes will be more accepted by marketing-oriented employers than many other industries. Include your website’s URL in addition to the QR code Make sure the website your QR code is linked to is fully accessible and mobile-friendly 4. Infographics A picture is worth 1000 words. Infographics are popping up everywhere online and in print too. Candidates most likely applying for visual or creative positions can use the popularity of infographics to highlight their qualifications and skills. Since infographic resumes do not cover in-depth details (they tend to be more simplistic than the standard resume), job seekers can use them to supplement their resume. In some cases, an infographic resume could catch the employer’s attention, but probably they will never replace the traditional text CV. 5. Other Useful Tips Resumes should always be targeted, specific and quantifiable. Make sure that your resume is not only tailored to the position that you are applying to, but it should also be tailored to the company that you are applying to as well. Numbers, figures and percentages show what you can do. Quantifying your experience where possible also makes you appear more professional. I hate to break it to you, but the standard “References Available Upon Request” is really outdated. Instead of using that overused phrase, consider showing managers what others have to say about you in 2013. You can pull your strongest third party testimonials and put them at the very top of your resume. The easiest place to find testimonials is from LinkedIn recommendations. The debate of one- or two- page resumes continues. If you are making a resume that is tailored to that specific job description and company, then hiring managers can overlook the length. Edit your resume where necessary. Hiring managers are busy and have limited time. An important tip is to make sure that your resume is readable on a computer and another mobile device. Try reading your resume on a phone or tablet, because hiring managers could be reviewing your resume on a mobile device. Readability with bullets, bold fonts and short paragraphs matter more than resume length. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join For Free!