Monday, December 30, 2019

How To Recruit Your Own Mentor

How To Recruit Your Own Mentor How To Recruit Your Own Mentor How To Recruit Your Own MentorWhether youre an engineering student, binnenseeking a new job, or looking for ways to grow your career, a mentor can help you find and climb the steps to success, affirms Allison McWilliams, Director of Mentoring and Professional Development at Wake Forest University.Mentors see our strengths and interests, and then encourage us to develop these assets to achieve our goals, she explains, Its a relationship that goes beyond networking or informational interviews. Good mentors ask thoughtful questions that enable them to give you objective, valuable feedback.How can you connect with one? Organized mentoring programs, often run by professional associations, are usually accessible, structured, and time-limited with well-defined goals. You can check with a local or campus chapter of any professional science or engineering group to see if they have one.McWilliams remarks that more often, though, men tors are found informally. Think about your go-to person for getting feedback or making decisions. Do you sometimes stop by their office to ask a question? Those people are your mentors, even if you dont call them thatDepending on your comfort level, you can formalize the relationship a bit. Remember, being a mentor is a commitment of time and responsibility. If someone has been very helpful and you feel a connection, be respectful of their time, while trying to confirm their interest, she suggests. (Using the word mentor isnt essential) Instead of simply dropping by to talk sometimes, you could say, I know you have a lot on your plate. Would you be willing to get together every month?Be very specific. McWilliams stresses, articulate your goals. It helps to say, These are some things I would like to work on in the next six months. Thats much easier to respond to than an open-ended request. Be clear about what youre asking for because that sets parameters. Remember, the person youre approaching is busy with their own goals, too.Approaching someone you barely know is challenging, but possible, notes McWilliams, Make a list of people whove impressed you because of smart or interesting things theyve done professionally. Ideally, youve had a brief conversation with them or an informational interview. Tell the person something you admire about their accomplishments. Then ask, Id love to hear a little about your career and the choices youve made. Can I buy you coffee or lunch, and ask a few questions?Theyll appreciate your thoughtfulness and courtesy. This would be a great way to learn things youd never know otherwise, McWilliams advises.Mentoring relationships are not permanent. If you told the person up front that youd like to meet with them over six months, acknowledge that after six months. And even if you didnt specify a time frame, there comes a point when you know if youve achieved or advanced towards the goals you identified, says McWilliams.If youve met the goals, the mentor knows. But whether you have or havent, isnt a reason to discontinue the relationship, she stresses. For instance, you can tell the person, I havent achieved exactly what I set out to do, but weve opened some other threads I never thought of. Or you might say, Ive accomplished what I asked you to help with. And it is also fine to add, I would love for this to continue how do you feel about that?You will have different mentors throughout your career, McWilliams notes, As you change jobs or take on new roles. By paying attention to your own goals and progress, youll be able to benefit from each of these relationships.The ASME Mentoring Program is designed to give Mechanical Engineering Professionals an opportunity to share their knowledge and help the next generation thrive.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Are taxpayers in your state giving more money than they get back

Are taxpayers in your state giving mora money than they get backAre taxpayers in your state giving mora money than they get backTax season is in full swing, and its fair to wonder what youre getting for all your money.It turns out for people living in fruchtwein states, the federal government is spending a lot more than its receiving in tax revenue.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more40 out of 50 states are getting more, sometimes a lot more, from the federal government than theyre paying in taxes.Taxpayers in Virginia receive more than $10,000 on a per capita basis than they pay, the biggest imbalance of any state in the country.Several states in the Northeast pay thousands more in taxes than they receive from the federal government.Our data come from theSUNY Rockefeller Institute of Governments 2019 reporton fiscal policy. The report breaks down how much money each state pays to t he federal government through taxes on a per capita basis (pink), plus how much the feds sent back in the form of expenditures (green). Expenditures is a broad category and covers a variety of things, including direct payments to people like Social Security, contracts for local governments, wages for federal workers and sub-contracting work. We ranked the states moving clockwise from high to low on the net difference between the two figures, showing a unique take on the balance of payments between federal and state governments.The first and most obvious insight in our visualization is to understand which people are receiving more money in federal outlays than theyre paying in taxes.Virginia, Kentucky and New Mexico top the charts as the top three getting the most money back. For example, in Virginia, people on average contribute $10,571 in federal tax revenue but benefit from $20,872 in federal outlays. Granted, many of these expenditures are payments to the federal workers who actu ally live in the state, but its still a nice return for the state.At the opposite end of the spectrum, several states are actually in the red.Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts each contribute thousands more on a per capita basis than they receive back from the feds. California is the closest to breaking even at a net difference of $12 per person, which is slightly more than the states minimum wage of$11/hour. Bear in mind our visual doesnt take into account the overall size of the allocations. California looks small only because its a per capita figure. In reality, were talking about billions of dollars in money flowing back and forth.In the final analysis,40 out of 50 states are getting more, sometimes a lot more, from the federal government than theyre paying in taxes. Theres a net negative balance of payments across the country. Thats why the federal government is running a massive deficit of around$1 trillionthis year. Unless and until politicians are willing to let thei r states contribute more than they receive, this situation will likely only continue to get worse.DataTable 1.1This article originally appeared on HowMuch.net.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from kleine Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Saturday, December 21, 2019

How to Land a Hot Job in 2014

How to Land a Hot Job in 2014How to Land a Hot Job in 2014Hiring is predicted to improve in 2014, so what types of jobs should you anticipate seeing? According to recent findings by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., there are 12 hot jobs to watch out for next year, and theyre careers that pay well. The list is based on jobs that require a bachelors degree, have grown more than 7 percent over the last three years, are projected to grow in 2014 and most importantly, theyre jobs that pay $22 an hour or more.Unfortunately, employers are still crying that they cant find the talent they need. In fact, Matt Ferguson, CEO at CareerBuilder, says 45 percent of human resources managers report they have open positions they cant fill.It isnt just a skills shortage, its also a positioning gap. As you evaluate ansicht growing careers, also musiknote what you can do to prove you are a good fit. The best way to do this is to provide proof that your skills and experience translate into solving problems for employers.Help a company grab the first to market seat. It is a competitive economy and companies are attempting to get their products and services to market first. If you have software development expertise, this is your chance to solve challenges for employers. Promote your technical skills but dont forget to highlight the results of your work for previous employers. Potential employers would love to hear how you contributed to a product that increased market share or hit the market first.Zero in on Big Data for market preferences. Market research analysts or marketing specialists also contribute to new product development. These careers are highly analytical and help weed through loads of information being gathered about customers, potential customers and many other data points. To stand out, sell the type of data you analyzed and tools youve used. Also be sure to include how your analysis skills has translated into new product ideas or penetrated new m arkets.Develop solutions to fill the skills gap. Training and development now play critical roles for employers who need to build specific skills among their employees. Historically, this function was viewed as a nice-to-have versus a necessity, but because employers find it difficult to hire exactly the right talent match, training employees is a worthwhile investment. To stand out, showcase curriculum topics, training platforms used, cost savings and measured outcomes from the training you created and/or delivered.Coordinate events with flair. Meeting, convention and event planners are also projected to be in demand. Take advantage of your experience pulling together logistical details, numbers of event attendees and customer satisfaction measurements. Your ability to promote yourself can be viewed as an asset in a career that relies heavily on creative marketing strategies as well as specific project management skills.Get it there on time. In the global, need-it-now economy, logi sticians become the key to making things happen. Experience and skills in coordinating the flow of materials and products, managing resources and developing positive business relationships with customers can help you secure a position in this fast-moving career. Include success stories of how you saved money, decreased delivery times, minimized inventory or any other cost savings to catch employers attention.Go high-tech or stay home. Careers in technology continue to be in-demand. Database administrators, Web developers and information security analysts all require specific skills and experience using technology to succeed. You may find that many of these positions are based on a specific contract period, but dont shun them. Independent contracting is a growing trend in our just-in-time workplace and popular among startups and small companies with limited financial resources. Showcase your commitment to team work and your ability to develop interpersonal relationships to stand out in this career field.Money matters. Financial analyst jobs are still growing, and they arent just available on Wall Street. This career option offers numerous specialties, such as investment banking, insurance companies and banks. Even corporate finance departments offer similar opportunities to evaluate investments. Keep current on the vast quantities of financial products and understand geographic trends. When pursuing these positions, be sure you mention the impact your analysis had on the organizations investments or direction.Leverage your specialties. If you are a petroleum engineer, interpreter or physical therapist, the news is good for you as well. Finding these very specialized careers, which also made the list, may require searching on niche job board. If these are your career preferences, show flexibility in your preferred work location to increase your chances of securing a job.Take a new spin. It isnt enough to have the requisite skills and experience. Your role as a j ob seeker is to explain how you have solved relevant problems. Youll need to connect the dots between your skills and successes with the needs of the employer so they can see your value.Hannah Morgan is a speaker and author providing no-nonsense career advice she guides job seekers and helps them navigate todays treacherous job search terrain. Hannah shares information about the latest trends, such as reputation management, social networking strategies, and other effective search techniques on her blog, Career Sherpa.

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Meaning and History of the Thin Blue Line

The Meaning and History of the Thin Blue LineThe Meaning and History of the Thin Blue LineYouve probably seen the symbol- a solid blue horizontal line or bar bordered on the top and bottom by black rectangles the thin blue line. These symbols can be spotted on the front license plates of cars and trucks, and they appear as stickers on rear windows, on T-shirts, websites, profile pictures, and even tattoos. But what does the thin blue line emblem mean? For some civilians, it connotes a show of support for the police, acknowledging the role these individuals dedicate themselves to in society. It represents the solidarity and brotherhood that police officers share as fellow professionals for others. The Emblem This simple-looking emblem has multiple meanings, all arising from the same concept police officers stand as a thin line that protects society from evil and chaos. But depending on who you talk to and which police department you ask, some additional meanings apply to the thin blue line. The Hamden Police Department in Connecticut believes that it represents the line between life and death that officers face every day. In some cases, it can be a tribute to an officer killed in the line of duty. The blue is derived from the traditional color of police uniforms. Most municipal police still wear blue, and the color has long been associated with law enforcement throughout the history of modern policing. The black simply serves as a stark contrast for the blue. The color itself is neutral, and it emphasizes the blue line. The Historyof the Thin Blue Line The term thin blue line is said to be derived from the thin red line, and this dates all the way back to 1854. The thin red line was a battle formation assumed by the 93rd Highland Regiment of the British Army against the Russian cavalry at the Battle of Balaclava. beinahe forward 57 years and the thin red line came to America...at least in poetry. Nels Dickmann Anderson wrote The Thin Blue Line in 1911, t weaking the color to blue, but he didnt associate it with police officers. It referred to U.S. Army in the poem. They wore blue uniforms at that time. The modern concept of the thin blue line and its association with police officers is said to trace back to 1966. It was introduced in a documentary that explored the cultural brotherhood of policing. Its come under attack innumerable times since then, first during the time of tumultuous civil unrest in the 1960s. This was a time when police were called pigs, and police brutality was an accepted circumstance. This feeling carried forward into the 1970s. A documentary film titled The Thin Blue Line, directed by Errol Morris, was then released in 1988 to critical acclaim. It was about the murder of a Dallas police officer and the term thin blue line was used by the prosecuting attorney at the trial in the depicted closing argument. The Thin Blue Line in the Millennium Officers have recently been charged with taking the concept of the thin blue line brotherhood too far, extending professional courtesies to other law enforcement brothers, particularly for minor offenses. The charge is that the emblem on the bumper of a personal vehicle effectively says, Im one of you. Look the other way. Such theories have led some to criticize- and to misunderstand- what the solidarity of the thin blue line really means. Police officers and departments have suffered harsh criticism in the millennium as well, and the concept of the thin blue line has been repeatedly drawn into political and social frays. Counter-verchtlichmachungers carried thin blue line flags in November 2016 in Chicago when others gathered to protest the police shooting of Joshua Beal. Then, not even a year later, the thin blue line flag was seized upon by white nationalist groups at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017. In both cases, the flags were intended to support the police, but they were also taken- many say inappropria tely- to be a show of resistance to the Black Lives Matter movement in Charlottesville. Standing Together for the Good of All Police, like any other profession, have an understanding among each other for whatthey do and what they go through on a daily basis. If anything, the thin blue line demonstrates support for each another in a tough job. Its not an excuse to violate the high ethical standards that officers are held to, but rather an encouragement to stand on that line together in service of others.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Friday, December 6, 2019

Top Dancer Resume Guide!

Top Dancer Resume Guide Not even whenever the concrete youre dancing on is so hot you wind up with blisters by the close of the show. The knees have to be so relaxed for you to accomplish that samba bounce. You can select to specialize in 1 form of dance, such as tap, hip hop or modern-day dance. Some dancers dont tailor their resumes to the particular dance position. Singers typically develop a one of a kind vocal style while musicians specialize in a sort of instrument, including the drums or guitar. Pick the very best dance resume template. Youre able to create various versions of your dance resume based on the dance position. The summary was made to give the possible hiring manager a reason to keep on reading your resume. In the event you arent very likely to decide on the job at a bigger salary, dont go over the compensation. Plus, you cant know when your employer will request references. It is crucial to understand what your possible employer is trying to find. T here are a lot of concerns that you can increase your resume. You dont have to be a master at writing resumes to be able to write one. Sure, do just a little name dropping if you believe it will provide help. The applicant name should always be found at the very top of the webpage however theres some freedom here. Dancer Resume No Longer a Mystery There are dozens and dozens of possible skills to look at using. You need to have special skills. Circus skills might also be listed. Listing your skills is a way to swiftly communicate your capacity to be successful in the function. You could also find the Resume Examples. Its fast and simple to use. At times it really worked. Make it seem professional. What Dancer Resume Is - and What it Is Not The flexible page designs are prepared to add your details to, so that you can land that creative job that youre aiming for There are many dance poster templates PSD to select from. If you would like to add more details, you can prefer a more text-oriented template. So long as you provide relevant info in a top quality format, dont hesitate to modify the above mentioned sample. The Fundamentals of Dancer Resume Revealed A simple resume template is going to be your very best bet. Track down a resume template at which you will include all the appropriate dance details. Try to remember the idea of Less Is mora and filter the information that you have in your job program, only including the relevant information. Make a list of absolutely all youve done that may be useful on a resume. Dancer Resume - Dead or Alive? Every dance professional ought to have a well-drafted Dancer Resume with them. Ballet is the basis for all later classes. Thus, its recommended that you look at several of the very simple Dancer resumes. Dance is an attractive physical along with therapeutic activity. It is very important to understand that all these commercial and frequently theatrical roles are seeking to cast actors wi th specific skills. Some dance employers need specific bodily capabilities. Artistic directors and dance school managers wish to understand where youre now. There is an assortment of opportunities out there in the movie and music world for dancers. Dancer Resume Ideas Get exploring and perhaps you are spotting something you feel is going to earn an effect on your job seeking process. Whenever you have zero work experience, you have to pen down your abilities and certifications in the resume in such a manner it convinces the recruiter which you are a better choice. The skills example above should provide you with a very good idea of a purchase. Whether youre looking for your very first job or seeking to earn a career change, the procedure starts with your resume. Your resume objective is your opportunity to tell a brief story about yourself. The resumes primary objective is to exclude candidates. In the start, dont be afraid to say no if the work offer isnt ideal. The organ ization should supply the place to somebody else, and you likewise dont wish to hold up the clinic. The Dos and Donts of Dancer Resume You may impress new customers or possible employers by showcase your very best work samples. Second, search for online and offline resources to collect more info about the profiles that youre interested in. From time to time, just a couple of legitimate jobs or clients can repaint an expert profile. As a consequence, no 2 resumes will look the exact same.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Recruiting Talent Thats Overqualified in 4 Steps - Spark Hire

Recruiting Talent Thats Overqualified in 4 Steps - Spark HireWhen it comes to recruiting talent, theres no shortage of overqualified candidates. Conventional hiring wisdom leads us to believe candidates exceeding standard role expectations are just too risky to hire.In fact, nearly 71 percent of hiring pros in ur new research agreed the number of overqualified talent in todays job market complicates filling entry-level roles. However, the majority (87.2 percent) of respondents said they would hire an overqualified candidate.The debate over overqualified talent takes an already complex recruitment process and makes it even mora challenging. Those who have qualifications that exceed role requirements are often negatively stereotyped. Theyre looked at as entitled, always looking for a pay raise or promotion, continually bored, and disengaged.While recruiting overqualified talent can be risky, weve found that it can also be rewarding when approached the right way. Heres how you can effec tively recruit talent for roles theyre overqualified for1. Evaluate past work experiencesWhen someone is overqualified for a role, theres more potential for them to grow bored. Of course, its challenging to determine this until the candidate is actually in the role. But only 35 percent of hiring pros in our research, The Risks and Rewards of Hiring Overqualified Talent, consider if candidates would be satisfied starting in a less-challenging position before making an offer.Its important to evaluate past work experiences when recruiting talent. In fact, past job experiences ranked No. 1 in our research for how respondents assess whether a candidate has the right skills and experience level.To uncover red flags, ask candidates why they left previous positions. This can lead you to understand whether they get easily bored with mundane tasks or if there was an inability to see a future beyond the role they were in.Use their responses to guide follow-up questions. Such as, if they didnt feel challenged in a former role and know they are overqualified for your position, why do they believe this role is different?87.2 percent of hiring professionals said they would hire an overqualified candidate. sparkhire researchClick To Tweet2. Connect face-to-face from the startAssessing overqualified talent goes beyond looking for role fit. Recruiting talent to grow with your company means evaluating if they fit with the culture. This cant be done without a face-to-face connection with the candidate. Do this by meeting in-person or with live video interview early in the screening process.During the interview, ask cultural fit questions. Find out what motivates the candidate. Learn why theyre passionate about your product or service to see if theyd be happy on the team until a more suitable position opens up. Without a option for face time with candidates, its easy to write off candidates or misinterpret their passion and interest.3. Be direct about satisfactionEmployee satisfac tion is a no-brainer for avoiding turnover. Unsurprisingly, 46.3 percent of hiring pros told us they would only hire overqualified talent if theyd be happy and fulfilled in the role. Without job satisfaction, overqualified talent wont feel connected to the role or the company.But role satisfaction questions come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes candidates dont even know youre assessing to see if theyd be satisfied in the role. With overqualified candidates, direct questions are the best form of action.Ask candidates what they specifically need to feel satisfied as a member of the team. Do they need an exact timeline of when theyll be promoted out of the role? Do they want to perform tasks that challenge them, even if theyre outside of the job description?46.3% of hiring pros would only hire overqualified talent if theyd be happy and fulfilled in the role.Click To Tweet4. Look to the futureWhen a candidate is overqualified for a role but is still interested in applying, chances are theyre looking to get their foot in the door. Just over 30 percent of hiring pros would only hire overqualified candidates with a clear direction on expanding the role to meet their qualifications. This is a positive attribute as it shows they want to be parte of the companys future.Recruiting talent without a clear path forward from the start sets them up for failure. Once disengagement and boredom set in, they will be off to another role with a more promising future. Ask candidates why they applied for the role, where they hope to see it go, and their ideal timeline. Having all of the information upfront sets everyone up for a successful long-term relationship.