Build Your Knowledge by Reading More Building Your Future Now

Build Your Knowledge by Reading More Building Your Future Now Reading is one of the most fundamental ways that we learn. Along with speaking and writing, reading is another form of communication that is very much taken for granted in our society. Having a high-level literacy skill can increase our workplace opportunities exponentially! One of the easiest ways to learn more is simply by reading more. The Library Need a good place to look for books? The library is perhaps the best resource you have in your community to search, discover and read books. Its easy to get a library card and with that you will also gain assess to ebooks and many other amazing in-library and online resources! Digital vs Traditional Anyway you slice it you cant go wrong reading on any medium. That means if you love reading on your eReaderyou have an amazing way to bring your literature on the go. You can literally fit thousands of books, magazines and other reading materials on eReaders. However, the tried and true way of reading physical books is still very much popular. Although you cant bring a lot of books with you at one time, bringing a few books keeps you focused on them! Read More and Varied Reading more gives you a better opportunity of learning more. If you enjoy reading on a subject thats great: it will help you towards becoming a specialist. However, reading other subjects sometimes gives your mind a chance to grow because you are discovering other things. Continuing to find books and magazines will you keep helping you acquire knowledge. Building your Library Acquiribg books on subjects or by authors that you likeboth physical and digital copiesis a great way to build a personal library. Building your library is important. You can use these books as continued resources that you can reference as you build your career. Amazon Amazon is one of the best places online to find popular books. It also makes purchasing physical books as well as ebooks very easy! Image: Dariusz Sankowski

Virtual Job Fair Opens Today

Virtual Job Fair Opens Today The First Coast Virtual Job Fair opened Monday, June 10 at 12:02 A.M.  By the time youre reading this, hundreds of job seekers will be uploading resumes from the comfort of their living rooms, wearing bunny slippers instead of power suits as they browse virtual job fair booths.  Its also a great opportunity for people who are working to attend a job fair without taking time off from their current jobs. The event, hosted by WorkSource, offers access to job seekers and employers from Monday, June 10th, through Friday, June 14th, 24 hours a day. As I write this, over 60 employers are offering over 460 openings (and more will be registered by the time the virtual job fair starts.) The openings range from healthcare to hospitality, and from customer service to security. All levels of jobs will be offered; entry level workers and management will find something that looks like an opportunity. Thanks to Florida State College at Jacksonville, a free web-based training manual, the VJF Handbook, is available to  guide novices and experienced job seekers through the basics of a virtual event.  The guide offers tips on resume building and ways for everyone to best present their skills to prospective employers. A video option is available for each section of the handbook. Each quarter, the Virtual Job Fair attracts thousands of job seekers; some apply for jobs from remote parts of the U.S., hoping to sang an opportunity to work here on the First Coast. Here are some tips for getting the most out of our virtual event: Unlike a physical job fair, where your professional appearance and energy can impress a recruiter, in a virtual event, your only asset is your resume.  Make sure its targeted to the job youre applying for and that it presents your skills well. You have plenty of time to browse jobs and revise your resume; dont rush into applying.  Take the time to read the postings carefully at each virtual booth. Most employers wait to the end of the event to seriously consider applicants, so be thoughtful in your approach to each opportunity. Use some of the time you have to research the company and add what you learn into your resume edits.  Let your experience reflect the company or industrys key words and values. You may think its smart to apply for every job at every booth, but its a losing strategy. It only takes a click for recruiters to delete your resume if youre not a match  Its a better idea to take your time and make a serious run at jobs you really qualify for. Heres an excellent post by Michelle Cox, writing for Online MBA.com, on the benefits of virtual job fairs.

How Fiber Optic Is Going To Change Your Life

How Fiber Optic Is Going To Change Your Life Whether you run a small business, have a side hustle, or just use the internet for entertainment, fiber optic is coming.  And its going to affect you.  In a BIG way! What is it? While fiber optics have been around for a long time, youre probably most familiar with it in lighting and display presentations.  So you already know that its optical fibers that transmit light.  As it applies to the internet, its flexible glass fiber.  You probably dont have it yet because the distribution and control cable systems are not in place yet. Presently, only about 25% of the U.S. is covered by fiber optic internet.  But its expanding rapidly.  And when it becomes available, youll most likely want to be among the first to opt in.  Why?  Think speed.  Very. High. Speed. A good broadband connection over traditional systems has speeds typically in the 20 MBPS (megabits per second) range, with a few locations hitting up to 50.  Fiber optic systems scream right by those numbers.  Speeds of up to 500 MBPS are typical.  In the Google fiber optic system, its twice that.   In terms of what that means for data transmission, its pretty much instantaneous. What does it cost? In the earliest deployments, fiber optic internet systems were significantly more expensive than traditional copper wire systems.  Thats changing rapidly.  In the newest installations, the cost of fiber optic access is comparable to the old copper wire systems.  Plus, with fiber optics theres the option for insanely fast access that simply isnt available at any price elsewhere. And dont worry.  You wont have to re-wire your house or business.  The fiber optic systems, at least at present, are delivery systems.  They bring the data to you, and then its transferred within the framework of your existing wiring structure. When will I get it? That varies widely depending the location of your business or home.  As stated above, only about 25% of the U.S. is presently installed, but its on it way.  To find out the latest on your particular location, call your internet provider, or refer to the government map that tracks broadband availability. Image credit Main

5 Steps to Second Interview Success

5 Steps to Second Interview Success This is your second time in with the same company and an interview is an interview, isn’t it? You did well last time so how hard can it be? Well, it depends. Historically, you’d have had an interview and then fairly promptly afterwards either received an offer or a “You were great, but …” note. Today, more employers are taking longer to consider individual applicants and they’re doing so to an ever-increasing level of detail. More candidates are being invited back, time and time again before a decision is made. Because there is huge variation in how different companies define and manage their selection processes,  it’s hard to know what you’ll be facing. A second interview could be a formality, or a courtesy to your manager’s manager even, in which case the job is yours to lose. Alternatively, you could be facing a bear pit where several applicants are still in the frame and it will be the last person standing who wins through. If you don’t know what the situation is â€" find out, fast. Either way, prepare fully. Forget riding high  following  the success of your first interview,  this is no time for complacency; you’ve got a campaign to plan. Prepare your ground It’s perfectly acceptable to contact whoever is organising the interview to ask them for some details. There are several advantages you can gain by doing so. More contact means more familiarity and that will only ever work in your favour, both ways. At the very least, try to  find out who you’ll be meeting, how many other candidates there are, where you are in the running order and what the format is. If you can create the opportunity, ask if there is anything from last time that counted against you or didn’t come across well. This is pure gold, if you can get it. Clearly, don’t harass the company to the point where you’re perceived as insecure, overly pushy or a stalker. They last thing anyone wants to risk is ending up with a weirdo lodged in the team.  If you have a recruiter representing you, its likely theyll cover this step for you and  manage this risk for you. Now its time to set about re-doing your previous research, by taking  it to a whole new level. Research the company, the people, the role, the industry, the economic climate, their markets, their competitors and so on. You don’t need to become an  expert, but aim for a conversational level on any of those subjects. At the interview, aim to show that you’ve stepped up your game since last time you met. The company will be hoping you can show more insight into the challenges and a real enthusiasm for attacking the role, should you get it.  Five positive steps to winning through: 1. Get your head straight Dial back on the adrenalin and nerves.  The upside for your psyche is that these people are busy, they’re not just getting you in for a cup of tea and a catch-up. They obviously already think you’re capable and a good fit, or you wouldn’t be invited back. If every other candidate screws up or dies on the way home, the job is theoretically yours. Now that’s not a bad starting point, is it? Someone has to win this, let’s make it you. 2. Work on your ‘fit’ Get the chemistry right and it can be a deal-swinger for you.  If you, and every other candidate, tick all of the boxes in spades, your perceived interpersonal skills and how well you gel with them on the day can make a difference. Plan and rehearse your dress, your journey, your arrival in reception, your entry into the room, some conversational interplay, your behavior during interview and your exit. Aim to connect with  the interviewers on a human level and be ‘The One’ theyare looking for. 3. Anticipate their concerns Prepare to be probed more deeply, based on your last interview.  When you left last time, what concerned you? Where did you feel weak or had perhaps failed to show the best of yourself? Assume those issues will come up again, and prepare thoroughly to avoid a repeat. Knowing you can cover them this time will power up your confidence. 4. What can you do for them? Show you understand the real challenges they face as a business.  You don’t have to explicitly state their issues and problems, for fear of appearing arrogant, prescriptive or just plain wrong. Simply, if you can guess what keeps your prospective boss awake at night and can show you are part of the solution, the job is yours. 5. Show your added value What else could you bring to the party that others couldn’t?  You’re going off-piste here. Think beyond the job description and look at the role in a wider context. What extra skill or experience can you present that  would  make hiring you come with a  socking great bonus? If that’s not immediately obvious to you, then you’ll need to dig deep, but it will be worth every ounce of pain doing so. Finally Remember, all candidates will have different strengths and weaknesses,  so dont worry too much about the competition and comparing yourself to others. Instead, concentrate on showing the very best of yourself and how youre the stand-out choice. Good luck. About the author: Jon Gregory is an author, editor, blogger trainer on all things job hunting, interview prep career development. [Featured image: Shutterstock]

Custom Resume Writing 2020

Custom Resume Writing 2020Custom resume writing is a marketing technique that allows you to tailor your resume to your professional goal. This type of writing is also known as an exceptional resume or a masterpiece resume.Writing a custom resume is a complex process that requires years of experience and knowledge. There are many factors to take into consideration. While a resume should be informative, it should also stand out from the rest. If it is your first time in creating a resume, it will take some time to fine tune your skills.You may be wondering what you can do to create a resume that stands out. If you can find something that most people have in common, then it is likely that you will find it easier to write a resume. You can start by looking at your background.What is your work history? When creating a resume, make sure that it reflects the best of your skills. Keep your accomplishments short. You should not include anything that is irrelevant. It would also be a good idea to make your title short and sweet.What type of education do you have, and how does it relate to your job? There are many situations that require you to have a certain level of educational background. Some companies want to know if you have completed some higher education. You can use your current college degree to inform potential employers about your professional skills. They may ask you if you received a master's degree, or if you have passed a test related to your field.You may also add some areas of expertise or excellent skills. For example, you may have very specific photography skills that you can share. Also, you may be able to pass a criminal background check, which would be a plus for your career. If you do not have a creative side, you may want to put that to use in a less skilled profession. This can allow you to find ways to tell your story, like an advertising agency. They could let you design their logo, or maybe add a unique twist on an advertising campaign. Other creative ways that you can incorporate your personal style are by adding hobbies that you enjoy, or educational areas that you prefer.Now that you have the basics, you can begin your resume writing. It is important to keep in mind that your unique personal voice is what sets you apart from other applicants. Once you have created a unique style, you can begin building a beautiful resume. Then, it will be easy to find a job that you were not even searching for.

10 Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You The Job

10 Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You The Job 10 Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You The Job Candidates are, understandably, disappointed when they’re not called back after a job interview. Even if the job wasn’t so great or the boss seemed a bit of a micromanager, they still want to get that second or third interview. A common candidate complaint is that they don’t get any feedback. Recruiters are sometimes not forthcoming and HR can be cagy when it comes to telling people why they didn’t get the job. This happens for a lot of reasons. Sometimes recruiters don’t get anything more than the candidate wasn’t a “good fit.” HR may not provide feedback because of legal concerns. Besides that, everyone is busy. That’s one of the reason’s CareerBuilder surveys are so valuable. They provide feedback straight from the employer’s mouth. Fifty percent of hiring and human resources managers responding to a recent nationwide CareerBuilder survey said they know within the first five minutes if a candidate is a good fit for the job. Five minutes! Respondents agreed that while a good resume and cover letter may get you an interview, body language mistakes can take you out of the running. Here are the body language mistakes that can derail your prospects. Top 10 Body Language Mistakes Failing to make eye contact: 67 percent Failing to smile: 39 percent Playing with something on the table: 33 percent Having bad posture: 30 percent Fidgeting too much in their seats: 30 percent Crossing their arms over their chests: 29 percent Playing with their hair or touching their faces: 27 percent Having a weak handshake: 21 percent Using too many hand gestures: 11 percent Having a handshake that was too strong: 7 percent While you don’t want to stare or grin like a fool, it’s essential to make eye contact and to smile. Don’t reserve this for the interviewer only. Be courteous to everyone you meet. (For more interview tips click here.) Be aware of fidgeting in your seat, gazing out the window, playing with your hair or jewelry, etc. You may not think the hiring manager noticed you glancing down at your smart phone during the interview. But, it may very well have cost you the job.

5 ways to create a corporate environment that embraces gender diversification

?5 ways to create a corporate environment that embraces gender diversification The business world is long overdue for a wakeup call, especially when it comes to understanding the value of the blended perspective that comes from having both men and women in top executive positions. We should not need to enact laws to protect social classes, ethnicities, and genders in the work place. Unfortunately, we have these laws because there are still people who choose to not hire, or value, people because of their age, gender, ethnicity or relationship status. I interviewed Deanna Latson, co-founder and chief product officer of ARIIX, an international opportunity company that promotes healthy toxic-free living, to learn how corporations can create work environments that embrace gender diversification. As the only female among eight board members, she recommends the following tips. 1. Allow employees to have their own personalities and opinions Creating an environment where a variety of opinions and perspectives are accepted and welcomed is essential. If you are sitting at a conference table where everyone is agreeing with what you have to say, it is not necessarily a good thing. Unique perspectives and opinions create balance. If you notice an imbalance in your work culture, hire more people with diverse backgrounds and allow them the freedom to express their thoughts and opinions. The more diversification in the work place, the more fruitful the results. 2. Understand that women and men each have unique perspectives Men have their strengths and positive traits, but women have their own unique strengths and perspectives, too. Think of it this way: you have several executives sitting around a conference table â€" men on one side and women on the other. In the middle of that table is a cube that has many different sides and angles. The men have one view of the cube from their side of the table, while the women are seeing from an entirely different vantage point. Both are only viewing a small piece of a much larger picture. Each perspective is equally valuable, and when combined creates a synergy of ideas and insight that is much stronger. In her own words, Latson adds, “Is one female board member enough to make a difference? Of course! Looking back at the cube analogy, if the men are looking at their side of the cube, and I’m seeing the other side, we double our ability to tackle the same situation successfully.” 3. Place equal value on the feminine “I’m very fortunate to be part of a company where my views as a woman are valued,” Latson added. “The experiences and unique insight we bring are essential. Women have a lot of purchasing power in the marketplace, so it makes sense that women should have a prominent role in the businesses that serve them. Be yourself and bring your unique perspective to the table. Recognize that the contributions you make to your organization are real, valuable, and okay to put out there. If there is one message I want women to remember, it is that being themselves in the business world is a very good thing. Your insights and perspective matter!” Ignorance, gender inequality, bigotry, it all comes down to the fact that humans flock to like-minded people. So often corporations hire employees that are just like the brand, but then you end up with an imbalance of perspective. Latson said she feels fortunate because she is surrounded by people who recognize the benefits of gender diversification and it makes her stronger. 4. Promote more women to leadership positions There is a noticeable lack of female role models in many businesses today. This has the unfortunate tendency to make women feel like they have to assume male characteristics because that is what they see being rewarded and promoted. “I’m a woman in a top executive position,” said Latson. “The reality is that it can be lonely at the top. More women need to be in positions of authority and be given the opportunity and resources to inspire, mentor and lift up other women around them.” The traditional, single-perspective business model is fading away. Those corporations that still follow that model are frozen in the past. Today’s entrepreneurial companies, led by both men and women, are shaping a new business world that is heading in the right direction. 5. Create leadership teams that mirror the diversity of the community your company serves How can a company effectively serve a diverse consumer base without having a diverse perspective in their organization? Are five men going to make a great skin care product for 40-year-old women? They might think so, but honestly, they are going to miss a lot of the finer points. Would you go to a man and ask them to tell you what it is like to have a baby? Again, they might be able to give you the basics, but they are definitely going to miss many, many of the details! “Those of us in a position to make a difference need to create more diverse leadership teams,” said Latson. “We need to embrace the variety of emotions, instincts, intensity, and intuition women bring to the table. Our unique perspective as women is so critical and necessary in today’s business world, especially in positions of leadership. If there are no women in C-suite roles, who is going to advocate hiring more females?” Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available!