10 Great Career Resources You May Not Know About

10 Great Career Resources You May Not Know About 10 Great Career Resources You May Not Know About Looking for a new job? Just starting your career or thinking about a second one? Whether you know exactly what field or job you want to pursue or you aren’t sure yet, some fantastic career resources are available to help point you in the right direction. Problem is, they’re scattered across the Internet like confetti. To make it easier for you to take advantage of some of the best advice, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great career resources you can access online: 1. Career Choice and Competency Test Take the free 15-minute career test by Assessment.com to discover your strengths and help find your true calling. You can also assess your career plan against their recommendations. 2. Employment Statistics and Trends The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a selection of useful reports on employment statistics and 10-year forecasts. Use them to determine if the career you’ve chosen is experiencing - or is likely to experience - a talent shortage. If so, you can expect a higher starting salary or more appealing perks if your skills match up with employers’ needs. 3. Company Information Sources To research a company before you apply or to prepare for a job interview, try using Hoovers to view vital company information, such as revenue and financials or top competitors. 4. Resume and Cover Letter Advice These helpful resume and cover letter guidelines from Robert Half will give you all the up-to-date knowledge you need to make a good first impression on hiring managers. 5. Resume-Building Community Service Advice The Corporation for National and Community Service can help you find nonprofit work opportunities that align with your career choice to boost your value to hiring managers. 6. Online Networking Resources Download the free guide Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age from Robert Half for answers about online networking and the professional way to handle business relationships via social media and other digital communications. 7. Online Reputation Management Just about everyone knows how to use search engines, so be aware that prospective employers may look you up online before they make a hiring decision. And even a current employer may check your online reputation, so find out how to manage your digital footprint from Robert Half. 8. Job Interview Resources Learn how to prevent interview anxiety from affecting your performance with this selection of job interview tips from Robert Half for in-person and telephone interviews. 9. Professional Self-Development Resources Test your work-related skill set at Mind Tools to find out how your essential skills, such as communication, problem solving and stress management, stack up. Then use the self-development career resources they provide to build your skills and become more attractive to potential employers. 10. Salary Guides Tools that help you compare your salary expectations to the current employment market are invaluable. Find the Robert Half Salary Guide for your field and check out the average starting salaries for a variety of roles. These 10 great career resources should be of help as you choose your next role, and can even guide you to ongoing professional development. Do you know any other great online career resources? Tell us in the comments!

Accountability partners are great. Success partners will change your life

Accountability partners are great. 'Success' partners will change your life Accountability partners are great. 'Success' partners will change your life Even though most people avoid it, accountability works. It really works.Actually, if you do not measure and report your progress, then you’re probably not making much progress at all. According to Pearson’s Law when performance is measured, it improves; when performance is measured and reported, it improves exponentially.Research studies have shown that publicly committing your goals to someone gives you at least a 65% chance of completing them. However, having a specific accountability partner increases your chance of success to 95%.When most people think of an accountability partner, they cringe. It’s not something they feel excited about, unless they are highly motivated individuals.One of the reasons “accountability” has a slightly negative energy is because it feels like you have to do something. And accountability partnerships can give off that vibe even though, as a functioning adult, you get to make your own choices.By adding an accountability partner to your life, you’re simply increasing your odds of success. You don’t want to lie to someone you respect. So when you tell them you’re going to show up this week, you’re more likely to do so.It’s actually quite crazy, but we’re far more likely to lie to and let down ourselves than someone else.Accountability is Great But “Success” Partners are More Powerful“Surround yourself with people who remind you more of your future than your past.” Dan SullivanHaving an accountability partner is an unfair advantage. For those seeking major success in their lives, it’s an incredible opportunity.The mere fact that most people avoid accountability is a powerful reason to create LOTS of it in your life.Even still, there is another form of relationship that can take your life much further than accountability partnerships.Rather than simply having someone who holds you accountable, you want a “success” partner who is heavily motivated themselves.You want to have someone who is already p ushing their own boundaries and taking huge psychological leaps forward. They are taking big risks, moving forward, and continually upping their game.If you’re doing the same, then you can join forces and push each other further and further than you could ever go on your own.A “success” partner is someone who is already motivated. They don’t need someone to “hold them accountable.” Instead, they need someone to propel themselves further than they could propel themselves.Here is the important distinction: accountability partnerships are “process”-oriented. The goal is to keep you accountable to the process. Did you do your workouts this week?Conversely, Success partners are “progress”-oriented. The focus isn’t on you trying (and failing) to be perfect. But instead, how much tangible movement toward your dreams did you make? Success partners focus on results over process, because it is through courageously pursuing meaningful EVENTS that you develop an innovative process.The process is the product of the goal, not the other way around.Accountability also can feel like a drag. It feels like a job.Success partners are about excitement, energy, and movement. Not perfection. Success partners measure the “gain” and movement made toward big dreams, not the “gap” of what they aren’t doing good enough.Becoming a “Transformational Leader” for Yourself and OthersOne of the core theories of leadership is called, “Transformational Leadership,” and it involves four specific behaviors of the most successful leaders: Inspirational motivation: developing and articulating a powerful vision and high expectations that are motivating, inspiring and challenging. Idealized influence: being a role model, someone who themselves is moving forward in their lives and achieving a bigger vision. You cannot be a leader of others if you’re not powerfully leading yourself. Intellectual stimulation: challenging existing assumptions, connecting deeply with those you’re leading, and helping them re-frame their limitations. Individualized consideration: treating everyone in a cookie-cutter fashion, but instead, “seeking first to understand and then to be understood.” In other words, you develop true connection and trust by listening first and coming to understand the person you’re working with as a unique individual. You can be a transformational leader. And the only way you can become a powerful “success” partner is by being a transformational leader.When two people come together and act as transformational leaders to each other, explosive growth happens.I’ve had many “success” partnerships in my life. Recently, I met an amazing guy named Alex. He’s been through a lot in his life. He grew up with a stutter, which led him to over-compensate in his attempts to feel worthy of love and friendship.His desire to be loved led him down some bad paths, ultimately getting him arrested and expelled from his college.But then Alex started investing big in himself. He started envisioning a much bigger future. Now, people pay him over $100,000 to work with him one on one. He is a highly-paid public speaker despite having a stutter.And here’s what I love about Alex: there are no limits on where he’s going. He’s just getting started.He’s willing to push himself further and further mentally, e motionally, spiritually, and relationally.I’ve recently met him and we hit-it-off. We come from totally different backgrounds, have different skill-sets, and different ways we can help each other.More than just helping each other be motivated and accountable, we push each other to go beyond anything we’d do on our own. We’ve both challenged each other to take needed action on things in our personal lives and business that we 1) either have been procrastinating or 2) didn’t even realize we should take.That’s what happens in “Success” Partnerships you help each other take immediate action on what is most important. No more procrastination. You also help each other get new insights, and then to immediately act on those insights.This is where the psychologist, Robert Kegan, comes in. According to Kegan, the highest level of “conscious evolution” is what he called the “transforming self.”It takes courage.It also takes a different way of thinking.Rather than thinking “how” you can achieve something, you think in terms of “who.” According to Kegan, the transforming-self is a stage of being wherein two or more individuals go beyond their perceived notions and open themselves up to new and bigger ideas through collaborative ideation and connection.The whole becomes more than the sum of its pats.A third party emerges out of the two people a new superhuman that is distilled in each individual. Newness. Vision. Relentlessness.Both parties synergize and collaborate and motivate and push each other. The relationship becomes a vehicle for transformation and growth.Self-Leadership is Key to Being a “Success” PartnerYou can’t be a “success” partner if you’re not actively and aggressively moving forward in your own life. Hence, self-leadership is essential. Accountability on many levels is implied.You don’t avoid accountability. You embrace it in all aspects of your life. Your whole world and environment reflect accountability to high er ideals, values, and aims.But, you also know that with the influence of other people who are likewise pushing themselves in profound ways, that you can push them and yourself further and faster.This is why “success” partners are so exciting. Individually, they are already motivated and achievement-oriented. Collectively, they push each other to new limits of courage and commitment. They serve as sounding boards to each other. They not only listen to each other’s account progress, but they really challenge them.Transformational leaders challenge assumptions. They really ask the hard questions.Is this what you really want?Why do you want it?Are you playing small?What do you really want?Why are you waiting to get it?What could you do that would get you there in the next seven days?What huge failure are you avoiding?Do You Have a “Success” Partner?“Success” partners are all about extreme action, helping each other to take on extreme courage, and coaching each other throu gh the process.Do you have a “success” partner?You shouldn’t just have one. Instead, you should create a network of people who are constantly pushing you to up your game.“Success” partners are all about excitement and fear and according to Dan Sullivan, those are two sides of the same coin. You can’t have excitement without fear.If you really want to play a bigger game, you need to start making bold moves. And then you need to be a giver and help other people make bold moves in their lives.Your network is your net-worth. When you begin surrounding yourself with people who remind you of your future and you not only engage in the relationship but inspire those around you to QUICKLY get to the next level then your life will begin accelerating very quickly.You can increase your income by 10X in a year with the right network.You can achieve goals that would normally take a few years in a few months with the right network.Taking on huge goals and change is inherently stressful . So having someone to buffer that stress and help you through the process is key.Having someone who excites you about moving forward because you inspire each other is an unfair advantage.It’s also incredibly available.You must start by being an inspiring person yourself. Lead yourself to a better life. Then excitedly help others improve their lives.Use the relationship to propel each other forward.Every week, share your huge wins and courageous leaps. Then, really dig into helping each other to move beyond fears and to commit to bigger leaps.Here’s what’s fascinating. You’ll often get more clarity and inspiration for your life while helping your “success” partner get clarity than while directly trying to get clarity for yourself. The synergistic partnership is key. Giving and receiving.Every week, you should be attempting something you’ve never done before. You should be failing and learning, and growing in new and powerful ways.Hard-Truth Questions to ConsiderDo you have a “success” partner?Are you growing like crazy?Are you excited?Is your future bigger than your past?Is your brain growing through novelty, risk, learning, and excitement?Are you shattering subconscious blocks?Are you consistently improving all aspects of your life, and thus developing confidence?Are you making bold commitments and seeing those commitments to the end?Ready to Upgrade?I’ve created a cheat sheet for putting yourself into a PEAK-STATE, immediately. You follow this daily, your life will change very quickly.Get the cheat sheet here!This article first appeared on Medium.

love letters as writing samples, the candidate who spoke Pirate, and other tales of amazing resumes

love letters as writing samples, the candidate who spoke Pirate, and other tales of amazing resumes love letters as writing samples, the candidate who spoke Pirate, and other tales of amazing resumes A few weeks ago,  I asked you about the strangest things youve ever seen on a resume. You shared some amazing stories so many, in fact, that I couldnt pick my usual 10, so here are 30 of the best. 1.  A recent applicant for an entry-level office job at the nonprofit where I work wrote in his application, Just Google me. As if I wasn’t already  going to. The candidate did not get an interview. 2. At a previous job we received a 3-page resume that started with a list of accomplishments. One of the so-called accomplishments was Met  Lenny Kravitz. We had a laugh at that, because WTF?! It had absolutely nothing to do with the job or the industry that we were in. And, I  mean, he just met the dude, he didn’t work with him or anything. That’s absolutely not an accomplishment even if you’re trying to break into  the recording business or something! Then we got to the third page of his resume and it was just a scanned picture of him with Lenny Kravitz. We did not move forward with his application. 3.  A candidate listed his part in a play in the 1980s for an office job at a university. He was either in elementary or middle school then. He had no  other acting or theatrical experience. I’m pretty sure it was a school play. 4.  We interviewed a guy for a web designer’s job. His portfolio was quite good, until we came across one of our own websites in there. We  asked him to explain and he said that he put it in there as an example of a well designed website. We didn’t really believe him. He didn’t get  the job. 5.  This was a position aimed at university students. A student applied, and in the application where she had to select an option, instead of using  an X or check mark, she filled in the blanks with hearts. 6.  We had someone with a languages section and they wrote Pirate. We only called because we were desperate and his work was in line with  what we needed. We made him an offer but I’m worried that might have enforced his decision here. We asked about it in the phone screen  and he confirmed that it meant talking with a lot of arrrs.' 7. A college student applied for a summer internship by sending us copies of love letters he wrote to his high school crush as a proof of his  writing skills. 8.  I had a husband and wife apply together for one position, with a single resume. It listed degrees and experience, with dates, but did not  differentiate between spouses. They were working artists and explained they preferred to share a job and decide among themselves who  would show up on any given day. They provided a link to their art portfolio. (The position I was hiring for was not art-related.) I looked and their art involved nude photos of  themselves, digitally combined and altered into sort of amorphous abstracts. 9. A female applicant put “Bachelorette Degree” on her resume and when I called her to screen, let her know of, what I had assumed, was a  typo. She assured me that she did, indeed, have a Bachelorette degree because she’s not a man. Duh. 10.  I got a resume where instead of attaching his resume, the poor guy accidentally attached a letter from his mom telling him to get a job and  stop taking money from his grandfather. He didn’t get an interview either. I still wonder if he ever stopped mooching off his grandpa. 11. I’ve seen quite a few resumes that list fanfic and it’s even worse when it’s fanfic for books that my company publishes. I’m in fandom and  enjoy writing/reading fanfic, but no one is going to hire someone who wrote fanfic for X series to work with that author. It’s a disaster waiting to  happen. There have been a few who have linked to their fanfic and well…….I checked out of pure curiosity (none of them were invited for an  interview). One was a really great author. Another had some of the more hardcore kinks fandom loves (and ones that make me  uncomfortable), and I was just baffled that someone would think it’s a good idea to link to their erotica on a resume. 12.  It was the kind of application form where you’re supposed to upload your resume as an attachment, and one candidate uploaded a Word  document that contained one line: Resume available upon request.' 13. Once received a resume that was written in the form of a recipe: 1/2 cup working with individuals on their job skills 2 tsp crisis intervention 3 cups supervising staff That kind of thing. And there were little clip art gingerbread men all over it. And I remember the paper being pink. No actual time spent in jobs  (list of jobs at the bottom), or list of skills. It was up to us to figure out what to what the different measurements equated. 14. One  listed why he left each job. Fired, quit because the boss sucked (yes, that was a reason), but the one that stood out?  Fired because he was in jail for attempted murder. Yeah… we didn’t interview him.  (In the resume, he did note that he was found not guilty on a technicality. Not that he wasn’t actually not guilty, but found not guilty due to a  technicality.) 15.  In the past few months I have seen: â€" excessive use of emojis (more than 0 is excessive to me) â€" put down working my ass off as one of the bullet points for a position â€" a very light resume in the work history section, but a very detailed Karate section 16. When we had an open position that was half-admin-half-research-assistant, one applicant in his late twenties sent a resume that began with  standard education/work history and continued on the 3rd page into a creative writing sample/series of diary entries. The entries covered  every topic from a conversation with his dying grandfather, to his first sexual experience (3rd base graphically described, occurring in a back  room of his parents’ church), to a very flowery description of doing drugs in a field with his best friends. Our office came up with several theories. I half regret never reaching out to him to confirm whether this was a prank, accident, or gross  misunderstanding of the job posting. 17. I once got someone who listed World’s Best Grandson under awards. He was the winner in 2003, and then again from 2006-2008. I  contacted him to come in for an interview (this was a part time call center job), but he didn’t answer. I was slightly disappointed, because his  resume cracked me up. 18.  I once received a resume that contained a photo of the applicant. It was a formally posed shot of him standing in front of a bookshelf holding a  book and looking thoughtfully into the distance. The same resume include a series of quotes about him from people he knew (think the kind of  blurbs you find on book jackets). Unfortunately for him, I knew some of them as well and they confirmed they hadn’t either said those things or  given him permission to use their names in his resume. 19.  I once received a resume that was fairly normal, along with a cover letter that was written as a ransom note (all the letters and words cut out  of different magazines). I think the intent was to show creativity and humor, but it actually just felt a little creepy. No interview. 20.  The strangest was a resume started off with the usual stuff like name address, etc. Then he states male with defined brown beard with a few  gray hairs. The resume then continued on like a normal resume. If it wasn’t for that line he totally would have gotten an interview. 21. Instead of stating I was a stay at home mom and now I’m returning to work one woman listed it as a job. But also listed it as if she was talking  to a 4-year-old. Something like this: The Smith Household 1/1/13 to forever Mommy to the best children in the world *care for two amazing kids I love so much *pay household bills for my wonderful family *grocery shop to provide for my loves 22.  I will never forget the time we were hiring for a research assistant and indicated a preference for bilingual English/Spanish speakers. One  applicant’s cover letter included: I’m not bilingual or bisexual (that I know of).' 23.  I hired for 15 years for professional healthcare positions. Some of the memorable ones: â€" Honorable mention certificate from a high school science fair â€" 3rd place finish in a karate tournament in 7th grade â€" Bikini photo of candidate â€" Photo of candidate posing with firearm â€" Photo of applicant posing in a bar saluting with a neon-blue cocktail while wearing a stethescope around her neck â€" Related: doc who had IN VITO VERITAS as the actual header on his resume (like, I’m an enophile too, but unless you’re applying for a job  in the beverage industry, THAT’S NOT RELEVANT.) 24. I received a two page resume where the first page listed the applicant’s interpersonal skills. In bullet points. The second page had a Work heading, with the note that they would be happy to discuss their professional experience during their interview…but that they were not going  to provide any info on their experience beforehand 25.  I had an applicant give me his entire budget … down to his electric bill and Netflix account, including a line item for the amount he would need to take my girlfriend out to dinner now and again when asked for his salary requirements. 26.  For a professional position in management an applicant sent a resume that was around 9 pages in length. The length was bad enough but the  last several pages were detailed lists of his children’s accomplishments from middle school up until college (recent). Apparently he thought  that demonstrating that he could rear productive and accomplished children said a lot about his management skills. 27. We recently had an applicant who didn’t even send a resume. Instead he attached a headshot and an invoice from a recent eye doctor  appointment. Needless to say he did not receive the position. 28.  The person who treated her resume like a wedding invitation.  The resume itself had been printed on a pearlescent cardstock, with the applicant’s initials set as a watermark in the background in a fancy  script. That same watermark was printed on a piece of (synthetic) vellum laid overtop the resume, for which purpose I’m still unclear. It also  came with a reply card using the same paper finishes / watermarks / font style. Where the rest of the resume was obviously reaching for some  sort of matrimonial elegance, the reply card ended with what I assume was a tongue-in-cheek joke but landed super flat. The options on the  reply card were Yes, we’d love to interview you and will be in touch!, No, but I’ll pass along your resume to a colleague who may be  interested, and my favourite, NO, and don’t ever apply here again! My boss at the time was like, Can I add a fourth option that says This is  a deeply inappropriate way to format your application?' 29.  I think the oddest I’ve seen to date, was a resume cover letter that included a picture of the applicant doing the 70’s action hero slide across  the hood of a car. 30.  And from way back in 2014, because it needs to be included every time this topic comes up: The candidate who listed Birthed four children vaginally with no anaesthetic under Other Experience.'

4 Easy Ways to Tell Your Co-Worker Thank You - The Muse

4 Easy Ways to Tell Your Co-Worker Thank You - The Muse 4 Easy Ways to Tell Your Co-Worker Thank You Thanksgiving is just days away- and in between thoughts of casserole recipes and how to navigate your annual family dinner (and the unsolicited career advice that comes with it), you’re probably also thinking about all you have to be grateful for. According to Alison Green from Ask a Manager, this is the perfect time to tell your co-workers thank you- to let them know how much you appreciate them and why. “Showing gratitude to colleagues can build stronger relationships and help you get better results in your work,” Green writes. Just think: When a co-worker has shown appreciation for something you’ve done to help him or her, you’ve probably been more likely to help that person again in the future. And when he or she hasn’t shown that gratitude, you probably haven’t gone out of your way to lend a hand again. Plus, showing thankfulness helps improve the quality of the relationship as a whole. “People tend to feel warmly and positively toward people who appreciate them,” Green says, which can have a positive effect on future networking, references, and your interactions at work in general. Suddenly feeling thankful? Try these four ideas to show your appreciation. 1. Give a Straightforward (and Specific) Thank You A standard co-worker-to-co-worker thank you may not be extraordinarily creative, but it works- and that’s the important thing. You want to make sure your co-worker knows you appreciate her? Walk up to her desk and give her a genuine, straightforward thank you. To make the most impact, mention what you’re specifically grateful for. Christine, thank you so much for jumping in and helping me with my presentation yesterday. I know it was a late night; I really appreciate you taking the extra time to make sure it was perfect. I couldn’t have done it without you! Face-to-face, specific appreciation- it’s sometimes the only thing someone wants to hear. 2. Speak Up in a Team Meeting An individual, face-to-face thank you is personal and effective, but there’s also room for more public appreciation- and a team meeting is the perfect place to recognize someone who’s helped you out recently. It doesn’t have to be big and flashy. Try working it in naturally, like as part of a project update that you were going to give anyway: The project’s right on track, thanks to Joe, who reviewed it and helped me adjust the intro and conclusion- and I think it really hits the nail on the head now. The public (but not over-the-top) recognition will make your colleague feel extra special- and it’ll help boost his or her value within the team. (And if you’re truly struggling for ideas, check out this list of ways to make your office a happier place to work every day.) 3. Bring in a Treat I know. It seems a little silly- and perhaps a tad reminiscent of your elementary school birthdays when you brought in cupcakes for the class. But then again, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate a donut or a cup of coffee that’s not from the lukewarm pot that’s been sitting idly on the counter for the past two hours. Simple as it may seem, try a treat with a quick: Just wanted to say thanks for your help with the Smith account. I couldn’t have done it without you! It goes a long way to make a co-worker feel appreciated. If that still seems a little awkward, swing for enough for the entire team, then throw in a personal note: Hey everyone, I brought in some donuts to say thanks for your hard work this past week- especially Sarah, who really came through in the 11th hour for me on a big client account. 4. Email the Boss Part of your job as an employee is to make sure your boss knows how awesome you are- but it’s even better if your co-workers do that for you. One of the most meaningful co-worker thank you notes I’ve ever received came when someone emailed my boss (and copied me), explaining how I’d been a huge help to him with a client situation over the past couple days and that he wanted to extend his gratitude. He forwarded it to his supervisor, and all of a sudden, my good dead was known throughout the department without me having to say a word. So if you want to thank a co-worker, consider sending an email to his or her boss. The compliment on its own will make your colleague feel appreciated- but knowing that the boss also knows what he or she has done makes the gratitude even more meaningful. A thank you to your colleagues doesn’t have to be a big show- but displaying your appreciation will help your relationships, your quality of life at the office, and your ability to continue receiving your co-workers’ help in the future.

4 Beliefs to Drop When Changing Careers

4 Beliefs to Drop When Changing Careers 4 Beliefs to Drop When Changing Careers My career has not followed a linear path. After two weeks of  medical school, I left to instead pursue a marketing career , walking away from years of educational investment. A few years later, I moved from San Francisco to London, creating another detour in my career. Then, after ten years in the corporate world, I left my marketing career behind to launch my own business, forcing me to rebuild my professional identity from scratch as a career consultant, professional speaker and podcast host. During each of these transitions, aside from the practical challenges that inevitably come up when you’re making a career change , my own mental hang-ups became some of the biggest obstacles to making the very changes that could improve my life and career. Here are four beliefs I had to drop in order to step off the beaten path of a traditional, linear career and find work that I found truly meaningful. During those times in my career when I was about to land that next promotion , secure that upcoming end-of-year bonus or finish up an exciting project, I found it much more difficult to walk away and pursue another professional endeavor. When you’re only a few months away from crossing a major milestone, dropping everything you’ve invested to get that far is very difficult. One reason why corporate incentives exist is to keep you loyal to your company. That means if you leave your role behind, you’ll inevitably leave something on the table that you worked hard to achieve. Accepting that you have to let go of what you started allows you to make room for other endeavors. The career changes I’ve made in my life have involved some degree of starting over. Whether learning the ropes in a new sector, restarting my life in a new country or figuring out how to build my own business . Starting over has sometimes left me feeling a bit like a “failure” in my career, like I wasn’t tough enough to stick things out or finish what I started. However, starting over is often necessary to pursue a new path in your career. But seeing it as a failure will inevitably shake your self-confidence at a time when you need it most. Accepting that starting over is often the best thing you can do for your career will help you unapologetically market yourself and your ambitions to your new target employer. As much as I try to avoid comparing myself to others, it’s hard to completely ignore the movements of others in your peer group, especially those status updates that come through on LinkedIn whenever someone gets promoted or lands a fancy new job . When I first started my own business, I had NO title, so seeing my former colleagues being promoted into those senior roles I was once aspiring to land was sometimes difficult to stomach, even though I knew deep down that their success was completely unrelated to my own unique professional journey. When you change careers, you end up being a more non-traditional professional, so you have to find a way to stop measuring your self-worth using traditional metrics like fancy job titles or climbing the corporate ladder. Once you understand that your career happiness is driven more by the work you do rather than by the titles you earn, it frees you to pursue work that truly matters to you. While money has rarely been the number one factor that’s driven my career decisions, seeing my salary take a hit has always been far from ideal. Many of the career changes I’ve made have involved some sort of short-term salary sacrifice . For example, when I started my own business, I earned much less than I did in the corporate world during that first year of building my business. One of the most common fears I hear from career changers is having to compromise on salary in order to pursue a new career path. On the one hand, seeing your salary continually go up is a validation that what you’re doing is “worth it,” but on the other, it can trap you in one linear career path in order to avoid seeing your salary dip. However, if you’re willing to make a few lifestyle changes and temporary sacrifices to your salary, that can become the exact investment needed to open the doors to doing work that ultimately makes you happier. Joseph Liu  is a professional s peaker, podcast host and  career  consultant.

Seven tips to help rock your video job interview

Seven tips to help rock your video job interview Seven tips to help rock your video job interview A conversation recently popped up in the  Bossed Up Courage Community  all about how to prepare for interviews that are conducted over video. In the age of Zoom meetings and Apple FaceTime, these are becoming more and more frequent as a regular part of the job hunt.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Since I’ve been hosting webinars and creating  YouTube videos  for the better part of six years, I’ve learned a thing or two about looking your best on camera.Here are some quick tips to keep in mind for your next video interview:SmileSmile more than you think you should.Interviews make people nervous. And nervous people can often look dour, with tight, pursed faces that can be off-putting. And yes, I know we as women shouldn’t  have  to smile and perform such emotional labor to please anyone when we don’t feel like it. But if you’re in an interview, you’re likely there to please some people! So let’s use every tool in the toolbox â€" including smiling â€" to set a warm, open, and welcoming tone.Look straight into the cameraIt’s easy to get distracted looking at yourself or the people you’re speaking to on the video screen in front of you. But if you want to give the impression of normal human eye contact, you should actually focus your gaze directly into that little black hole in your laptop or phone. By staring straight into the camera when you’re speaking, you’ll exude confidence and give your audience the feeling that you’re looking right at them.That doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally glance at the video screen showing your interviewer’s face, since you’ll also want to be looking out for body language responses on their end, too.Account for lagTechnology is great until it’s not. Even when you’re on the steadiest internet connection possible, there’s always the possibility that a little lag time could mess up your co nversational flow. The key to accounting for lag is allowing for more pauses than you normally might. Take an extra beat before jumping in to answer your interviewer’s question to ensure they’re done speaking. A moment of silence might feel like an eternity to you, but in reality, it’ll make you seem more thoughtful and pensive, and help reduce the risk of speaking over one another.When you’re finished with each answer, ask “does that answer your question?” or “Do you have any follow-up questions?” to ensure they have the chance to converse back and forth, and to signal that you’re done.Let there be light!Good lighting gives you LIFE on camera. Natural light is best, when sitting in front of a window is possible, but a solid desk lamp pointed right into your face does the trick, too. You don’t want to be uncomfortably squinting, but you really do want to light yourself up, even if that means removing a lamp shade for an extra boost.You will look so much more enga ged and awake with extra lighting. If you feel like you’re on a movie set, you’re probably doing it right. Investing in one of these little  selfie ring lights  can help, too.Wear solid colorsBut try to avoid white or black, which aren’t super flattering on video. Avoid busy patterns or dangling, shiny jewelry, which can be distracting. You want their eyes to be on you and your face, so clothing and make-up should complement, not compete.Set the stagePosition your webcam/laptop higher than usual, so that camera is catching you from a slightly downward-facing angle, which is more flattering for just about everyone. No one wants to see up your nose.You’ll also want to de-clutter the background and make sure that whatever’s on display behind you reflects well on you and gives a professional impression.Quiet on the set!Finally, if you’re a pet owner like me, make sure your animals are sequestered and that you’re in as quiet a place you can get without sacrificing lighting or the strength of your internet connection. The last thing you want is your dog’s hysterical barking at the mail carrier to distract from your conversation.This article first appeared on BossedUp.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

Air Force Combat Control Enlisted Job 1C2X1

Air Force Combat Control Enlisted Job 1C2X1 Air Force Combat Control Enlisted Job 1C2X1 AFSC 1C2X1 directs and controls the delivery and battlefield application of lethal and non-lethal airpower. Uses visual and electronic aids to control airhead in the area of responsibility (AOR). Establishes long-range command and control communications and intelligence (C3I) nets. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 250 Duties and Responsibilities Conducts reconnaissance and surveillance of potential assault zones and target areas. Plans, coordinates, and conducts operations using advanced technologies to support reconnaissance and target identification. Records and submits Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) data and site surveys of assault zones (drop, landing, forward area refueling points (FARP) and other areas critical to aviation. Evaluates and relays status of airfields and assault zones to inbound aircraft and higher headquarters. Provides limited weather observations, including surface and altitude wind data, temperature, and cloud heights. Reports current battlefield information. Plans, organizes, supervises, and establishes air traffic control (ATC) in the target area. Initiates, coordinates, and issues ATC clearances, holding instructions, and advisories to maintain aircraft separation and promote safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic under visual or non-radar flight rules. Operates and monitors portable and mobile communications equipment and terminal and en route navigation aids required to control and support air traffic in forward areas. Prepares and issues advisories to pilots, ATC, and other agencies concerning weather, notice-to-airmen information, air traffic flow control measures, and wake turbulence. Provides flight assistance and emergency service to air traffic. Records weather and ATC data. Controls vehicular traffic on the airport movement. Identifies, assesses, and marks assault zones with visual and electronic navigation aids for day and night air-land and airdrop operations. Coordinates clearances, instructions, advisories, and air traffic movement with forward and rear area commanders. Uses ground-to-air communications equipment and visual and electronic systems to control and expedite the movement of en route, arriving, and departing air traffic. Directs actions to handle aircraft emergencies or mishaps. Coordinates with medical personnel on casualty and patient staging points. Provides airlift operations support that cannot be provided by combat communications groups or other agencies. Operates Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment to navigate for infiltration or exfiltration and locate assault zones. Coordinates airfield ground support (crash/fire/rescue, sweep). Maintains qualification on primary assigned weapons. Conducts fire support operations. Plans, coordinates, and conducts fire support operations to include close air support (CAS) and supporting arms. Employs visual and electronic navigation and marking equipment to direct aviation assets to target. Issues weapons release clearance.Deploys into forward areas and forward operating locations by land (mounted, special purpose vehicle or dismounted), sea (surface or subsurface naval vessel, small watercraft, SCUBA, or surface swim) or air (parachute, airmobile, air-land) to participate in the full spectrum of military operations to include air expeditionary force (AEF), force projection, direct action (DA), counterterrorism (CT), counterproliferation (CP), foreign internal defense (FID), humanitarian assistance (HA), special reconnaissance (SR), personnel recovery (PR), non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO), integrated survey program (ISP), counterdrug (CD), and fire support operations. Uses demolitions to remove obstacles affecting saf e air traffic flow in the target area. Specialty Qualifications Knowledge is mandatory of: ATC and combat control principles and proceduresAircraft flight characteristicsEncompassing tactical airlift and weapons deliveryAir and surface firepower systems and effectsInternational Civil Aviation Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, and military air regulationsMap, aeronautical chart, and publication useCharacteristics and use of tactical and ATC communications systems and equipment,Air navigation aidsNight vision equipment GPS, and other operational equipmentMeteorology principles Deployment proceduresJoint service operationInfiltration techniquesMovement and route selectionAlternate insertion and extraction systems (AIES)Parachute procedures and equipmentJumpmaster training and small unit tacticsAmphibious and scuba operationsSmall arms and destructive demolition applications Education For entry into this specialty, completion of high school is desirable. Training The Combat Controller Pipeline Training is 35 weeks, consisting of the following courses, which are conducted at various locations: Air Force  Combat Controller  Orientation CourseCombat Control Operator  FundamentalsCombat Control Tower TrainingJump School (U.S. Army Airborne School)U.S. Air Force Basic Survival SchoolCombat Control Apprentice CourseU.S. Navy Underwater Egress TrainingAdvanced Skills Training (AST)U.S. Army Combat Divers SchoolU.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist Course Experience The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: 1C251. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1C231. Also, experience in reconnaissance, terminal  control  and combat enabling tasks.1C271. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1C251. Also, experience performing or supervising duties involving reconnaissance, terminal control enabling tasks.1C291. in and possession of AFSC 1C271. Also, experience managing operations involving reconnaissance, terminal control, and  combat control enabling tasks. Other The following are mandatory as indicated: For entry into this specialty, Successful completion of the  Combat Control Team  (CCT)  physical ability and stamina test (PAST).For entry, award, and retention of AFSCs 1C211/31/51/71, physical qualification for air traffic controller duty, marine diving duty, and parachute duty according to  AFI 48-123,  Medical Examination, and Standards.For entry, award, and retention of AFSCs 1C211/31/51/71/91/00 qualification to bear firearms according to  AFIs 31-207, Arming and Use of Force By Air Force Personnel,  AFI 36-2226, Combat Arms Training, and Maintenance (CATM) and AFSOCI 36-2204, Special Tactics Operator Training. For award and retention of AFSCs 1C231/51/71/91/00:Qualification as a static line and military freefall parachutist and  as a scuba diver.Physical qualification and maintenance of personal physical standards as defined in  AFI 13-219, Special Tactics  Standards, and Evaluation, and AFSOCI 36-2204 Special Tactics TrainingEligibility for a Secret  security clearance, according to  AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management. Strength Req: K Physical Profile: XXX1XX Citizenship: Yes Note: Job not open to women Required Appitude Score: G-44