5 not-fun things no one will tell you about creative jobs

5 not-fun things no one will tell you about creative jobs5 not-fun things no one will tell you about creative jobsI only ever had interest in working in creative jobs. I am an artist, writer, and a slew of other creative things that require a lot of time and effort for virtually no money. Choosing a creative career field sounds really cool. I cant tell you how many people say to me, upon finding out that I primarily work in animation, that they are so jealous and my job must be so fun. And tbh, fruchtwein of the time it totally is. I definitely have a lot mora fun than my friends who work in offices, or are doctors and have lives on the line every day. But there are a lot of things I didnt expect when I became an artist/writer professionally, I wish I knew more going in.Would it have changed anything for me? bedrngnis a chance, but thats because the only thing I really like (besides my dog and margaritas) is art. I have to do it either way, so I might as well make a living from it. B ut if youre ready to quit your 9-5 and pursue a creative job, heres what you should know.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIts the worst way to make moneyLiving in LA, I cant tell you how many actors Ive met who say things like, Oh I cant wait to be rich and famous, and ride in limos, and have mansions And its said totally un-ironically while theyre serving drinks at happy hour. Heres the thing yes, you can absolutely make money from the arts. I just found out Nikki Sixx of Mtley Cre has a net worth of $45 mill, and his career was like, 10% writing/music and 90% f*cking everything up, according toThe Dirt(could not recommend more btw, watch it immediately). There are many, many artists, musicians, actors, directors, writers, etc. living in mansions and making a ton of money. But that isnt the reason to do it. It is unbelievably hard and soul-sucking to try to make money as a crea tive of any kind, and the chance of making mansion-level money is so difficult and unlikely. There are a million easier ways to make money if thats what you want (I dunno, work in finance). Be an actor because you love acting and you love film or theater. If youre after money and fame, you really just want to be a Kardashian. Also? Im a huge believer that if you work hard and your work is good, money will come. But its not easy and not a guarantee.Youll have to work harderSpeaking of working hard, except for your friend whos a doctor, working in a creative field means youll probably work a lot harder than your friends do- and for a lot less. I regularly work nights and weekends, I dont get vacation days, and I had to start forcing myself to take one day a week off work (which I dont even get every week, tbh) because I developed such severe tendinitis in my drawing arm from overworking it. Meanwhile, most of my friends work regular jobs, get off work at 5 and go to happy hour, spend their weekends going out or watching Netflix, and theystillmake more money than I do. But creative jobs are fun, right?You wont get job perksIt is possible to get a steady job as a creative, depending on your field. I could work for an animation studio as a full-time employee instead of being freelance, for example. But most creative jobs, even in that case, are project-for-project. Meaning when your TV show (or whatever) ends, you will be unemployed. This causes issues with things like benefits, retirement plans, etc. I am completely self-employed, so not only do I pay out of pocket for benefits (which costs A LOT, BTW), my retirement plan is to just die. I also dont get vacation, sick days, etc. If I cant work, I dont make money. And on top of that, you have to put a lot of money away just in case you get the flu and cant work, so that you can still make your rent for the month.You will be unemployedNo matter how talented you are, in creative jobs, you will always have bouts of un employment. In my experience its always feast or famine- I either have so much work Im not sleeping, or I have no jobs to do, so I have to work super hard to line up more. For this reason, its crucial to save money when you do have an income. I remember being horrified when I interned at a big production studio and found out that even if I was a full-time employee doing my dream job, I should expect to be laid off every nine months. Projects just constantly end or fall through or get canceled. If youre working in a creative field, its important to pick up as many side gigs as you can that earn income consistently.It does kind of ruin itWhen I was in high school, I woke up at 5 am, did full hair and makeup every day, went to class from 7am-2pm, hung out with friends, did homework, and then worked on my art for hours. For fun. Now, my art is my work, and when Im done working, the last thing I want to do is more art. So yeah, doing anything professionally ruins the fun of it. My job is really not fun when Ive been awake for 36 hours to meet an insane deadline. The only thing I find fun then issleeping. When you do it as your job, you have added stress you didnt have when it was a hobby. The stakes are higher. That said, the rewards are higher too. There is nothing better than working on a project that you poured your heart and soul into and having it turn out amazing, and then watching your career move forward. It makes it all worth it.So should you look into creative jobs? Only if you love your art enough to pour blood, sweat, tears, and gallons of iced coffee into it. Otherwise, maybe youd rather work a steady job and just play music for fun on the weekendsthats totally acceptable too, and it doesnt make you any less of an artist. Its about figuring out what your optimal dream is for your art. For me, I dont want to spend any time doing anything else. Also, I dont have any other skills anyway. Hopefully this insight will help you figure it out Let me know any o ther questions you have about creative jobs in the commentsThis article originally appeared on Betches.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 Benjamin 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

The What do you do meme shows the perils of small talk

The What do you do meme shows the perils of small talkThe What do you do meme shows the perils of small talkInevitably, at parties, in the office, or in first introductions over coffee, you will come upon the dreaded phrase of networking we resort to when we cannot think of anything more interesting to ask someone we meet for the first time What do you do?Its a phrase that took a new life on Twitter as people reminisced about how the idea of their job description does not always align with strangers ideas of what they dohttps//twitter.com/mrsnixs/status/1004017725826584576Some poked fun at how the question seeks to tie your value to your jobAsking What do you do? can backfire and come off as rudeThe meme reminds us that asking the question of What do you do? in an opening conversation with a stranger can be a risky gambit. It can come off as rude since its placement at the beginning of a conversation assumes that what you do is the most important part of who you are.The conversation that follows a What do you do? can also be a minefield. Thats because we can be creatures filled with self-inflated importance who all believe our job is uniquely difficult. Whenever you speculate and try to relate to an unfamiliar job, it can backfire when you try to explain the job on your own terms, instead of theirs.Most people, who recognize that we are all awkward in different situations, will be forgiving of your attempts to relate to their job with what you know. For people who will be more touchy about it, Postlight co-founder Paul Ford has good advice on how to make the other person feel important when you have nothing to say about their jobWhen you are at a party and are thrust into conversation with someone, see how long you can hold off before talking about what they do for a living. And when that painful lull arrives, be the master of it. I have come to revel in that agonizing first pause because I know that I can push a conversation through, Ford writes. Just ask the other person what they do, and right after they tell you, say Wow. That sounds hard.

Dont Stress It! Tips for Dealing with Workplace Stress

Dont Stress It Tips for Dealing with Workplace StressDont Stress It Tips for Dealing with Workplace StressIn a recent study by the American Psychological Association, mora than one third of workers said they typically felt stressed during their workday. Twenty percent said that their average daily level of stress from work would score an 8 or higher on a 10-point scale.Why is work so stressful? Is there anything we can do to mitigate workplace stress? Vault.com spoke with Nina Godiwalla, the founder of MindWorks- an Austin-based company that trains professionals in mind-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques- to get some tips for handling on-the-job stress.Examine your own reactions to challenges at work.Interestingly, says Godiwalla, a lot of stress is created internally. A lot of times we are hard on ourselves and very self-critical, especially when we work in high wertzuwachs environments with very high expectations. Be kind to yourself set realistic goals and celebrate your acc omplishments.Dont give in to a culture of fear.According to Godiwalla, high performance work environments are often characterized by fear. In environments where long hours and tight deadlines are par for the course, Godiwalla says, part of proving yourself initially is this idea that youre going to be a part of something bigger- something prestigious. Youve arrived at a place that was hard to get into, and people buy in to the idea that in order to be successful, there is a certain cost involved. Unfortunately, Godiwalla notes, fear of failure can cause stress levels to be much higher than they should be.Being indispensable isnt always a good thing.While working hard and taking on new projects is certainly important, Godiwalla argues that employees should not make themselves completely indispensable. What happens then is that the people above you see you as someone that they can take advantage of to some extent. Make it known that you will work hard and do some of the more difficul t assignments, but also create boundaries that allow you to make it more of a sustainable environment. And, according to Godiwalla, insisting on personal boundaries at work can actually garner an employee more respect. You have to check in with the norms of your company, but people respect when you create some sort of boundaries. If you can do it skillfully, it can be a big benefit and people will even look at you as a leader.Create your own definition of success.Some level of stress at work can be normal, but if anxiety is taking over, its possible you are in the wrong environment. As Godiwalla points out, Theres a balance between figuring out what youre interested in and looking around you and seeing what everyone else is interested in. Being able to step back and ask yourself what you really want to do is different than asking what everyone else is doing. In other words, just because high-stress roles are often seen as prestigious doesnt mean they are the right fit for you. When everyones trying to be a lawyer or banker, you go along the path without really ever asking yourself what it is that you enjoy and want to do, says Godiwalla.Nina Godiwalla is the founder of MindWorks (www.mindworkscorp.com). She is a trained mind-based stress reduction (MBSR) instructor by University of Massachusetts Medical School, a leadership instructor at the University of Texas MBA Program and has directed leadership programs at Wharton School of Business. Godiwalla is also the bestselling author of Suits A Woman on Wall Street, which the New York Times describes as The Devil Wears Prada of investment banking.

How to Declutter Your Office Space

How to Declutter Your Office Space How to Declutter Your Office Space To begin, put everything in, on or under your desk into three boxes one for the stuff you need to do your job every day, one for the things you use occasionally and one for the things you dont need. The first box you can keep, the second you should put in a cupboard or store room away from your desk, and everything in the third should be recycled, given away or thrown in the bin.So, now that youve done away with the worst of the office detritus, how can you ensure it doesnt build up again?Pack up your paperwork. You may not be able to completely rid yourself completely of paperwork, but you can dramatically reduce the amount you create. Using email to share information and keeping staff handbooks and circulars on an intranet will mean fewer printouts hanging around your desk and it will reduce your printer running costs.Clear away cables. Cordless phones and Wi-Fi enabled laptops not only get rid of untidy tangl es of cables, they give you greater freedom to move around your office. So you can collaborate with others more easily and hotdesk if space is at a premium. Using portable devices such as laptops and tablets also enables staff to keep (and access via the web) much more information when working out of the office. For the cords you cant get rid of, using zip ties can help keep them neat and tidy.Virtualise your presentations. If your business involves regular presentations, replace printouts and presentation boards and invest in a widescreen monitor or projector from office stores like Staples. It may seem like an expensive alternative initially but it will soon pay for itself, as well as reducing the amount of waste you produce. Similarly, rather than give handouts at the end of your presentation, simply store the Powerpoint document or PDFs on your intranet for people to refer to if needed.Digitize your archives. Keeping your records digitally makes it quicker and easier to retrieve documents and takes up a fraction of the space required by filing cabinets and cupboards. Computer servers and external hard drives can also be backed up online via Cloud storage for fast, efficient disaster recovery in the event of theft or damage.Take control of your Inbox.Clutter can also take hold on your computer. Emails can clog up your inbox, using up storage space and making it difficult to keep on top of tasks. Rather than using your inbox as a to-do list, use the Tasks option to record jobs and set reminders. File read or replied emails in folders relating to the task or client to make finding new or important messages easier. And use Cloud services like Evernote to keep notes where you can access them when youre away from your computer.Office technology can make it easy to get organized and take control of your workload you just need to seize the opportunity. Once you get into the habit of using behauptung solutions, youll be more efficient, flexible and responsive and y oull be able to take your business to the next level.

Why dressing for work at your home office is important

Why dressing for work at yur home bro is importantWhy dressing for work at yur home office is importantTheres no question that working from home is something of a dream for many. You get to set your own hours, your own workload and the ways in which you work. Your home is comfortable, you get to eat all of the food groups you like and take three-hour lunches. Best of all you can roll out of bed when you like and make money in your pajamas.It all sounds great, but actually, the above is elend necessarily true. As anyone who has actually worked from home for any substantial length of time knows, the biggest challenge home workers face is the never-ending attempt to maintain productivity. You dont always get to set your own hours, your comfortable home is not an office and, most of all, working in your pajamas is likely to damage your productivity and your confidence.With this last point in mind, it is worth considering a few reasons why you should dress for work, even if you work from home. Ultimately, youll soon see that how we dress influences everything in how we work at home.The fine line between work and lifeOne of the reasons many choose to work from home is irritation of sometimes working after hours at a traditional workplace. We want to be at home amongst our family, friends or simply away from the stress of a workplace. But that line between work and life can follow you home as well, especially if you dont find a way to delineate between the two.Working in your pajamas may seem like fun for a couple of days, but youll soon find any productivity wanes,writes Joshua Duvall, an author atResearchpapersukandLast Minute Writing,Our bodies appreciate the comfiness of our bed wear, and consciously or unconsciously, our minds react to this comfortability by shutting down the practical parts of our brains.Without actually dressing up for work, you no longer have these moments to condition your brain into understanding when work ends and home life begins.A boundar y for ourselvesBeyond our ability to switch off once we are changed into our relaxing clothes, changing into work clothes for our home office promotes and maintains a professional attitude. We cannot forget that when we work from home, we are still at work. This may mean that we have to engage with our clients, line managers or colleagues.We have to recognize that in order to approach our work professionally, we have to maintain a professional attitude. Theres an argument that our clothes make more of a difference in this respect than anything else.In dressing professionally we allow ourselves control over our attitude.In addition, we signal to others, be it family, friends or even the postman, that we are at work, and our interactions will retain a professional air.Promotes productivityMost importantly, this professional attitude forces us into a mode of productivity. This is the most important reason for dressing appropriately for work. It is nice to be comfortable, but as weve se en, comfortability doesnt necessarily mean productivity. Productivity is the lifeblood of maintaining a work-from-home lifestyle.In dressing for work, we are affirming to ourselves a commitment to actually do the work.Our clothes work as a visual reminder to ourselves of our intentions to get things done. For homeworkers, anything that helps us to overcome low productivity is a blessing.A boundary for othersNot all of us have the opportunity to work from home without interruption. Many turn to working from home for a variety of commitments, such as child-care, health issues or even difficult commutes. This means that we have to utilize every weapon in our arsenal to keep interruption to a minimum.For parents, it is especially important that our kids know we are out-of-bounds. Kids, especially young ones dont necessarily understand boundaries without a visual clue. Much like the boundaries we set ourselves when dressing for work, a suit, a shirt, or even just smart casual wear sets a visual distinction between us at home and us at work.If we dont have kids, there is a likelihood that there are others we need to remind about our work-life at home. These may be parents, friends, housemates, or even sales callers. All should respond to our work clothes with the respect we deserve.Feeling fresh and cleanAside from the psychological usefulness of wearing professional clothes to our home office, there is a further psychological benefit. One of the great difficulties of working from home is that, actually, it can lead to mental health issues.It is often a lonely, solitary existence which can result in a disconnectedness from society at large. We interact with our computers and only text when it comes to interacting with people. If we arent careful we can deteriorate into bad hygiene and a lack of confidence which can lead to bad work. We should, therefore, understand that wearing professional clothes are instrumental in keeping us grounded in reality.If we arent dress ed to face the world, theres little chance that we can actually face the reality of work, says Veronica Dodson, a regular contributor to Draftbeyond and Writinity, Dress appropriately to go out or dress appropriately to visit friends or receive visitors and you limit the potential for self-destructive behavior in working from home.The above reasons are not an exhaustive list of reasons why you should remain professionally dressed when working from home. However, this article has shown some of the fundamentals of why it is important on a psychological level. We should always remember that working from home is working, regardless of how phony it may feel at times.Ultimately, though, how we dress is an important psychological factor in maintaining confidence and good mental health. We may feel at times that stress levels are much higher for office workers. But working from home, too, has its stresses and difficulties, and dressing well helps to guard us against them.This article was or iginally published on Your Coffee Break.

Reported Hype on Dental Assistant Resume Example Discovered

Reported Hype on Dental Assistant Resume Example Discovered Many dental assisting curses arent flexible enough to enable you to carry on working full time when completing your education. Tuition for our Dental Assistant program varies dependent on the learning option you opt for. Most programs are provided by community colleges, take about 1 year to finish, and result in a certificate or diploma. The Enhanced Program includes plus-rechnenal supplements and tools that will help you in your training and career. What Dental Assistant Resume Example Is - and What it Is Not Your professional aspirations directly speak to the value you are able to bring to an employer, and not only immediately, but additionally in the long term. Crafting the ideal receptionist resume objective takes time and a reasonable amount of thought and skill to receive it right. Experienced Professional Resume a seasoned Heater operator is somebody who has worked in the exact same position for at least seven decades. Dental Assistants should have superior wisdom and expertise in the business of dentistry. They must work closely with dentists and patients. They should be able to listen to patients and other healthcare workers. They are an important part of a dental practice and perform a variety of tasks, from assisting directly in patient care to office work. Key Pieces of Dental Assistant Resume Example The dental profession demands knowledge of and capacity to use tools. The job of a dental assistant is a combination of clinical in addition to administrative duties. You also need to know how to continue to keep patients calm before their procedure. The resume maker is totally robust and supplies an excellent level of control without needing to be overwhelming. Seasoned sales professionals should think about distributing lots of the base salary as a stand-in for a strong commission structure to make the most of the ability in their sales restart. The work description as ev idenced from the industry enterprise will additionally supply you with a tip about what to consume in your tailormade restart. Your multitasking skills will be placed to the test if the organization receives high footfalls daily. Adhere to the Job Profile It is essential that your resume must be in compliance with the job. Resumes often comply with the exact same format and the very same elements, with a couple variations from job to job. Event Professional can do the job directly for the corporation theyre encouraging, or they might secure the job finished to have a community Relations or marketing and advertising enterprise. Additionally, Dental Assistants take part in every portion of the dental office. Job prospects are normally strong, and pay can be useful. Dental Assistant Resume Example - Dead or Alive? Theres strong demand for dental assistants across the nation, but you will need a polished and targeted resume if you wish to stick out from the crowd. As a receptio nist working in a major company, individuals can significantly boost their likelihood of making an excellent administrative position in a huge company. You should state very explicitly what youre looking for in a candidate and precisely what people have to gain by working at your workplace. The important thing here is to appeal to what the employer is searching for in an employee. By writing an improved job description, youre going to be in a far better position to employ a better worker. Make certain you impress your possible employer by saying how you would do an excellent job when you receive the position. The appropriate job was not clarified. The following resume examples are thoroughly professional and theyre most likely to maximize your probability of being selected for the interview. If you are not sure about which resume template is appropriate for you or the industry you need to work in, then read our expert tips about choosing the right resume template to satisfy y our style. Your resume should also concentrate on facts. Your resume will supply the specifics of your professional experience.

5 Habits All Successful Employees Have

5 Habits All Successful Employees Have Finding a job is hard enough, but maintaining one can be just as challenging. Luckily, it doesnt have to be terriblydifficult, as long as you understand the ins and outs of proper conduct in any employment setting. Below are five habits that everysuccessful employee should have if they want to thrive in their role 1. Be on Time Punctuality might seem like an obvious prerequisite for success, but there are some people who really struggle with it. There are folks who live with chronic latenessa somewhat tongue-in-cheek disorder that can nevertheless have a real impact on peoples work lives. There are workerswho cant seem to keep a job because they can never manage to make it to work on time.Being on time is important because it shows your employer that you are dedicated to your work. Furthermore, it shows that you are a team player who is respectful of other pe oples time.Punctuality isnt only about arriving to work on time it also means meeting deadlines, attending meetings, and making it to any other functions that your employer may host.Being successful as an employee startswith the simple habit of alwaysbeing on time.2. Respect Your EmployerBeing respectful to your employer is simple. Listen carefully to instructions, be courteous, and never talk back or interrupt.That being said, sometimes, being respectful to youremployer can be difficult, especially if you havea anfhrer who is hard to deal with. Nevertheless,at the end of the day, your employer is the one who signs your paychecks.Think of it this way a job is a job, and an employer is part of that job. If you can listen toinstructions, be courteous, not talk back,and not interruptyour boss when they are speaking, you can easily be successful as an employee. You dont haveto like your boss, but you should show themrespect, because doing sohelps to keep the overall morale up in the am tsstube.3. Show PassionPeople who get to work in their dream jobs are extremely lucky, but not everyone is fortunate enough to work in their ideal role.The good news is that everybody has a passion in life. Whether you enjoyhosting work-related events and partiesor like working in a specific department e.g., accounting versus human resources you can find areas in your day-to-day job where you can let your passion really thrive.Showing passion at work will help you be a successful employee because your employer and supervisors will take notice. Your passion canreinforce morale and show others that you care about the success of the company and your career.4. Show InitiativeThere is nothing a boss loves more than an employee who shows initiative. No matter what, there is always something to do at the office even when you have downtime.Be sure to show initiative.Beawareof your surroundings, the bigger picture of your job function, and the needs ofyour company/employer, and youll be ab le to find ways to fill in the holes nobody else can fill.Showing initiative can be as simple as taking care of backlogged duties that went forgotten. It can also be something like volunteering to handle something that would generally go uncompletedby others at the company. When you show initiative, it shows your employer that you care about the companys overall success.5. Dont GossipThere is nothing worse than being a gossip. Job sites will always have at least one or two gossips. People who gossip do sobecause they are bored with their jobs and/or insecure about something that may or may not be related to their careers.Avoid gossip at all costs. It brings down morale, distracts your from your work, and becomes an encumbrance to the company because it slows down functions. When people are wasting time with gossip, they are hurting others whether or not they intend to do so. Dont gossip, and dont be a gossip. Youwill find great success as an employeebecause people will like you and find you trustworthy. No one trusts a gossip

The Job Seekers Guide to Large Companies vs. Small

The Job Seekers Guide to Large Companies vs. SmallThe Job Seekers Guide to Large Companies vs. SmallThe Job Seekers Guide to Large Companies vs. SmallUnsure if you want to work for a big or small company? Use this job search help. TWEETDepending on how you slice it, an argument can be made on whether working for a large company is better than working for a small company. A large organization may sound appealing with its hierarchies, budgets, and pensions but are you missing out on something mora?A small company offers a slew of distinct benefits and intrinsic rewards that some large organizations just cant beat. But are they really better? Consider the below job search help when dealing with this dilemma.One of a million or one in a million?The number one thing I get asked about in interviews is, whats the culture like? Finding a culture that fits you is crucial to your job satisfaction. If you feel like you fit in, youll feel more comfortable. If you feel more comfortable, youll p erform better. Its a win-win. Having a sense of belonging is a basic human need according to Maslow and I think its right on as it relates to a career.At a large company the culture is more formal than not governed by rules and policies. People act conservatively and the way that employees are treated is in a general fashion. As a result, employees might feel like one of a million - like an employee number, not an individual.At a smaller company, culture is formed organically. Its often the brain-child of a founder and tends to be more authentic than its corporate cousin. The culture is likely going to be casual with less rules (or no rules). At small companies, employees are treated like the individuals they are and as a result, youll probably feel incredibly comfortable in the workplace.Who wins? Small company At a smaller company you can be an individual and with that sense of freedom you can (and will) do your best work.Training vs. learningAt a large organization, training is a way of life. They typically offer formalized new hire training as well as a multitude of ongoing education and professional development courses. From mental health training to negotiation skills, you could have access to free libraries of courses or be sent to a top institute to learn new skills. Bottom line big companies have budgets. In fact, they have training departments.Small companies have learning initiatives. There may be some semblance of a training program such as on-boarding, product training, or education budgets for employees - but itll definitely lack the structure that a big company offers. And the budget. But what a small company offers is learning by doing otherwise known as on the job training. At a small company you have less employees, few specialists, and a lot of hustle. As a result, employees get to help out in areas of the business outside of their domains and learn new things of which they might not have ever had access to. At my first startup job I was h ired to do HR but what I ended up doing was HR, Office Management, Executive Assistant, Writer, Social Media, and when we renovated I was the Construction Project Manager. Now thats what I call on the job training.Who wins? Large company On the job training is phenomenal and may open you up to new skills you never knew you had, but structured training beats it. Having access to free education via your employer is priceless.Lets talk about money, honeyI often hear that at bigger companies youll get paid better, but thats not necessarily the case. This is a yes and no schrift answer. At bigger companies youll get an attractive total compensation package, meaning theyll set you up with a combination of salary, bonus, benefits, retirement plans, and/or stock options. The thing about large companies is that compensation is managed in a structured, methodical way. All jobs will have salary ranges and so your ability to negotiate your earnings outside of the predetermined range may be next to impossible. Large companies often do salary freezes, too, meaning raises can be few and far between. I once went three years (and two promotions) with no salary increase.Smaller companies have to fight to be more competitive so youll be at market - if not higher in your earnings. Youll have a good compensation package, but retirement options are not as easily come by especially pension. The great thing about smaller companies is your ability to negotiate your value through proven success. Its all at a closer range so if you are underpaid and deserve a raise, its not unreasonable to ask for it (and get it.)Who wins? Large company. You had me at pension.Creative FreedomFreedom. The word itself will have entirely different meanings at a large company versus a small company. If I were being facetious, Id say that freedom doesnt really exist at a large company. At a large company, you may have variations of experiences that may be perceived as freedoms, but its relative freedom. You will have various choices and depending on your contribution level youll be able to make an impact - but I dont know if youd ever call it creative freedom. As an employee you will be managed quite closely - the time you take for holidays (or even breaks) and again, you may feel more like an employee number than anything.At a small company you have a much wider spectrum of freedoms. Freedoms with time. Freedoms with creativity. At a small company you can drum up an idea at 9 a.m., pop into the CEOs office and pitch the concept, and get a new initiative approved by end of day. Because youre encouraged to be yourself at a small company, you naturally become more creative and thus - freedom. Smaller companies are more focused on their purpose and vision and tend to be Results Oriented Workplaces - never clock-watching.Who wins? Small companies because creativity always wins.Choosing the right sized company might sound more like a Goldilocks test but youll know it when it feels right. My job search help to you on this it comes down to your personal values and lining them up to what a company can offer. Ready to find your dream job? Hire a TopResume writer today

5 Tips to Successfully Present at an Important Executive Meeting -The Muse

5 Tips to Successfully Present at an Important Executive Meeting -The Muse5 Tips to Successfully Present at an Important Executive MeetingAs an avid basketball fan, I can easily envision the final seconds of the game and the need for a player to have the fortitude to take the final shot. There are parallels between taking the last shot and having to deliver a critical presentation to a room of executive leaders. You have to be ready- physically and mentally.You might not be playing for a crowded arena, but your work audience (i.e., co-workers, managers, and executive leaders) are on the lookout for your communication skills, intellect, and perseverance under preskoranvers. As in sports, your talent is only one ingredient of a successful outcome. Your preparation, precision, and delivery are crucial factors.According to a study on executive presence, your appearance, communication, and gravitas accounts for 26% of what is needed for a promotion. There are finite opportunities for you to convey all of this, so important meetings are the perfect time to get noticed.Here are five keys to making your best impression in front of the most influential people sitting in the room with you.1. Know Your AudienceLearn who the core decision makers in your organization are and what theyre looking for in this presentation. There are instances in which the final decision is not made by the person with the highest title. For example, in multiple projects that Ive been part of, the project sponsor holds authority that trumps the senior executives. Additionally, the project manager may not have oversight over the team, but has direct impact on the timeline and execution.In other words, you dont want to spend the entire time making eye contact with the person who has VP in her title- only to learn that she isnt involved in implementation.2. Use Data to Strengthen Your ArgumentResearch and analysis are vital to worthwhile discussions. It doesnt matter what department youre in, you s hould share the metrics used to measure results and have supporting data to back up what youre saying. Interpreting the numbers and being armed with a strategic solution for ROI or cost reduction can make all the difference. Just make sure your numbers are presented in a way thats easy to comprehend.3. Dont Steal the Spotlight (But Prepare for it Nonetheless)Initially, you may not be the primary presenter, however its vital to prepare as though youre the point person. As a back-up basketball player for the Golden State Warriors that had not started a game all season, Andre Iguodala took advantage of his opportunity to lead the team to the 2015 NBA Championship and win the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. He earned this through practice, dedication, and the ability to perform when called upon. So, prepare for the meeting as if you were leading it. Then, when youre asked to do that at a moments notice, youll blow everyone away.4. CommunicateAs intuitive as it may sound, basic co mmunication skills like listening and connecting with your audience are critical. A surprisingly easy way to distinguish yourself is by preparing counterpoints, as the audience may not be on board initially. In addition, pay close attention to questions that go unanswered within the meeting. Many people say, Ill get back to you with more on that, but being someone who actually follows up will showcase your diligence. 5. Close With ConfidenceMaintain the saatkorn level of energy throughout your interaction, regardless of whether its in a formal or informal discussion. Even if your initial presentation doesnt go as planned, how you end the conversation- i.e., whether you emphasize your commitment to shared goals or question your entire pitch in the face of resistance- will affect how people remember your whole presentation. Know that the conversation does not end when people walk out the door. Ensure follow up on agreed upon action items and prepare your delivery for ongoing engagemen ts.In your career, it is important to cultivate strong relationships with key influencers within your team, department, project, or work group, and an important meeting is the perfect place to build these connections. With proper preparation, youll be able to make a great and lasting impression.Photo of performance courtesy of Shutterstock.

Great Opening Lines From Cover Letters

Great Opening Lines From Cover LettersGreat Opening Lines From Cover LettersAs the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a great first impression. While were pretty sure our mom was more concerned keeping zu sich children from embarrassing her in front of friends when she doled out this sage advice to us as youngsters, the saying is more than applicable when it comes to the search for your new career-making job position. With the advent of online job applications and recruiter submissions for vacant listings, the professional cover letter is fast becoming a lost art. While overlooked by many applicants, starting off on a great foot with a killer introduction to your skills and experience can go a long way in pitching yourself as the best candidate for the position. Weve dedicated other articles to the skills needed in crafting a cover letter as a whole but pitching yourself in the very first lines can often be an art in itself. Job-seekers should buckle up were about to take y ou on a wild ride into the world of good, great and absolutely fabulous opening lines for your next cover letter submission.The Case for Short and SweetRecruiters, hiring managers and other employment professionals are often strapped for time. Juggling multiple deadlines for individual work projects along with interviewing for that open position, one of the most valuable traits a candidate can pitch to a prospective employer is a quick and concise overview of why theyll be a good fit for the available role.Job-seekers should use this knowledge to craft a brief and concise opening pitch that spells out the whos, hows and whys of their application. Avoid excessive wordiness or long and elaborate tales of your job history. Employers want to know what you have to offer and why you would be a great fit in a single sentence. And by sentence, we dont mean one of those paragraph-long monstrosities that Ms. Periwinkle warned you about way back in sixth grade. One to two lines is all you shou ld need to make your case.Sell YourselfNow that weve talked about length and format, its time to nail down the content requirements. When it comes to awesome opening lines on your cover letter, there are a few solid approaches to consider. First off is what we like to call the candidate capsule approach. In this form of opening, a candidate will include a quick snapshot of their career, qualifications or overall job skills. If youre an avid book or newspaper reader, consider this as the headline synopsis of your resume. Experienced candidate with xyz certifications is an example of a perfectly acceptable, concise and forward approach. Other ideas along these lines include X years of experience in the abc field, or candidate with a proven track record in y fundamentals.If youre short on experience, or simply looking for an alternative way to open and pitch your candidacy, the why Im interested line is also a viable alternative for opening your cover letter. In one sentence, pitch to the prospective employer what interests you about the position, company, pr job description. This approach will queue in hiring managers that youve read the job description and performed the necessary due diligence on the role and company. As a concrete example, open with a statement such as Candidate interested in the leadership, managerial and innovation skills the xyz position will build. Candidates could also highlight individual qualifications or job duties as potential reasons for their interest in the position.Make them want to Hear MoreWhether you open with one of the above, or your own personally-developed approach, your opening line should grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. Avoiding generic or throwaway statements along the lines of my name is will be crucial to keep those in decision-making positions interested in what you have to say. Candidates looking for a leg up shouldnt shy away from attention-grabbing tactics such as utilizing a bit of professio nal humor or inserting key industry catchphrases in order to gain the upper hand over other qualified candidates. The trick is to set your cover letter, resume and overall candidacy apart from the competition while still appearing qualified for the individual job listing, whichever individual track you decide to take.