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Happiness At Work: 7 Tips For How To Be Happy At Work

2021-03-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

The majority of our waking hours are devoted to work. It is estimated an average human being, depending where he or she lives in the world, spent somewhere around 60,000 to 100,000 hours in a lifetime working for their livelihood. That is a huge amount and if you are not happy at work then it is a safe bet to say that you have spent the majority of your life being miserable.

Happiness is not something that simply happens. You cannot manufacture happiness. It is also not dependent on the circumstances but on you. Being happy is a state of the mind. It is true that you cannot cause happiness but you can prepare the ground for being happy.

Every stage in our life involves a unique experience and cannot be repeated. It is the same with happiness. The happiness you felt the first time you started working and earning money for yourself cannot be repeated. It was an experience that can never be repeated again. You can change jobs, you might feel excited, even happy but the intensity of it will be different.

Aristotle, the Greek philosopher once said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”. It is up to you to work at it.

Here Are 7 Tips You Can Use To Find Happiness At Work:

Be Totally Immersed
One Day At A Time
Focus On One Task At A Time
Learn To Enjoy Your Work
Avoid Unhappy Colleagues
Meditate
Look For Job When You Are In Control

1. Be Totally Immersed

What this means is that do not separate your work with your private life. This does not, however mean that you must bring work home, but sometimes if you need stay a little longer in the office to finish a task, the do it.

Those who drop everything and rush back home just because the clock had struck 5.00 pm are bound to be stressed. The thought that there is something incomplete, will be lurking in the mind and nagging you.

2. One Day At A Time

Be present in the moment. Don’t rewind your past or fast forward to the future. Do not waste time thinking about past mistakes or worrying what the future will be like. You cannot change the past and the only way you can “secure” your future is to live and work today the best today.

3. Focus On One Task At A Time

If you are engaged in two or more tasks, it is better to drop others and concentrate on the one you think is important. The more tasks you are doing at the same time, the more thinly your resources are spread. You spent more time finishing one task while doing several at the same time than doing one at a time and run the risk being stressed out.

4. Learn To Enjoy Your Work

Find different ways doing your work. Be creative. Learn how to use your coffee breaks and lunch time wisely.

5. Avoid Unhappy Colleagues

Well, ok you cannot do that all the time, but unless you have something that demands you deal with, it is better for you not to be in their company. Unhappy people at work complain most of the time. Nothing is ever right for them. Over time, their words can be poisonous to your spirit and motivation.

6. Meditate

You really do not need a Zen like environment to do this. There are many meditation youtube videos that you can play on your laptop or smart phone just listen. These are proven to work.

7. Look For Job When You Are In Control

Never look for one just because you are unhappy at the moment. This will lead you to jump on the first opportunity that comes along and that is not necessarily right for you. Also you need to change your job if you had taken all the steps to enjoy the present one and still cannot find happiness. Sometimes it is better to accept job that pays less but which allows you to express yourself or the one that is flexible.

10 Practical Ways to Handle Pressure at Work

2021-03-06T22:08:00.001-08:00

If you are feeling tired and lethargic all the time after coming back from work, you might be facing too much pressure at work. Not discounting the fact that lethargy can be caused by many other factors such as an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise or one or another physical ailment, pressure at work are known to be a leading cause of lethargy.

The ever increasing demand for our time from employers, the threat of losing our jobs, our vanity and many other situations that demand more from us than what we can give, puts pressure on us.

Pressure is not all bad; you only have to look at a diamond to confirm that. You see, diamond and graphite are after all from the same material, carbon. While one is adored and highly valued, the other is not. What made the carbons in the diamond into a gem was the pressure. Pressure it had endured for millions of years. Pressure, in this instance was good.

Pressure can also be bad.

Too much work pressure can lead to stress and stress; well …, we don’t want to go there, do we?

Here are 10 practical ways to help you handle work pressure effectively:

1. Know The Cause

Why are you feeling pressured? Get a clean sheet of white paper and write down the causes. This helps to take the pressure out from you and sort of transfer it to the paper. Be honest about the causes.

2. How You Are Contributing To It?

Are you in any way contributing to it? Look at your lifestyle. Are you leading a healthy one? Do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself? It is a virtue to have dreams and work to achieve it, but you must also be realistic. For instance, if you are middle aged and overweight, do not set a goal to break the 100 meters world record. Have goals, work to reach them but be realistic about it.

3. Know Your Priorities

Do you have a list of your priorities? If you don’t it is a good time to start one. Knowing what matters in life is crucial so that you don’t waste your time on things that have a little or no value to you.

4. Learn To Take Breaks

After you have a reached a certain milestone in any project, take a break. Depending on the project, your break-time can also vary. If you had just completed writing a report which you labored for the whole week, why not treat yourself for a movie after sending it in?

5. Leave The Office Early

And leave the work pressure in the office. The simple act of leaving the office early can do wonders to your mind and spirit. Don’t make staying late a habit, no matter what your job is.It is not worth it.

6. Go Away

Take a vacation. Go mountain climbing, hiking or white water rafting. Or simply go the beach. If you have the means, why not fly away to exotic places and get yourself rejuvenated.

7. Meditate

You don’t have to be a Buddhist monk to do this. There are many simple ways to meditate anytime, anywhere. There are an abundance of resources on this topic in the web.

8. Remove Clutter From Your Environment

Clear your workplace, your living room, bedroom and every other place where you spent your time from clutter. The physical clutter in your environment subconsciously affects your mind and in time, your mental state is cluttered as well. A cluttered mind exaggerates pressure.

9. Celebrate Success

If you had achieved something, then go ahead and celebrate it. This will motivate you further. And motivation is a great ally in dealing with pressure.

10. Exercise

Enough said.

How has COVID-19 impacted eCommerce?

2020-12-22T07:48:00.005-08:00

We are living in strange times, and uncertainty is the only certainty. The pandemic has made us question our personal health and mental wellbeing but also our economic security. It is not surprising then that eCommerce has felt the effects of COID-19. However, unlike other sectors, the news is not all gloom and doom.

Specialised Shopify agency Chorus Commerce has reviewed 100 of their own clients to evaluate the impact this time has had on the business of online shopping.

The ups and downs of COVID

As you would imagine, when the world first went into lockdown, we all got onto the internet and shopped for all our worth. We were worried about the shops closing, and we wanted to make sure we had all the luxuries we needed to keep us comfortable. Therefore, we sought out our favourite brands online and relied on delivery to our door. Indeed, the rise in eCommerce could be seen as one of the bright spots of the current times. There is a 12-year high in sales, with eCommerce seeing nothing like this since 2008.

Yet, with an up often comes a down. The amazing sales of the early lockdown fell away towards the end. While hair care products, DIY, health, and gifts all saw a rise well above 100%, they all dropped significantly as the financial hardships of furlough and staying at home kicked in.

Haircare and Home Improvement

When you look closely at the different sectors, you can see trends play out. Two areas that benefitted massively from the early lockdown were haircare and DIY. As hairdressers and tradespeople were forced to stay at home, people, in turn, looked to find alternatives to getting the job done.

For haircare, there was a movement towards home haircuts that should probably never be repeated. The search volume for “how to cut hair” on Google went through the roof, and the social media stream for the disasters that ensued a source of entertainment. It is probably not surprising that when there was news that hairdressers would be soon back to work, the amount spent on haircare eCommerce dropped substantially.

The same trend can be seen in home improvement. At the start of lockdown, people began DIY projects in the home and were forced to undertake some of the repairs themselves. Again, as the lockdown ended, and enthusiasm for projects in the house diminished, the upsweep in sales died down.

Fashion and Accessories

What might be surprising to some is that the sales in fashion and jewellery did not shoot up. Although people were definitely buying more, there wasn’t a substantial rise that was seen elsewhere. It might be that people restrained from purchasing luxury items when there was so much uncertainty. However, there was also no weddings, no massive business conventions and no need to replenish the foreign holiday wardrobe. Therefore, there was a complete loss of demand for new clothes. People were more than happy to stay in their joggers or even their PJs.

However, people were still bored and had the internet close to hand. Consequently, the trends were still up for both fashion and glitzy accessories, as we looked for ways to make ourselves feel so much better. Also, the levels never fell. Therefore, although clothing never reached the heights of other areas of eCommerce, it is a sector that continues to benefit from online sales.

Into the future

Do the ups and downs in eCommerce merely represent the same uncertainty that we are seeing everywhere in our lives right now? It is unlikely that eCommerce is impacted in the same way. What we may be seeing is a fast forward of a trend that was happening anyway. People were drifting away from the High Street and choosing instead to buy online. The pandemic may have sped up this move in trends of shopping.

What does this mean for those in eCommerce? First, it means that there is a lot of opportunities to make good sales online if you can compete. However, it also means there will be a lot more competition from established stores. These shops are being forced by current circumstances to adapt quicker than they intended and so become a serious threat to other online retailers.

Consequently, to succeed in eCommerce, sellers are going to have to work even harder to make their store as accessible as possible to buyers. Also, new customers who are not used to shopping online will need you to walk them through the process and find you.

In short, the future is going to be what we always predicted. ECommerce will dominate. However, the pandemic has sped up the transition and eCommerce now has the opportunity to deliver on these trends.

10 Simple Ways to Deal With Stress at Work

2020-11-01T07:03:00.009-08:00

There is no doubt that in times of economic hardship stress at work increases. The possibility of layoffs and redundancy are always present, not to mention the fact that the employer might suddenly go broke overnight and without any warning. All of this can add to the normal level of job stress which many people suffer from.

1. The First Step Is To Recognize The Symptoms Of Stress.

If you suffer from muscle tension, headaches, loss of sex drive, irritability, problems sleeping and over use of drugs or alcohol, you are certainly suffering from stress. Here are a few tips to help you control it.

2. Give Yourself An Extra Ten Or Fifteen Minutes To Get Into Work.

If you are always rushing at the last minute, you will be stressed before you even get to work. Simply set the alarm for a few minutes earlier and give yourself time. You will be surprised at the huge difference that makes.

3. Look After Yourself.

Drink alcohol in moderation and do not smoke. You may think that a cigarette calms you down: it doesn't. Nicotine is a stimulant and actually makes you more anxious.

4. Take Exercise.

Walking briskly is great exercise. Try to do two 15 minute walks every day. It will help you lose weight if you are overweight and will generally make you feel fitter. Especially take a walk in your lunch break. Sitting at your desk answering emails or playing online games will not help you at all; you need to get out of the work environment.

5. Get Enough Sleep.

Make sure you get enough sleep. You really do need at least seven hours a night and eight is better.

6. Don’t Do Anything Rash.

Don’t hastily quit your job or take out your frustration on your boss. Keep your cool and carefully consider every decision before you act. No decision should ever be rushed.

7. Prioritize Your Work.

Do the important stuff first then tackle the less important. If you have something unpleasant, that has to be done, do it first thing in the morning then you won't worry about it for the rest of the day.

8. Delegate Some Jobs Duties.

If you don't have to do everything yourself, you can give some of it to someone else to do.

9. Ignore Toxic Co-Workers.

If work colleagues are making fun of you, ignoring you or being abusive, simply ignore it. Easier said than done, but the only person suffering is YOU. If you suffer more stress they have achieved what they wanted to achieve which is to make you miserable. By ignoring them and not letting them make you miserable they lose and you win.

10. Have A Good Laugh.

There is no better cure for stress than having a good laugh. Make sure that it is not at someone else's expense because all that will do is give them stress. Having a good laugh can raise everyone's mood and make for a better atmosphere all round.

Infogrpahic: Work-Life Under Lockdown - Understanding the New Habits of Working Professionals

2020-06-18T09:15:00.004-07:00

The lockdowns to contain COVID-19 have resulted in an unprecedented situation, forcing people across the globe to ‘work from home’ at a scale and duration that is first globally. Borderless Access conducted a study in India, South Africa, the UK and the US, to understand how this impacts working professionals, how they perceive their new work-life, away from the social constraints of the workplace and the new habists and behaviour they have adopted

From Visually.

7 Soft Skills That All Employers Want in a Job Applicant

2018-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Worried about the work experience and technical skills you're going to need to land a job after graduation? Yes, those things are important, but there's something else you'll need that you may not have thought about: soft skills.

What exactly are soft skills? Soft skills are the personal skills that aren't necessarily taught in classrooms or in offices. And they're just as (or more) important than technical skills. They determine how you will work and interact in a new work environment.

Keep reading to learn about the 7 soft skills that everyone employer wants in a job applicant.

As you're reading through this list, try to think of examples you can use to demonstrate these skills in your interview. If you can show that you have these skills under your belt, you just might land the job of your dreams.

1. Creative Problem-Solving

It doesn't matter what type of job you have - regardless of the industry, you'll need to be able to solve problems with creative solutions. That means that when you can't solve an issue the usual way, you'll have to think outside the box to come up with a more creative resolution.

It's always a good idea to include an example of your creative problem-solving skills in your resume or cover letter.

At the very least, have an example of how you solved a problem in mind for your interview. Companies like Google are known to ask some rather strange interview questions. Many of these questions are designed specifically to see how creative you can be when it comes time to solve a problem.

2. Written Communication Skills

Effective communication is a skill that's important to every role. If you want to be successful and taken seriously, having strong writing skills is essential. Having the gift of gab has its value, but most communications go through email, so you have to be able to communicate with written words.

Even if you're a genius mathematician or a brain surgeon, you have to be able to communicate your progress, theories, and practices with others. Clear and effective writing skills are the way to do so.

With this in mind, make sure that your cover letter, resume, and pre-interview email correspondence is succinct. If it isn't, you may never even get the opportunity to interview in the first place.

3. Leadership

The ability to demonstrate leadership skills is important - even if you're interviewing for an entry-level position. This doesn't mean you need to be able to manage others - it simply means that you can lead your peers, even if it means leading by example.

If you're applying for a management position, leadership is a crucial skill that you must possess. You will need to be able to lead a team, delegate authority when needed, and manage others.

But it's just as important to show your leadership skills when applying for an entry level role. If you intend to advance your career, your employer will look at you as someone who could someday be promoted to a management position.

4. Organization

It doesn't matter if you're serving up coffee as a barista or practicing law - organizational skills are key to every job. You need to show your potential employer that you have systems and strategies in place that allow you to focus on what's important.

Organization can come in the form of to-do lists, time-blocking apps, and programs such as Asana, Teamwork, or Basecamp. You have to be able to demonstrate that you can pay attention to detail, juggle projects, and stay organized at all times.

If you need to show an example of your organization skills in an interview, you can even discuss the way you organize your home or office. It's also important to show that you have time management skills. Let your employer know that you know how to manage your time. When you can manage your time, you can meet deadlines.

5. Positivity

No one wants to work with someone with an overall negative outlook on life and work. You don't have to be bubbly and overly friendly every moment of every day. But you do have to be able to maintain a positive attitude, especially when you're facing adversity.

There's no question about it - a positive workplace is more productive workplace. When you're interviewing for your next job, let the employer know that you'll be a source of positivity and inspiration. If you come across as a downer in your interview, the hiring manager will assume you will be the same way if given the job.

6. Flexibility and Adaptability

While there are some jobs that are rather stagnant, most roles require you to be flexible. You have to be able to adapt to new scenarios, new people, and new situations. It may not be a skill that you need to use every day, but it's important to show that you have the ability to do so when needed.

7. Strong Work Ethic

It's easy to say you have a strong work ethic, but can you prove it? Provide examples of prior work or school experience and have some references lined up to vouch for you. Think about a time that you went above and beyond to get a job done - and be ready to tell that story in your interview.

If you've been working your way through college and managed to maintain a part-time job or a side hustle, mention it. Anything that can show you are driven and dedicated to succeed will be beneficial.

Technical skills and work experience are important, but sometimes it’s the soft skills that will land you a job. The best part of honing your soft skills? They translate from job to job and industry to industry.

Highlight your creative problem-solving skills. Show that you have strong verbal and written communication skills. Let your potential employer know that you can be a leader, that you’re organized, and that you know how to manage your time.

Present yourself as someone who is positive, flexible, and able to adapt to different situations. And above all else, make it clear that you have a strong work ethic. Have an example of each soft skill in mind and showcase each one in your interview. If your soft skills are on point, you’re sure to soar to the top of the candidate list!

Author Bio:

University Suites is a great townhouse-style community located about a mile from Eastern Carolina University's campus. The community consists of 2x3 and 3x3 apartments and contains a full amenity suite including a fitness center, pool, business center, and game room. The community is the best value in the Greenville NC student housing market.

First Impression Advice: 6 Tips To Make An Unforgettable First Impression

2018-06-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

In this video I'll provide you 6 tips to make an unforgettable first impression that can be used for any encounter from a job interview to a date to a meeting with a potential client. All of which are backed by research. At the end of the video I’ll also reveal one thing you should never do when trying to make a great first impression.

According to a Princeton University study in 2006 it only takes 1/10th of a second to make a snap judgement of someone’s trustworthiness and attractiveness based on facial appearance alone. It's crazy to think how quickly people make first impressions of us!

What I found most fascinating about doing research on the topic of making a great first impression was that it's actually hard for people to make snap judgements on Competence. Humans only tend to care about trustworthiness at first to quickly determine friend or foe. This is likely a built in survival mechanism.

I think one of the key takeaways of this video if your trying to make a first impression for a job interview is to not worry so much about showing off your skills. What really matters is creating an emotional connection thought small talk where both parties have common ground.

Interestingly, when I went to software development school our teachers kept telling us that the people who got great jobs weren't the ones that had the most skill....they were the ones that you could envision sharing a beer with. Looks like the research confirms this! Skills can be taught, but the emotional connection is the primary concern.

Author Information:

My name is John Marty. I am passionate about technology, and its ability to solve problems. One of my biggest strengths is the development and communication of big ideas that drive at the heart of consumer pain points. The communication of these ideas requires delicately crafted and data-driven narratives that consider all stakeholders. My understanding of the intricacies of software development, as well as my entrepreneurial, and educational background, provide a strong foundation to articulate these ideas, gain buy-in and drive initiatives forward. You can check out my website, LinkedIn, YouTube channel and Twitter.

Interested in the World of Real Estate? Consider These Careers

2018-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

If you’re a recent grad looking for the right career path, consider the possibilities of a career in real estate. Real estate is an ever-evolving field with many different aspects at play, and a variety of skill sets and interests can align with all sorts of jobs within this niche. Don’t be surprised if you discover that you're a great fit for one or more of these five options.

Real Estate Agent

Most people associate this career with selling homes. However, real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent residential and commercial property. They work under a real estate broker, who does similar work but has a license to manage his or her own real estate business. More than 420,000 U.S. real estate agents and brokers were at work as of 2014.

All states require agents and brokers to have a license. Requirements include being at least 18 years old, completing a certain number of real estate course hours, and passing a state-specific licensing exam. In competitive markets, many employers prefer to hire agents with college courses in real estate, finance, statistics, economics, or related areas. Larger companies might provide in-house training. A career as an agent requires willingness to work more than 9 to 5 and good organizational and problem-solving skills. Agents must have strong interpersonal skills as well as enthusiasm.

Real Estate Appraiser

Another popular real estate career option is that of real estate appraiser. This individual usually works for appraisal firms or lending institutions and furnishes unbiased assessments of the quality and value of properties. Appraisers typically work during general weekday office hours and tend to be busy year-round, since appraisals are required when homeowners refinance or are trying to purchase a home with a mortgage. You might be a good fit if you’re organized, have great analytical skills, and enjoy working with numbers. Appraisers of real property must pass an exam for licensing in each state.

Property Manager

Property managers might handle residential or commercial developments. They negotiate leases, make sure developments meet Federal and local legal requirements, and uphold tenant satisfaction. This career is an ideal fit for someone who wants work that’s personally rewarding as well as the opportunity to learn local real estate markets to start his or her own business. It requires good negotiating skills, attention to details, and the ability to multitask. Most areas require licensing that varies from state to state as well as position to position.

Real Estate Entrepreneur

Do you dream of buying investment properties and eventually becoming a real estate mogul? Since World War II, many of the wealthiest U.S. residents have been real estate investors with the ability to spot properties likely to rise in value thanks to renovations or changes in local market conditions. To succeed with this investment strategy, you’ll need a number of qualities: savvy about markets, very knowledgeable about your competition, willing to take on risk, and creative in fining unique strategies to make money.

Investment Banker

Teams dedicated to real estate finance exist in many investment banks. Members typically repackage mortgages into securities backed by residential or commercial mortgages and similar vehicles. Some deal with real estate investing and the origination of synthetic leases. This career is an ideal match if you have an interest in both the investment area of finance and real estate. Hiring institutions are looking for employees with a strong mix of interpersonal and analytical skills. Many college grads enter investment banking as analysts. Math and accounting skills are necessary, along with the ability to work as part of a team and the willingness to put in long hours when necessary.

Surveys show that people choose a career in the world of real estate for many reasons. What’s the top one? They're intrigued by physical assets, whether it’s selling them, owning and developing them, managing them, or financing them. Whether it’s residential property or a commercial portfolio, real estate excites them. They come from many backgrounds. For some, real estate is a second or a third career. It just might be a great match for you as well.

MS in US vs Preparation for civils in India: Pros and Cons

2017-12-22T06:59:00.000-08:00

Your sixth semester is underway and you are probably caught in a quandary over your career choices. This is usually a tough period for an undergraduate as in a few months you will need to begin your applications either for jobs, MS in the US or start preparation for the civil services.

This choice if often influenced by a number of personal and professional factors. Here we discuss the pros and cons of choosing MS in US vs. Preparing for the UPSC exam in India.

MS in the US

A Master’s Degree forms a logical extension to your academic progress so far. For that you would apply to the best colleges, the majority of which come from the US. So, invariably, your choices will be a few colleges halfway across the world. Once the GRE, TOEFL and your applications are out of the way, there is just the wait for the acceptance and then you are off to the US.

An MS in the US will certainly have the following benefits:

There will most certainly be a better choice of jobs after doing your Masters from some of the best colleges in the world. They will also be high paying.
The quality of education is significantly high and diverse so that you can explore education courses of your choice.
The US universities are a melting pot of cultures from all around the world and exposure to different nationalities will only benefit your personality.
Due to a better base of research and development, the opportunity to enter PhD. courses are more. There is also a greater demand for PhDs in the industry.
MS is an added security as there is no guarantee that you will crack the civil services. An MS will provide value addition while preparation for the civil services has little value addition from the perspective of the private sector.

However, MS does have its pitfalls as well:

The first drawbacks are the initial high costs of travel, tuition and lodging in the US. The first few years on the job are often spent repaying the loan and as costs rise, these loan repayment periods are getting longer.
The above are in addition to the already high expenses for application fee to the US universities also the charges for TOEFL and GRE. Moreover, there are several students who sit the GRE again to improve their score.
If your ultimate aim is to become a civil servant and you have already decided on that then there is no advantage in taking a circuitous route by doing MS first. A good paying job as well as the benefits of living in a developed country will deter you from chasing your goal.
The job market for international students is precariously balanced on the policies of the US government. Recent changes in visa rules have hurt prospects of several MS candidates in the US.
Distance from home is a big factor that affects the lives of several students in the US as India is not so easily accessible physically and financially. It can lead to emotional stresses.

Thus, there are trade-offs while going for MS in the US, so the decision must be taken keeping all factors in mind.

Preparation for Civil services

Firstly, this is a path that has as many cons as there can be and just one reward - selection in the civil service. The preparation has the following downsides:

You will spend a majority of your time for over a year studying for the civil services thus leaving little to no time for other activities.
The preparation does not amount to any value addition in the form of a degree or a diploma. Thus, if you meet failure for two consecutive years you have little to show for your efforts.
The exam is continuously evolving, thus giving no advantage to people who have been preparing for longer periods of time.
Without a job, the value of your qualifications will depreciate over time making it tougher to land a job

However, despite the drawbacks, the selection more than justifies the journey that one goes through to become a civil services officer. The opportunity to serve one’s nation through the top most positions that it offers is a rarity. There is no other service that provides you with the ability to influence and make differences in the lives of millions. The wide ranging challenges and experiences that this service offers leaves no time for stagnation.

Here, we have looked at the pros and cons of doing MS in the US vs. Preparing for the civil services in India. We hope that you’ve benefited from the above discussion and wish you the best in the career path that you choose!

Career Advice: Give Your Career a Boost with These Tips

2017-12-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

The job market is always very competitive. There are a lot of people competing for every job and you need to make yourself indispensable to the employer if you want to make it in your profession.

If your goals are bigger than that and you want to advance on the job and obtain a better position within the company, you need to do more. It’s imperative to always upgrade your skills and to model them to the needs of the market. People’s skills are also important and a lot of ambitious people tend to neglect them. They too can be worked on and improved if that’s what it takes.

Find your passion

This may sound like a cliché advice, but it’s the only way to actually be good at what you do. You need to be genuinely interested in the field you want to pursue or you won’t be able to give it your best. This doesn’t mean that you only need to do what you love, most people can’t do that and even the subjects you’re interested in have boring parts.

It’s important to have in mind that knowing what you want to study and learn about doesn’t have to be the same as what you want to do. It often happens that real-life working experiences are much different than the academic ones.

Be flexible

Improving on the job is a trial and error process. You need to be flexible with your goals and your expectations if you want to really advance on the job and learn. This doesn’t mean you need to take the job that’s below your skill level or below your pay expectations, but it’s sometimes useful to do so in order to learn and prove yourself in a lot of different environments.

It’s also a good idea to be flexible with your expectation in terms of the work environment. Not every job has to have the perfect co-workers or the perfect boss. Learning to accept these things could really help your career out.

Never stop learning

If you want to make it in the business world, you need to keep upgrading your skills. A lot of people tend to forget about this and kind of give up on their skill set after their formal education is over. That way, you can’t be caught up with the new demands of the market.

The skill you’re trying to improve should be something connected with your academic studies, but also something that goes beyond them. For instance, those with an MBA could benefit from financial modelling training that builds on the knowledge they’ve obtained during the studies.

Network

Networking is one of those things that no one likes to talk about, but that’s essential for career advancement. It’s often said that who you know is more important than what you know and this isn’t exactly true – nothing can replace skills and knowledge. However, good contacts are important and can help a lot, especially if you’re just getting started.

You should never be too obvious when you’re trying to expand your network, but try to have this in the back of your mind while meeting new people from your industry.

The bigger picture

A day job could be pretty difficult and there are a lot of stressful situations involved. That can put you in the position to forget about the bigger picture of your career and focus on the immediate tasks. It’s important to try to think about your career as something larger than a particular job or even a series of jobs.

When you’re applying for the job or a promotion try to think how it will affect your career overall and how it will look on your resume.

These tips will help you boost your career, but nothing can replace hard work and a great skillset. Nothing is more important than providing value to your company.

Author Bio:

Victoria is a Digital Marketing Strategist. She works with driven, creative, and passionate entrepreneurs and small business owners that want to bring their visions to life. Enthusiastic writer who follows latest marketing and technology trends to get a glimpse of the future. Contributor at bizzmarkblog.com.

Women Relocating to the UAE: What You Must Know Before Moving

2017-12-14T03:57:00.001-08:00

If you dream of relocating to the UAE, or if you are already planning it, then you need to give this article a read.

Here we are going to debunk many myths that make many women afraid from even considering the idea of relocating to the UAE. We’ll share everything you need to know before moving, so you can have a good idea on what to expect.

That’s all, let’s begin with the good stuff!

Safety: Is It Friendly Towards Women?

Is the UAE safe for women? The short answer: YES! It is the calmest and most peaceful region in the Middle East; therefore, it is safe for women.

Here you have some quick facts that support this claim:

According to online crime index, Abu Dhabi is the safest city in the world
UAE is expected to have the lowest violent crime rate in the world by 2021
Pickpocketing and pretty crime rates are very low

In comparison to other countries in the Western hemisphere, the UAE is very safe and not in vain Abu Dhabi is officially the safest city in the entire world. Let that sink in.

As reported by Wise Move, the vast majority of expats feel very happy to live here, because the salaries are excellent, safety is real and the politic and economic climate are stable.

Moreover, locals are very friendly towards expats (both men and women), and it is largely because a large part of population (especially in Dubai) is composed by expatriates.

Do not worry, because there are no rules that prevent you from visiting certain places or doing specific things just because you are a woman. Although, prayer and schooling are a different matter.

Police does its job very well here, and you can always ask for help. This is something completely different to what Indians experience in their home country, where they cannot really trust police. Therefore, they feel quite happy here.

Will You Need to Cover Yourself?

This is one of the most common myths, because it says that because you are a woman you will have to cover yourself. That is not true at all.

Remember that the UAE is a Muslim nation, yet liberal. Therefore, you do not need to cover yourself with a veil or burka in public spaces. Although, when entering to religious spaces and temples, you will need to cover your hair.

If you are looking for the best city in terms of dress rules, then it is Dubai. Here you can wear virtually anything you want without problems.

But if we talk about the cultural aspect, then you will be expected to follow certain rules in public and classrooms. Your knees and shoulders should be covered, because if you dress too provocatively, then you will draw negative attention.

Can You Go Out Without Problems?

This is another myth: women are allowed to go out without problems. Be it on your own or with a group, you can go and enjoy everything Dubai, Abu Dhabi and any other emirate has to offer you.

You have at your disposal some of the best restaurants, pubs and bars in the world, so make sure to take advantage of this. Abu Dhabi is one of the most fun cities in the world, you will really enjoy it!

Just remember that drinking in public is strictly forbidden, you can solely do it in licensed bars or pubs.

What about Relationships?

Remember that public displays of affection are not recommended. Moreover, it is illegal to live with a live with a non-related person of the opposite sex, so that is another fact to take into account.

Dating is alright, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but make sure you understand the limits.

Conclusion:

These are the things you need to know as a woman relocating to the UAE. As you can see, there are certain rules you need to be aware of, but they are not very restrictive, at least not as they portray them.

What are you waiting for? Tons of new and exciting opportunities are waiting for you in the UAE! ;)

3 Reasons Why I Chose to Work for a Small Company

2017-12-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

An Employee's Story

By: Melissa Freeman

“Who let the dogs out…Woof Woof Woof Woof” plays in the background, as I tap my foot and talk to a customer on the phone. This upbeat music gives me a positive attitude while I sit in my office cubicle listening to the others around me doing the same thing on the phone. Only within this small company I work for can you find the heart of a small town with a business that can give any large corporation a run for its money. So why work for that large company where you are only a paycheck when you can work for a small company that will give you so much more.

Atmosphere dictates happiness

If you are looking for that thousand dollar suit and corner office then you need to keep looking because this girl wears blue jeans and t-shirts while sitting in my corner cubicle surrounded by co-workers who have also become friends and more like family. Being comfortable in my chair that I sit at for eight hours a day is a bonus you cannot find anywhere in big business. High heels are not needed when you spend the day talking to customers on the phone whether doing sales or customer service. The only thing needed is the positive attitude and a smile that you can hear through the phone!

Eliminate the competition

Along with the upbeat music that keeps the office positive and on occasion singing, we also have the ability to learn and do different jobs within the company, so we are never restricted to one area only. Each of us has our strongest areas, but that will never stop the company from allowing us some creative freedom in how we do our daily jobs. Learning other areas allows us to help out the other team members if someone is out sick, on vacation, or just wanted a day off. With learning the other areas and the creative freedom, we have eliminated any reason for competition in the workplace. We are a team and we are family and that group feeling is something I have never found in corporate America.

Working within, rather than working for a company

Special events, Charity events, and the local celebrations are done as a whole with this awesome company. It's not the corporate sales team golf outing or the “men's retreat” where others are left out within the large companies, it’s all for one and one for all with us. Every charity event, blood drive, empowerment study group includes every single member of the team, even Alex the customer service cat joins in. We all speak out and speak up and share experiences that help us grow as a team. We are actually encouraged to share our personal passions and create events based on those passions. It’s obviously rewarding to be able to support something you are passionate about, but it really does bring the team together on a higher level when everyone is exposed to something you are passionate about.

There is so much to be gained from working at a small company that puts the employee first as I have learned firsthand after more than a year. There is no competition that makes for a sedentary work environment where everyone is on their toes. You are most likely to find all of us tapping our toes to the music and smiling as we do our jobs. Although you may find a large corporation that is going to pay you the big bucks to be the corporate statue, I would rather be tapping my toes and singing “who let the dogs out” while my co-workers laugh at my antics. So the next time you are looking to make a career change, don’t discount that small company that you have never heard of. Remember that there may be some benefits to consider beyond that skyscraper view.

15 Ways to Manage Your Time Wisely - [Infographic]

2017-11-08T17:56:00.001-08:00

Infographic by Jack Milgram Custom-Writing.Org

8 Steps to Successful Career Planning

2017-10-01T02:29:00.001-07:00

Career planning is not an action that ought to be done once — in secondary school or school — and after that left behind as we advance in our occupations and careers. Or maybe, career planning is an action that is best done all the time — particularly given the information that the normal specialist will change careers (not employments) different circumstances over his or her lifetime. What's more, it's never too early or past the point where it is possible to begin your career planning.

Career planning is not a hard action, not a remark feared or put off, but instead an action that ought to free and satisfying, giving objectives to accomplish in your present career or plans for starting a change to another career. Career planning ought to be a fulfilling and positive experience.

Here, at that point, are 10 hints to enable you to accomplish effective career planning.

1. Make Career Planning an Annual Event

A considerable lot of us have physicals, visit the eye specialist and dental specialist, and do a heap of different things on an annual premise, so for what reason not career planning? Discover a day or end of the week once per year — all the more frequently in the event that you feel the need or in case you're planning a noteworthy career change — and plan a withdraw for yourself. Endeavor to shut out all diversions so you have room schedule-wise to genuinely concentrate on your career — what you truly need out of your career, out of your life.

By making career planning an annual event, you will feel more secure in your career decision and bearing — and you'll be better arranged for the numerous vulnerabilities and challenges that lie ahead in the greater part of our occupations and career.

2. Guide Your Path Since Last Career Planning

One of your first exercises, at whatever point you go up against career planning, is investing energy mapping out your activity and career way since the last time you did any kind of career planning. While you ought not harp on your past, setting aside the opportunity to audit and consider the way — whether straight and restricted or one loaded with any bends and deadlocks — will enable you to anticipate what's to come.

Once you've mapped your past, set aside the opportunity to think about your course — and note why it looks the way it does. Is it accurate to say that you are content with your way? Might you be able to have improved? What may you have done another way? What would you be able to do any other way later on?

3. Consider Your Likes and Dislikes, Needs and Wants

Change is a factor of life; everyone changes, as do our preferences. Something we cherished doing two years prior may now give us dismay. So dependably set aside opportunity to consider the things throughout your life — not simply in your activity — that you feel most unequivocally about.

Influence a two-segment to rundown of your real preferences. At that point utilize this rundown to inspect your present place of employment and career way. In the event that your activity career still fall for the most part in the like section, at that point you know you are still on the correct way; in any case, if your activity exercises fall generally in the aversion segment, this is the ideal opportunity to start inspecting new occupations and new careers.

At long last, set aside the opportunity to truly consider what it is you need or need from your work, from your career. Is it accurate to say that you are hoping to have any kind of effect on the planet? To be well known? To end up plainly monetarily autonomous? To impact change? Set aside the opportunity to comprehend the thought processes that drive your feeling of progress and joy.

4. Inspect Your Pastimes and Hobbies

Career planning gives an awesome time to likewise analyze the exercises you like doing when you're not working. It might sound somewhat odd, to look at non-work exercises while doing career planning, yet it's most certainly not. Ordinarily your pastimes and restful interests can give you incredible understanding into future career ways.

Figure you can't make an interest into a career? Individuals do it constantly. The considerable painter Paul Gauguin was a fruitful representative who painted as an afterthought. It really wasn't until the point when he was empowered by a craftsman he respected to keep painting that he at last investigated his pastime and chose he should change careers. He was great at business, yet his adoration was painting.

5. Make Note of Your Past Accomplishments

A great many people don't keep a decent record of work achievements and afterward battle with making an intense resume when it's a great opportunity to scan for another activity. Making note of your past achievements — keeping a record of them — is not just valuable for building your resume, it's additionally helpful for career planning.

Some of the time surveying your past achievements will uncover overlooked triumphs, at least one which may trigger looking into and planning a career move with the goal that you can be in work that enables you to finish the sorts of things that fulfill you most and glad.

6. Look Beyond Your Current Job for Transferable Skills

A few laborers get so wrapped up in their activity titles that they don't perceive some other career potential outcomes for themselves. Each activity requires a specific arrangement of abilities, and it's vastly improved to order yourself as far as these ranges of abilities than be so nearsighted as to concentrate just on work titles.

For instance, one occupation searcher who was attempting to fulfill career planning got herself stuck in light of the fact that she recognized herself as a correspondent. In any case, once she looked past her activity title, she could see that she had this solid accumulation of transferable abilities —, for example, composing, altering, exploring, examining, talking with, juggling numerous errands, meeting objectives and due dates, and overseeing time and data — aptitudes that could without much of a stretch be connected to a wide assortment of employments in a wide range of careers.

7. Survey Career and Job Trends

Everybody makes his or her own activity and career openings, so that regardless of the possibility that your career is contracting, in the event that you have great aptitudes and know how to advertise yourself, you ought to have the capacity to locate another activity. Be that as it may, having data about career patterns is indispensable to long haul career planning achievement.

A career way that is extending today could undoubtedly shrivel tomorrow — or one year from now. It's critical to see where work development is normal, particularly in the career handle that most intrigue you. Other than information of these patterns, the other preferred standpoint of leading this exploration is the power it offers you to change and fortify your position, your exceptional offering recommendation. One of the keys to employment and career achievement is having a special arrangement of achievements, abilities, and instruction that improve you than all others in your career.

8. Set Career and Job Goals

Build up a guide for your activity and career achievement. Would you be able to be effective in your career without defining objectives? Obviously. Would you be able to be considerably more fruitful through objective setting? Most research says yes.

A noteworthy segment of career planning is setting here and now (in the coming year) and long haul (past a year) career and occupation objectives. When you start this procedure, another segment of career planning moves toward becoming assessing and modifying those objectives as your career designs advance or change – and growing new objectives once you fulfill your past objectives.

Author Bio:-

Pallavi is a Hiring Director of Alliance International – Global Recruitment agency. Helping international recruiting, staffing, HR services and call center recruitment for overseas and international businesses.

Women's Clothing Ideas for Job Interview

2017-10-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

“Clothing is a form of self-expression.

There are the hints about who you are in what you wear”- Marc Jacobs

Gone are the days when women’s interview attire included those boring black boxy blazers, dowdy straight-leg pants, and dull pumps. These days working women have welcomed more contemporary formals especially when they appear for the job interview. It is true that your skills matter a lot for the interview but along with that your appearance is often what the interviewer will notice first.

Dress to impress can be the key to secure your job, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be a fashionista to crack the interview. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must look professional and polished. You just need to incorporate some modern style tips into your outfit that will be a good way to update your look in a competitive job market.

So if you are going to attend a job interview soon then this post is for you. Here is a complete guide that includes fashion tips and some inspiration that will help you to pick the right interview outfit.

1. What to wear for these four common interviews?

A. Corporate Classics

The big companies those who emphasis on following a dress code,will give higher attention to your attire at the time of the interview. So if you are going for an interview at such corporate workplace then keep your look classy and bit conservative. But if they have mentioned some specific dress code in the interview email then follow it.

Rest you can opt for a business suit with some interesting colours other than black. You can also buy a formal jacket and accompany it with ankle length pants or knee length pencil skirt. Then add some accessories such as elegant earrings, wristwatch, and a purse to have a modish formal look.

B. Business Casuals

There are some companies those who allow business casuals until they mentioned any particular dress code. You can feel bit relaxed while you are appearing for an interview in these types of companies. But remember that you don’t have a freedom to go in your tees. This is the first time when people at the company will seeing you, so pick your dress accordingly while considering all the needful.

If not those dull business suits then go for a dark shade skirt with crisp contrast blouse.Chic neckpiece accompanies very well with delicate earrings, with a pair of wedges or nude shade pumps you can complete the look. You can also experiment with a shift dress and a cardigan that would also work well.

C. Start-ups

These days’ start-ups don’t follow any dress code you can see employees come in jeans and tees. They give more importance to work and comfort of their team members. So if you are going to attend the interview at the start-ups then, of course, you have a wider choice. You can carry semi formals or even office casuals.

But it should be something that looks appropriate and yet represents your personality. You can opt for a nice pair of dark colour jeans with a simple formal shirt or sweater, ballet flats, and a handbag. This gives you a trendy look and also maintains the interview decorum.

D. Glamour industry

If you’re gunning for a fashion-industry job where interviewers wear Prada and employees look more like Gucci models then pick your interview attire alike. It is suggested as such only because in this industry the more glamorous you look the easily you get hired. Dressing too stuffy and boring will immediately indicate that you’re not the right fit for the job in this industry.

Here you have more avenues for dresses either pick from pencil skirts or smart blazers or sleek trousers with a chic blouse. You can pair any of them with a stylish neckpiece, earrings, leather belts, pumps or wedges and a bold wristwatch to look more polished and professional.

So you should target your look according to the company in which you’re going for the interview.Looking professionally spectacular might not every time get you the job but it helps you to look more confident.

2. What is new in women’s interview clothing?

1. Styled blazers

If you are fond of blazers but don’t like those boring black, blue or gray then here are some tips to add corporate glam in them. Ditch that dark colours and opt for some bright shades such as pink, fuchsia, light blue with some interesting prints. You can also get options of robes and zip instead of old age buttons.

2. Chic fitted dress

The next formal attire you can opt for is a simple chic fitted dress with some vibrant colours like navy blue, sea green, pink and even ivory red. Accessories it with an emaciated belt, simple earrings, smart leather bag and pumps. You should make it sure that the dress has a good fit according to your body types.

3. Give farewell to black

It’s not necessary that all your formals should be in black. When you are going to appear for the interview you can choose some good florescent colours. They give soothing effects to the eyes of the interviewer and give a positive energy as well. So that instead of black, think about sky blue, baby pink, ivory red, lavish purple and more.

4. Give space to textures and prints

Another way to add some dimension to your interview wardrobe, is by adding various sober textures and patterns. You can select either stripes, checks, nature’s print and so on. But remember as per the fashion rule always pair your prints with plain bottoms.

5. Drop down buttons

The next thing that makes your formal wardrobe interesting is bow, robes, and zip. You can buy blouses and shirts with a cute and fashionable bow, robes and zip instead of boring buttons. This is perhaps the simplest way to add some style to your work attire.

The first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly meaningful and important. That’s why it’s always necessary that you should pick your interview dress that gives you a stylish look and complements the working culture of your potential company.

3. What things should women avoid while getting ready for an interview?

1. Overly dressed

Always remember dress gracefully, not overdoing the outfit. Your attire should be stylish but yet professional. Never wear heavy makeups, dangles, and gaudy dresses. Keep yourself simple and carry all your traits and flaws confidently.

2. Don’t juggle with fittings

If you are not comfortable with a fit of your chic dress, pencil skirts or a blouse then don’t carry it. You may feel uncomfortable during the interview and will lose your confidence in front of an interviewer. So get a trial with your formals a day before from an interview to avoid unnecessarily juggle.

3. Check your heels

Stilettos give you a sense of confidence but can lead you in a most embarrassing situation as well if you can’t carry them comfortably. So first do trails and if not comfortable with high heels then opt for wedges or pumps.

Regardless of what you choose to wear at the time of an interview, you should look smart and professional. Never let your outfit detract you from your goal to get through an interview successfully.

Top Benefits of a Nursing Career

2017-09-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you’re going to take up a career, why not choose a career in health care. Okay, being a doctor may not be your thing but what about being a nurse? There are a number of benefits of a nursing career. If you join the nursing field, you will be joining a career that is the largest in the field of health care.

1. Probably one of the most notable advantage of having a career in nursing is the opportunity to work practically anywhere in the world. Nurses are always in demand. Developed countries like the US, Canada, countries in Europe and Japan, needs health care professionals to man the needed posts in their hospitals and clinics. And job opportunities abroad seem to be always increasing and is continuous.

2. The demand for nurses is not limited to medication facilities like hospitals and clinics. There are demands for nurses in other areas, such as in schools, colleges, universities, as well as companies and corporations. Nurses are also being hired to join non-government and inter-government organizations. They are being sought after as private home nurses, nurse midwives, and even nurse anesthetists.

3. With the right license and certification, nurses can diversify their field, going from one area of specialization to another. There’s chance a nurses’ life will be boring. The opportunities are very spread out and the number needed is quite significant, so nurses in general will always have a high level of job security for they are always needed.

4. In terms of employment, there is always a need for nurses. Then let’s go to another important aspect of being a nurse: the pay. A career in nursing pays well, at least that remains true in developed countries. Nurses that came from developing countries like in Asia and in Africa are more engaged to having a rewarding and fulfilling.

5. There are different kinds of study program available to would be nurses. There are vocational training schools which offer short nursing education which lasts for more than a year or so. Those who want to be included in the registered nurse list of passers need to have a diploma showing that they have finished an associate or baccalaureate program.

6. Nurses also function as educators and can take on the responsibilities of such, having to explain the details to the disease to the family of the patients and their immediate community. As nurses, you will be able to interact with families and people in their community. Unlike any other health care profession, nurses are perhaps the only ones that are able to form bonds with their patients. The rest of the medical community, even the doctors, does not establish such close personal bonds between the nurses and their patients.

However, those who decide to enter the career of nursing needs to be prepared for shifting schedules, holiday work, and working around sick and dying patients a lot. It you cannot take any of these situations then a nursing career is probably not for you.

You can learn more about the career by browsing the Web, looking at career websites, brochures and newsletters. You can even talk to actual nurses and get their say about the matter. But in a nutshell, the benefits of a nursing career include career flexibility, a chance to grow career wise and as a person especially with the satisfaction one receives from helping people out.

Image Credits: Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How To Match Your Resume To The Job You Want - [Infographic]

2017-09-24T00:43:00.001-07:00

9 Team Roles to Maximise Your Projects' Success - [Infographic]

2017-09-19T08:10:00.001-07:00

Successful teamwork hinges on the skills and resources each member brings to the table. As a project manager or managing director of a department, who you select to form your team is critical for your projects' success.

According to Meredith Belbin, a British researcher and management theorist, if you want to ensure the success of your next project, you need to take advantage of the psychological diversity in your team. Of course it is conducive if all members get along, but more importantly, their traits and skills must complement each other.

The infographic created by Market Inspector UK below identifies and explains each of the 9 roles and their strengths and weaknesses for you to ensure your next project will be a success.

The Power of Power Napping - [Infographic]

2017-06-20T09:12:00.001-07:00

How a Nap Will Increase Your Job Performance

Sleep deprivation can have a severe impact on your job performance. Even though it has been proven that a power nap can have many great benefits, still, most companies don’t encourage their employees to take a power nap during the day.

Most employees would feel deeply embarrassed to be caught by their boss while taking a nap. Instead, employers should encourage their employees to take power naps when needed to boost the overall performance.

There is a growing number of companies that see the benefits of power naps and make napping rooms or nap pods available for their employees. Napping is no new phenomena, there are many famous people from different industries who take power naps on a daily basis.

While the world becomes increasingly inter-connected and everything seems to happen incredibly fast, a power nap can be the perfect solution to disconnect and take a mini-vacation during a stressful work day.

Both the employer and employee will notice great improvements in job performance from just a 10-30 min power nap. Instead of seeing a nap as a sign of laziness, power naps should be embraced and seen as the solution towards higher efficiency and increased job performance.

Market Inspector has made this infographic to teach you the perfect power napping technique:

How to Find Fulfilling Work: 5 Steps to Accomplish Delight in Your Translating Career

2017-05-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

If you have a gift for easily learning and speaking different languages, you must know that you have a valuable career opportunity in your hands.

Being able to function well in intercultural collaborations is an advantage in today's world wherein global connectivity is continually pursued. It's not uncommon for companies or workplaces to bring together diverse teams, expand to other corners of the globe, and to build relationships with potential partners or clients from other cultures.

When you are able to speak more than one language, you can play a significant role in promoting global dynamics and collaboration — specifically, by working as a translator.

Pursuing a career in translation

Translators must possess a number of key skills and qualifications:

For one, you must be skilled in speaking a particular source language. This means that you can understand the majority of texts without referring to a dictionary (understanding that dictionaries are only used to assist their work rather than work for them).

This skill can be developed by spending time in the source language's country, taking courses, and reading publications written in the language.

You must also choose a specialization. A key to success is being able to function as an expert in translating each individual text you are provided, rather than being a supposed expert on every language all at once. Examples of translating specializations are Patents, Legal, Banking and Finance, Medical, IT, and Business.
Your educational background can also be a plus. A Master's degree is common among translators since it can help develop greater linguistic ability, better research skills, technical expertise and planning goals.

Of course, it's not always a must; there are instances wherein a translator without a Master's degree can be equally effective in his work simply by residing in the source country for many years and interacting with the locals.

Finally, you need reasonable to advanced computer skills and resources. Translators work with all kinds of documents that could be sent by agencies and clients from a variety of devices.

It helps to be able to figure out any computer or compatibility issues that arise. In addition, your typing speed, your use of Google for research and referencing, and mastery of translation memory software and tools can all affect your efficiency.

Of course, even if you have the necessary skills and qualifications, being able to perform well in this profession can also depend on how well the job fits your lifestyle.

Working as a translator is perfect for you if:

You want to work independently.

Translators typically work freelance or for agencies, which means that you won't have to rely on the demands of superiors or fall victim to the uncertainties of the job market.

You prefer flexible working hours and conditions.

Freelancing or working through an agency means you won't have to be tied to nine-to-five desk job when you can simply connect to the internet at home or elsewhere and get the job done, as long as deadlines are met.

You are open to engaging in projects that cover a wide range of topics.
Because you stand to receive a variety of documents, you are constantly learning new vocabularies and language quirks and developing your translating skills. As such, the job will never cease to be interesting and educational.

You wish to build your global cultural intelligence.

Translation, by nature, is an exercise in intercultural performance. It is not merely about understanding a language, but also about understanding the people belonging to that culture. And with increasing cultural diversity, investing in building your cultural intelligence allows you to apply a global perspective to any situation.

Finding fulfillment and happiness in your translation career

Armed with the right skills and the lifestyle to match, how, then, can you be sure to build an appreciation and genuine passion for your career in translation, so that every day is a happy, rewarding one for you? Here are the key factors to observe:

Know what you are worth
Some translators lower their rate in order to secure clients, but this can demonstrate a lack of self-respect on your part. If you are fully aware of the qualifications, experience and expertise that you bring to the table, then you can be confident that you are charging your clients correctly and fairly, and that you are not short-changing yourself for the sake of finding work.

Take a time out at the right moment

While you do have the freedom to choose projects and arrange your schedule to suit your lifestyle, you might find yourself taking on more work than you can handle simply because you don't feel right turning clients down, or you feel that you are not making enough so you need to do as much work as you can.

Keep in mind that you can only be an effective translator when you are able to regularly rest and recharge.

Say no to bad clients

There's no reason to keep working with clients who deliver sloppy materials, demand for lower rates or shorter time frames, fail to pay on time or produce all kinds of difficulties for you.

Remember that there will always be other clients that you can work harmoniously with, so spare yourself the stress of dealing with problematic people or organizations.

Delegate when it's necessary for efficiency

If you cannot complete the work on your own, consider hiring another translator to help you with the load. It's a win-win all around — you won't be bogged down with a mountain of work, you'll discover a fellow translator who can collaborate well with you for future projects and you'll be able to deliver positive results to your client and gain their favorable feedback.

Stick to your values

Finally, the key to being a truly happy translator is to know for certain that you are leading your professional life according to the values you hold dear.

When you allow yourself to grab opportunities to learn and grow while working, when you engage in translation precisely because of the intercultural connections you can make, when you channel your translation skills toward understanding as much as you can about different people and different cultures — then you can truly say that you have much love for what you do, and every day at work is a truly enriching experience that you wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

Author Bio:

Salma El-Shurafa is an experienced Executive Coach and founder of The Pathway Project. She is a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach from The Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and a graduate of CTI’s Co-Active Leadership program. Salma is the first Arab female faculty member of CTI in the region, a certified Agile profile coach and trainer as well as a Cultural Intelligence Certified Advanced Facilitator.

Keys To Adopt Writing As A Career

2017-05-28T11:02:00.001-07:00

When it comes to earn some handsome amount for your better living, there are two options that come to your mind, to do a job, or to become an entrepreneur. It depends upon so many factors that which option do you select for yourself. If you have a strong financial background and you want to do something to earn money, it can be your first and foremost choice to go with the second option. But if you are not as rich, you might do a job.

What if we tell you about another option that lingers among two of them, and that is self employment. If you have some skills, and you don’t have so enough money to start a business and become an entrepreneur, you can choose third option. Now the question that arises our mind is that which skill is the most suitable to earn money at your own without obeying some boss, and the answer is writing. Yes! Writing is the most Nobel, desirable and excellent skill to self employ yourself. If you have some guts in writing, don’t hesitate to take a step today and become a writer.

There are different categories in writing. You may choose among different kinds of writing but honestly if you are going to start a career of being a writer, you must be able to handle all sort of writings e.g. story writing, novel writing, play writing, journals, articles, blogs, dissertation writing, etc. If you feel yourself qualified for all these types, you can be a professional writer for sure.

Here we have arranged some keys for those who want to be professional writers;

Start taking writing as a Job:

If you are reading this post, I can guess that you are somehow already connected to the writing. Is it your hobby? Well, from now, you have to take writing as a job. Don’t leave yourself relaxed and do writing when you want. Make a schedule and write. IF you have some other job with it, till them you have to come to your writing table according to schedule. Remember, in this job, you are not the employee, no one will ask you about the reason to be late or absent but yourself. It is your brand new business and you have to flourish it.

Keep other writings beside you:

When you are super excited to be a writer, you might come up with thousands of new ideas. Suppose you are going to write a novel or play and you are going to work on a totally new idea that jumps into your mind, don’t get over excited. Think twice before you start working on it because if you have no existing material around about that idea, you will get stuck in the middle. So try to explore things, find what is interesting for the reader and what exactly any idea is getting from readers. Criticize and appreciate other’s work and never judge someone’s work unless you have reached to a certain level of being a professional writer.

Do a little investment for your business:

As writing is your new business, you will have to invest for that. How? You must read good books, famous piece of writings, magazines, book reports, dissertation writings, watch films, biographies and enhance your skills by adopting positive things from them. Don’t think that you are a writer yourself and you should not read others, it’s a part of training. Every new job needs training sessions to reach the goals so don’t hesitate to invest some money on purchasing books and all that stuff on monthly basis.

Make yourself sit with experienced people:

Your social circle is very important. You need lots of supporters to enhance your skills. Supporters don’t mean those people who are constantly praising your work and avoiding your shortcomings. Such company will destroy your writing career. You should sit with people who can criticize your work. Criticism is very important to polish your skills. Be with experienced writers and good readers. They will help to bring the best out of you.

Have confidence in yourself:

Keep one thing in mind, no professional person can be successful unless he has confidence in himself. He must have faith that what is he doing, is good as a profession for him. There can be so many factors to fluctuate your decision to be a professional writer like negative comments, low earning, and poor responses but never leave your heart. Tell yourself loudly that you are a writer and you have to conquer this world through your skills. Just think about it, if you are not confident enough, how you can expect others to have confidence in you? So never allow pessimism to break your courage.

Make a proper writing plan:

Like any other business, writing cannot be done nicely without planning things. It starts right at the point when you decide to write about a topic. Don’t start anything abruptly. Gather things about that topic; try to analyze the responses about that certain topic. If you can do it easily, make some questionnaire about that topic and visit some college or university. Get it filled up from students. That response will help a lot to make your ideas clearer.

Analyze your investment and earning properly:

As we have repeatedly mentioned that take it as a business, so it is essential to keep a record and balance for investment and earning. If you are investing a lot and not getting enough earning, you might get broken down in a few months. Keep it balanced. Try to support your work by doing some other job at initial level. It will have a good effect on your mind as well. Find another source of earning unless you start getting good income through writing. Don’t let your writing career be gloomed away by putting too much financial pressure upon you or you will lose your heart and leave writing.

A writer is not a born writer always. There are so many factors that help him to be one. It is a sea where you have to dive in to seek pearls for you. If you will be succeeded to overcome all the negative things that come to your way, you will be grateful one day to choose writing as your career.

Author Bio:

Jenny has been working with writing challenged clients for over three years. She provides ghost writing and ghost editing service as well. Currently, she is providing Essay writing assistance at getcustomessayhelp.com for the student of college and university.

13 Ways to Overcome Job-Hunt Fatigue

2017-05-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Being on the job market for even as short as three months can cause job-hunt fatigue. This is especially true when you consistently receive rejections or no feedback at all. This buildup of negative feelings can gradually leads to loss of self-confidence.

But this fatigue is part of the process, so if you’re searching for a job, it’s best to know how to deal with it.

Silence does not always mean no.

After countless submissions to potential employers, and not receiving a single call or e-mail in response, you might begin to get used to the silence. Understand that silence is part of the process and that it should not be confused with rejection.

Resist the temptation to inflate your qualifications on paper.

Your true accomplishments should be enough to carry you to the job that is right for you. You are good at what you do, and it is unnecessary to take the risks that are bundled with distorting the truth.

Never settle for less than what you are worth.

The stress of an extended job search may push you to accept jobs where a company exploits your desperation and pays you less than what you deserve. Always remember that you need a salary you can live with, and unless you are working as a volunteer in a non-profit organization, avoid taking jobs that do not compensate you well enough.

Job hunting is a process. Organize your search.

Create achievable daily and weekly goals such as looking up x number of companies, reaching out to x number of contacts and giving yourself enough time to prepare and rehearse for meetings or interviews. Keeping track of the small progresses is a huge psychological reassurance that you are moving forward one step at a time. Note the strategies that have worked for you and take off from there.

Over-qualification may lead to rejection. Find the right fit.

Find the job that matches your credentials. If you have been in the industry for a significant amount of time and decide to apply for entry-level jobs, employers may be confused and dismiss your application as a mistake. In addition, they might see you as “too expensive” and would rather go for the more appropriate candidate.

Believe in yourself because you are not alone.

Family and friends are always there to support you. Let them know how far you have come, how far you want to go as well as any disappointments you might have faced along the way.

It also helps to look for other people who are also seeking jobs either online or in real life. It’s important to realize that there are others who might have a deeper hole to get out of. If they can stay optimistic, there is no reason for you to doubt yourself. Having the right perspective is the key.

Take advantage of your online profiles.

The accessibility of social media has made it easier than ever to find anyone from any field. Connect to the company of your dreams by sending them a simple message of interest attached with your qualifications on sites like Google+, LinkedIn, and even Facebook.

Be involved.

It is easier than ever to do extensive job search from the comfort of your own home. However, a successful job hunt usually requires a combination of approaches. Not having a job is not an excuse to stay at home and look at the computer all day. Meeting people and building connections are vital. Be active in key industry events and let your presence be known.

Never underestimate the power of taking a break.

Looking for a job is also a job. Constantly updating your resume, tailoring every cover letter, following up on promising interviews or checking in on the latest industry events can definitely take up a significant amount of your time. Do not forget to take breaks in between every activity to boost your energy.

This option probably isn’t available for everyone, but you can go as far as travelling or soul searching to gain perspective on things. Understand that the job is always there and that there is no need to feel guilty for taking the time to recharge your batteries. You just need to allow yourself to breath when you need to.

The only direction to take is forward.

Even if you are feeling the fatigue, do not stay where you are. Take tiny steps towards your goal, and you can eventually reach it. After all, the job search may be a lonely process, but you are never alone.

Look Everywhere You Can

In most places, there are local job search sites that can be helpful. It’s not just up to the big aggregators like Indeed or Monster. For example, if you’re looking for jobs in New York or jobs in Los Angeles, there are options available. Most bigger cities have these sites.

Also there are many industry-specific sites that help with the job search. These usually fall into more general categories, like business or the arts, but getting specific can help.

Find the light at the end of the tunnel.

While fatigue is not generally a good thing, something positive can come out of it. Once you have been pushed over to the edge, you can learn to be flexible about your options and this opens doors to plenty of other possibilities you may have missed before.

At one point, you may have enclosed yourself to one direction only, and the uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty means that you are going down the right path. That is proof that there is growth amidst the exhaustion you are feeling.

Always look towards your dream.

By now you may have realized that the majority of the fresh graduates and those looking to change their careers have not landed on their dream job on the first try. Often, a dream job is only attainable after you have acquired many of the necessary skills to through years of experience.

Even if you do not feel satisfied on where you currently are, never lose sight of the ultimate goal you have set for yourself. Be diligent in taking the step-by-step approach. Look for lateral moves that allow you to be even just a small step closer to where you want to be and cherish your connections to all the people who can catapult you there. You may be down now, but the only thing you have to remember is that you can either move up or move out of the situation.

What to Do as a New Graduate When All Jobs Require 3-5 Years of Experience?

2017-05-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hundreds and thousands of students graduate every year and start searching for career defining jobs. Consequently, companies with even entry level vacancies are flooded with applications leading to cut-throat competition and challenging recruitment process. Though there is no dearth of applications, not all graduates are job ready. To make sure only potential individuals enter their organization, companies often set a criteria of work experience to narrow down their options. As a fresh graduate, if you are receiving emails and calls that require 3-5 years of experience, you must be wondering how you are going to secure a job. This post is your guide to help you find an answer to all your apprehensions related to work experience as a fresher.

Gain Experience

During college years you have ample of time to spend. Utilize the time and go for an internship that works well for your career development. It will help you gain working experience and develop professional connection that may help you during your job search days after graduation. If you are unable to find an interesting internship, go for undergraduate research. Your professors can help you find something relevant to your course. Though it won’t give you work experience, you will learn a lot, which will ultimately help you when applying for jobs.

Make Connections

Networking is crucial in the professional world. That is why you must start building a network as soon as possible. Having some connection to the company can at least help waive off your lack of experience and get you to an interview. Maintain a good rapport with your professors and stay in touch even when they are no longer teaching you. When you join an internship or research program develop a professional touch with your peers as soon as you can. Wider the network, better the chances of getting a job.

Market Yourself

When applying for a job opening, include all the skills pertinent to the position in your resume. Also, prepare a specialized cover letter glorifying your skill set and company as much as possible. Don’t go overboard and include unreal information in your resume. You need to market yourself, so paint a pretty picture of you and showcase your talent in the best light.

Acquire Knowledge and Insight

If your field allows, you may even consider other options to gain experience or skills, such as freelancing. It will help you gain knowledge, experience, and sharpen your skills without going to work. Working remotely will also give you time to acquire additional knowledge and gain insights through online classes, putting you on a notch over your competitors.

Remember It's a Guideline and Not a Requirement

You have to understand that the experience mentioned in the entry level job openings is a guideline and not a requirement that you have to meet. Employers do prefer experienced individuals for they are considered better suited for the job but that’s not always the case. Skill set matters a lot when finding a job as it determines if you are fit for that position. If you come across any position for which you think you have the required skill set, apply for it. The worst that can happen is, you’ll be rejected but if called up for the interview you will gain experience on giving interview.

Wrap Up

This trend of citing experience for entry level job is gaining prevalence across the US. Whether you live in Texas or LA, if now you receive any job emails or calls from employment agencies that require 3-5 years of experience, you are ready to apply for the job. In addition, you can also consult an employment agency that can help you understand the latest trend in recruitment process so that you are interview ready for the next entry level job vacancy.

3 Job Search Mistakes and How to Fix Them

2017-05-16T10:24:00.001-07:00

People in search for work all want that one job that will make them productive, animate their passion, and allow them to earn some good money all at the same time. And so, they painstakingly look for that best opportunity possible in the job market, but sometimes, end up bungling in their attempt.

If you’re a job seeker, it’s very important to know which are the most effective job search strategies to employ so that you have better chances of making a go for your dream job.

Here, we offer insights on the things you may be doing wrong and how to do them right:

1. You think job search is a numbers game.

If you’re the type to jump at every job opening you see, you may be committing a common mistake among job hunters. While it makes sense for you to think that sending out an application to 10 employers in a day may increase your chances of being invited for an interview, there’s a lot more than that.

For one, it’s highly unlikely that you took the time to tailor your application for a specific role or company since you were mainly concerned about sending all those applications out.

Instead of aiming for quantity, go for quality instead. This means filtering opportunities that best suit your skill set and competencies. Also, don’t forget to customize your resume or application letter to highlight your credentials to potential employers.

2. You’re not maximizing your network.

It’s true that online platforms are where many of the jobs are, and this might make you feel a little on the lax side when it comes to job hunting. By applying for advertised positions only, you may be limiting your options by as much as 25% to 50%. Apparently, these numbers, as research says, represent jobs closed through networking channels such as referrals.

Expand your personal and professional network by touching base with family, friends, colleagues, and even non-profit organizations in your community. The latter can be a source of worthy volunteer work, which is just as significant as any formal work experience you can gain from corporate entities.

3. You tend to underplay the importance of cultural fit.

You may think that skills and relevant professional experience alone can get you past the recruitment process. After all, it’s only right for you to ensure that you have the qualifications required for the job.

However, more and more companies are now looking for candidates that are a fit for their organization. Employees whose beliefs, values and standards are not aligned with their employer may find it difficult to land a job in the first place, granting that the company hires them. However, they may feel bogged down by working around people who do not match their personality or work ethics.

To save you from these woes, make sure that you know enough about the company before submitting your application. Visit the company website or look for reviews written by current or past employees.

If you are still uncertain as to what the company expects from its employees, do not hesitate to ask the employer when you reach the interview stage.

These are only part and parcel of what you should be paying attention to when applying for a job. Be mindful of your job search habits, as they can influence your success in getting employed sooner or later.

Remember that making mistakes is always costly, and in this case, you may be putting that job of a lifetime on the line.

Image credit: pakorn