Proof That Everyones Less Productive in the Summer - The Muse

Proof That Everyones Less Productive in the Summer - The MuseProof That Everyones Less Productive in the Summer Oh, the summer months. Rising temperatures, awesome vacations, and decreased productivity. Yep, you read that right- 25% of people feel less productive in the office in the summertime. If you find yourself struggling to stay focused because youre dreaming about your upcoming trip, you arent alone. Oh, and we totally feel your frustration that you totenstill have to bring a coat to the office because your co-workers cranked up the AC.The summer slump is real- just check out this infographic for proof that youre not the only one whos impacted when it gets hot outside. And, if you notice youre guilty of everything you see below, read our tips on how to challenge yourself without having to sacrifice any sunshine. Infographic courtesy of Grasshopper Group. Photo of woman on the beach courtesy of Shutterstock.

Gaining Respect and Authority as a Younger Manager

Gaining Respect and Authority as a Younger Manager Gaining Respect and Authority as a Younger Manager The easiest assumption a younger manager can make about older subordinates is that you just cant relate to them on a personal level. The idea is that you better understand peers that are near your age since you view the world through a similar cultural lens and have more relatable experiences. But even if you arent in the same place as your older team members, that is not an excuse to show a lack of interest in their lives. You can still ask about families, past experiences, goals, and other common interests that fruchtwein people have in common at any point in life. By forging a personal connection, you will better understand how to motivate and communicate with your employees, which makes you a more respected, effective leader.One of the biggest mistakes managers can make, regardless of the average age of your team, is to assume that you know more than they know. You need your te ams input when making decisions and you should seek to learn from their experience whenever you can. Older employees are often the most experienced at both what they do and with how the company works. They have probably already experienced most any problem you may come across and know which approaches work and which dont. Older employees want to be a part of the solution, to share their knowledge with you, and help with the decision-making process. Let them.Another myth involves two potential extremes that your older employees need no training at all or that they need more training than anyone. Just because an employee knows more than you about particular issues or has been at a company for one or two decades doesnt mean that he or she knows everything about everything. But nor is it ritterlich to assume that an older employee lacks the technical skills or knowledge possessed by younger workers and so needs far more training. Your best bet is to get to know each employee individuall y by observing their workflow, noting their strengths and weaknesses, and making training decisions based on empirical data, not prejudiced assumptions.Finally, you cant go in thinking that your older employees will simply write you off as a nave and incompetent youngster. This assumption can lead to inefficiencies and the breakdown of communication since you may avoid confronting these employees since you dont think they will be receptive to your advice or feedback. You need to manage all of your employees which means holding them accountable for their actions, ensuring they perform at peak levels, and helping them to succeed. No matter the age gap between you and your reports, if you are an effective leader that effectively coaches, trains, and recognizes each employee, you will gain their respect and loyalty.

How to Master Informal Networking, Without Being That Guy

How to Master Informal Networking, Without Being That Guy How to Master Informal Networking, Without Being That Guy Networking is an important part of getting your dream job. You need to make sure that youre coming across as both likable and professional without becoming that guy. We all know him overdressed, overselling, and over-aggressive. No thanks. Weve compiled a list of dos and donts about how to master informal networking without putting anybody off.Dont be over-aggressive.An informal networking meeting should be just that informal. First of all, you dont know if the person youre meeting for coffee even has a job to offer. Take your time together as a way to get to know more about the person, and, if youre informally meeting a potential employer, to chat about your interest in their company. You dont need to brag about how awesome you are. Rather, let them intuit that by making a good impression. Simply being friendly and interested in what they have to say will go a long wa y.What to do instead Follow up.After youve honigwein a new contact, dont wait for days or weeks to reach out to them. While their memory of you is still fresh, send them an email or give them a call thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. If theyve done you a favor, do something nice for them in return like linking them up on social media with someone who you think can benefit them. Dont let informal networking be one-sided. Pay your contacts back.Dont dress up or dress down.What to wear to an informal networking event or meeting can be a challenge, but it doesnt have to be. Unless youre meeting at the Met gala or a baseball game, business casual is almost always the way to go for informal networking. If you dress up or dress down too much, you might make your interactions with others uncomfortable or embarrassing.What to do instead Read the situation.Informal networking can be the place where you wear clothes that demonstrate your personality more than traditional job i nterviews. You want to make an impression, remember? So, feel free to wear brighter colors and accessories as your informal networking attire. Also, make sure that you pick outfits appropriate for the setting. For job fairs, dress formally. For a cocktail party, wear tasteful clothes that are formal enough for the setting.Dont work the hard sell.In informal networking, its important to remember that youre a person, not a used car. With that in mind, dont try too hard to sell your contacts on your accomplishments. A contact is much more likely to pass your name on to employers or to hire you herself if youre likable and engaging. Remember, nobody wants to work with somebody who spends all of their time humblebragging.What do instead Think about making a friend.We cant reiterate enough that informal networking is about reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new ones. A contact will want to help you succeed because she likes you, not because she thinks that youll be the next powerhouse at a company. Use your EQ and listen to your contacts. Think about ways that you can help them. Make real connections with people rather than simply using them to get ahead. Trust us, this works much better.Get ready by chilling out a little. Remember, you might meet a new boss or you might make a new friend. But you also want to prepare by having a networking resume ready for meetings with your contacts. It should be simple and one-page long. Weve got a guide for what to include and what to leave off this document. And before you send off a resume for a job, dont forget to make sure it matches the job description keywords by running it through our resume optimization feature. Dont let all your hard networking go to waste by failing to connect keywords.

5 Tips to Find Jobs in Retirement

5 Tips to Find Jobs in Retirement5 Tips to Find Jobs in Retirement11Whether youre considering retirement or already there, you might find it necessary or interesting to continuing working, even part-time. Jobs during retirement can offer fun, flexibility, and opportunities for socializing and personal/professional growth. Here are some tips for job searching as a retiree.5 Tips to Find Jobs in Retirement1) What industries are good for jobs in retirement? Some of the listings we see at which would be great as retirement jobs include consulting, development and philanthropy, counseling, writing, clerical support, retail, teaching, and others. Truly, the key to finding a job as an older worker is to be up-to-date in your field, no matter what industry it is.2) What jobs are ideal for retirees? As a retiree, you want to think of the font of work you might enjoy the most, and go from there. Many folks want to maintain a connection to their communities, and find happiness in jobs that help others through nonprofits, education, philanthropy, etc. But again, this truly depends on the job seekers experience, skills, interests, and values.3) How can retirees connect with the employers? Its important to use the right job search techniques. Networking is always a fantastic way to find jobs. If youre searching online, using niche job boards like, rather than the large, impersonal job boards, is usually much more lucrative in terms of the quality of the listings and the speed of getting hired.4) How can you transition from a full-time career into a part-time consultant in the same industry?Utilize the contacts you already have. Get back in touch with professional acquaintances, make sure you let people know your plans to become a consultant, and start your search with the former employers with whom you had the best experiences and are still connected to.5) When getting back into the workforce, what should you know? Use current schmelzglas technology. It is wise to have an em ail address that shows you are up-to-date with technology and, if possible, market you as a candidate. For email, stick to a professional handle such as your name, initials, or some clean identifier and NOT something personal like worldsbestgrandmahotmail.com. Also, use a tech-forward email service opt for something like gmail, yahoo, me, or mac. If available, you could also use an alumni email from your college or university if you think it will help you market yourself.Readers, what sorts of jobs in retirement sound interesting to you? Why are you searching for jobs in retirement?

Take Charge of Conflict

Take Charge of Conflict Take Charge of Conflict But, conflict does have redeeming value especially for those of us over 50. According to Barbara Strauch, author of The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain, we need to present our brains with things that make it wake up, pay attention, and work really hard. To give your brain a workout, Strauch suggests talking with people who disagree with you because it helps you sharpen your own thinking and challenges you. So having conflict in your life can actually make you smarter.To benefit from benefits of conflict, and lose the drama, here is what I have learned about taking dienstgrad of conflict.First and foremost, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. D. H. Lawrence, the author, wrote, My beliefs I test on my body, on my intuitional consciousness, and when I get a response there, then I accept. Have you ever walked in to a meeting and known instantly that something was amiss because someone failed to look you in t he eye? When that happens, it is a sure sign that the drama of conflict is about to ensue.Second, remove yourself emotionally and do not take the situation rolleally. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. How you choose to respond is far more meaningful than what happens to you. Look at the conflict holistically and positively not negatively. Conflict usually has to do with misinformation, a difference of values, or a difference of opinions. Some times, there may be a previous unresolved conflict between the parties. No matter what your situation, do you have a tough time keeping your cool? My advice is to take a deep breath, count to ten, and keep your cool.Third, when youre in conflict with someone, stop and listen. Really deeply listen. Most people involved in a conflict have already decided on their own solution and fail to use conflict as an opportunity to learn all sides of an issue. Listen for grains of truth in what the other p erson has to say. Ask yourself What is their point of view? Why is it important to them? What values and goals do we share?Fourth, know the person with whom you have conflict. There is an old adage that says, Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Study the person with whom you are having conflict. What is their communication style? Are they passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive or assertive? Do they want to save face? And, what is the best way for you to respond?Fifth, be an eagle and soar above. Look at the situation from atop the peak. One technique you can try is to imagine yourself looking down on the room as if it were a Greek play about to unfold. Being dispassionate can help you orchestrate what you want to do next.Sixth, decide what you want. This is important because every step you take needs to get you to your ultimate goal. Ask yourself, what is my number one goal? When I got married (more than 25 years ago), my mother gave me some advice. She said, You can b e right all the time or you can be married. You may very well be right but getting others to admit youre right may not get you where you want to be in the long run.Seventh, think ahead. Conflict is the chess game of life. Strategize your every move. Determine what the person with whom you have conflict might do. Avoid surprise attacks. A famous chess player, when asked his strategy for success, said, I always think through at least one more move than my opponent.Eighth, have alternative plans. Determine several responses you could make to the conflict. List the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Think about the long-term implications of each alternative. Answer the question What solutions can I live with? What cant I abide?Ninth, move slowly but deliberately. Dont make assumptions. Check out the facts. Make decisions based on data, not on emotions. Dont let anger control your actions.Tenth, take time to reflect. Ask yourself, what have I learned from this conflict situatio n? What did the world gain? What did I do brilliantly? Am I proud of the way that I behaved? And, what might I still need to learn?

The Secrets of Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience Revealed

The Secrets of Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience Revealed The most important thing is that you truly have much more experience than you might imagine you have. Once more, we will begin the old-fashioned way. Most high school students have a tendency to submit an application for a food services position. A one-page resume is more than acceptable once youre just beginning in the area of work. Make certain theres a summary stellungnahme on top of your resume, following your header. It should read to be an experience-stuffed resume summary, though it isnt one. Whilst you write your summary for your resume, attempt to consider what you want them to discuss with you, and what exactly you desire an opportunity to discuss. Do not lose out relevant details. Most Noticeable Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience In case you have any part-time work, that will go a ways towards an amazing experience section. At this phase, youre not predicted to com e packed with lots of recommendations or work experience. Stick to the tips above, and youll have a resume that compensates for the absence of knowledge and gets you the interview. Youve got sufficient space here to incorporate all of your work experience. Things You Wont Like About Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience and Things You Will Especially for a first resume, employing a template is an excellent idea. 11 Another one on the list is an absolutely free student resume template made by Paul Jansen. This template is certain to bag you the job that you dream about. Resume examples and templates are really helpful, especially when youre writing one of your initial resumes. Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience the Ultimate Convenience Its possible to add all of your academic qualifications within this Word format template. While the functional resume format may be an attractive alternative for job seekers with minimal experience, most empl oyers would rather have a chronological or hybrid resume format. Therefore, to make certain that youre ahead of the competition, well demonstrate the way you can write a winning resume that highlights your capabilities. Whatever resume format you opt to use, be certain your format remains consistent throughout the document. Ensure that your social networking accounts are employer-friendly. That is the reason you want to be certain that the educational technology resume examples you send can demonstrate the ideal part which you have. While it might seem a tiny premature, its very important to students to create good social networking habits from the get-go. The Upside to Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience Heres a sample resume along with this Child Care titel Letter which can help you understand what things to do in circumstances like this. Appealing to every individual employers demands and job requirements is the ideal strategy for getting your applicati on noticed. For example, as a waitress youre guaranteed to produce skills in customer support, sales, and multi-tasking, all which may be very valuable to a prospective employer. Provide customer support. Most employers arent expecting you to get extensive experience because an internship is generally the very first experience students have in their area. The very first thing you ought to do is carefully review the work description and note any particular skills youve got or requirements youll be able to fulfill. What you wish to avoid is having an experience section thats almost empty, or one which is full of experience thats not related to your targeted position. Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience for Dummies Different job postings are likely to have different key terms, different job duties listed, etc. Your self-worth doesnt have anything to do with the job youve got or what a hiring manager may let you know. In addition, its simple to find experience f ast for nearly every job. Even in case youve never held an official job, its still true that you have life experience thats applicable to the work search. And while thats no excuse for why the work search is as soul crushing as it is, its important to realize how different employees within a company which you will want to interact with view the work search approach. For that, they keep a look out for part-time jobs which could supply some quick money. Therefore, when you sit down to compose your first resume, attempt to consider your prior jobs in a new light. 1 Dozens of individuals are applying for the job which you desire. Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience Ideas Your no-experience resume is the sole introduction you have before landing that coveted job interview, therefore its vital that you make a fantastic impression and provide a well-rounded look at your abilities and talents. Its possible to add a fact you like about the business too. Even if one i snt required, its generally an excellent idea to send a brief titelseite letter together with your resume. Everyone with a work right now has, sooner or later, had a very first job. The War Against Resume Examples for Students with No Work Experience With just a little creativity and some thought about your top abilities, it is possible to find a wonderful position and commence your work history. Needless to say, you will need to however note different abilities that are relevant in addition to other qualification that you believe they search for. You may also have a skills section in which you list soft skills along with any programs, languages, or certifications youve got. From the example above, you will observe that there are many skills listed.

How To Look Beyond A Resume In The Hiring Process

How To Look Beyond A Resume In The Hiring ProcessWhile a candidates resume and cover letter certainly give you insight into what they can add to your team, in 2016, its important to extend your hiring efforts beyond these materials in order to select the employee whos the best fit for your geschftlicher umgang. Here are some other factors certainly worth considering during the hiring processThe candidates potentialPerhaps they dont have the management experience youre looking for, or they lack the Masters degree you hoped theyd have. These are things that should be noted, but its also important to analyze the candidates potential. Would they bring enthusiasm and energy to the office? Do they have fresh ideas that could enhance your business? Do they have the potential to grow into a leader? These factors are highly important and should be given equal weight during the hiring process.The candidates personality typeYour candidate may look picture perfect on paper, but if you bring them on board and find that their personality clashes with your veteran staff members, youll quickly regret your hiring choice. While assessing skills and experience is necessary, youll also want to consider what the day-to-day within your office will look like, should you actually extend an offer to this individual. Will they enhance the morale within the business, or will they be the cause of heated clashes?Always think about how a candidates personality would fit in the office. hiringtipsClick To TweetTheir individual goalsTurnover is highly disruptive to a company, so ideally youll find someone who will join your business and stick with you for an extended period of time. As you go through the hiring process, its important to have a conversation about the candidates long-term goals. If they talk about the desire for management experience and how theyd like to shape their department within the company, you can assume that theyre fairly invested in your business. However, if they star t talking about moving to a desert island and starting their own jewelry-making company, its fair to say that they may not have an interest in sticking around for the long haul.Their ability to embrace new technologyRegardless of the industry youre in, technology plays a major part in business today. Its always changing and evolving, and the products we rely heavily on today may be totally different 10 or 20 years from now. The ideal candidate will embrace technology and have a willingness to learn about new programs and tools to make their work better. Those who refuse to adopt technology into their daily work routine may impede their own ability to perform.A candidate who embraces new technology is probably a keeper.Click To TweetTheir desire to growLastly, a candidates ability to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses is important. You want an employee whos aware of what they do well and where they can improve. An individual who assumes that everything they do is as good as it can be already will never learn new skills or enhance their pre-existing abilities.What to find more ways to improve your chances of finding the right candidate? Download our eBook