Words and Phrases to Avoid When Youre Job Searching

Words and Phrases to Avoid When Youre Job SearchingWords and Phrases to Avoid When Youre Job SearchingThere are some things you should say when youre job searching, and there are others that are better left unsaid. Its always important to keep your job search positive, even if you dont feel great about yourself or having to find a new job. Negativity is easy to pick up during a job interview, and employers dont want to hire negative, cranky, or difficult people. There is power in positivity and companies want to hire employees who do their best to look on the bright side and avoid complaining. The words you use during networking meetings and interviews should reflect a positive outlook, as well as your enthusiasm for being considered for a job or a referral. If you come across as negative, if your ability to carry on a conversation is limited, or if your vocabulary is punctuated by slang, acronyms, and too many fillers such as umm or like or you know its not going to make the best im pression. What to Say When Youre Interviewing and Networking What to say to networking contacts and hiring managers is relatively simple. Its important to keep it professional and to avoid anything too personal. The person interviewing you doesnt need to know about your personal life, your family, your friends, your politics, or anything else unrelated to employment. The interviewer may ask questions like What are you passionate about? To learn more about you and how you would fit in with the company culture, but let them bring it up first. Then carefully respond to any inquiries, keeping the focus as much on work as possible. Theres no need to volunteer personal information. Sharing too much can hinder your chances of getting hired if it raises a red flag about your availability or your qualifications for the job. The bottom line is that the hiring manager wants to know why you are qualified for the job, and thats what you should highlight in your conversations. Take the time t o match your qualifications to the job, and focus on your strongest credentials. With networking contacts, it depends. When youre meeting or talking to a geschftliches miteinander contact, the saatkorn rules as discussing personal information with an interviewer apply. Keep it professional. If you know the person youre connecting with personally, and well, its fine to share more. Taking the time to prepare and to connect appropriately will ensure every networking meeting you have will be a success. What Not to Say During a Job Search One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is not brushing up on their communication skills prior to meetings and job interviews. One of the criteria employers use when selecting applicants to hire is the ability to communicate well, and a candidate who is lacking the basics will have a harder time getting hired. What shouldnt you say when youre looking for a job? What terms are going to make an employer think twice about hiring you? The words and phrases to avoid using fit into two categories. Topics To Not Bring Up There are topics that should be off-limits when talking to a prospective employer or even to a networking contact, like these I hate my jobI didnt get along with my bossThe company was awful to work forThat wasnt my jobI wasnt paid enoughI need time off forCan the schedule be changed? There are also the terms that are part of everyday conversation but dont come across well when youre discussing employment with a hiring manager. Even an awesome or a but can interrupt the flow of conversation. Cringeworthy Words and Phrases ActuallyAhAwesomeButChillHuhHmmI didnt mean toI dont knowI dont rememberI meanI meantI triedI wouldntKind ofLikeTotallyUhhUh-huhUh-ohUh-uhUmmYou guysYou knowYou know what I mean Tips for Keeping It Professional at a Job Interview Get rid of the filler words. It can be hard to eliminate some of the unnecessary words that you use all the time from your professional vocabulary, but if you practice youll soon be able to speak more fluently in a professional setting. Tip If you listen to yourself talk, youll hear how often you use fillers. That can be a good way to start eliminating them from your professional conversations. Use proper grammar and avoid slang. Thats especially true if youre in a role where business communication skills are vital. Youll be representing your employer, and the organization will expect you to be able to carry on a high-level discussion. Tip Practice answering interview questions and talking in complete sentences. Ask a friend or family member to help or record yourself speaking to get a sense of what you can improve upon. The more comfortable you are discussing your qualifications, the easier it will be. Take time to respond. Even though you may feel like you need to blurt out an interview answer immediately, you dont have to. It is acceptable to frame a response and know what youre going to say before you start talking. Tip Wait for a second or two before you talk. It will be easier to focus on what you want to say when you give yourself a little time to phrase it.

Even Apples CEO, Tim Cook, gets sucked in by online critics

Even Apples CEO, Tim Cook, gets sucked in by online criticsEven Apples CEO, Tim Cook, gets sucked in by online criticsWhen Apple CEO Tim Cook wakes up around 4 a.m., he has an almost masochistic morning routine.I like to take the first hour and go through user comments and things like this that sort of focus on the external people that are so important to us, Cook told Axios.In practice, that means that the head of one of the worlds most successful companies takes 60 minutes a day - almost 22,000 minutes per year - to read our tantrums or praise on what we do or dont like about his products. One has to wonder how many arbitrary or downright wrong comments Cook sifts through before landing on a good one that actually informs his business model. Or does his staff do the searching for him?After Cooks light reading, he heads to the gym for stress control. But even as he tries to cut back on his screen time, he said he leise spends a few hours each day on his phone. CEOs - theyre just like usMorning routinesCook is not the only one whose morning routine has been in the spotlight as of late. Even pregnant duchess Meghan Markle wakes upat 5 a.m. and gets to work, and though the royal staff is reportedly not very happy about it, its likely what made her so successful in her own right.So can your morning routine really make or break you? Some experts do indeed believe that rising earlyand other tips can make you a millionaire, or have otherwise unforeseen positive consequences for your work and life.But caution Early to rise also means early to bed. Sleep scientists recommend 8.5 hours of shut-eye every night to reach peak productivity, so one day you too can be like Cook, reading endless user comments before the crack of dawn.

Entry Level Housekeeping Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Entry Level Housekeeping Resume Template 2018s Top FormatEntry Level Housekeeping Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatYour resume is your introduction to potential employers, so take the opportunity to showcase your strengths and show recruiters that youre perfect for the job. If youre lacking in experience, make sure you think about your life and the skills youve developed that can transfer to the workforce.Because housekeepers often enter peoples rooms and houses, they must be trustworthy and dependable. Emphasize any volunteer or work experience that demonstrates these characteristics. Recruiters will also be looking for evidence that you can cope with the physical stresses of the work.Our entry-level housekeeping resume template below will help you design a document of your own that highlights all the traits your future employer is looking for. Create ResumeLUCAS SANCHEZ100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019(555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comSummaryProfessional Housekeeper wit h strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, as well as superior time and resource management capabilities. Seeks long term employment with an established commercial cleaning business.HighlightsCustomer-orientedExceptional time managementOrganizedInterior and exterior cleaningRestroom detailingChemical cleaningHardworkingCash handlingSelf-directedPhysically strongAccomplishmentsContributed to companys 5-star customer satisfaction rating through exceptional guest service.ExperiencecookJanuary 2006 to Current Wendys Newark, CACooked food properly and in a timely fashion, using safety precautions Prepared a variety of foods according to customers orders or supervisors instructionsPrepared food items such as sandwiches, salads, soups, and beveragesPrepared items on station assignment listStocked and rotated products, stocked supplies, and paper goods in a timely basisStocked cabinets and serving areas with condiments, and refilled condiment containerStored clean equipment and uten silsUsed all food handling standardsComplied with scheduled kitchen sanitation and ensured all standards and practices were metHousekeepingJanuary 2006 to October 2009 Mercedes Housekeeping Fremont, CAHand dusted and wiped clean office furniture, fixtures and window sills.Hand dusted and wiped clean office furniture, fixtures and window sills.Removed finger marks and smudges from vertical surfaces, including doors, frames and glass partitions.Swept and damp-mopped private stairways and hallways.Cleaned the exterior surfaces of lighting fixtures, including glass and plastic enclosures.Emptied and cleaned all waste receptacles.Stocked toilet tissue and paper towels, as well as other restroom supplies.Cleaned rooms to the satisfaction of all clients.cookFebruary 2006 to April 2008 Jack in the pckchen Fremont, CACleaned and prepared various foods for cooking or servingCleaned up spilled food, drink and broken dishes, and removed empty bottles and trashManaged kitchen operations for hi gh grossing, fast-paced fair concession kitchen.Kept drink stations clean and ready for serviceEducationGED 12 John F. Kennedy San Miguel, EL SALVADORCustomize ResumeMore Personal Services Resume Templates

Networking Plays a Critical Role in Your Job Search

Networking Plays a Critical Role in Your Job SearchNetworking Plays a Critical Role in Your Job SearchNetworking Plays a Critical Role in Your Job SearchI attended a conference years ago in which the presenter gave me an Aha moment during a discussion about careers You are no bigger in your field than your Rolodex. (Or, for todays younger workers, your connections and followers.) I have never forgotten that statement.As an avid user of LinkedIn and Twitter, Ive noticed a phenomenon that involves a sudden boost in connecting daily with many people or posting a lot of new recommendations at once eitherbei the part is anticipating becoming unemployed or is on the cusp of losing their job.But thats not the way to network.To land that next job, you must network every day, whether youre facing unemployment or not. Here are four ways you can do thatSeek out professionals in your career focus area or target industry. Reach out when you dont need them.Read a great article about your industry, then send a note to the author letting him or her know how much you appreciated their insight.Listen to a great speaker about a topic in your area of expertise, then try to meet and exchange business cards.Ask for a coffee date to get more information about an industry or career path youd like to pursue.Youll be surprised how many people will want to give you career advice. Everyone within your network should know your career aspirations and that youre in the market. (Tip Always carry a business card for in-person meetingseven if youre unemployedbecause you never know when youll run into someone you want to connect with.)My Resumes GreatWhy Network?If your job search consists of just sending out your resume, your success rate will probably be about the same as putting a note in a bottle and throwing it out to sea. In my prior role as a vice-president of human resources at Martha Stewart Living, we could post a job online and have 500 resumes within a day. That number is probably hi gher now. This just gives you an idea of what kind of competition youre facing and why networking is so critical.Any time to meet people is a time to network. With the holiday season here, we all receive invitations for various get-togethers. Sometimes we dont feel like going, but you may be passing up an opportunity.A career coach once told me about a young woman looking for a job with a specific company. While she was home for the holidays, she discussed her plans with her elderly aunt, who replied that one of her weekly bridge partners granddaughters was an executive at the company. Her aunt contacted her friend, who in turn called her granddaughter. Within a few weeks, the young woman was interviewed and ended up with her dream job. This proves that you must let everyone know when youre looking.Target the Places You Want to WorkAnother aspect of networking is creating a master list of companies youd want to work for. This is another way sites such as LinkedIn come into play. Sea rch for a company and find a list of people who work there. How many of them are in your network? You should also do this when the company posts a job online. If you dont have a 1st Level connection, find 2nd Level connections and send them a note. They just might know someone there who can forward your name. Another great resource to connect with others is the groups feature on LinkedIn.More recruiters are using LinkedIn some have even told me that its their primary source for talent. And more recruiters are using Twitter and Facebook. Which one would be better for you?The best time to network is when youre not looking for a job. Remember Youre no bigger in your field than your Rolodex, or your connections and followers.Has networking helped you land a job? Tell us in a comment below.About the AuthorTodays post is written by Ron Thomas (pictured), a human resources professional with more than 15 years of experience, including roles with Martha Stewart Living and IBM. He was recentl y named to the Expert Advisory Council on Talent Management Strategy at the Human Capital Institute in Washington, D.C. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Workforce Management, Chief Learning Officer magazine and Crains New York Business.Recently, he was named to the HR nachhall of Fame by HR Network of New York. Rons blog, StrategyFocusedHR, focuses on human resources from a strategic perspective.

11 Companies Hiring Just in Time for the Holiday Season With Awesome Perks

11 Companies Hiring Just in Time for the Holiday Season With Awesome Perks11 Companies Hiring Just in Time for the Holiday Season With Awesome Perks Great news for those in the retail industry - according to Glassdoors Local Pay Reports , the salaries for several key retail roles are on the rise, outpacing many other job titles and industries. In fact, store managers (up 4.0 percent to $48,616), cashiers (up 3.7 percent to $27,549), warehouse associates (up 4.3 percent to $42,893) and truck drivers (up 4.1 percent to $52,629) have some of the fastest-growing salaries, fueled largely by the seasonal demand for retail workers.But beyond just salaries, many retailers are offering competitive benefits in order to attract the talent they need during this busy time. Given this, its hard to imagine a better time to find a job in retail than right now. So if you need some extra cash for the holidays and want to work for a company that offers a total compensation pac kage, consider a job at one of the following companies.Benefits Starbucks calls their total pay package Your Special Blend , and it includes tailored benefits that may include bonuses, 401(k) matching and discounted stock purchase options for those working 20 or mora hours a week. In addition, their Starbucks College Achievement Plan allows employees to earn a fully-paid bachelors degree through Arizona State Universitys online program.What Employees Say Company perks like Insurance for part-time employees, College assistance programs, Flexible Hours, Fun environment. - Former Shift SupervisorBenefits Sephora employees are never left wanting for great beauty products. Team members get free products throughout the year, as well as generous discounts. And no matter your role - full-time, part-time, seasonal, etc. - youre eligible for a bonus based on company performance.What Employees Say always opportunities to grow within the company. your career path is always top of mi nd and the company invest so much in making sure you get where you want to go. the development is amazing. never have i worked for an employer that cares nearly as much. they really want to see you win and i love that about this company. - Current Education LeadBenefits Employees who work 20 or more hours per week at Amazon get a range of benefits, including life and disability insurance, dental and vision insurance with premiums paid in full by Amazon, and funding towards medical insurance, says Business Insider . They can also become eligible for Amazons Career Choice program , which offers tuition assistance for training in high-demand careers.What Employees Say Pros 1. The pay is Great 2. The cool coworkers 3. Nice management 4. Good hours 5. Part timers get benefits. - Current Warehouse WorkerBenefits 10 percent discount at Target and Target.com with a 20 percent wohlbefinden discount on select food and products, flexible scheduling and competitive pay.What Employees Sa y Lots of learning, developing as well as challenging the status quo. Learn to work through big picture problems that plague many workplaces. - Current Executive Team LeaderBenefits A generous 25% discount that kicks in immediately, as well as flexible schedules, competitive pay and opportunities for growth and development.What Employees Say The people you work with are wonderful The customers are great and it is so much fun helping them find the right pieces If you are willing to learn management is willing to teach The products are beautiful which helps to sell I love that it is not commissioned so the environment is very friendly - Current schlussverkauf AssociateBenefits UPS Earn and Learn program offers full-time benefits like medical and dental coverage and tuition assistance to part-time employees as well.What Employees Say Benefits package, overtime for over 5 hrs of work for part-time employees, tuition reimbursement, top of the line health insurance that does no t come out of your paycheck, 401k after 5 yrs of service, paid vacations and holidays, no required weekends unless specified in your bid position, opportunities to change positions and be promoted. - Current High Volume SorterBenefits After a certain period, all Costco employees - full-time hourly, part-time hourly, and salaried - are eligible for benefits which include healthcare, dental care, vision, 401(k) and a stock plan, to name just a few.What Employees Say Best retail job out there with room to move up in the company if you stick around. Really easy going and friendly environment. - Former MerchandiserBenefits After 89 days of employment, eligible part-time employees can receive a host of benefits such as Part-time Medical Plans, Pharmacy Discount Card, Dental, Vision, Holiday, 401(k) Plan and more.What Employees Say Working part-time allows for flexibility, some benefits, 401k, medical, dental, vision as well as a way to stay active and be paid for it. - Curren t EmployeeBenefits When employees (part-time or full-time) at REI reach their individual, department and company goals, theyre eligible for bonuses through the Annual Incentive Plan. In addition, team members earn a whopping 50% discount on all REI Gear and Apparel, as well as a 30% discount on most REI Adventures trips, to name just a few perks.What Employees Say Excellent benefits and the pay was decent as a seasonal employee. Also great discounts. - Former Sales EmployeeBenefits In advance of the hiring season, Kohls is on a hiring frenzy - and theyre offering competitive benefits to attract the right candidates. Kohls employees get a 15% associate discount, weekly paychecks, paid lunch breaks, free access to an onsite wellness clinic, average hours and weekend incentives, shift premiums and moreWhat Employees Say Flexible hours and starting pay is good for associates. Always an opportunity to grow and switch departments. - Current Customer Service AssociateBenefits I n addition to an employee discount, Lands End employees located at the call center, distribution center and corporate headquarters have access to the Comer Center , a state-of-the-art wellness facility which contains a gym, pool, sports leagues and a variety of exercise, nutrition and wellness classes.What Employees Say The company treats their employees in the same manner we are expected to treat the customerwith extraordinary care & service. - Current Customer Service Specialist

The Importance of Indeed Resume Search

The Importance of Indeed Resume Search Resume action words offer a number of advantages. There are many unwritten rules as soon as it comes to resume writing. Notice how the example resumes are extremely specific when it has to do with technical skills. How to Get Started with Indeed Resume Search? When youve finished putting in information into the aforementioned window, click the blue FIND JOBS button. You will be able to save 20% if you produce a yearly purchase. Before it is possible to customize your Indeed company page, its necessary for you to join on Indeed. Following that, you will need to pay in line with the package you selected on signup. In reality, on account of the credit score system, many employers will get a decrease cost per contact than that which they currently experience. The Indeed careers page can help you to enlarge your web presence at no cost. Naturally, you will initially must get through the HR screening procedure, which isnt just robots, bu t also humans that are reviewing resumes. A leading major important portion of a thriving job search is identifying whether youre a fit which demands a bit of research around the organization or roles. Many also consist of supervisory and management experience in addition to the adherence to codes and the capability to troubleshoot technical difficulties. Additionally, you are going to get an education in self-awareness, personal branding and career management problems that you can leverage over time. There are lots of ranking aspects to look at in regards to improving your resumes search visibility. The very first problem was an expanding driver shortage for motorcoach companies all over the board. The Honest to Goodness Truth on Indeed Resume Search You may search by job title to acquire an awareness of what other men and women in your field include in their resumes. Or, in the event that you left a job to look after a loved one or to relocate, a very brief explanation will suffice. In addition, should you lose your work, youre get rid of access to your work email account, so anyone attempting to reach you about your job search will not be able to get hold of you. There are lots of resume guides and books to assist you in getting the job that you want (including why youve got to shed the resume to land the job that you want). Generally, your loyalty to your existing job is going to be appreciated. When a recruiter reviews your resume, we would like to realize that you will take action if youre hired for the job. Its simple to post work on Indeed. So if you believe youre be advertising the job for at least a day or two, it might be well worth it. If a recruiter is searching for a candidate to fill an advertising analyst position, theyd hopefully hunt for the term, marketing analyst, and find people that have relevant experience. Your jobs could be varied, your experience and abilities vast, and it can be challenging getting it all on paper. As a company, you can post as many completely free jobs as you like. As with other mobile apps, Indeed provides the work seeker the capability to save noteworthy jobs. Since you can see, by clicking on this button, you will be provided the chance to refine your work search, and change its sorting technique. You may try out the ZipRecruiter free trial for this period of time. Be cautious about using your own personal cell phone if you also utilize it regularly for your work. Go right ahead and give it a go Since youll discover, something thats handy about the Indeed mobile app is it always provides a BACK button at the base of each window. Actually, your Indeed company page might already exist. Increase your visibility in social networking. To learn, do an online search for your organization name followed by the word Indeed.

Telephone interview tips

Telephone bewerbungsinterview tips Telephone interview tipsPosted October 13, 2011, by Helen Isbister Do make aya you dont have a silly voicemail or answering machine message. Dont make them think youre crazy and/or unprofessional before you even get to do the interview. Do get someone on the phone before the big day so you can practise going through some of your answers. Dont talk to a friend during the interview. Make sure call-waiting is deactivated and do the interview in a quiet place where you wont be interrupted. Do conduct the interview on a landline. Dont rely on a mobile they can be a little unpredictable. Do get out of bed, have a shower and get dressed. Dont wear a ratty pair of pyjamas. The interviewer wont be able to see your teddy bear-covered boxers, but you will feel and sound more professional if you make an effort to look sharp. Do take advantage of the fact the interviewer cant see you. Have your resume and notes on stand-by so you can refer to them. Dont write o ut your answers word for word and recite them parrot-fashion. Do speak clearly and concisely. It can be more difficult to understand people over the phone. Dont be scared of silence. Rambling to fill in the vacant airwaves is not going to get you anywhere they are probably considering your response or getting ready to ask the next question. Do smile as you speak it will make you sound warm and enthusiastic. Dont be tempted to guzzle food during the interview if you tend to eat when you are nervous, make sure you put the custard tarts in the other room. Do finish off the interview by asking questions about the job and the company and thanking the interviewer for their time. Dont think that because its a phone interview you can skip the usual formalities. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorP opular Career Searchesanimal handler interview questions and answersbeautician interview questions and answerssample interview questions and answers for administrative assistantlife coach interview questions and answersgiving interview feedback to candidates examples CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire angeschlossen Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineHelen IsbisterRelated ArticlesBrowse moreEMPLOYER RESOURCESWHS5 Skills You Need To Succeed In Work Health And Safety (WHS)Effectively planned and executed work health and safety (WHS) practices are good for a business and especially good for its staff. What skills do you need to pursue a career in WHS? Jordan has the answers.DesigningFashion DesigningFashion career fact sheetConsidering a career in fashion? Check out this fun fact sheet for everything you need to know about the industry, at a glance.Job hunting tipsReference LetterHow to Write a Character ReferenceWhats the difference between a professional reference letter and a character reference? Get the low down on writing a character reference including a free sample response.

A Working Parent Mentor Can Make All the Difference in Your Career

A Working Parent Mentor Can Make All the Difference in Your CareerA Working Parent Mentor Can Make All the Difference in Your CareerMy early days as a working parent were mora complicated than I ever expected. I would attend a new mommy group made up of highly degreed and accomplished women, but none of us had a clue as to how to successfully return to work- or even whetherbei all of us would.When I met clothing designer Amy Coe, she was just a few years ahead of me in raising her daughter, but her confidence and success were light years ahead of mine. She took me under her wing and helped me navigate the trickiest job I would ever have being a working parent.She was an excellent mentor on all levels, and I truly cant imagine how my career wouldve gone without her.Being a working parent is not something you ease into, nor is it something that gets simpler with time. From managing childcare for the first time to figuring out how to pump at work or manage office politics when your kid is constantly sick, the list of new demands is endless and relentless. So its important to glean tips from people whove done it before.But my own experience reminds me of the importance of one particular resource that many successful people dont discuss often enough a working parent mentor.Typically, a professional mentor would help you with career guidance, networking, resume advice, whatever. A working parent mentor follows the same basic idea, but is more specialized. This person is your go-to contact with insights to help you navigate your way through the minefields you didnt even know existed.Whats the best way to manage your parental leave, or your sometimes-difficult return to work? What are some tips for getting out of the house in the morning now that you have a baby to wrangle? Are there support groups or specific benefits at your company to help working parents?Lauren Smith Brody, author of The Fifth Trimester The Working Moms Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby, underscores the power of parental mentoring One powerful way we can help new working parents is by recognizing the tremendous development and growth that goes on during the Fifth Trimester, or the period right after the newborn haze, when many moms return to work.Working dads need mentors, too.All too frequently engaged dads are penalized at work- often for simply taking paternity leave at all. Finding other working dads is essential on a personal level, and maybe even on a societal level. After all, the more men encourage each other to actually take the parental leave theyre entitled to, the less stigmatized itll become.Where to Find a Working Parent MentorDepending on the size and diversity of the company you work for, the perfect would-be mentor may sit just a few desks over. That co-worker who runs out in the middle of the day when daycare calls to say her toddler has a fever? The one with macaroni art adorning his desk? Theyre the ones.I mentor because it was not always easy for me and Ive got plenty of great information to share, information I wish someone would have given me, says Megan Darmody, Director of Press, Events and Partnerships at UrbanStems.Some things you might look for in an ideal working parent mentorA parent whose kids are older than yours. When youre dealing with a teething baby, it can be refreshing to speak with someone whos way past that point- to remind you that this stage is temporary, and that youll probably look back on these days more fondly than youd expect. Someone with more experience can lend both advice and perspective.Someone in your industry, or at least with a fairly similar job. After all, a self-employed freelancer might not have many insights for you about how to navigate office politics, and someone who sits behind a computer all day may not be much help if youre a teacher or a doctor.If your situation is unique in any way- for example, if youre a single parent or have a child with special needs- you might see if you can find a mentor who has personal experience in that area, or at least who can empathize and understand your singular challenges.Someone wholl always be kind and honest. If they pretend to be the perfect parent, theyre probably not going to be so understanding of your foibles. And if theyre so nice that they dont tell you when they think youre messing up, youre not going to learn.Your mentor doesnt necessarily have to work at your current company. You might know someone from a past job, or even from around town (meet at the gym, mentor for life?). The point is simply to find someone with valuable insights to share.Cheryl Patran, CEO of the Pump Station and Nurtury in Santa Monica, is a strong advocate of peer support. She advises, Just pick up the phone and ask that new parent you admire or respect for her ideas and feedback- she wants to help as much as you want to be supported.How to Find Your People OnlineMaybe youre the first of your friends to have a kid, or you work at a small company where there arent many other parents. If you dont have any would-be mentors in mind, consider looking for one zugreifbar.Because youll likely get the best insights from people in your own industry, try searching for groups by profession. Or try one of these tipsAsk around to see if anyones heard of a group for parents in your industry (your non-parent work friends mayve heard of these resources, even if they dont need them yet).Try searching Facebook directly, as thats where many of these groups live. (For example, this group is for engineer mothers.) While some are open, many are moderated or closed groups to ensure a modicum of privacy and make members feel more comfortable about speaking freely.If you cant find a group specifically for your industry, consider joining this general group for all working moms or a lokal group for parents in your area (for example, there are groups for Brooklyn moms, Atlanta moms, Denver moms, and practically everything in between).U nfortunately, the options for dad groups tend to be less robust, but you might try posting (or getting your partner to post) on a local moms forum to ask whether there are active dad meetups or groups in your area. You might also check out digital resources such as Fatherly and CityDads.You might find that an online network is exactly what you need for bouncing around ideas or seeking advice. Or you might choose to seek out a one-on-one mentorship after all. These groups can be a great jumping-off point for meeting other parents nearby, and once youve made friends you can identify a few whod make for good one-on-one mentors.How a Working Parent Mentorship WorksSome mentorships are more formal than others. If you already have a rapport with this person, you might simply grab coffee and share stories about your week (or month, or however often you meet).In other cases, especially if this is someone youve met through work but arent independently friends with, you might prefer a somewha t more formalized experience. Having an agenda can prevent those awkward, So, what do you want to ask me? Umm, I dont know. Want to just chat? moments.Ideas includeStructuring your conversations around your highest high and lowest low since the last time you saw each otherSharing book suggestions (presumably about career advice or parenting, but if you both share a love of fiction, then why not?)Choosing a specific topic in advance for each meeting, such as family finances or disciplineAttending a networking mixer togetherReading and discussing inspirational stories of successful working parentsWriting out, or sharing, your bucket lists with each other- with your professional and personal goals- both as a form of bonding and to help each other discuss what youre doing to accomplish each itemVolunteering togetherTaking a class together, whether in person or through an online course (Coursera and edX have a lot of really interesting and free options, and General Assembly has many clas ses that might help you in your day job, such as coding or marketing)How to Create Your Own Working Parent ResourcesYes, youre busy and probably dont have time for some new effort-intensive initiative- but if you dont have immediate access to the kind of mentorship you crave, you can pretty easily set up a Slack channel, monthly lunch date for the working parents in your network, or other informal opportunities to connect.For example, Jennifer Gilmore helped create a peer program at Campbells Soup. I was fresh back from maternity leave and so I understood the struggles of a parent returning to work, she says. These days, the group is known as the Campbell Parent ID Connection, and it has since expanded throughout the company via word of mouth.Of course, you could always start your own group online, too.In 2013, Louisville, Kentucky-based attorney Michelle Coughlin returned to work as a new mother. When I looked around me and felt that I was the only mom trying to balance this legal career with parenthood, I felt like I was drowning. I started MothersEsquire because I needed to know I wasnt alone out there.Her group, which started small and highly informally, has grown to be the leading voice at regional and national conferences when it comes to addressing the high attrition rate that the legal profession has come to accept as normal for women.How You Can Pay It ForwardI have a six-month-old, says one mom I know, so Im hardly an expert, but I reached out to an expectant mom at my company to let her know that Im available if she needs anything as she goes on maternity leave and when she returns. I could still use a mentor, myself, but even in these few months Ive gathered a few insights Im glad to share.As you connect with working parents and share your own earned expertise, dont keep your workplace peer-mentoring under wraps. Sharing or even presenting the impact of these programs to management can help encourage buy-in, formalize the program, and have an even bigger impact.The bottom line is the bottom line Low-cost mentoring programs are a straightforward way for employers to help limit attrition, and they can be a point of pride. Mentoring is a valuable recruitment and retention tool, after all. The possibilities are endless, and very necessary for working parents.In my own life, Ive found that these bonds forged in the early days of parenthood really last. My mentors and I have since graduated from sharing tips about feeding babies and figuring out daycare to tips on college tours and admissionsThis article was originally published on Fabric. It has been republished here with permission.

How to Become a Catalog Model

How to Become a Catalog ModelHow to Become a Catalog ModelCatalog modeling isnt what it used to be. Thanks to a little something called the Internet, catalog models are mora valuable than ever. Theyre in shoppers mailboxes of course (print catalogs arent going anywhere anytime soon), but theyre also taking over the digital world. Mobile, desktop and everything in between- wherever the shoppers are, catalog models are there too. All of this increased exposure means catalog modeling is more exciting and lucrative than ever before. But how do you go about landing a job as a catalog model? Here are a few things youre probably wondering. What Brands Are Looking For Catalog models are considered to be commercial models, which means models need to look more like real people than editorial models. They do need to possess a few basic physical attributes, such as glowing skin, healthy hair, and a killer smile, but instead of falling into the physical requirements of fashion models, they in stead have to have a look that appeals to the clients target audience. Depending on the catalog, this could mean the client is looking for short, tall, young, old, thin or plus-size models of diverse ethnicities. Theres even a demand for models with disabilities. In other words, if youre not suited to a particular catalog, dont fret There are plenty of other catalogs to try for. You just have to find one that suits your look (as opposed to changing your look to suit a certain catalog). Another option to keep in mind is parts modeling. If you have an outstanding body part, such as your hands, legs, or feet, you may be able to enter the world of catalog modeling as a parts model. How Much Catalog Models Get Paid How much you make as a catalog model depends on so many factors, such as the agency youre signed with (different agencies deduct different fees, usually anywhere from 10% to 20%), your experience level, and the catalog youre shooting for. In general, you can expect to earn a few hundred dollars for a small-scale catalog shoot to ten thousand dollars or more for a popular international catalog. Established catalog models can earn a very good living from catalog work alone, given the sheer volume of photos that need to be taken and the fact that catalog shoots can take days, weeks, or even months to complete. Dont forget that in the United States, models are considered to be self-employed. That means youll need to set aside about a third of each paycheck to cover your income taxes. Jumpstarting a Career The great thing about the modeling industry today is that you dont have to be defined by a particular style of modeling. Many catalog models are also runway or editorial models, and vice versa. As well, many models have used catalog work to jumpstart their careers. David Gandy spent years working as a catalog model, and even supermodel Karen Elson had a brief stint as a catalog model before she made it big. All of this crossing over of divisions giv es catalogs a cool factor and makes them all the more appealing to the masses, which is something catalogs have come to depend on for their success. Models and Agencies Most of the major brands in the United States only work with companyapproved modeling agencies in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Catalogs are expensive and time-consuming to shoot, and clients want to feel confident that theyre booking professional models who will show up on time and get the job done right. As a model, being signed to an agency means youll not only have access to more catalog modeling opportunities but also that the jobs you do book will be legitimate and that youll be paid what you deserve. Its win-win

The simple thing that makes people happy

The simple thing that makes people happy The simple thing that makes people happy Research has found about 9 zillion things you can do  to increase happiness.Of course, you’re probably not doing any of them. To be fair,  most people don’t really do much to deliberately make their lives happier.Via  100 Simple Secrets of the Best Half of Life:Researchers found that the majority of the subjects they studied were not able to identify anything they had done recently to try to increase their happiness or life satisfaction.So you want to start? You want something insanely easy to do that research has demonstrated over and over again works?Something that the happiest people in the world all do?Here you go:Next time something good happens, stop whatever you are doing, give it a second and  appreciate  that moment.Old cliches like “stopping to smell the roses” and “it’s the little things in life”? They’re true.The happiness researchers call it “Savoring.” Here’s how it works.What is savoring?We’re busy. We’re  multitasking. And we think this makes things better because we get more done.But the problem is that means you’re paying less attention to any one thing - and therefore you enjoy all of those things less.Do you watch TV while you eat? That means you’ll  enjoy your food less.Savoring is all about attention. Focus on the bad, you’ll feel bad. Focus on the good and… guess what happens?Via  Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth:The key component to effective savoring is focused attention. By taking the time and spending the effort to appreciate the positive, people are able to experience more well-being.“Stopping to smell the roses”? It’s true. People who take time to appreciate beauty around them really  are  happier.Via  100 Simple Secrets of the Best Half of Life:Those who said they regularly took notice of something beautiful were 12 percent more likely to say they were satisfied with their lives.Research shows that  the happiest people  take the time to appreciate the little things in life.I know what you’re thinking:  correlation isn’t causation.  Maybe they’re just wired that way.Nope. Wrong answer. Research shows it can work for anybody.Focusing on the positive and appreciating those things more leads to happiness increases in less than a week.Via  Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life:One group was told to focus on all the upbeat things they could find- sunshine, flowers, smiling pedestrians. Another was to look for negative stuff- graffiti, litter, frowning faces. The third group was instructed to walk just for the exercise. At the end of the week, when the walkers’ well-being was tested again,  those who had deliberately targeted positive cues  were happier than before the experiment. The negatively focused subjects were less happy, and the just plain exercisers scored in between. The point, says Bryant, is that  â€œyou see what you look for. And you can train yourself to attend to the joy out there waiting to be had, instead of passively waitin g for it to come to you.”Impressive, huh?Okay, so what’s the best way to start savoring?Savoring 101Stop.Just for a second.Stop checking texts when your friends are right in front of you. Stop watching TV while you eat. Don’t surf the web while you’re on the phone.Just do  one  thing at a time that you like, and don’t hurry  through it.  Slow down and appreciate it.Just doing that - that alone - caused significant decreases in depression and increases in happiness.Via  The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want:In one set of studies, depressed participants were invited to  take a few minutes once a day to relish something that they usually hurry through  (e.g., eating a meal, taking a shower, finishing the workday, or walking to the subway). When it was over, they were instructed to write down in what ways they had experienced the event  differently as well as how that felt compared with the times when they rushed through it. In another study, heal thy students and community members were instructed to savor two pleasurable experiences per day, by reflecting on each for two or three minutes and trying to make the pleasure last as long and as intensely as possible. In all these studies  those participants prompted to practice savoring regularly showed significant increases in happiness and reductions in depression.In many ways  time  is key when it comes to savoring.  Knowing something has limited days or hours  helps you savor.When things will soon come to an end  we don’t take them for granted. We’re grateful, we savor them and we’re happier.Seek out those bittersweet moments because research shows they will help you appreciate things more.Via  The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want:When we are fully mindful of the transience of things- an impending return home from an overseas adventure, a graduation, our child boarding the school bus for the first day of kindergarten, a close colleague changi ng jobs, a move to a new city- we are more likely to appreciate and savor the remaining time that we do have. Although bittersweet experiences also make us sad, it is this sadness that prompts us, instead of taking it for granted, to come to appreciate the positive aspects of our vacation, colleague, or hometown; it’s “now or never.”This can really help you get more out of life.And here’s the best part: you don’t have to do it alone.How Savoring can improve your relationshipsSharing good news with your partner  is a happiness double whammy.It helps you savor  and  improves your relationship.Via  The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want:Sharing successes and accomplishments with others has been shown to be associated with elevated pleasant emotions and well-being. So, when you or your spouse or cousin or best friend wins an honor, congratulate him or her (and yourself ), and celebrate. Try to enjoy the occasion to the fullest. Passing on and rejoici ng in good news leads you to relish and soak up the present moment, as well as to foster connections with others.But good news doesn’t come along every day. Is there something you can do more regularly  as a couple to savor?Create rituals the two of you can engage in.Do a toast before drinking and look into each other’s eyes. Or any little thing that slows the moment down for appreciation.I spoke to Harvard professor  Francesca Gino, author of  Sidetracked,  and she said rituals are a great way to promote savoring around a meal:You can think about rituals that you yourself might engage in prior to consumption experiences. What they do, they make us a little bit more mindful about the consumption experience that we are about to have. Because of that, we end up savoring the food or whatever we are drinking more…But what about when things aren’t so great? Can we boost our happiness when there are no good things to savor right now?Yes, you can.Savoring is also a time machineSav oring doesn’t just need to happen in the moment.Reminiscing about the past and anticipating the future are also powerful, proven ways to savor - and boost your mood.Via  The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want:People prone to joyful anticipation, skilled at obtaining pleasure from looking forward and imagining future happy events, are especially likely to be optimistic and to experience intense emotions. In contrast, those proficient at reminiscing about the past- looking back on happy times, rekindling joy from happy memories- are best able to buffer stress.Reminiscing about past good times with others is like sharing good news. It  improves your relationship  and makes both of you happier.Via  The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want:Researchers have found that mutual reminiscence- sharing memories with other people- is accompanied by abundant positive emotions, such as joy, accomplishment, amusement, contentment, and pride.Gre tchen Rubin, author of  The Happiness Project, has a four point system that I love: Anticipate with pleasure, Savor the moment as I experience it, Express my happiness to myself or others, and Reflect on a happy memory. How much simpler can being happier get?Sum upThe cliches tell us to stop and smell the roses. The science agrees.And when you survey 1200 people over 70 years old, who have had full lives, what advice do they offer?I asked  Karl Pillemer, author of  30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans.  Here’s  what they said:…you should savor small, daily experiences and make the most of every day.We all want to be happy and sometimes it seems so hard to get there. But the answer is simpler than we think and right in front of us.(Hey, stop skimming. Slow down.  Appreciate  the words.)Seriously: stop and smell the roses today. Enjoy the little things in life.Science shows us it really does make a difference.Join 45K+ readers.  Get a free weekly update via email  here.Related posts:What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?How To Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple Emails4 Lifehacks From Ancient Philosophers That Will Make You HappierTh is article originally appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.