10 Working Mom Secrets to Keeping the Chaos at Bay

10 Working Mom Secrets to Keeping the Chaos at Bay These days, tzu siches no shortage of advice on the internet geared toward helpingworking momshave it all the fast-paced career, the kids aged 18 months apart, a fulfilling social life, and even some me time on the side.Of course, having itallis pure hyperbole working motherhood and, indeed, parenthood in general comes with no shortage of tough choices to make and trade-offs to choose between. And who better to help provide insight into those choices than moms whove had to make them?To that end, we spoke to working moms atPepsiCoabout the tips and tricks theyve acquired that help them balance their work and family lives. Outside of choosing to work at atop-rated company for women,they said theyve found the secret isnt in having it all, but in making it all count. Heres how1. Accept that theres no one-size-fits-all solution.Amy Robinson, Director of Sales for Costco, recalls returning to work from maternity leave and seeking advice from a favored mentor. Only, the advice she got wasnt quite what she had in mindHer advice was, I can share with you how I do it, but you have to figure it out on your own, Robinson, who recently celebrated her 18th anniversary at PepsiCo, said. Everyones situation is different, in that whats important to you is different.PepsiCo Is Hiring Browse Opportunities.She added that, in recent years, the company has worked to recognize caregivers need for individualized guidance by implementing a coaching program for employees transitioning into and out of maternity leave.2. Check the apologies.Emily Tan, PepsiCos Director of Category Management for North American Nutrition, said that when she returned to work after taking maternity leave, she was struggling to keep her working-mom guilt at bay until her manager helped put things in perspective.Coming back from maternity leave, I was constantly apologizing to work, to my baby, to my young kids, Tan, whos been at the company 11 years, reca lled. I was telling my manager when I had to leave early and being apologetic about it, and he basically said, Stop. You dont need to tell me. You dont need to be apologetic. You need to do what you need to do and just go.Hearing these words from her boss, she said, was a game changer.When a manager creates that understanding that you dont need to worry about it, its a very heavy weight being lifted off your shoulders, she said. And that doesnt just apply to maternity leave, but also the mentality of being aworking mom.3. Forget balance your focus should be on this instead.For Meredith Nelson, a Senior Manager in Talent Acquisition Operations and auf der ganzen welt Programs and 12-year vet of PepsiCo, striving for work-life balance is a losing battle. Instead, the focus should be on something she calls work-life integration.Some days work gets mora of me, and other days my family wins, Nelson explained. Its more about the quality than the quantity of time, and knowing whats importa nt and then prioritizing and re-prioritizing around that.Flexibility is a crucial ingredient in making work-life integration happen. For women working under managers who arent naturally open to flexibility, though, Nelson said the key is in helping them understand the why.Its a lot easier for a manager to say yes when youve helped them understand the why, she said. In many cases, putting together a small business case to articulate whats in it for you, for them, and the business may be exactly whats needed.4. Keep your rckendeckung system near and dear.For some, like Robinson, that may mean making certain sacrifices when it comes to zip code.We moved from northern California to Chicago so that we would have a support system we loved California and wish we still lived there, but our family wasnt there, she explained. After our children were born, we made that huge decision to move so we could have that support and so that our children would know their family.Since relocating to Chica goland (something PepsiCo fortunately helped make possible), Robinsons parents have been able to take on some childcare duties, including school plattlup three days a week. From a career standpoint, thats truly been instrumental.I can arrange to stay longer two days a week at work, or sometimes my husband and I have done date nights, she said. Thats helped me to balance, to be able to say, Hey, I cant schedule something at 5 p.m. on Monday, but I can always schedule something Tuesdays and Thursdays.5. Your time is a precious commodity. Spend like it (when you can)Relocating to be near retired family isnt a possibility for everyone, of course. When Tan was returning to work from maternity leave, she and her husband decided they needed some extra support. So, they took on a live-in nanny for the first four transitional months, when they knew things would be trickiest.You think, Can I afford it? Absolutely bedrngnis but its something you need at that moment in time, she said. We knew that coming back to work, those four months were going to be tough. So we allowed ourselves that extra support system.Today, Tan and her husband manage their family of five without a nanny, but theyre still judicious when it comes to weighing money vs. time costs.These days, its easier being able to buchen everything online, she said. We know that when were paying more for convenience, that its a moment-in-time thing. Its what we need now, so we dont feel so badly about it.6. And speaking of time let your calendar rule all.Robinsons secret weapon to working-mom mastery? Sharing an online calendar with her husband.I live and die by my calendar, she said. My husband and I both have Outlook, so thats our one calendar work life, personal life, its all integrated into one calendar.They both use it religiously, and Robinson jokes her husband wouldnt remember to go pick up the kids without it.We schedule things all the time, like saying, Hey, I need to go into work early this day or I ne ed to stay late this day, she said. Its all on the calendar. So we know.For Nelson, one scheduling hack shes found to be helpful is making the fruchtwein use of clients global time zones.In order to manage it all, its not uncommon to have early morning meetings, she said. For the early morning meetings with other, global time zones, I usually try to schedule those before my children wake up to minimize impact on the morning routine.7. Prioritize as a family you shouldnt be the only one picking and choosing.While plugging away upcoming dates into her aforementioned calendar, Robinson makes her kids a part of the prioritizing process.I talk to the kids about what things they want me at, she explained. Some of the things, they dont care about. I try not to miss orchestra concerts, but I have missed parent-teacher conferences some people will judge you, but youre not going to make it to everything.Accepting that you cant be present at all events but that you can be there for the ones t hat matter is crucial, Robinson said.Thats how our family has always operated weve never missed anything (the kids) find important, she added.8. Communication is keySimilar to Robinson, Nelson has found that clear communication is the grease that keeps the wheels turning in both her work and home life.Communication is key with the school, and with the other parents, Nelson said. I use a template to communicate daily with my sons teacher so she knows if hes going to after-school care, getting picked up by another parent, or if my husband or I will be there at regular time.As far as work goes, she emphasizes the need for similarly direct communication with bosses.Its important to identify your boundaries and communicate them so that you can align on expectations if you have to leave to catch a train at X time, communicate it, she said. Know whats important to you, identify it, and communicate appropriately so that you set expectations and boundaries for whats most important to you.9 . When you need to leave, just leave (really).At the end of the work day, when you need to head out, do exactly that. It doesnt need to be any more complicated than that, Robinson asserted.Ive always just done me, she said. I get up and leave work at 4 p.m. to go get my kids, and I pretty much always have unless theres something going on. Then, Ill get back online at night. Everyones always asked me, How to do you do that? And its simple. I get up, and I walk out.Your relationship with your employer should be a partnership, she continued, and one thats built on trust. As long as you get your work done, it shouldnt matter what hour you walk out. Earlier in her career, though, Robinson admitted that she did have to navigate what the need for flexibility looks like when your boss is all about face time.I had to get with myself and figure out which was more important that my manager felt I was doing what I needed, or that I was doing what I needed. At the end of the day, my family is m ore important, she said. So, I was vocal about how I was going to manage it. I didnt ask for permission I informed it gets easier over time. Then people dont question you anymore.10. Give yourself a little credit.If after following all of the above steps, youstillcant totally shake the specter of working-mom guilt, remember youre only human.Its a heavy pressure we place on ourselves, and I think we just need to remember that we do that best that we can, Tan said. Because theres so much to do these days, youre certainly not going to be able to everything, all the time. Youre human. So give yourself a little more credit.--Fairygodboss is proud to partner with PepsiCo. Find a job there today

Things to Consider in Writing a Resume Help!

Things to Consider in Writing a Resume Help Top Things to Consider in Writing a Resume Choices Obliviously when you begin looking for employment is a terrific time to update your resume. On the contrary, it will just appear youve put your skills to good use multiple times. Even when youre elend currently on the lookout for employment, keeping your resume updated makes it much easier to locate another job if you opt to leave, are unexpectedly dismissed or encounter a work opportunity too great to pass up. Even for those who have zero work experience or significant education as a 15-year-old, it is necessary to compose a resume when applying for work. When you are in need of a job and need to compose your resume, employers usually wish to see your qualifications and experience. For instance, if you are asking for a job for a teacher, showcase any prior experience working with children, from truly being a camp counselor to daycare worker. For instance, if youre asking for a job for a lab technician it may not be required to include skills you learned in customer services. Dont forget to proofread what youve written before submitting. The keyword phrases you use when writing a quality resume can help you prepare for interview questions that may have similar keyword phrases. In the end, keep your letter centered on the job which youre applying for and your experience. For many jobseekers, writing a cover letter is among the most challenging regions of the employment search approach. Things to Consider in Writing a Resume Features You dont have to change the info you includeyou just should present the information to emphasize the skills your employer desires. The info can be organized in numerous positions on the page to make interest, but the resume should ensure it is effortless for hiring managers to get the information that they need by producing your skills the most prominent. Include only relevant info to the job that you are applying for. On the flip side, if youre trying for a research-oriented job, youll be expected to give more comprehensive info about your research publications, their scope and methodology, etc.. Top Choices of Things to Consider in Writing a Resume Look at whatever you do and are interested in. Resume writing may seem to be among the most daunting tasks, but the reality is that its not as hard as it appears. After youre at work, showing you have integrity and that you value a strong work ethic is something you are able to demonstrate through conducting yourself as a skilled and addressing others in an honest and straightforward method. The trick to writing a cover letter for a job you have not ever done is to concentrate on your transferable skills. While tailoring your CV to each job that you apply for may appear cumbersome, its well worth the effort. Also include things like proof of how much youre committed to a different job. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional me thod. Tips You might be writing a company resume because youre competing with similar companies for continuing project work. If youve worked as an independent grant writer, list yourself as a freelancer and include the dates that youve been freelancing your expert services. There are hundreds and hundreds of career service professionals around who provide resume writing services. Both resumes and web sites are made to showcase an individual or company in the very best light possible.

Why Women Are Naturally Effective Leaders

Why Women Are Naturally Effective Leaders In the wake ofHillary Clinton securing the Democratic nomination for president, some observers have decided rekindled the debate over whether a woman president will be an effective leader for the country, and by extension, whether women make for good leaders in general.Of course, bunching half of the population into a single category raises inevitable stereotypes that dont apply to all members of the gender. With that said, its worth examining the beneficial qualities of female leadership and the traits that tend to distinguish women leaders from their male counterparts.As both a woman and a chief technology officer, I have hadthis discussion throughout my career in the high-tech industry. Here in Silicon Valley, engineers are far mora likely to be male and C-level positions are almost exclusively held by men. Theres no doubt I have been influenced and strengthened by this glass ceiling. As a result, I believe that the following attributes thatare common to women can actually help make them stand out as leaders1. Women Are CollaborativeCollaboration is becoming more important for leaders who want to tear down rigid management hierarchies and reach out directly to people wherever they fall on the company org chart. mora organizations are promoting gruppe-building than ever before a good fit for women who favor collaborative teams and encourage collaborative decision making. This cooperative group dynamic is more productive than working alone because it tends to encourage more creative results.2. Women Are Active ListenersMore organizations have recognized the importance of emotional intelligence, which is a critical soft leadership skill equated with human empathy and understanding. Empathy is deep emotional intelligence that allows one to view situations through other peoples eyes and grasp differing perspectives. Empathy is a vital talent because it helps leaders understandingtheir act ual competitive standing and it provides insights when critics or naysayers offer conflicting explanations about problems.Active listening is closely tied to high levels of emotional intelligence. In my experience, most women are naturally skilled at listening first before responding to others. This type of empathetic listening leads to better negotiations, improved management outcomes, and rapid learning in rapidlychanging environments.3. Women Are InclusiveMaintaining cultural diversity at an organization in a global economy requires leaders who have authentic interests in unique cultural identities. Also, leaders who remain responsive to different types of people are more effective at managing those different types. Its likely that most women appreciate diversity because they experience the negative effects of non-diverse thinking early and often. This social reality tempers women leaders who understand the value of diversity in people, in thinking, and in background. Quite simp ly, women leaders are likely to build more diverse management teams with more responsive reactions to issues because their teams encompass wider bases of experience.4.Ego Doesnt Hold Women Back Headstrong leaders often let their egos influence their decisions, but not always for the better. Oversized egos and arrogant views can cloud rational decisions, leading to needless problems when working with boards of directors, partners, and customers from varying backgrounds. Women tend to express their egos differently than men, and they seem more adept at holding their egos in check.5.Women Recognize the Value in MentorshipMost women depend heavily on mentorship and networking to reach positions of leadership and authority in the first place. Otherwise they would have to overcome even greater obstacles to advance their own careers. When women achieve leadership roles, they recognize that their success took a village, in Hillarys parlance. In turn, women place a high value on mentoring ot hers. The capabilities of their team members grow faster because people are mentored and encouraged to mentor each other, leading to the development of still more leaders.To conclude, it seems that the best leaders lead from behind, not from in front. They lead by their own hard-working examples. This trait of quiet humility is often cited as a weakness of women that they demonstrate skills and experience first before asking for their next job or promotion. Yet this trait is actually a big positive when it comes to leadership. Women know the value of proving that you can do the job. As leaders, they do just that and their teams have to acknowledge it. Women recognize that leading by example is both inspirational and aspirational for their teams. After all, what is the point of leadership if not lifting up your followers?Joan Wrabetz is the chief technology officer for Quali.

Tips for Maximizing Your Summer Experience

Tips for Maximizing Your Summer ExperienceTips for Maximizing Your Summer ExperienceAfter surviving the 2L interview season and deciding where you will spend your summer, you are now able to enjoy a well-earned break from thinking about summer employment. Yet even as you turn your focus back to classes, journals, and student groups, law firms are getting ready for your arrival Firm lawyers and legal recruiting teams spend hours between the end of the interview season and the start of the summer program in meetings- planning orientation, social events, and training programs. This is all to ensure that a thoughtful and well-executed program is in place for you to have a great experience. Here are our tips for making the most of what is prepared for youBe responsive. This is crucial to your success as a summer associate. It is never too early to establish good habits and make a positive impression. In the months leading up to the start of the summer program, you will receive multiple em ails from the legal recruiting team. Your replies will yield the information we need to prepare for your arrival. Accordingly, respond to those inquiries before their deadlines. Once you arrive as a summer associate, you should acknowledge receipt of and respond to lawyer emails and phone calls as promptly as possible. If you are going to be unavailable for a period of time, let the lawyers with whom you work know in advance.Show up. It sounds simple, but showing up means much mora than being physically present. When you arrive on your first day, strive to participate in the days events with a positive attitude. You will meet many new people from the moment you arrive, so you should anticipate and be open to new experiences. While you wont be able to attend every event, do avail yourself of as much as your schedule allows. This will give you the opportunity to get to know your fellow summer associates and lawyers more informally, outside the office. Associates and partners often tel l us that some of their closest friends today were former fellow summer associates. Look around and reach out to others to make the experience an enduring one.Unlock your resources. While you may initially find maneuvering around the firm to be daunting, there are many people who are more than willing to help. Legal secretaries can answer questions about submitting expenses, ordering supplies, and how to use the firms document management system. In addition, summer associates are typically paired with junior associates who were in your shoes not that long ago. They can serve as informal mentors, sharing what they wish they knew when they were summer associates. They can also answer questions about the work they do and how it is assigned, and introduce you to more senior lawyers. You may also work with a more senior lawyer who will oversee your projects during the summer and ensure you have exposure to the right mix of matters, lawyers, and practice groups. Be proactive and set up we ekly meetings to provide updates on your projects and get feedback. All of unterstellung people can enhance your summer experience, so be sure to harness their expertise to make the most of your time. And remember, your firms legal recruiting team is there to support you throughout your summer, so do not be shy about seeking them out.Network. Networking effectively is a large part of succeeding in a summer program. Take advantage of every opportunity you can to enhance your skills. Participate in trainings and attend networking and other summer program events. In addition, try to get more comfortable doing outreach to individual lawyers. Seek out alumni from your law school and lawyers who work in practice areas of interest to you, and connect with the recruiters who recruited you during the interview process so you can share your experiences.Tackle Projects Professionally. Your firm will likely provide tips on being a successful summer associate- heed all of that advice and put it into action Be proactive in setting up the initial project meeting with the assigning lawyer- dont wait for them to set it up. You want your assigning lawyers to feel confident that you understand the assignment and that you have the information you need to get it done. Take notes during meetings with assigning lawyers, and once you think you have a good grasp of the parameters of an assignment, summarize it in your own words to confirm you understand. Repeating back what you heard is important because it gives the assigning lawyer the opportunity to listen and digest what they just told you. They may then say, Yes, move forward or realize what they told you is not clear, or that they want you to head down a different path. Get clear deadlines (and respect them) and raise questions or concerns before it is too late to change course. Follow through with a cohesive work product and be confident when you report your findings, even if you cant find anything. As you work on projects over the summer, provide the lawyers with regular updates on your progress instead of waiting for them to follow up with you.Take Time for Self Care. No matter which firm you choose, you will work hard during your summer to earn an associate offer. Simultaneously, we understand that you will also be juggling summer program events and other commitments. We want to give you the tools to manage competing priorities, find balance, and succeed long-term. That means sometimes saying no to additional commitments and making sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food. Make your well-being a priority.We wish you the best of luck in having a great experienceThis is a sponsored blog post by Sidley Austin LLP. To see the firms full profile, click here.

12 Flexible Jobs Hiring Now That May Inspire Your Search

12 Flexible Jobs Hiring Now That May Inspire Your Search12 Flexible Jobs Hiring Now That May Inspire Your SearchEvery now and then, we like to highlight a handful of flexible jobs currently hiring to give our readers a better idea of what has to offer Our database currently hasover 33,000 hand-screened, professional-level flexible jobs inover 50 different categories, so this list of 12 jobs really is just a teeny,tiny sampling of what you might find on our site- but we hope it helps to inspire your search.Here are 12 fun and interesting flexible jobs hiring nowAccounts Receivable ClerkThe accounts receivable clerk will post incoming customer payments via a bank interface file. You will also research historical payment data, process customer refunds, and follow up with customers for missing and incomplete remits. You should know advanced Excel and Word, be able to execute various formula equations from multiple sources, adapt easily to financial software, and be extremely organized an d detail-oriented.Assistant Account ExecutiveIn the assistant account executive role, you will need to know how to build strong relationships with high-level local, regional, and national online, print, and broadcast media contacts important to clients. The ideal candidate has the desire to dig deep into client goals to help secure meaningful and impactful press placements that drive business.Brand AmbassadorAs a part-time brand ambassador, your passion for the company should be conveyed in every customer interaction. In this role, youll be responsible for assisting and interacting with customers to create luxury experiences that positively impact both sales and service. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, in addition to being organized and detail-oriented.Entertainment PhotographerThis position calls for an experienced, creative, and self-motivated professional to shoot entertainment and music events. Youll need to exercis e expert judgment to capture editorial images for the companys global market and clients. Job candidates should possess expertise working with industry standard image editing tools and processes (including Adobe Photoshop, Photo Mechanic, and FTP clients).Event Producer and Community CatalystThe ideal producer should live a healthy, conscious lifestyle, have a big heart, and love dance music. You should have a big network of millennials you can tap into, already be leader in your community, and know how to produce a great event that immerses people and transcends the commonplace. Qualified candidates will need an entrepreneurial mindset and independent approach to your work, and be an organized self-starter.MCAT Prep InstructorLove numbers? Try on an MCAT prep instructor job for size Expert educators are needed to serve as passionate advocates for students. Part-time MCAT instructors need to have a 90th percentile MCAT score, or be willing to retest. You should be able to create a s afe, lively classroom environment to optimize student learning in order to help them achieve their goals. A six-month commitment to the role is required, and you should be able to work independently with a remote manager.Online ESL TutorCreate a colorful, creative, and interactive class for children in China- all from the comfort of your own home. Youll teach children ages 4-12 English lessons with a tiefpunkt of 12 hours per week under a six-month contract. Youll need a bachelors degree, and a TEFL/CELTA degree is preferred but not required.Reading SpecialistThe reading specialist will supervise and coach elementary students in a face-to-face setting as they utilize online instruction and materials. Through use of the telephone, Internet, and various curriculum tools, the reading specialist will communicate regularly with parents, students, and curriculum specialists to ensure that each child successfully completes their instructional program.StylistStyle your way to a job youll lo ve as a virtual stylist Help clients style clothes they own, assess their wardrobes, and shop for new pieces. Youll work from home in this full-time remote job, while making others feel great doing what you love. To qualify for this role, youll need a passion for fashion and want to bring that love of fashion to others.Technical Support EngineerIn this role, youll be responsible for responding to customer inquiries throughout the life cycle of installations. Youll provide phone and on-site support to both customers and field service engineers. In addition to resolving complex technical problems and product issues, youll communicate resolution plans to key gruppe players, and collaborate cross-functionally with managers and consultants to facilitate work during installations.Volunteer CoordinatorThe volunteer coordinator is responsible for recruiting, screening, training, scheduling, and managing volunteers. Match skill sets, time availability, and interests to organizational needs a nd assign volunteers to specific tasks. Youll coordinate the scheduling and management of both on- and off-site volunteer groups as appropriate and maintain and organize up-to-date volunteer agreements and volunteer applications.WriterIf youre in the know about where all the local Austin hotspots are, then you might want to apply for this job This company is looking for local restaurant enthusiasts to help with their coverage in Austin. In this role, youd be contributing to the Austin site with restaurant reviews and neighborhood/situational guides. You should love to write, have a deep knowledge of and passion for restaurants and bars in Austin, and love the city, tooBROWSE ALL OPEN FLEXIBLE JOBS

3 difficult habits that get easier over time the more you do them

3 difficult habits that get easier over time the mora you do them3 difficult habits that get easier over time the more you do themHow many positive habits articles do you need to read before you starttaking action?Heres the thing about forming positive habits It is difficult.The things we know we should do, we dont - and the reason we dont is because they are challenging.They are not easy. They make us tired, or insist that we (gasp) think.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreWe dont do them because, in some sense, we fear that they will be as difficult as they feel now,forever.But the thing is (and anyone who has ever pushed themselves knows this), difficult things get easier the more you do them.Even the really hard habits, the ones that constantly feel strenuous, in some sense get easier with time. And the reason is because you not only become more skilled in that area, but you a lso become more patient with yourself throughout the process.Here are 3 essential habits everyone knows they should do, but tend notto.And heres exactly how you can get through the difficult phase and make them part of your daily wissen.1. ReadingIf youre reading this right now, you are (in some sense) on the right track.One of my favorite things to ask people is, What was the last good book you read? Most people are shocked, and I know the answer before they even say it Wow, I cant remember the last book I read.Sure, we read blogs, and tweets, and long-winded Facebook posts - but reading a book is different. Reading a book takes time, and patience, and especially when dealing with fiction versus nonfiction, both categories work different parts of your brain.Reading isessential.I strive to read a book every other week. Two weeks is more than enough time to get through a roughly 300-page book.The best way I have found to create a habit of reading is to have it take the place of your smartphone and filler time social media usage.Whether that means reading on your iPhone or keeping a book in your backpack or purse, every time you have a few free minutes, open your book. When youre waiting in line at the grocery store, open your book. When you are on the train, open your book. Anywhere and everywhere you would otherwise compulsively check your mail and Facebook notifications (the majority of which are not important), open your book.Youll be amazed how quickly you move through material, and how much more stimulated your mind feels throughout the day. And, most important, reading will no longer feel like a chore. It will simply become a way to pass the time.A smarter escape, if you will.2. Waking upearlyThis is the king of habits I really should do, its just that my bed is so comfortable.If youre not a morning person, waking up early is horrible. It is not easy. It feels grueling, and youre fighting yourself all the way to the shower - and then once the hot water hits your head, you practically fall right back asleep then and there.When most people try to instill this habit into their lives, they think its all about waking up early.Its actually about something else.Its about going to bedearlier.Sleep is the constant.There are only two variables you can change You either go to bed earlier, or you wake up later.If you want to create a successful early morning routine for yourself, its much more about mastering the evening routine that comes beforeit.Slow yourself down an hour before bed.Read a book (see above) instead of browsing Instagram, so your eyes can relax. Meditate, or take a warm shower. Do activities that are intended to move you into sleep, so that you can wake up ready to go the next morning.Where people tend to go wrong is they set their alarm for 530 a.m., but still go to bed at midnight. Thats a disaster waiting to happen. And then of course, 530 rolls around, youre exhausted, you call yourself a failure, etc.Focus on the night before - and stick with it. Nobody forms a habit after three days. It takes a bit. But once you do it for two or three weeks, it becomes your normal, and suddenly waking up early isnt so difficult anymore.Its just what you do.3. ForgivenessHad to throw a curve ball in here.Forgiveness. Compassion. Understanding. Patience. The act of listening and taking time to see life through someone elses eyes For many, this is not easy.What few seem to realize is that forgiveness and humble traits of the sort are not inherent. They dont just happen. You have to practice them - no different than how you have to practice firing pucks at a hockey net to improve your wrist shot.To be forgiving or compassionate, in a way, is ahabit.As soon as you start to think of it as something that you can consciously practice, your approach to it inherently changes.Suddenly, moments, when you are frustrated or upset, become opportunities to react differently.I have witnessed many people in my life make the proc lamation that they are going to turn things around or be better listeners and then fail to keep their word for longer than a day, or an afternoon, or even an hour.And the reason is simpleHabits dont change overnight.Your personality, the way you react to situations, and the energy you bring to the moment is the way it is because thats what you practice. Every day, in everything you do, thats what you practice - so if you want to change that, you have to practice something different.But should you stick with it, and continue challenging yourself to step back, reflect, and react differently the next time, the easier it ultimately becomes - until eventually, it is simply who you are.This article originally appeared on Inc Magazine.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistak es you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

How Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Position

How Customize Your Cover Letter for Each PositionHow Customize Your Cover Letter for Each PositionHow to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job ApplicationCreate a customized cover letter that introduces you as the best candidate right off the bat.Every year businesses spend billions on brand identity and ansehen. Corporate CEOs want the public to identify their business brand with little to no effort. This means spending countless hours creating marketing materials to spread the companys vision, mission and reputation online and in print. Similarly, individuals must invest in their own brand identity to be successful in their professional lives.Creating your best image and personal brand starts with the cover letter. The cover letter is the door-opener, conversation-starter and the first impression for hiring managers. When career counselors discuss the famous elevator pitch, they are referring to your cover letter. Its elend the resume, interview, or job application recruiters scrut inize first recruiters look to cover letters for a basic understanding and feel for potential candidates.Though most job seekers understand the importance of personal cover letters and spend countless hours writing creative sentences and including their most valuable assets, they rarely consider tailoring their cover letter to fit the actual job. Inserting bland material aimed at all jobs will reduce your chances of landing the interview. On the other hand, crafting a customized cover letter and connecting the dots shows the recruiter how your experience and skills are best suited for their needs.Here are a few strategies entwurfed to help tailor a customized cover letter, without overwhelming your job search.Start with relevant skills and abilities.Hiring managers look for candidates who fit their needs. Include skills on your resume that mirror the assets they are seeking in an employee. Compare your resume to the companys job description. But steer clear of bland descriptions or copy-and-pasting. Focus on your notable contributions and major attributes.As a senior marketing manager with more than 15 years experience creating campaigns and strategies to promote brand identity, I am able to ______. Some of my most recent accomplishments includeIncreased web traffic by 150% by analyzing current online trends, aligning company standards and strategies to match those trends and developing promotional products to draw traffic.Won $15 million Fortune 500 contract by promoting companys brand and product, analyzing competition and aligning sales goals to match current market trends.Awarded PRSAs Top Company Newsletter by redesigning publication, focusing on the information desired by the audience, utilizing graphics and images, including C-Level biographies and reducing overhead.Names do matter.Name dropping may be a dangerous pastime if you dont follow the rules carefully. But people do love reading their personennames in print. One area to include a name is the re cipients address and salutation. If the application or job description identifies a specific person to contact, be sure to address your cover letter and other application materials to that person. Even if the job deutsche post dhl doesnt include an actual person, try to avoid using To whom it may concern, Dear Sir or Maam or Dear Hiring Manager. These are dry and very impersonal. Call the company and ask for the contact person, do some digging on LinkedIn, or ask them how they prefer to be addressed.Mr. John DoeHiring ManagerCompany Name123 Main StreetAnytown, USA 12345Dear Mr. DoeSometimes companies have several team members working on applications. In those instances, you may not be able to address the letter to a specific person. These scenarios require a more professional technique. Address the letter to Dear Hiring Manager or the equivalent person for the company. Stay away from gender-specific language (i.e. Sir and Maam) as this is dangerous and can cause some hurt feelings. The recipients address should forego specific names and titles in this case. Use the companys name in place of an actual person.Company Name124 Main StreetAnytown, USA 12345Dear Hiring ManagerTell them you want the job and why.We all tend to focus on our accomplishments and qualities but forget the hiring process isnt about us. Recruiters are looking for people who will benefit the company. In the last paragraph not the closing paragraph a customized cover letter should tell the recruiter you want the job and why. Explain this is the company you want to work for and why. Go online and research the companys About Us web page. Gather information about the companys mission and vision statements. Learn more about their community engagement. Use this information to connect both the companys and your goals.I want to commit long-term to Company Name because both our goals align. Company Name seeks to promote self-awareness and compassion within the community through its program name. Alo ng those same lines, I haveSpeak their language.Some companies have forgone the human eyes approach to reading cover letters. They use advanced software called Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to weed out undesirable cover letters and resumes. In other words, you have to convince the computer before gaining access to the hiring manager. Go back to the job description and carefully look for keywords. These more likely are listed in the requirements section and include hard skills unique to the position. While resisting the urge to copy-paste the exact description into your cover letter, rewrite the description in your own words, aligning it with your resume and using the keywords.As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails using Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver) to create stunning digital and print images. My colleagues have credited my ability to design appealing, trending websites and social media accounts. Additionally, I have advanced k nowledge of video editing using FinalCut.Dont forget the introductory paragraph.All cover letters start with an introduction. A well-written, customized cover letter should include the companys name, position and other identifiers included in the job description. Forego any personal greetings (i.e. I hope this letter finds you well, Hope all is well, etc.). These personal messages are sloppy and unprofessional. Focus your intro paragraph on the topic and outline of the cover letter.I am responding to your job advertisement on Monster.com. As a professional project manager, I believe I am a good fit for Company Names IT Project Manager position. As you will see, my attached resume details more than five years experience managing technology solutions for competitive companies. My history includesCreating an easy-fill template.Customizing your cover letter doesnt mean creating a new cover letter every time you apply for a job. Templates are easy to make and an important time saver. Fol low these easy steps to create your template.Create your overall design. Chose a basic design that is professional and reflects your personality. Dont use colors, off-the-wall fonts or images. Creating a cover letter design just entails designing a header (stationary head) for your cover letter. It should include your name, the job title, and contact information.Write a specific letter to start. Copy your first cover letter and start with this template. Highlight all tailored information and replace it with brackets for easy identifications. For example, As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails using Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver) to create stunning digital and print images can be changed to As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails tailored information. Leave all bland, generic information and soft skills as is. This is transferable to all future personal cover letters.Save as a Word template. To prevent overwriti ng past saved cover letters, save your document as a template. Once saved, every time you open the file, it creates a new cover letter, exactly as you formatted it. To save a Word file as a template click File Save As. Choose Word Template from the drop-down box and name your file. Some versions of Word have different instructions which you can find in their Help Section.Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try out our free critique today