Which Halloween Spooks Make the Best Workers

Which Halloween Spooks Make the Best Workers Has your candidate search become a bit of a horror? Perhaps thats a good thing! People First reckon that the ghouls and zombies of the workforce could actually bring something valuable to the table. Heres what makes each of these 5 types of candidate such a great hire. The Zombie: Willing to attack a problem head on, without hesitation. Theyre very logical and make great problem solvers. The Ghost: This candidate believes in complete transparency, making them 100% honest and open about their thoughts and ideas. What you see is what you get with this kind of person, so you can trust them. Frankenstein: This person is the life and soul of the party and has  a larger than life personality. They may come across as a bit kooky, because they have a unique sense of humour. The Vampire: Willing to take a bite out of anything. They will give everything a go and put their full effort in. Theyre easy to please and would take a dark basement office with no window if they have to. The Mummy: They live life with their arms outstretched and ready to help out where they can. Theyre really supportive and caring.

How to Jazz Up Your Personal Brand [5 Free Ways]

How to Jazz Up Your Personal Brand [5 Free Ways] There are lots of things you can do to jazz up your personal brand and many of them are completely free! Here are 5 things you can do for your personal brand without spending even a penny: 1. 360 °Reach Personal Brand Assessment 360 °Reach is the first and leading web-based personal brand assessment that helps you get the real story about how you are perceived by those around you. It gives you anonymous feedback about your brand attributes, brand persona, strengths, and weaknesses so  you can expand your career or business success. The basic version of the tool is FREE  and you can  sign up here. More information can be found in this video: 2. Online ID Calculator: Do you know how the world sees you? Are you digitally distant or digitally disguised? Your first page of search results is what people are using to make critical and even life-changing decisions about you. Assess your current online identity and then strategize how to improve, adjust, and even clean-up your search results. The best resource for this is a FREE tool called the  Online ID Calculator. By googling your name and answering just a handful of questions you will learn where you are situated on the ‘digital scale’ a scale which measures the volume of information about you and the relevancy of this information to who you say you are. You are then plotted somewhere on the scale ideally you want to have high volume and high relevance to ensure you are distinct. 3. Personal Portals I have always been a huge fan of personal portals that are essentially the window to your personal brand on the web. Two very common portals are  About.me  and  Flavors.me  where you can set up your own 1-page portal on the web. They are totally FREE so if you have not set one up this year then do it now! A cool new tool (also FREE) that lets viewers ‘interact’ with your portal is  Vizify,  a kind of personal portal based on the best of your social media content. What I love is that it collects and transforms  all the fragmented data across your social media platforms into a unified, visual profile.  TechCrunch  have called it the “slick new way to present your personal brand.” 4. Online Reputation Management Tools Once you know your digital identity, be pro-active throughout the year and manage your online reputation.  Three great tools to manage your reputation are  BrandYourself.com,  Vizibility.com, and  Profiled.com. Open a profile on each of these platforms because after all a basic account is (yup, you guessed it!)  FREE!  Also, set up Google Alerts (also FREE) for your name so that anytime your name does show up on Google, you will get an email informing you of this new search result. The key here is to take ownership in managing your online presence throughout the year. Make it a regular habit to even  â€˜ego surf’   Googling your own name â€" to see how the world sees you! 5. Google Authorship This is one of the simplest and most overlooked ways to build your visibility and credibility. If you are an active contributor of content / thought leadership online, are you verifying your “authorship” to these posts that show up on Google search? Essentially what this does is link your content that shows up in Google search to your Google+ Profile. This means that your profile photo appears alongside search results attributed to you as well as a link to more content from you as the author. Some people have no interest in using Google+ and that is fine. Simply set up a FREE Google+ profile and link it to the content you create and enjoy a higher click-through rate for your content. To learn how to set up Google authorship  click here. Do you know other tools to use to jazz-up our personal brands? Please let us know in the comments below. Top image: Shutterstock

Tips for Nailing Your Interview Presentation

Tips for Nailing Your Interview Presentation Imagine the stress, nerves and anxiety associated with interviewing for a job â€" multiply that by 10, and that’s how you might initially feel when you’re told to perform an interview presentation. You’ll have to speak in front of a group of professionals and show them why you’re the best candidate for the job. It looks like those public speaking classes are coming in handy for something, after all. At this final stage in the interviewing process, it’s more important than ever to perform well. However, if public speaking isn’t your strong point or if you feel as though this is too stressful, relax. Preparing for an interview presentation is just like preparing for a regular interview. If you take the time to get ready, there’s no reason you shouldn’t nail it. Have Structure This presentation is supposed to show your qualifications, so you want it to be structured and organized. A good rule of thumb is to make it seem as though you’re telling a story. It’s much more engaging if it seems like a journey â€" where you started out, how you got your qualifications, what you plan to do with the job once you get there. Cover the past, present and future. Most importantly, keep their attention. Start with an engaging beginning, move onto strong arguments and end with a compelling conclusion. Incorporate Visual Aids (And Have a Backup Plan) Hearing someone do nothing but talk for an entire presentation is tedious and will lose people’s attention instantly. It’s a smart idea to include visuals such as display boards for the benefit of the people in the room. But don’t let the visuals overwhelm your presentation. Images and visuals are great tools â€" they can show your skills and your accomplishments, something that words alone cannot always do. If you’re relying on an electronic presentation, have a backup plan in case something isn’t working that day. The last thing you want to do is look unprepared. Practice Beforehand You should know your presentation inside out before you step into the room. Go through your presentation and make a note of any little thing that could be important, such as when to emphasize a point, when to pause, even when to breathe. Ask some friends you trust to watch your presentation and act as the panel. Have them ask questions, particularly questions you think will be asked. Keep this up until you’re confident you know the presentation well. Maintain Strong Body Language The way you carry yourself says more than your words can. For example, if you pace back and forth, you appear nervous. When you stand firmly or move with a purpose, it shows you’re confident. When you’re presenting, show you’re confident and comfortable. If you don’t think you can do that, fake it. Have those trusted friends of yours call you out when you’re slumping or closing yourself off. Be aware when you have weak body language and correct it until it’s second nature. Know Your Audience Remember, you’re essentially selling your brand to potential employers. Show them why they should invest in it. You should know who will be there, what the company does, the culture â€" anything that will work in your favor. Just as you tailor your resume or cover letter for each job you apply to, you need to make sure this presentation is a perfect fit for the people who will see it. Wear Your Power Outfit As crazy as it sounds, what you wear affects how you feel. When you think you look good, you feel good. Wear your best professional outfit â€" a nice pencil skirt with a blazer and modest heels or a rocking pantsuit with a sharp blouse â€" and make it your own. Don’t go too crazy with the accessories, but if you need a flash of color add a necklace or a bracelet. Getting ready for the interview presentation can be stressful and nerve-wracking, but with practice and a bit of psychological boosters, you’ll walk in that room knowing you’re ready for it. Images by Kaboompics  and Unsplash

From Graduate to Mad Science Manager - An Interview

From Graduate to Mad Science Manager - An Interview This post is an interview with Rachelle Briggs. I know Rachelle from my time at University. We were both on the same course and she was the Engineering Society President when I was briefly the Secretary. Rachelle graduated and went on to become a manager with Mad Science org. Not surprising, if you know her. I am glad she has given me this interview, as she is someone I can see going onto bigger and better positions in the industry. Faizan: B.Eng and Manager straight out of uni! That is pretty amazing â€" how did it come about? Was it planned?   Rachelle: Planned in that I was applying for jobs. I actually wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do after graduation but I knew I didn’t want to apply for any and all graduation schemes for the sake of it. I wanted a job I liked and I wanted responsibility. I was really interested in the MoD graduate scheme but that was essentially it so I applied to the MoD and then a manager position opened up at Mad Science. As I worked part-time at Mad Science running science after school clubs and birthday parties etc for primary kids for 2 years, I knew how the company worked and exactly what the job entails and I knew I would love going to work. I got offered the MoD and the manager position about the same time and decided that although the MoD would be an amazing engineering opportunity, I didn’t want to be one of hundreds of graduates working alongside thousands of people in a job I might not even enjoy. At Mad Science I’m one of 2 managers in the Leicester branch and 1 of 6 in the entire company answering only to the MD’s. It’s a job with a lot of responsibility and many different roles so I’m never bored! It was a fairly easy choice when it came down to it. Faizan: Thats fantastic. MoD I was an admirer of their Engineering graduate scheme, unfortunately with my International Student status, I couldnt make up my mind right! Anyways, Were you involved in extra curricular activities whilst at University? Were they wide ranging and were they helpful?   Rachelle: Yes, I enjoy being busy! Alongside my general Engineering degree I worked part-time, 2 â€" 3 afternoons a week running after school clubs. I also volunteered at a local college mentoring GCSE girls through personal problems and school work. I had drum lessons, and of course, I was heavily involved in the Engineering Society from first year as Events Manager, second year Social Secretary and third year President. Everything I did at uni helped me develop skills for the workplace, skills that aren’t often gained through simply doing a degree. Everyone has “very good organisational skills” or “very good communication skills” but it doesn’t mean anything unless you can back it up with proof of how and where you’ve learnt and developed these attributes. According to reports there are at least 10 other people applying for a position and they’ll all say exactly the same thing on their CV but only the people who can actually prove they are capable will get the job. A degree is no longer enough. When looking for jobs I was told more than once that I may as well not put my degree on my CV when applying for graduate schemes â€" they know you’ve got a degree because you’re applying to the graduate scheme in the first place! It’s everything else that matters. Faizan: That is very true. I often stress in my posts that students HAVE to get some sort of work experience under their belt! What’s it like to work at Mad Science and what are the requirements to get a job? Rachelle: It’s tough but worth it! Mad Science is a company that delivers interactive and exciting science clubs, in-school workshops and birthday parties etc. for primary children getting them inspired and involved in science. Working for the company as a part-time presenter before becoming a manager meant I mostly knew what I was in for. As a manager, it’s my job to keep the Leicester branch of Mad Science East Midlands running. We do a lot of sales making bookings with schools, without this there would be no work for the staff so no income for the business. We deliver assemblies and stage shows in schools that need to be amazing enough to generate interest and income. I keep all of our kits up-to-date and the stock levels up. Make sure all of our staff are in the right place at the right time with the right kit. Develop our kits and research experiments that we can do in schools with relevant science information. I’ve started projects such as looking at social media marketing and how we can use social media in the most effective way. I’ve also focused on Special Education Needs as a lot of what we do brings so much to children with special needs. Faizan: Any advice or key points you want to offer current graduates and students?   Rachelle: Only that if you wouldn’t pay thousands of pounds to get a degree you’re not interested in, then why apply for jobs that earn you thousands of pounds for something you’re not interested in? Figure out what you enjoy, what you want out of a job and then research careers you can follow that incorporate this. Employers will sense your enthusiasm and confidence! Unless, of course, money is all you want! Faizan: Thanks for the interview Rachelle. I wish you good luck in your future endeavours and hopefully as you climb positions I can still get an odd interview for our readers ?? 6

7 Ways to Stay Motivated in a Frustrating Job Hunt CareerMetis.com

7 Ways to Stay Motivated in a Frustrating Job Hunt â€" CareerMetis.com Job hunting can be a frustrating endeavor. Sometimes it takes a while to find your perfect fit. In the meantime, it can get discouraging to face rejection or go to an interview and never hear back.The critical part of a job search, though, is to keep trying. Eventually, you’ll find a job that will work for you. While you look, you need to keep hope and stay motivated. The brighter and more driven you are, the more likely you are to find success.evalThe gold news is that there are a variety of ways you can keep your spirits high during your job hunt.1) Take the Time to Get OrganizedevalThe first thing you can do to stay motivated can help you in your job search before you ever reach your first obstacle. Organization can go a long way in keeping yourself in order and reduce the stress that arises when things don’t go smoothly.Take a look at your resume and make sure everything is updated. Do you have your latest job listed? Are your references up-to-date? Is your LinkedIn profile u pdated? These details will help you land a job faster because it will impress potential employers.On the day you have an interview, set everything up the night before. Set your alarm and choose your outfit the night before. Make sure to leave early enough on the day of your interview that you don’t have to worry about uncontrollable variables, such as traffic.The last thing you want is to show up to your interview late and frazzled. When you walk in, and you feel put together for the meeting, you are more likely to perform with confidence.2) Create a ScheduleDuring a job search, it can be natural to tire of looking at jobs. As such, you might find yourself dreading getting to the computer or going out to look for companies that are hiring.The best way to stay motivated to look for jobs is to force yourself to keep looking. Schedule time each day that you will dedicate to job hunting. Make it a routine that you’ll stick to rather than something you have to remember to do each day .3) Rely on SupportevalWhether you are looking for a job or dealing with other stress in your life, your support system can go a long way. Allow your friends, family, or any other form of support system you have to help you throughout your search.At the very least, you should take time away from your job search to spend with your support group, so you don’t get burnt out by doing the same thing over and over.Your support group can also be helpful to prepare yourself for an interview or application as well. If you want a second set of eyes to look over your resume and cover letter or practice your elevator pitch, your support system is there to give you feedback.If you are looking to create a support system, it can often be helpful to reach out to other current job searchers. This way, you can all share your experiences, tips, and prepare together for the best results.4) Look for Companies You LoveevalIn the middle of a job search, it can be disheartening to realize you’re applyi ng to jobs that you don’t want. To keep yourself motivated, try to stay on track by looking for employment with companies you like or jobs that allow you to work your way up the ladder in your career.At the very least, you want to make sure you go into an interview knowing all you can about the company you are applying for. This shows your potential employer that you are interested in furthering the company rather than just getting a paycheck. In real life, not knowing who the head of the company is or what the company does like in the film The Devil Wears Prada, you probably won’t get the job.eval5) Learn from FailureA common problem that many come to in the face of failure is to equate it to not being good enough. However, failure can be useful on the path to success.When you have a failed interview, take a look back on it. Is there something you would do differently? Did the interviewer give you any feedback? In general, what can you work on? Take the lessons you’ve learned through failure and use them moving forward to find success.It’s also important to understand that sometimes, failure happens. You might have thought that you were the perfect fit only for someone even more qualified to pull the rug from under your feet. If you let these failures get to you, your job search is going to be extremely difficult. Understand that sometimes things don’t go your way and when that happens, you have to move forward.6) Don’t Overwork YourselfWe mentioned earlier that it could be beneficial to create a schedule for your job search. For example, setting aside a few hours each day to search is a good idea. If you make your schedule heavy, on the other hand, you can burn yourself out.If instead of a few hours, you look for jobs from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed, you’ll exhaust yourself, and you might have little to show for it. Often, it can be beneficial to take a few hours or even a day off from your search. This gives you time to reg roup and come back to your search with a fresh and energized perspective.7) Remember Your GoalIt’s a little cliche to say you have to remember that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s true. Your job search is a temporary stage that will transition into you having a job that you love or at least allows you to grow into your goal.One of the best ways to do this is to write your goals down on a piece of paper. When you have an off day or your job search seems overwhelming, take a second to look at that paper and remember why you are searching so hard for the right fit.

Overcome Fears and Add More of What You Want Into Your Life

Overcome Fears and Add More of What You Want Into Your Life Unhappy in your job? Ready for a change but not sure where to start? In this episode, youll hear from Lara Appleton creator of HelloKhaya.com. Lara explains how she changed careers from a high-powered design career in New York and now enjoys more freedom, passion and fulfillment sharing her genius in new and exiting ways. Hear how she made her dream job a reality and how you can too.Also hear tips on how to attract more of what you want into you life and work. And when you start that new dream job, you can read my quotes in this recent New York Times article, How to Answer Tricky Personal Questions at a New Job.Im sorry to share the passing of a past guest on my radio show. Lucianna Samu. Check out her legacy in these inspiring design books.As the seasons change, its the perfect time to consider your career transition to better, happier, and more fulfilling work. Heres to you making a great living!While the predictable path may feel more comfortable, it goes against the nature of c hange and growth. Amy Dean Check out this episode!

Using Resume Online Writing Benefits

Using Resume Online Writing BenefitsWhen writing a resume online, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, and you may want to take a look at some of these tips if you want to keep your writing style professional. Taking the time to do this will help you not only make your own resume look better, but it will also help you land the job you want.A lot of people think that they need to be a computer expert to write a resume online. In fact, there are plenty of people who can do it just as well if not better than the person with all the training in the world.You can get a lot of great benefits by writing a resume online. Some of these benefits include making it look professional, getting great leads, getting more respect from potential employers, and getting the job you want. There are many other benefits, but these are the top three.First, make sure your resume looks nice-looking. This will give you a professional appearance in your job search, which will translate into a good f irst impression for everyone involved, including the potential employer.Second, if you are talking to a potential employer, this is the time to make sure that you give him a really clear reason for why you want the job. This is so that he will see that you have some skills that he can use to get the job he is looking for.Last, make sure that you have a strong resume on hand, which will also impress the potential employer. As an author of resumes, you should be able to give the employer a good chance to get to know you and your skills before he considers hiring you.These are just a few of the benefits you can get by using resume online writing. It is a great way to learn how to make a resume that catches the eye of a potential employer.