How to Understand LinkedIn in 30 Seconds

How to Understand LinkedIn in 30 Seconds This infographic, from Avid Careerist, shows you how to understand LinkedIn in 30 seconds. What are your top LinkedIn tips? Let us know in the comments below! Takeaways: A LinkedIn profile is different to a resume its not a static document! Groups are collections of people which share something in common here are the top 10 LinkedIn groups for job seekers. Recommendations carry more credibility than LinkedIn Endorsements. RELATED:  LinkedIn User Stats: By Network, Profiles, Groups and Applications [INFOGRAPHIC]

How Graduates Can Make the Most of LinkedIn and Twitter

How Graduates Can Make the Most of LinkedIn and Twitter “77% of recruiters suggest that they would run an online search for the candidate” “Only 29% students use social networking sites to promote themselves” The UK economy is set to go into a double dip recession (BBC, 2012), as the market shrinks by 0.2%. Although this is set to be revised at least twice, this still demonstrates that graduate job opportunities are going to continue to be few and far between. So how do new graduates gain an extra advantage when capturing the dream role they have studied so hard to achieve? Bringing Good To The Table Graduates need to consider what they can bring to the table for their new organisation. Dan Hawes  suggests using what you know best to get connected and create the cutting edge to get ahead. Most businesses who are not Internet savvy generally use newspaper ads, radio and television spots to reach out to customers and increase demand. However the generation for today use the internet for almost everything. Organisations are noticing the need to reach out to these customers and potential candidates to fill vacancies. Positive Social Networking Social networking has been blamed for removing the importance placed upon education and placing this importance upon social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. However, future graduates can use their social media savvy to discover graduate vacancies before they are advertised to the wider market. The way of advertising jobs through social media is becoming ever more popular due to the accessibility the candidates have to it and cost of doing such advertising. SME’s are feeling the need to digitalise and reach out and benefit online where a substantial growth of £0.8million in 2000 to £58.8billion in 2010. In today’s economy, an employer wants to know that, if required, you are able to complete a wide range of jobs. Having transferrable skills, a can do attitude and a willingness to learn and be involved in all aspects of the business is key to nailing the job interview. Although organisations prefer graduates with IT degrees, there is a need for graduates to understand social media in order to gain exposures. With this is mind, organisations are increasingly becoming broader in who they recruit when requiring a certain task to be completed with each executive incorporating social media into their professional branding strategy. Working In The Lime Light It is not only in the corporate world where you can use your social media savvy to get ahead of the game or to enjoy your role. Last year we learnt that Charlie Sheen was searching for an intern to manage his online presence. Charlie Sheen noticed the need to reach out to his supporters however did not have the time to do so. These types of jobs are becoming more apparent and available to recent graduates, so long as these graduates are able tom exploit their knowledge of using social media. You And The World Wide Web Although an online presence offers a positive for graduates, it is necessary to consider how it can reflect negatively upon yourself from your presence on the World Wide Web. 77% of recruiters suggest that they would run an online search for the candidate to generate additional information that can be of help. With this in mind it is important for graduates to promote themselves and paint a professional picture; however a survey showed that only 29% stated that they use social networking sites to promote themselves. The internet presents equal opportunities to enhance or damage your career prospects. It is essential that people are aware of the potential effects their online personal can have on their real lives. Graduates need to promote themselves through social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn to stay one step ahead of the rest. Can you really afford to not be promoting yourself through social media networking sites? Follow these five simple action points to use your social media savvy when gaining an advantage within the work place: 1. Ensure you have the following: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook Although there are many additional sites you can be registered with, these are the main ones recruiters are going to look at. However having additional profiles on the likes of marketplace can be a good addition. Although Facebook may not be deemed as a professional networking site, it offers vast opportunities to connect with various professionals on a personal level. 2. Stay active online and develop your professional digital footprint It is no good simply opening accounts with the mentioned sites. You will need to remain online commenting on relevant and professional topics. Have an interview but you are nervous? Look for your interviewer on LinkedIn and discover their interests to help create some common ground when you meet. The use of being able to see who has viewed your profile on LinkedIn means your interviewer knows you have gone the extra mile to understand the interviewer, which can only help demonstrate your determination to succeed. 3. Keep your social life separate from your working life Employees have been dismissed from their role within a firm due to their excessive use on social networking sites. Either they have been suing such sites whilst at work or have slated their colleagues or their firm on these sites. Ensure you remain professional with your wording and comments and use out of working hours. 4. Ensure your profiles remain up to date Stating something on your CV but it isn’t on your LinkedIn profile? This cast’s instant doubt into your interviewer about the credibility of either what your CV suggests or what your LinkedIn profile suggests. Check they link up and both are up to date. 5. Tweet regularly and follow the correct people There is no need to tweet every hour or every day, however making a quick tweet here and there about a recent story or a recent activity that either interests yourself (i.e. football) or reflects upon the type of roles you want to enter within the future (i.e. recent economic downturn with finance roles). Start following specific people, such as CIPFA, to demonstrate your interests and intent to remain up to date with the relevant news and information. Related: How To Apply for Your First Graduate Job. This Guest Post has been written by Laurence Chandler on behalf of The Graduate Recruitment Bureau.

3 Career Options With Booming Futures

3 Career Options With Booming Futures For young people who are just starting out or for long-time professionals looking for a career change, the American job market can be a promising, but intimidating place. There are millions of positions open in countless fields and industries, but there is also a large population of highly talented individuals competing for those positions. If you are deciding upon a major, graduating from school or looking for a new challenge in a new field, you may be uncertain about which options have the most and best opportunities available. Healthcare and technology are obviously two of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and both options provide countless possibilities for those who are skilled, trained and interested in these industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these fields are likely to provide the largest career growth in the next ten years. This guide collects three of the most promising career options, with the highest growth potential and most opportunity over the next few years, specifically in those fields. Whether you are looking for something new or just starting out in the job market, one of these options should offer the right kind of potential for a talented professional. Registered Nurse One of the most challenging and taxing careers, nursing can also be one of the most rewarding fields in the world. Registered nurses help assess patient health needs and care for patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools and countless other settings. For anyone looking for a job where they can have a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of many people, the world will always be in need of dedicated, skilled nurses. Currently with a projected median income of just under $67,000, statistics indicate that number could jump all the way to over $400,000 in the next seven years. With a large portion of the population growing older, medical technology improving and a constant need of people to care for the sick, registered nursing may offer the best growth potential of any career in the coming years.  Phlebotomist Sticking with the theme of healthcare and medical treatment, phlebotomy is a growing field that is expected to offer exponentially more opportunity in the immediate future. The number of phlebotomy jobs are expected to grow by as much as 25 percent over the next seven years, and phlebotomy salaries are on the rise. Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests, donations, transfusions or research. In addition to the obvious technical skills and attention to detail, good phlebotomists also have great communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues to patients. Software Application Developer Everyone is constantly on the lookout for the best and hottest new idea for an app, and software application developers help make the idea a reality. They develop front-end, user-oriented computer applications and programs for computers, smartphones and other systems. In the next seven years, the median income for these positions is expected to grow from around $95,000 to over $135,000. Software development requires a high level of technical expertise in the fields of computer programing, coding, user interface and similar disciplines. To be truly successful, developers should also be creative and flexible. There are countless options out there for new professionals with any number of skills, interests and specialities, and you should look to find where yours match the job. Happiness and job satisfaction are crucial to a successful career, so even if these options do not work for you, you are sure to find something that does in the booming U.S. job market.

Entrepreneur Exercise Secrets - Classy Career Girl

Entrepreneur Exercise Secrets As an entrepreneur or an office worker today, it is so easy to live a sedentary lifestyle and just eat what’s easy to grab or to not eat at all. For a long time, I would hit up the vending machine for chips in the afternoon at least three days a week. It did not make me feel well and I was not keeping exercise a priority either. I just wasn’t paying attention to my health. Sound familiar? It takes effort and planning to exercise and eat nutritious food every day. And it’s so easy to make the excuse that we’re too busy to focus on these “luxuries” or “free time activities.” But exercise and nutrition shouldn’t be luxuries. They should be non-negotiable. Why? Exercising in the morning boosts your energy for the day and increases your focus. Food is fuel so if you feed your body nutritious foods, you’ll have more energy. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood. Here’s How to Keep Your Body Fueled Up so You Feel Energetic Motivated: 1) Exercise 5 â€" 7 days Per Week I have no excuse not to do this because I use workout programs that I can complete in my living room. I don’t have to drive to the gym. I can look absolutely awful if I want to. It’s never too cold or too wet to work out because I’m indoors. All I have to do is hit play. 2) Listen to Your Body When You Need Rest Days Exercising 5 â€" 7 days a week can be hard on the body if you don’t pay attention. The exercise programs I use include active recovery days and I make sure to take them. Plus, I take days off if I’m sick or my body just hurts. 3) Drink  a Protein Superfood Shake Every Morning I don’t have to think about my breakfast in the morning because in just two minutes I have a shake that includes a hearty serving of protein, greens, and superfoods like goji berry and moringa. Bonus: it tastes like a chocolate milkshake. It comes in other flavors, but I love the chocolate too much to switch it up. These shakes have helped me curb my sugar and caffeine cravings. I stay energetic throughout the day with fewer crashes. [Related Posts: 5 Simple Health Tips We Love] 4) Seek the Support of an Accountability Group Whether I did what I was supposed to do or didn’t, I post about it in my group. My coach keeps me accountable and notices if I stop posting and calls me out on it. It’s also a community where I can ask questions, get support, and learn more about health and fitness. I tried and failed again and again to do this on my own. But it wasn’t until I got a group and then added fitness coaching to my traveling wellness brand that I found consistent success. I coach groups through workouts from the company Beachbody. They’re the creators of popular workouts like P90X, Insanity, and the 21 Day Fix. I coach groups because I do and love the workouts myself and they’ve made me a healthier, more positive person. What are your favorite ways to stay healthy and motivated every day?

What Happens When You Have a Ridiculous Goal CareerMetis.com

What Happens When You Have a Ridiculous Goal â€" CareerMetis.com Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comI had a very bold audacious goal early in my career.I wanted to be the VP Marketing before I was 40 years old.evalYou may not think this was bold, for today there many CEO’s and executives much younger, but a few very short years ago, working for a monopoly telephone company with the executive ranks replete with mainly engineering professionals, it was very ambitious.Marketing was, at that time, thought to be a fluffy discipline as compared to the hard engineering sciences. In fact many believed that marketing wasn’t necessary in a monopoly market.After all the company decided what services to provide its “subscribers” and the prices to be charged were approved by the regulator. That was it; not much of a role for traditional marketing to play. Technology was the driving force.Therefore the Marketing VP position was not viewed as one of great strategic value to the organization and was typically filled by one of the engineering brethren.So my audaci ous goal was not only a stretch, it was “impossible” given the circumstances of the day.But that’s what I wanted, so I declared it (to myself) without any idea of how I would achieve it.I had no plan. I just “put it out in the universe” and went about my duties as Group Product Manager.I knew, however, that if I were to be successful in achieving my objective I would have to consciouslydeviate from what I had been doing in the past.I had to step up my game if I were to successfully break through the engineering glass ceiling, be noticed and win the prize.That was my plan. Step up. Step out. Raise my game. Be a force to be reckoned with.Make my move to VP so compelling to the executive leadership team that when the opportunity availed itself there would be no other logical conclusion that I would be the ideal candidate.The audaciousness of my goal drove the strategy that was necessary.A HUGE challenge demanded a revolutionary approach. An incremental more modest approach wo uld not yield the outcome I coveted.I looked for opportunities to be different. To do things differently than others. I did more of what was required. I did the unexpected. I went in the opposite direction to the thinking and trends of the time.I voraciously learned what had to be done to make the move from a monopoly telephone company to a highly competitive enterprise.And I talked up internally the moves we had to make in marketing new services that would enable us to stand out from other competitive suppliers and in customer service where we had to lose the tag of treating customers with a monopolist’s attitude derived from being the only game in town.I stuck to my game plan.The regulatory rules changed and competition arrived.Marketing and customer service became key components of our competitive strategy.A new marketing VP was required.I competed against many external candidates.I won.I was 39. I beat my audacious goal.My message to young professionals is to declare what you want.Let the “ridiculousness” of your goal be your guide to achieving it.Keep it in your consciousness. Do BIG things.Do different things.

7 Ways for Teachers to Make Extra Money - CareerAlley

7 Ways for Teachers to Make Extra Money - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. If you are working as a teacher you are probably in luck when it comes to talents and possibilities for earning extra money. Figure out how much spare time you have and what your preferences are before you start looking. Following are 7 suggestions that may be helpful to you when looking for ways to make extra money. 1. Write For a teacher, writing can be profitable in many ways. You can become a freelancer and earn money by writing different content for website or blogs. If you are more talented and you dont want to waste your time writing for someone else, make your own website. It takes more time to advertise it and the content must be very interesting to the audience, but if you are persistent you can make it work. You can also write an e-book and sell it. 2. Create If you are artistic and love drawing or painting, you can make your own little exhibition and sell your art work. There are many possibilities when it comes to art. Hand-made jewelry, greeting cards, decoupage boxes, picture frames etc. Share your creative corner using social media and if you make an effort to create quality pieces, your audience will recognize that and give you some money in return. 3. Tutor Earn extra money by doing what you actually do for living tutor! Whether you teach math, English or some other subject, tutoring online can definitely pay off. You already have experience with teaching so you wouldnt have to make any additional effort. Finding tuition job should not be difficult since home tuition has become very popular nowadays. All you have to do is to find your students is internet search. You will find many websites for this purpose, choose the one that works best for your schedule and give it a shot. 4. Work as a virtual assistant One of the freelance jobs that is very popular and may be easy to find is working as a virtual assistant. What exactly will you be doing? Well, that depends on which business you will help run. Basically, you are working from the comfort of your home, and you can be contracted for one project or it can be a continuing job such as replying to e-mails and comments. It can be an exciting way to earn some extra money. 5. Sell lesson plans Even though some teachers dont want to sell their lesson plans, worksheets and activities, more and more of them are actually willing to do that. Theres even a website that can help teachers connect so that it will be easier for them to offer and search for lesson plans. If you can help your colleagues and earn some extra money by sharing something that you already have, why not do it? 6. Set up a summer camp Many teachers set up day-camps at their school location for the subjects they love to teach. Look for a subject you find interesting and fun for kids and set up a camp for it!This idea is perfect for summer months. Parents are happy for keeping their kids busy and doing something useful, kids are happy because they are having fun with their friends, and you are also happy since you got paid for your service. Before you start, make sure to check all the rules and regulations associated with setting up a camp and you are good to go. 7. Professional organizer If youre obsessed with getting and staying organized you can turn your organizational skills into extra money. Start making some money on the side as a professional organizer. Many people really do need help with everything from arranging shoes in their closets to properly filing important paperwork, and are ready to pay for it. Advertise your services and see what happens. Use your talents for writing or making art, your organizational skills, or simply skills of teaching to earn some extra money. Possibilities are around every corner, you just have to find them. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+

How to Write a Powerful Student Resume

How to Write a Powerful Student ResumeIt is quite simple to create a powerful and inspiring student resume. The only trick is to do it the right way and use your skills in several ways to get it exactly right. However, if you choose to learn and master this one trick on how to write a true, honest and impressive student resume, your chances of being selected for an interview will definitely increase.Although many people are familiar with the format of the REASONS FOR Hiring section that appears in the first page of a free application form published by the Schools of Education Association, very few people know that the content of your student resume is based on the specific reasons why your school or program is the best for you. You may as well be surprised to know that your quality of work as a student will be assessed based on these reasons.Another factor that goes into determining whether your student resumes would be accepted by a prospective employer is your unique set of qualifi cations which are known as your 'Power Points.' With your Power Points you could create a convincing argument for why your program is the best to obtain a desirable position with.Most students who fail to land jobs that would have been a dream come true end up regretting their idea of what constitutes a powerful student resume. What they forget to mention is that the reason why you want to get hired by the company is not due to your academic accomplishments but the fact that you have mastered your expertise and skills in the field of teaching.A job offer would mean nothing if the company did not value what you have learned in that particular school or college. That is why your Power Points should definitely include an explanation as to why your prospective employer should hire you.The next factor that makes or breaks a job offer is the work experience you have acquired in the specific program. A list of your work experiences and accomplishments as a student can help get your resume accepted by prospective employers who are very keen on acquiring more knowledge about you.Employers also look for reasons for hiring, not just for the particular reason why you were hired in the first place. Some of the reasons why they hire people include having the right attitude, possessing the passion for learning, presenting yourself professionally, etc.When creating your own student resume, your Power Points, work experience and the specific reasons for hiring you, you must be as specific as possible. Even if your material is not overly technical, employers who are searching for a qualified applicant would want to get a glimpse of your personality through a sample of your work experiences.