5 Reasons Why All Jobseekers Need to Have a Work Portfolio

5 Reasons Why All Jobseekers Need to Have a Work Portfolio Let’s face it: the old way of job searching is a thing of the past. Answering a job ad won’t get us a solid career anymore. We must go to networking events, shape our professional brand, and prove that we’re the sort of candidate to watch. In addition to all of these tactics though, all job seekers should have an updated work portfolio in their arsenal. Work portfolios tell the story of you, including where you came from and what you want to achieve. However, apart from the obvious benefits, work portfolios are starting to become the norm and it’s advisable for every job seeker to build one in order to paint the whole picture. Here’s why: 1. Standard resumes and cover letters don’t cut it Resumes (as well as cover letters) won’t get someone the job on their own. Of course, job seekers need them, but the bullet points and the few paragraphs can’t tell your entire work story. On the other hand, work portfolios allow job seekers to add more to their case, such as previous career wins, specials skills and how they were used, endorsements, etc. Resumes and cover letters can only do so much, so think of work portfolios as picking up where they leave off. Related: How To Create an Alternative Resume on Prezi. 2. The HR department has limited time If you weren’t aware already, human resource representatives may receive between 200 to 300 resumes per job. Who has time to go through hundreds of lines, dated objective statements, and cover letters that may or may not tell the right story? Not many. Instead, a work portfolio not only sets job seekers apart from the competition, it does a better job of relaying why you may be right for the job by providing solid evidence as to opposed to beating around the bush about it. After all, you can say you accomplished something, but if you can show it, you’ll be in a better position to land the job. 3. Visuals catch the eye We live in a world where images, videos, and graphics relay information better than script. Plus, with stacks of resumes on their desks, HR reps and recruiters would probably appreciate something that stands out from the norm. For instance, if you were part of a successful advertising campaign, showing the copy, images, numbers, reports, etc., would do a better job at presenting your accomplishments than just saying you part of something that worked out in your favor. 4. Sharing current goals and progress is important Sometimes, it’s all about what you’re working on now. Work portfolios have the ability to share current goals, as well as the progress you’ve made. This sort of real-time sharing also clues your audience in on your current projects, opens up the door for conversation, and shows how you perform on a day-to-day basis, which can tell the HR rep or recruiter a lot about what kind of candidate you are. 5. A work story means something Your personal work story means something. It shapes who you are as a candidate and shouldn’t be an overlooked factor when applying for a job. Think of it this way: how much of “you” comes off when you send a cover letter or resume? Does it say how you work with others? Can it show what your specialities are to the T? Does it relay if you’ll fit in with the current company culture? Probably not. A work portfolio can do all of those things since it enhances who you are as a candidate by providing the backstory your audience needs, which not only sets you apart, but also puts you at the head of the line when it comes to getting the job. What do you think? What are some other reasons job seekers should have a work portfolio? Related: Why Your Bio is the Most Important Career Document. Morgan Norman is the Founder and CEO of WorkSimple the Social Performance platform that works the way you do. Designed for individuals, teams, and large organizations, WorkSimple is a better way to share goals, collaborate, get feedback, and get your work endorsed. Connect with him and WorkSimple on Twitter.

Writing a Resume For NPS

Writing a Resume For NPSWhen people read resumes, they often ask the same question - is it possible to write a resume for NPS? Sometimes, there is confusion about the differences between career paths in NPS and PC. In this article, we will explore the difference between PC and NPS resumes and what the job market looks like for each type of resume.Writing a resume for NPS can be as much of a challenge as a PC resume. There are many things that are different about the two types of resumes. The first of these is the use of acronyms that are used on a PC resume, but not so much in the NPS resume. For example, on a PC job, you might see the phrase 'credits' and hear the word 'certified'.With a PC resume, this is one of those acronyms that are used very casually and without much thought. In most cases, someone using this type of resume has only been in business for a few months. The number of years they have been in business is very low. They will almost always have a few hundred hours of experience, which is more than you will find on the NPS resume.On the other hand, a person applying for a position in a technical support role might be applying for a position where they will not be required to get certified. NPS resume should include the words 'certified,' because the candidate will need to get certified before they can start getting advanced support.So, you might be wondering if it is possible to write a resume for NPS and PC at the same time. Not really. This is a catch-22 situation. The only way to make this possible is to have a job in a position that will require certification, and then you can write a separate job application that goes with it.Another difference between a NPS and a PC resume is how much of the information is true to life. NPS resume is almost always filled with lots of information that may be true, but the candidate is not actually currently employed by the company where they are applying. Whereas, on a PC resume, the employer will usually ch eck out the computer hardware and software that the candidate is using to fill out the application form.Another factor that contributes to the complexity of NPS resumes is the difference in the skill sets of the two job candidates. The skills will probably be somewhat related, but the job descriptions will not be. Because of this, the job application form will need to be written with a bit more care than a PC application form would.When it comes down to it, a resume for NPS does not have to be as difficult as a resume for a PC. Just be sure to find the right job description and be sure to follow it correctly and with as much detail as possible.

Guest Post Five Career Skills You Wont Learn in College

Guest Post Five Career Skills You Wont Learn in College By Katrina Manning You’ve completed the coursework, aced the exams, and now you’re fully prepared to enter the world of employment…..or are you? The real world is full of surprises which unfortunately aren’t taught in the average college course and you’ll need to be prepared for these challenges if you want to progress in your chosen career. Here are five much needed career skills that you won’t learn in college, but many employers will expect you to have: Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'1TfwvzuTRUhFuwISEDoidg',sig:'oKTZpitLa0lZ-hUPmo2346D-tPai_yVl2fLiqUH1Wmk=',w:'507px',h:'338px',items:'143071482',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); 1. Persistence.   Pulling an all-nighter to finish a paper the day before it’s due or cramming in all your study just before an exam is nothing compared to the persistence required in the professional world. Having the ability to pick yourself up after the fifteenth rejection letter is difficult, but you need to power through to the sixteenth interview which could be the key to landing the dream career. Having a strong support structure, intelligently networking, and monitoring your industry can all help you survive during the job search stage. If you decide to work in the insurance industry, persistence will certainly serve you well! 2. Networking Skills. Many people find it easy to make lots of new friends in college and develop a strong social network, however, did you learn how to use this network for career success or did you just concentrate on becoming as popular as possible? Maintaining contact with people who can provide you with information about potential opportunities in your career field can lead to referrals, positions which aren’t advertised, and invaluable assistance in career progression. People will want to help you, but not if you are constantly pestering them, so be sure to maintain the relationship for its own merit. 3. Responsibility. Remember that wild party you went to and decided that a lecture the next morning didn’t sound as appealing as a day in front of the television? Unfortunately, in the real world you can’t pick and choose your work schedule and will have to turn up on time every day. Your responsibilities extend beyond being punctual too, with accountability for your work, meeting deadlines, and emails all part of the job. In a working environment, your work affects others and vice-versa. One of these jobs will certainly give you some of the skills you need. 4. Humble Interactions. In college, if you don’t like someone you are able to avoid them and won’t have to worry about awkward interactions. However, in the real world you have no choice about who your colleagues are, where they come from, or what makes them tick. You will need to understand and interact with a multitude of personalities. Having the ability to express appreciation or ask for forgiveness can help you avoid being caught up in a conflict and help your career flourish. 5. Dealing with Feedback. So you got a B in a tough exam and you were over the moon, however, in the real world this simply means you should have got an A. Actually, in the professional world you don’t receive grades but are simply told to listen to the feedback you are given by your superiors. There’s no such thing as a straight C employee, and consistently displaying an effort to perform to your peak abilities is essential. College offers you great experience and knowledge, but skills like those above are ones you won’t pick up during ‘the best years of your life’. Want a great job? You’ll need to sign up for a new class at the University of Life. Guest Contributor: Katrina Manning is part of the content Marketing team at Rankexperts.com. Her writing and editing services have been in demand for the last six years, and she has contributed to a variety of websites and publications. She enjoys covering SEO strategies, tech, business and lifestyle.

8 Black Friday Shopping Tips You Should Know

8 Black Friday Shopping Tips You Should Know Black Friday sale is soon hitting out in stores and it has got everyone excited. Be it any part of the world, or any store, shopaholics are ready to look for the best holiday deals ever. With the increasing hype and anticipation of the discounted sale, there is always a shopping chaos found at stores and the never-ending network traffic on the online shops. To make sure you purchase your best buy, it is always good to go with a plan or at least have a few things in mind before you place your order. We have a small number of tips for you to remember before the sale week kicks off. Theyll help you  score   the best  Black Friday  shopping deals! Have a look: Do your research Many stores start posting the deals a week before the sales begin, thus it is always good to know about the product description and quality. Also, make sure to do a price survey from different stores so you have a clear idea. Create a shopping list Always look for each deal beforehand and list out the items you want to buy. In case you don’t find them, make a backup list too. Experts say, creating a list of exactly what items you need, saves time and a lot of hassle. In this way, you can visit the stores that are less crowded first. Take someone along If you have a long list of shopping to do, take a friend or a sibling along with you so you both can divide and conquer the items quickly. In many of the stores, the items run out very fast because of the unexpected rush so this will help you grab the items before they go out of stock. Can you handle the crowd? If you are someone who can manage a large number of crowds and long hours of waiting, then you’re good to go else it is better for you to stay at home and shop online. Is the deal worth it? Before making the final selection, you should know whether the product is worth spending for or not. It is advised to check out product reviews on Amazon before you make your shopping list so you are clear about your decision. Head out Early Many stores have special deals in the early morning hours from 4-11 am to help gain crowd attention at such time. Since, it is not the peak shopping time, you might find less crowd and something unusually good of a deal. Study all the store policies During the extremely busy sales week, stores often make stricter return and exchange policies, so make sure you have all information about the store before you buy a deal. In case if you are buying a clothing item, check sizes beforehand if the return policies are down.  Late Night Deals Do not keep all your shopping left for the peak hours; midnight to late 4am since that is when many people especially the night owls come to buy. Make sure you split the items for each part of the day so that you don’t have to over stress yourself. This guest post was authored by Edna Francis: Edna Francis is a professional content writer, digital marketer and contributing editor who is working on many blogs like  http://homekitchenary.com/. Apart from the blogging activity, she has a deep passion for singing and has performed at the National level.

Resume Writing Education

Resume Writing EducationThere are many things that go into a resume, including experience, education, and resume writing education experience. While all of these items can play an important role in the selection process of a job, it is the resume writing education experience that really makes or breaks a potential candidate.All candidates have many years of experience to offer, and they should not be judged by their resume experience alone. A great resume should include experience, but experience alone does not guarantee a great candidate. Anyone can write a great resume, but it takes many years of experience to get into a top-notch company. Because of this, some companies hire resume writers who do not have a resume writing education. While these individuals may produce a quality resume in the short term, they could leave a candidate off their database forever.Resume writing education is essential for potential candidates, so they can be assured that they will be able to provide the ir employers with a quality resume. The curriculum includes everything from high school and college level courses, to online computer classes and professional development seminars. All of these courses help the potential employee to prepare themselves for the next step of their professional life. Because there are many important factors that go into filling out a resume, one of the most important pieces of resume writing education is to know how to incorporate the right information into your resume.Every resume needs to focus on the skills that a potential employee possesses, and in order to do this, a candidate must understand how to articulate these qualities. Not only does the resume need to highlight what a person is capable of doing, but it also needs to outline the experiences that help an individual become an expert in a specific area. No matter what the major industry, a resume is always going to require a concise list of information about the potential applicant's work expe rience, education, or professional development activities.Because resumes are one of the first things potential employers will see, it is important that the writer is able to write in a way that helps the employer to reach the conclusion they are looking for. Even when the resume is not entirely about an individual, a resume writer should be able to identify areas that the employer would like to see covered. Knowing the information that a potential employer is looking for is one of the main resume writing education areas, and the necessary skills to do this are learned through courses like the Bachelors of Business and Professional Writing.One of the first things a resume should address is how a potential employee is able to get the jobs that they are applying for. Resume writing education enables a candidate to recognize and quickly respond to any questions or issues that might come up when they meet with the hiring manager. They will also learn how to craft a cover letter that wil l impress the hiring manager and make them want to continue talking to the candidate. It is the resume writing education that enables a potential employee to understand the importance of hiring a professional resume writer, as well as how to get their resume noticed in the first place.A resume writing education usually includes a short summary of a candidate's professional experience, but it does not always include the complete list of previous positions. As much as possible, the resume should show the hiring manager the most current work that the candidate has had. This allows the candidate to expand on past experiences, while also making them more recognizable to potential employers. Many potential candidates like to see what the future holds for them, so they often bring their resume writing education up to date with a complete overview of their professional background.Job seekers have many things to consider when creating a resume, and many do not have any idea what to put in a resume. However, those who have a resume writing education should be able to outline all of the important sections of a resume that could make a hiring manager to stop and check out the potential candidate. It is the resume writing education that makes the average person's resume stand out from the rest of the crowd. A resume writing education can help you build the perfect resume for your needs.

How Long Should You Spend Writing a Personal Statement?

How Long Should You Spend Writing a Personal Statement?What should you include in your AA job application: employment history or a personal statement? The answer to this question varies depending on the company you are applying for. But, regardless of what to include in your resume, it is always important to know the right amount of time to spend writing a personal statement.In the business world, many companies expect that applicants are detailed with their resumes. It's to make sure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. Therefore, it is more important that these people have the opportunity to express themselves and feel that they can contribute to the company in a positive way. Because of this, many businesses require applicants to write at least one personal statement.When writing a job applicant's personal statement, you should take into consideration what the employer is looking for. These examples of typical personal statements will give you an idea of what to include.Personal Statement examples for the employment field should cover the following aspects: education, accomplishments, and contributions to the company. Some examples of accomplishments would be an award given by the company. These include trophies, awards from contests, or performances at the office or competitions.The reason the employer asks you to include this information on your personal statement is to let the employer know that you have taken the time to learn about the company and your skills. The employer wants to see that you are excited about working for them and are willing to do whatever it takes to prove yourself to be an asset to the company. They want to be able to know who they are hiring and what they expect from them.Another important point to consider when thinking about how long should you spend writing a personal statement is the time involved. While the job application may cover several sections, many times, it is only a brief description of your qual ifications and experiences. If you write a lengthy personal statement, it can take several months and even years to get it all done.Therefore, if you have the time, it may be wise to spend a little more time on your personal statement. It may take you a few days to accomplish, but if you have learned the required information and shown your passion, you will soon have a well-written document.Always keep in mind that the length of your personal statement should be proportionate to the time that you have to write it. It should include the basic information as to your education, achievements, and contributions. However, don't go over your allotted time or you will be found in the wrong area of the company.

Why interviewing is like dating

Why interviewing is like dating 2 Flares 2 Flares The obvious goal of dating and interviewing is to make match.  A match that meets the interests, and needs of both sides of the relationship.  Quickly, Ill take a look at each step of the hiring process, and make an attempt to point out how its not unlike datingto a certain extent.  Dont take it too seriously, just something fun for your lunch hour! Meeting the candidate/date Left is the interview related side, while the right will be its similar point in dating. Employee referral Set up by a mutual friend Company website/online advertisements Online dating Linkedin Facebook/MySpace Job fair Speed dating Networking event At the bar Family business - High school sweet hearts College recruiting Fraternity party Walk-in applicant Creepy The first phone call Depending on which side you sit, you may wonder whens the best time to call, or when/if youll receive that first phone call.  In todays interviewing and dating world, the first contact is usually by email.  Email is easy for both sides, but still important to leave a nice first impression.  Both sides are ALWAYS SELLING what they offer during the initial contact!  Once the first, and maybe second communication points are through, then one, or both sides will wait to hear if a meeting will occur. The interview/dating begins Again Ill put the interview related information on the left and toss the dating points on the right. Your interview is at 8 Ill pick you up at 8 On-site interview Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory Second interview Meeting his/her friends Drug and background check Meeting his/her parents Making a job offer - Making it more serious Pull resume off Monster ..is in a relationship on Facebook Im going to stop myself.  This could go on for some time if I begin comparing the downfalls of a relationship and how that matches up nicely to a terminated employee.  If you take anything away from this, please realize the goal of an interview is to get a second interview, or make it to the next step in the process.  This is your goal, even if the company or position isnt all too attractive.  Options are your friend, and you shouldnt close any doors.  Just like in dating, who doesnt want options? Cheers

How to avoid being scammed on big job boards -

How to avoid being scammed on big job boards - For a job seeker, I cant think of anything more disheartening (and aggravating) than applying for positions online that dont turn out to be actual jobs, but avenues for scam artists to try to take advantage of down-and-out job seekers.      A recent Wall Street Journal article by Sarah Needleman reminds job seekers that, It Isnt Always A Job Behind the Online Posting. She describes the story of a job seeker who uses CareerBuilder.com to apply for jobs. Twice in two years, Tom Greene was invited to interview for positions via postings at the popular site, only to encounter a sales pitch from a shady service offering career advice to the tune of $10,000! Read the rest of the post on my blog at GreatPlaceJobs    photo by jepoirrier