13 Social Media Changes Thatll Boost Your Career - The Muse

13 Social Media Changes Thatll Boost Yur Career - The Muse13 Social Media Changes Thatll Boost Your CareerYou use social media right? I bet youre on it now, scrolling between this article and your Facebook feed while simultaneously tilting your screen away from your boss eyesight. (I see you there.)Well, while youre on it, why not make some moves in the right direction? Yes, theres such a thing as using social media to boost your career- and I have 13 things you can do today thatll make you a better candidate, employee, and manager.1. Follow Publications in Your IndustryThis is the easiest way to bring industry news, trends, and updates right to you- just like their pages and watch your newsfeed fill with articles, videos, and discussions. Then you can use that knowledge to impress your boss, co-workers, or an interviewer.2. Follow Influencers in Your IndustryGet some daily doses of advice and guidance (and even expand your professional network) by following big guys in your field.Or , check out unterstellung important peeps on Twitter and LinkedIn for some general career tips.3. Then Share Their StuffWhen you share, comment, or like something, people see it. Which means you can start to build your personal brand and become a thought leader in your space with the click of a button. Find articles or posts that inspire you, express your thoughts (better than you can), or make you ask questions. Share them, comment with your thoughts, or tag people who might also like them. The more good stuff you attach to your name, the more reputable youll look.4. Get a Professional PhotoIs your LinkedIn photo a blurry zoom-in of your face in a crowd of people? Trade it out with a clear image of you in front a simple background. Does your Facebook profile pic feature one too many drinks? Swap it out with something more daytime appropriate. Does your Twitter lack a photo of you? Add one- it means all the difference when hiring managers see your face.5. Go All OutJust because you have to professionalize your profiles doesnt mean they have to be bland. Add a fun yet polished background photo to both Twitter and LinkedIn. 6. Write a Personal BioYes, this is super important to putting on a good online face. Luckily, we have plenty of useful templates for LinkedIn and Twitter so you dont have to spend hours crafting the perfect one.7. Like Other Peoples StuffDid your colleague write an article on Pulse? Share it and tag him or her. Did your boss just get married? Comment with a Congrats, Im so excited for you two Impressed by a co-worker? Throw some endorsements their way on LinkedIn.These little things keep your network warm, get your name out there, and encourage people to do the same. Speaking of8. Ask for Likes in ReturnCompleted a project you want to spread the word on? Share it and then add a comment asking followers to share if it inspires them or add their own opinions and thoughts. Another idea to enhance your LinkedIn profile is to get a recommendation . How do you make the ask? Heres a quick step-by-step guide.As long as youre not begging, people will most likely be willing to go that extra mile to help you out (because, you guessed it, it makes them look good, too).9. Join a GroupThere are tons of awesome groups on Facebook and LinkedIn where you can participate in interesting conversations, get advice on just about any work situation, or even network your way to a job. All you have to do is find one you like and join in10. Connect With Your Extended NetworkThis sounds super obvious, but Id bet there are plenty of people you know who youre not actually connected with on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. Find alumni in your desired field, friends from high school, or past co-workers and send them a short, personalized message asking to connect. You never know what they can offer you.11. StalkAdmit it, you do this already. Im just suggesting you do it for more work-related reasons. Say, stalking a companys Instagram so yo u have something to talk about in an interview. Or, going through an influencers Twitter feed to get a feel for how they manage their office (and how you can, too). Or, checking out someones Pinterest so you have an anecdote to include in your cold email. Its not creepy- its research.12. EditMaybe you made your professional bio months ago and dont want to rewrite it. Fine- but how about editing it? Cut out unnecessary buzzwords, cliches, or jargon, as well as long-winded stories about your love for hiking and fresh air. Add bullet points to your most important previous experiences, or remove old and irrelevant ones.Not sure if your contents 100% HR-approved, but not willing to change it? Well then consider changing your privacy settings.13. Google YourselfOK, so this isnt something you do on social media, but its very much related. Hiring managers Google you. They just do. So type in your name and see what comes up. Is it a really old profile you forgot making on some outdated, forg otten platform? Get rid of it.Then, figure out how you can make the good things more visible (and the bad things less). Hint This guide might help.We always think boosting our careers requires us to put everything down and start from scratch. The thing is, all the stuff you do now on social media is just as key to succeeding in the job search or moving up in your company. You just need to rethink how you use it. And if youre still worried youre not making the best impression online, these six rules of social media should get you on the right path.Photo of person on phone courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

Youre Thinking About Success All Wrong, Oprah Says - The Muse

Youre Thinking About Success All Wrong, Oprah Says - The MuseYoure Thinking About Success All Wrong, Oprah Says Oprah Winfrey is practically synonymous with success. As a media icon, a philanthropist, a billionaire, and a household name who needs no surname, she knows a thing or two about it. And she often shares her wisdom with willing audiences, as she did when she spoke to the graduating class of 2019 at Colorado College on May 19. The truth is success is- its a process, she said. Im here to tell you that your life isnt some big break like everybody thinks it is. Theyre waiting on the big break. Its actually about taking one significant life-transforming step at a time, she explained. Small steps lead to big accomplishments.In other words, every action every day builds on those from yesterday and the day before, and its the slow accumulation of actions and choices that carves out paths to success in your life and career, the way a steady stream of water can sculpt a smooth route t hrough even the roughest stone over time. Winfrey recognized that many of the graduates sitting before her harbored a great deal of anxiety about what those paths could and would look like for them. The same was probably true of some of their parents and siblings and others there to celebrate their commencement, and those watching online anywhere in the world. No matter where they are in their lives and careers, people still get anxious about what their futures hold. From her perch at the podium and decades into a successful career, Winfrey admitted that the money is fabulous and all the attention is also good sometimes, but the real reason she believes she now has a beautiful life is neither of those things. Its because I had an appreciation for the small steps, the seeds that were planted, the map and flow of my life that unfolded because I was paying attention, she said. You have to pay attention to your life because it is speaking to you all the time and the bumps in the road an d the failures...pointed me in a new direction and led me to a path made clear. That is what Im wishing for you today Your own path made clear.That clarity doesnt come without failure. Its an inevitable feature of any path toward success- one that not only humbles you, but also teaches you about the fleeting nature of success as its traditionally measured. So instead of looking only at objectives achieved and visions manifested to account for your self-esteem, she said, think about how all the steps and actions you take every single day impact the people and the world around you. Your path isnt about one decision taken at graduation or any other point. Your career isnt about one big break. Your purpose gets revealed to you daily. It is not just one thing. It is the thread that is connecting the dots of everything that you do, she explains. Winfrey said that her friend and berater Maya Angelou impressed upon her that you have no idea what your legacy will be. She repeats that idea ev erywhere- in this case nearly five years after Angelous death- because your legacy is not one thing. Its everything, she said. The most important thing is how you touch other peoples lives. Every day youre carving out the path. Even when it looks like youre not.So dont get so wrapped up in waiting for the one big break. Instead, consider the choices and actions and obstacles right in front of you. They will define your path and your success and the mark you leave, regardless of the job you do or the field you work in. Being anxious about uncertainty is normal, to an extent. But Im here to tell you that youre going to be more than okay. So take a deep breath with me right now and repeat this Everything is always working out for me, Winfrey said. Thats my mantra. Make it yours. Everything is always working out for me because it is, and it has, and it will continue to be as you forge and discover your own path.

How to Decide if You Should Freelance - The Muse

How to Decide if You Should Freelance - The MuseHow to Decide if You Should Freelance Ive been a full-time freelance writer for nearly three years now. As a result, I hear from a lot of people who are aiming to start freelance careers and are looking for a detailed answer about exactly how I made it happen. Beyond attempting to get their hands on a supposed black and white formula for success, I find that many of them are simply seeking reassurance- they want to know that they too can quit their jobs and make it work.Heres the thing Thats not a promise I can make. Everybodys situation is unique, and whether or not youre able to make a go of it as a freelancer depends so much on your own determination- and a little bit (alright, a lot) of luck.What I can do, however, is give you a bit of food for thought to help you determine your next steps. If youve been considering leaving your job in favor of pursuing the freelance life, here are a few things I encourage you to consider before jum ping ship. 1. How Comfortable Are You With Instability?Chances are, youve heard of the notorious feast or famine phenomenon that comes along with freelancing. When things are good, theyre really good. But, when theyre bad? Well, they can be really bad.Because youre responsible for finding your own projects and clients, your workload, income, and- as a direct result- your confidence can fluctuate even more than you can imagine.For some people, thats exciting. But, for others, its panic-inducing. So, instead of just acknowledging that these ups and downs exist, its important to take the time to think about how youll cope with them- both financially and emotionally.If youre someone who needs predictability and stability in order to thrive? You might not adore freelancing as much as youre assuming you will. 2. How Much of a Self Starter Are You?I always thought of myself as extremely self-motivated. But when I started as a freelance writer, I realized I needed to kick that quality up ab out eight notches.Freelancing doesnt just require you to be a self starter- it requires you to be an extreme self starter. Your livelihood rests solely on your shoulders. You need to chase down work, network without shame, and put yourself out there for projects that might terrify you. And, you need to do that all with little to no direction or pressure from a boss whos impatiently tapping her foot. Ill be the first to admit that can be paralyzing, and not everybodys equipped (or even willing) to be so aggressive and disciplined. 3. Why Do You Want to Freelance?This is usually one of the very first questions I ask people who approach me for freelance advice. More often than not, the responses I receive look similar. I want to be able to work when and where I want. I dont want a boss anymore. I dont like what Im doing right now and I need an escape.Do you know what I dont hear that often? Something that goes like, Im really passionate about this work and think striking out on my own would be challenging and rewardingPeople are always quick to cite the things that they dont like about their current situations, rather than what theyre hoping to accomplish as freelancers. They look at the lifestyle as their ticket to finally work in their pajamas and have flexible schedules.However, if youre seriously considering freelancing as a career path, its important that you recognize theres a lot more to it than that. Ensure that the reasons you want to take this road extend beyond the superficial clichs, and youll be a step ahead of most people already 4. Whats Your Back-up Plan?Ill be the first to admit that Im hardly the person to lecture you on back-up plans- I bid adieu to the security of my full-time job without so much as a loose strategy in place.It worked out. But that doesnt mean that Id recommend you take the same approach.What happens if you try it, and you cant make ends meet? What if you give it a whirl and decide you hate it? What will you do if your circums tances change and you realize you need a full-time job that offers benefits?Perhaps youll secure a part-time job to subsidize your income. Maybe your freund can afford to carry you financially for a while. Or, perhaps youll give yourself a certain amount of time (six months, a year) before you decide its time to head back to a more traditional career. Regardless, I think its smart to have at least some inkling of what youd do if this leap doesnt pan out in your favor. Things change, and one of the only certainties that freelancing brings with it is this uncertainty. Quitting your job to pursue a freelance career is a big decision. And, while its impossible to predict exactly how things will play out for you, you want to be sure that you give this decision the time and careful consideration it deserves.Start by asking yourself these four key questions, and youll gain some clarity about whether or not its truly the best move for you. Considering waving goodbye to your nine to five and saying hello to the freelance life? Tweet me and let me know

Can you ever be done with personal development

Can you ever be done with personal developmentCan you ever be done with personal developmentI often hear people saying stuff like, You dont need to read non-fiction books anymore They pretend they somehow graduated from the whole personal development movement.I stopped listening to podcasts, is another one of those statements. Every time I hear something like that, one word comes to mind Arrogance.When people say they are done with learning, what are they really saying? They are saying they are too good for the knowledge that other people are sharing.They are saying, I dont need this. I know it better. And thats exactly the type of person I dont relate to.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreFollowing trends vs focusing on the fundamentalsI used to work at the front office of a gym during my college days. During that time, I noticed two types of people who signed up. You had people w ho signed up to participate in the latest fitness trend. And there have been many of thoseRemember Tae Bo? What the hell was that about?Or how about the Atkins diet? And all the variations on spinning classes? There was the Zumba craze. The Yoga craze. I also remember when Crossfit became popular.These days, everybody is all about rock climbing. Yeah, yeah, I get it, you watched Free Solo and now you think you can do the same.There are always people who jump on those trends, simply because its popular. These folks followed the latest trends.They signed up, came to the gym for a few months, and you would never see them again.And then there were people who focused on the basics. These people didnt care about trends. Instead, they were driven by inner goals- which could be anything from losing weight to building strength.They cared aboutresults. They askedWhat are proven strategies?What has worked for decades? What are the fundamentals of a practice?Naturally, the latter group was very small. But the fundamentalists were the ones who stuck around. In fact, its been more than 10 years ago that I worked at that gym. But I mucksmuschenstill run into some of those people at my current gym.Even the most experienced meditators still meditateWhat Im trying to say is that when you decide to move into a certain direction in life, it becomes alifestyle. And people who are done with something never really started in the first place.They just hopped on a trend. Its exactly the same thing with personal development. So when you read another one of those nonsense pieces about how you should stop reading and start living, shrug it off.If youre in it for life, you keep repeating the basics.I just finished readingMindfulness In Plain Englishby Bhante Gunaratana, a Buddhist monk. One of the things I learned from that book is that even the most experienced meditators still repeat the basics. They meditate like a beginner. And they are never done meditating.Its a lifestyle. So why do most people quit something? Why did those people quit the gym? Why do some people quit readingpersonal development books? A lack of patience. Gunaratana said it bestPatience is the key. Patience. If you learn nothing else from meditation, you will learn patience. Patience is essential for any profound change.Ask yourselfWhy am I trying to improve myself?If we have the wrong intentions, like trying to impress others, or become rich, we quit if we dont get quick results.But if you have an inner drive, you will automatically have more patience. When you no longer do something for external reasons, you will adopt a beginners mind.And that is the key to lasting success. When you adopt this mindset, you dont even have the arrogance to say something like Im done with this practice. You also dont think you know it all after reading a few books.Repeat the fundamentalsEverything in life has fundamentals. From fitness to diet to philosophy to meditation.Focus on those fundamentals and repeat them often.And neverforgetthe fundamentals. That will keep you humble. But it will also make you better.The best basketball players in the world practice the free-throw thousands of times. Kobe Bryant famously made100,000 practice shotsduring the off-season. He didnt forget about the fundamentals. Tim Duncan, another basketball great, was even called The Big Fundamental because he built a career on basic basketball moves. Some people called him boring. I call iteffective.So no, you can never be done with mastering the basics. Nor can you be ever done with improving yourself. Its a process that ends whenlifeends.Until then, keep on improving yourself, my friend.This article originally appeared on Darius Foroux.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 mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Top Project Manager Resume Sample Choices

Top Project Manager Resume Sample Choices The Good, the Bad and Project Manager Resume Sample A great sample manager resume will consist of keywords a number of times throughout the document. The template is created by experts so that you can be certain about the caliber of the content. You can pick the best amongst the many template samples out there. Another very helpful tip its possible to see from this completely free project manager cover letter sample is that you dont wish to go over a single page. The Advantages of Project Manager Resume Sample Foresight makes it feasible to recognize pitfalls and project prospects to opt for the fruchtwein winning implementation strategy. Managing projects is an important part of any company. Your manager resume clearly needs to concentrate on your particular experience and should not be overly generic. Agile project managers may cross multiple small business division and are accountable for assigning work and receiving the condit ion of the work completed. Top Project Manager Resume Sample Choices titelblatt letters which match the amount of professionalism of your resume can often supply an advantage over other possible candidates. The very best thing is to really learn regarding the corporate culture in the business that is interviewing you. Adding work experience can help and there are lots of ways to help improve upon too little experience. When it has to do with completing work from beginning to end, the worth of clarity and great communication cant be overstated. Sample resume the way to improve your essay Resume Daily. The Affiliations section will give a chance for the applicant to list the things that they belong to and might be excellent subject of conversation during an interview. Use the term Experience not Employment for your primary section. When it has to do with researching the company, there are a variety of things you ought to search for. The capability to oversee all facets of a project simultaneously, with attention paid to each detail but without losing site of the huge picture, is one which I have mastered. Many people revolve around producing the perfect resume. Most risks arent urgent if theyre anticipated. The Dos and Donts of Project Manager Resume Sample The demand for IT Project Managers has risen through the years as technology is still an essential component in successful small business operations. Project managers responsibilities vary based on industry, and they are able to be seen in nearly all them. If you intend to develop into a Project Manager you must ensure youve got the requisite abilities and competencies to take care of the job. Project managers have a special skill platzset. Project Managers work in an organization to spearhead particular projects. Certifications Make certain you put any certifications on the very first page. What Does Project Manager Resume Sample Mean? You might already have what it requires to compose an item management resume like that. 1 Product managers make it occur. Your resume may be the absolute most important product that you manage. Let the subsequent two digital product manager resume examples show you exactly what to do. Life, Death, and Project Manager Resume Sample If you set certain numbers of job applications and resumes sent each week, it is going to let you keep moving forward and keep a positive attitude. So whenever your dream job calls you, you can be certain to make it using a good resume in hand. The info above should demonstrate how sample manager resumes are best structured, to find an interview and find that job. For ensuring the resume to go selected for the post of a project manager, it ought to be drafted in such a manner it stands aside from the remainder of the resumes in the heap. What You Need to Do About Project Manager Resume Sample Before You Miss Your Chance If you should also go over the fundamentals of cover letter writing, make cer tain to take a look at our guide about how to compose the perfect cover letter. You will also need an outstanding cover letter. Your cover letter should present new, interesting info. Remember your project manager cover letter ought to be concise and immediately supply the most significant details you desire the reader to see. Project Manager Resume Sample the Ultimate Convenience LinkedIn is a wonderful approach to develop professional connections. Resume extensions Employers often have a look at your LinkedIn website. All theA Resume FormatsA listed above, cater to distinct classes of manager based on the businesses and positions. Recruiters also utilize LinkedIn to confirm the jobs listed in your resume. What to Expect From Project Manager Resume Sample? Please see my resume for more details. Distinct jobs would call for distinctive information and data about you. Verify the details Make certain you check every detail of names, people and places. There are important details that are typical in all kinds of resume. Furthermore, one needs to have a list of responsibilities and achievements. It is crucial to concentrate on accomplishments utilizing action verbs that showcase what you can do to help your upcoming employer. Use facts and figures from the particular projects you have been able to show that which you have accomplished. Many projects fail as a result of bad communication between departments. The Battle Over Project Manager Resume Sample and How to Win It Project Managers should know a selection of topics, including information technology, promotion, and construction, based on the facts of their undertaking. The Gantt Chart is going to be the reference point on the development of the undertaking. This template may be used by project managers of every area. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Project Manager Resume Sample Is Wrong Thus the use ofA Construction Resume TemplatesA is extremely beneficial for all applicants who would like to be employed. Simply take the opportunity to look at the websites of companies you would like to apply for. If so, then you need to already know that youd require a resume for each job application. Furthermore, you can look for product manager jobs on Monster.

How Do I Video InterviewVirtual Workers

How Do I Video InterviewVirtual WorkersEvery candidate comes with their own set of unique vorstellungsgesprching challenges. Thats why were tackling how to video interview different types of candidates with this how-to series. Today, well be talking about how to use video interviews to connect with virtual workers. A video interview is a great way to connect with workers who might leid sit in the office across from you every day but will nonetheless have a huge impact on your company.Virtual workers and telecommuting are becoming a more readily accepted part of working life. In fact, currently there are 34 million Americans who work at home at least occasionally. This could be a full-time telecommuter or an employee who works from home for a day or two each week or month.This is a huge number and reflects the increasing comfort level with new technology and social tools, as well as companies ability to trust workers. And the telecommuting tide is certainly not receding. By 2016, proj ections say virtual workers will number nearly twice the current amount at 63 million.Obviously, many companies are considering making the leap to telecommuting because it can often be much cheaper to hire workers who dont need to sit in the office all day. By working from home, virtual workers are helping companies to remove overhead and save a lot of cash.In fact, a recent Stanford study showed companies could save as much as $2,000 per employee just by allowing them to work remotely. In this economy, every little bit helpsOf course, its tough to connect with employees you cant see on a daily basis, but its even harder to connect during the interview process. The great thing about hiring virtual workers is the ability to open your company up to top-tier talent from all over the globe. The tough part about this, however, is losing that personal touch in the interview process. If your talent is located in London and youre in New York, a phone interview might previously have been the best you could hope for when it came to connecting personally.The video interview is a great solution for finding and hiring the best virtual workers. But just how do you use the video interview to find your next telecommuting superstar? Here are some video interview tipsUse the technology to find self-motivated candidatesPerhaps the most important attribute of your telecommuting employee is a strong sense of self-motivation. Because your worker wont be in the office every day, you need to find an employee who thrives under this sort of self-direction. You cant hire someone who only works well with the anfhrer peering over their shoulder.The common misconception of work from home employees is the idea these workers are spending all day watching TV and folding laundry instead of working. This is usually the farthest thing from the truth, but it all comes down to hiring the right people.The video interview is the perfect time to find the self-motivated job seekers you need. Use this opportunity to ask job seekers about how theyve worked independently in the past. Dont just take their word for it, but really dig deep into their former work experiences to make sure theyre self-motivated and will get work accomplished without a lot of oversight.Perhaps theyve run a charity organization by themselves or they have a job on the side they need to manage. Ask for examples of how they work and listen closely for examples of a worker who will be dedicated and motivated without fearing the boss around the corner.Use the video interview to personally connectUnlike a phone interview, a video interview allows employers and talented candidates to connect on a more personal level. Just because youre hiring a candidate you wont see in the office every day doesnt mean it isnt important that they fit into the overall company culture. Just like any other employee, youre also hiring a brand ambassador for your company and its essential they will enjoy the workplace, even if its onl y virtual.While you may departure by using one-way virtual interviews to screen candidates, before making a final hiring decision, you should talk to talent using a live video interview. This technology allows employers and job seekers to connect in a more personal fashion.A live video interview is just like having a face-to-face meeting with talented job seekers, only instead of sitting across the desk your top candidate is sitting on the other side of the webcam. Use this opportunity to make sure youre hiring someone who will fit into the company culture, enjoy working remotely, and can bring real value to your company.Make sure job seekers are extremely qualifiedDepending on your company, its likely a work from home employee might not end up with as much interaction as a standard office-dweller. This is fine for your self-motivated superstar who is excited about being in charge of their own destiny (and workload). But this makes it even more essential to ensure your candidate is 100 percent qualified and ready to jump in with both feet.Because of the work from home nature of this employee, it might take longer or be harder to train a virtual worker. Use the video interview to be sure the candidate has all the necessary skills for the lage with little training required.This isnt to say its impossible to help telecommuting workers gain job skills, but at least initially they should have the right qualifications to jump right in and add value.Hiring virtual workers can be a great way to save money, embrace new technology, and gain the self-motivated employees your company needs to move forward. You just need to be sure youre using video interviewing technology to find workers who will be a good fit for the work from home lifestyle.How can you use video interviewing to find the best virtual workers? Share in the comments