How Does the Average Person Use LinkedIn in 2014 [INFOGRAPHIC]

How Does the Average Person Use LinkedIn in 2014 [INFOGRAPHIC] With LinkedIn being one of the most powerful business tools in the world, its important to understand fully how to get it to work for you. Power Formula show in their infographic below how the average LinkedIn member uses the site. Make sure you join us there too! Takeaways: Whos Viewed Your Profile is the most popular LinkedIn feature. Only 18% of the people surveyed pay for their LinkedIn account. Most users have between 500 and 900 LinkedIn connections. 43% of people spend under 2 hours a week on LinkedIn. Of those asked, 70% use Facebook as well as LinkedIn for business purposes. RELATED: How to Double Your LinkedIn Connections

Can I Write a Resume?

Can I Write a Resume?Have you ever heard the answer to the question, 'Can I write a resume?' It is definitely an easy one to answer as it is written in college/school you take your classes. The important part of the answer though is to be able to apply what you have learned for future career needs.People that are interested in a history major writing a resume have a good opportunity in today's economy. With unemployment at an all time high, those that can add some value to the business world are in great demand. A history major can find employment within the corporate world as well as within the government.If you are interested in applying for a job, then looking for a job is looking for a lost to find a lost. And, with the economic downturn, it is a very competitive market. A history major can look for employment in a variety of areas including on the military, state, federal, or private sectors.Any history major can use this basic idea to get a head start in the college search proc ess. By knowing how to use a resume properly, you can turn it into a powerful tool for getting work experience. With the financial crunch that the world is experiencing, there is not much job security.While the unemployment rate for history majors is up, there is still a lot of work available. What can history majors do to increase their employment opportunities? They can learn to use a resume effectively. This can be done by first obtaining a copy of 'Unofficial U.S. Government Job Vacancies', 'The Historical Press Directory', and 'Regional Labor Market Information'.Anyone that has a history major taking a break from school or dropped out can benefit from reading these resources. It is imperative to include the required education information, and most importantly, contact information. While you may be behind on your degree, employers may be willing to wait a few years before you complete your degree to be sure you have enough skills.Another idea for a history major writing a resume is the historical press directory. These publications will list a variety of positions available for individuals in various fields of study. While the publications are not as updated as many others, they can be of assistance. The resume is always the starting point when seeking employment.While it is a good idea to be employed, a history major may be concerned about how long to wait to search for a new job. If this is your concern, do not hesitate to ask for help. Simply contacting the Human Resources department at your school can be the start of a new career.

Describe Your Strategy for the First 30-60-90 Days

Describe Your Strategy for the First 30-60-90 Days With the vast amounts of information that you can find online these days, you have all the tools you need to excel during a jobinterview.In spite of the help at their disposal, most job applicants are unprepared.When the time comes to prove yourself, you want to be ready.What will enable you to stand a bit taller than the rest?Being able to describeyour strategy for the first 30-60-90 days of a new job.In fact, this is possibly the strongest resource you can have while you're in the interview process.Why You Need a StrategyMany people at this stage of a job interviewwill spew clichés with little substance towards the hiring manager.Then they'll hope for the best.Don’t be that candidate!By taking the time to prepare ...You show that you’re interested in what you are applying for You demonstrate your willingness to put in the work to get the offerThe guidelines below will help in your approach to this relatively common interview question.(For more interview questions and answers s ee our article on the 50 Top Job Interview Questions And Answers.)Tips on Creating a 90-day Job StrategyJust imagine …What better way to pitch yourself in a new position than to describe what your plans are for the opportunity?You have the chance to help the hiring manager envision you in the position by describing actual research and realistic goals.This will exponentially increase your chances of receiving an offer!Now, you may think this 30-day strategy needs to be a 20-page thesis paper. However, the more focused and to the point your plan is, the better. Stick to a short PowerPoint presentation Or try creating a brief written document (1-3 pages) (To find out how to create a 30-60-90 day plan, see our article How To Create A 30-60-90 Day Plan For An Interview.)When Will This Interview Question Come Up?Okay, let's assume you have created your plan and have an attractive means of presenting the plan.Now, you must focus on what the hiring manager wants to hear.Here are a couple of tips:Only discuss the actions and outcomes that you can control Don’t get caught up in imaginary targets that are irrelevant Remember that you do not know the inner workings of the companyIdeally, this question would be asked in a second interview.In the first interview, you will be able to ask questions and get a more realistic outlook on the company culture and what they will expect of you.Then you will have the time to prepare a strategy that covers the first 30-60-90 days on the job.If you are applying for a position that only requires one interview, you might not have as much time to prepare a specific outline.However, the hiring manager would likely not expect such a polished presentation.Your plan would likely focus on what you can do as a new hire and the hoops you are willing to jump through to be successful.Who Needs to Answer This Question?This question is typically asked of candidates who have a lot of freedom to make decisions on their own.Managers and executives will likely hear this question during an interview.Most entry-level jobs have a well-defined job description with little wiggle room.As such, they would not have the same expectations as far as creating a work strategy and seeing it through.However, just because you may be applying for an entry-level job does not mean you cannot build and present a plan.If answering this interview question from an entry-level position:Describe how you will best utilize your training Focus on how you plan to build relationships with your coworkers Outline skills and experience that you would hope to put into practiceIf you are a manager or higher, you have a more extensive background.As such, you would builda plan based on your industry experience and your expectations for your given industry.If your position involves a team working under you:Go into detail about how you intend to interact with your new employees Talk about what steps you would take to gaintheir trust and respect Delineate a few spec ific teamworking goals relevant to the positionThis is essential for any manager'ssuccess as you are only as good as the production of your team.The 90-day Plan BreakdownSome resources suggest building a flat 90-day plan.Although this is fine, breaking up your plan in 30-day increments can make the plan easier to follow.It displays a step-by-step strategy with each tier building upon the other.The outline below will describe what your plan should focus on for each period:First 30 days:Focus on training, finding mentors, and embracing the company culture as it relates to both your job description and the people around you.30-60 days:Implementyour training and experience into action while working with your supervisor to optimize your performance.60-90 days:Add your personal touch to the position. Be an effective leader/coworker and build relationships that benefit your position and the company as a whole.It’s ShowtimeNow, there is some room to play with your plan as the position cal ls for it.But do not step out of what you know.The hiring manager will know what a realistic approach to the position is, soyou will not be able to “fake it till you make it.”But don't let that scare you out of making a plan in the first place.The fact that you have a 30-60-90 day strategy in place will speak volumes about your work ethic and make a great impression on the interviewer.Closing ThoughtsRemember, as long as you do your homework and prepare to present your plan, you'll separate yourself from other candidates.Prepare to take constructive criticism.Make sure you can back up what you plan to do.Good luck!Need extra help preparing for your job interview?Find My Profession offers an expert career finder servicewhere we do the heavy lifting and assist you in landing your dream job!

Is Derrick Roses Brand Really Worth $260M - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Is Derrick Roses Brand Really Worth $260M - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career [Sponsored Post:  If you’re serious about your personal brand then you need your own website.   That starts with a great domain name.   Get yours at  Domain.com.] To adidas, Derrick Rose’s brand definitely is worth that sum of money. That is a significant amount of money to invest in one person long-term, let alone someone that is 23. Was adidas crazy? To be fair, they played a part in helping him develop and market the brand that he is today. In looking into it further, I believe this is an occasion where Derrick is the exception rather than the norm. Young in age, yes, but with a brand foundation that demonstrates a greater maturity. For Derrick’s Personal Brand Scorecard, I chose to look into key elements of his brand foundation â€" Authenticity, Value Alignment, and Brand Vision. Authenticity My mom did a great job letting me know its just a sport, Rose said. If I keep working hard and treating people the right way, good things will happen to me.” Derrick Rose was taught priorities from his mother from an early age. At 23, Derrick continues to live this way, playing for and giving back to the city he grew up in and loves. He signed a 5-year extension, puts on basketball camps for Chicago’s youth each year, and stays busy in his down time by helping out local charities such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. Who he is, is showcased in all areas of his brand. It appears that Derrick is at least somewhat involved in content delivery, from videos, Facebook, Twitter and QA on his website. It is normal for athlete of his stature to have outside help running most of those areas. The reasoning for my grade here is that the professionals, or endorsed brands, that help out with execution know what Derrick stands for and execute accordingly. Grade: A- Value Alignment Read enough articles about Derrick, or follow him on Twitter and common elements about him emerge almost immediately. For Derrick the values of family, humility, and commitment are at the core of who he is as a brand and the choices he has made so far, from endorsements to team location, have showcased this. Grade: A+ Brand Vision Signing a $260M deal with adidas, and a $95M contract with the Bulls, as well as deals with Wilson, Force Factor and Skull Candy, means he won’t ever have to worry about money. Knowing this at such a young age can be overwhelming and paralyzing. Not worrying about money also opens doors with regards to decision-making around what legacy you want. It would be in Rose’s best interest to have an idea of what he wants to achieve. Outside of wanting to win a championship someday soon, he speaks very much in the now. I would like to see him have a vision for what he wants to achieve and stand for 10-15 years from. Having a brand vision is the first step before creating a strategy to help you reach your goals. It certainly helps that he knows what his values are and therefore I think only a matter of time before those working with him help him to define a long-term vision for himself outside of achievements on the court. Grade: C- Overall there is a laundry list of things that make you want to root for the Derrick Rose brand. In fact outside of lack of vision, I can’t find much to criticize him on. $260M is a lot to put behind an athlete these days, but in this case, an investment in him seems worth the risk. So, what do you think? Is Derrick Rose’s brand worth $260M plus? Author: Katie Marston is a partner in VMGelement , a personal brand development company focusing on professional athletes. Follow her on Twitter at @ktmarston

Writing Your Own Jokes About What You Do In Your Resume

Writing Your Own Jokes About What You Do In Your ResumeOne of the first things that you should do when you are interviewing for a job is to list down all your hobbies and interests. This is a good practice because it is usually considered bad form to write down what you enjoy doing in your resume, but many people neglect this step. With hobbies and interests resume writing, you will be able to put a little more thought into your choices.Some people might be tempted to list down only their hobbies, but this is not the best thing to do. While it is important to mention hobbies, do not just make the statements without elaborating. If you do, then you are sending the wrong message. Also, listing down your hobbies might be frowned upon by the human resources manager, so you need to be very careful about it.Having hobbies and interests listed is also important because these will help your potential employer to determine whether or not you are doing your job right. The best way to tell whet her or not you are performing to your skill level is to look at your resume. If your hobby is listed down, then you are sure to put it into perspective. You have done your research and you want to go on with your career.When your resume is reviewed by potential employers, they will be able to see whether or not you actually belong in the company. If your hobbies and interests do not match the image that you portray, then you will not be hired. If you had to put a disclaimer in your resume about what you really did when you were in college, then it is better to include it here. By listing down your hobbies and interests, you will have the chance to explain them.Your hobbies and interests are one of the most important parts of your resume. If you leave this section out, then you are probably going to have to rewrite your resume. This means that you will lose the opportunity to get an interview, which is why it is important to list them down.Not all hobbies and interests should be incl uded in your resume, but if you have certain skills, you may want to put them in your resume. Take gardening for example. Although this does not necessarily include the written word, it is a skill that is often listed down. If you are applying for a job in landscaping, you will want to put gardening in your hobbies and interests.Listing down skills that you have learned can help to show how well you have done your job. If you can take someone to a cafe, then you have learned how to operate a credit card machine. If you know how to use the Internet, then you have skills that are needed in the business world.Jobs are hard to find and even harder to be successful at. To get a job that will help you move forward in life, you will have to put in some effort. So instead of saying that you do not have time to take a hobby or interest seriously, you should list it down in your resume.

How Do You Sleep When You Work On A Night Shift - Try These 5 Proven Methods -CareerMetis.com

How Do You Sleep When You Work On A Night Shift - Try These 5 Proven Methods -CareerMetis.com Working on a graveyard shift is not easy. Right from the bat, evening working hours require the employee or worker to make significant adjustments on their routine. Most of the time, the transition can disrupt their work-life balance.More than the heavy and strenuous load, evening workers are quite susceptible to the shift work sleep disorder. Specifically, the latter disrupts the circadian rhythm, causing an affected person to have a different sleep-and-wake schedule.evalGenerally, difficulties in sleeping are one of the side-effects of those people who work on a night shift. The biological clock of their bodies will work irregularly, causing them to feel awake even their systems are tired already.Fortunately, there are interventions to resolve this issue. How do you sleep when you work on a night shift? The answers are just right below.1) Establish a Sleep ScheduleevalMost of the “non-traditional workers” don’t bother to work on a new sleep schedule When they heard that they would have to work during the evening, they have already discarded the idea that they can sleep well and adequately.Yes. It is true that having a routine is quite arduous for night shift workers. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not possible.Just because you are on a night shift doesn’t mean that the quality of your sleep will already be compromised. If the night becomes your day, you have to make the day your night. That’s the most viable solution that you have right now.Of course, shifting to a new sleeping schedule cannot be achieved overnight. You have to train and condition your system to adapt to it. Once you are wired to your new routine, having a proper sleep would be easy already.2) Get A Nice Mattress evalFor night shift workers, making their sleeping amenities comfortable and supportive is crucial. The evening work can make their body more tired and stressed than those bodies of those who work during the day.Always remember that as humans, our bodies are wired to work during the day and rest during the night. Changing this pattern can cause inevitable discomforts and strains. It is the very reason as to why improving your sleeping amenities is necessary.The first thing that you have to secure is an ergonomic mattress. It is an item that should possess the right features that can help you sleep faster.evalPreferably, you should go with mattresses that have therapeutic effects. They can help ease problems like back pains that you might sustain on your evening work. Furthermore, you have to check the firmness scale to determine if the mattress is too soft or hard for you.3) Get Supportive and Comfortable PillowsThe next thing that you need to get is an ergonomic pillow. It is a sleeping accessory that can improve the quality of sleep of night shift workers. When you have good products, it is easier for you to feel relaxed and comfortable.Of course, comfort is not the only purpose that a pillow can provide. For night workers, such capability of pillows is genuinely essential.The pillows that you should get must accommodate special conditions. For instance, the use of pillow support for sleeping positions does matterâ€"especially for people are typically stressed and tired from their evening work.4) Create a Conducive Sleeping EnvironmentIt is quite expected already for night shift workers to sleep on the day. After all, that is their free time. However, there’s a little problem with this.Just like what has been mentioned earlier, humans are wired to rest during the night. Our genetics made us that way to adapt to our changing problems. Therefore, people who have an evening schedule are most likely to experience sleeping difficulties because of our natural make-up.To counter this problem, it is essential for night shifters to make their sleeping environment more conducive on their end. The first thing that they have to do is to make their bedroom dim.evalBoth the artificial and natural light will make the brain think t hat it is morning alreadyâ€"causing it to be alert and active. Because of this, it is necessary for them to close the shutters and any light sources that can distract the brain.Furthermore, it would also be great if you can make your room cool. The ideal sleeping temperature is around 60 Fahrenheit to 67 Fahrenheit. Make sure that your bedroom achieves these optimal temperatures.eval5) Try to Avoid CaffeineIt is pretty standard for those who are working on the night to indulge themselves in coffee. Caffeine is one of the most cost-efficient ways of keeping the drowsiness away. Even those who are working in the day still tend to sip their favorite coffee blends.But for a person to sleep correctly, complete abstinence to caffeine is essential. If you can’t avoid it, make sure that your last drink is four to six hours before your bedtime. In this way, your body has still time to process and metabolize the active contents of caffeine.evalOnce you are used to your night shift, staying awake throughout the period will never be difficult anymore. By that time, your dependence on coffee will eventually subside.Wrapping It UpSome jobs out there require people to sacrifice their night time. It forces them to stay awake on the hours where they are supposed to sleep. Although it sounds unruly, these occupations are pretty common nowadays, especially in the fields of corporate, medicine, and civic services.It would benefit these people if they followed the procedures outlined here. They are foolproof ways for them to sleep usually even if their working schedule is quite irregular. Also, don’t forget to boost your diet whenever you are engaging on a night shift. It would help your body to sustain the sleepless nights without getting sick.That’s it for now. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

Build a Tribe and Shrink the Gender Pay Gap

Build a Tribe and Shrink the Gender Pay Gap Build a Tribe and  Shrink the Gender Pay Gap   Do you think a  company with more women in leadership positions is  more  likely  to  offer employees equal pay and have  less  issues with  the  gender pay gap? It  seems like  a natural assumption,  right? However, researchers at Oxford University found the opposite to be true in a recent  study.     The researchers believe  one reason  this discrepancy  exists  is  because  many  company cultures  still make it hard for  women to feel powerful enough to affect change  â€" something most women likely have anecdotal evidence to back up. My colleague,  Vicki Brackett, author of  The Leadership Toolbox, has spent over twenty years helping organizations overhaul  company structures  and toxic cultures  that  are  poisoning their leadership and preventing growth.  Neither of us are  surprised by the Oxford study, because it is something that  we both have  witnessed in organizations and  hope  to change.     There  is  Power in Numbers     In order to make equal pay a priority in an organization, Brackett says female leaders need to  adopt  an  â€œold boys club” mentality, without the negative attributes. “If you are a woman in a leadership position and you  are making changes, don’t go it alone.” She recommends collaborating with other women, especially in other divisions. “Create a think tank where you can all come together and brainstorm ideas that will improve the company.”   “Identify gaps in the organization and develop a game plan for addressing and plugging the  gaps,” shares Brackett.  â€œBy developing a systematic approach to problem solving and building visibility and momentum, your team will become known in the organization as a catalyst for change.”   Women,  Stand  Up and Stand  Out     Vicki and I violently agree that one of the  best ways  to gain recognition and  be paid equitably  for performance is to be recognized as a problem solver.  Additionally, positively impacting  revenue, products, services, productivity gains, customer satisfaction,  and loyalty will help women gain visibility and  elevate their positions of power.  As more women move up in the organization, they can impact  the  upward mobility and compensation  for other women.   Building a safety net of support by enlisting the endorsement of other leaders in the company  is key to becoming a change agent. One  recommended technique  is to  approach the Chief of People or SVP of Human Resources to get backing for programs that will build personal visibility and benefit the  company.  Brackett  suggests,  â€œYou can pitch a  newsletter or blog  that  recognizes both men and women who  are adding to the success of the organization or suggest hosting speakers on trending topics that are important to the company.”     Change the Culture     Women can demand more compensation but if the company system doesn’t support equal pay, then building a collaborative, productive and sustainable group that helps identify and plug gaps within the organization will help with visibility.  Building an internal  community  with a significant number of people  who  support women’s initiatives can help  perpetuate  change.     In close,  don’t expect change overnight.  Women are powerful â€" especially in numbers.  So,  take time to  build your tribe. And,  remember: Any kind of change takes  determination and a thick skin.  Leadership is not for the faint of heart.   Join Dana Manciagli’s  Job Search Master Class ®  now  and get the most comprehensive  online  job search system available!

Food Writer Adriana Willsie

Grown-Up Gigs and Great Giveaway Painter/Pet Portrait Artist/Food Writer Adriana Willsie How sweet is (s)he? Its a custom pet portrait by Adriana Willsie next to the lovely lady herself! Adriana Willsie is a painter food writer who contacted me about hosting a giveaway on my blog. She was so charming and sweet, and her work was so good, that I immediately said, Duh!, but with one stipulation: Shed have to answer some Grown-Up Gig questions! Im always so fascinated by slashes (people who build their career from more than one title, especially when theyre unrelated to each other), and Adriana was no exception. Check out the gems she dropped below (I especially like how she compliments her younger self on her clothes!) and, when youre done, leave a comment to win a custom pet portrait! ***** 1. What did you wanna be when you grew up? When I was little, I don’t think ‘growing up’ ever even occurred to me.   I spent my days writing and illustrating stories about exotic birds, sewing clothes for the little elves I was convinced lived in my backyard, and designing elaborate contraptions to catch robbers (I considered my sticker collection to be very valuable).   And I assumed I would be doing just that for the rest of my life.   Would this make more sense if I told you I was raised in rural Washington State by parents who didn’t believe in owning a television? When I got to be a teenager, however, my big plan was to go into commercial advertising (gotta love teenage rebellion in all its forms, right?)   Let’s just say that phase didn’t last, and I was soon back to imagining a life as an artist/crafter/traveler/seamstress/language learner/cook. 2. Most artists want to build their business around their niche, but have trouble deciding where to put their focus. How did you find your niche (painting pets), and do you feel like having a niche is important for being a successful artist? That’s a great question!   But, to be perfectly honest, I almost feel like my niche found me.   The first pet portrait I ever did was an anniversary present for my boyfriend’s parents.   It was a big hit, and soon friends of theirs were asking where they got the painting.   This gave me the boost of confidence I needed to start marketing the pet portraits as my specialty. When you find your right niche, things just seem to fall into place.   I knew painting pets would be a great place for me, because it’s just so darn rewarding.   I get to have long conversations with my clients about the personality and eccentricities of their pet, and I often get to meet the fur-ball in person.   Then I get to bring their personality to life during the painting process.   The best part of all?   Presenting a client with a painting that doesn’t just look like their pet, but really feels like their pet.   I think a key part of succeeding as an artist is finding a niche that isn’t just strategic, but that also feeds your soul. I do feel that having a niche was crucial for my business model.   Having a narrowly defined sense of what I do means I have guidance in answering the toughest questions like: Who should I market to and where should I market to them? What products should I offer?   How much should I charge for them? And where do I go from here?   These are still big questions to answer, but knowing my niche gets me 80% of the way there. 3. I was virtually introduced to you through Kylie Springman, who you write a food blog with that I cant visit anymore because it makes me hungry every time I lay eyes on it. You also mention on your  About Me page that youre team-writing a cookbook in addition to your work as an artist. I talk a lot about being a  Renaissance Soul on this blog, as Im one and about 90% of my clients are, too! Did you struggle, and/or do you struggle currently, with balancing both parts of your creative passions? Wow, “Renaissance Soul” sounds a lot better than some of the others words I’ve heard used to describe my multi-passionate approach to life.   You know, it definitely can be a challenge to balance the two, mostly because I want to be working on everything at once (not such a bad situation to have, I suppose).   I try and sit down each morning to block out different parts of my day.   This helps me to get to the most important pieces of each project before the day is over.   But the re will always be days when I simply refuse to put down my paintbrush or tasting spoons at the end of the allotted time, and then I just roll with it!   I’ve learned that forcing myself to write when I want to paint, or paint when I want to write usually ends poorly… 4. You tell a story, also on your  About Me page (oh yes, I do my research pre-interview) about how a bully beat on your artistic talents and got ya down at the ripe ol age of 5. Obviously it left quite an impression on you. How did you respond to The Haters and get over their negativity in order to make the plunge into being a full-time artist and food writer? You know, “The Haters” can only do so much when you go home everyday to a mom / partner / kid / dad / dog / etc. who thinks you totally rock.   It’s funny, though, to reflect on the exact moment that gave me the courage to make the leap. I was filling out Kylies Effervesence pre-coaching questionnaire that asked the following: If you reach the age of 95 and continue to live your life the way you do right now, what regrets do you think you will have? Before I had time to think, I’d written down “I’d regret having never tried to sell a painting.”   I made my first sale three weeks later. Going solo full time was definitely scary, but I’m becoming a big believer in taking the risk and just watching the pieces fall into place.   For instance, 3 days after I left my full time position, I met a women who asked me to become an editorial consultant and food writer on an up-and-coming teen health website.   Coincidence?   Maybe.   But I’d like to think that part of it was just the universe giving me a congratulatory pat on the rump for having the audacity to do my own thing. 5. If you could have your present self give your pre-artist/food writer self one piece of advice, what would it be? I’d say, “Hi Young Adriana, I love your outfit!   Anyhow, I just want you to know that it’s fine to be scared of building your own dream job, but don’t let that stop you.   Don’t even let that slow you down.   Accept that it’s scary and then get right to work!” ******** Can I repeat that last gem for a second: Accept that its scary and then get right to work! Sorry for the boldness, but I thought it was absolutely appropriate. OK, now you can leave a comment to win a 6”x6” custom pet portrait (a $150 value!) by Adriana herself! Im gonna make ya work for it by having you answer the question, If you reach the age of 95 and continue to live your life the way you do right now, what regrets do you think you will have? by midnight Eastern on Wednesday, February 2nd to be entered to win! Break a leg!