Category: Workplace

Employee experience can seriously impact your bottom line. The Employer Brand Index gives you insight into what talent really thinks about your company.

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Talent Acquisition Workplace

Sack Your Boss! 6 Steps to Start a Business


 
A career as an entrepreneur is quite lucrative. To become an entrepreneur, you need to have plenty of confidence, motivation and the courage to take risks. In the modern-day world, there are multiple examples of successful entrepreneurs. If the story of an entrepreneur highly motivates you and you dream to make your own mark, you can decide to start on an entrepreneurial journey.

If you haven’t decided to leave work just yet, check out So You Want to Leave a Job You Hate. If you are already on your way, here are the 6 ways to becoming an entrepreneur:
 

1. Think of a Unique Idea

 
The journey of an entrepreneur begins with an idea which has the potential to bring success. If you want to prove your entrepreneurial talent to the world, you should start brainstorming to come up with a great idea.
 
If you are already working in an industry, you should try to figure out the gaps that other businesses have been unable to fill up. Once you have identified the loopholes in an industry, you can rack your brains to come up with an idea in the form of an effective solution.
 

2. Believe in that Idea

 
Whether or not you have strong belief in the idea you have come up with can make all the difference. If you don’t believe in an idea really strongly, it will fail even if it was a unique one.
 
Once you have thought of a great idea, you should have enough confidence to make it work for you. It is your determination which will matter more than actually the idea that you hit upon.
 

3. Write Out a Plan

 
To make an idea really work well, you should prepare a concrete plan. Successful entrepreneurs have always put their entire plan in written. Right from creating the product to marketing it to the target audience, you need to focus on every detail. Don’t forget to do extensive industry research to write out a great plan to make the business idea come to life.
 

4. Get the First Round of Financing

 
In the initial stage of your entrepreneurial journey, you will need to arrange for the first round of financing. This is where putting your entire business plan to paper comes in handy. When you have a written plan in hand, you can easily put across your point to venture capitalists.
 

5. Start Working

 
When you have the finance available to start your entrepreneurial venture, it’s time to prove yourself. Use appropriate resources to accomplish the project within the pre-decided timeframe. You should also have the motivation to overcome the barriers that you might face while moving ahead. Be inspired and continue to move on with a positive attitude.
 

6. Connect with Other Entrepreneurs

 
You must have heard the line that ‘being with a winner makes you a winner’. Now that you are in business, you should adopt the habit of networking with other successful entrepreneurs. Networking with other entrepreneurs keeps you motivated as well as abreast of the latest tips and tricks of the trade.
 
So, are you determined enough to set out on your entrepreneurial journey?

Related: The Pros and Cons of Being a Freelancer.
 
 
James Tomerson writes regularly on career, education and latest job trends. To read more from him, you can visit Jobdiagnosis.com, which also offers jobseekers a free career test to choose a career which is in tune with their career, aptitude and skills.

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Workplace

Resume vs. One-Page Proposal: A Side-by-Side Comparison


 
Getting hired is tough. What’s even tougher is getting hired into a job that you actually want. Between resumes, applications, and cover letters, many job seekers fear that their documents aren’t making the right impression.
 
Introducing the one-page proposal. Based on Patrick G. Riley’s book, The Resume is Dead!, the one-page proposal is lauded as the solution to the common resume. As CEO of The One-Page Company, I clearly agree.
 
However, how will people turn to one-page proposals if they don’t know what they are? Better yet, how will they change if they don’t know the difference between that and the resume?
 
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the resume and the one-page proposal:

 
1. What are they?
 

Resumes are traditional. Since the dawn of time, job seekers have used resumes to court prospective employers. They’re commonplace and generally expected in hiring situations.
 
One-page proposals are new. The one-page job proposal is a relatively new concept and it’s not especially common in hiring situations. Hiring managers don’t explicitly ask for one-page proposals.

 
2. Focus
 

Resumes focus on the job-seeker. It’s all about the job seeker. My experience, my skills, me, me, me. The employer oftentimes needs to connect the dots between the resume and the actual job.
 
One-page proposals focus on the employer. Attention shifts to the employer, company, and position in question. The proposal discusses the company and how the job seeker will fit into the overall picture.

 
3. Content

 
Resumes record the past. It’s all about past experience, schooling, and skills developed. It is important for employers to learn about what an applicant has taken away from the past, but are left without an idea of what is to come.
 
One-page proposals look to the future. Proposals include past experience, but are chiefly centered on what will happen. Applicants tell employers what they will do and how that will happen.

 
4. Goal

   
Resumes are broad. It’s not uncommon for a job seeker to use the same resume time and time again for dozens of different companies. The goal is to get a job in an industry, not taking the company or position into account.
 
One-page proposals are targeted. One-page proposals are meant for one company, position, and reader. They are unique to other applications and get down to the specifics of the position and company.
 
There you have it. The next time someone asks you about resumes or one-page proposals, you now know what makes each similar and unique.
 
While I have a fairly obvious opinion about resumes, I feel that job seekers are entitled to a choice in the hiring process, selecting the document that best suits their needs and expectations.
 
When applying to a job, would you choose a one-page proposal over a resume?  

Related: CV vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?
 
Joanna Riley Weidenmiller is the CEO of The One-Page Company and is responsible for executing the company’s strategic development plan. Prior to launching One-Page, Joanna was the CEO of Performance Advertising. Joanna earned her B.A. in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and lives between Beijing, China, and San Francisco.

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Workplace

How to Market Your Personal Brand Like Kim Kardashian


Have you ever wondered how Kim Kardashian became famous? While some might refer to her as a “television personality” or “socialite,” Kim Kardashian is an archetypical personal brand. From her start in a reality television series to subsequent guest appearances on television shows and in movies, her efforts both on and offline have somehow made many people believe that she is not only valuable, but deserving of her fame.
 
Whatever your opinion is of the Kardashians, their story is a lesson about the power of marketing yourself. In this job market, a resume isn’t enough to make you stand out, even if it’s done by the best professional resume writing service. But even if you’re not actively looking for a job, when it comes to increasing your exposure to future employers and experts in your industry, it’s important to find appropriate ways to define and project your personal brand.

  

Find your niche

   

It’s not flattering to think of yourself as a commodity, but when it comes to getting recognized by employers and influencers, you’re only as good as the value you bring to the table. Most people tend to buy products that are very good at accomplishing one or two tasks. Products that can do many things in a mediocre way are generally not as popular.
   
Think of your brand the same way. You may know five languages, program in C++, like different types of artisan breads, and occasionally work out. That might make you interesting to your friends, but when you push out too many messages about yourself to your audience, it’s not only confusing, but makes you look unfocused.
   
Pinpoint one or two strengths that you feel comfortable being the go-to person for. Make sure you’re always up to date on the newest information and trends about whatever you choose as your specialty. For instance, if you decide to promote yourself as a graphic designer, it would be embarrassing if you didn’t know about new Photoshop features and releases. Set up a simple Google Alert to capture information about your specialty from a wide variety of sources.
   

  

Promote yourself in the right venues

   

Online social profiles are certainly nothing new. Sites like KnowEm and NameChk make it easy to claim hundreds of profiles across multiple social networking sites. Claiming your online profiles is a great way to prevent someone from snatching up your identity, but dedicating yourself to maintaining all of these profiles can be daunting.
   
Rather than spreading yourself thin, use top social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for a more focused reach. You can link updates from all of these accounts rather than posting separate updates on each. To reach a focused audience, pick one or two niche social networks. For graphic designers, Meetup where you can meet other industry professionals and employers. Most major office supply shops offer business card printing services. Have them printed with addresses of your social profiles to maximize your exposure.
  

Contribute to the discourse

   

Employers and recruiters won’t notice you if you simply sit back and read discussion forums. Participate! You don’t have to offer the most groundbreaking view on a topic, but sharing an informed opinion will showcase your expertise. If you’re really stumped on what to add to a discussion, ask the questions no one else is asking.
   
Remember to keep discussions polite, both online and offline. Once you’ve refined your prowess, it might be easier for you to pick out the flaws in others’ opinions. Employers and influencers don’t like bullies. Politely share your knowledge, and show that you’re someone who can help others with their professional development.
   
The majority of us won’t be able to market ourselves like the Kardashians. While frantic outbursts, self-indulgence, and vanity work for a small percentage of the population, the rest of us will get further by becoming informed industry experts, sharing our expertise, and demonstrating our value.
  
To learn more, check out our Personal Branding Workshops running in the UK and further afield.
     
Leslie Williams is a writer for Jobfox Resumes, the largest resume writing service online. She specializes in using social media to connect to the right job.

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Employer Branding Timebound Workplace

How a Game Designer’s Interview Blunder Led Him to Conquer the World

   
“I can’t believe I just said that…”
  
I’d be interested to see statistics on what percentage of job interviewees have suffered such a thought. And I wonder how often the interviewer even noticed or was bothered by the interviewer’s supposed gaff.
    
Twenty-two years ago, a young Tim Schafer made a big gaff…and the interviewer certainly noticed. But after some creative thinking, he landed the job. Today, he’s a computer game industry icon.
   
Check out these excerpts from his fantastic blog (where you can even see copies of his rejection letters for even more inspiration!):
   
“My job hunt was getting kind of depressing. I was building up a pile of rejection letters, most of them from jobs I didn’t even want.”

But then, one bright summer day, I walked into the campus career center and saw this:
 

 
That’s the original posting for the “Assistant Designer / Programmer” position at Lucasfilm, Games Division.

I called David Fox right away and scribbled all the notes you see while I was talking to him. I told him how much I wanted to work at Lucasfilm, not because of Star Wars, but because I loved, “Ball Blaster.”

“Ball Blaster, eh?” he said.

“Yeah! I love Ball Blaster!” I said. It was true. I had broken a joystick playing that game on my Atari 800.

“Well, the name of the game is Ball Blazer.” Mr. Fox said, curtly. “It was only called Ball Blaster in the pirated version.”

Gulp.

Totally busted. It was true—I had played the pirated version. There, I said it…

The rest of the phone call didn’t go much better. But at the end of it, David told me to send in my resume, along with a cover letter describing my ideal job. Since I figured I had blown the interview, I had nothing to lose. So I did my cover letter in the form of a semi-graphic adventure.

 
It worked.
 


 
What we can learn from Tim’s application:
  
1. Know how to sell your strengths
   
Tim could easily have penned a typical cover letter, but his creativity wouldn’t nearly have been apparent. Granted, the traditional cover email/CV combination is more appropriate for the vast majority of positions. But candidates must still use these mediums to demonstrate their skills and capabilities. That’s why we’ve given candidates the option to attach multi-media work samples to their Innovate CV. After all, sometimes a candidate needs to go beyond ‘telling’ and start ‘showing’ in order to stand out.
 
2. Exclusive applications
    
I’d be willing to bet that Lucas Films were more taken aback by Tim’s sincerity than by his creativity. After all, this wasn’t merely a creative application that Lucas Arts had received…along with a hundred other companies. Tim’s application was designed and created exclusively for them! Imagine that.
 
Hiring staff can tell immediately tell when they’re receiving a generic CV (as good as it may be) versus a customised CV. The tailored approach takes into account the industry, organisation, and position. When candidates respectively make the effort to personalise an application, they present themselves as a far more professional and thoughtful. Innovate CV’s management system allows you to easily oversee your various CVs.
 
3. Play with the rules
   
Lucas Film’s asked Tim to submit ‘a cover letter describing [his] ideal job.’ Tim understood that they likely wanted to ascertain his writing skills and creativity. So with that in mind, he took a risk, and took a different route.
 
Hiring managers want the best, and unless the organisation is stuck in her procedure, they don’t mind if candidates break the rules to stand out. Read between the lines to determine where you have space to try something different. But of course, know your limits. Common sense applies.
 
4. Be proactive, even if when it hurts
    
Tim’s job hunt wasn’t going well, yet he persisted. His proactive visit to a campus career centre led him to his dream opportunity.
 
Job hunting is emotionally exhausting. When the lousy jobs even seem out of reach, it’s easy to give up on one’s dreams. There’s a world of gamers out there who are forever grateful that Tim didn’t do just that, no matter how tempting the option may have been.
 
5. Interviews aren’t everything
    
Despite a lousy interview, Tim’s fantastic follow-up won him the position. One strike doesn’t mean you’re out.
 
Candidates who struggle in an interview can confidently bounce back. Take stock of what went wrong and remedy the issues with a thoughtfully worded follow-up email or letter.
 
Well done, Tim. Thanks for sharing your story.
   
What else can we learn from Tim? What have been your nightmare interview moments? 

Related: The 7 Qualities Employees are Looking for in Candidates.

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Workplace

How to Find the Best Paid Jobs Online


Social media is more than just playing games on Facebook or tweeting every bit and part of your mundane life. Do you know that proper use of social media can enhance your chance of getting a well paid job? In this article I will be sharing some tips that might be useful when it comes to landing the job of your dream.

   
LinkedIn

   
The first site that you will want to consider is LinkedIn. If there is a site that recruiters may use to uncover their next employee it will be this one. This is why it is important that you spend some time to create a good and accurate profile on the site. Do not forget to insert a picture of yourself on your profile-nothing fancy though.

What you need to remember is that the real power of a network is in the second degree, i.e. you should make the most of the network of your network. If there is someone within your network that is friend with someone influential you might want to ask for an introduction from a friend.
   
If you need help moving on, check out the Guerilla LinkedIn Makeover which has helped thousands of job seekers already.

     
Blogging

     
Although blog may have lost its original influence, it can still be helpful when it comes to choosing a job if you know how to use it properly. One idea will be to start a blog where you will cover the latest developments in your field and at the same time share it with your networks on LinkedIn or any other social network. This will put you under the radar of some of the influential person within your industry.

Make sure that your posts are really pertinent and do not hesitate to share your own views and ideas to show your prospective employers how knowledgeable you might be in your niche.
     
For more on blogging, check out How Blogging Will Boost Your Career and Personal Brand.

   

Twitter

      
Twitter is another important tool when it comes to finding a job. Again you will need to make sure that you have a completed bio with a link to your online resume to give a good image of yourself. Again you should make everything sound professional-no silly avatars or background please.
   
Just as with your blog you will want to make use of this site to establish yourself as an expert in your field. To achieve this you will need to ensure that your tweets are relevant and really add value for all your followers. You might also want to follow all the leaders and influential person within your niche. This is where the advanced search features of Twitter might be really useful.
   
For more on Twitter, see 10 Hot Twitter Job Search Tips.

      
Facebook

        
This article will be incomplete without mentioning Facebook. Although many people seem to be using Facebook casually, it can also have some influences on your job searching endeavors.

First of all you will want to ensure that you do not have some compromising photos lurking on your Facebook account that will hinder your chances of getting your dream jobs. It might therefore be important that you monitor your privacy settings closely to ensure that sensitive information is not available on the internet.

There are a lot of companies that post job openings on their Facebook fan page and having a professional-looking Facebook account can really make your life easier when it comes to applying for these positions.
   
More on Facebook at 10 Useful Personal Branding Tips on Facebook.

       
Final word: Be Bold

     
Sometimes it may pay off to be bold. Whatever social media site you might be using, it might be useful to post a status update that will let your followers know that you are looking for a job. There are many people that have got their dream job via social media sites and this might also be the case for you.

Robert Bellarmine is a writer for Visitask.com where he deals with the subject of project management and other hot topics for career management.