9 Companies That Can Make or Break Your Career

9 Companies That Can Make or Break Your Career9 Companies That Can Make or Break Your Career You may think its all about what you do that helps you climb the corporate ladder or keeps you on the bottom zustromg. But where you work and whom you work for also play a large part in the success- or lack thereof- in your career. In other words, there are companies that can make your career- and there are ones that will break it . To help you know the difference, here are nine you should work for or run from.Dont shy away from a small company, or one run by a family. What it may lack in industry heft, it may make up for in more personalized relationships and career development at a mom-n-pop outfit, you may find you get more face-time with your boss, whos willing to teach you the ins and outs of the business. Or maybe youll the chance to move up more quickly through the ranks. Either way, it might be worth it.When youve got careergoals, its only smart to hitch your wago n to a company thats on the rise. A fast-growth outfit is headed up theyre hiring for all the right reasons, creating new positions, earning new clients, and finding other ways to expand- all of which meanthat theres ample opportunity for you to really spread your wings here. In a fast-growth outfit, you dont feel the need to leave, because a new opportunity could be just one door down.3. The Business With a Great LeaderAs they say, success trickles down from the top. When you work for a company with a great leader - one who leads by example, whos willing to berater and teach , who cares about your success as an individual as much as he cares about the success of the company- you cant help but shine and move quickly up the corporate ladder. Some places set the standard for the whole industry, and those are the companies for which you want to work. Theyre the best of the best , and who doesnt want to learn from the best- and put the best on your resume? You dont have to stay i n this kind of company forever but stay long enough to learn the ropes and earn bragging rights for your next gig, which will appreciate benefitting from all you learned there. A company with a high-turnover is a big red flag . Think about it if its employees are constantly jumping ship, that doesnt say anything good about the management or the company itself. And if the company is always firing its employees, you wont be able to work without fear that youll be the next one on the proverbial chopping block- and working in a state of anxiety wont exactly inspire your best performance. Aim instead to work for a company people would hate to leave because its that great.Theres a difference between working for an inspiring leader , which can make your career, and working for a leader who wont share his or her success with the rest of the team. In top-heavy companies, leaders snag the credit for every single success while passing the blame to their employees for every single thing t hat goes wrong. Thats bad for a few reasons it can be difficult to rise through the ranks in this kind of company, and it can be tough to build up a resume with a boss who wont admit you ran a stellar campaign or brought in new business. Try instead to work for a company with a leader unafraid to recognize your good work and help you improve.When you think of a company with poor work culture , you might picture those with drama thats played out in newspapers or on TV- the kind youd be embarrassed to keep on your resume. And thats something that can break your career. But even if a companys culture hasnt made it to the news- or the ears of industry insiders- it can still hold you back. Thats because a company with a negative culture can leave you frustrated, uninspired, and unmotivated- which wont help you move up in this company or move on to the next. Instead, you should want to work somewhere that inspires all its employees to do their best - and that will reward them for hard work.You could waste years of your career at this kind of company- the kind that always promises a promotion or a raise but never, ever delivers. Perhaps they drew you in with the promise of increasing your compensation after a review- but they always have an excuse for never scheduling it. Or maybe they told you that most employees move into new, better roles after a year- and youve been in the same position for three years now. Either way, youre going nowhere fast. Work for a company with a proven track record of keeping its promises, and you can make your career instead. You may be long done with college, but your education should continue throughout your career- and its key to find an employer whos willing to help facilitate that continued education, in the form of supporting you on conferences, classes, training, and other development opportunities. If a company is content to keep you stagnant, youre in a job, that will ultimately be a dead end, and you may find yourself l ooking for a new job ASAP. So when or if you do, look for companies that value education.

Customize this Outstanding Office Clerk Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Office Clerk Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Office Clerk Resume SampleCreate Resume Jasmine Cooper100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryHighly detailed geschftszimmer clerk with strong aptitude in communications and use of varied office equipment. Extensive history of administrative clerical work in multiple departments of small to medium-sized businesses. Experienced in Microsoft Office software and other key programs within both PC and Mac environments.Core QualificationsProfessional demeanorExcellent communications SkillsEarly adapter and learnerOffice software excellencePolished personal appearanceAttention to detail60 WPM typing speedExperienceMarketing Office Clerk, May 2007-May 2015SMA Marketing Agency New Cityland, CAProvided administrative support to growing marketing agency.Converted over 2600 traditional office files to electronic system.Ensured complete and concise docume ntation of client meetings.Provided typing support to copywriters during brainstorming and creative sessions.Completed all sales and marketing correspondence mail merges, ensured 100% deliverability and appropriately routed client replies.General Office Clerk, January 2000-April 2007Administrative Associates of New Cityland New Cityland, CAPerformed interim, backup and seasonal administrative support to contracted clients on an as-needed basis.Developed consistent base of clients specifically requesting repeat services over other contract providers.Ensured client satisfaction for all completed administrative work during contract term.Education1999 Bachelor of Arts, Creative WritingUniversity of California New Cityland, CACustomize ResumeOffice Clerk Resume Questions1. Which skills are the best to list on an office clerk resume?Office clerks rely on a specialized suite of skills to be effective at their job. Your resume needs to bring those skills front and center to leave employer s with no doubt of your qualifications. Use your opening summary, bulleted skills list, and work history to work in a strong mix of keywords that demonstrate the skills valuable to an employer, just as our office clerk resume sample demonstrates. Such skills can include filing, correspondence, project support, scheduling, meeting management, expense tracking, and many more. Use your target jobs to identify what skills employers seek, and integrate them into your resume.2. Whats the best length for an office clerk resume?Your best bet for a resume is to keep it short and simple. That means keeping your resume to one page in length, segmented neatly into your summary, skills, work history, and education. Avoid bogging your resume down in too many unnecessary details. Keep yourself focused on high-level statements.If youre struggling to keep your resume at one page, use our office clerk resume sample as a guide to demonstrate how its done. Still need help? Our resume builder lets you c reate a resume in minutes, producing a dazzling one-page document.3. Whats the best resume template to use for an office clerk resume?Just as with the length of your resume, simplicity is key in choosing a resume template. Employers want your resume to reflect the organization skills youll use on the job, so choose a template with a clean, modern look that minimizes embellishments and focuses on content above all.4. How can you separate your office clerk resume from other candidates resumes?The formatting you use to differentiate resume sections will contribute greatly to the attractiveness of your resume. Review our office clerk resume sample to understand the best ways to format the blocks of your resume for a well-structured document.You want employers to know you as a candidate who rises above and beyond to meet the challenges of the job. Thats why you need to announce your accomplishments in your resume. Dont be shy about discussing how your efforts made a difference to your pa st employers.5. What should you do to make sure your office clerk resume makes it past an ATS?An ATS, or applicant tracking system, is a schrift of screening tool employers use to cut down on unqualified applicants using automated matching algorithms. These algorithms scan your resume for key phrases and determine if you score a high enough match for desirable skills to progress to the next stage.To increase your match percentage, use a skills section like the one in our office clerk resume sample to include keywords taken directly from your target jobs description. Include them throughout your work history and summary as well.

How to network if you dont know anyone in your industry

How to network if you dont know anyone in your industryHow to network if you dont know anyone in your industryTheres so much advice out there about how to network better, but what happens if you want to switch industries entirely? How can you segue to a new professional space if you dont know anyone in your desired industry?Addie Swartz, CEO of reacHIRE, a company that provides resources to young women to grow in their careers and support to returners to successfully re-enter the workforce, offered some easy to implement tips on networking outside of your comfort zone.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraLook under every rockSwartz says to start by asking everyone in your own network if they know someone in a particular industry that sounds appealing to you.By tapping into your existing network, you might find a lead or connection that can help you to the next level.You never know wh en someone you already know may introduce you to someone who can help direct you to contacts in a different industry, Swartz said. This has happened to me over and over again.And try to be open-minded about contacts and their connections and explore a bit every now and again just a bit to see what opportunity might be connected to that introduction.Present your professional selfShow up like you mean it. According to Swartz, that includes dressing appropriately, leaving your cell phone turned off and showing appreciation for the time spent with you.And when youre done? A thank you goes a long way when someone is taking time to help you and your career. Dont forget to send a written thank you to anyone that takes the time to meet with you, Swartz added.Prepare, prepare, prepareDont phone in your appearance, Always show up fully prepared. This may mean doing your research for a meeting with someone who can share experiences of a new industry for you, or showing up for a networking vera nstaltung, Swartz says.And while youre at it, Be sure to spend time on social media getting further information on the company or the topic, through LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook to get a pulse of the company or the current conversation taking place in the industry.The time spent in preparation will do much to help you in your networking efforts.Positive self-talkEven after years of speaking to audiences of thousands or presenting to her board or even to groups of investors, Swartz always says to herself, youre going to kill it.She believes that this positive self-talk will do much to reassure yourself to know how well youre going to do at a networking event or even a one on one meeting. Sometimes we just need to redirect our nervous energy and thoughts in a positive direction.Its also a good way to make yourself comfortable with a familiar pep talk before heading into an unfamiliar situation.Remember where you came fromWhen youre about to walk into a situation where you dont feel y our confident self, its helpful to have a powerful perspective to share, Swartz said. In other words, you want to share a brief story on your background, experience or perspective which powerfully addresses why you are showing up as a confident professional.Can you share an experience in which you achieved success or recognition, letting everyone know you are a confident professional? Think of a past win or accomplishment and remember how good it felt to succeed, how effortlessly you were able to accomplish your goals, and how you have everything within you necessary to do it all over againTo take that to another level, just because a situation or career path is new to you, doesnt mean the skills needed to succeed are new or foreign to you. Remind yourself of past wins, great relationships, and career highlights and try to bring that into the present.And here are a few more tips to help you outBriefly step outside of your comfort zoneIf youve ever traveled to a conference youve prob ably noticed that there were several conferences going on simultaneously at your hotel or conference center.I always try to give myself an exercise where I mingle on the periphery of a gathering of strangers in a strange industry. Sometimes I actually strike up a meaningful conversation other times I strike out completely.The point is that I put myself into an unexpected headspace and see where I can go with it.Order something else to eatMaybe youre in a professional rut. Hey It happens. One very easy exercise to try is ordering something totally different the next time youre at your favorite restaurant.It doesnt have to be something shocking or drastic, but something that reminds you that you can make small changes that ease your way into bigger ones.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 ersatzdarsteller y our productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

How to Get More Attention From Employers

How to Get More Attention From EmployersHow to Get More Attention From EmployersJob seekers can get noticed by employers when they follow these three attention-getting tactics.Of course, todays job market is trying. Though there is stiff competition out there, successful candidates are persistent in unearthing potential job leads. In last months article, How to Romance Your Next Employer, I outlined three key elements for a successful job search campaignFocus on employers who can appreciate what you offer.Identify a positioning that attracts attention.Differentiate yourself as a first-choice expert.It is not enough just to open doors, get referred and deliver an impressive value proposition. Youve got to network purposefully. Dont count on being remembered take initiative and be intentional about who you speak with.Once you have an effective plan, youll be ready for the next three implementation tactics that use networking purposefully, as follows1. Demonstrate a short learning curv e.When you make contact directly with hiring authorities, the easiest way to gain their trust and cultivate their support is to demonstrate that you can solve challenges. They will be relieved to know that you will contribute immediately without a learning curve.Dont dwell on all the companys challenges.Do develop a meaningful dialogue on ways to solve their challenges to unearth possible opportunities.Dont ask hiring managers to explain the market.Do your research, and know the market.2. Out of sight is out of mind.Be patient. Polite, persistent, pings avoid missing out on an unexpected opportunity. Remember to give to your connections by offering your resources. Suggest relevant references online or in traditional media. Out of sight is out of mind, so dont drop out. Bring people with mutual interests together to spur conversations.Dont only be a taker.Do pay it forward give assistance, bring people with mutual interests together and look for ways to help others.Dont ask about job openings explicitly when scheduling an appointment to talkDo attract employers attention by seeking advice and information.3. Reach out to those who decision-makers hold in high regard.Reach beyond employees at your target companies and connect with authors, key industry figures, academic thought leaders and others to whom hiring managers may go for a recommendation. Be inventive. Seek relationships with suppliers, vendors and consultants affiliated with your target employers.Dont expect to instantly find these third-party thought leaders.Do count on working hard to cement new relationships and keep up with existing connections.Dont only network with decision-makers who may be busy or inaccessible.Do access leads indirectly through suppliers, vendors, consultants, former co-workers and others.Persevere. Networking purposefully is the very best strategy for making connections. Regularly accessing and assessing a large number of high quality contacts produces results referrals, leads and, fruchtwein importantly, offers.

Sample Resume for Game Producer Job Position

Sample Resume for Game Producer Job PositionSample Resume for Game Producer Job PositionCreate this Resume George Evans2222 Stoney Lonesome RoadSelinsgrove, PA 17870(333)-982-7597g.evanstmail.comObjectivePassionate Game Producer seeking an opportunity to be part of top gaming industry to aid in the management of game production lifecycle. Summary of QualificationsFormidable project management skillsAbility to gracefully balance schedule needs with creative imperativesPassion for making and playing computer gamesExperience with agile software developmentProficiency in Microsoft Excel, Project, Visio and WordProfessional ExperienceSenior Game Producer, January 2007- PresentCentral Business Solutions, frisch ans werk Angeles, CA ResponsibilitiesActively participated in the game design process and represented the voice of reality.Collaborated and worked with designers, engineers, and artists to ensure the smooth development of quality products. Established and maintained the vision, sco pe, schedule, budget, and resources plan for game titles. Ensured all concurrent game projects meet schedule, budgetary, and marketing requirements.Created and established repeatable processes to improve efficiency and predictability.Video Game Producer, May 2004- December 2006Tapulous, US ResponsibilitiesEndorsed and supported product development by working with department leads and management to coordinate the production process. Determined and managed production schedules and milestones involving product development. Updated and obtained project schedule and reported the status on a weekly basis.Assisted and helped develop and/ or wrote production processes and specifications.Managed and oversaw development staff and ensured that projects needs are effectively communicated. EducationMasters Degree in Computer Science, 2004Yale UniversityBachelors Degree in Computer Science, 2002Yale University Customize ResumeMore Sample ResumesGame Artist Resume Game Designer Resume Game Develop er Resume Game Producer Resume Garbage Man Resume Gardener Resume Gas Plant Operator Resume Gas Station Attendant Resume Gas Station Cashier Resume Gas Station Manager Resume

Marketing Resume Examples Tips & Guide

Marketing Resume Examples Tips & Guide What Marketing Resume Examples Is - and What it Is Not For instance, the summary section ought to be written in the very first person. Youll also receive a cover letter page you can drop a personalized message into. If youre still in the procedure for writing your resume or want to revamp it, heres a checklist that you may use as your guide. Once youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to learn how to vary the usage of action verbs and receive a feel for what makes an effective accomplishment statement. The Ultimate Marketing Resume Examples Trick If you are interested in an instance of fantastic messaging in a resume, take a look at the digital absatzwirtschaft and advertising executive resume sample among our absolutely free downloadable resume templates. 1 Actually, in marketing, its what you say and the way you say it. Because marketing involves understanding how to use certain tools, especially ones like Google Analytics, you may want a hard-skills-heavy resume. Your marketing resume should contain keywords that are going to be searched by marketing managers when searching for suitable applicants. If youre on the lookout for Great Marketing and advertising CV Examples or Templates. It is possible to also see Marketing Templates. Marketing is among the most diverse professional industries in existence and many companies rarely just seek the services of a marketer. Content marketing is inescapable in the present digital advertising landscape. The samples for the 2 versions of my resume was great. Otherwise, then you werent clear enough and you have to tweak the language. Limit your resumes to a single page if youre able to. For instance, it includes a skills page at which you can use icons to demonstrate your proficiency in numerous categories. After all, employers would want to understand what it is that you are capable of and whether youve got the experience they want to get. The job, the market, and the institution proved not the perfect fit for me. Put in the effort to ensure it is strong, and youll land the internship in virtually no time. The Basics of Marketing Resume Examples Superior communication and analytical abilities, the capability to multitask and meet strict deadlines and the capability to work both independently and cooperatively lead to a proven history of high performance and productivity. You may have a foundational resume that compellingly articulates the most crucial info, states Heifetz, but you need to alter it for each opportunity. Analytical Skills To be able to analyse and understand the huge data present today, analytical skills are critical. Providing evidence of your skills with specific examples is the secret to getting an excellent internship. Try to remember, recruiters are always able to study your LinkedIn profile for the complete story. Hiring managers want to find professionals who can stick out from the pack. They want to know if youll need to relocate. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Marketing Resume Examples Your advertising manager resume summary is the surface of your sales funnel. If youre an advertising professional, your resume needs to offer your expertise and track record to prospective employers, the same as any other bit of marketing material. A strong headline tells employers exactly what you need to offer you. A marketer also needs to be in a position to spell out the demands and interests of the target market to the corporation. Successful marketers understand how to use various bit of software to make content, manage social media, and analyze customer data to be able to create top quality, targeted campaigns at potential clients. A thriving marketer is someone who can increase a businesss income by driving sales. Your advertising manager CV needs to be written or modified especially for each and every job which you apply to if you wo uld like to make certain you have the absolute best chances of receiving an interview for the job. More than every other industry, if youre searching for work in the advertising department of a business, your resume should be amazing and stick out from the rest. Marketing is a rather common career alternative for many men and women. You never begin an advertising campaign without knowing who you need to attain.

Encouraging Teamwork in a Diverse Workplace - Spark Hire

Encouraging Teamwork in a Diverse Workplace - Spark HireA recent study found that workplace diversity can increase employee happiness and job satisfaction. The study cites feeling included as one of the top raves of workers. Further, this feeling of inclusion makes employees more likely to come to work, which means a more efficient and profitable company culture. Pause for cheers and pats on the backWith this shining example in mind, it is important to keep looking at ways to effectively manage workplace diversity. As the University of California San Francisco points out, workplace diversity encompasses more than just cultural and racial diversity. We also need to think about diversity of gender, socioeconomic status, age, and physical ability.Among such a diverse crowd, it is important for HR professionals to create effective avenues for communication and camaraderie. Here are some tips for making sure that these differences create a productive meeting of the mindsnot a collective b anging of foreheads on desks.When you hire someoneInsist diversity not only in the people you hire, but in the employees on screening and interview committees. As mentioned above, this means diversity of age, experience, gender, etc.When you hire a new employee, job expectations shouldnt be the only memo. Explain the importance of workplace diversity, and delineate expectations for a positive company culture.Frequently revisit hiring policies as they relate to diversity. Consider having a committee of employees give input on the policy, and on diversity in company culture.When you are managing the workplaceThe idea that there is one right way to solve a given problem quashes the creativity of workplace diversity. Challenge yourself and other managers to be open to multiple kinds of solutions, from multiple voices.Encourage situations where employees work with people outside of their team or department. This can be recreational situations like company outings or luncheons, or special projects at work where a manager shakes up the modell work groups.Give employees the chance to nominate each other for recognition after a great idea or a job well done. Create an MVP bulletin board in the breakroom, or have a monthly drawing among all the nominees for a $5 coffee gift card.Be able to take or accept constructive criticism and communication from employees when it comes to diversity. They may identify things about your management style, and about company culture, that you arent able to see.Adopt a zero tolerance policy when it comes to harassment or inappropriate behavior. Be sure that inappropriate is clearly defined for all employees. Communication is important. Identify ahead of time what kinds of jokes, comments, language, and other behavior are not acceptable parts of workplace diversity.By following these tips, you should be well on your way to creating a positive company culture. Remember to always encourage communication, and keep an open mind. That means kee ping your mind open to new people and new ideas even really crazy things like garlic lemonade (you get a free cold-fighting recipe today, in honor of the chilly weather).How do you make communication effective in a diverse workplace? Leave a comment below, or send me a tweet ithinkther4iambIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr byRennett Stowe

These are all the things Millennials would give up for travel

These are all the things Millennials would give up for travelThese are all the things Millennials would give up for travelWe know Millennials love to travel. They love it as much as making up acronyms for sitting around and not going to the pop up that all their friends are going to FOMOOPO? But exactly how much do they love it or rather what would they be willing to sacrifice in order to travel for free?Contiki,a social travel company for those in the 18 to 35 age demographic, decided to look into the matter and found that they are willing to give up quite a lot to feed their wanderlust needs.Contiki asked 1,500 Millennials what they would give up for travel and these were the resultsNetflix (80%)Coffee (77%)Alcohol (73%)Carbs (60%)Sex (57%)Cell phone (41%)Now giving up access to Netflix for a great trip seems pretty reasonable but coffee, alcohol, and sex? Those kids really want to see the world The cell phone statistic is also pretty impressive considering that 49% admitted to us ing their phone 8 to 10 hours per day.But the deep love of travel is very clear as the survey found that 83% of Millennials travel one to three times per year. Another recent surveycommissioned byHilton Hotels Resorts found that travel and discovering new things is many Millennials favorite past time.In fact, 75%of young professionals in the U.S. see business travel as a major work perk and 65% consider it to be a status symbol. Nearly 40%of Millennials go so far as to say theywouldnt take a jobthat didnt allow them to travel for business and 56%create reasons to travelfor business. So clearly sacrificing watching Stranger Things is not a big deal for this group.

10 things genuinely confident people do differently

10 things genuinely confident people do differently10 things genuinely confident people do differentlyTrue confidence - as opposed to the false confidence people project to mask their insecurities - has a look all its own. One thing is certain truly confident people always have the upper hand over the doubtful and the skittish because they inspire others and they make things happen.Whether you think you can, or you think you cant - youre right. - Henry FordFords notion that your mentality has a powerful effect on your ability to succeed is seen in the results of a recent study at the University of Melbourne that showed that confident people earn higher wages and get promoted mora quickly than anyone else.Indeed, confident people have a profound impact on everyone they encounter. Yet, they achieve this only because they exert so much influence inside, on themselves.We see only their outside. We see them innovate, speak their mind, and propel themselves forward toward bigger and be tter things.And, yet, were missing the best part.We dont see the habits they develop to become so confident. Its a labor of love that they pursue behind the scenes, every single day.And while what people are influenced by changes with the season, the unique habits of truly confident people remain constant. Their focused pursuit is driven by these habits that you can emulate and absorbThey speak with certaintyIts rare to hear the truly confident utter phrases such as Um, Im not sure, and I think. Confident people speak assertively because they know that its difficult to get people to listen to you if you cant deliver your ideas with conviction.They seek out small victoriesConfident people like to challenge themselves and compete, even when their efforts yield small victories. Small victories build new androgen receptors in the areas of the brain responsible for reward and motivation. The increase in androgen receptors increases the influence of testosterone, which further increases t heir confidence and eagerness to tackle future challenges. When you have a series of small victories, the boost in your confidence can last for months.They exerciseA study conducted at the Eastern Ontario Research Institute found that people who exercised twice a week for 10 weeks felt more competent socially, academically, and athletically. They also rated their body image and self-esteem higher. Best of all, rather than the physical changes in their bodies being responsible for the uptick in confidence, it was the immediate, endorphin-fueled positivity from exercise that made all the difference.They dont seek attentionPeople are turned off by those who are desperate for attention. Confident people know that being yourself is much more effective than trying to prove that youre important. People catch on to your attitude quickly and are more attracted to the right attitude than what, or how many, people you know. Confident people always seem to bring the right attitude.Confident peo ple are masters of attention diffusion. When theyre receiving attention for an accomplishment, they quickly shift the focus to all the people who worked hard to help get them there. They dont crave approval or praise because they draw their self-worth from within.They dont pass judgmentConfident people dont pass judgment on others because they know that everyone has something to offer, and they dont need to take other people down a notch in order to feel good about themselves. Comparing yourself to other people is limiting. Confident people dont waste time sizing people up and worrying about whether or not they measure up to everyone they meet.They get their happiness from within.Happiness is a critical element of confidence, because, in order to be confident inwhat you do, you have to be happy withwho you are. People who brim with confidence derive their sense of pleasure and satisfaction from their own accomplishments, as opposed towhat other people thinkof their accomplishments.T hey listen more than they speakPeople with confidence listen more than they speak because they dont feel as though they have anything to prove. Confident people know that by actively listening and paying attention to others, they are much more likely to learn and grow. Instead of seeing interactions as opportunities to prove themselves to others, they focus on the interaction itself, because they know that this is a far more enjoyable and productive approach to people.They take risksWhen confident people see an opportunity, they take it. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, they ask themselves, Whats stopping me? Why cant I do that? and they go for it. Fear doesnt hold them back because they know that if they never try, they will never succeed.They arent afraid to be wrongConfident people arent afraid to be proven wrong. They like putting their opinions out there to see if they hold up because they learn a lot from the times they are wrong and other people learn from them when theyre right. Self-assured people know what they are capable of and dont treat being wrong as a personal slight.They celebrate other peoples successesInsecure people constantly doubt their relevance, and because of this, they try to steal the spotlight and criticize others in order to prove their worth. Confident people, on the other hand, arent worried about their relevance because they draw their self-worth from within. Instead of insecurely focusing inward, confident people focus outward, which allows them to see all the wonderful things that other people bring to the table. Praising people for their contributions is a natural result of this.Bringing it all togetherBuilding confidence is a journey, not a destination. To become more confident you must be passionate in your pursuit of a greater future.Travis Bradberry is the co-author ofEmotional Intelligence 2.0and the co-founder ofTalentSmart.This column first appeared on LinkedIn.

Mistakes that Cost Young Job Applicants a Second Interview

Mistakes that Cost Young Job Applicants a Second InterviewMistakes that Cost Young Job Applicants a Second InterviewWhen it comes to applying for a job, there are hundreds of ways to blow it before you even have a chance at a second interview. Unfortunately, it seems to be more apparent when it comes to young people after all, theyre only human but these mistakes cost them jobs their CVs say they are perfect for.Here are a few mistakes that cost young job applicants a chance for a second interviewBad Breath Its normal to have dry mouth when you go in for an interview. Try chewing a piece of gum before the interview just make sure you throw it away before you go in. No gum smackingBad Life Story You have a very small window to let people know who you are, what youre good at and what you want to do with your life. A quick, clear history of your life and career is key and if you cant communicate it quickly, you probably wont get the job.Sarcasm and Negativity Dont be a buzz killer be nice smileArrogance You might leidlage be the rock star you think you are so remember that you still have to sell yourself Just because you got the interview doesntKnowledge When interviewing for a job lets say the technology industry you will be asked questions like what you find interesting about tech. If your answer is Ummmm then youre probably not going to make an impression. Before you arrive at the interview, write down some speaking points on a notenzeichenpad and memorize them. If you freeze use your list.Attachments Dont send email attachments, they pose malware risks and most recruiters will not accept them. Heres a big tip post your resume on LinkedIn and then you can send yours as a link in an email.Dress Code Okay, we get it, youre young and cool but wearing a Ramones T-Shirt to a job interview isnt cool. Men wear a shirt and tie. Women go conservative but stylish.Video Interviews Some recruiters use Skype and Google Hangouts for interviews as a more casual meth od however that doesnt mean you can leave dishes piled in your sink or laundry scattered all over your bedroom floor. Tidy up before the interview starts.Negotiating Salary No Asking salary questions on the first interview shows that you are a rookie. This is a process and the further you get through this process, the more theyll want to hire you and the stronger your negotiation position becomes.Photos Does your LinkedIn profile have a photo of you and your dog or one that looks like you just crawled out of bed? Get someone to take a more professional photo of you it just takes a few minutes and the job recruiter will think of you as a professional.Follow Up We never received an email follow-up. said the job recruiter. Forgetting to follow up via email is another sign that youre a rookie. A simple thank you note makes a big impression. Even a single sentence offering to answer any questions they have is fine.Career Objectives Padding your CV with fluffy clichs in career goal sta tement DO NOT DO THIS A simple list of your education, work experience and maybe a list of other job specific skills are enough.Creativity If your job application begins with I am a chameleon, chances are your job application is going into the trash. Creativity is fine but when its a little too off-the-wall, its a deal breaker. Companies want to trust you so make sure you behave in a way that makes you look reliable and trustworthy.Videos Yes, theyre trendy but since most resumes have to be emailed to other people within the organization, they prefer printable resumes sent via email in case they have to print them out for comparing you with another applicant.No LinkedIn Profile A LinkedIn URL in an email is a lot easier to deal with than a Word or PDF attachment. LinkedIn is really useful because it makes all candidates resumes look the same and that makes it easier for a recruiter to figure out who is relevant and who isnt.Eating Even if youre meeting at Starbucks for your interv iew dont buy a messy breakfast sandwich and start eating it in front of the potential employer its distracting. Drink coffee or water or nothingLow Energy This is a tough call because you want to demonstrate youre a low-drama person but not a monosyllabic introvert so what do you do? Be excited at the idea of working for them but not bouncing off the walls like a crazy personShaving Rocking facial hair? Groom it Beards and mustaches or the unshaved look are in fashion but when youre up close and personal with a prospective employer, they might not look so nice if they are unkempt.Three Page CVs When you have no experience, its tough we get it but thats okay since most recruiters dont have a lot of time to figure out your job history. Remember, less is more and your resume only gets a 30 second glance anyway.