The Importance of an Inspiring Workplace

The Importance of an Inspiring Workplace Never underestimate the power of the physical environment, especially as a strategic tool for unlocking the keystones of innovation: creativity, productivity collaboration. Kursty Groves is a Workplace Innovation Consultant and thought-provoker for creating inspiring physical and cultural work environments.  Kursty  has gone behind the scenes of the world’s most innovative companies, uncovering insights that drive their success. Her latest book, Spaces for Innovation, guides leaders and designers alike through the important elements that make effective environments for exceptional work performance. Have a listen to the interview below, keep reading for a summary and be sure to subscribe to the  Employer Branding Podcast. Listen on  iTunes,  Stitcher Radio,  Google Play  or  SoundCloud. In this episode youll learn: Why workplace environment has become so important, especially in terms of innovation and inspiration. What the key spacial types are and what they mean: Collaboration Stimulation Reflection Play How to define the right environment for your company, while keeping in mind all the right values and behaviors you want your employees to exhibit. Why looking at your environment from an efficiency standpoint is Kurstys  number one pitfall she sees employer make when it comes to their environment. How to measure the return of investment  of having an inspiring workplace. How Microsoft, and more, are doing so well when it comes to the workplace. What Kurstys  top 3 tips are for employer brand manager out there looking to make a change in their environment. Connect with Kursty on Twitter and check out her website.

Are You a Generalist or Specialist and Why It Makes a Difference [Updated] - Career Pivot

Are You a Generalist or Specialist and Why It Makes a Difference [Updated] - Career Pivot Generalist or Specialist How you manage your career depends on whether you are a generalist or specialist. When I started my career in the 1970s, large corporations valued generalists. In my 22 years of working for IBM, they let me take a variety of career paths. It also suited my personality, because I have a lot of varied interests. After a few years in a job, I would get bored and wanted to do something new. IBM allowed me to work with a lot of leading-edge technologies that are still around today. Some of these included: Word Processors â€" I worked with early word processors even before the IBM PC was released. 3D printing â€" I was working with early 3D printers in 1989. HTML and Internet Applications â€" I was designing Internet applications in the 1990s, long before it was common. Advanced Router Design â€" When I left IBM in 2000, I developed curriculum to teach major equipment manufacturers how to design next-generation routers and switches. High Definition Video â€" In 2007, after spending a couple years teaching high school math and working in the non-profit arena, I went to work for an HD video conferencing startup developing a training and certification program. I am a generalist. I have enjoyed working with a lot of different technologies and methodologies. My challenge was that I got bored about every three years and wanted to move on to something different. Specialists Rule A fundamental shift started about twenty years ago. As technological change sped up, the need for specialists increased. Starting in the mid-1990s, I saw many of my colleagues move on to become specialistsâ€"and they were generously rewarded…for a while. If you developed skills and became a specialist in an area that was in the early adoption phase, you could make a lot of money, again, for a while. That was only true until others developed those same skills. The key was to identify correctly which skills would be desirable to have a year or two ahead of the demand. This is easy to see in the world of technology, but does it apply elsewhere? YES! In the world of Human Resources, you could be a generalist or a specialist in recruiting, compensation, benefit programs, diversity, HR IT, etc… In the world of sales, you could be a generalist or a specialist in B2B or B2C, Internet sales, Channel sales, etc… The challenge is that, if you are a specialist, your skills may not be valued in 5, 10 or 15 years. Let me give a few examples of skills that have become obsolete: Experts in direct mail (snail mail) marketing â€" With the exception of credit card offers, what industries still market through direct mail? Travel agents â€" When was the last time you talked to a travel agent? Fifteen years ago, this was still a valued skill. Specialists in the complex process of laying out newsprint for your daily newspaper â€" When did you last pick up a paper newspaper? Photo-Journalists â€" Why have photo-journalists when everyone has a camera? These were all valued skills just a few years ago. Listen to the most recent episode What If I Am a Generalist? Generalists are typically more valued in smaller organizations. Small organizations typically cannot afford to hire a lot of specialists. I have a client who is a marketing generalist. She likes to write press releases, e-mail marketing, social media, direct mail, the creation of collateral… You will be more valued in smaller organizations who need their employees to wear a lot of hats. Many generalists may also be multipotentialities. I am one of these, where I have so many interests that I get bored with a job after 2 to 3 years and want to move onto something new. What I do to keep things interesting and fresh is to purposely make a change every year. In 2016, I launched the Repurpose Your Career podcastwhich continues to grow every week. I am now launching the Career Pivot membership community. Both endeavors are to help the community but also to keep things interesting and new to me. I can do this because I work for myself. What if you work for someone else? What If I Am a Specialist? Specialists need to stay on top of their areas of expertise and be willing to move when their expertise becomes a commodity or obsolete. This requires vigilance and the willingness to move with industry trends. You must be aware of disruptive trends in your industry. I had a discussion several weeks ago with a gentleman who has been a contract project manager for Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system projects. For the last 5 or more years, business has been brisk and when one project ended he was able to pick the next very easily. The wave of EMR projects has crested. Most hospitals and clinic have now implemented EMR systems and suddenly he is having trouble finding work. Another person I know jumped on the Ruby on Rails train. Just a few years ago to have Ruby on Rails programming knowledge you were a hot commodity. This person jumped on the train just as the demand was cresting. Now to be in demand you have to know how to program Ruby on Rails but also have multiple years of experience. She is struggling to get established now that skills she worked so hard to attain are not hot any longer. Specialists have to stay on top of their game if they want to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of work. Creative Destruction is Accelerating New technology is being introduced at an ever-accelerating pace along with the opportunity to destroy entire professions and industries but also creating new ones. The world of automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics is changing everything. I claim that if you think your career is immune to these factors you are smoking something and you are inhaling. I have written multiple posts on these effects: Surviving Creative Destruction in the 2nd Half of Life Beware Automation and Robots Will Sabotage Your Career Labor Market and Robotics. What Awaits Us? [Guest Post] If you are not careful you could end up just like a couple of my clients who I wrote about in the post Living in a “Career Disaster Area” at the Age of 65. One of these individuals I would consider to be a generalist and the other was a specialist. Whether you are a generalist or specialist you have to stay on top of things. Give it some thought. Are you a generalist or specialist? Are you prepared for the creative destruction that is coming? Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Ignite the Spark Is Career Change Right For You - CareerAlley

Ignite the Spark â€" Is Career Change Right For You’ - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. It is the pivotal moment in the film Witness, when Harrison Fords cynical cop finds solace in the barn-raising sequence, working with his hands, collaborating, gaining the trust and respect of his peers and revelling in a job well done. It is a lifetime away from his previous existence. The scene has such powerful connotations. Many workers also feel fed-up with their current occupations. Like an itch they cant scratch, a voice tells them there must be more to life. Perhaps it is time for a career change. The job market for plumbers, electricians and mechanics has experienced resurgence in recent times. Skills are always a necessity, regardless of the economy. The public need those skills for the jobs they are not qualified to do themselves. Are you ready for a change? If you are thinking of acquiring a trade, then be prepared for some tough challenges. Tradesmen may not be required to earn university degrees, but apprenticeships can be just as demanding. There may be years of essential theory and practical studies before you can qualify as a technician. These hours are essential in order to provide the basis for lifelong careers. A successful tradesman can earn as much or more than a university graduate and the potential for increased job security is often a deciding factor. By updating their skills and staying abreast of government guidelines and new technology, specialists can charge accordingly for their services. Switch On. Image courtesy of Mike Flemming. Becoming a tradesman has many advantages. When the recession hit, many white collar workers found their skills were no longer relevant but tradesmen were still in demand. There are additional benefits. People respect the skills that tradesmen possess because they provide an invaluable service for society. There is stimulation from the variety of jobs their work entails, which can include residential, commercial and industrial projects. It may be physical hard work, requiring common sense and practical intelligence, but tradesmen also enjoy being able to see a job through from beginning to end, without feeling they are just another cog in the machine. Eventually, they can satisfy themselves that they have acquired a skill that will bring benefits for the rest of their lives. That light bulb moment. If your problem is wondering whether you have job satisfaction then ask yourself: is it your job that is making you unhappy or is it your career? This is a massive decision. People who decide to change careers are not looking for more of the same; they want to do something completely different with their lives, while focusing on strengths they have acquired over time. It is advisable to investigate the day-to-day components of the job. Unearth the most undesirable aspects of the job, and then ask yourself if your heart is still in it. There is little point opening a bicycle shop if you dont like fixing punctures. Chances are, you will spend a lot of your time doing just that. Bullets: Find your passion. Focus on your strengths. Network and do your research. Know the requirements and go out and get them Portray your background in a positive manner. Plan ahead. Choose the right career. Do not expect instant success. Be realistic about your salary. Reality Check. Electrician jobs may seem like they are recession proof but they are not. Electricians have been hit by scaling back in the construction industry just like other trades and competition is fierce. Although it is true that homes and businesses always need electricians, the industry is constantly updating the requirements needed to be a competent person or a business qualified to carry out the necessary work. There will be exams to pass. These will cost money and time when you could be working, so make sure the course is industry recognised. Use the Summit Skills website to help you investigate the opportunities in your region of the country. Make sure you are not retraining to be a plumber in Cardiff when the best prospects are available in Leeds. Embrace Change. There are plenty of positives. Putting your money into a career-change, demonstrates to employers that you are committed. The building trade is founded on trust, so you need to build up a good working relationship with your contacts. Get your pitch right and suggest you start at beginners rates. You may have to start as low as 10 per hour, otherwise employers wont believe you are ready to get stuck in or know whether you can handle yourself when the going gets tough. Changing career is a daunting experience and not to be lightly undertaken. However, choosing a career as a tradesman is not a decision you will regret. Author bio: Clive Wedderburn is a freelance writer/editor/chef/actor with an interest in everything occupational, paying particular attention to best/worst practises in the workplace. To find out more about electrician courses from ET4U visit their website at electricaltraining4u.co.uk. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

Consider Resume Writing For Driver

Consider Resume Writing For DriverOne of the best things about a Driver's license is that you can sell yourself and your needs better than ever before. Even if you are not presently employed, you can still gain many benefits from a driver's license. You can enjoy the benefits of being able to drive in many different states, you can enjoy the freedom of being able to get in and out of your car at any time you choose to, and you can even enjoy the security of being able to park where you want without worrying about car theft or vandalism. These are just a few of the benefits that a driver's license offers.However, when you want to maximize your self-confidence, you will need to do some things before you go into the workforce or even to find a professional resume writer for driver. While it is possible to write a resume on your own, it will take a good deal of time and may be less effective. If you want to increase your self-confidence in the process, you should consider seeking out pro fessional help with your resume writing for driver.A professional resume writer for driver will help you create a professionally written resume that will shine and impress employers. They will also help you to craft a cover letter, which will allow you to make a positive impression on potential employers. With a professional resume writing for driver, you will be able to position yourself for an excellent job or even to land a dream job that you have always wanted.Resume writing for the driver is a creative process. You will want to take several steps when it comes to creating your resume. First, you will want to think about what you know and what you are good at.Next, you will want to think about your strengths. For example, if you are creative, you can think about what types of things you can do with creativity to make your resume stand out from the rest.Finally, you will want to think about what you are interested in, as well as what you hope to achieve when you get an interview. If you are interested in the safety of other drivers, you can include information about safety awareness courses, auto insurance, and even DUI schools that you have attended.Lastly, when you write your resume, you will want to include your contact information, as well as the phone number and address to where you would like your resume sent. If you are looking for a professional resume writer for driver, you can use the Internet to find a qualified and professional writer. Simply go online and search for a resume writing for driver and you will find numerous websites that have professional writers ready to help you.When you are seeking out a writer for resume writing for driver, you can use the internet to help you. Simply search online and you will find an impressive amount of websites that have qualified professionals ready to help you create a great resume for yourself.

How to Put Volunteer Work on Resume - Tips to Remember

How to Put Volunteer Work on Resume - Tips to RememberDo you know how to put volunteer work on resume? There are many who would want to learn how to do this, and while you might be surprised that they can do it, you should know that you should do it. Why? Because this is the first step that you need to do to get the attention of recruiters.If you think that putting your volunteer work on resume would be a hassle for you, then let me tell you that it really does not. What you need to do is to write it in the most professional way possible. This means that you should not hide anything in there. You have to be as honest as possible. If you write a lot of things but you do not have the right tone, then your resume will look fake to recruiters.First thing you need to do is to find out what kind of work you have done. In that case, you should do as much research as you can and then you should start the list of your volunteer work that you have done. Write down all the details about your vo lunteer work that you have done. Even if you feel embarrassed by doing this, keep in mind that you have to keep your resume up to date because of the way that recruitment companies read your resume.Next, you need to find out what other people think about your volunteer work. You can do this by going online and asking them. Make sure that you are telling the truth about your volunteer work and about your volunteering experiences.It is important that you give some indication about the possible time that you spent on volunteering. This is needed because they often look at your resume if you are certain that you spent the required time. They also consider your past activities to find out what type of volunteer you are. If you do not include any information about your volunteer work, then you are risking your chances of getting in to the company.When it comes to your volunteer work, you need to give something special that you have done. For example, if you have volunteered in a place whe re you have been attacked by animal or fire, then you should mention this in your volunteer work. You should also mention what organization you belong to if you are involved in an organization. This will show the readers that you have a lot of experience and that you can take on more responsibilities in the future.The last part of writing your volunteer work is to attach your pictures to the back of your resume. This will show that you have some of the skills that you have stated in your resume. This is important since the recruiters usually look for someone with skills to match their job.

Top C Level Resume Writing Guide!

Top C Level Resume Writing Guide! The target of your resume is to secure you the interview. Your present job title Let's start at the start. Whether you're looking for your very first job or attempting to earn a career change, the approach starts with your resume. If you're going for a higher-paying job, and one which offers you a far greater probability of career progression, then you should make sure that your very best career achievements and leadership skills are highlighted in your resume. You need to work with many distinct kinds of people and formulate a strategy that effectively brings all of your players with each other to create a wholesome team atmosphere. For product managers, interpersonal skills are the most crucial and also the toughest. Experience arrives to help the mason by giving appropriate understanding about curing times, the very best materials to use and tips and techniques to accelerate the work or boost quality. Include the tools you've got experi ence with. Just as there are numerous distinct tactics to teach, there are several distinct methods to create a resume. You have to have information about ways to organize learning in steps so the practice is efficient and the way to rate the outcomes of the learning. Possessing a superb comprehension of learning steps and teaching methodology is important to delivering engaging trainings. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. The better your practical grasp of the job, the more likely you should be hired. There are a lot of standard forms of resumes used to make an application for job openings. Besides helping your resume get selected, it's also going to help the hiring manager see how your abilities and experiences make you a perfect candidate for the particular job. Hiring managers (for the large part) are especially interested in what you've been doing in the previous 23 decades and the way it is related to the position they're attempting to fil l. Ok, I Think I Understand C Level Resume Writing, Now Tell Me About C Level Resume Writing! Although your main focus is on credit procedures and systems, it would be helpful for you to also showcase your wide variety of talents. Driving Skills As a taxi driver your top skill ought to be steering a car, normally a vehicle or van about town in a means that's safe, fast and comfortable for passengers. Choosing which to use is dependent upon the kind of job which you are applying for and your degree of experience. A significant part the educational procedure is to offer students the chance to learn to interact with patients. The Good, the Bad and C Level Resume Writing A simple resume template is going to be your very best bet. Resume template can assist you in earning your application impressive and as stated by the expectations of the employer. After you have written and organized your information according to the kind of resume you've chosen, make sure to format it accor ding to typical professional standards. Use the checklist to make certain you have included all appropriate data in your resume. For instance, you may include links to your previous experience websites for simple access in case they're curious. A professionally written resume or CV provides a whole lot more than simply listing your skills in a typical way. Include any relevant personal link that you want to share, for instance, your portfolio or blog site. Share your resume with a reliable friend and request feedback Consider the feedback you get and edit your resume accordingly.

How To Look For A Companys Employer Brand - Work It Daily

How To Look For A Companys Employer Brand - Work It Daily Here are 5 suggestions for how I would recommend you look for a company’s employer brand. I have written extensively about the importance of individuals creating their personal and online brands. Since 1997, when Tom Peters first introduced the concept of brand management for individuals, we have known that we should take responsibility for the way we present our individual brands to the world, both in person and online. Related: Finding The Fun In Your Job Search I haven't written so much about company brands, however. How do you look for a company's brand as you job search and consider whether you want to work for a particular company or not? The answer is simple, but the process of exploring a company's brand can be time-consuming. It means you have to do your homework, and it means you have to know how to find the information you want and need. Here are 5 suggestions for how I would recommend you look for a company’s employer brand. 1. Explore the company's website. Study it carefully. What does the website say about the company's mission and vision? Who are the top people, and what can you learn about them? Research the company and its staff by searching the “About Us” portion of the website, and take note of what they say is important to them. Is it providing a service? Is it about providing top-notch products? Is it about quality control or customer service? Or is it more about the bottom line? You can ferret this out by reading the descriptions offered but also by reading between the lines. What doesn't it say about its values and its purpose for being in business? Just as with individuals, often what is left unsaid is more important than what is said. 2. Discover who the key people in the organization are. Look for them on LinkedIn. Find other biographical information that may be online telling you more than the website may tell you about who the people in the company are and what they care about that goes beyond their roles in the organization. Pay close attention to the information that you find about the person(s) to whom you may be reporting, and be sure to check out whatever information you can find about the people who are likely going to be interviewing you. They will have done their homework on you, and they will have checked you out in advance of your appointment. You should do the same and know as much about them as you can. 3. Read up on what is currently happening with the company. You can find certain financial reports online, and you should check those out before deciding to go to work for any company. Are they in solid financial shape, or are they struggling? If they are having trouble, you may want to stop to consider whether they are going to be in business in 6 months to a year. If you are in a position to take a risk with them because you believe in their mission, and you think you can help them succeed, go for it. If you are just looking for a job that will be reliable, however, you may want to think again about throwing your lot in with a company that is having a tough time of it. 4. Check Glassdoor.com to get the inside scoop on the company. Glassdoor.com allows employees, both current, and past, to post anonymous comments about their employers for others to review. Along with salaries, employees can offer thoughts on what it is like to work for a company. You need to keep in mind that a disgruntled employee may write a negative review, but you can factor that knowledge into the mix as you check out what people have to say about the company you are researching. 5. Connect with employees on LinkedIn. Part of the beauty of LinkedIn is that you can find employees who are currently working for a particular company, or you can find former employees. With a friendly, customized message, you can connect with individuals and then ask them directly if they could share insights with you about what it is like to work where they work or have worked. Again, you may have to weigh in factors that could create a biased point of view on the part of the person with whom you are communicating, but you should do that all of the time anyway. People have different experiences and view those experiences through the lens of their specific bias and history. You can filter out what you think sounds like a biased point of view and factor it into everything else you have learned about the company's culture. There are other ways for you to explore and gain intel on a company you might want to work for, but these are some of the more critical methods. Doing this research may help you learn what you need to know to decide if you want to pursue a particular job with a company or not. Never go into an interview without having done this sort of homework. You would rather know what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line rather than after. It may take a little time and effort to do this background research, but it could save you a lot of time and potential heartache in the long run. Know as much as you can about a company’s employer brand so you can avoid getting burned when you find out too late what you could have found out in advance with a little effort. Related Posts Time Management: 4 Keys To Avoiding Work-Related Stress 5 Time Management Tips When Juggling Work And School 5 Job Search Time Wasters To Avoid Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT is a former educator turned Career Transition and Job Strategy Coach specializing in working with teachers who are experiencing the painful symptoms of job burnout. She also works with mid-career professionals from all walks of life who find themselves at a career crossroads either by chance or by choice. Learn more about Kitty at TeachersinTransition.com or at Boitnott Coaching.com.   Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here.   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!