Is a Valentines Day Look Really Necessary

Is a Valentines Day Look Really Necessary Are you putting your Valentines Day Look together? Of course you are! Ever since Junior High us ladies have searched high and low for the perfect Valentines Day outfit to wear out to help Cupid out with his yearly match-making. January 2nd we put away our gold and beer glass sunglasses and begin to search pink dress, red pumps or even a nice  toga (hey Cupid is an extremely fashionable little dude). But my question is Is it necessary? I am always looking for a new look, but to be honest, I have never been one for buying a new outfit for Valentines Day. I can never decide red or pink and neither colors can be put together, its wardrobe taboo for me. Also, I  am not one for the Im single lets have a girls night out and going to a party seems too high school VDAY party. However,  a few of my friends have been asking for tips for the VDAY-wear and I am going to share those tips with you lovelies. Valentines Day Brunch. Wear something very cute and modest, with a little bit of edge. Try a mint green suede or leather jacket with a lace dress and moto boots. Add pink accessories to make your look pop! A nude lip and subtle eye makeup is perfect for this look. Cocktails with the Girls. Cocktails with your chicas should always be a fun look, so try a white coat and a tube pink dress paired with black pumps so that you are able to wear these pieces later with other garments in your wardrobe. Try a pink lip and a smoky-eye for a vibrant and fun make up palette. Silver jewelry is your best for this look, your dress will have enough color, you dont want to ooze pinkness! Valentines Date Night. I feel that red is always a great color for date night because it is so romantic and dare I say, sexy! So try a red peplum dress. The peplum dress is great for any body-type. It gives curves for ladies with small curves and flatters women with bigger curves and attributes. I am a firm believer that on a date a woman should look classy, so a classic black trench would be perfect for date night. A silver heel will had a littlesparkle to your look as well as silver jewelry. Depending on your skin tone or comfortability, try a red lip. If the red lip is too much for you, go with a nude lip. What are your Valentines Day Plans? Do you have a different look in mind for brunch, Cocktails with the Girls or Date Night? Do you feel a new look is necessary for Valentines Day or Not? Slider picture from  http://blog.tinyprints.com/things-to-know/you-tell-us/treats-and-sweets-for-valentines-day-you-tell-us/

3 Themes for Writing Your Brand Story - Career Pivot

3 Themes for Writing Your Brand Story - Career Pivot Brand story themes I previously wrote about the 3 Key Elements to a Brand Story. They are: Strong opening Memorable Label Brand Theme The challenge is often coming up with a brand theme. Depending on your particular situation, you may want to tell a story about: How a major event impacted your life and career A common theme throughout your life and career Some talents that you want to demonstrate using a set of proof points Major event Some of us have had major events that propelled us into a career. In my case, it was a bicycle accident where I had a head on collision with a car and our combined speeds exceeded 50 miles per hour. This led me to teach high school math in an inner city school, develop non-profit fundraising programs, and now, to be a career designer. In my post on 3 Key Elements to a Brand Story I mentioned Tonya Clements‘ story and it was all about mountain climbing and how she trekked Mount Everest. Okay not everyone has climbed Mount Everest or survived a crazy bicycle accident. I had one client who danced ballet in her younger years, and that shaped much of the rest of her working life. The drive, discipline, and the artistic expression from ballet were what defined her brand. Common theme There are some of you that have worked across multiple industries and used many different skills. There is usually a common theme that ties your career together. Very often, you will not see the theme, but if you can find a friend, relative, or colleague to help you, it may become evident. I had one client who worked across many industries. This included: EKG technician Selling computers for leading technology companies Developing processes and then training salespeople in the financial industry Commercial real estate developer Residential real estate broker The common theme throughout her career was that it was all about people and processes. This works well if you have had a varied career, working in multiple industries or career paths. Listen to the most recent episode Proof points If you have had a very stable career in a single discipline or industry and want to stay put, then use proof points to demonstrate that you know your stuff! I am currently working with a product manager in the software industry. We created a powerful opening around the concept that he brings problems into focus. He came up with three examples in three different areas where he demonstrated that he could take a problem and make it understandable to his management, team, customers, stakeholders, etc. These clearly demonstrate that he knows his stuff. We have now handed the task of writing the story to someone who knows him well. Which method will work for you? It will depend! Do you want to change industries or careers? If so, the proof point theme probably will not work. Has a single event or activity had a major impact in your life? Not all of us have this kind of experience. Plus, you might have to do some significant reflection to truly understand the impact of such an event or activity. No matter what theme you choose you will want to get some help, either from a friend or a professional. You will not want to do this alone! What theme works for you? This post is part of a weekly series on the Personal Branding Blog. You can read the original post on the Personal Branding Blog. 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 ...

Why todays economy is working for millennials (and not so much for boomers)

Why todays economy is working for millennials (and not so much for boomers) Why todays economy is working for millennials and not so much for boomers Americans have many reasons to be excited when it comes to the current state of the economy. The national unemployment rate is at a seven-year low, and the country has had several successive months of job growth across a number of different industries. According to new data released by Udemy, the leading global marketplace for learning and teaching online, 83 percent of Americans feel very or somewhat secure in their current jobs, and many are optimistic about the upward trajectory of their careers. But the survey also revealed millennials benefit the most from today’s economy, while boomers are left behind. The Udemy data shows that nearly 80 percent of millennials believe they’ll see a salary increase this year compared to 58 percent of boomers who believe the same. The vast majority of millennials also reported they made more money in 2014 than they did in 2013. Significantly fewer boomers (66 percent) said the same. So what gives? Boomers are more experienced workers, which you would think would put them in a better position to thrive in an economic upswing. Here are three reasons why the reality is not so simple: 1. Millennials are forcing workplaces to cater to their preferences Millennials are now the largest generation in the workforce and companies are making concerted efforts to meet their needs. Studies show millennials seek collaborative work environments where they can receive constant feedback and mentorship, while boomers prefer a structured system where they receive feedback at predictable times. Rather than wanting constant feedback, boomers tend to have the mindset of “give me my objectives and get out of my way.” According to a recent poll conducted by MTV, 80 percent of millennials said they want regular feedback from their managers, and 75 percent yearn for mentorship. Additionally, millennials care about working at an organization that makes an impact. Millennials are more concerned with corporate social responsibility than any other generation, ranking issues of hunger and poverty, the environment, human rights and education as most important. Millennials also have a lot to give back to their employers. More than 74 percent of non-millennials agree that millennials have valuable skills and insights to offer. Millennials grew up with technology that the older generations didn’t have and are used to multitasking and working on their own schedules. While new entrants to the workforce still have much to learn from older generations, they will continue to benefit from the growing economy as the workforce adapts to meet their needs. 2. Millennials dominate the sharing economy The growing economy is giving millennials many opportunities to get creative with how they make money. According to the Udemy survey, half of all respondents said the sharing economy is a good source of income, but boomers are generally more pessimistic about it. About 27 percent of boomers think sharing economy jobs lack prestige and 24 percent think they are only for unskilled work. That’s compared to 10 percent of millennials who answered those questions in the same way. Of the individuals who said they have earned money through the sharing economy, 76 percent are millennials compared to just 17 percent of Gen Xers and 7 percent of boomers. Not to mention, 69 percent of millennials feel the country would be better off with more self-employment, compared to just 44 percent of boomers. Freelance workers now make up 34 percent of the workforce and that number is projected to increase by another 50 percent in the next five years. As millennials opt for more flexible careers, they will continue to benefit from the rise of the freelance economy. 3. Millennials prioritize work-life balance and it’s paying off It’s no secret that millennials prioritize work-life balance above most everything else in the workplace. Companies have had to adjust many of their policies to create an inviting environment for younger workers. Many employers are implementing unlimited paid vacation policies and results-only work environments, where employees are only measured by their results, not the amount of time they spend in the office. It’s been difficult for many boomers to cope with these changing policies. According to the U.S. President’s Study of Work-Life Balance, 80 percent of baby boomers report moderate to high levels of stress because they routinely sacrifice family and personal time for their employers, despite new work-life balance policies. In addition to handling the stress of senior-level positions, many boomers face health issues or care for aging family members. Studies show that a lack of work-life balance leads to disengagement and absenteeism. While older generations viewed work-life balance as a “nice to have,” millennials view work-life balance as a “must have.” Employees who take advantage of new company policies that encourage work-life balance, most often millennials, are happier and more productive. Three in four millennials say work-life balance drives their career choices. Ultimately, this is helping millennials advance their careers and make the most of the current environment. There are several factors that play into why millennials are outpacing older generations in the growing economy. Many of these factors have to do with how the current workplace is adapting to meet their needs and millennials’ willingness to take advantage of opportunities outside traditional 9-to-5 work. Millennials are seeing the most benefits from the booming economy, and have much to look forward to as they continue to forge ahead in their careers. 4. Boomers don’t need to get left behind. While it’s true that times are changing, the boomer generation has much to contribute to the growing economy and today’s workplace. Tactics to stay in the game: Get fit, stay fit, and create your own work-life balance. Upgrade your tech tools â€" phone, tablet, laptop â€" and be sure you can use them and all the appropriate apps. Willingly and skillfully mentor the younger generations and generously impart your wealth of knowledge.

Writing Resume and CV Articles on Academic Subjects

Writing Resume and CV Articles on Academic SubjectsThe key to a great online resume and CV is the one subject that most employers use when evaluating applicants. The subject of your undergraduate or graduate history is an essential part of your application that, in many cases, goes unnoticed.This is why you must make a concerted effort to include all of your courses in the graduate school application process. Even if you took only a few of them, those subjects are the ones most employers use when assessing your application. They are also the subjects that, in most cases, people will write about first.Employers know that your resume is your chance to show what you have accomplished so far in your career, and what you have planned for the future. These admissions essays are your way to shine through and show your strengths and weaknesses. They are also your opportunity to build your credibility as a future candidate for graduate school.When writing a resume, it is important to remember that academic subjects are not the only things that are important. In fact, while academic subjects are a good place to start, they are not necessarily the only things that need to be covered. You can cover your academic background in one page. Add something about your job history, employment experience, and other areas.The Internet is a great resource for both resumes and CV's. There are literally thousands of sites that offer everything from resume writing tips to sample essays. One of the best ways to research sites is to visit forums that discuss specific topics.Online forums tend to be quite helpful because they offer real life examples and advice. They also provide a way for students to interact with one another who are looking to go into graduate school. An online forum is also a great way to build relationships and learn about the requirements for admission to graduate school.It is a good idea to visit at least a couple of forums and see what they have to offer. Even if a p articular site does not seem like a good fit, there are many others out there that are likely to meet your needs. Online forums also provide a great way to find information on how to write your own essay, how to choose the right education style, and more.While all of these are not applicable to all writing resumes and CV's, they are important topics to think about. Graduate school applications are not designed to evaluate a student's ability to perform, but rather to convince an employer that you are an excellent candidate for that specific position. Writing a curriculum vitae is just one of the many skills that you will need to be successful in graduate school.

How to Write a Successful Resume - Free Resume Template Download

How to Write a Successful Resume - Free Resume Template DownloadWriting a good resume is one of the hardest things to do, but once you have mastered the skill of writing a resume, it becomes even more important. A great resume will make your next job application so much easier to get. It is important that you follow some basic tips when writing a resume.It is best to start with a free resume template download. There are so many online and free resources where you can find a great resume template. After downloading the template, you can either customize it yourself or have someone else do it for you. This is very important because you want to give a well-written resume. A great resume should show you have thought out every section and have done your research on that topic.Search for a website where you can post your resume. You should use the homepage of the site to display your resume. Add a couple of pages that cover your education, your employment history, what you have learned in your courses, and your interests. On each page, include a bio section that includes your contact information and why you want to apply for the job. Your bio needs to be sincere, as a good resume is not supposed to be sarcastic.Write the entire resume at least two times before you submit it. This will ensure that your resume will have every section included. To save time, you can take a couple of pages and begin your bio at the top of the resume. Follow it up with a list of skills and a summary of those skills. This can include specific skills you have such as fast typing, and who is your boss, and how do you handle problems? Finish up with a summary of the interview process, the skills you learned from studying, and anything else you feel is relevant.The resume has one main purpose; to land you the job you are applying for. When you find yourself struggling to write a great resume, or even a good one, it can really be helpful to take some free resume template downloads and edit them to your liking. Make sure that the skills you include on your resume are relevant to the job. For example, if you are applying for a receptionist position, make sure that you include all the skills that would be required in this job. People can change jobs all the time, so make sure that your resume reflects your current skill set. If you are applying for a computer programmer position, include the skills that you think would help you land that job.With a little work, a good resume can turn into a long way to finding a job. It doesn't matter how good you are in the interview if you can't sell yourself. Writing a great resume is not hard, it just takes time. Be patient and good things will happen.A great resume can land you the job you are applying for. Use a great resume template to write a well-written resume and land the job you want.

The Nuiances of Oakland University Career Services Resume Writing Guide

The Nuiances of Oakland University Career Services Resume Writing Guide Wherever you're, if you wind up in a conversation with a reporter, always bear in mind that you represent Daniels and DU. Aside from that, it's possible to also develop your own group if you would like to. If you misspoke or gave incorrect info, call the reporter when possible and let them know. If you don't feel just like you have the time to compose essays by yourself, we will assist you, any instance of the day, seven days per week. Life, Death, and Oakland University Career Services Resume Writing Guide There are specific foods are proven to strengthen the immune system. There are various techniques to organize a resume. Your health and your family's health is among the best things you've got. More significantly, it has plenty of essential sugars required for cellular communication. But What About Oakland University Career Services Resume Writing Guide? No matter the option you would like, you are going to be in a position to edit the shape and put different nice stuff within it. Always make small modifications to every copy to prevent search engine duplicate content penalties. You may use the editing tool to be able to correct all mistakes if there remains any. E-sign tool makes it feasible to set your own autograph. You are going to be surrounded by writing professionals throughout the plan of order placement, and once you choose to purchase essay and select an allocated writer, things are likely to get even more exciting. Actually, a seasoned writer can get the job done much faster than any student as they've been writing academic assignments during their entire life. Don't be scared to talk about your ideas as part of creative procedure and remember there's just one approach to reach the desired goals receiving papers which have been meticulously checked, reviewed and proofread. As our group of writers is quite big, we always have free writers prepared to bring a manageable and well-paid purchase. When you submit an application for particular positions, you're tailor it to make sure that you are highlighting the most relevant facets. Concentrate on the transferable skills you used to finish your work. Highlight which skills and qualifications might be asked to be prosperous. Consider the following suggestions to present your self-promotional tools an excess kick that will help you land that job. Only include institutions from which you've earned degrees. The VA employs the disorder to categorize a large quantity of people. When you're scouting for Detroit apartments, you should maintain a range of localities in your thoughts, which will definitely aid you to settle down in the area. Working with figures demands a lot of concentration.

Favorite Job Interview Questions May Not Be Best Part I - Work It Daily

Favorite Job Interview Questions May Not Be Best â€" Part I - Work It Daily A recent article on LinkedIn presented the “Favorite Job Interview Questions” from 13 CEO’s. The article was interesting in several respects because it provides great insights into questions being asked. In addition, it offers a “scorecard” on the quality of interviewing today. RELATED: Need some job interview advice? Watch these tutorials! While some CEO’s scored very well with their questions, other didn’t and the final score shows quality interviewing on the losing side. I’ll use a simple scoring scale, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2. Let’s begin with the first six questions. 1. Why have you had X number of jobs in Y years? Not a good start for the quality interviewing score, -1. The question is too general, could be perceived by an already nervous candidate as threatening, and is unlikely to elicit the “full picture of a candidate’s work history” as claimed. If this is just heading for a thoughtful review of a candidates work history â€" with a question asking why the person left each job -- fine, but the danger here is that another interviewer thinks this is a clever question as is. 2. If we’re sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great twelve months it’s been for you in this role, what did we achieve together? This is a very good question -- +2. It is a question very consistent with the outstanding hiring process developed by “performance-based hiring” expert Lou Adler. So, the total is +1 after two questions. There is a caution: the CEO states the question shows if the candidate understands the “role.” But that is not portrayed very accurately as part of many hiring processes â€" it is going to be more likely the company’s fault if the answer is insufficient. It’s the company’s responsibility not to just describe the “role,” but to provide very clear “performance-based” expectations for the first year. 3. When have you been most satisfied in your life? It’s a -2, so the overall score is -1. There have been several authors who have suggested clever, often sarcastic answers, to bad questions. I can think of several possibilities here. The overwhelming majority of candidates are not skilled and sometimes poorly prepared for interviews. It’s rarely something they do every day. It’s likely the answer to this question would be completely irrelevant to the position being applied for. If I could resist giving a sarcastic answer to this question like, “When I was 10 years old riding my bike,” I’d probably respond with some cliché answer like, “When I am working hard to get my job done.” 4. If you got hired, loved everything about this job, and are paid the salary you asked for, what kind of offer from another company would you consider? This may surprise some, but I’m giving this a -2, particularly because the CEO says that this will tell if the person is motivated by money or love of the work â€" or if they can be bought. But that’s not true. Again, this type of question invites cliché answers like, “If that were true, I wouldn’t consider another offer.” But what about this answer from a really well prepared and honest candidate: “I would consider an offer from another company that offered me advancement with work that would challenge me even beyond what I was doing here with an even higher salary.” Isn’t that what the CEO is hoping to be offering the candidate? The total score is -3. 5. Who is your role model and why? This is definitely a -2 only because I can’t give it a lower number. It’s likely to lead to answer that is at least somewhat irrelevant â€" and an even greater concern is that it may lead to an answer that invites discrimination based on religious, political, or… The CEO says it reveals how “introspective” the candidate is â€" I doubt that in part because I know several people who might answer this question by saying either their mother or father. Not sure it’s very introspective, but it’s certainly possible it’s a very honest answer. Current total: -5 6. What things do you not like to do? Another -2! This is way too general, again leading to cliché answers or responses that are irrelevant. It is likely responses might be things like, “I don’t like working on teams where everyone isn’t contributing to the best of their abilities.” Sounds good, but I can see some interviewers interpreting that as negative. It’s just a bad question that can be easily replaced by “peeling the onion” about accomplishments in the candidates recent positions and asking fact-finding questions about the struggles of the position, or what they’d do differently. It’s not looking good as this approaches halftime: - 7 The next six questions represent a bit of a comeback for quality interviewing â€" this might go to overtime. See more on “Bad Interview Questions” at www.212-careers.com This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts How To Create SMART Goals Set And Achieve SMART Goals Promotion Killers: Weak Goals About the author Jim Schreier is a management consultant with a focus on management, leadership, including performance-based hiring and interviewing skills. Visit his website at www.farcliffs.com.     Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. 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