Monday, December 30, 2019

How Art Appraisers Give High or Low Values to Artwork

How Art Appraisers Give High or Low Values to ArtworkHow Art Appraisers Give High or Low Values to ArtworkPutting a price on art may not be an exact science, as the value of an artwork may be of a subjective nature, but there is a method on when to give art a high or a low value in the art appraisal report. Two fine art appraisal experts were asked for their professional advice. Be Accredited Fine art appraiser Mark Grove advises Would-be appraisers need to be aware that anytime that there is a tax consequence for the intended use of an appraisal report the IRS requires that the appraiser be an accredited member of a major appraisal society (AAA, ISA, ASA). Examine Providing a longer answer is fine art appraiser Mary Carpenter. She advises How to appraise an art object is a fairly open-ended question. But the main rule I follow is to examine the work with my own eyes, or in rare cases, rely on the opinion of an expert on that subject, such as a museum curator or a scholar. I personally am not a big fan of online appraisals. I only appraise those works which fall into my field of expertise. One learns very early on that it is much better to say I dont have the expertise, but I can refer you to someone who does, rather than to try to know every kind of art. No one can know everything. Take Notes As an art appraiser, I examine the work, take measurements, notes about condition, signature, any other physical traits, and then photograph the object. Looking at the back of two-dimensional works is as important as looking at the front since there are often gallery stickers or identifying features which are extremely useful. Read Any documentation about provenance, its purchase or any other relevant facts provided by the owner about the object are also extremely useful. IRS Review How I craft an individual appraisal report depends on its purpose. There is more documentation needed for any reports which are possibly to be reviewed by the IRS. High or Low Values? The values for ritterlich Market Value would tend to be lower than for an Insurance Replacement Value. But there are no hard and fast rules as to when to go high or low. It depends on the market of the individual artist and the purpose of the appraisal. Consider Appraisals Purpose The purpose is the primary consideration as to what approach to take. And even then, a certified appraiser can only reflect the market and not go artificially higher or lower to accommodate a certain end the client might request.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

3 Ways Stress Is Crushing Your Job Search

3 Ways Stress Is Crushing Your Job Search3 Ways Stress Is Crushing Your Job SearchYou spend hours combing through job boards in search of those open positions that actually seem suitable. When you do find one? You start the agonizing process of tailoring your resume, hitting that submit button, and then waiting for any sort of news to arrive in your inbox.Oh, and all the while, you have the paralyzing fear of rejection and failure hanging over your head.Is your heart racing? I get it- job searching can be incredibly stressful. But, while youre more than justified in getting some sweaty palms and some shaky knees during your hunt for a new gig, letting that stress overwhelm you can have some dire effects.Here are three different ways that stress is sabotaging your job search- as well as what you can do to sto your anxiety to the curb1. Stress destroys your focus.It takes some intense focus to tweak your resume, draft an impressive cover letter, and submit an application thats sure to grab the attention of that hiring manager.Unfortunately, stress can quickly get in the way of your ability to zone in on the task at hand. Researchers have found that our ability to focus and concentrate is directly correlated to how much emotional stress were under. So, if you let those frenzied feelings get too big, youll run the risk of letting something slip through the cracks- whether its a pesky typo in your resume or forgetting to swap out the company name at the top of your cover letter.2. Stress impedes your motivation.Job hunting is a lot of work. And, while a little bit of stress can serve to light a fire under you, too much can actually have the opposite effect. Studies show that excessive levels of stress can hinder your performance and decrease your motivation- which are important qualities to have when youre trying to ace your job search.3. Stress sends your mood into a nosedive.If theres one thing you likely already know about stress, its that it can have you feeling gloomy in almost no time at all.Dont worry, its not just you- science backs this up. According to the Mayo Clinic, common effects of stress on your mood include irritability, anger, sadness, and depression. The last thing you need is to feel sour and mopey while writing that cover letter or corresponding with a hiring manager. So, keeping your stress at bay is crucial for presenting yourself as the engaged and enthusiastic job seeker that you are.How to Cope with Your Job Search StressWhat can you do to keep that inevitable stress from swooping in and destroying your entire job search? Put one (or all) of the following tactics to work for you.1. Set attainable goals.Conquering a job search can often feel like standing at the bottom of a giant mountain and looking up. If you think of the process as a whole- every job, every resume, every interview- you can quickly feel overwhelmed and lost.This is why its helpful to break your job search up into smaller, more actionable goals. For e xample, maybe you want to apply for three jobs this weekend. Or, perhaps you want to have your LinkedIn profile brushed up by the end of the afternoon.By focusing on more bite-sized objectives, youll feel like youre making some actual progress- which can serve as your motivation to keep pushing forward with a cool, calm, and collected attitude.2. Practice positive thoughts.The concept of positive thinking might seem a little cheesy. But, rest assured, its undeniably effective when it comes to limiting your stress.This is another area that the Mayo Clinic has studied. Through its research, it found that reducing your negative self-talk (in other words, those nasty things that the little voice in your head likes to torture you with) can also reduce your stress. The study points out that this doesnt mean you need to be naive and ignore the negative things that happen. Instead, you just need to approach them in a more productive and positive way.3. Have a talk with an empathetic friend. Bottling up your emotions can just cause you to stew on them even more. So, when youre feeling particularly stressed out, have a level-headed chat with an empathetic friend.The operative word there is level-headed. While positive venting can help you release some stress, the type of venting that involves yelling and flushed cheeks can actually increase your stress levels. Plus, calmly conversing with a friend about your concerns can help you gain some outside perspective on the situations that are frustrating you.When it comes to your job search, stress is pretty much inevitable. The bad news? If you let it get out of hand, your efforts could suffer. But, the good news? There are some simple and effective ways you can deal with it. Put these tips to work, and youre sure to tackle your hunt for a new job with as few frantic feelings and chewed nails as possible.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Career and confidence lessons from popular TED talks

Career and confidence lessons from popular TED talksCareer and confidence lessons from popular TED talksIm almost sure that this winter will ultimately be scientifically proven to have been at least 400 times longer than the average winter. And along with the cold and gloom, notlage only am I not in the mood for socializing, I can barely motivate myself to even do anything work related outside of my immediate commitments. Which means that until the weather gets better, I rarely commit myself to any real professional development, aside from what comes across my screens.It occurred to me that instead of spending time looking at the videos that pop up on my social media stream or mindlessly looking at memes, I should try to make my video watching more proactive. I also realized that some of the most popular videos being forwarded to me were TED talks, which makes lots of sense. leid only are they quick and entertaining According to the TED website, their motto is Ideas worth spreading a nd their talks are given by scientists, philosophers, musicians, geschftsleben and religious leaders. While some argue that TEDx, (the community inspired version of global leaning TED), has brought down the level of the talks, the majority of people are thrilled to see a wider variety of speakers and topics.Why do we love TED talks?Steven Provost runs a top office for recruiting network Sanford Rose Associates and believes Ted Talks are popular because of the format. You give an expert in their field about 15 minutes to share an idea or a finding in their profession. Not only are they interesting points to learn about topics you may have never know anything about, but there are many times where you can carry it over into your everyday life or your profession.If you feel like expanding your horizons in the most easily accessible way possible- have a look at some TED talks that might actually help you upgrade your professional toolboxStudy up on your industrySylvia RJ Scott, Founder o f Girls C.E.O. Connection said one of her favorite TED Talks is Do Schools Kill Creativity? By Ken Robinson, TED2006 in Monterey CA. Scott said This TED talk is just as relevant in 2018 as it was in 2006. It showed me entrepreneurs do more than solve problems. It takes a creative mind to visualize how to solve the problem and turn then design a business to do that.But dont limit yourselfRelationship expert Greg Godek admits he cant choose a favorite TED talk because, in his opinion, there are too many great ones I love learning more about topics Im specifically interested in. But I also love the surprise of becoming interested in topics that, frankly, I DONT care about (Who knew that WORMS could be so fascinating).San Diego native Godek has attended many local TEDx events and said his 2 favorite speakers by far are Bhava Ram, The Power of Mantra, an incredible story, and Karyn Buxman(How Humor Saved the World) which Godek said, included the single most audacious opening of any of th e hundreds of TED talks Ive seen.Sadly, I couldnt find that one on the TED site, but perhaps youll have better luckMake the professional personalProvost says he has several favorites based on different topics including business, relationship, health, and personal. He cites Mel Robbins How to stop screwing yourself over as a personalIn the middle of her Ted Talk, she shares a very simple exercise that she does when she finds herself delaying to take action. Its so simple, that she says its embarrassing. She simply counts back from 5 and when she gets to 1, she does what she was delaying to do. She doesnt start from 1 to 5 because you can always keep counting.Provost also said, Its great for getting that run before work, making that phone call youre supposed to make, writing that email, or anything that could be done right now if you werent preventing yourself from doing it.And the inspiration for it comes in convenient video formThere are also playlists you can find, for instance, th is one to help you find the right job.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Soft Skills for Information Technology (IT) Jobs

Soft Skills for Information Technology (IT) JobsSoft Skills for Information Technology (IT) JobsStrongtechnical skillsare essential for any IT (information technology) position. However, IT employees also needsoft skills, sometimes known asinterpersonal skills. IT professionals need to be able to interact successfullywith others, as well as manage projects and teams. Often, those working in the tech industry are assumed to be socially awkward. While this works in movies and television shows, employers have found that many IT professionals possess as many interpersonal skills as anyone else. Technology experts suffering from more severe social handicaps (such as functional forms of autism) are able to practice and learn interpersonal and other soft skills to help them integrate well within a team. What Are IT Soft Skills? Information technology (IT) is awide field of job positions. Some are engineers with PhDs, and others are high school graduates helping a secretary install softw are on their computer. Regardless, those working in IT often forget that it is not enough to know all the technical skills and software proficiencies. Job descriptions often require IT professionals to interact with others, manage resources, and even lead companies at an executive level. Even if youve got solidhard skills, employers will evaluate your soft skills as you move through thehiring process. For many roles, youllneed hybrid skills- a combination of technical and non-technical skills. Types of IT Soft Skills Communication With the number of emails, proposals, and design documents an IT professional writes, clearandcompellingwrittencommunicationis essential. Effectiveverbal communicationis equally important. As an IT employee, you often have to explain technical processes in clear, easy-to-understand terms for customers and employers. You mustalso be able to explain your ideas in such a way as to make others want to support and finance your projects. Oral Communicati onWritten CommunicationConcisionCollaboration Creativity IT professionals are constantly looking toward the future anticipating and developing solutions for potential tech problems and needs. This sort of forward thinking requires a lot of imagination and creativeproblem-solving. Employers look for tech professionals who are able toconceive unique solutions. ImaginationForward ThinkingProblem SolvingStrategyOpen-mindednessAnalytical Skills Determination IT projects can stall because of a variety of issues financial problems, issues with vendors, problems with software, hardware or processes, a lack of teamwork, or one of many other reasons. It is important for an IT professional to stay focused on the ultimate goal and continue to work toward that result. Beginning a project with a clear and realistic timeline and budget can help you achieve your ultimate goal. Your employer will be impressed with your ability not only toplan a project, butalso to landsee it through to compl etion. ResilienceProject ManagementStress ManagementProblem SensitivityBrainstormingTroubleshootingRestructuringProcess Improvement Flexibility IT professionals often face setbacks or unexpected changes, ranging from a technical problem with their project to a last-minute issue with a vendor. You need tolearn to be flexible, accepting these changes and immediately looking for creative solutions. Employers will appreciate this flexibility. Similarly, you must be open to suggestions and feedback, whether from an employer or a client. Listen attentively to any feedback you receive and be open to making necessary changes to improve satisfaction. Fast LearnerAdaptabilityResiliencePrioritizingQuick ThinkingAttention to Detail Leadership Even if you are not in a management position, you will often be asked to manage a project or team, if only for a brief period. Being a project manager requires strongleadership skills, the ability to delegate tasks, and a constant focus on the end goal. As an IT professional, you may also be involved in client and vendor management. It is essential that you know how to communicate with clients and vendorseffectively to ensure your companys needs are being met efficiently. Project ManagementTeam BuildingCollaborationDecision MakingMentoringEncouragingIntegrity Negotiation No matter what your position in IT, you will need some form ofnegotiation skills, from making hiring decisions to collaborating with vendors or contractors to selling your idea to an organization. Being able to come to an agreement that satisfies both parties is a great soft skill that will make you stand out, particularly if you want to be promoted to a management position. Reaching ConsensusProblem SensitivityAwareness for Diversity in Religion and EthnicityFocusConflict Management Presentation A presentation can be anything from a one-on-one conversation to a department meeting or lecture. Whatever the form, you need to be able to articulate your i deas clearly to others. Even if your ideas are great, no one will be able to appreciate them if you cannot convey them effectively. Working on your approachability, verbal communication, and your familiarity with presentation tools will help you tostrengthen your presentation skills. EngagingPublic SpeakingArticulationHumorSales More IT Soft Skills Logical ThinkingAssessmentEvaluatingConsultingOrganizationMemoryInnovationCommitmentVisionCoordinationGoal OrientedJudgmentInitiativeMultitaskingOngoing ImprovementPicking Up on PatternsAbility to Work IndependentlyFollow DirectionsTrainingEmotional IntelligenceResearch SolutionsOptimizationIntegrationAccuracyInvestigationBuilding and Managing Expectations How to Make Your Skills Stand Out Add Skills to Your ResumeInclude some of these skills in yourresume, especially in the description of yourwork historyand yourresume summary, if you have one.Highlight Skills in Your Cover LetterMention one or two of the skills listed above and give specific examples of instances when you demonstrated these traits in prior work.Mention Skills in Your Job InterviewKeep the top skills listed above in mind during your interview and be prepared to give examples of how youve exemplified each

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Identifying a toxic work environment before you accept a job

Identifying a toxic work environment before you accept a jobIdentifying a toxic work environment before you accept a jobAs the year goes on, many people are thinking about making a move in the job market. In addition to looking for more compensation, advancement opportunities, or a change of place, job seekers these days are paying close attention to company culture - for good reason.No matter how great the title, the pay, or the role, if a companys culture is toxic, you will regret taking the job.Cultures are all different, but in almost all cases a great culture is one where the companys mission is reflected in the behaviors exhibited by employees day-to-day. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of businesses, and I have seen that too often reality falls short of public image. I even know of several examples where expectations set during the interview process were shattered the minute the employee started work.Fortunately, it is possible to spot a toxic culture in advance and save yourself from a bad career move. Here are five signs that a prospective workplace might be toxic1. Reviews are inconsistentJob sites like Glassdoor and Indeed collect and publish company reviews and rank companies by culture - but look for more than just high marks. Check for consistency in the pros and cons listed to get a feel for the culture.When you look at the cons, look for patterns - especially related to the behavior of the CEO and upper management. Gloss over personal complaints and watch for posts such as, The CEO doesnt trust anyone, or Anyone here that speaks up is walked to the door. If you read those comments again and again, run.You might also see a string of consistently bad, detailed reviews followed by several glowing comments by people who cant seem to come up with a con. This is a sign upper management has been posting comments to try to clean things up and is a major red flag.2. Vision and core values are wall artYou want to work f or a company with a clear mission and values. If the company doesnt have any statement of this kind, that can spell trouble. But its also a concern when a companys values are nothing but wall art. To find out if thats the case, ask questions in your interview about values and mission.Do people know what they are without looking them up? Does anyone mention the subject to you? Also, ask if the companys awards and recognition are based on values. Such questions can help you discover if youre dealing with a company that says one thing and does another.3. Feedback is not encouraged or even discouragedGreat companies regularly ask their employees for feedback - and act on it to make the company better. Look for how feedback is discussed in reviews and ask about it in your interviews. What are some examples of things the company has changed based on feedback? What do you think would happen if you e-mailed the CEO with a suggestion?Watching how interviewers respond to these questions in th e first few seconds will give you the answer you need. If they struggle to reply, beware.4. Transparency and trust are lackingMore and more information is public these days, and companies that share their ups and downs transparently are valued for getting their employees involved in understanding the goals and the mechanics of the business. Conversely, companies that keep everything under wraps are typically the ones where unpleasant surprises eventually emerge.For example, I recently saw a company doing a press release about all its hiring plans and spinning a very positive story to its employees about growth at the same time, it was conducting two rounds of layoffs. Employees quickly lost trust and defected.Companies and managers that are tight-lipped about metrics and financials also tend to have the mentality that its our money, not yours. Wouldnt you rather work at a company designed to benefit everyone?5. Family has a heavy hand in the businessIdeally, there should be checks a nd balances in any business, and family enterprises can lack these. So, be careful. When a husband/wife team are at the top or an extended family is forming the leadership team, it can be hard for employees to debate or challenge decisions. Imagine trying to take a complaint about your boss to his wife, the CEO.In many cases, if you are not part of the family, opportunities for advancement are limited. Since its possible to go to work for a family business unknowingly, do your research.Working at a company with a toxic culture can make it miserable to get out of bed every day and go to work - and life is too short for that. So, take some time to do your homework on company culture before accepting any new role.Robert Glazer is the founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners and the author of the international bestselling book Performance Partnerships. Join 35,000 global leaders who follow his inspirational weekly Friday Forward or invite him to speak.This article first appeared on Quo ra.

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Basics of Should I Put Gpa on Resume

The Basics of Should I Put Gpa on Resume The Importance of Should I Put Gpa on Resume If youve got higher degrees, you do not have to bring the high school you attended. Your education section can either come following your experience section, or youre able to add it before in the event that youve recently graduated. Hands-on skills cant be learned online, and based on which state you are living in, only the theoretical portion of your education can be done online or none in any way. All About Should I Put Gpa on Resume Youre going to learn all there is to learn about whether or not you need to incorporate GPA on a resume. In the majority of instances, you wont even be considered on account of your low GPA. Think about including your GPA in your major if its significantly higher than your overall GPA. When its higher than your overall GPA you may place your main GPA instead. Even if youre a student or recent graduate, you only ought to include your GPA if it is going to re flect well on you. It is extremely easy for an employer to confirm your GPA by taking a look at your transcript. Its completely affordable and possible that you are going to get a recruiter that just doesnt care about GPA. In most instances the recruiter will most likely assume you get a minimal GPA. Again, based on the period of time youve been out of school can fluctuate on the circumstance. The absolute most important consideration to bear in mind when writing both is that you dont tell an employer what you would like. You most likely have a vague idea on what to include on a resume. Just because you spent nearly all of your time in 1 way, doesnt mean it should be shared. You might even wish to incorporate the simple fact that you graduated Phi Beta Kappa. There are a lot of different reasons a candidate might or might not be considered. What You Must Know About Should I Put Gpa on Resume Its stress-free, not risk-free While there are numerous terrific advantages to st udying online, you want to be careful to prevent any pitfalls. Assemble a draft of your resume and execute a crucial analysis of just how much substance is in fact included when alls said and done. If you currently have experience in the area, you also need to avoid listing your GPA and pay attention to your experience instead. Bear in mind, education does not need to be limited to formal education. If youre asking for a sttte that demands many years of experience, then your age might be an asset. If you currently have work experience it will matter a lot more than your grades. As soon as you have 2-3 decades of work experience, it is the right time to eliminate your GPA from your resume. If youre an undergrad, you might still have enough time to compensate for your earlier carelessness in not keeping up your grades. The Rise of Should I Put Gpa on Resume You must organize your resume to assist agencies evaluate your experience. Federal jobs often need you to have experie nce in a special type of work for some period of time. Hiring agencies will try to find particular terms in your resume to make certain you have the experience theyre seeking.You continue to wish to create impression. When youre prowling the streets and the web for a new job, you have to provide the very best impression you can. This form of experience can complete an otherwise brief resume. Your experience should tackle every necessary qualification in the job announcement. Should I Put Gpa on Resume and Should I Put Gpa on Resume - The Perfect Combination Functional summary resume examples will show job seekers how to advertise their skills effectively to satisfy the skills required for the position they are applying for. So place a summary paragraph instead. Including a summary or objective is vital if you would like to earn a good resume great. Most often once you complete the job application there is going to be a location for you to list your references. Obviously, wh en it comes time to complete the work program, list all your employers, even the short ones. Definitely your contact info, relevant work experience, and a few skills.

Monday, December 2, 2019

3 Tips to Keep You Motivated When the Hiring Process Gets Tough

3 Tips to Keep You Motivated When the Hiring Process Gets ToughIts no secret that the job search is difficult for job seekers. In fact, a 2017 CareerBuilder survey found that 73 percent of candidates feel looking for a job is one of lifes fruchtwein stressful times. As an HR professional, you do what you can to make the hiring process better. But the hiring process can be incredibly stressful for you, too. Its hard to find the best talent. It can take weeks, or even months before youre ready to make an offer. And if that candidate doesnt work out, the whole cycle starts over again. Understandably, even the most optimistic hiring professionals get frustrated.Its times like these that you need a boost to your motivation. Here are three expert tips to keep you motivated when the hiring process gets tough1. Have patience.After seeing dozens of unqualified candidates, your nerves run thin. Its tempting to just give the job to the next person whos even moderately a good fit. Remind yoursel f hiring the wrong person will be a bigger headache in the long-run.Even if it takes a few months to find, interview, and hire the right candidate, I know I will, said Kristin Marquet, founder and creative director of Creative Development Agency. Patience is necessary when youre trying to hire.Develop a mantra for yourself to keep you focused. Even if it seems like youll never find the right person, repeating this parole will keep you calm and give you patience. Consider the following when choosing a mantraKeep it simple. When youre stressed you need something you can easily remember.Make a connection. Not every inspirational phrase will resonate with you. Try out a few options and see what helps you relax the most.Embrace the distraction. The whole point of a mantra is to refocus on something other than the stress. So the phrase can be completely unrelated to hiring, as long as it gives your mind a break.Do you have a mantra to keep you calm during the hiringprocess?Click To Tweet2 . Use hindsight.When problems arise during the hiring process and they will its frustrating. Especially if the issues drag out the process or make you lose out on your top choice candidate. Instead of internalizing these failures, use them as a way to improve.Going back through the process, step by step, allows us to discover the hiring mistake, said Sharon Powers DeVries, talent acquisition manager at ReferralExchange We immediately share this with the other recruiters and all hiring managers and implement a change.Using hindsight to figure out the root of the problem, while helping you avoid it in the future, making your job less stressful. If youre having trouble seeing what went wrong, get someone elses opinion. Often a mentor or someone who wasnt involved in that particular hiring can offer a fresh set of eyes.3. Hire for the future.Turnover is the main reason the hiring process is so draining. Just when you think youve filled a role, the new hire leaves and you have to start all over again. Nip turnover in the bud by focusing on the future.A lot of the time, turnover is a result of an employee realizing that there is no room to grow within a company, said Jacob Dayan, co-founder and CEO of Community Taxand Finance Pal. When hiring for a position, it is crucial to consider the potential growth of the employee and where you see them in 5 years.With a little extra work early on, you can find an employee whos perfect for the current role and for one with the company in the future. This will help reduce turnover in the long-run and keep your stress level low. Dont just hire for the now, hire for the future. HRClick To TweetWant more hiring tips? Follow us on Twitter

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

5 Secrets to the New USAJOBS Applicant Pages

5 Secrets to the New USAJOBS Applicant Pages5 Secrets to the New USAJOBS Applicant Pages5 Secrets to the New USAJOBS Applicant Pages5 Secrets to the New USAJOBS Applicant PagesUSAJOBS just got updated as of 8/20 You will see new colors (green, gray and black), new bold screens, flow and even new language, i.e., Unique Hiring Paths, Advancing, Paused, Stopped, Unknown Results + No More Dropdowns I like the changes and the new language And I like the all new Homepage / RESULTS page This is an exciting page And could be encouraging for federal jobseekers. I especially like the advancing list. If a federal jobseeker does apply for 3 to 5 positions per week, they will see a lot of activity in their advancing list. This could be a fun screen showing results and a top page transparent support for the federal job search campaign.By Kathryn Troutman, Federal Resume Guru1. New-designed Profile Homepage is also your New USAJOBS Application Tracking Page Kathryn has submitted 113 applications Ho w many positions have you submitted for? Check it out now Your USAJOBS applications are filtered in new lists Advanced, Paused, Stopped and Unknown results This page also shows how many applications you have submitted (113) how many Saved Jobs (4) and how many Saved Searches (10) you have set up for your federal job search campaign.2. Introducing New USAJOBS Applicant PROFILE page Profile page shows the main sections of the USAJOBS webpage clearly. No mora dropdowns. The pages are clear on the left.3. Introducing ADVANCING and the important bottom linksin the Applicant pages are almost hidden. This is where you are going to find the former Applicant Status page. This is now called ADVANCING under a Job Application list. You can also click on PAUSED or STOPPED. The Application Status Page was one of my favorite pages. It is now GONE. Replaced by Advancing page.4. NEW COMBINATION DOCUMENTS RESUMES PAGEYou can upload documents and resumes on the same section. The RESUME page is gone CHECK OUT THE NEW INVITATION TO UPLOAD OR BUILD YOUR RESUME Very Subtle NEW GRAPHIC TO BUILD YOUR RESUME OR UPLOAD YOUR RESUME (the resume builder did not change)5. New UNIQUE HIRING PATHSThis is the former Special Hiring Programs. Now these are UNIQUE hiring pathsCheck out the new look and pages for your USAJOBS account todaySAMPLES IN A BOOK? If you want help with writing your federal resume, you can check out the best federal resuems for your federal resume builder or upload system The Federal Resume Guidebook, 6th edition will help you with keywords, qualifications, specialized experience, KSAs, and the questionnaire Get help with the content Kathryn Troutman, Author, Federal Resume Guidebook, 6h EditionUSAJOBS RESUME HELP? If you want a quote for a USAJOBS Federal Resume. A resume that will match a specific USAJOBS announcement, including the keywords, specailized experience, the KSAs and the Questionnaire. ComPlete our Client Intake Form for your request.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Embrace your Uncertainty and Take the Plunge

Embrace your Uncertainty and Take the Plunge Embrace your Uncertainty and Take the Plunge The first phase is one of fear and doubt regarding the uncertainty of such a major change. But once you recognize the fear for what it is, you can begin to take steps to control it and move in the right direction. If your fear has become overwhelming, you must first try to break it down into smaller partes so that you can understand the root cause. Try this exercise to try and get a better grip on the cause of your uncertainty Write or type out any fears that you have already identified. ansicht may include financial fears, personal insecurities, or fears about potential lifestyle changes brought about by a career change. Next to each fear, figure out the underlying cause that is making you afraid. Write it out in question form so that it can be addressed later. Now, write out the uncertainties involved with each fear.Phase stage two involves overcoming your fears by addressing them head on. B y forcing yourself to visualize your fears through writing them out and addressing them, you will gain confidence in the future and find opportunities in the very things that you fear. The object of this phase to answer each of the questions you posed yourself in the prior phase. Think of ways to solve the problems within each fear by creating ways to work around them. For example, if you asked yourself how you would survive between jobs with no income you may respond by cutting expenses or taking on a side job.Once you understand your fears and have create steps to overcoming them, all that is left to do is act. Your perceptions play a major role in how you take action so consider a couple of approaches to taking on your list Try to look at the situation as an experiment. Not everything you try will succeed but only through opening yourself up to risk will you find yourself moving forward in the pursuit of your goals. Learn from your mistakes and react to them and dont be afraid of a trial-and-error approach to life. Dont accept a definition of success created by other people. Make your own definition based on what a successful like looks like to you. For example, if part of a career change involves receiving less pay consider the role of money in your personal definition of success. Sure, many people think money is an accurate gauge of success but that doesnt mean it will make you feel successful. Eating and paying the bills is one thing, but beyond that, it is up to you to decide your priorities and values. Would you rather have extravagant vacations and designer clothes or a job that you love? In order to answer that, you must define what success means to you and whether any tradeoffs made during the transition are acceptable within that definition.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

How to Finally Stop Procrastinating Forever

How to Finally Stop Procrastinating ForeverHow to Finally Stop Procrastinating Forever Who among us hasnt put off a presentation until the night before it was due, or departureed a project weeks after you told yourself you would? Everyone falls victim to procrastination at some point or another, but if its happening enough to affect your quality of life or work performance , its time to think about changing your behavior.The good news is, theres reason to be hopeful. Even lifelong procrastinators can overcome decades of badeanstalt habits with the right attitude and strategies. Of course, this is much easier said than done - but weve identified a few tips and tricks that will make it a whole lot easier.Whether youre a born-and-bred procrastinator or its just recently surfaced as a bad habit, the following expert tips will help you nip procrastination in the bud for good.Its difficult to solve a problem when you dont understand whats behind it - otherwise, your atte mpts to reconcile your behavior may amount to nothing more than a Band-Aid solution. Take a good hard look at yourself and your habits to determine why you procrastinate. One of the most common reasons is fear, experts say.Sometimes its a harsh inner critic or perfectionist that spews negative thoughts like, youre not good enough or youre going to screw it up. If you havent developed a ordnungsprinzip or method for pushing through those sticking points, it can be hard to get anything done, says psychotherapist Tom Bruett .Other times, doing a task youre not looking forward to can just feel downright painful - literally.Research has found out that when you are ready to start a perceived-as-unpleasant task, the actual pain centers in your brain light up, shares Dimitris Gkiokas, founder of The Metalearners . It is only natural that your brain, at that moment, makes its best effort to avoid the task and the pain it is what it is programmed to do.No matter whats driving your procrast ination, understanding it can inform which strategy will best help you address the issue.If this is your first time trying to tackle procrastination in earnest, there are a number of small changes you can make in your daily life that can have a big impact.Get Organized As a stubborn teenager, I used to refuse to use a planner, insisting I could keep track of everything in my head. It was only when I started really tracking my to-dos in college that I realized how silly that was - being organized helped me stay on track. Whether it means keeping a list, writing on Post-Its or a productivity app , find something that works for you, Bruett says. Write down all your tasks, and tackle them in order of priority.Eliminate Distractions It may seem like a no-brainer, but many procrastinators fail to truly remove themselves from the people, things and situations that divert their attention. Close your email client, shut off any Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn (etc.) notifications, silence you r ringer, shut off the television, etc. If you need noise, play instrumental or classical music, says Maura Thomas , author of Personal Productivity Secrets.Start Small Breaking large tasks into baby steps is a much less intimidating way to tackle a project. Career coach Carlota Zimmerman recommends doing at least two small abroll-container-transport-system each day. Do those two acts and write them down - I encourage clients to keep Action Diaries, so as to have a (paper) trail of their acts, since its very encouraging and empowering, she says. The rush you get from one small win often motivates you to continue your good behavior.Reward Yourself Theres a reason teachers used to put gold stars on excellent tests and essays - those small rewards work Use positive reinforcement to motivate yourself to achieve your goals, Bruett says. If you keep on track for a whole week, maybe reward yourself with a massage or a nice dinner.Lifelong procrastinators might be tempted to roll the ir eyes at the suggestion of using a planner or turning off their cell phone notifications. If youve already been there and done that, try out these more sophisticated tips.Try Stream of Consciousness Working Many procrastinators are, at heart, perfectionists , unable to take action until theyve figured out exactly what to stay or do. But you might be surprised at how effective it can be to dive into a project before youve fully fleshed it out. Thomas suggests taking a stream of consciousness approach, in which you simply start dumping out all of your ideas for a set period of time without pausing to refine, clarify or reorganize. Our brains are much better at creative, strategic thinking and problem-solving than they are at remembering details, and if we clear our mind of the minutiae (mental clutter), the good stuff often appears, Thomas shares.Hold Yourself Accountable If youre the type of person who finds it way easier to fulfill a promise to a friend than a promise to yourse lf, try seeking out an accountability buddy. For added motivation, raise the stakes, suggests Sarah Moe, geschftliches miteinander and money coach at Flauk . Create a deadline with a friend or coach and make the consequences for not finishing the task something you would hate, such as writing them a check, doing your least-favorite chore or cutting yourself off from TV for a week. When you have to own up to the fact to another person that you procrastinated, youll never do it again, Moe adds.Block Your Calendar Been meaning to tackle a particular task for while, but just cant seem to find the time for it? Try scheduling dedicated periods of time in which you are allowed to do nothing but the task at hand. To do this successfully, Thomas recommends not making your time-blocks too long (two hours or less), only blocking off time for the highest-priority items, and limiting how often you do so. Otherwise, youll start breaking those appointments with yourself, and then youll have lost the effectiveness of the technique, she explains.Learn to Tolerate Discomfort In the end, theres no way around it - overcoming procrastination will almost always involve doing something you dont like. Too often, people put tasks off simply because theyre a drag. But if you learn to accept that, you may have an easier time doing it. To change, you need to shift from doing something pleasant, then feeling badly afterward to doing something unpleasant, then feeling better afterwards, says psychotherapist Karen R. Koenig .When one tactic fails you, its easy to get discouraged. You might feel like a screw-up, or become convinced that your procrastination is just an insurmountable part of who you are. But buying into this negative thinking can stop you from overcoming an otherwise totally fixable problem.If you try a strategy to overcome procrastination and it fails, conduct a post-mortem, Bruett recommends. Be really honest with yourself about what didnt work. Where were the exact st icking points? Was it lack of motivation ? Did you have trouble with the system you tried? Problem solve and get some additional support from a coach or therapist.And remember, not everything works for everyone, Gkiokas says. Every person is different and faces different levels of procrastination. You should try different things, and use your experience to identify what works.Most of all, keep in mind that falling off the wagon is normal, and happens to almost everybody at some point.Any behavior change will take trial and error. Account for that and dont beat yourself up if you dont succeed on the first go around, Bruett concludes.