Why Creative Use of Space Makes Your Work Environment More Agile

Why Creative Use of Space Makes Your Work Environment More Agile Creative ideas for making work environments increasingly agile are evolving all the time. We are seeing clients enhancing their workspace and contributing to their employer relations both in the creation of brand new offices, but also by injecting new ideas into current spaces. Introducing agility to a workplace doesn’t have to mean a complete redesign, massive budgets or waiting until the time comes to move to new premises. Research shows that as much as 60 percent of traditional office space can be unused on any given day. This means many businesses will have the opportunity to consider how wasted space could be better used, and sometimes the most innovative ideas come from no budget at all. What are agile work environments? Agile workspaces are designed to give employees flexibility about where and how they work. They feature a range of different spaces, allowing employees to work where they feel most productive and inspired, or which most suits the task they need to complete. It is a move away from the traditional office layout, where employees spend the vast majority of each and every working day at the same desk. Types of flexible space options include; private working and phone areas, breakout spaces for collaboration and brainstorming, casual and formal meeting areas, a choice of traditional desks or alternative sofas, beanbags or standing desks and open plan seating areas where people from all different departments and levels can sit together. Plus, spaces to eat, relax, have fun and socialise during the working day. What are the business benefits? There are many potential benefits to creating agiler working environments. Bringing employees together in more open and collaborative spaces can help to improve communication across the business. This can encourage innovation, increase leadership visibility and set the tone for a company culture which will get the best from your workspace. It can benefit the bottom line by increasing productivity and have a positive impact on employee wellbeing; increasing engagement and reducing sickness absence. We all know that sitting at a desk for too long is not suitable for our physical or mental health and a agiler working environment can encourage people to get up and move around, take proper breaks and socialise more. The workplace environment is also a critical factor in determining an employer brand which will attract and retain high calibre employees. Agile spaces are proving especially popular among organisations looking to recruit talented millennials, as this type of working environment is particularly attractive to this generation. Key considerations There isn’t a one size fits all approach to creating an agile work environment, consideration needs to be given to what will be a good fit for each organisation, its culture and business needs. Agile workspaces tend to work well in businesses where there is already a positive approach to flexible working and a focus on results achieved rather than time spent in the office. Employees may not be leaving the building, but if there is a historical culture of presenteeism, they could still be concerned about ‘being seen to be doing their work’ if they are not sat at their specific desk. Organisations which already adopt flexible working practices are also more likely to have the technology in place which will support working from different spaces around the office. If making creative changes to the work environment will mean the business is moving away from an extremely traditional layout and working practices, careful consideration needs to be given to the impact this could have on employees. As with any element of change, it is likely to cause concerns among staff, whether it is worries about the potential loss of their personal desk space, fears about using new technology or concerns about how this will affect day-to-day life and the office culture they are accustomed to. Make sure there is leadership buy-in for any potential creative changes, so senior colleagues can lead by example and talk positively about what is being done and how they hope it will benefit everyone. Involve employees in the process and ask for their ideas and feedback. They can help you to identify the types of spaces which would be most appreciated and make a difference to them. They are best placed to share what they think the current environment may be lacking, whether it is a vibrant and stimulating area for brainstorming or a quiet space where employees can choose to work if they want to focus with minimal distractions. For example, one of our clients asked employees how they would like to see a spare training room being used. A staff committee was given a budget to kit it out, and now the team has a space to break away from their desks and take proper breaks, with a pool table, drinks fridge and bean bags.

Common Fallacies of Resume Writing

Common Fallacies of Resume WritingIf you are an employer or an employee, then you must be aware of the fallacies of resume writing. Resume writing is a very important process that involves the objective evaluation of a candidate. When a company gets to evaluate your prospective employee through resume writing, it can help the employer in decision making.Resume writing is a part of human resource and it is required for all job applicants. When applying for a job, a resume will be the primary tool to present information about your qualifications and education. A resume should be written carefully and logically and the information contained therein should be directly relevant to the position for which you are applying.The resume that will be used by an applicant will depend on many things. These include the job profile of the company, the position that is requested, the skills needed, and the personality type of the applicant. Depending on these factors, the resume that is constructed w ill be different.The first fallacy of resume writing is that the resume is only a vehicle to promote a candidate. The truth is that the resume is used to gather more information about the candidate. When the employer will read the resume, he or she will be able to get a clear picture of the candidate's qualifications and experience. This will be useful in making a decision about the candidate.The second fallacy of resume writing is that the potential employee is only required to provide his or her personal information. This includes the contact details of the prospective employee. The contact details like the name, date of birth, family background, and current address are vital parts of the resume. It is also necessary to inform the employer that you are the potential employee so that any inquiries can be directed to you.It is also true that the best candidates will not always be the one who gives the most details. It is a known fact that the same job can have different applicants. In the absence of these factors, the resume will have a lot of information related to the qualification of the potential employee. This is a potential disadvantage of the resume.The third fallacy of resume writing is that the resume will be used as a marketing tool. When the information that is gathered is used for marketing purposes, it will not be useful to the employer. The information provided should only be necessary to the candidate.Finally, the fourth fallacy of resume writing is that the resume will always be longer than three pages. The truth is that the four pages should only be a minimum. The employer will also get to know more about the candidate through this process.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 5 Ways to Manage Your Online Reputation

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 5 Ways to Manage Your Online Reputation Are you your own worst enemy?If you don't think so, read this column I wrote for Gannett, and you may just change your mind:Maybe you put countless hours into carefully crafting a resume and cover letter. Or you sweated buckets over the details regarding your meeting with a key client. Perhaps you had weeks of sleepless nights as you planned your new company. But then it all came crashing down all with the click of your computer mouse. It all came undone because you didnt think about the fact that some of the unprofessional items you posted online were viewed and judged by the very people you wanted to impress. Your digital life is just like real life. Its not outer space. Thats why you must be very conscious of what you put online, says Larry Weber, a marketing and online reputation expert. Whats online is a very important part of the way people are hired, the way people get things done. Weber, author of Sticks and Stones, (Wiley, $24.95), says that too many people are lazy ab out their online reputations, or think that what they post doesnt really matter or wont be seen by people other than friends or family. The key, he says, is remembering that from the moment you go online, your reputation is being formed. For example, he says that at Harvard University they view a variety of records before admitting a student and one of those involves a check of online activity. They take out their laptops and check out Facebook. If there are pictures of you drunk, you can probably forget about Harvard, he says. So how can you best manage you online reputation that aids you professionally? Weber advises you to: Lead separate lives. Use LinkedIn or Plaxo for your professional resume, accomplishments and business networking. Use Facebook to connect only with people you know well in your personal life, such as friends and family. At the same time, sever connections online with people who will drag down your professional image. In other words, dont friend someone on Facebook or through your blog who posts obscene comments or has racy photos. Look for the right groups. The online community is becoming more segmented, and this can benefit your career. Search for groups to join that will connect you with industry leaders or others with similar goals. You know how your mother told you to hang out with certain groups of people. This is the same thing, Weber says. Build social equity. Sometimes it comes out the blue: Critical or derogatory comments about you online. In this case, your network can help you by coming to your defense and posting positive remarks that help thwart your attacker. But the only way this works is if youve been a good supporter of others and their work in the past. You must sincerely work to connect with people and help them when you can so they will return the favor. Remember that nobody likes manipulation. The Web has been ver y good at policing itself, Weber says. It doesnt like liars and manipulators, and theyll be outed. That means if you try and push people into supporting you or try to spin your story to get them to write positive commentary about you without earning it, it usually will backfire. The more you try and spin it, the more you will hurt yourself, he says. The push is really for transparency. Understand that bad can be good. No one is perfect, either online or in real life. Dont worry if there are some less-than-stellar comments about you online, as long as the good outweigh the bad. Having flaws adds authenticity, and makes it easier for others to identify with you.Social Bookmarking

10 Ways to Have More Money During University

10 Ways to Have More Money During University We all know that your university days are supposed to be ‘the best of your life’, but when it comes to your finances, they can also be some of the most worrying! With tuition fees on the increase and living expenses rising on a regular basis, it can be difficult to manage your money and have enough left over to enjoy yourself. If you take a proactive approach, though, it’s possible to live a comfortable lifestyle while you’re working towards your degree. Let’s find out how, with these top 10 ways, you could have more money as a student. 1.         Saving Money on Bills Possibly the best way to save money over the year. Most students just pay their bills without giving it a second thought (or perhaps any thought!), but there are lots of ways to cut them down. Don’t stick with one supplier just for the sake of convenience. If you’re prepared to spend less than an hour comparing energy suppliers and internet providers online, you will easily save a good chunk of cash every month by getting the best deal possible. Keep in mind that most contracts can be 12 months, so it’s best to get your bills sorted ASAP! 2.         Being a Savvy Shopper You can save money every time you go to the supermarket if you have a plan in advance. Always use a loyalty card if you can, and shop at the right time. Later in the day, you’re likely to pick up lots of bargains that will reach their sell-by date that evening. Also, look out for coupons, special offers, and of course, the student discount (full list of retailers here). 3.         Part-Time Work Working part-time isn’t always ideal, but it’s something that many students do to make ends meet. Whether it’s bar work, admin, or something more relevant to your degree course, it’s also a great way to get some extra experience. Of course, always make sure that you balance your time effectively, so your university work doesn’t suffer! 4.         Freelancing Now that we all have access to the Internet, freelancing is a great money-making option that’s available to pretty much every student. The flexibility of working for yourself or even running your own small business is an idea that many students dream of. And once you’ve built up some regular clients, the earning potential can be excellent and at the same time add to your CV. 5.         Selling Unwanted Books At the end of each semester, you’ll have textbooks that you no longer need. Instead of hoarding them, consider selling them on. Some universities have their own trading-in schemes, and several websites will let you sell them to other students for a nominal fee. 6.         Negotiating with Your Landlord Rent will probably be one of your biggest outgoings, and there are several ways to save money here. Firstly, consider negotiating on the terms of your lease. You might not be able to lower the rates if there are plenty of students looking for accommodation in the area, but there are other ways to get a good deal. 9-month leases, for example, are sometimes offered and will stop you from paying for a place that you don’t need during the holidays. 7.         Budgeting Organisation is key to saving money! If you know how much you’ve got to spend every week, you’re much less likely to get yourself in a pickle. Work out a realistic budget and keep a record of everything you spend. 8.         Cooking Meals with Friends Buying in bulk when it comes to food is almost always cheaper, but not necessarily possible if you’re just cooking for yourself. To make the most of bulk discounts, get into the habit of sharing the cooking with friends and housemates and eating together. It also doubles up as a cheaper alternative to a night out! 9.         Entering Competitions You’d be amazed at the amount of stuff you can win in competitions! If you’re entering on a regular basis, your odds are naturally higher which means you have a good chance of picking up free food, drink, travel, gadgets, entertainment and much more. If you’re serious about winning, take a structured approach to finding and entering competitions online every week. 10. Completing Surveys Online Market research companies will actually pay people to complete surveys online, even if it does sound too good to be true! Just by giving your opinions, you can receive a cash payment, free products, or vouchers that you can exchange for goods in stores. Look out for companies that deal with items you’re interested in. There are of course hundreds, if not thousands of other ways to boost your income during university, many of them online. Hopefully these top 10 have given you an idea to start with, but if you’re eager to find more, check out this great list of money making ideas. If you really are struggling to break the baked bean habit and make ends meet, remember you’re not alone! It’s worth just pausing, and having a think to see which of the many ways to have more money works best for you.

Tips on Using Thumbtack Quotes For Resume Writing

Tips on Using Thumbtack Quotes For Resume WritingAre thumbtack quotes good for resume writing? Is the idea of a stick having any kind of direct meaning to a person is an entirely alien concept? These questions are hard to answer for some people but they can be answered to a certain extent.Thumbtack Quotes for Resume Writing are in themselves marketing tools. These stick-on slogans are the best methods of advertising a business or company. This is because they convey your identity, you can use them as titles of your resume, the bottom part of the stick is pretty much a one-page summary of you and your qualifications. Moreover, you can also use it to sell your services on the job.The nice thing about these is that they can be used anywhere and everywhere. A single thumbtack stick in your pocket can be used everywhere without compromising on your appearance. You can even use them as giveaways at various events for people to see.So what are some ways of using Thumbtack Quotes for Resume Writing? Below are some of the tips on how you can use these for better results.First off, if you want to make a special mark of yourself, using thumbtack quotes for resume writing is a great way to do this. They're easily available everywhere, so if you need to make a special impression, you can always get one right away. You can then use this quote in your resume and attach it to your letter of intent or your cover letter. These are great for making people recognize yourself right away.Secondly, you can use these as a text line. They will come in handy whenever you will be sending a message to someone via email. Since you don't have to write anything, you can put them in your message and you can also use them in your email signature. This is a great way to reach out to people since you won't need to type out anything.Finally, the third tip on using these is to give these away to friends, acquaintances, or whoever you want to sell your services. But these are not for that purpose, you can give them away to other people for advertising purposes only. It's a great way to make friends and you can also do this for the sake of marketing or advertising.So, these are just some of the ways of using Thumbtack Quotes for Resume Writing. It doesn't really matter if they are used for advertising or marketing purposes. What is important is that you can make people remember you in a very simple way.

Why Should You Consider A Career as A Content Marketer CareerMetis.com

Why Should You Consider A Career as A Content Marketer â€" CareerMetis.com Since you’re reading this post, maybe you’re a journalist who dreams of becoming one of those who works in a big city such as Seattle or a college town like Athens, Georgia.Perhaps you’re a copywriter working in an article writing services agency, communicating through snail mail who wants to work in a more fast-paced world.Or how about this: Maybe you’re a graduate of English Literature from the Midwestern part of the USA who wants something more than just waiting tables in the morning and staying late at night writing poems without anyone getting a chance to read it.Photo Credit â€" Pixabay.comevalRegardless, if you’re from either one of the three Comparing the two, you see there are some skills that a typical web writer should improve. If you already have the qualities of an average author, then you need to be proud of yourself. You’re almost there. All you just have to do is to learn and improve some of those qualities and become an entirely developed content marketer .What’s great about this is when you try harder, keep going, strive harder in learning and practice, you will eventually build your credibility and authority that will be a great help in becoming an in-demand content marketer.Photo Credit â€" unsplash.comSo, in this article, we will give you reasons why you need to step up from an ordinary writer to becoming a content marketer. Here are some of those:There is a significant increase in the demand for content marketers In this era where consumers are the one who controls the process of purchasing products and services, customers tend to demand more content before making a decision in buying, according to a report by Forrester.That means any business that sticks to the traditional marketing strategies are more likely to struggle. As a result, SEO companies (e.g., LinkVista Digital Inc.) will inevitably demand more content marketers.More companies are investing in content distribution nowadays.According to Contently’s 2016 Content M arketing Budget report, more or less seventy percent (70%) of content marketers spend less than $1000 when it comes to content distribution. This figure will undoubtedly change once businesses realize the importance of allocating a huge amount in content distribution compared to their competitors.TakeawayYou see, there are tempting reasons why an ordinary writer needs to think of upgrading to a full-fledged content marketer. By just merely learning and understanding the qualities and the reasons stated above, you can guarantee a more fruitful and high-paying career in the future.

Interview Follow-Up Do it better

Interview Follow-Up Do it better You know how to research companies, how to tweak your resume  and even how to answer tough interview questions. But do you really know how to follow-up after the interview? If youve been invited to interview it means the company is already interested in you. You will either seal the deal or blow the show. What can you do to woo the employer and land the job? According to Boyer Management, a talent optimization and performance management company, recent graduates and experienced professionals ranked lowest in post-interview follow-up competency self-assessment. Approximately 30% correctly answered questions about how to follow up after the interview. To help bring you up to speed, here are suggestions on what you can do to rise to the top of the heap simply by following up! ALWAYS Ask  About Their Timeframe Before you leave the interview, its imperative that you know what the next steps are in the process and when the hiring manager plans to make a final decision. Without this, you can only guess or become frustrated when you don’t hear back. By asking what the timeline is for filling the job and what the next steps in the process are, you will know exactly when to follow-up. Sales professionals realize that making a follow-up call is much easier when granted permission, so be sure to ask whom you should contact and be sure to get their contact information. Send  A Real Thank You In 2011, CareerBuilder surveyed more than 2,800 U.S. employers and found that 86% felt not sending a thank you showed a lack of follow-through by the candidate. Choosing to send your thank you via snail mail versus electronically doesnt necessarily differentiate you, but it can. What’s most important is the quality of the information in your message. Anyone can send a “thank you for your time” message, even though few job seekers do. Candidates who put in the extra effort to explain why theyre interested in the job are even rarer. To stand out, try crafting a thank you that includes your interest in the job as well as how you plan on being successful in the role. Another idea is to provide a suggestion about how you might address a challenge mentioned by the interviewer. If that sounds risky, include an article referencing how another company has solved that challenge. If you feel these suggestions sound over-the-top or old-fashioned, remember, it isn’t about you. Its ultimately up to the person who receives your message. In today’s high-tech electronic age, the personal touch within your message may just be why an interviewer remembers you and takes note of your communication skills and interest. Dont  Take Rejection Lying Down You only have one chance to make a great first impression. What if you sense things arent going well during the interview? The interviewer may be looking at his watch or looking out the window. Don’t ignore his disengaged body language and don’t feel helpless. You could politely pause the interview and ask if there are questions about your last answer, or if youre brave, consider asking how he feels the interview is going so far. You may learn that the interviewer’s lack of interest may have nothing to do with you. Are You Still In The Running? What’s the one question youre wondering near the end of the interview? You want to know how you did or whether you’ll be invited back for the next round. Ask those questions, but word them differently. Focus on a key aspect of the job and ask how the interviewer would assess your fit. For example: “Managing projects with team members in various locations and under tight deadlines is something I’ve been successful doing. Do you feel my background is a match for what you are looking for in this area?” Another way to assess how well you match the job is to express your interest and why you feel you meet or exceed the qualifications, then ask the interviewer what they think. If the interviewer says you arent right for the job, ask for an explanation. If youre still interested in working for that company and would be willing to work in a different capacity, let the interviewer know specifically what other jobs interest you. You may even ask, “As I monitor your career page, if I notice other jobs, would you be willing to refer me?” Every interview offers an opportunity to build a relationship with the people you met. Stay in touch by email or through LinkedIn. It is up to you to continue to keep those relationships alive even after the interviews are over. Future hiring is inevitable and you want to be on the must-call list. You Cant Win Them All You will not be a fit for every job or company. But that doesn’t mean you can’t establish professional relationships with the people you interviewed with. Who knows what future opportunities might arise or whom your new contacts may know? This is a form of networking, which, if nurtured effectively, could help you hear about your next job sooner. Originally posted on US News World Reports On Careers

The Importance of LinkedIn Groups

The Importance of LinkedIn Groups You can take your job search or career to the next level by using all of the features LinkedIn offers to your advantage. The truth is, though, many executives aren’t proactive enough in this regard. A key aspect of your LinkedIn profile development is joining various groups related to your industry. These groups allow you to network with professionals who aren’t currently a part of your network. Whether you’re actively searching for a job or just looking to build credibility, joining groups with your LinkedIn profile is valuable. Here are a few of the most important aspects of LinkedIn groups. Build Your Credibility An executive LinkedIn profile writer can help you build your actual profile, but it’s up to you to continue building your credibility. This means posting original articles, commenting on other original articles, participating in meaningful discussions and more. You can build your credibility by offering expertise and not expecting anything back in return. The more your name shows up in these groups in a positive manner, the better the reputation you’ll have. Learn From Other Experts When you’re in a LinkedIn group with other experts in your industry, you will almost definitely learn something new. Use this knowledge to your advantage in your current job or use it as a springboard to land your next job. When you approach LinkedIn groups with an open mind, you may come across great opportunities you never expected going in. Expand Your Network When you engage in conversations with other group members, they will surely visit your LinkedIn profile. And more often than not, the visit will turn into a new connection to expand your network. At this point, you will be able to see any updates they post to their profile and vice versa. Keeping in touch with your connections is valuable in many ways, even if you’ve never even met them in person. Create Networking Opportunities Sometimes you’ll come across people who are close to your home or office and can easily meet up with them for coffee or lunch. Conversations in LinkedIn groups can lead to direct message conversations from your LinkedIn profile. And if there is mutual interest, you can both attend a formal networking event or simply meet up to exchange ideas. Simply being conversational is the first step to creating valuable networking opportunities that can lead to much greater things. Professional Resume Services focuses on crafting perfect resumes as well as helping clients with their LinkedIn profile development. Many executives overlook important aspects of LinkedIn and we are here to help them take advantage of them. You don’t have to be actively searching for a job to participate in LinkedIn groups, so contact us at any time to see how valuable they can be for you.