The top courses to help get you hired April 2015

The top courses to help get you hired April 2015 by Michael Cheary Can you believe it’s April already?Easter has been (and gone), the long weekend is a distant memory and there’s no more chocolate left within a five mile radius. You’re back at work, and if you’re being honest, not feeling too good about it (which may or may not have something to do with there being no chocolate left within a five mile radius).Luckily, your friends at reed.co.uk are here to help you move forward. We have thousands of different courses available to enhance your skillset, so no matter what your budget and no matter what you want to be, there’s something out there to suit you.Here are three of the hottest courses you can find on the site this month:IAB Level 1 Foundation BookkeepingPassionate about maths but  not sure how it relates to your career path? We’ve got thisAll businesses, regardless of size, are required to keep a record of their financial transactions. That’s where Bookkeepers come in. It’s their job to make sure all spending is tracked and above board, making them pretty much invaluable*.The IAB Foundation Bookkeeping course teaches all the fundamental skills necessary to get started in bookkeeping, including creating invoices, running financial reports and allowing you to build your experience in both manual and computerised bookkeeping.You’ll even receive a £125 Progression Award just for signing up. We’re nice like that.What do I need? A good basic knowledge of maths and English. We’ll provide the rest.How long will it last? Around 130 hours of online, part-time study.Perfect for: People with a good sense of balance.IAB Level 1 »CIPD Level 3 Certificate in Learning and DevelopmentSo you’re interested in personal development. How about personnel development?CIPD are Europe’s largest professional body dedicated to HR and training. They were primarily set up to make work and working lives better for employees in businesses of all sizes, and their certifications are industry benchma rks for HR professionals in all industries. Basically, they’re kind of a big deal.This Level 3 Certificate is aimed at anyone who wants to work within a learning and development role, and teaches fundamental training and coaching techniques which could radically overhaul the way you work. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, enquire now.CIPD courses: Help us. Help people. Help you.What do I need? There are no formal requirements, although working within a HR role may help you get up to speed.How long will it last? Typically 80 hours of part-time study is necessary to complete this qualification.Perfect for: People who are into LD.CIPD Level 3 Certificate in Learning Development »Cisco Certified Network AssociateCisco is: The world’s leading provider of networking certifications.Cisco isn’t: anything to do with a singer from the early 2000s, with a popular song about undergarments.In fact, the Cisco CCNA certification is one of the most respected and sought-a fter certifications you can get in the IT industry, and acts as a stamp of approval for associate-level professionals interested in networking.And if letters after your name and terrible song quotes aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of other great reasons to become Cisco certified, including (but not limited to) global recognition and higher average salaries.Don’t believe us? Cisco certified professionals earn as much as 10% more than their peers working within similar roles.How’s that for scandalous**…What do I need? Prior knowledge of IP addressing and sub-netting. That’s pretty much it.How long will it last? 80 hours.Perfect for: People who are all about networking.CCNA course »*Not written by a Bookkeeper.** Not written by Sisqo.  Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

How To Find A Reliable Resume And CV Writing Service From India

How To Find A Reliable Resume And CV Writing Service From IndiaOne of the greatest advantages that a person can get from an Resume and CV Writing Service from India is the fact that they provide a chance to communicate with the potential client or employee. As most of the advanced communication technologies have taken shape in recent years, it has become quite easy to communicate with the prospective customers or clients in today's world. For example, people are always looking for services on the Internet and it becomes very easy to search for services by simply typing in the desired keywords. They are also getting plenty of information online about the quality services provided by companies from other countries.With a wide choice of services available, it makes it much easier for the potential client or employee to choose a suitable company for himself or herself. Thus, it becomes very important for a person to know the requirements of the person or company for which he or she will be taking up a particular service. While doing this, one can have a look at the important factors that affect the services as discussed below.The first and most important factor is the service type. For example, if a person wants to work as a freelance writer, then it makes sense to opt for a service that provides specific freelance writing services. On the other hand, if a person is interested in the job of a Human Resource Manager, then he or she should choose a service that provides HR jobs and careers development services.Next is the availability of the service. There are services that can be easily accessed online and the others that require a specific appointment with the service provider. It would be very helpful if a person can look for a service provider that can be contacted at a particular place and time for picking up the job.The next factor that should be looked into is the payment method used by the service provider. While working online, many online vendors accept pay ment through the credit cards or money transfer services such as PayPal or Western Union. It is recommended that a person makes a note of the specific payment methods that are accepted by the vendor.The company that offers the service also plays a crucial role in the service in India. A person should choose a service provider that is known for offering good services. There are many online reviews done by the people about the services and so it is always best to read and gather as much information as possible. It is also always better to check out a few of these reviews before hiring a service provider.Lastly, a person should make a note of the range of prices and features of the service offered by the vendor. While choosing a service provider from India, one should always remember that it is always better to check out some reviews for a particular service before hiring a service provider. It is also advisable to take the help of professionals and search for an individual who can hel p one in choosing a good service provider.After selecting a service, a person can prepare his or her resume and CV in a matter of hours. All he or she needs to do is to go online and find a suitable service provider and ensure that the service is updated regularly and also available 24 hours.

Three ways to face an uncertain future University of Manchester Careers Blog

Three ways to face an uncertain future University of Manchester Careers Blog If youre feeling anxious and worried about how  the EU referendum might affect your future plans and dreams, here are  three things you can do: Look after yourself Its been a shock for almost everyone and you may find yourself going through some of the classic  emotions associated with loss denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Be kind to yourself its OK to cut yourself some slack  and seek out activities to give yourself a boost. If youre still around campus: Treat yourself to  some cake at the café in the Ali G. (Havent been there? Get down there whenever its open best cake on campus!) Try out the Wellbeing Rooms in the Simon Building. There are a range of classes and activities but theres  also the most amazing chill-out room with the biggest comfiest bean bag loungers youve ever seen. Find a dry day and wander round The Whitworth, inside and out. Experiencing green spaces, flowers and beautiful/thought-provoking art works are ways  to restore your faith in the world beyond politics. Start to prepare for a Plan B (and C) If your Plan A might be under threat, its smart to start investigating the scenic route to wherever you want to go ultimately. It might take you longer or mean you have to consider a sideways move or even a step back initially, but dont give up on your dreams just yet. The joy of trying the longer or more meandering route is that you never know what gems you might uncover, which might suit you even better than your original Plan A. What if youre drawing a blank when it comes to thinking of alternative pathways? Try our next suggestion. Talk to people Weve found that the graduates who were successful in moving quickly and smoothly into their ideal job commonly talked about their career plans and dreams with their friends. It turns out that testing out your ideas, getting feedback from people you trust and who care about you, especially those who understand just what youre going through, actually helps you  achieve  what you want. Dont want to unload all your career future worries on to your friends or family?  Thats where we come in. We cant tell you whats going to happen (this isnt Hogwarts and Im not Professor Trelawny). We will however listen to your concerns, we wont judge you (even if youre just about to graduate and have never thought about careers until now). Were here to help you work out your own way to the future you want, even in these uncertain times. If youre a University of Manchester student (undergrad or postgrad, or graduate from up to 2 years ago) you can contact us by phone, by email, by online chat, by Skype, by Twitter, by Facebook or by simply coming into the Atrium in Uni Place and having a face-to-face chat. Were here all year round, Monday to Friday (other than Bank/Uni holidays), 10-4 all through the summer, and longer hours during term time. We cant tell you where were all going in these uncertain times, but weve got your back and were here to help you find your way through it all. All Graduate Postgraduate Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted career planning job hunting

5 Steps to Finding Your Dream Job

5 Steps to Finding Your Dream Job The workday is getting longer as you realize you are not where you want to be in your career.Maybe your workplace is a toxic environment filled with office politics and gossip. Maybe the company mission is lost and you are sick and tired of looking for it.You dread going to work every day and wonder how your life got so far off track. You have hope that there is something better for you out there.It’s time to start looking for your dream job.Is it out there? It has to be, right? You have to believe there is a great job out there for you. You deserve a job that is fulfilling and improves your state of being.You deserve a job that you look forward to every day. You deserve a job that fits your goals and allows for balance in your life.You Don’t Have to SettleWith a little bit of introspection, visioning, and networking you will be on your way.You will be closer to finding a job that aligns with your passion and provides for what you want in life.Here are 5 steps to get you started in the right direction.1. Steps to Begin BrainstormingGrab a pen and paper and find a quiet place to sit for about 30 minutes.Create two columns:Column #1: Write all the things you want in a job. Column #2: Write what you definitely don’t want.Start jotting down words and phrases in each column until you have nothing more to write.Do you see a pattern forming? Notice a clear direction?2. How to Find Your Ideal Job by Digging a Little DeeperDon’t be shy. Ask yourself these questions and write down the answers:What type of job are you looking for? Are you a leader? Do you prefer to work independently? What roles do you see yourself in? What do you need for work/life balance? How important is your daily schedule? Are location and travel important to you? What kind of office culture are you looking for? Do you like a fun environment where you can learn and grow? Is employee engagement important to you?Wrap it up with questions about what the company might offer.What are your salary expectations? How much vacation/personal/sick time do you need? Is an exceptional company sponsored healthcare plan important to you? What about retirement planning?3. How to Update Your Resume to Reflect What You WantHighlight the areas that you are most excited about. Search online for keywords that might be missing in your job descriptions.Elaborate on your achievements and success stories. Ask trusted friends/advisors to review your resume.Consider hiring a professional resume writer.Determine what areas need improvement. Consider certifications or more education you might need.4. Ways to Utilize Your Network on LinkedinSearch on LinkedIn to see if you know anyone who works at companies you are interested in.Discreetly let your top connections know you are searching for a new opportunity.Be clear in your messages and confident about your abilities. Communicate what you want, not what you don’t want.Stay positive! Send thank you messages and offer your help when appropriate. Yo u are building valuable relationships.5. How to Be Efficient in Your SearchSet aside time every day to commit to your job search.Find a place to work that is comfortable and free from distractions.Follow a plan. Search, apply, follow-up. Keep the lines of communication open.Take the search seriously. This is your most important job.Why You Should Not Get Discouraged in a Job SearchThe job search is a process that takes time. Continue to fine-tune your ideal job description.Work to bring clarity to your professional goals.Every step you take is one step closer to finding happiness and satisfaction in your career. Enjoy the process and celebrate the little things during your job search.Your dream job is out there!

Resume Samples For College Student - The Best Way to Check Their Legitimacy

Resume Samples For College Student - The Best Way to Check Their LegitimacyThere are several resumes samples for college student that you can find online. However, not all of them are legitimate and some could even pose as a resume. So, what is the best way to check the authenticity of a resume?The best way to check the legitimacy of the resume samples for college student is to actually talk to them. So, ask them to explain the sample, tell them about the situation, then ask them to look at the sample and if they really do what it says, then you can confidently call it a resume.Of course, there is one caveat to this method of checking for the legitimacy of the resume samples for college student. There is a possibility that they may have a completely different job that you want and because of that you need to be careful when they say they are looking for that job.There are hundreds of college students who are looking for a job, so the chance of someone looking for the same job as you are pretty slim. This means you may have to be a little more discerning.Another way to check on the validity of the resume samples for college student is to see if the company has a site set up that lets people post reviews. Some people who sell these samples will post them in order to get more customers.As soon as you see that the company does not allow you to post your own review, then you know that the resume samples for college student they offer you are worthless. This is the last place you want to be.However, there are also plenty of students who don't know how to use computers properly and these resume samples for college student are a very good investment. Most of the time, these people will end up being able to improve their chances of getting a job by using them.It's a good idea to check on each of the companies that offer you the samples. This way you can make sure that the ones that have legitimate business will be the ones you choose to invest in.

3 Thoughts on Resumes Would You Call You CareerMetis.com

3 Thoughts on Resumes Would You Call You â€" CareerMetis.com You’ve worked hard on multiple drafts of your resume. You’ve asked your trusted advisors to review it. They tell you it is fine. But is it?Will your resume get you noticed? Will you get calls for interviews? Or will your resume only accomplish what most resumes do: get you eliminated from consideration?evalThere are two keys to writing a great resume: content and real estate. The material must be compelling. But just like in real estate, location matters. Where information physically is on your resume makes a difference to the reader.Most of us make the same fundamental errors in our resumes. We reflect our past instead of projecting our future. An effective resume needs to do both. We let a typo or two sneak past us. A great resume will have undergone careful editing for grammar, spelling, and length. Be as brief as you can be while still making pertinent, impactful points. A good rule of thumb is two pages to describe a career of ten years or less; three pages for twenty years, and four for more that. Some people may need an additional page to describe publications, speaking engagements, civic activities or board memberships.The biggest mistake people make regarding their resume is to assume someone in the screening process will read the entire resume before deciding to eliminate the candidate from consideration. That seldom happens.Readers skim resumes. It is incredibly rare for them to get read from start to finish. The initial screener may be looking for basic facts like education, titles and years of experience. The next reader may be looking for significant accomplishments that show how well the candidate has done prior jobs. The hiring authority may also be trying to predict how well the candidate will meet future challenges.Writing a resume is the second most miserable part of the entire hiring process. The most miserable part is reading resumes. Resumes are boring. Resumes often lack distinguishing content and do not flow as a satisfying story. Th e best resumes recognize the importance of capturing and keeping the reader’s interest.A resume needs to serve several purposes. First, your resume needs to get the reader’s attention. Second, it needs to describe your professional history. Finally, it needs to project how well you will meet the company’s future needs.It can be an eye-opening experience to review your resume through the eyes of the recruiter, human resources professional and the hiring authority. Objectively examine your resume as if you were doing the selection and hiring. Ask yourself a critical question: “Would I call ME?”evalHere are three thoughts on effectively arranging information on your resume so YOU will call YOU.1. The BillboardevalThe purpose of a billboard is to capture attention and ignite interest quickly. A billboard doesn’t tell the audience everything they want to know about the subject, but it shows enough to let them decide if they are interested in learning more. You drive past a bi llboard at high speed and get enough information to determine your next action.The first third page to half page of a resume is the billboard. You can get your audience’s attention with bullet points that identify significant accomplishments and career highlights. The key is those achievements need to the spark the imagination of your next boss. They need to see you as a potential solution to the problems they are trying to solve.Imagine your reader glancing at the first half of the first page of your resume. Did they quickly get enough information to know they want to learn more about you? If not, they are not likely to read the rest of your resume. If you fail to capture their attention in the first half of the first page of your resume, they are probably not going to read further. Your resume is now in the reject pile.2. The BrochureevalBrochures are a great marketing tool, except most people don’t read a brochure to investigate their interest in a product. They read the broc hure to verify their interest.The section of your resume following the billboard is the brochure. Describe the company (size, industry), your title and role, and the reason you were recruited. What did the company need you to accomplish when they hired you? What was the biggest problem they needed you to solve? Describe how well you met those objectives. Describe the additional and unexpected accomplishments you delivered. Identify the financial value of your achievements.Employers are most interested in your more recent experiences. Make sure there is depth to this information, especially covering your last three jobs or the previous ten years.Like any well-written brochure, this section should show the employer reasons to confidently believe you (the product) will deliver the desired and expected results.3. The Body of WorkThe body of work is your chronological employment history, education, and certifications. Present your most recent employment history in more detail than more d ated or unrelated material. Avoid just listing job duties. Focus on critical factors that show how you benefited the company beyond your core job duties. For instance, my first office job was as a receptionist. On my first resume, I didn’t mention answering the phones. Instead, I featured the clerical work I voluntarily did to support the accounting department and sales department, which led to my first promotion to accounting assistant.Tell the story of your past through the prism of why those skills matter today. It’s not just about what you did. It’s about how what you did prepared you to do the work you desire to do today.The billboard got their attention. The brochure verified their interest. The body of work laid out the details and facts about your career and employment history.Create compelling content. Arrange the information in an exciting narrative. Finally, read your resume through the eyes of your next boss. Make sure YOU would call YOU.

The basics of working with executive recruiters (with infographic)

The basics of working with executive recruiters (with infographic) The basics of working with executive recruiters Every hiring process is long and involved: Job descriptions must be prepared, applications drawn up, résumés reviewed, candidates interviewed, references called… the process seems to go on forever. When it comes to filling executive roles, the process is even more complicated: Higher-level roles require businesses to gather more information and conduct more interviews. For major companies, this can be a big headache. Luckily, there is an alternative: To outsource the executive hiring process to an executive recruiting firm. As executive search firm PierceGray points out in the infographic below, executive search recruiters follow a carefully developed, proven process to place leaders in available positions. These firms have the experience, resources and extensive networks that make them extremely adept at filling top-level vacancies. If your company is looking for a CEO, director of sales, or some other head-honcho position, an executive search firm can simplify the search. The recruiting process There are multiple steps involved in engaging a recruitment firm and conducting the executive recruitment process. The search firm meets with the hiring company.In order to gather general and specific job information, representatives from the recruiting agency will meet with representatives from the hiring company. The agency will use the information gathered here to create an informative and attractive job description. Identify core competencies required for candidate success.Once the firm understands the type of candidate the hiring company is seeking, they can map out the specific qualifications and characteristics that candidates must have. Create a strategy for finding qualified candidates.After gathering all the necessary information, the executive recruitment agency can create a plan for their search, including a timeline and outreach strategy. Research candidates.Executive recruitment agencies have a large number of tools and resources at their disposal to research and identify potential candidates. Market the position.Through special consultant-to-candidate communications, the firm will market the position to candidates. Conduct interviews.Once a pool of qualified candidates is identified, the firm will conduct in-depth interviews with the individuals who seem to be the best fit for the job. Scoring candidates.The recruitment agency will meet with the hiring company to compare candidates through a process known as “scorecarding.” Generally, at this point, a finalist is selected. Verify client background info.Once a candidate has been selected, the recruitment agency checks the candidate’s background information and verifies that he or she has all the necessary qualifications for the position. Facilitate acceptance.This final step depends on how much responsibility the hiring company gives to the recruiting agency. If the company prefers, the search firm can facilitate the acceptance of the new employee and assist with the “on-boarding” process. How executive recruitment firms get paid Executive recruiting firms are paid by the hiring company in one of three ways: Retainer. Client companies hire retained recruiting firms â€" and the fee is paid in advance â€" to fill a certain position. Or, alternatively, the firm may be kept on retainer to fill whatever positions may open up. Retained recruiters are generally hired to fill top-level positions and are paid regardless of the outcome of the search. Container. A hybrid between retainer and contingency. The search firm is given partial payment up front and the rest is granted at the end of the process, once a new hire is brought on board. Contingency. Contingency firms are typically hired to fill junior and mid-level positions and receive payment only when their candidate is hired and brought on board. Why an executive search firm Finding the perfect candidate for an executive position is extremely important for any company, and executive search firms ensure that the process goes smoothly by finding leaders that will help businesses operate at their best. Because executive search firms have specific, in-depth knowledge about specialized search areas â€" and a vast network of personal contacts â€" they can make the executive recruitment process relatively painless for big companies. It’s an investment to consider, since your #1 asset is the talent you hire â€" at any level. Pierce Gray Infographic

Is your job a pressure cooker Consider getting out before you have to hit the exit chute -

Is your job a pressure cooker Consider getting out before you have to hit the exit chute - If you follow the career advice tweeters and bloggers, you cant help but know that Steven Slater (38), a flight attendant for JetBlue, unleashed a profanity-laden tirade on the public address system, pulled the emergency-exit chute, slid off the plane and fled Kennedy International Airport (per The New York Times) yesterday. Reportedly, the tirade was in response to a passenger who defied instructions to remain seated and wound up striking Slater in the head with luggage he was not allowed to be retrieving. Instead of apologizing, the passenger cursed at Slater, which seems to have been what set off his reaction. Many of my colleagues noted that this was certainly a dramatic way to quit a job. (Have you ever fantasized about making a dramatic exit whatever the equivalent of opening the exit chute and sliding off might be?) One post I read mentioned that Slater had clearly thought about doing this before it happened. He supposedly grabbed two beers before sliding out of the plane. Clearly, the pressure cooker of his job finally got to him this obnoxious passenger was probably the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. While he may get a lot of notoriety (some say he will wind up on the Letterman show and making the rounds of the talk shows as a vigilante hero), his situation is not one to cheer on or emulate. What can you do to avoid a similar situation? If things are getting so bad at work that you are about to blow a gasket and open an exit hatch, instead of fantasizing about how to make a great escape that leaves you without a job, recommendations or choices, instead, focus your time thinking about making a clean break. Some ideas: Plan (fantasize) about a new, better job. What would you be doing? What type of company might it be? Maybe you want to work for yourself? Think about what you need to do to make your new fantasy a reality. Do you need additional training? Is it time to start networking? Do you have a LinkedIn profile (at the very least) and have you been keeping up-to-date with social networking opportunities that expand your circle of friends? Do you know how to look for a job today? (If it has been awhile?) Do you even have a resume ready to use if you saw an opportunity or someone told you to apply for something, but the deadline is tomorrow? I know you dont have time, but you need to make the time if you want to make a change. Start to read up about making a change (my blog roll is a great place to start). Consider hiring a coach to help you land a dream job. Keep your eyes on the prize. If you are taking steps to change directions, you may be able to diffuse some of that negativity. Think about it if you know you are moving away from a bad situation, it may be a lot easier to put up with your job. Focus on the present as a short-term scenario and save your energy for getting out on your own terms. Another thing that really struck me about this scenario is the fact that The New York Times used photos from Slaters MySpace page and researched him using his LinkedIn account. An interesting topic for the next post! What have you done to bide your time while waiting to get out of a job you hated? photo by comedynose