Do Yourself a Favour and Spruce Up Your LinkedIn Summary!

Do Yourself a Favour and Spruce Up Your LinkedIn Summary! One  often neglected section of a  LinkedIn profile is the  summary (background) section.  This is where you can enter  a bunch of keywords that recruiters, customers, suppliers will use to search and find your profile. In spite of this, all too often people don’t even bother to fill either section in. Summary: Why should you fill it in? For starters, it gives the reader a quick overview of who you are, what you do, what you are looking for and most importantly, what you can do for them. No one is going to scroll down and scrutinise every position you have ever had or take their time to deduce what skills you possess by looking at your groups and associations. You want to start out your summary with who you are and what you do most of the time. Then write what you can do for others and why people would want to engage with you. This is likely to be a list of achievements, and if so make sure you quantify them as much as possible. You want your summary to stand out and the reader to think they need to take action and speak with you pronto. Related: Should You Write a LinkedIn Summary in 1st  or 3rd Person? Example summaries: Heres one from LinkedIns European boss, Ariel Eckstein. Heres one from the LinkedIn boss himself, Jeff Wiener. Another one from the boss of the boss, Reid Hoffman: Specialities: So whats specialities all about? This used to be a box on its own but specialities were moved into the main summary some time ago by LinkedIn. As we can see in the bios above, the specialities is basically a list  of keywords strung together for others to find you via the LinkedIn search tool. The keywords can be your past titles, your skills and names of companies, applications, industries, countries etc that you have experience from. It can sometimes be hard to come up with more than 10 keywords so break out your thesaurus and have a look at your co-workers’ profiles and get some ideas. Call to action As the title says, please do me this favour and fill these in as you will increase your chances of being found by anyone on LinkedIn. This not only applies to job seekers but to everyone that is open to opportunities in their industry. Let me know if you have any questions? RELATED: How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile for Social Selling. Image: Shutterstock

Best Resume Writing Tips - How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Best Resume Writing Tips - How to Make Your Resume Stand OutWriting the best resume is not that easy to do. It is one of the most important documents that you will ever submit in your life. So, it should be properly designed, polished and impressive. Here are the best resume writing tips that can help you better compose a resume that will give you an advantage over the competition.The first tip is to hire a professional resume writer. Most employers hire a resume writer to proofread the material. For many companies, this means checking the grammar and spelling errors and giving suggestions on how to make the content more professional. Another way to get the best out of your resume is to hire a professional writer who will customize your resume for you. With a customized resume, the resume writer will help you emphasize your skills and achievements in the best possible way.You should never be afraid to make changes to your resume content and layout according to the industry that you'r e looking for. This can help you stand out from the crowd. Employers want someone who is confident, professional and adaptable in terms of resume writing.After the writing is done, it's time to check your work for grammar and spelling mistakes. You should have a formal reading of your resume for the human resource department before it is sent out for distribution.Remember that a resume layout is a combination of several different components: the body, the headings, the sub-headings, the page numbers and even the resumes' signature line. If you are not satisfied with the resume's layout, ask the writer to rework it for you so that you can feel confident about its content.The second tip to get the best out of your resume is to make use of an effective resume outline. With an outline, you can design your resume according to the needs of the company you are applying for. This ensures that the resume writer will take into account your previous career experience and other information that will help the recruiter analyze your application and select you as a suitable candidate.The third tip is to write your resume using a resume template. There are plenty of resume templates available in the market these days. The advantage of using a template is that you will get a resume that is easy to read and easy to follow.The final tip is to draft your resume on a paper pad. Try to avoid writing anything on your computer screen. Besides being distracting, it will also look unprofessional. Make sure that the resume that you send out is appealing, complete and impressive.

Why the Security Industry Needs Women, by Women

Why the Security Industry Needs Women, by Women The security industry needs more women. Thankfully more and more people are pushing for diversity and equality across all sectors, but there are plenty of industries where men still dominate the workforce. And security is one of them. Whether they mean to or not, people stereotype who works in the industry, their first assumption being that that person is male, so when an email comes through that is addressed ‘Dear Sir’, no wonder women are put off. It’s an imbalance that we need to address, fast. Women are an incredible asset to all sectors, and security is no different, but what exactly is it that makes them such a valuable addition? To find out, security experts for homes and businesses, Expert Security UK, asked three women who are at the top of their profession. 1. Communication There are certain skills that make you a perfect candidate for working in the security industry. Attention to detail, strong surveillance, working well with others and, last but not least, excellent communication. Lauren Bilney, Office and Vetting Manager at White Star Security Services Ltd, said: “Being a woman in the security industry, I have faced many problems. Many people stereotype a security officer and what they should look like. A security officer is a person no matter what age, gender, height, weight and sexuality you are, a security officer can be anyone. “Of all the personal challenges I have faced in the security industry such as one of the biggest is being stereotyped for my appearance. I look too young to be in security and I’m not built to be a security officer. People’s expectations of a security officer is a muscular male.   “Women are an asset to the security industry because women can access areas where men can’t. We often have better communication skills that can defuse a situation and can offer a better and more level-headed approach. The security industry is always changing, and right now it is adapting into a place where women are more involved than ever.” 2. Empathy One-on-one situations are bound to arise when you work in the security industry. Whether you’re a guard in a shopping center or specializing in cybersecurity, it’s important that you can relate to whoever you are helping. Good empathy is also essential to building strong relationships and can keep loyal clients returning to you time and time again. Leah Booth, Project and Service Coordinator at Expert Security UK, explains more: “I am a mother of two and work full time. So it can be stressful and I have to multitask to ensure things get done. I find that I and other women can cope better with stress and have good organizational skills. “Women can prioritize well and have good communication skills to deal with the task at hand. Women have a good eye for detail and often ensure that goals are met. I also find some women are good at relating to others through empathy and this can be better for dealing with disputes and tension.   Many women have a way of keeping the customer happy, in being efficient, keeping in contact and building that customer relationship. People find it easier to confide in a woman and women are good listeners, which is good for relationship and team building within a business. “In a nutshell, I feel women are good at multitasking and dealing with many difficult challenges head on and have the ability of achieving results. Security companies hire women for long-term success!” 3. Equality Women feel more comfortable approaching, dealing with and speaking with other women. Especially when faced with the often intimidating nature of a uniform, it’s natural for a woman to feel more security dealing with a female security guard. After all, isn’t that what the security industry is all about? Make people feel safe? “The role of a female working in the security industry is to give balance,” says Joy Darch of VIP Security Services. “We work alongside our male colleagues and deal with all incidents on equal terms. This can be difficult when working with some cultures as women are not recognized as equal. Also, size and build can also be a factor. Many male security guards have quite a physical presence, which can help ward off threats, but not all of us ladies are built in the same way. We may not be the same size or have the same physical strength, but with women, on the frontline, we’re more adept at reacting to situations and deal with problems professionally.  â€œSometimes it’s tricky to generalize, but like in life, women are usually better than men at dealing with males in heated situations. We’re good mediators and we’re able to get guys to see another side of the argument and to just ‘quieten down’ take some time out, which in many incidents is enough to quell a situation. It’s also ideal for women to see female security guards as sometimes they may feel more able to talk or reach out to a woman than a man.” Women are fast becoming one of the security industry’s biggest assets. Now that companies in this industry are backing their female employees, they’re sure to go from strength-to-strength leading the way for future women in security. About the author:  Danny Scholfield is the managing director at Expert Security.

Technology Must-Haves for Ladies Who Work Hard and Play Hard

Technology Must-Haves for Ladies Who Work Hard and Play Hard In 2012, business, social media and mobile technology are so tightly interwoven that they almost seem to go hand in hand.   To a young professional just starting her career life, this convergence can be a great benefit.   If you can follow Twitter etiquette,  grasp the concept of BlackBerry Facebook networking, and understand the use of tech startups like Klout and Technorati, you have a head start in the game of business. Cutting Edge Social Networks In fact, as a classy new career girl, your knowledge and fresh outlook in these areas can impress employers, co-workers and just about anyone trying to juggle the 9-5 and learning new skills.   Sure, just about everyone has heard of Instagram or Pinterest, but often, there is not enough time in the day to actually research every relevant social media app.   If you can take a moment out of the day to learn how to use them to improve your online persona, you will be soaring ahead of the curve. Cutting Edge Mobile Technology Oh and, hate to break it to you, but if youre one of those girls whos stayed comfy with her beat up, jewel-studded flip phone that youve been using since 2007, then youre very likely to miss out on shortcuts in the world of business networking. Cute, but the old school thing is killing your image as a cutting edge professional. Today, smartphones are of the utmost importance for anyone really, but for a business professional, this is a no-brainer.   The debate between Android, Blackberry and Iphone is mostly trite, as they all fulfill the functions of most business applications, so just pick one and learn it inside out! Cutting Edge Apps When you do decide on your smart phone weapon of choice, your next step is to personalize it.   Most mobile devices give you an easy walk through of all the options you have, but you could probably get your phone as customized as youd like!   When you take it home, step two is to download any apps you need and sync everything with your social media profiles.   For example, if you chose a Blackberry, you may want to browse from their app page on their site, and go from there.   Otherwise, there are many resources you can quickly find that will rate different mobile apps. Cutting Edge Blogs People started blogging and most companies started their blogs also. Bloggers are motivated to put their thoughts and ideas out there for various reasons to teach, to gain more traffic, to help, to stay connected, to make money and basically to just have fun expressing themselves. When you finally have your arsenal of mobile web 3.0 goodies neatly packaged and personalized, now comes step 3- Take it with you into the jungle!   Youll be pleased at how intuitive mobile networking is.   If youre out at lunch and bump into a fellow co-worker, you may want to snag their number, friend them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter all at the same time! Maybe even check in at the restaurant you are at using Foursquare or Facebook. Well, now as a new confident business professional, you can do all of that in a matter of seconds. What are some other technology must-haves for ladies who work hard and play hard?

Crafting a Cover Letter That Will Send Your Resume Packaging

Crafting a Cover Letter That Will Send Your Resume PackagingIf you are looking for ways to craft a cover letter that will send your resume packing, then this article has the answers for you. From how to explain your accomplishments in the job market to explaining why you want to apply for the position, we'll take a look at how to put together a letter to get your resume noticed.The first step in crafting a cover letter is figuring out what type of information you want to include. For example, if you want to include a portfolio of examples of work you have completed, you will need to do some research on the company where you would like to work. You will also need to think about what kind of profile the company wants. Of course, it's important to provide as much information as possible, but make sure to only include relevant information.Make sure to write your letter in the first person, as if you were talking directly to the employer. Try to demonstrate your ability to be objective, b ut also to let them know who you are and why you are an ideal candidate for the job. Include details about any training you may have received. Also, include any job experience that is relevant. Just make sure to be careful about saying anything that is not specifically what you want them to know about you.When it comes to explaining your accomplishments, always focus on why you are so valuable to the company. Go into detail about how you have developed skills, how you understand their business, and how you have built rapport with employees. You can also include any successes that you may have had, such as product launches or special campaigns. However, it is important to always be direct and professional when discussing your experiences, which can show the company you really care about them.Another thing to keep in mind when crafting a cover letter is the fact that it is not necessary to include a resume. Many employers today appreciate that you have already written a resume, and th ey will see your potential immediately. The best way to get an employer to notice you is to show them you have done a thorough search of the job posting, and you have done everything they are asking for. If you are applying for a higher level position, it is even more important to write clearly and professionally about your experience.Another thing to keep in mind when crafting a cover letter is how to include relevant education and training information. Some companies want to know where you learned all about your skills. If your background is in writing, for example, you might want to mention that you have been writing long enough to know what words are appropriate for various types of publications. However, don't overdo it, or you could seem like you were trying to brag.There are many tips and tricks when it comes to how to write a cover letter for a resume. However, the one you use should reflect your personality and fit the overall tone of the message you are trying to convey. F ollowing these guidelines will help you get the word out about your qualifications, and will also show the employer that you are interested in working for them.Whether you are looking for a job seeker position or a full-time position, these simple tips will help you get noticed by employers. You will also save yourself from not being considered for the job because you did not submit your application in time.

Reasons To Consider Becoming An Electrician

Reasons To Consider Becoming An Electrician We all know that electricity is a staple of modern day life. However, you can’t appreciate just how important it is until you’ve seen an electrician in action. Perhaps you’ve always been interested in the way electricity benefits our day-to-day lives. Maybe you need to find a career, and you’re just looking into anything! Whatever brought you to this post, here are some of the reasons why you should consider becoming an electrician.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interior_communications_electricianThe first thing to consider is how challenging and interesting being an electrician can be. If you thought this job was about driving around and flipping switches, then think again! evalTo be a successful electrician, you need to have a keen understanding of how many different kinds of circuits work. You also need to have great skills in practical installation, and safety procedure. While you may get a little leniency in apprentice electrician jobs, the pros are held to very strict st andards. For a lot of electricians, the work is very varied as well. You may be carrying out a standard installation in the morning, and then testing all evening. You can be assured that no two jobs will present the same challenge.Being an electrician also promises a unique working environment. Call me crazy, but I’m not too fussed about the image of a white-collar job. Sitting behind a desk for hours, writing emails and drafting spreadsheets may be heaven on earth for some people. However, for others, having an interesting working environment is a must. When you’re an electrician, your office will be changing all the time! You may get a call-out to a store, followed by a residence on the other side of town. Yes, moving around all the time can feel like a hassle to some people. However, when you work in a trade, the amount you travel breeds some fantastic stories. If you’ve ever wanted to see more of the country you live in, then becoming an electrician is a great way to do it .https://pixabay.com/en/electrician-electric-electricity-1080554/Finally, being an electrician is a fantastic route into your own business. evalJust like doctors, farmers and the like, plumbers will never go hungry. This has made being a self-employed electrician an incredibly safe route to take. After a few years of experience, you’ll be in a position to set up your own firm. This is where the real fun starts! You’ll be able to set your own rates and hours, and never have a boss nattering away in your ear. If all goes well, you may get to a position where other electricians are doing the work for you, while you sit back and grow your empire. If things get slow, you can always take a call-out yourself. No one’s going to argue with it, you’re the boss! If you have a passion for the work and an entrepreneurial mind, the sky’s the limit.These three benefits are just a few of the perks that come with being an electrician. Look into this career more, and see if you’ve found y our life’s purpose!eval

Top 10 LinkedIn Pet Peeves

Top 10 LinkedIn Pet Peeves You know what I get nervous about?   The fact that, with over 1oo million users  (or whatever that number is today)  LinkedIn is still not being used by a vast number of people who are employed (and under utilized by those that are unemployed). Help yourself today!   Get on LinkedIn and know how to use it.   It is the one single tool with the power to help you manage your reputation, stay in contact with people, meet new people, acquire leads, learn about new companies and industry knowledge, research companiesI could go on. These are my Top 10 LinkedIn Pet Peeves: Not personalizing LinkedIn invites.  Tell me how I know you and why you want to connect. If you dont know me, give me a good reason to want to connect with you! FYI: dont use your mobile device if you want to personalize your invite. People using their LinkedIn status updates like Twitter. Honestly, I dont want to see 10 or more status updates from the same person.   Twitter is Twitter, Linked Status is different. No picturereally, who are you? Job seekers making up jobs and companies to make it look like they are working. Volunteer with an organization aligned with your job goal (one not related to helping other job seekers) Not knowing how to join a group. FYI, you search for the group and request to join. Being needy, greedy or helpless. Does anyone know someone who works at ABC company is not really a good group discussion question.   Research the company and find a connection. Having less than 100 contacts. You wont reap the benefits of LinkedIn until you have a significant number of contacts.   FACT. Your job title is confusing. Remember, you dont ever want to confuse your reader/audience.   Be clear. No valuable information in your profile. Lack of content under a job?   How do I know what youve done? Typos. This is your online reputation.   No typos allowed. You know what, I understand some of these mistakes are made by mistake or out of ignorance.   I also know that LinkedIn changes things once in awhile.   And I also know that different people have different perspectives on some of the points Ive made.   Since there are few absolute rules, I ask that you learn enough about the varying opinions and make your own decisions. Ive posted before on tools and resources to learn how to better use LinkedIn here: Learning How to Use LinkedIn Master LinkedIn Today LinkedIn Is No Longer Optional, It May be More Important than Your Resume Plus, you can check out the related posts below! Do you have other perceptions about how to use LinkedIn or views on my pet peeves?   Lets chat about it in the comments!

Altruistic Tuesdays Can volunteering win you a job -

Altruistic Tuesdays Can volunteering win you a job - In a competitive job environment, I have often advised that clients and readers consider volunteering and/or interning for free in order to gain some valuable experience and/or to bridge a gap (in experience/in time since last worked for pay, etc.) Adult internships are not new. In fact, in a New York Times article from two years ago, Elizabeth Pope wrote that: Adult internships emerged about 10 years ago as the concept of golden years retirement expanded to include paid work, volunteering or pursuing a life passion, said Mark Oldman, a co-founder of the career site Vault.com. A more recent piece by Tory Johnson reminds readers that an unpaid internship can be a great way to get experience that is directly related to your target job. Its a good idea for people changing careers or planning to go back to school. Kind of a try before you buy approach. Eve Tahmincioglu explored the legal ramifications of for-profit organizations working with unpaid interns in a story for Time Magazine this month. (Hat tip @heymarci.) Eve notes,   Michael Schmidt, an employment attorney in New York City, has seen an uptick in recent months in private employers calling him to find out if they can bring in unpaid interns as a way to cut costs. His answer: volunteering at for-profit companies is, legally, a no-no. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has spelled out several criteria with the goal of ensuring that internships not only provide real training but also cant be used by companies to displace regular employees. This is really the month for focusing on legal issues for unpaid interns. Steven Greenhouse wrote a piece for the April 2nd New York Times exploring the fact that Leading federal and state regulatorsworry that more employers are illegally using such internships for free labor. The piece notes, The rules for unpaid interns are less strict for non-profit groups like charities because people are allowed to do volunteer work for non-profits. (Thanks @workinggirl for sharing the link.) Clearly, this is a tricky issue, but nonprofit organizations may not be so concerned, as they are allowed to work with volunteers. So, especially if you are considering working for a nonprofit, it may make sense to log some valuable volunteer hours to indicate your strong interest in the organization. In some cases, your hard work and hours as a volunteer may help put you first in line for a job should one become available. Encore.org has a very useful (and free) ebook on the subject of how to turn volunteering into a job. They suggest: Find volunteer work in an organization whose mission you share. Offer your expertise. Show your range. Make yourself indispensable. Identify an organizational need. Incorporate your volunteer work into your resume. The ebook (available to download HERE) offers practical tips and resources and reminds careerists to focus on the experience and its usefulness rather than expect that it will lead to a job . Be sure to visit Encore.org for many resources to help transitioning professionals. photo by SanJose library