Resume Tactics for Job-History Puzzles

Resume Tactics for Job-History PuzzlesResume Tactics for Job-History PuzzlesSmooth the bumps and curves in your career path.Life is unpredictable As much as you would love to have consistent, progressive work experience, events that sidetrack your career may need to be addressed on your executive resume. These unusual employment situations can includeTaking time to volunteer or do community workExtended experience as an entrepreneur or in a family businessA change in careerA gap in your career historyEarly career experience that is marginal to your current careerEarly career experience that is mora relevant now that youre returning to an earlier careerThere are ways to handle these situations without diluting your expertise or deviating from your personal brand representation on your executive resume.Highlighting relevant volunteer or community work experience.Paid or unpaid, industry experience is still valuable - especially for career changers. If you have been involved in substan tial volunteer or community work, use these resources to demonstrate leadership skills and experience relevant to your new goals. Take a look at this example of unpaid marketing experience that will boost your executive resume.BeforeVolunteer, International Dance Group Inc.AfterMarketing and PR Experience section Marketing Department, International Dance Group Inc. (2002-2007)Planned and executed advertising production, marketing materials, public relations programs and other special projects for start-up dance school. Generated creative marketing tactics targeting potential customers and event sponsors. Contributed talents and expertise on unpaid basis.Maximizing experience in an entrepreneurial or family-owned businessWhether you have gained your leadership or industry experience through large corporations, working side by side with your parents or running your own enterprise, your level of expertise is what matters at the end of the day. Avoid using lofty titles like President an d CEO unless you have steady career progression and significant executive management experience that spans more than 15 years. Instead, compare your career track with executives who have had similar career paths to get an idea of what your title would be in the corporate world.For example, would it be more appropriate to give yourself the title of Vice President of Sales and Marketing, or Director of Sales and Marketing versus President and Founder, Walter Creative Services?Revising existing career experience for a different industryIf possible, keep your executive experience in chronological order, but only emphasize the job responsibilities, achievements and experience that are directly relevant to the job you want. It is quite acceptable to leave out unrelated tasks or responsibilities. For example, a senior federal employee looking to move into a human-resource management position will only highlight his experience in that areaBefore2005-present Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Washington teilen responsible for leading drug-enforcement activities in northern Virginia. Manage all Division administration, budget allocations and various high profile programs (i.e. recruitment, training and demand reduction).AfterAssistant Special Agent-In-Charge, Washington, DC (2005 to present)Direct budget allocations and oversee high-profile programs including recruitment, personnel training, demand reduction and division special projects for the Washington Division. Created first-ever executive mentoring and insight leadership program as outlined belowHuman Resource Management Pioneered complete turnaround in office morale and division productivity by instituting year-long training in financial management and general administration.Program Management Revitalized recruitment program by assessing program effectiveness and creating increased momentum for achieving annual goals.Program Development Conceived and coordinated new leadership program to advance leadership opportunities for senior-level employees.Minimizing the effect of an employment gapIf you were laid off or the company you worked for went out of business and it took you some time to get a new position, simply insert a one-line sentence that summarizes your activities. Address the employment gap briefly but directly you do not want to leave employers and executive recruiters guessing about what you were doing.BeforeDirector of Sales, Rockville, MD (2008-Present)Sr. Sales Manager, Chicago, IL (2002-2006)AfterDirector of Sales, Rockville, MD (2008-Present)Actively pursued full-time employment following unexpected company restructuring/downsizing. (2007)Sr. Sales Manager, Chicago, IL (2002-2006)If you were involved in consulting projects or highly relevant volunteer work during your gap, handle it as you would any paid work experience.Summarize early career experience that is marginally relevant.Sometimes there are interesting or novel jobs or titles from early in your career that yo u dont want to remove. Including these pieces neednt mean weighing down the document with extraneous details. Here are two ways to handle early career experience on your resume without having to list every position you had since high schoolOption AEarly Company Experience section Delivered significant contributions to companys revenue growth and production output through Manager of Engineering Maintenance and Project Engineer positions.Option BEarly Career section Held series of executive management and leadership roles including VP, Finance/Controller for several national restaurant chains.Returning to an earlier career field or industry.Its a common phenomenon You spent many years in one career, got tired of it and boldly made a career move only to hate it after a few years. Now your dilemma is that your recent experience in unrelated to the career path you want to rejoin. Of course, you dont want to create a lengthy, dated resume to cover your relevant career history. Here are two options to remedy the situationOption ACareer Highlights section Developed a healthcare consulting services company from startup to fully operational in just nine months grew annual revenues from zero to $5 million in first year.Option BRelevant Career Achievements section Introduced innovative process improvement initiatives that automated 45 processes shrank operating costs by $500,000 and eliminated 100 percent of manual, time-consuming tasks.

How to Deal With Your Workplace Pet Peeves - The Muse

How to Deal With Your Workplace Pet Peeves - The MuseHow to Deal With Your Workplace Pet Peeves After going through the whole job search process and landing an awesome position that you start settling in at, it happens. The co-worker sitting beside you starts chewing gum. Very loudly, I might add. Its distracting you from getting your tasks done (and, frankly, its pretty gross to listen to all day long). Looking around, no one else landseems to have issues with it. Would I seem mean if I ask her to stop? you ask yourself. Shes such a nice person to work with- I wouldnt want to seem high-maintenance.So you suffer in silence.If this sounds familiar to you, you probably know what its like to have a few pet peeves in the office. And while you might think unterstellung are tiny details in the bigger picture (at least you have a steady job and livable wage), its ultimately better for your health (and sanity) for you to confront unterstellung small irritations and do your best to mitigate t hem. So, heres a list of all the things that ever bothered you at work- and how to get over them accordingly.Inappropriate Co-worker Behavior (at Least by Your Standards)A large amount of office problems can be attributed to the lovely people you see and share space with every day your colleagues. Some of the less-than-lovely things they might be doing with their time includeClipping their nailsEating pungent foodWearing strong perfume or cologneWhistling, humming, or singingChewing gumComplaining (incessantly)Wearing clothing thats too casualMaking personal callsTaking their shoes offHow to DealThe good news is that while these activities seem like they last forever in the moment, they usually do end. So, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from the environment- either physically to a new space or mentally with some headphones- to get a breather. If some of these seem like more repeat offenses, its OK to recognize how they may be negatively affecting your ability to work. Dont be afraid to bring up the annoyance to the person or raise the issue with a supervisor to see how best to go forward. It can be as simple as saying, Listening to people chew gum is one of my biggest pet peeves, do you mind chewing a little more quietly. And, if theres anything Im doing thats bothering you, please dont hesitate to tell me. Keep in mind Tone is everything in these conversations. More often than not, the offender in this case doesnt realize his or her habits are affecting anyone else- meaning he or she will go out of the way to rectify them.Communication MishapsUnless youre a communication wizard, youve probably faced some of these irritating things Long email chainsHitting reply allAwkward phone callsMeetings that perpetually start or end lateUnnecessary CC-ingBasic grammar mistakesNot responding after repeated follow-upsInterruptingHow to DealLets just start by saying that these small things tend to bother fruchtwein people (if not all). How to handle it? Trial and error Ask politely to be excluded from chains, gently point out recurring issues, or try to find the root of the issue and remedy it. For example Are people always running late for meetings because they have back-to-back meetings? Yes? Try moving your weekly check-in to a different day then. Or, if a lot of team members seem to be struggling with the same issue, bring it up to your manager to see if he or she wants to address it. But remember, at the end of the day, everyone slips up with mistakes like these (including you), so try to take a deep breath if its a one-time thing. Also, as annoying as this fact is, things like awkward phone calls are simply a part of being a working professional.Work EnvironmentHere are a few things that happen in the office that you arent exactly in control of Too hot or too cold temperatureA really loud working environment Disorganized shared workspacesA fridge stuffed with old leftoversCluttered desksHow to DealWhile any one of these can certain ly be annoying working conditions, a lot of it is out of your control. The good news? That means you dont have to put in a whole lot of effort toward changing it- all you have to do is bring up your concerns with a supervisor or an office manager. Odds are he or she will have some kind of solution on hand (since you arent the first person to be too cold in an office). With that said, even if a solution isnt offered to you- you can often find a workaround headphones for a loud office, an office sweatshirt for high AC days, and so on. Ideal? No. But a fix? Yes.And, if its something more communal, like end-of-day kitchen messiness that you always end up dealing with because it bothers you so much, you can also be proactive and organize a team of like-minded individuals who are willing to volunteer some time to tidy up. That way, you can all put in five minutes into cleaning up, rather than doing it all yourself. Plus, it should send a friendly reminder to the rest of the office.As with most pet peeves, especially ones you encounter often, the common options are to face the problem or to get over it. Just be careful how you decide to confront someone- dont be accusatory or hostile. Sometimes the best way to get people to understand where youre coming from is to be honest and speak from your own perspective. No one (hopefully) wants to be the annoying co-worker, so addressing the issue head on can often be the solution youre looking for. And if any of these pet peeves resonate with you, then you can rest assured that youre not the only person whose co-workers are driving you crazy.What are your minor office annoyances? Tweet me caroqliu and let me knowPhoto of annoyed person courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

Mistakes Every New Private Pilot Should Avoid

Mistakes Every New Private Pilot Should AvoidMistakes Every New Private Pilot Should AvoidSo youve earned your private pilot certificate, and you feel like you can take on the world? Ready to get out and fly to all of those places youve dreamed about? Go for it- but watch out for these common mistakes that new pilots make. Pushing the Limits Most new pilots are hesitant at first to get out and push the limits, but after you get your license and accrue a few hours of uneventful flying, youll be more likely to press the boundaries. Most general aviation accidents occur with private pilots at the stick, and the largest number of those pilots have less than 500 hours. This is a good time to be extra careful, notlage to exceed your personal limitations. If you feel like expanding your horizons or getting more practice with crosswind landings or at soft fields, enlist the help of an instructor. Remember, its a license to learn Not Considering Your Passengers If youre a new private pilot, youre probably excited to take your friends and family flying. But be cautious- they may not be as excited as you are, and theyre definitely not as familiar. So make sure to give them a thorough briefing, explain everything that youre doing, and dont forget to bring a sick beutel And take them up on a nice calm day. I often see new private pilots taking mom or dad up when its gusting to 15 knots and bumpy. You want them to enjoy the flight, and you certainly dont want to scare them or make them sick Botching ATC Communications New pilots dont often have a lot of experience with ATC communications or within airspace other than at their home airport. Take the time to prepare ahead of time for any flights you make that require contact with ATC. You cant fall back on your instructor to correct you anymore, and you cant lean on the idea that youll just tell them youre a student pilot and theyll go easy on you. ATC is not to be feared, but take the time to listen to LiveATC.co m or to practice the radio calls so that you can practice the right way. Not Getting Out to Explore Okay, so if youve made it through the first three suggestions, that means youre brave enough to get out and explore. When flights are accomplished within your personal margin of safety, youll gain valuable experience and the confidence to get out and explore more often. But many pilots, once theyve completed the private pilot certificate, are burnt out, out of cash and out of energy, and they dont want to go out and explore, at least not immediately. Burnout certainly warrants a break from airplanes, but dont take a break for too long Get out and use your skills or else theyll deteriorate. And the longer you go without flying, the less confident youll feel. So go fly somewhere Comparing Yourself to Other Pilots Dont ever compare yourself to the pilots around you. Were all different, and we all have different personal limitations and different ways of doing things. Just becaus e you see two other pilots heading out on a windy day does not mean that you should. If youre not comfortable, stand your ground and pay attention to your personal minimums. Dont change your minimums just because you see other pilots with higher minimums. And dont give in to the temptation to be as good as another pilot, or to show them up. Its never worth it, and its way more embarrassing to crash an airplane than to cancel a flight and go home. Remember- there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots.

How to work from home when you dont really want to

How to work from home when you dont really want toHow to work from home when you dont really want toLets say you have to move for some reason, and the only way to keep your job is to start working remotely (which your employer allows). Or maybe you broke your leg and have to temporarily telecommute.Or perhaps your company recently decided to save on overhead costs by having everyone start working from home.Whatever the situation, if youre suddenlyforcedto work remotely, you maynot exactly be jumping for joy or particularly keen on the idea. Whilemostpeople dowant flexible job opportunities, noteveryonedoes.If you find that remote work just isnt your thing (yet), but you have no choice, follow the steps below to learn how to work from home successfullyCreate your workspace.Human beings are creatures of habit. For many of us, we like to have a set distribution policy to plunk our briefcase and unpack our lunch in the company fridge. So when you have to work from home, you might not kno wwhereyoull actually work. Look for places in your house that canfunction as a home office, such as a spare bedroom, a basement, a working attic- even a garage will do. If youre short on space, find a nook that will work as your office, and your office only. If youre working from the kitchen counter and then have to clean it up when the kids come crashing home from school or before dinner, it can interrupt your workflow. Having a set spot can give you the comforting routine you might crave.Set some hours.Depending on your company, you might still have the same set work schedule that you had when you were in the office. But if your company has adopted aROWEmentality (meaning a Results Only Work Environment), you might go from a structured 9-to-5 job to being able to totally customize your workday. While this can be completely liberating, it can also be scary, too, especially if youre not used to it. ur advice start working from home by keeping the same schedule you previously had. It can help you adjust to your new environment and, eventually, youll realize that having the flexibility to fit in a doctors appointment in the middle of the day (as opposed to after 500 p.m.) and still be able to get your work done is a pretty amazing thingGet dressed.While most remote workers sing about the joys of working in yoga pants (or even pjs), it can take some time to adjust to the idea of not having to put on work clothes each morning. As a way to ease yourself into remote work life,keep getting dressed as if youre going into the officefor a casual Friday. Sure, its silly to wear a suit when youre working from home (unless youre on a video conference call with your boss or a client), but that doesnt mean you have to be in sweats, either. A nice shirt and pants will do just fine, and can help you maintain the mindset that youre still working in an office.Learn how to connect online.One of the biggest reasons why someone might not want to work remotely is the loss of connect ion with their colleagues. And while it isnt entirely the same from being just inches away from your work bestie in the next cube, remote work doesnt have to be as isolating as you might think. There are many collaboration andcommunication toolsdesigned to keep remote workers connected with each other, on both a personal and professional level. It may not completely replace that one-on-one face time youre used to, but over time, youll realize that you can still keep that connection- and you just might learn to appreciate that extra space from your coworkersKeep up your social calendar.Its true that working from home can be an emotional adjustment. Youre used to the noises and chatter of a busy office, and being able to grab a quick bite with a few of your colleagues. The way to make working from home work for you is to try to stay social. Meet up with friends for lunch, and if you live nearby your coworkers, grab something to eat with them. It can help with the transition until your e up and (happily) running remotely.This article was originally posted on FlexJobs.com.

Linkedin Link on Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone

Linkedin Link on Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone Finding the Best Linkedin Link on Resume The aforementioned step can help you to launch the Edit intro window. You can also make a personalized link to our document which may be easily pasted into an email or message. It is also feasible to create copies of several of the debug related views, and lock each copy to a specific core. Review the choices and dont be scared to add sections which you think can support your work search. LinkedIn is without question your very best friend once it comes bolstering your probability of getting hired through social networking. You may access insights, knowledge and assorted job opportunities. LinkedIns fourth-quarter 2011 earnings soared on account of the providers increase in success in the social networking world. If youre searching for a wonderful method to advertise your abilities and advance your career, you want to have the ideal LinkedIn profile summary to make that excellent first i mpression. LinkedIn has several benefits for business professionals, which is the reason why it is used by millions of people around the world. If you document what you were making, you might be selling yourself short, and should you say how much you want to make, you might be killing any prospect of an interview. You may adore the ideas of your favourite candidate, but theres a 50% weg you will interview with somebody who disagrees and backs your politicians opponent. Employers want to understand that youre reachable at any moment, not just when youre at home. Recruiters Recruiters and employers think LinkedIn is an excellent way of locating candidates. Indeed Resumes are visible to employers so they can enable you to know about jobs you may be interested in. Show the recruiters youre worth what they are prepared to pay. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilised to secure new employment.Job seekers should incorporate a number of recommendation s with their profile to demonstrate that others respect the attribute of their work. The resume assistant will also surface top skills that may be required, and sometimes even job listings to find just what employers may be searching resumes for. Resumes might be organized in various ways. You will likewise be able to bring the URL to your Linkedin profile, no matter how the recruiter will have the ability to take a look at all your information from the resume without needing to go on the internet. Its better to save your private information for the other social media websites. On the website, you can construct your professional network and engage with them. When it can be useful for LinkedIn contacts to understand when to send you a birthday wish, you do not have to incorporate any personal info, like your age or birthday, on your resume. After that you have to add your site address, business email, and a telephone number. Just make sure that your page is up-to-date and inclu des the sort of information you wish to share with the hiring manager. Any visitor can click the preview to look at the complete resume. Things You Wont Like About Linkedin Link on Resume and Things You Will Well, so are thousands of different folks that are also on the lookout for employment. Common resume mistakes are simple to avoid with a small additional moment. Some men and women wish to place their education up top. It is appealing to ask several men and women you know to provide you with feedback on your resume. Ultimately, at the exact bottom of the Resume Assistant column, you could also click into LinkedIn, to an individual page that signals your interest to permit recruiters to get in touch with you. Youre able to join up to 100 LinkedIn Groups at any particular time. In the end, theres a hyperlink to LinkedIn to submit your resume, and allow the world know that youre trying to find a job. Including a hyperlink to an awful LinkedIn profile will do more damage than good. The great thing is that you may also add resume on LinkedIn. In the same way, networking is the principal method to receive your foot in the door at an organization and LinkedIn is an ideal tool that will help you get there. Men and women make common resume and LinkedIn mistakes all of the time heres the way to avoid them.

The Fight Against Resume Template 2017

The Fight Against Resume Template 2017 Type of Resume Template 2017 The samples are a breeze to personalize and hence save lots of time of the user. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better likelihood of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a schablone. There are a lot of such on-line sites which help you produce a customized resume according to your liking. There are lots of beautiful resume templates out there, but nevertheless, it can be simple to feel as a lot of the greatest cost a ridiculous quantity of money, require special design programs in buchen to edit, or both. What You Dont Know About Resume Template 2017 The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview. Just make sure, whichever format you pick, which youre targeting it for the job which youre applying to. You ought to understand, that resume format is crucial, as it can boost your odds to get invited for an interview. Each resume f ormat was made to boost your odds to find the job in 2018. You may have a foundational resume that compellingly articulates the most significant info, states Heifetz, but you need to alter it for each opportunity. Nearly every job, company, or firm where you prefer to apply would request a CV or resume. A simple Google search could result in a huge quantity of expertise on the best way to publish a resume, how to design a resume, the best method to impress organisations. For instance, you may have on your template resume your job for a business development manager with a couple particulars and accomplishments listed underneath. The reverse chronological resume style is the most frequently used style. Otherwise, you have to change your resume styling. Additional it provides you a type of the resume which youll be able to use to make your personal. The work is done in a toxic environment where additional security measures are essential. Deciding on the most suitable font ca n look to be an impossible endeavor, especially because there are dozens and dozens of choices out there. For a basic resume, it is vital to put precise details because you are simply starting out. Employing a resume template is getting an acceptable and smart practice for numerous factors. You may also pick and select a resume from a myriad of option created by various resume creators. Its high-quality PSD file is completely customizable. In order to make the perfect resume for yourself, its very important to experience various resume templates word and decide which fits your requirements. Its two-column layout will enable you to include plenty of information without cluttering the document. Youre able to stop trying to find the best resume templates for Word at this time.

The Downside Risk of Behance Resume That No One Is Talking About

The Downside Risk of Behance Resume That No One Is Talking About The Basic Facts of Behance Resume Besides this, selecting the most suitable career for you as a person is important for private growth. Make abiding youre leveraging the websites and assets you appointment consistently and about-face them in a way to market your work, if at all possible. Thus its important to come across a means to make your resume stand out of tons of different resumes, particularly whenever you are in design. Possessing a good resume is very important to designers, but you need to also spend time on your Behance portfolio Two even columns for the rest of the page give you a lot of room to woo the company by means of your experience, skills, and education. When youre scrambling to put in an application for a job, the very last thing you ought to be worrying about is designing a photo resume from the bottom up. You also receive a feeling of what information you dont have to include. The Argume nt About Behance Resume Businesses can receive hundreds of job applications and might only devote a bit of time scanning a resume to check whether it meets the requirements. Financial Services If you are in possession of a mathematical mind, you might want to think about the attractive yearly salaries and career security that working in financial services can offer. Medical Careers Selecting a career in the health care field is an incredible decision that would undoubtedly be in a lokalitt to promise your work security. From accountants to financial advisors, financial services are sometimes a gratifying field for those who just love numbers. To help narrow your assortment of alternatives, these top-rated careers of the future have the ability to provide both job security together with an impressive yearly salary. The typical recruiter gets at least a hundred resumes to survey each day. The ideal tool for the majority of jobs is the one that youre most comfortable with. Its b est suited to those that are relatively new to the work marketplace. A basic resume is also less difficult to read. So if you decide to go the Resume Builder route, be mindful that you will have to cover the last product. Career Igniter is an excellent pick for people just beginning and will need to create a resume simply and easily. There are two ways by which you are able to add your resume to Portfolio. Making the incorrect decision wouldnt only leave you incredibly miserable each day on the job, but your private life is going to take a toll also. Make certain you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about Thus, to earn a conclusion and help job seekers pick the perfect strategy Resume Writing Lab has produced an infographic based on thorough research, and, as you probably know, facts are stubborn things. When it was time to produce a change and I knew I was not going to utilize it any more, I chose to share it with the world. Icons make it simple to center on each individual resume section. Even if Adobe Photoshop isnt the perfect tool for building a resume, it has each of the tools and characteristics that you have to create a resume that will allow you to land the huge job. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. Resume template in stimmt genau is going to be of excellent assistance for you to make the correct Word document as a resume. Job aspirants should be on the lookout for a resume template in place of a programs vitae template. Task aspirants must be aware of a resume template rather than a curriculum vitae template. This totally free timeline-based resume template was made by graphic designer Patryk Korycki. The templates are created in a manner they make the resume be noticeable. These templates are designed to be clean-cut and right to the point. They offer you a good option for putting together a resume quickly and without any advanced design knowledge or software r equired. Sometimes all you will need is a traditional style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. In addition to that, you receive the free resume fonts and icons you see here so youre going to be capable of making something similarly amazing. Youre able to alter the font and content, but its one of the easiest methods to construct a professional resume within this full roundup. Choosing Good Behance Resume All you need to do is simply edit the document to include your own personal info. Utilizing a template can cut the quantity of time you must spend formatting your document, which permits you to concentrate on adding content and polishing your resume. Theres so many to pick from in his package that theres no use in describing a number of the features, since youll certainly be able to obtain what you need within. Double check to be sure that everything on the last version of the resume is about you.

Can Google Solve Your Career Dilemma

Can Google Solve Your Career Dilemma Can Google Solve Your Career Dilemma Its true that thewww has changed our world. No more visits to the library now we can just Google it or ask Siri. But how accurate is the information we receive from these sources? There are many so-called experts out there can you trust that they are all in fact who they say they are and that they do indeed have the expertise to be giving you advice?When it comes to careers and bearin mind that this is something youll probably be doing for the rest of your life you can easily do a quick search for the best advice out there. However, when it comes to the usefulness of the results you receive, that will depend on what youre looking for.Are you just searching for a bit of quick fix advice, or are you looking for a long-term career strategy? If youre looking for expert advice on how to get that dream job, how to protect yourself against future redundancy, or how to get companies headhunting you, then realistica lly, youre probably not going to find that advice on the internet. And even if you do, it is unlikely that youll be able to implement it effectively.When youre looking at a long-term career strategy, you need to talk directly to an expert so that they can understand your needs, goals, and motivations and provide you with the support and inspiration that you need to achieve success.This may sound like hard work, but the fact is there are no quick fixes when it comes to your career and even if there were,I wouldnt recommended them Quick fixes just dont workTake dieting, for example Why are people still overweight when there is so much information about healthy eating online and elsewhere? As I said previously, the difficult part is not finding the information its knowing how to execute it effectively.One of the reasons that people find it so hard to put what they have read into action is that there is now so much information out there thatit is virtually impossible for people to deci pher whats accurate, relevant, and applicable to them.Are You Looking for Information or Transformation?There is a bigdifference. Transformation is what happens when you take all the information youve gathered and successfully implement it. The key to a long-term successful career is building a strategy a list of future goals that you want to see yourself achieve.Consistently and effectively maintaining and progressing a long-term plan mightrequire support and input from somebody whoknows more about the topic than you do and not in the form of Google search results.So, how do you work out what kind of strategy isrightfor you?Easy. You work out why a company hires you in the first place.You only get hired for one reason, and its a pretty simple one The company has a problem, and itexpects you to be the solution to that problem. You need to work out your unique selling point (USP) thats what will differentiate you from everyone elseSo,when applying for any job, your first question should be What might this companys issues be, and how can I solve them?The fact is, progressing your career and getting companies to chase youis about common sense with a little guidance thrown in. You are unlikely to find the answers on the internet they need to come from inside you, based on your own experience, creativity, and problem-solvingcapacity.So, to summarize, when youre trying to decide whether or not to use Google as your career coach, you need to consider whether youre looking forinformation or transformation.Transformation is more likely to happen when you take accountability for your actions and consistently and effectively take control of and manage your own career.As Always Get Noticed, Get Hired.Susan Burke is an award-winning global careers coach. You can connect with Susan viaLinkedInandgrab a complimentary copy of her bookdirect from her website.

Detection Dog Handler Job Overview

Detection Dog Handler Job OverviewDetection Dog Handler Job OverviewDetection dog handlers are tasked with supervising dogs that perform detection duties related to drugs, explosives, or other substances. Duties Detection dog handlers work with their canine partners to detect a specific substance that the dog is trained to identify. Many detection dog teams search for drugs, explosives, or traces of bomb-making components (such as fertilizer). Detection teams may also be involved with searching for blood, agricultural items, firearms, and currency. During their daily routine, detection dog handlers and their canines may search cargo shipments, luggage, and passenger carry-on bags. They are most frequently employed at airports, border crossings, and ports. A handler must be familiar with each behavioral signal their dog may offer, and they are responsible for initiating a search if a dog signals that it has found contraband. Handlers must write up detailed reports on each case whe re their dog detects a prohibited substance and turn this documentation over to the appropriate officials. Handlers are also responsible for providing all basic care for their dogs including tasks such as providing food and water, grooming, bathing, and taking the dog out for bathroom breaks throughout the day. They also participate in regular training exercises to keep the dog sharp and to monitor its effectiveness in detecting planted samples. Career Options There are many different areas in which detection dog handlers may specialize drugs, explosives, and a wide variety of other substances require specialized teams for control purposes. A team usually searches for one specific substance (i.e., dogs sniffing for explosives will not also search for illegal agricultural products). Detection teams are used at the federal, state, and local levels. Federal level inspection careers include the TSAs National Detection Canine Team Program. The military also offers employment in this field through the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program, overseen by the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force reports that there are currently over 1300 working dog teams worldwide, with 300 new teams trained per year. There are also opportunities for drug detection or explosive detection as a part of state and local police forces. Education and Training There are many pathways to a detection dog handling career. Most handlers have a background in law enforcement, customs inspection, agriculture, animal science, or a related field, though requirements can vary from one agency to the next. A background as a K-9 police officer, animal health inspector, or wildlife inspector could be an extra plus for a candidate shifting to this career path. Above all else, a solid working knowledge of canine behavior is the most important factor that leads to success in this field. The handlers relationship with the canine is significant good communication between handler and dog results i n increased levels of detection accuracy. In the U.S. Department of Agriculture, candidates must begin as entry-level customs officers or inspectors (GS-7 pay grade) and gain experience in the field of inspection before they are allowed to apply for canine positions. Once they advance to the GS-12 pay grade ($60,274 to $78,355), they are eligible to be trained for dog handling positions. Explosives dog handling pairs in the TSA program go through an eleven-week training program at Lakland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After completion of the course, the dog and handler pairs spend another 30 days at their assigned location so that they can become familiar with the area where they will be working. During this period, they complete many training scenarios, work on desensitizing the dog to normal noises at the facility, and seek to challenge the dog by decreasing the sample size they are tasked with detecting in practice runs. There is an annual re-certification program for TS A explosive detection dog teams. The National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) is a professional group that offers annual detection dog certification courses to law enforcement professionals, government officers (at federal, state, or local levels), and private investigators. Salary According to the government website USAJOBS.gov, explosive detection dog handlers earn from $47,000 to $98,500 at major U.S. airports. Handlers with the USDA begin at a pay grade of GS-12 (salary sortiment of $60,274 to $78,355). Indeed.com cited a slightly higher average salary for explosive detection dog handlers of $88,000 per year in 2013. Career Outlook More than 700 explosive detection dog teams are working at major airports today, and thousands of additional dogs are being used in drug detection and as a part of military operations. The demand for detection dog handlers should continue to be strong over the next decade.