4 Unusual Methods to Train Your Staff

4 Unusual Methods to Train Your Staff Employee training and skill-development is key to unlocking the true potential of your workforce, with most businesses using specific programmes and internal schemes to ensure their talent is firing on all cylinders. But by encouraging your workforce to engage in activities that put their mental ability to the test while also being fun and social, it is possible to develop their skills through alternative activities that are more engaging and effective than some traditional methods. For example, a recent study by online casino comparison site Jackpot.co.uk has found that those who regularly play table games such as blackjack and poker can improve core workplace skills, from arithmetic to risk management. Here are four different ways of helping your employees develop their skills while still delivering results. 1. Climb a mountain   Heavy workloads, manic schedules, impending deadlines; it’s no wonder employees are tired, stressed and overwhelmed. For many, the ability to clear their mind and focus on one task at a time until their to-do list is complete is a skill they would like to improve, but don’t often get the chance to practice. Pilgrimage training has been used by Japanese businesses for several years now, and sees employees transported deep into the wilderness with only a map to guide them back to civilisation. The idea is to teach employees how to focus on just one thing at a time to ensure the task is completed to the best possible standard. 2. Switch off the lights Insurance giant Allianz has pioneered a unique training method dubbed “Dialogue in the Dark” that sees a group of employees given a task such as completing a jigsaw in total darkness or without talking to each other. The aim of the game is to teach staff to think on their feet, and to work more closely as a team. Facilitated by blind trainers, it also helps employees to adapt to unusual or unexpected situations, while providing them with a unique perspective of their own strengths and weakness, as well as those of their fellow team members. 3. Host a casino night Games such as blackjack are very much about numbers, and players with solid numeracy skills stand the best chance of beating the house. Regular play allows employees to practice and improve their mental arithmetic, as well as the ability to remember number sequences and patterns. To master the art of more complex games such as poker, players must also learn how to remain calm under pressure, or at least appear to be. Having the ability to switch on their poker face and think and react logically despite being under the spotlight is a key skill that transfers well to the workplace. 4. Get it wrong A vital element of employee development is improving confidence. Whether that be for a client pitch, a speech, or simply to work more closely with others. There are thousands of ways of developing confidence, with entire books written on the subject, but one interesting technique is to ask employees to get things wrong on purpose. People can often feel embarrassed or become self-conscious at the thought of getting something wrong in front of their colleagues. By encouraging them to get something wrong on purpose, the idea is that over time they will overcome the feeling of always having to be right, and will contribute more to meetings, brainstorms, and day-to-day office life. While these techniques are undoubtedly effective and, perhaps most importantly, fun, they should be used alongside more traditional methods of training that can be tracked and assessed. But when traditional and alternative techniques are used side-by-side, they make for a powerful and successful combination. About the author:  Martyn Hannah is a freelance journalist, copywriter and content marketing consultant with a background in newspapers, magazines and PR.

Job Descriptions For Resume Writing

Job Descriptions For Resume WritingJob descriptions for resume writing are essential to provide an accurate description of the applicant's qualifications. The wording and content of the resume should be as clear and concise as possible. First impressions are often based on the words that are typed in by the hiring company or recruiter. The content must highlight the applicant's skills, experiences, and abilities.The description should describe the specific duties that the applicant will perform on the job. Some examples include; administrative duties, sales, customer service, marketing, clerical, and technical skills. These descriptions are sometimes condensed into a couple lines to save space. Some job descriptions even contain only a few titles. A sample job description for resume writing is below.This job description is very basic, but it does show the type of job the applicant will perform. Some of the important points to include in the description are: the applicant's title, the job duties, the start date, the end date, the work location, and job responsibilities. It is very important to state the title when the applicant has been given a title. This can be any title that the employer offers. A sample job description for resume writing is as follows.A sample job description for resume writing has a different format than the first job description. The main idea of the first resume was to showcase the applicant's skills and abilities. This job description focuses on a couple of key points. The applicants must demonstrate their skills to potential employers. The purpose of this job description is to use the best tools available to show potential employers exactly what the applicant can do.When you begin writing a job description for resume writing you need to make sure that you have enough material. In order to create an effective resume, you need to know who your audience is. It is very important to understand your audience. This knowledge will help you crea te a written document that will get you the right results.When creating a job description for resume writing, you should include the candidate's experience. You also need to know the range of experience for each role. It is important to show the most experienced positions first.In order to create a good resume with job descriptions, you need to show how the applicant will benefit the company. The applicant should be able to show how the position would benefit the employer. This is usually done by providing two examples; one of the applicant demonstrating the skills and experience, and one of the applicant demonstrating the benefits of the position. For example, if the job is for a marketing manager, the applicant must show a certain level of marketing skills.Finally, it is important to use the term 'candidate' when writing job descriptions for resume writing. While most people use the term applicant when describing what they are applying for, many employers will use the term applica nt when referring to a potential employee. To avoid confusion, it is best to be clear about the terms before you send your resume out. By using these steps, you can create a resume that is all business. Remember that no one wants to read a resume filled with extraneous information.

Entitled to Lead The Rise of the Millennial Female Leader

Entitled to Lead The Rise of the Millennial Female Leader By, Alexia Vernon In their book, Generation We: How Millennial Youth Are Taking Over America And Changing Our World Forever, Eric Greenberg and Karl Weber propose that millennials (or Generation We as they have affectionately re-branded us), the generation born between 1978-2000, is the first generation in American history to inherit a nation in social, economic, and ecological decline. Yet, they suggest were also the generation most optimistic about our ability to tap into our values, elicit our resources, and embrace entrepreneurship and technology to make a positive difference. 53% of us voted in the 2008 presidential election, making us 18% of the American electorate, and well be the largest generational voting block in 2012. We are the most educated generation in history, with over 60% of us enrolling in college and record numbers of us pursuing graduate degrees. We grew up in the most diverse classrooms in our nations history. 40% of us were Hispanic, Black, or Asian. But even if Koombiyah sounds like an appropriate theme song for our generation, are we ready to lead the world from recession to sustainable growth as we approach the next decade of the twenty-first century? Yes and no. But mainly yes! As a member of this rising generation and a leadership development professional, I concur with Greenberg and Weber that Im a part of a pretty awesome group. We are poised to ensure that our collective desire for change translates into results-oriented action. While many of us millennials still need more hands on experience, relationship building, and skill development to fully realize our potential, many of us bring to our campuses, careers, and communities a nice toolbox of leadership qualities, skills, and values including articulating compelling visions, keen collaboration and negotiation skills, and a deep respect for balance, authenticity, and transparency. We might have hated our constant immersion in group projects and real-world simulations, but they taught us a lot about how to thrive in a team-oriented culture. Some of the strongest millennial leaders are young women. We still make $.79 to a mans dollar, compose just over 16% of Congressional members, and have a 1 in 4 chance of encountering domestic violence. But as evidenced by last Wednesdays Women of Courage gathering which included powerhouse women from First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to Malyasian lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan and Iraqi NGO leader Suaad Allami, international women have been rising to senior leadership positions in record numbers for some time. Millennial women, like Women of Courage honoree 12-year old Reem al-Numery of Yemen (who could not attend the celebration for she is in court fighting her arranged marriage to her 30-year old cousin), are not only growing into strong and effective leaders, but are demanding that their voices be heard and counted today. Millennials have often been critiqued for expecting too much too fast without putting in their dues like their Gen-X, Baby Boomer and traditionalist predecessors. However, this sense of entitlement has undoubtedly been useful to young women who believe it is both their responsibility and their right to start businesses, organize fundraisers, and bring communities together to address economic, social, and environmental inequity. We were told that we could be the best if only we worked hard enough. While Id argue wed have been better served if our parents, teachers, and mentors had substituted hard for smart, our constant affirmations have definitely empowered us not only to think without the box, but also to believe we can make a positive contribution to our companies and communities. In her book, Your Childs Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them author, educator, and strengths-based leadership expert Jenifer Fox recommends that if educators, parents, employers, and other people who interface with young leaders want to empower them to peak performance, they should start with their strengths, the specific abilities that we enjoy doing and make us feel strong. No matter how important we or someone else might tell us it is to overcome our weaknesses, strengths-based researchers from the fields of education, psychology, business, and leadership have proven that humans consistently grow the most in the area of our strengths and should be given every opportunity to play to them. American businesses currently waste a lot of talent and employee satisfaction, creating opportunities for only 12% of workers to play to their strengths most of the time, according to The Marcus Buckingham Company. For young women looking to become more effective leaders, awaken to their authentic leadership style, and discover how to use their gifts and resources to make the maximum possible positive social impact, they can start by answering the following questions: What is the leadership quality that my peers, parents, teachers, and/or supervisors most recognize in me? What opportunities exist and can I create to use this strength on a regular basis? What is my preferred communication format? (e.g. face-to-face/one-on-one, small group, or in front of a large audience) How do I make sure to employ this format in my leadership so that I feel comfortable and can perform at my best? What activities/tasks and causes/issues am I most passionate about? How can I consistently align what I like to do with what matters to me? What are my leadership areas for growth and improvement? Who can I partner with that is strong in these areas? What are the short and long term social, economic, and environmental impacts of the choices I make on my local, national, and international community? How can I ensure that the choices I make are always for the greater good? Alexia Vernon is a leadership and millennial speaker, coach, and trainer. She is the owner of Catalyst for Action, a coaching and training company that empowers leaders to harness their values, strengths, and enthusiasms to build careers and companies that are successful, sustainable, and make a positive social impact. Penelope Trunk picked Alexias Musings from the Generation We Coach for her blogs.coms 10 Blogs to Read if Youve Just Been Laid Off and she is also the Newark Examiner corporate leadership columnist. Follow Alexia on Twitter.

5 Trends Staffing Firms are Anticipating to Impact the Industry

5 Trends Staffing Firms are Anticipating to Impact the Industry Well hello there recruiter. Has your new year got off to a good start? Were getting reports of too many job requirements and not enough candidates. Business isnt looking too bad for the staffing industry this year. Our friends at Bullhorn found that 75 percent of staffing and recruiting firms anticipated an increase in 2018 revenue versus 2017 revenue, according to its 2018 North American Staffing Recruiting Trends Report. Overall, the report showed that staffing and recruiting professionals remained optimistic for a successful 2018, as they did for 2017, despite increasing concerns and emerging challenges related to automation, digital staffing platforms, macroeconomics, and politics. Staffing firms identified their top three priorities for 2018 as: Increasing profitability (45%) Driving top-line revenue growth (43%) Improving candidate sourcing (42%). Their next five priorities represented operational strategies. These included: Improving the management of client relationships (27%) Expanding into new markets (26%) Automating and accelerating recruiting and placement processes (23%) Engaging candidates and improving the candidate experience (23%) Increasing employment brand development and marketing (21%) The survey also found that firms anticipated revenue growth with limited margin expansion for 2018. A majority of staffing firms expected increases in hiring needs (70 percent), billable hours (62 percent), and temporary placements (59 percent) in 2018. On the other hand, a majority of firms (about 55 percent) predicted that both bill rates and margins would stay flat or decrease in 2018, and about half of respondents (49 percent) ranked pricing pressures and margin compressions as a top three challenge. Key findings include: 1. The impact of automation on recruiting North American staffing firms identified automation as both a top priority and a top challengeâ€"23 percent of firms ranked automation as a top priority and 36 percent marked it as a top challenge, signaling more opportunities for improved adoption and utilization. Additionally, 40 percent of respondents attributed automation’s greatest value to increased efficiencies and the same percentage to increased engagement. When asked if automation would create more jobs or eliminate them in the staffing industry, respondents were split down the middleâ€"38 percent on each side and another 24 percent undecided. 2. The  rise of digital staffing platforms   Sixty-three percent of respondents said they were unsure about how digital staffing platforms such as Upwork, Shiftgig, Catalant, and others would impact their business. However, 21 percent of respondents said those platforms could help their business, compared to 16 percent who thought they could hurt their operations. Sales teams were more enthusiastic as 29 percent of respondents expressed positive opinions about digital staffing platforms, seeing them as a potential source of low-cost talent. 3. Industry confidence levels slip Examining broader macroeconomic and political factors, 68 percent of respondents said they were very or somewhat concerned about the rate of economic growth, and large portions worried about healthcare policies and regulations (66 percent), inflation (59 percent), restrictive labor policies (57 percent), and the current administration (57 percent). Overall confidence levels for industry performance have slipped, with one-third of respondents (33 percent) feeling more confident about the future heading into 2018, compared to 38 percent last year. 3. More tech for recruitment firms Staffing firms said they were planning to considerably boost their technology investments, with 52 percent of firms anticipating an increase, compared to 40 percent last year. About half of firms (49 percent) also said their operating budgets would increase in 2018, an increase over last year’s 43 percent. However, firms weren’t planning to focus as much on market expansion. With 26 percent of firms ranking new market growth as a top priorityâ€"and far fewer interested in acquisitionsâ€"only 28 percent expected to increase their number of offices. 4. Millennials want you to text, not call Staffing firms listed SMS (text) messaging as the fastest-growing communication channel in 2018, with 69 percent of firms expecting their usage to increaseâ€"especially communicating with Millennial and Generation Z candidates. 5. Referrals are your best talent source Referrals from existing candidates jumped to the top of the list of single best talent sources this yearâ€"nearly 30 percent of respondents said referrals were the absolute best source of high-quality talent. Twenty-six percent of staffing firms said they placed less than 10 percent of candidates on their next assignment, and half of respondents said they redeployed less than 25 percent of candidates, indicating missed opportunities and missed revenue.

Resume Writing in Online - Basic Steps to Perfect Resume Writing

Resume Writing in Online - Basic Steps to Perfect Resume WritingIf you are not familiar with the entire job field in online marketing, you might not have a clue about the proper way to apply for jobs. Whether it is your first time to try applying or you have previously done it, it is important that you take the necessary time to learn what it takes to be successful.There are several people who want to find their dream job and they do not know how to get started. If you are still searching for jobs, you should make use of the online resumes which are found in the various websites. These resume templates help you start creating a resume for a particular job opening.You can also search for information on the internet to learn more about the jobs that are available in your area. Job listings that have different job categories will help you in deciding whether a certain job is right for you. Although the process is a bit lengthy, you can make use of a simple resume to prepare your resume. If you want to know more about the process, you can search for the tips and tricks in resume writing in online.It is a good idea to be prepared in your resume. You need to get to know the steps of a professional resume writer who knows how to write a good resume. You can do research online by using the Internet and some free online tools.There are several other easy ways you can use when you learn the basic of resume writing in online. You should have a well-written resume so that you will be able to get the desired employment.You will have a chance to secure a position and possible income if you are prepared and know the things you need to do. While it is not easy to master resume writing in online, you can still be successful with the tips and tricks you can find out. Make sure you tryout the technique which you think will help you the most.In the beginning, you will have to pay attention to the things you have to learn so that you can make an effective resume. Try to read as muc h as you can about the basics of resume writing in online. You can also utilize free resume templates from the websites.Remember that the goal is to acquire a job that you can enjoy. You do not want to work for someone who does not provide you with a job you can be proud of. If you want to have a successful career, make sure you keep up with resume writing in online.

Summary Sunday Prepare for The Job Hunting Season

Summary Sunday Prepare for The Job Hunting Season Prepare for Job Hunting Season Is it time to prepare for the  job hunting season? If you intend to look for a new job in 2017, you better familiarize yourself with the newest trends in recruiting, networking, and interviewing. And youve come to the right place. Trends in  job search are influenced by how companies promote jobs, screen candidates and ultimately fill jobs. I watch this pretty closely to help analyze and predict what changes are ahead. This weeks roundup includes current best-practices for interviewing, starting a new job, and overall job search news to help you do it better. Prepare for Job Hunting Season CAREER 27 Things You Should Do On Your First Day of Work by Jacquelyn Smith | Business Insider Most of us dont start a new job very often, so its a good idea to have a check list of things you want to make sure you do to start off on the right foot! If youve secured a new job, congrats! If you plan to, definitely bookmark this article so you can reference it when you need it! INTERVIEWING This 60-Year-Old Theory Can Help You Nail Your Next Job Interview by Liz Alexander | Fast Company If youve had interviews, but havent landed a job, then maybe its because your answers dont showcase the right level of mastery. This article explains that theres a difference between  knowing, understanding, and applying information. Employers want employees who can  analyze, synthesize and evaluate information. This graphic illustrates Blooms Taxonomy, a hierarchy of six types of cognitive goals education should address, and it absolutely relates to how you can show your higher-level thinking during an interview. PS: Thanks to Donna Sveis Facebook group, Avid Careerist, for bringing this to my attention! Image: Fractus Learning JOB SEARCH Glassdoors Best Places to Work 2017 If you are looking for companies that have received high ratings by employees, then check out the newest list of best places to work. 14 Ways To Research Company Culture by Ben Eubanks | Work It Daily Finding the right company culture for you can make or break your success in a job. Learn how to vet a companys culture. A Simple Tip for Reinvigorating a Job Search by  Laurie Berenson | Sterling Career Concepts Quick and to the point. This wisdom will set your job search on the right path forward. NETWORKING The Only Three Networking Emails You Need To Know How To Write by Sara McCord (The Muse) | Fast Company Do you struggle with what to say in your networking email? Heres how to word them successfully, so you get a response. RECRUITING HIRING PREDICTIONS 20 Recruiting Pros Share Their Plans for 2017 by Chris Russell | Recruiting Headlines Learn what recruiters are predicting. This will directly affect how you search for a job! 31 Experts Share Predictions for Job Search in 2017 I asked resume writers, career coaches and recruiters to share their predictions. Again, this will help you be proactive, not reactive in your job search. MENTIONS How to Use Your Office Holiday Party to Land a Promotion by Vicki Salemi | New York Post I was invited by Vicki to contribute to her article on how to leverage an office party for career advancement. The bottom line is, keep your conversation light and friendly and ask for a meeting with your boss!

The College Students Back-to-school Checklist

The College Students Back-to-school Checklist As millions of students head off to college this month, it seems appropriate to create a checklist of things every college student should know and that parents may not have mentioned. This list isn’t a check list of dorm items or hacks for managing college life. It is a practical guide with four important points to maximize short and long term academic and life success. Technology You’ve got your laptop, tablet and smartphone ready to go. But be forewarned. Not every professor wants to see the top of your head from behind your laptop. Even though you may be entering important dates or reminders into your smartphone, some professors may become irritated and assume you are texting or not paying attention. Instead of relying on your laptop to take notes, bring paper and pen. You may win points with the professor and retain more information. A recent study found that students who took written notes had greater long-term recall and deeper comprehension of the topic. Pam A. Mueller of Princeton University and Daniel Oppenheimer of UCLA’s Anderson School of Management studied hundreds of students and found that those who used a laptop took more verbatim notes than students using longhand. But more isn’t necessarily better. The ability to recall information and concepts from lectures was better among students who took handwritten notes. Privacy And Security You probably wouldn’t think twice about locking your room or car. Have you locked your computer and mobile devices? Consumer Reports found that only 36 percent of the smartphone users have set a 4-digit PIN to lock their phone. And with an estimated 3.1 million smart phones in 2013, you don’t want to fall victim. PINs and password are critical to protecting the personal information stored on all your devices. But every day, passwords are hacked because they aren’t complex enough. Longer passwords are stronger and passwords that contain a combination of numbers, letters and characters are even better. It can be challenging to remember all the passwords you’ve created, therefore, you may want to consider using a password manager, such as LastPass, KeePass, or my1login to keep track of and generate new, secure passwords. And remember, never use the same password for different accounts and never share your passwords with anyone. Practicing safe online behavior on social networks and public forums is equally important. Not only is this a wise practice for your future employment prospects, it is also a tip to keep you protected. From cyber crime to online bullying, there are many ways to get in trouble today. Be sure you have locked down your privacy settings on the social networks you use, such as Facebook or Instagram. Better yet, avoid posting anything you wouldn’t want to see in the headlines of a major news source since what’s said online doesn’t always stay private. One final, lesser known reminder is to use a different email account for your upcoming job search than the one associated with your social networking accounts. This could make it more difficult for future employers to find your personal accounts. Heres a helpful infographic on how to set privacy on Facebook, via Facebook. Etiquette And Manners Poor manners show disrespect. Start the school year off on the right foot by practicing good etiquette. From cutting in line, to dropping the F bomb, you probably have witnessed rude behavior. Don’t be that person. Remember the lessons you learned as a child- say please and thank you, look people in the eye when you shake hands, and be prompt and attentive. There are also the less-obvious rules of good manners. Remember, when you RSVP to an event, you are committing yourself, so show up. Respond to emails and text messages, but not while you are driving, in class or in the company of others. And turn off your smartphone ringer. No one wants to hear that beep every time you get a new message, call or update. And the top annoying office behavior, as cited by 65 percent of those surveyed in a Harris Interactive/Jive study Having loud or private conversations in public areas. Work And Ethics It doesn’t matter if you need money or not, get a job. Any job. 62 percent of business leaders with hiring responsibilities feel someone with no college degree but some work experience would fare better in the workforce than a person who has a diploma but no work on their resume, according to a study by FTI Consulting on behalf of Northeastern University. Not only will you fare better in the job market post-college, you will also learn many valuable lessons such as how to work with difficult people. Your experience holding a job may teach you customer service or sales skills, which are extremely transferrable to any future role you may have. You’ll also benefit from the less-tangible skills such as time management, interpersonal relations, and good old fashioned work ethic. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn how to follow instructions, show up on time and be accountable for doing the grunt work that often needs to be done. While good grades are important, it is your ability to translate what you’ve learned into the world of work that seems to be important to employers. Originally submitted to USNews World Report.