Category: Job & Career

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Company Job

Finding Your Dream Career: 5 Useful Tips for you to Research about a Company before You Apply

Working out of necessity is what mostly everyone can relate to; working because you love your job is rare. If you are looking for a change, a different job, something that makes you feel useful and joyful, you need to research the company before you apply. If you research a company through an online site like Hush, you will get to know many things about that business. You will learn about the salaries as well as the office hours and what is expected of you as an employee. Best of all, research will give you an idea of whether you will fit in and like the position or not. Below are 5 useful tips to help you research a company before you apply there. This could help you find your dream career. 1. Go to The Source When researching a company, always go to their website. This is where you will find the "About" section. Read this part carefully as it will tell you how the company came into form and why. You will want to read the "Who-is-Who" section of the website as well. You don't have to commit any of this to memory, but you should know who the top people are in the company you want to work for. Also, read over the “Mission - Vision Statement” because this is where you will find out what the company stands for and why. 2. The Company's Competitors When looking at a company you are considering applying for, look at their competitors as well. Unless the business is so unique it has no competition, there is always another company who is doing the same thing. You would want to know the reason behind the opposition so you can discuss possible ways to improve the business if you get the job. Knowing what others are doing and either doing the same or better, is always a plus to the bosses. 3. Network Find an employee list and see if you know any of them. If you do, great, you can talk to them and ask how they like the job and the company. If you don't know any of the employees, ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is working there or had worked at some point. Talking to former and current employees will give you an "insider’s" look at how the company treats their employees. If you live in a smaller town, you could find an employee much easily. Getting a firsthand account of the working conditions allows you to make more informed decision on whether or not you want to work at this company. 4. Business Reports Not every company is featured in a nationwide magazine, but a lot of cities have local business magazines. Check at the public library, or online, and find out if the company you are researching has ever had an article written about them. Even the local newspaper could have a write-up or two about the company you are considering. Try to find any and all media, both good and bad, about the company to help you make a better decision about working for them. 5. Charity Through the company's website, you may be able to discover if they support a certain charity. A company that shares its wealth is worth taking a second look at as a possible employee. Armed with information, you can wow the interviewer and hope to become the next employee of the month. Read Also: Don’t Get A Second Job: 10 Unconventional Ways To Make Money Discuss With Your Web Designer And Explain What You Want Before Starting The Job Do I Have Enough Super To Retire: Considerations Before Leaving Your Job

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Quebec’s Education System

Cégep 101: Everything You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System

It is mandatory in every education system to establish a primary and secondary program for all children in the state. However, there are differences involved in the system when talking about tertiary education. A unique feature of the education system in Quebec is the implementation of a transition program that serves as a bridge that students should take after finishing high school and before entering the university. Essential Things  You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System This pre-university education is publicly funded and provided by institutions called CEGEPs, which stands for Collège d'enseignementgénéral et professional. Typically, it is considered a general and vocational education system. Everything You Need To Know About Quebec’s Education System College: One should not confuse it with a university education since it should be taken before being admitted to a bachelor’s program. This pre-university program, which they term as college, is established to compensate the required 12 years of studying to be admitted in a university or a post-secondary institution. This is because Quebec is the only province in Canada that allows the student to graduate from high school even after 11 years of studying in compulsory education. There are several CEGEPs institutions, one of which is CEGEP Garneau Formation Continue. These institutions offer several college programs: 1. Pre-university education program: This program has a 2-year duration. It aims students to prepare for the lessons taught in the university that will, later on, guide them to get the Diploma of College Studies. It also fills the required knowledge that will be helpful in pursuing university studies. which are not included in the secondary curriculum. Students who take this program path usually attend the university, skipping the first year, and often considered as a sophomore. They might also earn extra credits or a higher standing upon enrolling in the university. Courses taught in this program are geared towards what the students will choose as their major in the university. 2. Technical training program: This extensive training program is designed for three years. The objective of this program is to provide knowledge and expertise to students that will enable them to work after completion and will make them ready for employment. Students from this program are expected to enter the job market after graduation. Courses taught under this program are specialization courses which depend on what students want for their future careers. Completion of this program also provides graduates with a Diploma of College Studies. Some of the programs under this are: Theater Nursing Electronics Computer Science Programs involving construction and building infrastructures Future careers of the students who completed this program are HVAC technicians, actors, IT specialists, computer technicians, and others. 3. Short term technical training program: This program is a shorter version of what is mentioned above. Around 500-1000 class hours are allotted for these short term programs. It also aims students to be equipped in the professional world after completion of their program. The only difference of this program to the technical program is the absence of a core curriculum. Adults can also take it as an additional knowledge for their chosen careers. Some programs under this category are: Real Estate Marketing Upon completion of this program, students are provided with Attestation of College Studies. University: Before one can be admitted to a university, a requirement needed is the Diploma of College Studies. Students who are under the pre-university and technical training programs have the privilege of continuing education in the university. The system of tertiary education in Quebec is similar to any universities in the world. The interesting feature of university education in Quebec is that one can complete a bachelor’s degree after three years, compared to other universities that usually requires four years the least. This is because of the pre-university programs that they have. Upon receiving a college diploma, the student can have the choice to pursue a master’s degree, which usually lasts for 1-2 years, and a doctoral degree, which is 2-3 years in duration. Universities in Quebec also offer some non-degree programs, which are usually short courses. Completion of these short term university programs will give the students specialized certificates and diplomas. Conclusion In general, the educational system of Quebec provides outstanding advantages to its students. It offers educational excellence, great environment, and infrastructure and technologies which make it certain that the province is providing its people a high-quality education. There is an increased number of international students studying in Quebec because of these factors. The unique features of Quebec’s educational system were strategically implemented to ensure that all CEGEP institutions produce highly competitive and outstanding students that will, later on, be future leaders and successful individuals that will strengthen the economic standing, not just the province, but the country as well. Read Also: 4 Emerging Trends In The Education Sector Academic Writing For UK Students – Why It’s Important?

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Real Estate

You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

Will a career in real estate work for you? It can be an exciting and challenging career change. Deciding on whether or not a real estate career will work for you depends on your personality. You will discover a new level of independence at work and there will always be new challenges. Before you dive in, consider some of the pros and cons of a career in real estate. Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent: 1) Money – Real estate agents work on a commission. Whenever you sell (or help your clients buy) property, you earn a percentage of that sale. Given that property is usually the most expensive purchase and investment the average family makes, that’s a large chunk of change. There’s no salary cap. If you can find a way to make a million dollars on commissions, there’s no one to put a cap on your earnings the way there would be in a salary job. 2) You’re Your Own Boss – Working as your own boss, you’ve got an unprecedented level of freedom to come and go as you please and vacation when you want. 3) Excitement – Real estate agents are constantly on the move. They’re always out there meeting new people and making new deals. If you’re the type to get bored at a desk job where every day feels the same, a real estate career will shake things up. 4) Knowledge & Experience Pay Off – The more you know, the more you sell. If you love to learn new things and experience more, it’s a career path that will pay off. You will have the chance to become an expert, not just on a neighborhood or types of property, but how to work with people and make sales. Cons of a Real Estate Career: 1) Getting Started – The flipside of working in a commission-based industry is that it takes time to get started. If you’re working for yourself, there’s no one to pay your salary when you’re not making sales. It will take time before you can find clients and make sales, so be prepared financially to survive until you get the ball rolling. Many people start off part-time until their careers develop. 2) You Need Discipline – The downside to working as your own boss is that you need discipline. No one’s going to make sales and put money in your pocket if you’re spending all your time at the beach. 3) You Need to Know when to Take a Break – For others, the problem might be the exact opposite. If you’ve got a workaholic streak, you’ll need to discipline yourself to put the work away when it’s time to rest and recharge. Find a way to disconnect from your job and relax. Real estate can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’ve got the personality to thrive in an environment where you’re independent and constantly meeting new challenges. Earning your real estate license is something you can do quickly and cheaply. With online real estate schools like RealEstateU, it doesn’t take long to start getting your real estate license. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in homes or home renovation. Your ability to tell whether a home has hard or soft water will not determine your success as an agent. The ability to work with people, work hard and go above and beyond for your clients will ultimately matter much more! However, the more knowledgeable you are in all facets of real estate, the better you will be at ensuring your clients make educated, long-term decisions. Once you sign up for online real estate classes, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. They will prepare you for your state real estate license exam, and most states require you to complete the courses before you try writing the exam. With online real estate courses from real estate, you get all the resources you need to succeed at your exam, including video/audio lectures, a 200-page PDF textbook, and lessons from top real estate experts. Get started on your career change today. Sign up for online real estate classes and be your own boss. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts Is Computer Software Prepackaged Software A Good Career Path? What Are The Three Components In The Youtube Ecosystem?

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employee productivity

7 Ways to Boost Employee Productivity and Create a Positive Culture

Most people will spend roughly 40 hours per week at their workplace. Yet despite spending so much time at the office, the average worker is only productive for less than three hours per day. Less productivity means wasted time and less profit. Additionally, an unproductive workplace is often caused by a lack of happiness. If your office is struggling with employee productivity, it may be time to look at some ways to boost it by creating a positive culture 7 Ways to Boost Employee Productivity and Create a Positive Culture: Here are seven ways you can promote a happier, more productive workplace. 1. Set a Good Example Through Body Language: When it comes to office decorum, we often think about things like polite conduct. But one of the biggest signs that employees are unhappy may not be verbal at all. Often, unhappiness manifests in physical ways, such as body language. Psychologists believe that the way we present ourselves physically through our body language has a major impact on how others see and interact with us -- even if we aren't always aware. If you've noticed a change in employee morale for the worse, set a good example by focusing on creating a warmer, happier environment through physicality. Something as simple as making eye contact to show interest or smiling can have a big impact on the work environment. 2. Facilitate Team Activities: To reach peak potential, an office must be a well-oiled machine. Every employee must do their part to put out the highest caliber of a workday in and day out. For some, though, they may feel less like a team and more like a series of individuals. Reinforce teamwork through regular group activities. Once a month or so, take the team out for a night out. Getting to know one another in a semi-professional manner outside of the office can instill a sense of belonging that many offices lack. 3. Provide a Space to Relax: The day-to-day grind can wear even the most dedicated of employees down. According to the American Institute of Stress, workers are more stressed than ever, with 46% of workers chalking their stress up to a burdensome workload. You can combat workplace stress by providing a safe, relaxing environment where employees can take a quick break. Consider building a rec room. For those who prefer fresh air, implement a community garden or talk to Shelters Direct about smoking shelters. 4. Let Employees Voice Their Opinions: A good employer is someone who listens to what their employees have to say. Make sure that employees feel they can voice their opinions and that they feel heard by their bosses. 5. Offer Incentives: Another great way to encourage employee efficiency is to offer out-of-office incentives. Partner with local businesses like gyms and health clubs to offer discounts or free memberships to employees. Perks matter more than employers think. 6. Choose Team-Building Language: Many managers aren't sure how to treat employees. Should they be stern or friendly? While the solution lies somewhere in the middle, how an employer talks to their employees does, in fact, matter. Use team-oriented language with words like 'we' and 'us' to create a stronger sense of community. 7. Give Employees The Tools to Succeed: Productive employees can only be productive if given the proper tools. That includes providing a clean and safe workspace, as well as up to date software and hardware. If you're not sure what employees need to be as productive as possible, simply ask. Improve Employee Productivity With These Great Tips: In order to establish a happy, efficient workplace, where employee productivity is at an all-time high, you'll want to follow these tips. Remember, you as a manager have the ability to make a difference, so the change starts with you. For more great tips on how to lead by example, check out our post on people management tips. Read Also: I’m Being Overworked By My Employer – What Should I Do? Staying Safe In The Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

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Chain Survival

What Is the Chain of Survival?

When it comes to administering first aid to people, it is always best to leave it to professionals. However, there are certain instances when you simply cannot, or should not wait for them to arrive. There are some studies which show just how important it can be to administer first aid to a person until professionals arrive. First aid experts at Advanced Healthcare Education share with us what the chain of survival is and why it is so important, that it is taught in all health courses approved by the American Heart Association. What Is the Chain of Survival? In the simplest terms, the chain of survival is a string of important actions which need to be taken in order to maximize the likelihood of survival of a person who experienced a cardiac arrest or similar problem. If you know what the links in this chain are, you are far more likely to be able to help someone, no matter if you have any medical experience or not. Links of the Chain: The first and perhaps most important step in the process of saving someone’s life is recognizing that there is an emergency and that action needs to be undertaken. If this ever happens to you, you need to call 911 immediately. Even if the situation turns out to be less critical than you originally thought, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are at a place which has an automated external defibrillator, have someone bring it to the person in distress. CPR and Chest Compressions: Once the emergency services have been alerted to the situation, the first link of the chain has been completed. However, this is not where your help ends. If you have any BLS training, you can actually administer CPR and chest compressions. Even if you are not skilled in basic life support, the 911 operator can guide you through it and you can greatly improve the chances of a person’s survival until help arrives. You should continue with CPR until professionals arrive. Rapid Defibrillation: If you have an automated external defibrillator (AED) at hand, it is another step you can take in order to help a person in distress. The machine needs to be placed next to the person you are helping. There are clear visual and audio instructions on the device itself which will help you attach the machine to the patient. The machine itself will inform you if the shock is required. If so, make sure nobody is touching the patient and administer the shock. Some of these machines can actually help you administer proper CPR and chest compressions. Basic and Advanced Care: This fourth step in the chain refers to the trained medical professionals who should be able to provide not only the basic medical support you could but also more advanced treatment, such as administering medication. Additionally, medical professionals are trained in advanced respiration procedures which can help provide oxygen to the patient even if they are unconscious and not breathing on their own. However, in order for the medical professionals to respond to an emergency, the first link of the chain is crucial – someone needs to contact emergency services. Advanced Life Support: Finally, advanced life support is largely left to the professionals. If the situation with the patient is that critical, the patient needs to be taken to the hospital where a team of different medical professionals can take care of them. Even though you can help someone without any medical training, you can be much more effective if you have simple BLS training. This course is relatively simple, but it instills some of the crucial points about saving lives, including the chain of survival. Read Also: Seeking A Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers To Check Out 5 Important Considerations To Get Supply Chain Management On Cloud

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family friendly careers

8 Family Friendly Careers That Offer Great Pay and Work-Life Balance

According to research, 33% of people are unwillingly stuck working on weekends and holidays. This lack of work-life balance can affect their both their well-being and their family relationships. There are many family-friendly careers that will enable you to enjoy life and spend more time with those who matter. Out of 38 countries that were surveyed for work-life balance, the US ranked at 30. This is due to the fact that Americans are mostly overworked and under-rested, leaving them little time to actually enjoy their lives. 8 Family Friendly Careers That Offer Great Pay and Work-Life Balance If you are wanting a career change, it is never too late to switch to a family-friendly career that will not only will you have a great work-life balance, but you will also make a great living doing what you enjoy. But what careers enable you to enjoy a work-life balance? There are many careers out there to choose from, it can almost seem overwhelming. That's exactly what we are about to teach you, keep reading to discover a career that is right for you. 1. Graphic Designer: If you have a creative personality, love working on computers, and helping businesses grow, then the career of a graphic designer is perfect for you.  You will need to be an excellent problem solver and have the ability to see minor details. Work-Life Balance: Being a graphic designer allows for a great work-life balance because you can literally work from anywhere as long as you have your computer and a wifi signal. Most graphic designers embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and travel the world, or work from home, spending more time with their families. 2. Elementary School Teacher: The career of an elementary school teacher is at the top of the most family-friendly careers list. If you love children and have great patience, this career choice is a perfect fit for you. Work-Life Balance: Because teachers only work during the school year, they have the entire summer off on a paid leave. This enables more time to spend with your family, traveling, summer activities, and lot's of free time to do what you love. 3. Web Designer: Thanks to the ever-evolving internet, the career of a website designer will never be outdated. If you love math and coding, you would love the challenging and lucrative career of being a web designer. Work-Life Balance: Because your work involves a laptop and the internet, you can literally work from anywhere you want to. You can spend more time at home with your family, or spend more time traveling the world as a digital nomad. 4.  Online Marketer: If you love the social aspects of marketing and want to have a lot of freedom with creativity, then the career of an online marketer is perfect for you. You will experience challenges that involve a knowledge of sales psychology and create unique campaigns to help businesses get more sales and awareness. The job changes frequently with the constant changes by social media and Google's algorithms, so it will always keep you on your toes to keep up with the changes. Work-Life Balance: The most exciting part about being an online marketer is that you can do this career anywhere, as long as you have wifi. You can have clients from all over the world and help businesses grow. 5. Software Developer: The high-paying career of a software developer is an ideal job for many computer lovers. Not only does it pay very well, but also, usually the companies that hire you will provide many awesome benefits and a positive work environment. Take Google, for example, they treat their employees to outings and picnics regularly, as well as health bonuses and three free meals a day! Work-Life Balance: Depending on your work environment, you could be working for an awesome company that focuses on giving a high level of work-life balance to their employees. It is definitely one of the most fun careers to pursue if you get in with the big companies. 6. Dental Hygienist: Being in the medical career field, the life of a dental Hygienist is rewarding and very fulfilling. You are helping people become healthy and have beautiful smiles that will build their confidence for life. Work-life Balance: Because of the clinical setting for a dental hygienist, there are usually no expectations to work on weekends or holidays. You will also work during business hours, and have the choice of part or full time. This makes being a dental hygienist one of the best jobs to support a family. 7. Hair Stylist: Being a hair stylist is a very rewarding career, usually, you get to wear your own clothing, and socialize with customers as you assist them to look and feel their best, boosting their confidence and helping them to feel amazing. If you are used to a boring desk job, becoming a hairstylist is pretty much an exact opposite. You will be standing most of the day, moving around, talking, and providing immediate results for your clients. Work-Life Balance: Because of the flexibility of the job, you can basically create your own hours, especially if you own the salon. This enables to you create a schedule around your family events and spend more time with those you love. 8. Pharmacy Technician: The career of a pharmacy technician is both challenging and rewarding. The duties involve tasks that take some mathematical skills and attention to detail, such as ensuring that the medications are filled at the right time. Work-Life Balance: Because of the typical hours of operation for a pharmacy, there is usually no expectation of long hours and overtime. This allows for more time with family and doing the things and activities you love to do. A pharmacy technician is one of the most family-friendly careers on the list, learn more about this great career if it interests you. Learn More About Family-Friendly Careers: If any of these family-friendly careers interest you, perfect! It is never too late to make a career choice that will give you a better quality of life and the ability to spend more time with your family. If you are ready to get started on a new career path, check out our article on how to rock your first job interview. Read Also: How To Start Your Career As A Financial Advisor? Top Things To Know Before Entering A Medical Career

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how to become a stockbroker

Let’s Make a Deal: Learn How to Become a Stockbroker

Many people don't have the time or energy to manage their own stock portfolios. Individuals and institutions alike outsource this job to a stockbroker. How to become a stockbroker will not be a matter of question if you follow the write-up in an effective manner. If you're interested in becoming a stockbroker, know that the competition is fierce. Many people leaving school are looking to become stockbrokers. Do you have what it takes to make your way in this career? Being a stockbroker isn't easy. You'll face long hours and need strong dedication. If you think you can do it, give it a shot. Continue reading below to find out how to become a stockbroker. Slay the competition and join the ranks. How To Become A Stockbroker? The world of finance is one filled with glamourized notions of wealth and excitement. If you're successful, this could be a reality. You should first think hard about this decision. This career isn't for everyone. Introverts and extroverts alike can find themselves with a successful finance career. You'll face challenges, as the process of becoming a stockbroker is intense and demanding. First, consider your skill set. A stockbroker spends many hours of the workday on the phone. You'll need to be able to communicate well with clients and other traders. Research is essential. You'll need an in-depth understanding of the stock market. You should be able to relay this information to your clients in a digestible fashion. Let's talk about education. How Required Education: Often, stockbrokers don't need to fulfill any specific education requirements. That doesn't mean, however, that you will get away without a college education. The competition is tight. A bachelor's degree is almost always necessary if you want to stand out. A master's degree would be better. This will show your prospective employers that you've acquired additional skills and abilities. You won't need to have a specific major, but a degree in finance or business will help. Think about degrees in accounting, business, economics, or finance. Search Internships: Many brokerage firms and investments banks offer internship programs. This will give you an opportunity to work in a finance environment. You'll have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the profession. You'll have a higher chance of getting hired once you graduate. Think of an internship as a sort of extended interview. Licensing: To work as a stockbroker, you'll need to obtain the necessary licensing. To obtain the licensing, you'll need to pass two exams. These are the Series 7 and Series 63 exams. These can be pricey but you can get a personal, business, or student loan for this purpose from NowLoan.co.uk or similar brokers. The Series 7 exam covers the trading of different types of securities. Series 63 focuses largely on state laws and regulations. You'll need to find a sponsor before you can sit for the exams. You'll probably need to get hired by a brokerage firm or investment bank before you take the exams. They should be registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Committee (FINRA) or another similar authority. Some firms and banks may require additional certifications. You should ask about this during the hiring process. Certain licenses and certifications will increase your chances and earning potential. Other Considerations: Becoming a stockbroker is no easy task. Potential hires are subject to harsh scrutiny. Different ways you need to consider how to become a stockbroker. Background Checks: Brokerage firms and investment banks will run a background check to examine your criminal and financial history. If you have a history of serious legal trouble, you'll be thrown out of the hiring pool. If you have proven to be financially irresponsible, this will damage your chances. This means you shouldn't have any recent tax liens, repossessions, or bankruptcies. Remember, you're interested in a finance career. Your job will be to give advice to clients about managing their investment portfolio. If you can't handle your own finances, how can you be trusted to handle another's? Finding a Firm: Not all firms and investment banks are the same. Some are larger or smaller. Some work internationally. Find one that fits your desires and personality. New stockbrokers often find large firms to be intimidating. You'll be surrounded by people who know what they're doing. Smaller firms are good for those who want a more communal feel. These environments tend to be a bit warmer. They also tend to offer higher commission rates. The downside to a smaller firm is the size. The name is less-known. It may be more difficult to find potential clients. Some firms allow you to become a sub-broker. Sub-brokers act on behalf of a brokerage firm but are not a member of one. Kotak Securities Franchise is one such company. To do this, you must meet most of the same requirements as a regular stockbroker. Working on Commission: As a stockbroker, you'll get paid on commission. The client pays a commission on the trades you execute. It's up to you to build a clientele and gain confidence. The commission from each trade will get split between you and the firm. Your firm may offer you a higher or lower commission rate based on the number of trades you execute. If you execute more trades, you'll likely get a larger share of the commission. The firm has a vested interest in generating revenue. Many firms increase their share of the commission if they generate more revenue. This acts as an incentive and a means of generating more business. Dedication: Many new stockbrokers back out of the game. You'll need to demonstrate a strong work ethic and drive. The most successful stockbrokers are those who put in the hours and dedicate their soul to the profession. That's why you should be absolutely sure you want to become a stockbroker before you make the choice. Getting Started In Finance: The world of finance is somewhat enigmatic to the average citizen. If you're thinking about a finance career, you're probably already aware of some of the quirks. This guide is meant to give you an introduction to the basics of how to become a stockbroker. Take the time to think about the requirements and decide if this is a career for you. To find out more, check out our other finance-related topics. Read Also: Is Polyester Stretchy? – Its Materials & Properties [Detailed Explanation] Top 6 Different Types Of Scarves Names And Its Benefits How to Thicken Chili – Tried and Tested

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coaching

Fast-Track Your Career: 7 Things You Should Know About Executive Coaching

What if you could get back double the money you invested? Would that be worthwhile to you? What if it weren't double, but five times what you put in? Very few people would oppose doubling their money. And not a single person would turn down the chance to multiply it by five. Because of this fact, executive coaching has become more popular in recent years. Today, many consider it an essential part of running a business. Just as calling the perfect play in football takes time and work with a coach, so too does running a large company. What other benefits can coaching provide? Here are some things you might not know about the profits it yields. What Coaching Isn't: In the early days of executive coaching, the word coaching wasn't in use yet. Instead, businesses hired counseling executives for managers to have one-on-one time with. These executives filled the role of a psychologist for the management staff. For a time, counseling had exclusive applications to business. Today, a counselor is not a coach anymore. Other words that some people confuse with a coach include therapist, consultant, or mentor. While these all offer advice based on their knowledge, they differ from coaches in how they offer advice. A mentor offers advice based on their experience in similar situations. They may even be grooming a person to move up the ladder. But a mentor will often expect you to follow the advice they offer. A consultant comes at the request of the company. He or she has an area of expertise, and companies pay them to offer advice based on that knowledge. A consultant tells you what to do, but doesn't have a stake in you or your business. At the end of the day, he won't care whether you do it or not. She will get paid either way. A therapist serves any person well. However, a therapist guides a person through a healing process. You grow as a result, but that growth may not help the business. Coaching For Perspectives On Self: Now that there's an understanding of what a coach isn't, an exploration of what one is can be made. Much like a therapist, the coach has an active interest in their coachee. And like the mentor, they want to see growth. Blind Spots: A coach points out blind spots. Everyone has things that they don't, can't, or aren't trained to see. The coach shows these to you. He doesn't show them with the expectation that you will do something. Nor even with the belief that something has to be done. Rather, coaches want to alert you about the existence of these blind spots. Time Management: No one is a stranger to feeling like their time keeps getting away from them. Time might be the most limited resource we have. Coaches see our blind spots when it comes to time management as well. But why is this so important? Understand that others want your job, and it's coaching to the rescue again. Learning how to manage your time better allows you to get more done than you would otherwise. And this area serves as one of the biggest reasons to hire a coach in the first place. This might be where they make back the money invested in a coach. Interpersonal Skills: It is difficult to put this either under business or self-improvement because it benefits both. But with its close relation to blind spots, it will go here. Everyone has the kind of person they like working with or for. The natural tendency is to want to work with similar people. The problem is the abundance of similar weaknesses. Coaches help develop interpersonal skills. And they shine a light on the lack of complementary strengths and weaknesses. Executive Coaching For The Business: Now that you know how an executive coach can help you grow and evolve as a person, you might wonder what he can do for your career. Let's find out! Encourages Discussion: You may have heard the old adage about looking at things with fresh eyes. This remains true in business as well. Coaches provide those fresh eyes to look at the business from the outside. Have managers or lower-level employees been sitting on ideas about improvement? A fresh perspective may help open up lines of communication. And even bring those ideas to the surface. Communicate Gooder... More Goodly: Communication is the meaningful exchange of ideas. Roughly half of the executives say they need the most help in their communication. Along with encouraging discussions, coaches teach executives how to communicate. Don't confuse this with monologuing or talking to someone. Coaches teach you how to make everyone feel heard and listened to. What's more, you will learn how to speak with grace. Privacy and Confidentiality: Coaching sessions need the same rules as Vegas. What's said here, stays here. In this way, the coach takes a similar role to the therapist. No more than three people ever need to know about what goes on with you and your coach. You, your coach, and sometimes your supervisor. Still, the coaching space maintains privacy on anything you say. Without this, all the rest of coaching fails since honesty and transparency disappear. Beyond the amount of money wasted, broken trust heals slowly. Setting Goals: A big question to ask yourself before every meeting is "What do I want to accomplish this session?" Goals for coaching sessions mirror goals for the rest of your life. They need to include specific details and be attainable. They must also be relevant and time-bound - you only have an hour to accomplish them. At the very least, lay the groundwork for reaching your goals. To find out what else will be discussed, read more here. Ready, Set... Stop: Most define the world of business with the word "GO!" But coaching requires stopping. Everything else is tabled for one hour of your week. During that one hour, phone calls, running around, and errands all stop. It may seem counterproductive. But moving doesn't mean you're being productive. Coaching teaches you to move with purpose. Executive coaching holds the keys to keeping and growing your business. If you want to learn more about our business insights, find them here. Read Also: 6 Techniques To Improve Your Work-From-Home Career Seeking A Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers To Check Out

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Project Manager

How to Spot an Elite Project Manager

Every entrepreneur wants to achieve growth and success in their businesses, one aspect that is very important in every business is the people who work for it and especially their leaders. A project manager must ensure that every project that the business is working on succeeds without failure or waste of resources. In this case, a project manager is expected to have topnotch skills and be strategic in everything he does. Being a leader, they are also expected to not only direct their respective teams but also exercise collaboration with everyone involved. Learn how to identify an elite project manager by checking for the following attributes. 1. Reliable Judgment: A project manager is like any leader and is expected to make many important decisions in the company. He must also be able to strategically prioritize tasks at work to ensure that every aspect of each project is taken care of. His judgment in every decision is very important, and this includes his ability to determine project scope, budget, job scheduling, resource allocation and job assigning to every person in the team among other responsibilities. Brian Setencich warns that if a project manager makes a poor judgment in any of these responsibilities, the entire project is affected. 2. Communication Skills: The project manager is expected to direct other people involved in the project and therefore must communicate all of his directives effectively. Also, a project is usually carried out by different people and everyone involved including the leaders is expected to work on building a positive relationship with other members of the team. The project manager should be able to communicate his directives and instructions in a result-oriented manner. An elite project manager should be able to ask the right questions, address everyone respectively and also listen to his team members because when they are free with their leader, it becomes easy to express their opinions and creativity. 3. Enhance Other People’s Skills: An effective manager is one who can spot a strong opinion from his subordinates and is willing to listen and implement it in the organization if considered viable for the project. People feel more motivated to do more when their opinions and creativity is valued. A project manager should, therefore, give these people the freedom to showcase their skills and talents without limitation. If possible, he should also push for training and development of his team members for better results with the project and the overall performance of the organization. 4. Ability To Think And Act Strategically: A project manager holds a very strategic position in an organization and therefore must be very tactical in every decision he makes. Brian Setencich insists that a project manager should be able to see the big picture in every aspect of the project he is managing and then direct others towards that vision. He is supposed to be very strategic when making every administrative and financial consideration. Another important consideration an elite manager is supposed to make is on how to assign jobs in the project whereby he matches skills and tasks in question without being biased. 5. Ability To Manage Risks: The world today is changing at a high rate, and it is only those who are prepared for change who will be able to survive and thrive in such times. For instance technology advancement is very rapid and the internet keeps on introducing new aspects to people’s personal lives and businesses. Some of these changes might come as risk factors for a specific project, and a good project manager should be prepared before damage happens. An elite manager should remain active and agile in their mindset so as to effectively manage risks as soon as they are anticipated. Recruiting leaders in a business can be more overwhelming than when acquiring any other employee because of the solidity of skills required. If you are hiring a project manager and you are not sure how to acquire an elite one, then consider working with an experienced employment agency. Read Also: Perfect Resume Samples For Every Job How To Live Healthily Even If You Have A Full-Time Job Is Your Company Offering Enough To Potential Employees?  

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Potential Employees

Is Your Company Offering Enough to Potential Employees?

In a world where businesses can rise and fall in a single day, it’s important that your company offers your current and potential staff something that sets you apart from others in the industry. Not only does your company become more attractive to hard-working talent, but you can better retain employees who you have spent time and resource training. This is particularly important when you have hired account managers who are often the sole point of contact for your contracted customers or regular clients, you don’t want to have a revolving door of contacts as this can reflect poorly on the company as a whole. Catering to Staff Needs: While salary is a large part of keeping employees happy, without sufficient managerial training, dedicated employee support or a good working environment, you’ll find your employee turnover isn’t as low as you should be aiming for. To ensure your staff are comfortable while at work, they should at the very minimum have unrestricted access to the bathroom and freely able to quench their thirst with water. Additionally, you can offer facilities for tea and coffee, which the majority of workers drink, although if you find time spent making drinks or in the kitchen increases to non-productive levels, consider introducing tea breaks or reducing tea and coffee to a handful of rounds a day. Some offices offer their employees a mixture of healthy or unhealthy snacks or offer breakfast foods so staff can get into the office a bit earlier and settle at their desk before the day officially begins. The more you offer in the way of refreshments, the less your staff will need to leave the premises for lunch or tea breaks, this prevents employees from getting caught up in lunchtime traffic around cities and towns or busy industrial areas and sees productivity rise as staff feel less rushed to have their lunch and get back to work. Providing Quality Break Out Areas: If your company premises have space for a breakout area, it should be a nice area that staff wants to be, rather than somewhere they want to avoid. Add comfortable chairs, rather than cold, hard, fast food benches, fun colours or decoration that is aesthetically pleasing such as your company rewards and images of the company workforce. You can also provide a means of entertainment, whether this is a pool table, air hockey table or a games system. Something that not only gives your staff something to do while on their break but gives them the opportunity to socialise with each other in a less rigid environment. Talk to your existing staff about what they’d like to have available to them in a breakout area, take suggestions and possibly organise a fundraiser between the staff if their favourable and unanimous asks go above the company budget. Offer Bonuses and Rewards: In addition to a competitive salary, employees like to see rewards and/or bonuses for hitting goals and targets or when they have been working particularly hard for a specific client or to meet an impending deadline. While in the past, bonuses were typically monetary, there are alternative options for rewarding staff without having to cut an increased cheque. Where time and resource are available, consider gifting staff an extra paid day of annual leave or a more flexible working schedule to improve their work-life balance. You can also offer vouchers, meals out and experiences for your employees, although not everyone will appreciate these types of rewards so talk to your employees personally about setting up a reward or bonus scheme in your company. Together you can come up with some suitable personal rewards or general bonuses that can be given out and gratefully received by any hard-working individual. Spend some time looking for inspiration from bonus scheme examples with your staff and encourage them to set goals together as a team. Competitive Salary: The unfavourable topic, everyone wants more of it, some people may be eligible while others don’t meet the minimum requirements but sometimes companies can find themselves struggling to meet demands and keep all their staff happy. If you are concerned the salaries you are offering are not competitive enough for the industry, considering investing in a salary survey. This is a survey carried out by a dedicated pay review company that returns salaries currently being paid by unnamed competitors in the surrounding and expanded industry based on the employee’s job responsibilities. This allows you to compare like for like and check that your employees are being paid both competitively and fairly for the cost of living in your area and help you make informed remuneration decisions. Talk to your staff about what they feel is lacking in their work environment and work together to ensure needs and reasonable wants are catered to, this will show your staff you care and are loyal to their requirements as individuals. Don’t forget, a happy workforce is a productive one! Read Also: Tips To Improve The Onboarding Process At Your Company How To Live Healthily Even If You Have A Full-Time Job

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Onboarding Process

Tips to Improve the Onboarding Process at Your Company

Your company’s onboarding process is the start of a new working relationship between you and your employee.  Whether or not your new employee succeeds and feels a part of your team can depend somewhat on this process.  The onboarding process is the way your employee can see how business is conducted at your company.  It is also an opportunity for you to get to know your new hire and have your working relationship off to a good start. Start Slow: While it is entirely natural to want to have your new employee working as soon as possible, it is best to allow your new hire to warm up to the environment.  Give the new employee breathing room.  Take the process one step at a time to avoid the beginning of employment being completely overwhelming. Have a Plan: Have a documented onboarding and training plan even if you only have a few employees or small business.  Be clear about your expectations.  You can make updates to the program as needed. As your company grows, you will be able to determine if portions of your plan need tweaking.  Make the necessary changes as needed, but keep it in writing, clear, and concise. Conduct Training for the Onboarding Process: Train the employees who will be conducting the onboarding.  They need to have critical points for explaining expectations and other processes.  If possible, keep one person in charge of the onboarding process. Do Something to Make Your Employees Feel Welcome: Let your new employees know that you feel fortunate to have them with your company.  Encourage them to give their input on individual decisions.  A welcome email or a company mug will go a long way to let your new hire feel wanted in the company. Make Your New Hire Feel at Ease: Take steps to ease any anxiety or uneasiness your new employees might have.  Ask your other employees to give them a warm greeting.  Introduce your new employee to everyone on your team.  Personalize the experience as much as possible.  Give your new employee a company roster so other employees can be easily contacted.  Have your employee's workstation set up, and, encourage your other employees to introduce themselves. Make the Experience Interactive: Gamification works great with human resources and new hires.  This will keep your new employee engaged during onboarding.  LinkedIn, Bazaarvoice, and Rackspace is excellent for utilizing gamification and bringing new employees up to speed on company culture. Help them to Be Clear about How to be Successful: Help your new hire to understand your company’s goals.  Let them see their own key performance indicators.  Give them an overview of the promotion process and the resources provided to help them. Familiarize them with The Target System: Security procedures and features should be introduced to your new employee right away.  Provide them with the domain name and IP as well any other information they might need to access files needed or the online workplace.  Answer any system questions or concerns your new hire might have.  Provide adequate training for your system. Conclusion: If you implement an excellent onboarding system, your employees will trust you, feel comfortable with you, and they will do an excellent job for your company, which, in turn, will be helpful to you. Read Also: Employee Monitoring Linked To Business Growth What Does Business Law State About Monitoring Employees?

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Job Interview

Genius Job Interview Tips That Will Guarantee Success

No matter how experienced are you when the day of a job interview comes your heart starts to beat faster, words get stuck in your throat, and hands shake like on the first date. We know the feeling, and it’s completely natural to be anxious before attending an interview which might decide your future. Nevertheless, there are ways to control stress and anxiety, and solid preparation is one of them. Not to forget, in order to succeed in your next job interview, you have to put a foundation. A great start is your resume, and you should carefully design it depending on the desired position. The first step is to introduce yourself briefly, tell the main facts regarding your previous occupations, educational background, achievements, and skills. Everything should collaborate and bring the best picture. The second step is to design your resume in a way it would stand out and be easier to scan. To help with that use premade resume templates which you can find on Novoresume. In this article we suggest six tips on how to master your next job interview: Before: 1. Use all possible channels for your job interview: In times of the digital revolution, it would be a shame not to use all possible channels and platforms to get needed information. This point is highly valuable while preparing for the job interview, as you can find all the smallest details about the hiring company. Don’t only check the website, but also include social media, blogs, and articles from additional sources. It is beneficial if you can find finance data regarding the company, analyze it and try to take the main points. Use statements about their business, make a basic forecast about the industry, if possible the company itself. It will surprise interviewers and show devotion to your career and compelling research skills. 2. Make yourself look good: A candidate should research the hiring company, however, not to forget, there is a great possibility that the company will check the applicant as well. To represent yourself well, check all social media accounts, publications and other related public data about you. Even though you probably forgot that picture from the party three years ago, it’s still there, and you should be aware that the company can easily spot it. Clean your photo albums, check all embarrassing posts and publications. It might protect you from an embarrassment during the interview. 3. Pick the right time for the interview: According to the online job market platform Glassdoor, there is a certain time that works better for meetings, and might even boost your chances of getting the desired position. It’s recommended to avoid early meetings, late and before lunch interviews. Those simple factors, as interviewers being too sleepy, hungry or tired have a high impact on your chances to get a job. What is the best time for a job interview? It is Tuesday around 10 am, this time makes sense because people are already tuned in a working week, it’s not early morning, but yet no one is wondering about lunch. Therefore, if you have an opportunity to arrange the time, try using Tuesday at 10 am. During: Prepare questions: Although a job interview is used to test your competence for a specific position, it’s also an ideal possibility to show your interest and curiosity in the hiring company. If you prepared well before the big day, then you should have at least a few questions for interviewers. Don’t be shy and ask, however, try to find issues which interested you but you couldn’t find answers online otherwise they might assume you are just lazy. If before the big day you've found facts regarding the business’s success or failure, ask what caused a particular situation. Again, it will show your knowledge about their business and high interest. 5. State why are you perfect for this position: One of the most common questions during job interviews is why did you choose this position and what does make you think you are a good fit. Why do you consider yourself a perfect candidate is the main one because you will have to convince interviewers with your competence. Before the meeting, study the description of the position, what is it required to achieve it, what experience and skills are needed. Accordingly, you will be able to create a brief story about why you are the one who is the best for this job. After: Send a thank you Email: A short thank you note within first 24 hours after your interview is a polite way to remind about yourself. A great chance is that the hiring company had many other applicants and it’s necessary to remind the company about yourself. A formal and brief email mentioning the main takeaways might guarantee you a next stage of the hiring process. Even though you don’t get to the next step, there is a chance they will offer you some other position because of the enthusiasm you’ve shown. A job interview is a challenging experience, but you can master it and reach the best possible outcome. And no matter how many meetings you’ll have that day, spend enough time and carefully prepare. If you pick the tools and techniques that work for you, then you will achieve the desired position without any hassle. All in all, despite all the study and research, use your confidence and take the matter into your own hands. Read Also: Perfect Resume Samples For Every Job Ten Interview Tips That Might Surprise You: The Medical Edition

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