The top courses to help get you hired July 2015

The top courses to help get you hired July 2015 by Michael Cheary Need a new challenge? Course you do…  Whether you’re looking to learn some new skills to help you kick on with your career, or you just want something more aspirational to read by the pool than a colourful kindle book (sorry E.L.), a new qualification could be your summer saviour.And with discounts available on hundreds of different qualifications, now could be the time you start putting things off.  To help you make your July mean more (for less), here are three of the top courses on reed.co.uk right now:CeMAP ® Mortgage Advisor BundleWhat better way to start off a big summer blowout than with mortgages?Unfortunately we can’t deliver you a better rate on your repayments. We can, however, help you get into the business yourself. And that’s almost the same thing, right?OK, it’s not. However, the CeMAP ® certification is the industry benchmark for Mortgage Advisors, and an absolute pre-requisite for most employers. This comprehensive course provide s all three papers you need to gain the qualification, and all the material you need is included.Once you have completed the full CeMAP ® training you will be a fully Mortgage Advisor in your own right, and be licensed to either work for a financial institution or as an independent self-employed advisor.Still sitting on the fence? We’re offering a 48% discount on all courses sold this month. You know, just because…What do I need? There are no formal pre-requisites.How long will it last? Around 60 hours of part-time study.Perfect for: People who want a better job… (and/or a better mortgage)CeMAP ® Mortgage Advisor Bundle »Sage Accounting TrainingMortgages aren’t really your bag? That’s cool. Luckily CeMAP ® certifications aren’t the only ones to see prices dropping this month.If you’re looking for more of a numbers game, why not consider Sage? Not only is it one of the most popular bookkeeping and payroll management programs in the world, it also happens to be one four letter word that recruiters actually like to see on your CV.Covering core accounting principles such as auditing, balance sheets and verifying financial reports, this package will help build all the foundations you need to start actively applying for accountancy roles, whilst also giving you a shiny new certificate you can use to impress your friends at informal gatherings*.And the best part? There’s a whopping 85% saving available on this course all month. Total career happiness: just £59 away…What do I need? No formal pre-requisites.How long will it last? Just 20 hours (N.B. This should not be taken all at once).Perfect for: People who are all about that bookkeeping.Sage Accounting Training »SEN Teaching CourseA life-changing course for less than £60? Surely, that’s as good as it gets, right?Wrong, internet. This SEN Teaching qualification is one of the most respected and rewarding teaching certifications out there, not to mention as cheap as the proverbial fried potatoe s.The course has been specifically designed to help learners understand the skills involved in working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). So whether you’re looking for a teaching role that truly makes a difference, you work with SEN children on a regular basis, or you just want to learn something new, this course is for you.So if you’re interested in helping change children’s lives for the better, what are you waiting for? Simply click the link below to get started.What do I need? No previous experience or qualifications are necessary in order to get started.How long will it last? Around 80 hours, taken at your own pace.Perfect for: People who live to teach (but only have a £40 budget).SEN Teaching course »*reed.co.uk would not advise taking your certificates to any informal gatherings which may get out of hand. They tend to get quite sticky…    Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advic e Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

How to Avoid Burnout - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How to Avoid Burnout - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career If you are a workaholic, committed to work too much or just spend your time between work and office while doing nothing else during the week, then, chances are that you may start to feel overwhelmed, exhausted and even depressed. Below you can find some hints for motivating yourself and avoid feeling burned out. Sleep Well: A good night sleep is a key element for waking up fresh the following day. On average people need 8 hours of sleep. Therefore, if you sleep less than 8 hours the night before, it is very likely that you will feel less energetic and as a result, it will be more difficult for you to concentrate on your work. Learn to Say No: You cannot keep up with every task and project. You have to set your boundaries and learn to say no to meaningless tasks for your career. Every promise you made adds another work on your plate and divides your energy. When you divide your energy between many tasks, you start to lose your efficiency and hence, you under deliver. Exercise: Regular exercising reduces stress and decreases tension. Also, it boosts your mood and makes you happier. Thus, it prevents depression. Exercising after work or during lunch hour will help you clear your mind, relax and recharge your brain. Therefore, you can become more productive and your performance increases. Have a Hobby: Having a hobby outside of work makes you happier as well as lets you use different skillsets. It also helps you meet new people who share a common interest with you. Therefore, you can at least talk about something other than work and take a break. Ask for Help: When you are stressed or feel burned out, ask for help. You don’t need to get embarrassed for asking help from your coworkers. Probably, you will reach a solution or finish off your task much faster with two or more people compared to you working alone. Don’t forget that nobody can do everything alone and that is why generally people work in teams. Use Your Vacation Days: Some people like to save up their vacation days and rarely use them. However, the goal of a vacation day is to give you some time during the year to relax, have fun and spend more time with your family and friends. Therefore, don’t be one of those people and use your vacation days. Preferably, change your location and go to another city or even another country to do your vacation. I am sure you will feel much happier and energetic when you get back to work.

Strategy Break Lets Bring Back Lunch and Other Retro Workplace Traditions Marla Gottschalk

Strategy Break Lets Bring Back Lunch and Other Retro Workplace Traditions Marla Gottschalk The workplace has evolved at such a break neck pace â€" that we often struggle to comply. So many things have transformed. Social media has revolutionized the tenor of communication and we have all jumped on the mobile carousel. However, 21st century developments, do not necessarily demand that we abandon every example of the old ways of doing business. Sometimes, tried and true traditions still hold quite a bit of workplace punch. In that vein, here are a few methods to enhance your work life with a bit of retro flair. Do lunch (and not at your desk). I love social media, Skype and a great Google hangout â€" but there is nothing like having a conversation with a colleague or friend over a bite to eat, at your favorite lunch time joint. Try this once a week and see what develops. Hold an unplugged meeting. You may not remember what meetings were like before the ever-present distraction of devices, but that doesnt mean you cant give it a whirl. At your next meeting turn all phones, computers and tablets off   â€" then place them in the center of the table for the duration of the meeting. I dare you. Really. Say thank you.   Showing gratitude â€" now there is a topic that never goes out of style. Has someone gone above and beyond as a contributor? Gone out of their way to make your work life easier? Send them a hand written note. (Yes, these still exist.) Start early or stay late. I dont know about you, but working when there is no one else around can be a liberating experience. No calls or interruptions â€" simply dedicated time to think deeply. Everything knocking around within your mind has a chance to ferment and just be. Celebrate a success. I dont mean landing on the moon I mean We completed that Goliath of a proposal or We dealt with that important client or customer problem effectively. Buy a cake bring in coffee drinks. Any small gesture to mark the occasion. Engrave something.  We may not stay at a single organization for 30 years but many of us do achieve a healthy level of tenure. A gold watch might not be feasible, but marking the occasion of a 1, 5 or 10 year anniversary deserves more than a moment of recognition. If you are a freelancer, mark your relationships with organizations in the same manner. Taking a cue from the past is not always the wrong way to run a business. What retro practices would you like to see make a comeback? Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. She also writes for Linkedin and US News World Report.

Connecting Personally Drives Client Loyalty - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Connecting Personally Drives Client Loyalty - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Thanking a tele-marketer for calling is a rarity at best. Instead, the question that comes to mind is whether to hang up immediately or give the person an opportunity to proceed. Hectic schedules are usually the deciding factor. Example #1 Surprisingly, the phone was answered to hear thoughtful words from a telemarketer. Timing couldn’t have been better as a heavy duty project was just completed a moment prior. But what grabbed attention was the fact that there was no obvious use of a script. Instead, the conversation quickly became personal by sharing anecdotes. This is the direct route for building a favorable personal brand. The telemarketer wasn’t solely focused on making a sale. Instead, she concentrated on the possibilities for working together. The conversation sounded genuine and interesting. It was explained upfront that there was  no need for the service but the telemarketers  work was of interest. Surprisingly, by the end of our conversation, the telemarketer was provided appreciation for having called. And an agreement was made to reconnect in a couple of weeks. Example #2 Two people reconnected after having met one another ten years prior at a conference. At the time they lived in different states, but years later recognized they were nearby one another. The two decided to meet for coffee and conversation. It was relaxed, enjoyable and soon each person had recommendations to make. No doubt they will get together again in the near future. Low Key Sales Strategy The better strategy behind selling is to listen for the friendly and authentic nature of another. Passing the initial test, gives the conversation an opportunity to see what might be held in common and where it could lead. This is the low key sales approach that works extremely well. The worst case possible is that no sale will ever be made. On the positive side, an insightful conversation takes place. And the best case is, you both agree to do research and then regroup to brainstorm collaborative ideas. Examine the Past Have you ever been quick to dismiss someone? Looking back, do you believe an opportunity may have been missed? If so consider these ideas in the future: Listen for what’s being said and not being said Should the opening sound genuine, listen to ask clarifying questions Provide your expertise as it relates to what is shared in order to see where the conversation may lead. Do you sometimes go about your routine to have someone’s name come to mind? It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with that person. Simply beginning the conversation with, “I was thinking of you…” will put it on the right footing. Given we are nearing the holidays, this is the perfect time to begin thinking about those with whom you might reconnect. Most business is conducted the last quarter of the year. As a job seeker, reconnect with those you had interviews but never heard back. As salespeople, contact those prospects that weren’t quite ready. You may be in for a very nice surprise! The final note is, upon applying all of the above, a loyal returning and referring clientele begins to develop. Sales Tips: Give every conversation an opportunity. Listen to others for authenticity and areas of common interests. Provide your insights regarding those common interests. Exchange suggestions to help those you encounter. Offer appropriate introductions. Ask how you might be of further help. Accept insights provided and inquire to learn more Determine if there is potential collaborative effort ahead. Suggest a follow-up date to reconvene. Give every opportunity an opportunity. Following these guidelines will lead you to the Smooth Sale!

How to Find the Best Company For Resume Writing Services

How to Find the Best Company For Resume Writing ServicesWhen it comes to finding the best company for resume writing services, a lot of people are not exactly sure where to start. When looking for someone to take care of this part of your job, you want to make sure that you hire someone who is professional, able to deliver what you need and doesn't try to outsource it all. That being said, there are a few different things that you should look for before hiring someone to handle this part of your job. Read on to learn more about the first things that you should check for.Before looking for a company to work with, make sure that you do a little research on your own. This means doing some internet searches so that you can figure out what kind of companies are currently in business and what kind of services they offer. By doing this, you will be able to make sure that you don't end up with an experienced writer who does poorly.Also, you should make sure that the person who is going to wo rk with you is also the one to choose a job from the best company for resume writing services. This means that you should have a consultation so that you can make sure that they are the best company for resume writing services in your area. You can make use of their logo, contact information or even their website. It's better to be safe than sorry.One of the things that you can do to make sure that you are going to be comfortable with the writer that you hire is to ask them questions regarding the services that they are able to offer. Ask them questions like what they can do to help with building up your resume and how they can deal with details that you might have and be confused about. A good writer will be able to do all of these things.Next, you should find out what kind of resume writing services that they offer. This means finding out if they are able to write resumes for various fields like scientific fields, engineering fields, medical fields, technical fields, graphic desig ning and design, English and even science and math. This makes sure that you are able to get the most out of the services that they offer.Lastly, you should check if the best company for resume writing services that you hire is going to provide a guarantee on their services. This is something that you should also be able to get when you are doing a free consultation. This is especially important because you want to make sure that you are going to be able to use the services that you are paying for without having to worry about any problems.Do not feel like you have to sign anything to get started when you are hiring a writer. Some writers might give you a few samples that you can check out before you make a decision on who you want to work with. In addition, some of them might give you a free resume writing sample that you can use to show you how they can make your resume look.Make sure that you take the time to do a little research when it comes to finding the best company for resu me writing services. This will ensure that you are going to be able to work with a writer who is going to give you the results that you are after.

Reviews - Top 5 Job Search Books - CareerAlley

Reviews - Top 5 Job Search Books - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. We can all use help looking for a job. Knowing which resume formats to use, how to network, leveraging the Internet, etc. All of that is very helpful and can help us fast track the job search process. There must be hundreds of job search resource books out there, which are the best ones to use? Following are some reviews of the top 5 job search books to help your make your selection. [easyazon_link asin=1607743620 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=no]What Color Is Your Parachute? 2014: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers[/easyazon_link] Currently #1 on the list and one of the most popular careers books, the updated version includes how to leverage social networks as well as tips on interviewing and getting hired. [easyazon_image add_to_cart=default align=left asin=1607743620 cloaking=default height=160 localization=default locale=US nofollow=default new_window=default src=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51lqSqvW4FL._SL160_.jpg tag=caree07-20 width=106] [easyazon_link asin=1440562199 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=no]Knock em Dead 2014: The Ultimate Job Search Guide[/easyazon_link] Another good resource on job search with lots of great tips. There is a step by step guide for writing resumes and additional information on getting interviews. Once you get the offer, there is a good section on negotiating the best offer. The book includes strategies that have been proven to work over time. [easyazon_image add_to_cart=default align=none asin=1440562199 cloaking=default height=160 localization=default locale=US nofollow=default new_window=default src=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g-UxeK88L._SL160_.jpg tag=caree07-20 width=139] [easyazon_link asin=1607741709 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=no]The 2-Hour Job Search: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster[/easyazon_link] Who wants to spend a lot of time looking for a job? This book, by Steve Dalton, includes a strategy that will help you minimize the amount of time you spend looking for a job by helping you focus on the resources that will get you the best results (quickest). Leveraging technology is key, and Dalton focuses on this as part of the strategy. Can you find a job in 2 hours? Not likely, but this book should help make you more efficient in your search. [easyazon_image add_to_cart=default align=none asin=1607741709 cloaking=default height=160 localization=default locale=US nofollow=default new_window=default src=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414G8P-NizL._SL160_.jpg tag=caree07-20 width=107] [easyazon_link asin=B0056PFONW locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=no]How To Find A Job: When There Are No Jobs[/easyazon_link] This book by Paul Rega not only covers job search in the traditional sense, it also focuses on career management as the driver to bigger and better jobs. Marketing yourself is key and focusing on the right audience for your background is just as important (also see The Four Legs of Job Search). Stories (real experiences) are a key part of this book. The approach is different to what most of us have learned and practiced. Definitely worth a read. [easyazon_image add_to_cart=default align=none asin=B009BA0X70 cloaking=default height=160 localization=default locale=US nofollow=default new_window=default src=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jQ%2BtdpcCL._SL160_.jpg tag=caree07-20 width=100] [easyazon_link asin=1492291137 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=no]How To Build the ULTIMATE LinkedIn Profile[/easyazon_link] LinkedIn is, without a doubt, the largest business network site. It is the number one place to network and find a job. Of course, it will all be a waste if you dont have a stellar profile on LinkedIn. This book, written by Andrew McCarthy, covers a full range of topics. From adding skills and experience to helping decide which photo to use. There are a ton of really good tips in this book (without which it would take you a really long time to figure out). If you are serious about your LinkedIn profile, this is the book for you. [easyazon_image add_to_cart=default align=left asin=1492291137 cloaking=default height=160 localization=default locale=US nofollow=default new_window=default src=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FcChnPZ3L._SL160_.jpg tag=caree07-20 width=107] We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey what where job title, keywords or company city, state or zip jobs by

Are you Running Your Job Search as a Business or a Hobby

Are you Running Your Job Search as a Business or a Hobby Are you Running Your Job Search as a Business or a Hobby? Is finding a new position important to you? Are you unemployed and need to find a job? Are you currently working, but need to change jobs, either within your company or outside? Are you a college graduate with huge loans? There are hundreds of scenarios that make this job search effort THE most important project of your life. But how come you are treating it as a hobby? Why do you dabble in your search with a few hours here and there, sending off resume after resume to anything that looks “do-able”? STOP. Stop the insanity. Soon, I will publish a book called “Cut the Crap, Get a Job”, but allow me to provide some recommendations. After 30+ years in executive sales and marketing positions in Fortune 500 companies while interviewing, hiring and helping thousands of job-seekers, I have developed a new job search process for this new era. Here are some rules for running your job search process like a business: Rule #1: Block as many hours as possible in your calendar. Be much more disciplined about finding a place you can concentrate, accomplish certain tasks, and set more tasks for yourself going forward. Every day that you wake up, you should have a healthy list of next steps that is building in volume. Get up early every day and get to work! Rule #2: Prepare Your Tools. Just as in any job, you need to be organized to document your business objective, track your progress, follow up on prior tasks and be ready to juggle a dozen things at the same time. Set up files to track your tasks and results in Microsoft Excel, OneNote or Word. My favorite is Microsoft OneNote. Have personal networking business cards made up to hand out at events. Rule #3: Set Goals for your Search Make 100 new contacts per month by making cold calls, sending e-mails or even showing up at a companys door. Research companies you want to work for and write customized cover letters focused on what you could do for a company as a future employee. Network aggressively: Look for connections in companies or with people you want to work with. Use the people search function on LinkedIn to help with this. Attend local networking events. For executives, only 10% of your job search should be focused on recruiters. They are valuable…for their clients. So they need to be aware of you, but they are only as good as the searches on their desk. Think about volume. It IS a numbers game. You need to build a pipeline of prospects, opportunities, companies and even geographies that you will pursue. If you think you have a pipeline today, double it. I recommend at least 20 active positions at one time. Even though the job market is undeniably tough, there are more positions available than many people think. But job seekers will have to be smart and disciplined to find them. Make Your Job Search Job #1.