Sunday, May 31, 2020

Room With A Vista

Room With A Vista 4 In a recent article I gave you some tips on deciding whether you needed Microsoft Vista. A few days ago I had my first opportunity to see Aero up close, to experience the new User Account Control security features, and to decide for myself whether the advice I gave you made as much sense as when I first blogged it. It still does. Chris Pirillo tells it well albeit long in a 52-minute YouTube clip about why he’s decided to upgrade to Windows XP from Windows Vista. Basically, there are lots of details and improvements that he likes in Vista but not enough updated software and drivers for him to continue being as productive as he is on XP. It’s hard to disagree â€" in only a few minutes at the keyboard for a family member, I ran into the same issues just trying to burn a CD, a very basic action for a PC in the past 5+ years.eval Another reason to stick with XP is the speed. You read right â€" the speed of XP. Vista requires so much more hardware resources than XP to achieve similar performance so why bother? If you need a new computer, why not just use XP on it and truly reap the benefits of a faster machine? You’ll be amazed at how XP flies on a dual-core CPU and you’ll save a lot of money as the stores have put a price premium on Vista while they try to sell off XP discretely. Some other Vista annoyances include the User Access Control system, which is so bothersome with its popups that you will probably deactivate it, thus completely defeating its purpose of protecting you from malware. There are also the issues of network configuration. Wifi? No problem seeing the antenna but good luck finding where to set the IP address for your network card if you don’t have DHCP enabled on your router.eval Not all is bad. I like Aero’s translucent borders and deep shading, they really do set the tone for this next-generation operating system. Every aspect of the interface has been improved to make it more appealing to the eye, including the new icons that have more color and are finally beginning to resemble what Mac users have enjoyed for years. Too bad we had to wait so long. My favorite new feature by far is the type-as-you-go functionality of the redesigned Start button that works like Quicksilver on the Mac. It’s so easy to find things that you will never bother organizing shortcut folders again. Taking things one step further, Brandon Paddock of the Vista team created Start++, which basically allows you to use that search bar to search anything â€" your computer, your network or the Internet all from the same, easy-to-find spot. For those of you who don’t feel like waiting for Vista to have similar functionality, try FindRun Robot which although donationware is still very powerful (if you keep it, please make a donation and help donationcoder.com continue to do great work). Overall, my opinion hasn’t changed. Although Vista is an improvement in many ways over XP, it still isn’t compelling enough to go out and buy. For the most part, you’re better off keeping your XP machine as long as possible and letting Microsoft and the industry settle down with its newest toy so that when you ultimately must buy a new computer, you won’t have to worry about which of your favorite applications is incompatible. Have you used Vista yet? What’s your take â€" better than you expected, or a letdown?

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

How to Write a Resume For Deloitte

How to Write a Resume For DeloitteWriting a resume for Deloitte is certainly no easy task. You will need to be able to address the various issues that are unique to Deloitte and how to properly include them in your resume as well.This will help to indicate your ability to create a resume for Deloitte with the information on industry experience and other necessary points. It will help if you start out by listing the different positions that you have held in the past. For example, if you were an Account Executive in an earlier role you can list these jobs in the list. Any jobs you held in these various organizations will be included on your resume.Each job position that you may have held will usually include a day-to-day basis for the position. A person who has held this position would usually be able to provide you with several pertinent dates to a particular position. You should use these dates to help you reference the information that is important to you.A resume for Deloitte will often include other documents such as resumes, letters of reference, awards, or letters of recommendation. The document that goes along with the letter of reference must be accurate, complete, and show the type of character that the applicant displays. To ensure that the applicant will be aware of the letter, you should ensure that the name of the person who wrote the letter is listed on the cover page.When writing a resume for Deloitte, you will find that many applicants will want to include the letter at a specific length. Some of the examples that you may see will state that the letter must be no more than two pages long. That is not always true, though, and you may want to request the office to be more lenient.Another part of writing a resume for Deloitte will be the references. The reference that you provide in the information section should be a one hundred percent validation of the information that you provide in the letter of reference. You may also want to list a character reference for the person in the reference.The cover page will contain the information that is considered by the applicant in the matter of his or her resume. The contents of the cover page vary from person to person. In most cases, the cover page will detail a summary of the information that you offer on the other pages of the resume.Writing a resume for Deloitte is a complex task. There are a number of steps that need to be taken when writing a resume for Deloitte. You should review the application carefully to make sure that everything is in order.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

What to Do When You Get Laid Off 7 Crucial Steps - Career Sidekick

What to Do When You Get Laid Off 7 Crucial Steps - Career Sidekick What to Do When You Get Laid Off: 7 Crucial Steps Laid Off / https://www.edenscott.com/blog Whether you see it coming from a mile away, or it comes as a complete shock, being laid off can rock your world.It doesnt have to be a setback (or a drop in pay) in your career, though! With the right steps, you can bounce back and find an equivalent or better position. In this article, youre going to learn how.To help you find a job after being laid off, we created a step-by-step list of X things to do the first week after being laid off.Follow the simple steps and you’ll be organized, calmer, and on the path towards finding a new job, even if you still feel like you don’t know which end is up.Heres what to do after being laid off:7 Things to Do After Being Laid Off:Day 1: Take a break, plan, and organizeLayoffs, as we’ve mentioned, are often unexpected and can leave you feeling vulnerable. Immediately after it happens, do something kind for yourself.Call a friend and grab a drink or two (or three). Get a massage. Take a hike in a beautiful plac e. Make an appointment with your therapist.This is one of the most important things to do after being laid off, because itll help you relax, come to terms with what happened, and prepare mentally for the next stepsLosing your job can feel like rejection, and it’s important to process the emotions associated with that loss. Let yourself feel all your feelings; they are valid and taking at least a day to process them will give you the strength to take the next steps.Then, resist the urge to go send out 100 random job applications, and instead start planning and strategizing.What type of jobs do you want, and why? (Employers love to ask questions like, Why did you apply for this position? so its best to start thinking ahead of time with how youll answer, and how youll explain what you want to do next!)Think about who you can contact in your network that could introduce you to some companies who are hiring. Think about if anyone at your old company can give you a testimonial or lette r of recommendation! Whether its on LinkedIn or elsewhere.Getting rested and in good mental shape, and planning how youll attack your job search before starting, will both get you hired for a better job in the long-run!Day 2: Get the paperwork out of the wayUnfortunately, there is a lot of paperwork associated with a layoff. However, its one of the most important items for what to do after a layoff, and its best to get it out of the way quickly.So first things first: Get your unemployment paperwork and your health insurance paperwork filled out and squared away. You’ll feel better immediately without these administrative tasks hanging over your head.The health insurance piece will look different depending on your situation. Depending on your severance package, some employers might extend your health coverage for a period, while others will offer you COBRA. Some people might choose to explore other options.However you decide to handle it, sorting out health coverage right away is i mportant. After all, you never know when you are going to need it.Your employer should provide you with information about how to apply for unemployment in your state if you qualify.Even if you’ve received a severance package, it’s a good idea to get this piece of the puzzle figured out right away since it can often take several weeks for unemployment checks to begin rolling in.Day 3: Rework your resumeWhether you hope to jump back into the same role as before, or if you plan to make a career change, every job search requires a resume refresh.After a layoff, spend a day creating an updated resume that reflects the skills and experience you gleaned in your most recent role. If you don’t know where to start, consider putting a resume builder to use.Wherever possible, include data and numbers to show off your accomplishments. This step is never more important that after a layoff, when you are eager to prove your value to a new employer.If you need help coming up with accurate acco mplishments and statistics related to your last job, contact your former boss or coworkers. This is also a great networking opportunity; you can end the call by telling them that youre actively job searching since you were laid off, and you wanted to ask if they knew any hiring managers or employers who are growing their teams right now.There are many ways to quantify your achievements on a resume, regardless of your field or job title. Do some research to uncover the best way to articulate achievements in your field.Additional resources:How to write stand-out resume bulletsHow to write a great resume work experience sectionDay 4: Write a cover letterWhile many job seekers erroneously believe that employers don’t read cover letters, they are a powerful tool in any job seeker’s tool box.When faced with candidates who possess similar qualifications, recruiters and hiring managers often turn to cover letters to help them decide which candidate to interview.For that reason, a well-w ritten cover letter can be the tiebreaker between two similarly qualified candidates.Take the time on Day 4 to write a fresh cover letter that highlights and expands upon the skills and experience in your resume.A cover letter shouldn’t rehash your resume; it should illuminate those resume qualifications and paint a picture of who you are as a person and as a candidate.For those who have recently been laid off, a cover letter is also a chance to offer an explanation of why you are no longer in your most recent role.No long account of the layoff is required. Rather, just a line or two will suffice.Here is an example of what you might write:“Although I was a top sales person for my company, my position was eliminated during a restructuring after the company was acquired. I am now looking forward to applying my sales skills in another role.”Day 5: Start spreading the newsThis is one of the most important things to do after getting laid off.Even though you may feel a sense of emba rrassment about losing your job, the truth is that layoffs are a fact of life. These things happen and it doesn’t necessarily reflect what kind of employee you were.Once you’ve had a few days to process and take care of the administrative tasks, start reaching out to your contacts and networking to let them know you are looking for work.This was mentioned above too, but if you havent jumped at the chance to start networking and having conversations yet, now is the time!The bottom line is: People cant help you if they dont know youre searching, or if they dont know that you were just laid off. And you never know what a conversation will lead to so always be networking along with applying on job search engines/websites.Spreading the word in your professional circles is a great way to succeed faster in your job search, and some studies indicate that up to 85 percent of all jobs are filled through networking.Day 6: Account for your availabilityThe next big thing to do after being l aid off is to plan for how youll explain the fact that youre job searching now.Regardless of the reason for your layoff, during the networking and interview process, you are going to have to explain to contacts, colleagues, and recruiters why you are back on the job market.Take the time to decide how you plan to articulate your layoff. Write a short, simple explanation of why you lost your job (“Thanks to budget cuts, ten percent of the company was laid off. Unfortunately, I was one of them.”) and what you hope to do next.Keep it brief and positive. Never badmouth or share negative details about your former employer, but do explain the situation and why the layoff occurred (restructuring, financial difficulties, losing a big client, etc.)Do your best to be upbeat about the possibilities this turn of events has opened in your professional life. For example, you might wrap up your explain by saying something like:“I had such a great learning experience in my last role but now I have the opportunity to apply my skills to another area of the business and expand my skill set.”Day 7: Use your freedom wiselyIt’s often hard to relax and enjoy yourself during a layoff. Money might be tight, or the stress of the job search could be weighing on you.However, it’s wise to do your best to enjoy this time away from the daily grind. If you have the money to travel, do it now.Take advantage of this break to get back in shape. Or, use your free time to take an online course to learn a new skill!Remember, staying positive and productive during a layoff is critical to performing well in job interviews. Youwillget a new job; in fact, most job seekers find a new role within six weeks of launching a job search.Follow these tips for how to find a job after being laid off, and youll have the best chance of getting hired quickly while staying sane in the process.If you have any questions about the info above, or are still unclear on what to do when you get laid off, leave a comment below.About this guest author:Since 2005,LiveCareerhas been developing tools that have helped over 10 million users build stronger resumes, write persuasive cover letters, and develop better interview skills. Land the job you want faster using ourfreeresume examples andresume templates, writing guides, andeasy-to-useresume builder.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

11 Home Improvements For a Safer and Greener Home

11 Home Improvements For a Safer and Greener Home Do you feel safe in your home? What would you do in the case of a fire, burst pipe or robbery? Ever wonder about your homes environmental impact and long to do your part to make your home greener? You dont need to make major changes to address these concerns. For example, you can unplug particular devices or add insulation. It never hurts to put more money back into your household budget with energy-efficient savings either. You can create a   safer and greener home with these eleven improvements: Install Energy Star Products Look for Energy Star products to install energy-efficient doors and storm windows to lower your reliance on electricity. Storm windows decrease heat loss up to 50 percent, and 20 percent of air infiltration occurs through openings in doors and windows. Energy Star or similar energy-efficient products are also available to replace electronic devices and household appliances. Unplug and Use Energy Settings How many devices stay plugged in at all times and often go unused in your home? Unplug items when they arent in use, or remove them from countertops and tabletops altogether. If you need the convenience of keeping the item on, use energy-efficient settings on the device to optimize use and energy savings. Make these changes on your TV, computer, and especially cell phone. Reducing brightness also helps save energy and decreases strain on your eyes. Seal Ducts Fix air leaks further by sealing ducts, which often suffer from poor insulation and have holes and gaps. Ducts should be properly connected and straight. Energy loss of heated air happens when there’s no insulation for ducts, especially if the ducts travel through an attic or crawlspace, which is commonly unheated. Install Programmable Thermostats Help the environment and install programmable thermostats to regulate home temperature automatically while youre asleep, home, or away. Make it a goal to turn back thermostats by 10 percent for a few hours and save more power and money. Improve Water Heater Functioning Water heating is the third biggest energy cost to the home. Using less water, adding insulation, or reducing the thermostat will lower reliance on a water heater. Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient water heater, such as a tankless, on-demand water heater, to lessen your environmental impact. Check the Washer and Dryer Dont let worn and torn rubber hoses burst in the washing machine, which can leak hundreds to thousands of gallons of water onto your floor. If the hoses are over a couple of years old, its time to switch to steel-belted hoses. Water damage is nothing compared to fire risk: Lint can build up in the dryer vent and start a flash fire, which affects up to 15,000 homes every year. Make Heating and Cooling Upgrades Heating and cooling make up 43 percent of your homes utility bill, and with the proper upgrades, insulation, and thermostat adjustments, you can cut your energy savings to heat and cool your home in half. Install a Security System Keep your home safe from break-ins and lower insurance rates by installing a security system. Talk to the representative about a central burglar and fire alarm system because many insurance companies will give you a discount. Go a mile farther by adding fire extinguishers, deadbolts, and smoke detectors, if you dont have them installed already. Motion detecting lights are also an effective, energy-efficient way to deter robbers and other trespassers. Protect With Smoke Detectors Your home needs at least one smoke detector on every level and near sleeping areas, never more than 12 inches from the ceiling. This will optimize the time you have to get out in case of a fire. Dont forget to form, go over, and post your fire escape plan. Once installed, test the batteries at least twice a year. An easy way to remember is to check the detectors and test the batteries every time you adjust your clocks for fall and spring. Smoke detectors themselves are good for about ten years. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting Lighting takes up 11 percent of the average household energy budget, and using energy-efficient lighting technologies can decrease the amount of energy used in your home by 50 percent or more. Look for lighting fixtures and light bulbs that are Energy Star qualified. CFLs are also eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Locate Emergency Shut-Off Valves In case of a crisis, do you know the location of your homes emergency shut-off valves? There are ones for your electricity, water, and gas. Valves vary in size and location depending on the home, and knowing the location can save you money and damage in emergencies, not to mention lives. Water valves and gas systems typically have two kinds of shut-off valves â€" master/main for stopping the flow of water and gas completely, and individual/supply for fixtures and appliances. Water valves must be given a twist sometimes since they get stuck from years of not being used. If not already indicated, clearly mark each valve in the home for all family members. A Safer and Greener Home Pays Off! From installing Energy Star products to knowing the location of your emergency shut-off valves, these eleven tips for home improvement will make you feel safer, improve your environmental impact, and save you money.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Top Five Resume Writing Services

Top Five Resume Writing ServicesIf you are looking for the top five resume writing services, you might want to start by deciding where to look. You can find them on the Internet or in the classified ads.The more opportunities you have, the better your chances will be of finding what you need. You need to take note of the qualifications that the professionals will provide you with when you hire them. Be sure to find out how long they have been in the business, the number of clients they have helped, and whether they are experienced in this type of work.Once you have a list of potentials, you need to decide which are the best to send your resume to the prospective employer. You should select resume writing services that will help you achieve the type of success you are hoping for. You will want to make sure that the services you choose will write the resume to your specifications, as well as your educational background and other factors. Keep in mind that the content that is included i n your resume should be professionally written so that it meets the specifications of the job you are applying for.To really create the resume that you need, there are a few things that you can do. You can send your resume to professional copywriters that specialize in the resume writing field. They will be able to create a resume that is appropriate for your needs.You can also use a top professional service that specializes in these types of services to submit your resume. The results will be professional and you will be able to get your foot in the door of a good position. You can work with professionals in several different ways, but all of them will help you achieve the career you have always wanted.Each service you use will provide you with different tools to help you reach your goal. You can either use their services with your own or with a freelancer. You can choose the one that is right for you, depending on what works best for you. Remember that you should never hire a free lancer because of price, because it can affect your decision.You can use training software that helps you fill out your resume more easily. You can learn to write in a way that is professional. The resume writing software will also provide you with the software that will give you suggestions on the best way to construct your resume.The best way to find the top service is to read about the different services available. Each service has a different approach to hiring professional writers to create your resume, so you will want to read about each service to get a better idea of what you should expect. Find a service that will help you write a great resume to get you the job you deserve.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Hobbies and Interests When Writing a Resume

Hobbies and Interests When Writing a ResumeIf you want to be in demand, the best thing you can do is write about your hobbies and interests when writing a resume. This will ensure that employers will see that you are someone who does not have any problems making ends meet.By doing this, you will already be doing something that will improve your chances of getting a job over the other applicants. If you know that most people applying for a job have a lot of free time, then you should take advantage of that. You should just take the initiative to write about the hobbies and interests when writing a resume.You should start by writing about your hobbies and interests when writing a resume. This will be very important because employers need to see that you have hobbies and interests that are appropriate for working in the field of work. For example, if you are an enthusiast about historical reenactments, you will need to mention that. However, make sure that the information on your resume is pertinent to the job and also include it as a personal interest or passion.Having hobbies and interests when writing a resume will not only help in getting hired but it will also help you in choosing a job. This is because it is vital for you to distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicants. When people read resumes, they usually want to know what they are applying for and how they can get the job. If you write about your hobbies and interests when writing a resume, it will also serve as a personal portfolio that is very attractive and effective.Aside from being able to provide valuable information that employers need, it is also good to be able to show that you have interesting skills. The most suitable hobbies and interests when writing a resume will be those that you are enthusiastic about. That is why it is good to make sure that you are able to show a good work ethic and the ability to succeed. Of course, it is not just about your job application; you also need to sh ow that you are a person who is fun to be around.It is also a good idea to make sure that you talk about your hobbies and interests when writing a resume when your interests overlap with the job that you are applying for. This will help you in making sure that you fit in well and will also open up a lot of opportunities for you. Your employer will be impressed when you demonstrate that you can actually put the hobbies and interests when writing a resume.Being able to write about your hobbies and interests when writing a resume will also help in reducing your stress levels. You need to be aware that there are many people out there who are stressed out when it comes to getting hired for jobs. They do not have any hobbies and interests when writing a resume because they are too busy with their regular jobs. Since they lack a social life, they tend to not look at the ways that they can improve themselves and also have poor eating habits.By doing this, you will be able to show your emplo yer that you are a person who has hobbies and interests when writing a resume. This is a great asset that you can use in your job search. Aside from this, you will also be able to show them that you are someone who does not have problems making ends meet. This will greatly help your chances of being hired.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

How to Use Inclusive Language in Your Small Business - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

How to Use Inclusive Language in Your Small Business Whether you are your own boss, or youre just starting out, you know that the way you talk to others is essential to making a lasting impression and building strong business relationships. The key to communicating effectively is understanding that your intention cannot always be accurately conveyed. Even if you dont mean to say something that offends someone, its still entirely possible to do so. Thats why its important to understand the connotations of everything you say, especially to others who are different from you. Using inclusive language create a more welcoming environment, encourage others to share unique ideas, and help bring new insight to your work. Diverse workplaces are 35% more likely to financially outperform homogenous ones. So when you encourage inclusion in the language you choose, you are not only creating positivity, but youre building a foundation for successful business. So how do you make your language more inclusive? A good rule of thumb is to avoid making assumptions. If youre ever uncertain, its totally fine to ask for clarification on how to address someone. In addition, if you ever find yourself saying something that accidentally excludes someone else, dont be afraid to apologize. For more specifics on inclusive language, check out the infographic below by Fundera:

Friday, May 8, 2020

Career Corner Love Your Job! Finding Fulfillment at Work Part V - Hallie Crawford

Career Corner Love Your Job! Finding Fulfillment at Work Part V Today we continue with step 4 of our 5 step process to help you get started on identifying your Career Values and making changes to feel more fulfilled at work. Step Four: Take action. Make a list of action steps you will commit to in the next 3 weeks to begin honoring your Career Values at work. They can be small steps, and one small step per week is ok. You don’t have to move mountains all at once. If you begin to take steps towards developing greater career fulfillment, the effect will snowball. You will feel better knowing you are doing something about it. Need help clarifying your Career Values? Here’s a quick solution…a Jumpstart Career Coaching Sesssion. In this one-hour session you get to ask as many questions about your career goals as time permits. If you feel stuck where you are and just need a little boost to get you moving forward, sign up now. For free tips, tools, and expert advice on finding a career youre passionate about, visit my Web site at www.halliecrawford.com. Be sure to stay tuned on Thursday for our last step! Career Planning Coach