Thursday, May 28, 2020

The Secret Cover Letter Headline Formula

The Secret Cover Letter Headline Formula How do you grab an employer’s attention? Simple. You hit them with an effective cover letter headline that entices them to find out more about you. By investing your time and creativity in a great cover letter headline you will maximize your chances of being picked for an interview. You have only a few seconds to grab an employers attention when youre hoping for a job interview. So why waste words? Nab him or her with this little known secret technique. When used effectively, a compelling headline practically guarantees that he or she will keep reading until the very last word of your cover letter. Notice headlines around you: Check out any newspaper (especially a tabloid), the headlines are typically designed to stir up your interest. Now reread the headline in this article. The Secret Cover Letter Headline Formula. Notice how it sparks curiosity, and grabs interest â€" everyone wants to know a secret Wouldnt you like to fire up your reader in the same way? You can, with a great headline of your own. The first impression will last: Now think of the results youll experience when your job search cover letter starts with a strong and interesting statement. The hiring manager will actually be very keen to meet you, to discover your ability to do the job, and then to hire you, maybe even on the spot. People scan first, read later: Remember, busy people skim through a document first and then decide whether to read later. If you want them to keep reading your cover letter, hook them with a strong headline that practically jumps off the page. Where should you place the headline? This may seem obvious but put it the very the top of your next job-search cover letter. It will be the first thing the employer sees, commanding his or her full attention. How to write a winning cover letter headline: Just above the typical greeting in your cover letter (Dear Mr. Smith), place your hot headline. To make it even more effective, use bold-face print and center it on the page. (Two lines maximum). Examples of efficient headlines: Im really excited about the job opening for (JOB TITLE)! 3 Reasons Im An Excellent Fit For (JOB TITLE). Are You Still Looking To Fill The Position Of (JOB TITLE)? Heres Why I Sincerely Believe I Might Be Just What  Youre Searching For… With a headline like one of the above, what do you think Mr. Smith will do? Scan and trash, or read on with interest and possibly call you for an interview? Using the magic of a strong headline at the beginning of your next job search cover letter can land you the perfect interview for the perfect job. Conclusion: Employees who are clear and passionate communicators will be an asset to any employer. By demonstrating your headline writing skills and grabbing the attention, you have taken the first step to impressing the hiring manager. Just like any good candidate needs to stand out from the fierce competition, any resume and cover letter must do the same. Without a punchy headline, your cover letter risks get lost in the slush pile of the same old, same old correspondence, and chucked in the bin. Further reading at How To Write Your Bio Like a Pro.  Image: Shutterstock.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Automate Your Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Automate Your Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Is there such a thing as automating anything?   Or, is human interaction necessary at every level? I posed those questions over dinner last week to Brandon Kennington and Matt Dotson, the two thought leaders who podcast Automate My Small Business. MATT: And you know both of us have been focused on the internet for most of the things that we’ve done, and I think it’s going to give you a really competitive advantage because I think all the internet businesses are expected to be automated. You’re expected to do all this stuff, but all the people you’re competing against in the local business this is really foreign to them. And they probably have been around for a while, and I think you have the opportunity to have a huge competitive advantage against them. BRANDON: Yeah. Even simple marketing ideas, like adding your company to the Google maps directory you’d be surprised how many local businesses are still not listed on the Google maps directory. These guys really know how to automate your small business, and if you’re an entrepreneur, solopreneur, or a budding “soon to be,” then it’s really worth your while to listen to their podcasts. How about for a personal brand â€" can you automate your brand? I believe you can automate much of it so that you can maximize the time you do have for real human interaction,, which is a requirement of online networking. Here’s how: Make sure you have a good social media profile on the “big three” (LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook) Link your profiles to HootSuite.   In Hootsuite, you can schedule your tweets out on a consistent basis. It’s a great way to share your blog content, a book you’ve read, a helpful PDF, or an informative YouTube video. Now, I know some of you are shaking your heads saying “no,” social media is meant to be personal.   And I couldn’t agree more!   What I’m suggesting is to share your resources through these scheduled tweets so that when you jump in on your scheduled time with these social platforms, all you’re doing is conversing and retweeting; answering LinkedIn questions, or asking good questions; or engaging with your fans on Facebook. Many clients I work with lose time online because they’re trying to balance that conversation as it’s happening. For example, the thoughts range from “hmm, I just sent out a factoid; so now I’ll RT (retweet), and next I’ll share my new blog post, etc.”   They’re creating it on the fly and that kind of creation as you go along is where massive slow down happens. If you want to streamline your online interactions, then use a sage time management practice â€" plan and manage what you can so that you can spend the bulk of your time taking care of, in a very personal manner, those things that come up that need your personal touch. Isn’t conversation the most personal touch of all? Or, as my favorite saying goes â€" “Be efficient with things; be effective with people.” Listen to what’s being said about your brand and industry/profession Here’s how to set up a brand listening station.   You can only jump into the conversation successfully if you know what’s being said. Put yourself on a schedule Why is it we schedule things that are important to someone else but not what matters most to us?   Employ yourself into managing your personal brand â€" even if you employ yourself just 15 to 30 minutes every day.       Listen to what’s being said in your areas of interest and your brand and engage! There are many things that can be automated.   What do you automate? Please share your systems and resources in the comment section. Author: Maria Elena Duron, Chief Engagement Officer of buzz2bucks â€" a word of mouth firm , is focused on creating community around personal or business brands.   Duron produces the high-velocity Twitter Chat, #brandchat, and is Managing Editor of the Personal Branding Blog.   Known for creating community around your personal or business brand, Duron is recognized by Texas Meetings and Events, as the 2009 Best of Texas (and is nominated for the 2010 award) and will speak a the 11th Annual Texas Conference for Women in November 2010.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

FlexJobs Names Top Career Categories Companies for Freelance Jobs

FlexJobs Names Top Career Categories Companies for Freelance Jobs 35% of the total U.S. workforce currently freelance. Boulder, CO, March 12, 2018 According a survey from FlexJobs, freelancers enjoy work on average more than their non-freelance counterparts. To demonstrate the various opportunities in the freelance job marketplace and help freelancers connect to jobs they enjoy, FlexJobs has identified the top 10 career categories and the top 30 companies hiring freelancers so far in 2018. These lists are based on an analysis of over 49,000 companies and their freelance job posting histories in FlexJobs’ database between January 1 and February 28, 2018. The Top Five Careers For Freelance Computer IT, Accounting Finance, HR Recruiting, Editing, and Administrative are the top five career categories with the most freelance job listings in 2018. Kelly Services, Real Staffing and Kforce are the top three companies hiring freelancers. Examples of current diverse freelance job listings include data analyst, receptionist, project manager, bookkeeper, content designer, QA specialist, chemist, proposal writer, and HR specialist. “The type of freelance job opportunities available in the job marketplace has grown substantially over the last decade, covering a wide range of industries,” said Sara Sutton Fell, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs. “The demographics of freelancers are just as varied, spanning generations, educational backgrounds, and career levels, but they share an important commonality, which is that they freelance because they value work-life balance and flexible work arrangements can help them achieve it,” Sutton Fell concluded. The Top 15 Freelance Job Companies Below are the top 15 companies, ordered from greatest to least, for the number of freelance job postings during the first two months of 2018.  The majority of companies featured on this list are staffing agencies and hire for a variety of positions. For the full list of 30 companies and the top 10 career categories with the most freelance job listings, go the the FlexJobs post.   1.    Kelly Services 2.    Real Staffing 3.    Kforce 4.    Accounting Principals 5.    Randstad 6.    Ajilon 7.    Dahl Consulting 8.    Computer Futures 9.    Onward Search 10.  Robert Half 11.  Creative Group 12.  Aerotek 13.  TEKsystems 14.  Adecco 15.  VocoVision According to a new study by WiseBrand, 42% of freelancers reach their earning goal within their first year of freelancing. 52% of those who reached their earning goal within one year earn above $75,000 per year. Tips for Landing a Freelance Job There are a number of different ways to find freelance jobs. Below are some tips to consider: Figure out your freelance niche. Set up a solid freelance foundation. Consider your network. Reach out to old employers. Drum up new business. About FlexJobs FlexJobs is committed to helping people find a better way to work. As the leading online service for professionals seeking remote, flexible schedule, part-time, and freelance jobs, FlexJobs offers opportunities in over 50 career categories, ranging from entry-level to executive and freelance to full-time. FlexJobs also sets itself apart by providing job seekers with a better, safer, and more efficient way to find professional and legitimate flexible jobs. Having helped nearly three million people in their job searches, FlexJobs has appeared in CNN, CNBC, TIME, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and hundreds of other trusted media outlets.  

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Debunking Personal Brand Cultural Myths Part 4 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Debunking Personal Brand Cultural Myths Part 4 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career This is the final part of a 4-part series sharing ‘myths’ of personal branding. While these myths are typical within Japanese culture, they can easily be debunked in other cultures around the world as well. Make sure to also read about myth #1, “I have to give up my group identity,  myth #2, “Personal branding goes against values of humbleness and modesty, and myth #3, Only executives need a personal brand. Personal Branding Cultural Myth #4:  â€œJust work hard and you will be rewarded Japanese are traditionally used to lifetime employment and will stay with the same company until retirement. The lifetime guarantee is implicit, with no written contracts, but real nevertheless. As such, Japanese maintain strong loyalty to the company, and this loyalty is rewarded with natural promotions at standard milestones in an employees career. Changing jobs, especially mid-career, is considered irresponsible and foolish. In the August 2011 edition of The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Journal, William H. Saito compares this to a predictable escalator get into a good university and ride up to graduation. Then get into a safe company, stand obediently to one side, and ride patiently up the escalator to retirement. How to Debunk this Myth The world of work has changed forever and the days of hoping your company or manager recognizes your hard work is risky. Now more than ever it is critical to be more proactive about communicating your unique promise of value. Simply put, millions of other people with similar skills can do your job, so what makes YOU so special? Even in Japan job security and lifetime employment are no longer guaranteed. Previously known for its economic egalitarianism, Japan is now experiencing a widening income gap. Many workers are finding themselves without a steady job as Japanese companies are relying more and more on short-term labor contracts. Market reforms in 2004 made it easier for companies to hire short-term workers in an attempt to make the Japanese economy more competitive. With these new policies, Japan may have unintentionally increased the very inequality that it’s prided itself on avoiding. As a result, Out of Order signs are gradually appearing on these predictable escalators and lines are getting longer as people patiently wait for them to be repaired. However, success in the new working world in Japan will be characterized by jumping on an express elevator with an elevator pitch in hand that communicates a personal brand. Those who have worked to uncover, communicate, and manage their personal brand will be able to take this express elevator to the top. Those who are hoping others will recognize their hard work, will continue to wait in line. Author: Peter  Sterlacci  is known as “Japan’s personal branding pioneer” and is one of only 15 Master level Certified Personal Branding Strategists in the world. He is introducing a leading global personal branding methodology to companies and careerists in Japan and adapting it for the Japanese culture. In a culture where fitting-in is the norm, his mission is to pioneer a ‘cultural shift’ by helping Japanese to stand out in a global environment. His background spans over 21 years in intercultural consulting, international outreach, and global communication coaching.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Creative Recruiting Strategies to Hire Great People

Creative Recruiting Strategies to Hire Great People Photo Credit -Pixabay.comToday, every company wants to hire candidates who have an “out-of-the-box” kind of thinking but only some of them succeed in finding a candidate who thinks beyond the conventional propaganda.The reason why most companies fail to attract the right kind of talent is because the companies are using the same old recruiting strategies.Companies should remember that, to attract great people, the recruiting strategy should also be unique and creative.evalMost of the companies in Dubai the Middle East- turn to recruitment agencies to help them find the right candidate. Teaming up with recruitment agencies in Dubai is considered to be the most cost-effective and efficient way of hiring great people.Whether you’re an in-house hiring manager or a recruiter, you must focus on creating a creative and unique recruiting strategy to achieve your goal of hiring the best candidates for your company/client.If you’re thinking what makes a recruiting strategy creative th en think no more as we’ve got all the answers for you.Following are some ways to help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to recruitment:1. Consider organizing an open house eventPhoto Credit â€" Pixabay.comPicking the right candidate is just like separating wheat from the chaff. That’s why, it’s recommended to host an open house event so that the potential candidates come to you.By organizing an open house event, you’ll not just be able to attract a variety of potential candidates but will also be able to find out which candidate is really interested in working with your company.Hosting an open house event also lets you lower the screening process because non-serious candidates won’t make the effort to attend the open house event and only serious candidates will participate.evalAnother benefit that comes with organizing an open house event is that it lets you see how the potential candidates interact in a group-setting.You’ll be able to assess the communication a nd interpersonal skills of the candidates and decide which candidate has more potential.2. Lets Social Networking sites do the magicPhoto Credit -Flickr.comWe live in an era where technology is at its peak and almost every person is an avid user of the top social networking websites. Most of the hiring managers and recruitment agencies in Dubai use social media as a recruiting tool.Putting up job postings is just not enough, the use of social networking websites is extremely crucial if you want to create a creative recruiting strategy.evalLinkedIn is the place where you’ll find a variety of qualified candidates. Make use of all the recruitment tools provided by LinkedIn and attract the right candidates to your company.Using Facebook to advertise the available vacancies has also proven to be very effective in attracting the right candidates.To make the recruitment process more interactive, you can also consider putting up a fun video on YouTube/Facebook showing how exciting it is t o be a part of your company or how you’ve helped you company’s employees reach new heights in their career.3. Get rid of the same old boring job descriptionsPhoto Credit â€" officevibe.comNo-one’s wants to read a plain standard job description full of jargons and boring terms. If you want to attract creative and out-of-the-box thinkers then the content of your job description should also reflect creativity and uniqueness.Try to spice up the content of your job description and keep the tone a bit informal. Your goal is to make the reader enjoy reading your job description so try to describe all the job requirements and details in a fun and vivid manner.4. Look beyond job fairsPhoto Credit â€" lifecareer.comThere’s definitely more to recruitment than attending job fairs.You’re less likely to find your next superhero in a job fair because the best candidates would probably already have a job. That’s the reason why you should look beyond job fairs and try to attend industry related events.For example: If you’re looking to hire a financial controller then you should consider attending finance focused meet-ups because this is where you’ll find people who have already proved their mark in the industry.5. Search for talent in the most unlikely placesPhoto Credit â€" Pixabay.comYour goal is to lure out the best of the best.evalThe best candidate is not the one who has a long list of qualifications or many years of experience. You can easily find people with qualifications and experience but you know what’s hard to find?It’s hard to find people who are extremely passionate about their work and are always willing to learn more and go the extra mile.Passion and determination is what makes a candidate stand out from others and you’re most likely to find these kind of candidates in the most unlikely places like restaurants, cafes, retail stores etc. Try visiting these places and talk to people about the industry you’re working in and see if they’re passionate about it or not.If you find someone “passionate” enough to join your company, feel free to invite the candidate for an interview.6. How about considering past applicants?Photo Credit â€" maxpixel.freegreatpicture.comSounds like a good idea, right? You may have rejected some applicants in the past due to reasons like lack of experience/qualification but you still have their data, right? The less experienced ones might have gained more experience, who knows?evalThat’s why it’s really important to also consider getting back to the past applicants and know where they currently stand in their career.7. Promote via different media channelsPhoto Credit â€" wikimedia.orgTo be a great recruiter, you should also be a good marketer.Listen to the marketing expert inside you and promote your job postings on different media channels like radio, TV, newspapers, billboards etc.Above are just a few creative recruiting strategies, don’t limit yourself to these only. It’s alway s nice to go the extra mile and think outside the box.The world is full of talent; you just have to be passionate enough to find it. Apart from using the above mentioned strategies, try to brainstorm with your colleagues and come up with creative recruiting strategies unique to your business.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

The Healthcare Puzzle Improving Patient Experience

The Healthcare Puzzle Improving Patient Experience As a healthcare professional, you know very well how difficult it can be to improve the three most important pieces of the healthcare puzzle: patient engagement, consumer satisfaction, and patient access to healthcare. It’s not always easy to provide the kind of service that patients need, yet it is still so important to ensure that everyone has access to it wherever they may live and regardless of their situation. Here is a quick guide to improving patient experience that all healthcare professionals should know about in order to improve the system. It takes a little bit of effort from everybody to raise the standard even higher and ensure the kind of care that people deserve. Access to healthcare: It’s all about prevention A big problem is that many patients tend to only seek medical help once they are injured or in pain. Their problems have, in other words, time to accumulate and build up rather than being handled before their condition potentially escalates. This is undeniably difficult for both parts as the healthcare sector is in need of more professionals and patients may be hesitant to contact their doctor about minor problems. Try to think about what your patient population wants and attempt to offer treatments in a way that is convenient to their specific needs. Start by taking a look at your digital communication strategies, for example, reassess your schedule and consider whether your office hours work for your patients. Another point to this is how your administrative staff is handling appointment calls; this is such an important part of the patient’s experience and they are unlikely to address you with minor issues if they are constantly meeting a busy signal on the other end of the line. Improving patients access through telehealth What they need is, in fact, a system that basically envelopes them and engages with the patients non-stop. The most important thing healthcare professionals can do is to determine how they can expand their care access in order to improve patient care; a 247 doctors answering service may be one of the best solutions so far. That way, your patients are able to reach medical advice even before they are injured or in pain and we are able to reduce the chances of conditions escalating due to a lack of access. Telehealth may also include video conferencing which is, undeniably, more personal and often preferable way of communicating with the patients. Telehealth is also able to open up for improved healthcare offers to two patients groups: those with busy schedules who are unable or unwilling to make a quick trip to the doctor’s office as well as those who live in rural areas. It is perfect for follow-up appointments, in particular, where you only need to have a quick chat about how things are going and don’t need to see the patient in-person. That way, you’ll be able to provide them with the best possible care as well as constant access to healthcare advice without having to stretch your schedule even further.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Grown Up Gigs Jennifer Lee, Coach Best-Selling Author - When I Grow Up

Grown Up Gigs Jennifer Lee, Coach Best-Selling Author - When I Grow Up Yay!  Jennifer Lee  is my guest for Episode 28 of Grown Up Gigs! Michelle Ward Creative Career Coach WhenIGrowUpCoach.com Jennifer Lee Coach + Bestselling Author RightBrainBusinessPlan.com Jennifer Lee has been my business role model for as long as I can remember. When I became a coach, Jenn was there online. I saw her release her book, The Right-Brain Business Plan, and have it become a best-seller. I saw her on CreativeLive and thought: I want to do that. I saw her create a hugely successful video summit, license her programs, release a follow-up book, take off on Fridays for self-care, come out with countless offerings and stay true to her own values, strengths, authenticity and mission. And did I mention that shes the nicest? AND my current business coach? Cause she is, and she is! Needless to say, Im very giddy to have her as my guest here on Grown Up Gigs, where we learn why her rise up the corporate ladder led her to say What am I doing here? rather than bring her fulfillment. We also learn when she knew it was time to become a Woman of the World (aka full-time entrepreneur), why she decided not to follow through on making her art stuff into a business, how she plans and executes, and whether Pat Sajak and Vanna White are as nice as they seem. Catch my girl crush on Jenn Lee by listening to Episode 28 of Grown Up Gigs right here! Show Notes: Find Jennifer on her Artizen Coaching website, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter Learn all about Jennifers best-sellers, The Right-Brain Business Plan and Building Your Business the Right Brain Way, here Join Jenn next week for the Offer Accelerator Simulcast for just $39! Coaches Training Institute Leah Piken Kolidas Heres an example of Jenns intuitive paintings Paper Source Great Big Calendar and all of Jenns sticky notes on em here Asana project management system Jenn and I will be part of the 4th Multi-Passionate Must-Haves bundle sale, where we offer $1599 worth of digital products to help multi-passionate peeps thrive, for just $97 over 72 hours! It starts on May 17th, and you can get all the details in your Inbox that day by signing up for my VIP List here This podcast is sponsored by branded.me, a platform for professionals to have professional branding in minutes Make sure you hit Subscribe  so youll be first to know  about Episode 29 on May 26th, a solo podcast where I give you an honest account of why Im stopping my podcast and whats next.