5 Reasons for Leaving a Job and How to Deal Once You Go - TheJobNetwork

5 Reasons for Leaving a Job and How to Deal Once You Go - TheJobNetworkGone are the days when youd start your career as an eager young entry-level employee at a company, then flash-forward to your retirement anlass at the same company, after rising through the ranks (and the various hairstyle and wardrobe changes). It used to be fairly common to commit to a company for the duration of your career, leaving a job only for life changes or unexpected events (getting fired or laid off). These days, the average worker holds ten different jobs before turning 40 years old. Ten Thats a lot of jobs, and a lot of transition. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Now, youre not obligated to have that many different jobs, and if you are willing and able to move from intern to manager to CEO at Widget Corp, go for it For most of us, its not really an option. Economic circumstances change, or theres not enough room for growth. You meet that awesome someone, who just happens to be moving across the country for his or her own job, and wants you to come with.Everyones career path is a little different (and thank goodness for thatwe cant all be web designers or interpretive dance choreographers), so the reasons for leaving are as varied as we are. Lets look at some of the most common, valid reasons for leaving your current job, and how to make the transition from one to the next.1. You hate your job/babo/company2.You want better work-life balance3.You never planned to be initforever4. You dont make enough money5.The decision was made for you1. Leaving a job because you hate your job/boss/company.Sometimes relationships just dont work out. Its not necessarily anyones fault (okay, we all secretly know its their fault), but sometimes a job just isnt a good fit for you. If you find that your work days are mora defined by conflict and unhappiness than by productivity, then yeah, its time to start putting out feelers for a new opportunity.How to verstndigung im strafverfahren with this Your next employer wants to know why you left, and also that youre a reliable bet. If you go into an interview talking smack about your previous distribution policy of employment, the interviewer will think, hmm, is that how hes going to talk about us in a year? So when youre asked why you left, emphasize that it wasnt a good fit. Be specific, but graciousI enjoyed many aspects of my job, and I learned a lot of great leadership skills there, but ultimately I see myself as a manager, and there just wasnt enough room for growth there.2.Leaving a job becauseyou want better work-life balance.If youre working 80 hours a week, but want to carve out more time for your family and fly-fishing hobby, it may be time to start looking elsewhere. If you talk to your boss and there arent ways to make your position flexible enough for your priorities (work-from-home arrangements, flex time off, different work hours), then youre just going to get more and mo re frustrated in your current role.How to deal with this This can be a tricky area in a job interviewpotential employers arent allowed to ask you about family status, health problems, or many personal issues. If youre looking for a more flexible job because you and your partner want to have a baby soon, you dont have to be explicit about the reasons why you might not want to be on call days, nights, and weekends anymore. You can just leave it as a general personal decisionI loved my job as the Parks Director, but in the next leiter of my career I want to find a position where I can grow while also having a more healthy work-life balance. This company appeals to me because I know youre committed to helping employees find that balance.3. Leaving a job because you never planned to be initforever.You take a job because youre looking for something in the interim, or to pay the bills while you finish school to pursue your dream career as a circus clown. Whatever the case may be, its possi ble you never intended this job to be your career-defining role. If thats the case, theres an expiration date looming, whether youve set a specific timeline or not. If that end date is approaching, then its time to get out gracefully.How to deal with this You dont want to look like someone who bolts when things get tough, or when a shiny new opportunity comes along. Make sure you emphasize your long-term goals, without saying (in so many words) that you werent interested in the job long-termI saw my belastung position as a great growth area, where I could improve my skills and get experience, but now its time to move on to my longer term goals, like X.4. Leaving a job because you dont make enough money.This is a perennial favorite among people who leave jobs for other opportunities. Money is one of the most basic facts of our lives, and if you arent making enough at a certain level, or are clearly being paid beneath what youre worth, its not likely that this is an issue that will ju st resolve itself. If youve already done your research to figure out what your job is worth for someone at your skill level and level of experience, have tried to parlay that into a raise, and have been underwhelmed by your companys responseits valid to use that as your excuse for leaving.How to deal with this Money issues require every bit of diplomacy at your disposal. To your soon-to-be-former boss/company, its important not to be bratty about the reason youre leaving. If youve been asked in an interview for a new job about why you left your last one, bringing up money can be a minefield. It could put you at a disadvantage for later negotiations, or could price you right out of the job offer if they think youre expecting six figures and a Ferrari when theyre offering five figures and a discounted Zipcar membership. Be firm about your commitment to moving up in the world, but non-specific about the financial aspect of itAt this point in my career, Im looking for the kind of growth that Former Co. couldnt offer in my previous role. Or if youre talking to Former Co., be honest Based on my role in the company and my achievements here, I was hoping my compensation could be adjusted accordingly. Since weve discussed this and those resources arent available, its time for me to pursue other opportunities. I really appreciate my time here, but its time for me to move on.5. Leaving a job because the decision was made for you.Being ushered out the door is a pretty ironclad reason to leave your job. It might not even have gotten to that point yet, but you can read the writing on the wall. If youre being elbowed out of your job for whatever reason, the spin you put on it is especially important as you look for your next job.How to deal with this If youre dreading the why did you leave? question in an upcoming job interview, start working the spin. Dont lie, especially if you were fired for a reason that will come up in a background check, or if the interviewer happens t o be college roommates with your old boss (its a small world after all, trust me on this). Frame it as a learning experience, and emphasize that youve taken what you could from the situation, and are actively addressing it as part of your futureMy last position wasnt a good fit, and I learned hard lessons about how to approach situations. I made some mistakes in judgment that I strive to overcome every day, and I know that my experience and skills are the stronger for my ongoing efforts.Whatever your reason is for leaving your current job, its so important to make sure that your exit is a classy one. Always keep the tone gracious, no matter how ticked off you may be, or how many grudges youre holding about your workload, your treatment, your boss, the terrible coffee in the break room. Be as honest as you can about your reasons for leaving (without making yourself look bad, or letting a snide or angry tone get the best of you), because you likely have genuine feedback that the compa ny can use in recruiting your replacement, or making personnel decisions in the future.Plus, as I mentioned, most industries are very small worldsyou never know who might hear about your exit, or who might know someone who knows someone who used to work with you. Its in your best interest to make sure that your reasons for leaving are clear, backed up with specific information, and let go as water under the bridge as you get ready for your new job offer, or your job search. No bridge is more useful when its burned, so its important for your reputation (and your own sanity) to keep everything clear and professional.

IVF Myths Debunked

IVF Myths Debunked Infertility treatment has been a taboo topic for so long, as has the IVF process as a whole when it comes to pregnancy. But with more and more celebrities coming out about their trials and errors with IVF and other reproductive technology women like Chrissy Teigan, Celine Dion, and Emma Thompsonthe stigma surrounding a womans uterus is finally lifting. However, there is totenstill an increasing number of misconceptions and myths floating around about the treatment. But what is IVF?In-vitro fertilization IVF, is a technique used to help couples conceive a baby as its a type of infertility treatment. During IVF treatment, an egg is taken from a womaneither directly from the uterus, or from a previously frozen stashand is fertilized by a mans sperm in an IVF laboratory at a fertility clinic via sperm injection. Once fertilized, the egg is then placed back inside the woman uterus where it will hopefully mature throughout pregnancy.Women can choose to use their eggs or a donors. Similarly, the sperm can be from their partner, or from a donor.There are 6 stages of in-vitro fertilization IVF treatment from start to finish according to theNHS. And the process begins far before the eggs are harvested for fertilization and fertilized with a mans sperm in the IVF laboratory.It begins with a woman suppressing her menstrual cycle with specified medication. They are then given hormones and other medications to increase the womans egg supply. Doctors use medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than normal so that there are ample eggs to choose from throughout treatment.While the eggs are being produced, doctors are constantly monitoring the process inside the womans reproductive organsovaries, fallopian tubes, and uteruswith frequent ultrasounds. Once it is established that a fair amount of healthy eggs have been produced, a doctor will conduct an egg retrieval using a needle that is inserted into the ovaries. Or they will use a previously frozen embryo. After this, the eggs are fertilized with a man sperm then reintroduced into the uterus.Doctors often implant one or sometimes two fertilized embryos. Women are then given aelendher round of medication, usually a progesterone supplement to promote implantation.The entire process of in-vitro fertilization typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. This includes the initial round of medications and monitoring up past implantation of the embryo and pregnancy testing. Women undergoing IVF treatment tend to take one pregnancy test approximately 12 days after the embryo transfer. A second pregnancy test is performed a week after the initial positive test, and if the results are still positive, they are scheduled for an ultrasound. Now that a pregnancy has been successful, its 38 weeks of childbearing before that energetic ball of sunshine comes into the world.But even with all this information about IVF treatment available, there are still some questions floating around. Some of them are based on religious and moral outrage, others come from false information found online. There are myths that turn people away from IVF treatment. Maybe they think that because they are infertile that IVF wont work. Maybe they think that they are doing a religious disservice by participating in this treatment. Maybe they dont want the social stigma that comes with having to explain that they had to resort to IVF because of prevailing inaccuracies about IVF treatment. Maybe they think the hormones will drive them insane. Maybe they think the needles are the size of a yardstick.With the treasure trove of inaccurate information about IVF available not only on the internet, but being perpetuated by friends and family, Its important that we make this a topic of conversation that everyone can be comfortable engaging in. In order to do that, its vital to dispel as many myths and misconceptions about the IVF process as we can.10 IVF MythsHere are 10 of the most popular myths surrounding IVF and why they are totally wrong.1. IVF is always successful.Unfortunately, IVF treatment isnt the end-all be-all solution. As a result of things outside of anyones control, IVF isnt a guarantee for anyone.There are of course things a person can do to increase their chances, and a lot of them have to do with mentally preparing for failure. It can take up to five or six rounds of IVF to get an embryo that survives past sperm injection. And this isnt a process that is easy to handle emotionally, physically, or financially.There are a number of physical factors that go into what will bring about successansicht depend on age, previous pregnancies, lifestyle, and type of fertility problem. Thats not to say that any of these will negate a successful IVF treatment entirely, but there are a lot of factors and many people wont have the emotional or financial capacity to keep trying.2. IVF babies have more birth defects.This myth is an outright lie. It might have been a worry back in the day, b ut there is no proof that says IVF causesbirth defects or abnormalities.Children born naturally to parents without fertility problems have a three to five percent risk of birth defects, and there are no studies to show that children born through IVF have any higher risk rates. In a researchstudyconducted by April Dawson and Dr. Jennita Reefhuis, they found that the number of birth defects was actually higher in children born naturally than in those using other techniques and reproductive technology. The natural birth group had 45 documented defects while the artificially birthed group only found 25.To ensure your embryos are free of any defects, do specific testing before they are implanted. PGD screening ensures the healthiest embryo is used.3. Stress lowers the success rate of IVF.According to an article included in the March 2014 edition ofHuman Reproduction, two stress chemicals linked to infertility were studied in over 400 woman. These two biomarkers are called alpha-amylase a nd cortisol. At the end of the study, it was concluded that those with a higher level of alpha-amylase were linked to higher infertility rates.That being said, the actual effect of stress during IVF treatment has yet to be studied and has no scientific backing. It is true that stress causes more people to drop out or discontinue IVF treatment, but there is no indication that a more stressful life leads to a decreased success rate throughout treatment. The success of IVF treatment is all based on an embryo being accepted by the uterus, and stress has little to no affect on this process studies currently show. And these studies fail to take into account the close care given to patients by doctors throughout the treatment, as well as the medication and hormones administered throughout the process. If anything, stress affects the parents of IVF babies more than the actual process and treatment of IVF itself.4. IVF treatment will likely lead to twins and triplets.This misconception stems from the fact that after egg retrieval and fertilization, doctors used to put multiple embryos inside the uterus. That was in the hopes of increasing success rates, but very rarely resulted in multiple fetuses. Nowadays, doctors tend to ensure the one embryo they implant is the best embryo in the bunch. They will sometimes implant two, but it is still much more likely that one will survive while the second will not. The goal of any trained IVF doctor and fertility center is one healthy, happy baby.Most instances of multiple pregnancies come from other methods of fertility treatment. Either a woman is using medication to stimulate increased egg production then gets pregnant naturally, or it is a natural phenomenon caused by the female body. Either way, IVF wont give you triplets or quadruplets.5. Frozen eggs arent as effective as fresh eggs.There is no scientific evidence backing this claim. Any IVF clinic or IVF center will tell you that the procedure can be successful with a fresh egg collection or a frozen egg collection. And while what matters more is the womans egg as opposed to the uterus, as long as the male sperm can effectively fertilize the embryo and its accepted by the uterus, the IVF procedure should be successful. In fact, frozen eggs might be the only option for some women And frozen eggs, and frozen embryos can last for years.When IVF treatment was new, frozen embryos were susceptible to damage from ice crystals, but thats no longer a worry.6. IVF is titelbilded entirely by all insurance companies.Unfortunately, this one is a myth. Nowadays, most insurance companies cover a portion of the IVF process, but what exactly is covered depends on the company and the policy. Some cover examinations and consultations. Some cover testing and treatment. But in 2017 insurance still doesnt cover the full cost of IVF treatment at fertility centers.The good thing is that most clinics already know these things and have counselors ready to talk patients through their options.The IVF program can be an extremely expensive treatment and it might be impossible for some people to cover it without the help of their insurer. Its important, in the meantime, for you to familiarize yourself with your insurance company, plan, and policy coverage.7. IVF increases risk of krebs.Were happy to say this one is an absolute myth There is no study or link that shows that fertility drugs, artificial insemination, or ovarian stimulation are connected to cancer of any kindbreast, ovarian, or any other.A study byJamadebunks this myth entirely. According to the research, which took data from more than 25,000 women, the risk of breast cancer was not increased as a result of ovarian stimulation tied to in-vitro fertilization. The women studied were undergoing fertility treatment from 1980 until 1995, and the study followed up with the participants 21 years later to prove the link to be nonexistent.8. Older women cant go through IVF treatment.This one is slightly t rue, but dont be alarmed Your pregnancy hopes wont be dashed just yet. Women over the age of 45 are encouraged not to get pregnant with IVF because of decreased IVF success rates, but these rates are only based on the success of their own eggs.According to a November 2011studyin Human Reproduction, the success of in-vitro fertilization treatment is based on the eggs used, and not the person carrying the egg. If an older woman used eggs donated by a donor, or eggs frozen from a younger age, the success rates will correlate to that time and person.9. After IVF treatment, you cant do any strenuous activity.Were not sure where this one really came from, but its not true. Whether or not you go on a run the afternoon after you get the embryo implanted doesnt have any effect on the success of your pregnancy. In fact, some believe that altering your normal routine by going on bed rest could have some detrimental effects. Changing up your schedule could mess with your body internally, making it harder for the embryo to be accepted by the woman uterus. Sudden, unexpected bed rest could disrupt blood flow and alter the regular workings of the heart. So instead of heading to bed after your treatment, head out for a nice, relaxing lunch and stroll. Your body, brain, and baby will thank you.10. IVF destroys profil lives.Because of the process of in-vitro fertilization IVF, more eggs are produced within the ovaries, meaning there are more opportunities for life to grow once those eggs are reached by sperm. And many people object to this form of infertility treatment as they see it as a way for scientists to steal potential lives and end them. This is due to the belief that the fertilized embryos created in the lab are innately living beings without taking into account it is still vital that the womans uterus accepts the embryo. It is also a matter of natural selection. More often than not, a fertilized egg never makes it to a mature enough stage to survive in the uterus.In f act, a health woman in perfect birthing condition only has a 20% chance of conceiving a child every month outside of any medical intervention.In SummaryAs with all mind and body related topics, its vital to talk with your doctor. If youre worried about your fertility, or have questions about IVF treatment and other infertility technologies, make sure you contact a professional IVF center or fertility clinic. An IVF procedure at an IVF clinic could give you the answers youre looking for, but the IVF program isnt necessarily for everyone. IVF success rates are based on a number of factors, and just because the IVF success rate for one person is low or high, doesnt mean yours will either. There are still a lot of questions youre sure to have if thinking about pursuing IVF as a way to get pregnant, but hopefully, weve answered a few. And hopefully, weve been able to quell any fears and offer the truth about statements you had previously assumed to be true. The internet is full of myths, but these just got debunked.

Just Landed Your Dream Job Now Keep It.

Just Landed Your Dream Job Now Keep It. You spotted a great opportunity that few others knew about, you got a great application in early, you nailed your interview, impressed the manager and landed the perfect job with a salary and benefits package to die for. On top of it, it binnenseems like you have the best manager, in the world. Job done? Not a chance. Once the honeymoon period is over, you will come back to reality and remember that, your job, like all jobs in this company, starts on a probation period and you need to perform well over the next 3 months for the dream to continue.And, passing the probationary period should not be taken for granted, as according to a study from Wynhurst Group, 22% of staff turnover happens in the first 45 days of employment. You dont want end up like the latest star acquisition to a big sports team who flops and gets let go quietly on a free transfer in the cl ose season.So weve tischset out several tips to help you focus on hitting the ground running in your new job, so you can sail through your probationary period and work towards a long and fulfilling career.1. Clarify Your Goals and understand what support is available.You need to meet your goals if you are to pass your probation, so it is vital that you are clear on your goals. If you manager is not forthcoming with your probationary period goals, be proactive and ask the manager to provide you with your goals. This will create a good impression, and show the manager that your are motivated to succeed. Discuss the goals with your manager to ensure you understand what is required and clarify and confirm exactly what training and support will be available. This approach will give you the greatest chance of meeting/exceeding your goals.2. Ask for an interim probationary review to assess progress against goalsIf your manager does not do this automatically, then ask them for an interim pr obationary review meeting. Why? It means you can see how you are doing and if you are slightly off course, you have enough time to make corrections before you reach the final probationary review. This is a very important step.3. Build Relationships and find out who the Go to people areBeing able to develop and maintain strong working relationship is a key competency required by all employees looking to be an effective performer within a business. You need to be able to collaborate effectively with other staff members in order to achieve many of the goals you may have been set in your probationary period.So one of your key activities during the probationary should be to introduce yourself to your key collaborators which should be internal and external customers, suppliers and colleagues. Attend any team social events and use them to network with and get to know your colleagues. This will help show you are a team player and provide you with a range of potential allies and go to people .4. Quick WinsOne way to make an impact in an organization during the probationary period is to make some quick wins. Being new to the organization you are ideally placed to diagnose organizational or department problems? Why, because you have a fresh pair of eyes and can see the wood for the trees in a way that existing employees may not be able to. It means that you are in a prime position to identify problems and potential improvements which existing employees may have become blind to. Enhancements which could seem obvious to you as an outsider may not be on the radar of existing employees.Therefore, allow yourself to find improvements, (for example, software that can automate a time consuming task) and then present it to your manager and see if they will allow the changes to be made. This kind of initiative will impress your boss and your colleagues too, if their jobs are made easier.5. Build Your ReputationFirst impressions last and it is vital that you engender trust by delive ring what is required time and time again, on time, to budget and to specification. This will help you to build a strong reputation for delivery and meeting targets during your probationary period. It is vital that you build trust in your ability to deliver at all times, but especially in the probationary period as first impressions last and you will get far more return on your investment. So, if you have to work late or work at home to ensure you meet those goals, during your probationary period, then do it.By following these tips you can create a strong impression during the probationary period and start laying the foundations for your longer term reputation in the business.

These are the knowledge, skills and personality traits that successful entrepreneurs have in common

These are the knowledge, skills and personality traits that successful entrepreneurs have in commonThese are the knowledge, skills and personality traits that successful entrepreneurs have in commonThe traits that drive startup founders forward are sometimes seen in a negative light.Entrepreneurs can be seen as aggressive, impatient, hard-headed. And yes, there are plenty of founders who fit that description.But thats only because entrepreneurs usually have a strong instinct around what products will work for people. They push ahead even when others cant see what theyre after.And notlage all of the traits that lead to entrepreneurial success are viewed so negatively. In fact, many of the attributes founders tend to share are essential to their success in relating to others and figuring out what people need.Heres what Ive noticed while collaborating with entrepreneurs at Y Combinator and working on several startups1. CuriosityTechnology develops at different rates and in different way s around the world. Curiosity about those differences is an important attribute for any entrepreneur.Each country has their own interesting, unique economy. And although people in China, the U.S., Japan, or Korea have a common set of desires, they also have different business and social climates. So, people in each place tend to come up with solutions that are distinct from other parts of the world.Id encourage any budding entrepreneur to take a trip to China and witness how technology is developing there. Absorbing differing ideas and concepts is a valuable experience for a founder.2. A Sense of ImpatienceEntrepreneurs need impatience in order to recognize inefficiencies and capitalize on them.People often think of impatience as an unsavory personality trait. But it can actually be very beneficial for an entrepreneur whos trying to create a product that solves an inefficient situation.Part of the reason I started Spin was because I was constantly waiting on Ubers to pick me up and work their way through the traffic around my office. I was impatient, and I decided to craft a solution for my problem rather than waiting around for someone else to solve it.On some level, most people understand theres a better way to do things. And theyd choose that better way if it were available. Taking action and pursuing that solution is what sets entrepreneurs apart.3. SociabilityIts important for any entrepreneur to have a good network of like-minded people to engage with and use for support. It helps tremendously to have people around you who are constantly looking for and solving problems.Ive noticed that great ideas often come from casual meetings and brainstorming sessions. Its not necessarily one person in a garage coming up with a world-changing idea and then championing it all the way to a multi-million dollar exit.Being social and developing that group gives you an opportunity to brainstorm and confirm your ideas and concepts with other people.4. Attention To Basic m enschlich NeedsThe basic necessities of a happy life should always be on an entrepreneurs mind. Food, shelter, companionship, entertainment, simplicity- these are all things that people either need or have a strong desire to obtain.And entrepreneurs have to learn to be perceptive about the problems and inefficiencies around them that relate to human needs.If youre paying attention to what people require, you can find opportunities to improve their experience and help in their pursuits of those needs. Those are the ideas that people will engage with and come to rely on- the ones that help them obtain the essential things in life.5. ReasoningThere are plenty of ways to solve a puzzle. For instance, some people just start picking up pieces and seeing what fits. And that can work, but the task becomes much easier when you begin to think about why each piece fits where it does.For example, bikeshare companies in China are virtually free because they are largely subsidized by two internet giants- Alibaba and Tencent. But in the U.S., Facebook and Google arent in the business of funding bikeshare companies.So, while the general idea of sharing bikes could be transplanted, we knew we had to think about what reasoning would actually make sense in the US. And we eventually had to change the business model to rely more on per-ride revenue.6. FlexibilityEvery entrepreneur has to find the balance between stubbornness and flexibility.You have to be stubborn enough to keep persevering and working on your idea, even when people tell you its silly or you begin to doubt yourself. But you also need to have the flexibility to recognize your first attempt may have been off the mark.Thats happening right now at Spin. We began with bike sharing, but eventually we realized scooters are the better product for American cities. At the outset, we understood the problem, but we didnt have the exact solution nailed down. Were staying flexible enough to recognize a better solution when we s ee it.Theres nothing wrong with tweaking your idea or pivoting to respond to consumer demands. Its just one of several qualities an entrepreneur can benefit from.Euwyn Poon is theCo-Founder and President of Spin.This post was originally published on Quora.com.

Update Your Profile Picture to Connect You at a Glance Find Your Dream Job

Update Your Profile Picture to Connect You at a Glance Find Your Dream JobUpdate Your Profile Picture to Connect You at a Glance - Find Your Dream JobIn Day 5, you updated your professional online profile. Today, you want to make sure that your online profile pictures are just as up-to-date and professional as those profiles. Update Your Profile Picture Your profile picture is an extremely important part of your online presence, as it helps people to connect with you at a glance. You do leid need to hire a professional photographer to take your profile photo, but there are certain things you should take into consideration when taking and selecting your photo. Below are a few tips on how to take and choose an ideal photo for your online profiles. Find a Friend to Help Ask a friend or family member (who is comfortable using a camera) to take your profile picture. If someone else is not available to take the photo, you can take a webshot on your computers camera (if your compu ter has that capability), or take a photo of yourself using the self-timer on your camera. However, do not take the photo using a handheld camera self-photos or selfies appear unprofessional. Smile Select a photo in which you appear to smile in a natural way. A smile will make you appear friendly and approachable to those looking at your profile. Having a friend or family member take your photo will hopefully put you at ease and make your smile look more authentic. If you are deciding between a couple of photos, ask some friends or family members which photo makes you look the most approachable. Pick a Head Shot Because profile pictures often appear as small thumbnails, pick a photo that shows only your head, neck, and a bit of your shoulders. If the photo shows your entire body, viewers may not be able to see your face well, and may not be able to recognize you in person. Dress Professionally Dress in a manner that is appropriate for your career field. In other words, dress as you would for an interview at your ideal company. Typically this means a dress shirt or blouse, a shirt and tie, or even a suit. Choose solid dark colors like blue or black. Avoid wearing a strapless dress or top, because a photo that only shows your head and shoulders will make you appear naked (and definitely unprofessional). Avoid wearing large jewelry or too trendy hairstyles that will distract from your face. Keep It Simple Do not include distracting props, backgrounds, or people in the photo. Your profile pictures should be of you, and only you. Stand against a solid-colored background that provides enough contrast against you and your outfit (for example, if you are wearing navy, do not stand against a navy wall, because you will blend into the background). Keep It Up-to-Date Make sure you choose a recent photo of you, so that people will be able to recognize you in person. No baby pictures Be Consistent A great way to develop your professional brand is t o use the same photo in all of your online profiles, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google, and even your Gmail Profile.

Survey 88% of American workers are happy in their jobs

Survey 88% of American workers are happy in their jobsSurvey 88% of American workers are happy in their jobsWhat really makes employees happy and how can you tell if they are?Wrike, the collaborative work management platform, released the first findings from the companys inaugural Happiness Index, carried out by Atomik Research. The survey asked what made workers happy in the U.S., Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, with at least 1,000 respondents in each country.While Americans were found to be generally happy in their jobs a full 88% Millennials were the least happy group, with 17% responding to be mostly unhappy or miserable.Positive relationships with managers are critical to happiness. Employees with negative relationships with their managers were more likely to report unhappiness.Having a connection to their companys mission is also a key to happiness 70% of happy workers feel a strong connection, while 32% of less happy workers dont know what their companys mission i s, or feel any connection to it.Happiness can influence perception. Cheerful employees are 55% more likely to say their workplace is above average in diversity, but 440% of unhappy workers are more likely to say that their jobs are below average in diversity.You can spot the happy vs. the disconnected workers by observing office social gatherings Happier employees are 70% more likely to take at least a half-hour lunch break or eat lunch with friends, while less happy workers are 57% more likely to spend their lunch breaks on social media. Unhappy workers are less likely to take part in organized gatherings outside work (15%, compared to over 40% for happier workers).Fostering workplace happiness and understanding what really drives employee engagement is evolving its not just about paying the highest salary and providing lunch, says Wrike Vice President of People Operations Megan Barbier in a release. In todays competitive talent market, it is important that companies consider emer ging factors, like diversity and technology, that are playing an increasingly important role in employee happiness.Relatedly, Harvard Business School recently published a story that perks (flexible time, anything contributing to work-life balance) and recognition (like peer-to-peer recognition programs) can be more meaningful long-term than financial rewards.

How to create a personal brand to enhance your job search

How to create a personal brand to enhance your job searchHow to create a personal brand to enhance your job searchThese days the term branding means so much more than what comes to mind when you think of a particular company or product. Brands, in the traditional sense, of course still exist, but in this day and age of social media importance, its more critical than ever for individuals to brand themselves, as well. Developing your own personal brand doesnt have to be intimidating, though. Just a few simple steps can help you narrow down the best approach, which will hopefully help you land your dream job.Heres how to create a personal brand that willenhance your job searchDefine your brandYou might think that writer, illustrator, or content creator is enough of a personal brand, but really, those are just job titles. To develop your actual brand, youll need to put a little more thought into what it is that you actually create (or hope to create) on a daily basis with your work.For e xample, perhaps as an illustrator youre well known for your quirky caricatures, or as a writer youve really cornered the market on crypto-currency, international travel, or single parenting. Whatever it is youre best at in your particular job, own it and flaunt it in every way possible. This could mean developing a brand statement, getting new headshots that drive home your specialty, re-writing your resume to really showcase those particular talents, or, likely, all of the above.Do a social media overhaulEveryone has embarrassing photos from back in the day when they first joined Facebook, but since Facebook is about so much more than just connecting with old friends these days, its time todo an overhaul of your profile to ensure its professionaland on-brand. Its not just Facebook that needs updating, though- be sure to check in across all of your social media sites (Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) to ensure there isnt anything embarrassing that you wouldnt want potential futu re employers to see.After thats done, consider updating your sites so that its clear what your new brand is across all platforms. This could mean uploading your new headshots, adding your brand tagline, sharing your new work, or starting conversations with others in the same field. A good rule of thumb is to do a Google search for yourself, and whatever comes up that you have access to, change it so that your brand is front and center.Fill in any holesIts not enough to just have a LinkedIn profile that showcases your professional brand these days, you should really consider having multiple online places for people to find you.If you dont already have a professional website, create one.If you arent on Facebook, great Start a new page with only your professional brand and goals in mind. Also consider checking on other networking platforms or job forums where you can upload your new resume and share your new brand-oriented social media sites for potential new projects and jobs.Check ba ck in, frequentlyDeveloping a personal brandisnt a one-and-done process, itll require constant upkeep and checking in. The more you interact on your new brand-conscious social media sites, the more likely you will be to cash in on new opportunities.That means you should try to post to your Twitter and Facebook feeds at least daily (multiple times a day is even better), and always share your own work, as well as the work of others that you find interesting or that is in line with your own brand objectives and goals.This article first appeared on FlexJobs.