If youre stressed, research says to think in the third-person

If youre stressed, research says to think in the third-personIf youre stressed, research says to think in the third-personTo put your dicke bretter bohren mssens in perspective, it helps to give yourself some objective distance.But when our problems only exist in our heads, stepping back from the issues can be challenging, if not impossible. Thats why psychology research has found solutions to create mental distance between our minds and our anxiety.Thinking in the third-person decreases your stressIf you cant take a literal break from your own brain, try putting some linguistic distance in your head by thinking of yourself in the third-person.A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that thinking of yourself in the third-person can be an effective way to control your thoughts and behaviors under pressure.The researchers recruited participants to recall painful autobiographical memories using eitherIortheir name. Participants who had to recall these memories with I statem ents reported much higher distress than those who got to talk about these memories with some linguistic distance.In the study, the researchers suggested that the pronoun switch makes a difference because language rapidly shapes peoples emotional experiences. When youre under extreme stress and anxiety, your world can constrict to your own feelings of panic. When alarm bells are ringing in your head, youre unable to think clearly. Thats why the researchers suggested that individuals who are excessively self-focused in the face of negative experiences would benefit the most from this technique. It forces you out of your head and gives you some distance to sort through your thoughts.Imagine that a friend is in your situationIf you struggle with the idea of thinking of yourself in the third-person, try thinking of how you would approach your problem if the same problem was happening to a close friend.We tend to be much harder on ourselves than we would be on people who are our close fri ends. This finding is backed by cognitive behavioral therapy. In his book on anxiety therapy, cognitive behavioral therapist David D. Burns discusses how he uses a Double-Standard role play technique with his patients.If you discover that youd be more compassionate and objective when talking to a friend, ask yourself if youf be willing to talk to yourself in the same way, Burns advises.In one scenario the book details, a patient was able to work through his self-defeating thoughts over a breakup after he was told to role-play how he would advise a close friend going through the same rejection.When this patient heard his own mean thoughts about himself told to a friend, he realized that the thoughts were irrational and he was able to change how he felt about the breakup.These mental techniques are teaching your mind to attack problems from different angles, and not dwell in the negative. When you think of your problems in the voice of a friend, youre still just talking to yourself, b ut the technique can give us needed compassionate distance to process our emotions objectively.

12 signs your boss is impressed with you, even if it doesnt seem like it

12 signs your anfhrer is impressed with you, even if it doesnt seem like it12 signs your boss is impressed with you, even if it doesnt seem like itThe signs that your boss likes you can be quite subtle.But its crucial to definitively establish that your manager is on your side. Getting along with your boss is a pretty important parte of succeeding at work. Your manager likely controls whetzu sich or not you get promoted, demoted, or fired, after all. Your job is in their hands.Some bosses make their appreciation clear. They heap on the praise, give positive and detailed feedback, and make you feel like youre an integral part of the success of the organization.But not all managers are so open.Its always good to ask for honest feedback. Before you make inquiries, though, here are a number of signs that your boss probably is pretty impressed with your workThey give you tough loveSuzanne Bates, CEO of Bates Communications and author of All the Leader You Can Be, told Business Insider tha t it can be difficult to figure out whether or not your boss likes you.A boss who sees you as promising may give you a lot of feedback, not all of it positive - some of it might be tough love because he or she sees you as someone who can handle it and is ready for mora responsibility, she said.They challenge youIf youre feeling a bit overwhelmed at times, then that might not be a terrible thing.The boss will probably give you mora than you feel you can handle at times, not because he or she is trying to punish you, but because they want to test you on tough assignments, said Bates.They share your prioritiesAsk your boss what his or her top priorities are and put up your hand for challenging assignments, said Bates. Give the boss a chance to see you in action, especially on a project important to him or her, so that they can see what youre made of.They respect youAt the end of the day, likability is overrated.Stop worrying so much about whether the boss likes you because what really matters most is whether they respect you, include you, and engage you in important conversations, Bates said. Likability is not as important as making a contribution, being a thought partner, and helping the team and the organization thrive.They ask for your inputBruce Tulgan, the founder and CEO of RainmakerThinking and author of Its Okay to Manage Your Boss, said that bosses confer more with the employees whom they like and trust.If the boss often asks your input in one-on-ones and team meetings and leaves plenty of time for you to talk and then responds favorably to what you say - these are good signs, he said.Theyre not always forthcoming with the complimentsYou might think that managers shower the employees whom they value with praise, but Bates notes that this isnt always the case.They either think you already know youre in good standing, they dont want to seem to be favoring you, or they simply just forget because you do so many things well, she said.Bates recommended that you ask for feedback and make it clear that you want your manager to tell it like it is.Tulgan agreed, saying that workers shouldnt always expect unprompted feedback.You should always make sure you are getting expectations spelled out in vivid detail and you should be tracking your wertmiger zuwachs every step of the way, he said. Keep score for yourself Then you wont have to guess.They go to you firstTulgan said that its promising if your boss seems to use you as a go to person. They hit you up first when something needs to be done, whether its a regular assignment or a special one.They give you more responsibilityManagers often deputize their most talented employees. You probably wont get a gold-star badge, but you will get put in charge of important projects and even your fellow coworkers.They defer to youWhen other employees are struggling, your manager sends them to you.If your boss tells others to go to you for guidance or instruction or examples of good work, this is a good s ign, Tulgan said.They give you important tasksTulgan said that one major sign of trust is your boss specifically asking you to deal with important customers.They check in with youTulgan said that bosses will go out of their way to check on the workers they like. Theyll ask about your happiness, whether or not youre planning to leave, and how the company can keep you on.Your boss isnt interrogating you - theyre proactively figuring out what steps theyll need to take to retain you.They ask you to teach othersIf your manager is constantly asking you to show the office newbie the ropes or explain how things work to your colleagues, it may feel like theyre just pawning off extra tasks on you.And that might be the case, in some instances.But your boss also might also so impressed with your skills that they want to spread them around to others. Instead of looking at these requests as extra busy work, use them as opportunities to hone your own leadership abilities and showcase your experti se in the office.This article first appeared on Business Insider.12 signs your boss is impressed with you, even if it doesnt seem like itThe signs that your boss likes you can be quite subtle.But its crucial to definitively establish that your manager is on your side. Getting along with your boss is a pretty important part of succeeding at work. Your manager likely controls whether or not you get promoted, demoted, or fired, after all. Your job is in their hands.Some bosses make their appreciation clear. They heap on the praise, give positive and detailed feedback, and make you feel like youre an integral part of the success of the organization.But not all managers are so open.Its always good to ask for honest feedback. Before you make inquiries, though, here are a number of signs that your boss probably is pretty impressed with your workThey give you tough loveSuzanne Bates, CEO of Bates Communications and author of All the Leader You Can Be, told Business Insider that it can be di fficult to figure out whether or not your boss likes you.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreA boss who sees you as promising may give you a lot of feedback, not all of it positive - some of it might be tough love because he or she sees you as someone who can handle it and is ready for more responsibility, she said.They challenge youIf youre feeling a bit overwhelmed at times, then that might not be a terrible thing.The boss will probably give you more than you feel you can handle at times, not because he or she is trying to punish you, but because they want to test you on tough assignments, said Bates.They share your prioritiesAsk your boss what his or her top priorities are and put up your hand for challenging assignments, said Bates. Give the boss a chance to see you in action, especially on a project important to him or her, so that they can see what youre made of.They respect youAt the end of the day, likability is overrated.Stop worrying so much about whether the boss likes you because what really matters most is whether they respect you, include you, and engage you in important conversations, Bates said. Likability is not as important as making a contribution, being a thought partner, and helping the team and the organization thrive.They ask for your inputBruce Tulgan, the founder and CEO of RainmakerThinking and author of Its Okay to Manage Your Boss, said that bosses confer more with the employees whom they like and trust.If the boss often asks your input in one-on-ones and team meetings and leaves plenty of time for you to talk and then responds favorably to what you say - these are good signs, he said.Theyre not always forthcoming with the complimentsYou might think that managers shower the employees whom they value with praise, but Bates notes that this isnt always the case.They either think you already know youre in good standing, they dont wan t to seem to be favoring you, or they simply just forget because you do so many things well, she said.Bates recommended that you ask for feedback and make it clear that you want your manager to tell it like it is.Tulgan agreed, saying that workers shouldnt always expect unprompted feedback.You should always make sure you are getting expectations spelled out in vivid detail and you should be tracking your performance every step of the way, he said. Keep score for yourself Then you wont have to guess.They go to you firstTulgan said that its promising if your boss seems to use you as a go to person. They hit you up first when something needs to be done, whether its a regular assignment or a special one.They give you more responsibilityManagers often deputize their most talented employees. You probably wont get a gold-star badge, but you will get put in charge of important projects and even your fellow coworkers.They defer to youWhen other employees are struggling, your manager sends th em to you.If your boss tells others to go to you for guidance or instruction or examples of good work, this is a good sign, Tulgan said.They give you important tasksTulgan said that one major sign of trust is your boss specifically asking you to deal with important customers.They check in with youTulgan said that bosses will go out of their way to check on the workers they like. Theyll ask about your happiness, whether or not youre planning to leave, and how the company can keep you on.Your boss isnt interrogating you - theyre proactively figuring out what steps theyll need to take to retain you.They ask you to teach othersIf your manager is constantly asking you to show the office newbie the ropes or explain how things work to your colleagues, it may feel like theyre just pawning off extra tasks on you.And that might be the case, in some instances.But your boss also might also so impressed with your skills that they want to spread them around to others. Instead of looking at these requests as extra busy work, use them as opportunities to hone your own leadership abilities and showcase your expertise in the office.This article first appeared on Business Insider.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

7 female CEOs on surrounding yourself with supportive women

7 female CEOs on surrounding yourself with supportive women7 female CEOs on surrounding yourself with supportive womenWhetzu sich its aworking momcreating a revolutionaryhands-free breast pump, astrong founderleading theMeToomovement, or a woman working to changeaccess to much-needed feminine products, the camaraderie and support of other females make a huge difference in the success of many amazing ideas and companies. In the new bookGirl CEO ($13) by Ronnie Cohen and Katherine Ellison and illustrated by Georgia Rucker, trailblazingentrepreneursshare hard-earned advice about how they launched their illustrious careers. The anthology, geared towardtweensandteens, is packed with wisdom. Here, we share tips from the moguls featured inGirl CEOon how they assembled their girl gangs to keep them moving forward in the face ofadversity.1. Find a community that adores what you doRosanna Pansinolaunched her own baking show in 2011 when she was a struggling actress. Her tasty treats with a gee ky spin, like Apple Pi Pie and a Super Mario star-shaped cake, helped her develop a treulich following on her YouTube channel,Nerdy Nummies. Pansinos dedicated fans were eager for more, and her 2015 bestselling cookbookThe Nerdy Nummies Cookbook($30) cemented her popularity with her 10 million (and counting) subscribers. I always believed in the YouTube community and myself, she says.2.Give backWhen fashion designer Tory Burch first launched her company, she believed in what she was doing but was often told that no one would buy online. She writes in theGirl CEOforeword that she kept making phone calls and sharing her ideas. I assembled a team of amazing people who could help me turn my concept into a collection, and we all worked incredibly hard, says Burch, founder ofTory Burch Foundationand chairman, CEO, and designer ofTory Burch. Launching her namesake foundation to empowerfemale entrepreneursis her way of giving back to the strong squad that surrounded her in the early days.3. Find parteners who support your strengths and weaknessesActress Jessica Alba is well known for launchingThe Honest Company, but the start was full of obstacles and investors were skeptical. Alba didnt have a business or chemistry background to develop the natural home products she wanted to create, so she turned to experts in the field to advise her. mann an ihrer seite with people who are smarter than you and understand your strengths and weaknesses, and surround yourself with people who complement your strengths but could support your weaknesses, advises Alba.4. Surround yourself withdiversewomenKimberly Bryant was used to being the only black woman in her engineering and computer science engineering classes at Vanderbilt University, but years later, when she dropped off her daughter at a coding summer camp and noticed her daughter was the only student of color, she knew she had to change things. As the executive director of the nonprofitBlack Girls Code, Bryant says, You have to have women and people of color at the table, or you wont be able to create products that reach audiences in a way that theyll want to use them on a daily basis.5. Support other women in theirgoalsIf youve achieved success in your chosen field, look for ways to support women who aspire to be in the saatkorn career. Acclaimed actress Reese Witherspoon foundedHello Sunshine, a media brand dedicated to celebrating womens stories. Im using everything Ive learned along the way and my own money and celebrity collateral - whatever that is - and I will stand next to anyone I believe in that deserves a different opportunity, Witherspoon has said. Likewise, Tory Burch used her platform to ask A-list friends, like Witherspoon, to embrace the word ambitious as a positive quality in women with herEmbraceAmbition campaign.6. Talk about what you want oftenWhile studying engineering at Stanford University, a conversation with a friend about construction toys sparked Debbie Sterlings interest. As the founder and CEO ofGoldieBlox, a toy company geared toward girls, Sterling was often told that her idea wouldnt sell. The more people you talk to, the more you will find those who are inspired by what you want to do and want to be a part of it, says Sterling. That is really the key to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Instead of keeping yourdreamsto yourself, talk about it with everyone. You never know who you might meet who could be a potential ally.7.Network, network, networkThough it may be uncomfortable to network at social events if youre anintrovert, and the thought of makingsmall talkmight fill you with dread, meeting other women is a necessary part of building your crew. Mariam Naficy started her second start-up,Minted.com, by contacting her connections she had made at Stanford, which she found particularly helpful when securing investors. The network really helped me. I think it helps women a lot with tapping into fundraising because its a little bit harder to be taken seriously. A motivated woman with a network is a powerful combination, she says.This article first appeared on Brit + Co.

How to Get Job References Without Asking

How to Get Job References Without AskingHow to Get Job References Without AskingYou want people saying, I know someone whos unbelievable at that. If your friends arent saying this yet, they will be soon.According to a study conducted by the Federal Bureau of Labor on how people get hired, more than 70 percent of all jobs come from some type of referral.The question is Will you be part of that number?Today were going to explore three strategies for becoming the most referable person you know1. Be visible in your element.People need to see you doing what you do. Period. Nothing will make you more referable. So, seek out situations that vividly reveal your passions, talents, character and unique value - then make sure lots of people are watching. Then get it on video and publish it online everywhere you possibly can.Remember When you sing the song that is natural for you to sing, in the way that is natural for you to sing it, people are unable to escape your awesomeness. How many peopl e have seen you do what you do?2. The Triple D factor. Know your customers. Know your customers. Know your customers. Since Day One, those words have been pounded into your skull. Still, perhaps a better question is How well do your customers know you? See, everyone you know needs to know three things about you.What you do. For a living, as a professional, for customers. The surefire way to do this is to have an unforgettable networking introduction.What youre doing. As in, right now, current news and projects, upcoming events. The answer is to post an upcoming events widget on your blog.What youve done. Past jobs, past projects, whom you worked with, how you helped them. And the key is to post video testimonials on your Web site.Remember Tell people not to keep you a secret. Do, Doing, Done. Got it?3. Resumes are for amateurs.The problem with your resume is that you wrote it.If you want to persuade potential employers, prospects and customers to hire you, remember this Your resume is most effective when someone other than you writes it. In fact, the word resume comes from the Latin resumere, which means, to sum up.So, your resume is anything (or anyone) that sums up why you rock so hard. Your resume is your Google ranking. Your resume is your comments section on your blog. Your resume is your testimonial page on your Web site. Your resume is your book review section on Amazon.com. Your resume is what people are saying about your name. Your resume is what people are saying after your name. Your resume is what people are saying behind your back.Now. Im not saying theres anything wrong with having an actual, traditional resume. Its still a valuable professional tool. Just remember If someone wants to hire you, shes going to validate your credibility from multiple sources. Not just from one piece of paper that you wrote. Whats your (real) resume?Remember You cant make people refer you for new jobs.All you can do is proactively create situations that will increas e the probability of being referred.

March Sees Steady Growth in Job Openings

March Sees Steady Growth in Job OpeningsMarch Sees Steady Growth in Job OpeningsToday,Simply Hiredreleased itsApril 2014 U.S. Employment Outlookreport. Job openings increased 5.1% month-over-month in March and were up 27.5% over the same time last year. After February 2014 saw a 4.6% increase in job openings in this indicates continued steady job growth nationwide.There continue to be exciting, new possibilities for job seekers who want to take the next big step in their careers, said James Beriker, CEO of Simply Hired. Based on our data, the opportunities continue to grow for job seekers who are motivated and inspired to seize the job they really want.Job openings increase in two-thirds of all industriesIn March 2014, 12 industries sawjob openings increase. Government (25.2%) and real estate (8.4%) showed the largest gains, while healthcare (-9.9%) and hospitality (-8.6%) saw decreases during this period.More jobs open up in almost every occupationNearly all occupation categories (2 1 out of 23) experienced growth in job openings in March 2014. Journalists and media worker (46.0%) and manufacturing worker (19.4%) roles experienced the largest amount of growth month-over-month, while doctors, nurses, therapist and technician (-3.1%) roles faced the largest decline during this time period.

Mythical Solutions to Student Resume Template Exposed

Mythical Solutions to Student Resume Template Exposed The New Angle On Student Resume Template Just Released So use the exact same keywords mentioned in the work ad to show you have what theyre searching for. If youre listing work experience which is leid pertinent to the applied job, it has to be conveying something enthralling. Even in case youve never held an official job, its still true that you have life experience thats applicable to the work search. Or you may be unexpectedly laid off, and must start work search. The percentage achieved in the past examination has to be mentioned. It is necessary for candidates to get the most out of resume samples and practical guidance when producing their student resume as a way to ensure they highlight their abilities and potential in lieu of deficiency of experience. Most students hit a wall when it regards the expert experience section since they just dont have relevant work experience. Students that are in undergraduate educa tion level can use the samples from Undergraduate Student Resume schablone to acquire a notion of an in depth content when writing a resume as a way to get the eye of the employers. With the exact same teams, it is going to help you to acquire particular referrals about the record. With a tiny bit of creativity and some thought about your top abilities, it is possible to find a good position and commence your work history. Prior to starting writing your resume, consider your work history and notenzeichen your achievements and techniques. A couple of students decide to put minimal effort in their resumes, but thats their decision they have sufficient feedback to estimate how their resumes will fare before the panel. The Start of Student Resume Template Employers can learn all they will need to understand about a candidate from their school performance, which means that your Education section should reflect well on you. You may also have a skills section in which you list sof t skills along with any programs, languages, or certifications youve got. Students with little if any work experience may also add a section discussing their involvements. If you just have one award, you may want to include it in the education section. The Basics of Student Resume Template Resume examples and templates are very helpful, especially when youre writing one of your initial resumes. You may also see resume template that is also known. Our tremendous range of downloadable resume templates is wholly free for all to use and a good resource to kick off the writing process. For instance, if a resume template doesnt include a list of skills, but you desire to include one, you ought to do so. Student Resume Template Fundamentals Explained You always need to have three or more references out there. Resume comes with suitable format or structure, and its important to follow along with the structure carefully. The Unusual Secret of Student Resume Template After school activities can likewise be included beneath your education section in addition to any distinctive jobs you may have done by means of your school, such as being a teachers assistant or being part of student government. No advanced design skills are essential. Youre able to mention your upcoming education plans too. Therefore, if your student intends to work while theyre in school or simply wishes to be ready for graduation, developing a scholarship resume now gives them the framework they should receive one ready for work applications as soon as the time comes. Landing a large internship for a college student is an excellent means to get prepared for the challenges of life after the university. If youre a high schooler that has been accepted to a college already, you may also state your colleges name and the date you will start attending. Student resume is just the exact same. A College Student resume should showcase superior multitasking abilities and the ability to stay organi zed and on-task through the day. Its so vital to make your resume stand out and to make certain you interest the employer. Contact Information The very first section of your resume should incorporate information on the way the employer can contact you. Your resume should present your employer that you have what they are searching for. Our sample law student resume and step-by-step guidelines can help you win your very first case and find that interview. For Pharmacy students, its very challenging to have a job if they dont have a strong knowledge in English. Have a look at the MidlevelU Career Advisor Program if youre interested in assist with your work search practice Students often think that you will need experience to have a job and conversely, you are in need of a job to add experience.

Get the Most Out of Your Time in School 8 Tips for College Students

Get the Most Out of Your Time in School 8 Tips for College Students Welcome to Recruiter QA, where we pose employment-related questions to the experts and share their answers Have a question youd like to ask? Leave it in the comments, and you might just see it in the next installment of Recruiter QAThis Weeks Question There has been a lot of controversy in recent times regarding whether or not college is truly preparing students for the working world, but lets put that aside for a minute and focus on the individual students themselves. What advice would you give college students to help them make the most of their time in school and best prepare themselves for their future careers?1. Try New Things Even If They Arent Part of Your Career PathI majored in fine arts even though, down the road, I got a masters in criminal justice and a Ph.D. in sociology, becoming an adjunct professor, writer, and publisher rather than a full-time artist. I learned a lot from my fine arts major including that I did not want to pursue fine arts as my lifes work If you choose a major that does become your lifes work, thats fine, too. But dont be too hard on yourself if you dont know by your freshman year or even your senior year what you want to do with the rest of your life. Dr. Jan Yager, speaker, author, and consultant2. Do Some Self-ReflectionOver the last several years, weve heard lots of debate surrounding the cost and efficacy of college degrees. But whats been missing from the argument is the heavy level of introspection and self-study a student should actively engage in during their college years. At the end of the day, college shouldnt be about just getting any old job it should be about translating your own strengths, interests, and passions into a career that will be sustainable and enjoyable throughout the years. The idea of telling a 22-year-old to get a job because its secure and has a nice dollar figure is mora depressing than I can even handle. Now, telling a 22-year-old to chart a career based on their own strengths and interests? That I can get behind. Christine Santacroce, Recruiter.com 3. Practice Your Soft SkillsStudy after study shows that the biggest problems recent college grads face in the workplace are due to their lack of fundamental soft career skills. This includes skills like communication (written and verbal), teamwork, work ethic, problem-solving, time management, and personal responsibility. Colleges are focusing more and more on content, and little is done to make sure that students get these important skills. The bottom line is that students must take personal responsibility to develop and practice these skills. Two of the best ways to do that are through internships and jobs while in college. Alfred Poor, speaker, writer, and mentor 4. Develop a Side HustleBe a blogger, tutor, or whatever it takes. One of the best ways to achieve financial independence is to develop multiple income stre ams. Starting early when you dont have family responsibilities is key. Andy Brantner, The Peoples Advisor 5. Complete a College Aptitude TestI recommend that college-bound students and early college students complete a college aptitude assessment. This assessment uncovers interests, aptitudes, values, and personality dynamics that impact college major selection and later career selection and trajectory. It helps students zero in on the college majors that align best with their interests and passions. It also helps to reduce instances of changing majors, and thus, the cost of tuition. At least 50 percent of students change majors 2-3 times the U.S. average is 5 times. By conservative measures, each change of major adds 5 percent more to a students tuition bill. That has quite a financial impact Dr. Erika Martinez, Envision Wellness 6. Network, Network, NetworkI graduated this past May and was offered a job before graduation. My advice to college students is to take advantage of inte rnship opportunities and any other opportunities for networking. Because of my numerous internships and my extensive network, I was able to get a job very easily. Brian Kearney, Blue Fountain Media 7. Get an Internship Perhaps With a Recruiting FirmThe internship is by far your greatest opportunity to prepare for your career as long as you take advantage of it. Network with everyone at the company, build relationships, ask for more to do, and take on projects others dont want to. You will get so much geschftlicher umgang experience just listening and watching. You cant get that kind of experience in a classroom Your best internship, I would say, would be with a recruitment firm. They know of all the open jobs in your area, and if they see talent in you, they will be able to place you as soon as you get out of school Eric Becher, Hatch Staffing Services 8. Think Big PictureNo one will ask you about your grades after your first job out of college. They will want to know that you hav e a degree and that you are a reliable, capable person. Take this time to grow up, learn who you are, and learn how to take care of yourself. Dr. Joanie Connell, Flexible Work Solutions mc_embed_signupbackgroundfff clearleft font14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style spektrum. 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Why the workplace, not college, may be the best education

Why the workplace, leid college, may be the best educationWhy the workplace, not college, may be the best educationDid college prepare you for the workplace? My answer is no. The reality is that the university of the 21st century is really the workplace. And businesses need to take up that mantle, for their own self-interest and the greater good.The traditional thinking has been that college is a time and place to develop an area of expertise, figure out a career path, and prepare for it. The idea is that those four years are your chance to develop the skills needed so that when you enter the workforce, youre prepared. That model is outdated.Whats better about hands-on learningMy experience makes for a perfect example. At Washington University in St. Louis, I majored in architecture. I wanted a career that would have an impact and also lead to something tangible.In the four years I spent studying architecture, we did lots of sketches and learned about design. But we never built a bui lding. We werent involved in the process of building one.That resonates with a lot of university studies. Theres a great deal of theoretical learning, studying history, and exploring ideas. But if someone were to spend those four years in the job market actually doing the job, they would come out a lot farther along.Obviously its different for doctors and other scientists, as well as some other professions. But for most people, a traditional college education doesnt give you experience with workplace skills. Its strange how universities spend so much money on manicured grounds, beautiful dorms and lots of mail sent out to attract applicants. It all seems so divorced from what should be the objective, which is to prepare people to excel in the real world.This is a big reason that learning on the job is a crucial, growing field. You get a job working for a company, entering at the bottom if necessary. And when possible, you use the companys onlinetalent development platformto keep lea rning skills.behauptung are the real, tangible things you need to know - how to use new software, piece through data, give presentations, speak in public, etc. The platform helps set you up for mentorship and peer learning as well.Companies are discovering that they need to offer these services in order to attract and retain the best high-potential employees, and to create an agile workforce for the future. (SeeHow competitive is Americas Future Workforce?)Some people argue that college prepares you socially. That its a chance to learn how to deal with other people in a way that you couldnt in high school, when you were under the dictatorship of your parents. Theres also a common refrain that college helps you mature, become independent, and learn to take care of yourself.Im not convinced. The typical age for attending college is 18-22. During those years, youre naturally going to mature just by virtue of aging. And the lessons you learn from working can teach you a lot. So I remem ber maturing a lot in college, but would I not have matured had I been out in the real world independent of the university? Perhaps even more so.The preposterous cost of collegeThe preposterous cost of college is a huge factor to consider. These days, theres so much free education available online.The brick and mortar university system is never going to be scalable. Its physically not possible. But digital learning can be scaled. Its available to everyone.None of this is to say that a university education is totally useless. It broadens your horizons intellectually, giving you a chance to learn about things, places, and people that you might never have discovered otherwise.And college can help you learn how to use your brain in new ways. For example, I ended up choosing not to become an architect. But by studying architecture in college and having access to good professors, I learned about design thinking, which is all about problem solving. Its applicable in my current work, UX des ign. And the fact that Im focused on how to solve problems helped inspire me to createPathgather.But having made the decision to create a platform for digital learning at companies, I had to go learn how to do it. So I took online classes. I enrolled in an online program to learn about entrepreneurship. These are things I never learned in college.Now when I hire, I almost never look at someones major in college. Im much more interested in their skills and experience.Some employers still use degrees and majors as a crutch, giving starter jobs to recent graduates who have those elements on their resumes. In that sense, then, a college degree can give you a leg up on the competition.It just doesnt do much to actually prepare you for the workplace and the real world.This article originally appeared on Quora.

Are Your Skills on Employers Most-Wanted List

Are Your Skills on Employers fruchtwein-Wanted ListTop 5 Skills Employers Want MostAre Your Skills on Employers Most-Wanted ListIf youve ever wondered what skills employers value the most, a blog post last week on the job search engine Indeed.com will help. Indeed analyzed millions of job postings in its index from January through June, and extracted the top 15 professional attributes. Here are the top five, along with my take on why each is important todayLeadership. You need this if youre an executive or manager. But even if youre not, many organizations are becoming flatter and empowering non-managers to lead company initiatives, notably projects. It may not necessarily lead you into a management role, but that feeling of empowerment can act as a jolt of energy and boost your enthusiasm about your role and your employer.Interpersonal. As in interpersonal communications. Most jobs require people who can communicate effectively with their co-workers, customers, and suppliers. Today, that means mastering both written (as in, email and instant messaging) and oral communications. You can also extend this to casual conversations with co-workers, because hiring managers want employees who can get along with everyone.Problem solving. Employers like to hire people who can find problems and fix them. Thats part of the reason why most schools today incorporate analytical thinking into their curricula, even at the elementary school level. It hasnt always been that way.Motivated. A paycheck can motivate you, but employers want to hire people who want to do good work, not just for themselves but for the company. If you believe in the corporate mission, and if it meshes with what you want to get out of the job, you have a good foundation to be motivated.Efficient. How much work can you do in a given block of time? Do you organize yourself well? Employers want people who are not only productive, but who can manage their time so well that they can get more done, and done wel l.What does this mean for you? Look at these five attributes and the other 10 on the Indeed list, then give your resume a thorough, painstaking review. Which of these words or phrases jump out from the accomplishments and responsibilities youve listed in your work history? Match up what you have with what the employer wants, and use your cover letter to reinforce that connection.

4 ways to slash your resume down to one page

4 ways to slash your resume down to one page4 ways to slash your resume down to one pageSlicing off bits of your resume in order to keep it to one page can be so tough. When youve accomplished a lot in your career, it can be difficult to pick what to remove - so heres what to cut out.Say goodbye to super-old positionsIts just not worth keeping them around.Kim Isaacs, a resume expert for Monster and founder of Advanced Career Systems, writes on Monsters website that you should eliminate old experience.Employers are fruchtwein interested in what you did recently. If you have a long career history, focus on the last 10 to 15 years. If your early career is important to your current goal, briefly mention the experience without including details. For example Early Career ABC Company - City, State - Assistant Store Manager and Clerk, 1980-1985, she writes.Watch your wordingThis can make a big difference.Lily Zhang, Manager of Graduate Student Professional Development at the MIT Media Lab , writes in The Muse that you should shorten bullets.Your bullet points are really the meat of your resume. This is where you actually talk about your experience. To ensure that people actually read them, absolutely do not let them trail on to a third line. Two lines max, but preferably one, she writes. To decide between one or two lines, use your space efficiently. If your bullet is one line, plus a little bit that dangles onto the next, find a way to condense your language down. Ultimately, youre going for a dangler-free resume.Dont include this line - its unnecessaryPay close attention to this advice.Alison Doyle, an author, career expert and founder and CEO of CareerToolBelt.com, writes in The Balance that you should skip the references.Its not necessary to say references available upon request on your resume. Its understood that you will provide references, if required, as part of the job application process, she writes.Choose the right examplesThis is key.Marcelle Yeager, pre sident of Career Valet and co-founder of ServingTalent, writes in U.S. News World Report that you should filter out responsibilities.Employers can likely find almost exact replicas of your job descriptions by doing a Google search for your job titles. Its your responsibility to tell them more of your story and what you are capable of, she writes. Replace your laundry list of duties with specific examples and the impact of your work. This is what is going to get you noticed.