How to Choose the Best References for Your Job Search

How to Choose the Best References for Your Job Search How to Choose the Best References for Your Job SearchIts important to have an arsenal of references at the ready during your job search. Heres how to select the right ones.Who will give me a good recommendation? Will they mention those mistakes I made in the first week? Choosing the best references to place on your list is one of the fruchtwein important decisions you will make during the job search.Most employers want a list of references to attest to your abilities, skills,and integrity. They also wish to speak to people who witness your work and can report on day-to-day career activities. Most importantly, they want to verify the information you provided is accurate. Some applicants, however, do notlage know who to put on their list or how many, as well as hot not to incorporate them into their resume writing.No in-laws, outlaws, or kin,pleaseThe first rule of thumb is to never, ever, place family members on your reference list . But rules are meant to be broken. If you worked as a carpenter for Uncle Bobs Table Repair Shop, of course, you list him. But this is the exception to the rule. Only list family who have directly supervised you and only for a job directly applicable to the one youre applying for.Toss the letters of recommendationAdmit it those generic letters are boring and annoying. After ten years with a company, wouldnt they write a better letter? Employers want to read specifics about your work, not some form letter prepopulated with fluff. When asking your former employer to write a recommendation, mention some of your attributes and contributions. Ask them to include those in the letter. Should they send a generic letter, toss it, and say thanks.There is a time and a place for everythingAnd resumes are not the place for references. A resume is used to show your best attributes, key skills, training and education, experience and summary of your career. Do not list references at the bottom. No t only does this throw off the formatting, but references are used after the interview. Instead of including a list of references in your resume writing, type References available upon request at the end of the resume. This appears professional and doesnt assume anything.Be strategic, and dont overuse your sourcesChoosing references should be a careful process. Dont just list a group of people you think will speak positively on your behalf. Talk to those references. Ask them what they will say if contacted. Go over some of the information you think they will need to verify. Follow up with an email so you have a written confirmation. Select references who are legitimate. For example, dont ask the company secretary to attest to your computer proficiencies, unless you worked on a specific project.ConclusionOnce youve selected the references for your list, use a format similar to the resume. Select stationary and a header that not only is professional but pleasant as well. Keep the list fresh, and check in with your references to refresh their memories and ensure they mucksmuschenstill want to be a reference. Some people decide later on not to recommend anyone for personal reasons. Most importantly, return the favor. Offer to recommend your references in the future. Take them out to lunch, and send thank you cards when they give you a positive recommendation. Remember, what goes around comes around.Let TopResume help you write your resume. Get started with a free resume review.Related Articles

What You Should Do to Find Out About Resume Writing 2019 Before Youre Left Behind

What You Should Do to Find Out About Resume Writing 2019 Before Youre Left Behind The Characteristics of Resume Writing 2019 With so many professional resume examples to pick from, empower yourself to create an application that will help you shine. When you employ a professional writer to assist you with the application documents, the results will differ. Job searching process shouldnt be a very long practice. You may also execute an internet job search or earn a price of living comparison through its online offerings. Resume Writing 2019 at a Glance To begin with, perhaps its time to evaluate your current resume to make sure tore not committing any cardinal sins. Just make sure, whichever format you opt for, which youre targeting it for the job that youre applying to. Whether you are searching for your very first job or attempting to earn a career change, the method starts with your resume. Theres a great chance it wont include all the keywords set out in the work descript ion. For example, if one of the very first things a work ad stresses is managing a team, then any experience youve got in that area ought to take the very best bullet. Youre able to read about the experiences other people shared, and that means you get an impression of the actual results youre likely to get. When you arent in active job search, but still would love to modify something in your present-day life. Choosing Good Resume Writing 2019 A simple resume template is going to be your very best bet. Importantly, if you prefer, your resume writer may consist of industry-specific keywords into your resume. She is a rather experienced resume writer who has won a slew of rewards. The site is also very aesthetically appealing and simple to navigate. Dont Copy Job Description When youre asking for a work role, its a fantastic concept to optimize your resume document for the work description, mainly in sections include your abilities and experiences. The degree of creativity y oull be able to apply to your resume is dependent upon your field of expertise. To compose an impressive resume isnt a simple job, but it isnt impossible as many job seekers still believe You dont wish to get rid of crucial job abilities or essential training to acquire everything to fit onto one page.

PowerToFly and Audible presented an event for women in tech

PowerToFly andAudible presented an event for women in tech PowerToFly was thrilled to kollektiv up with Audible to present an exclusive event for women in tech on Wednesday July 20th. Held at Audibles gorgeous office in Newark, New Jersey a capacity crowd was treated to a series of presentations focusing on the current and upcoming technology behind Audibles popular products. Before and after the presentations, guests were able to network with their peers and the Audible team over delicious food and sparkling wine. Some of the topics discussed in the evening includedChrome Dev ToolsWeb App Security HTTP/2Resource HintsServerless ComputingJamy Barton, Audibles Sr. Director, Tech Diversity kicked off the evening with a warm welcome, speaking about the companys commitment to diversity, before turning the mic over to PowerToFlys CoFounders Milena Berry and Katharine Zaleski who explained that PowerToFly only team ups with companies that truly care about diversity and inclusion and that A udible is such a company. Moving into the tech portion of the night, Sr. Director, Software Development (and male ally) Ian Moraes introduced the presentations. The Audible web team speakers includedNeha Koul Software Development EngineerOleksandra Usova Software Development EngineerJane Li Software Development EngineerGarima Agarwal Software Development EngineerNancy Huang Software Development EngineerThe programming wrapped up with lighting introductions from Chandana Kanchanagari, Sr. Manager, Software Developer and Bidisha Das, Sr. Manager, Software Developer as well as an audience QAFollow Audible on PowerToFly for updates about more events and open roles. An Audible ad greets you as you exit from the train station One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labo r Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry it self is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadershi p position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentierung technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique se nse of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Trademarking Your Label Name

Trademarking Your Label NameTrademarking Your Label NameIf your record label is a registered business, then your label personenname is your trade name. According to the Small Business Administration, atrade name is an official name under which a company does business. It also is referred to as a DBA, or doing business as name, fictitious name, or assumed name. When youre operating a business that offers a similar service as competitors, the rules for copyrighting that trade name might surprise you. Trade Names and Copyrights Trade names are not officially protected under copyright law, so someone could start a record label using the same name as yours. As the SBA puts it, A trade name does not afford any brand protection or provide you with unlimited rights for the use of that name. That might sound a little scary, but most record labels will not meet the requirements for qualifying for a trademark. A trademark is a branding of a service or product that you can prove to be unique from what other companies are offering. There is very little room to do that as a record label. Unless youve invented a new recording technique or invented a different way for pressing physical album copies, your record label isnt doing anything unique. However, just because you probably wont be able to trademark your record label name doesnt mean there arent things you can do to keep your label branding strong. Obviously, youll have a website with a domain name that matches your label name as closely as possible, but it might be worth buying a few domain names that are really close, like the .net or .org versions. Build a Unique Brand Have a label logo and a distinct tischset of catalog numbers for your products. Always promote your label along with your new releases and create social media accounts with your unique logo and personality or voice. Whats more, get your artists to be brand ambassadors who represent the face of your label. Make building your record labels identity a priority in case someone else does come along and think up the same name or tries to infringe on your success by choosing a similar name. The more established you are, the less likely someone is going to be successful with the idea of ripping off your name. Anyone serious about establishing their own business will realize that they are much better off building their own label brand. Applying for a Trademark While trade names are not protected under copyright law, other intellectual property, such as company logos, can be protected as a trademark. For example, the script Coca-Cola with extended lines coming from both Cs is a company logo that is trademarked. In the event that you are going to apply for a trademark for your company logo, understand the proper steps to take. Applications can be filed online relatively quickly at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. Before filling out the paperwork, you should search the USPTOs database to make sure no o ther companies have already trademarked a similar logo. You also must determine your basis for filing, which means determining if you are seeking to protect property that already is in use in commerce or if you are seeking to protect property that you have an intent to use. Note that intent is defined as more than just a preliminary idea. It should be market ready. Depending on which basis you choose, youll be expected to provide dates for when the protected property first was used. From there, you should be prepared to fill out the paperwork online, but working with an attorney is highly recommended when going through the process. The USPTO will likely take several months to approve or deny your application. Legal Advice and Record Labels Of course, you should seek advice from a legal professional in any business matters where youre not sure of the law, or if you think someone is trying to steal your intellectual property or ideas. Ideally, your legal expert is familiar with th e specifics of the recording industry and is up to date on current rules and regulations.

A Guide to Getting Started as a Work-at-Home Mom

A Guide to Getting Started as a Work-at-Home MomA Guide to Getting Started as a Work-at-Home MomIf youre considering trying tojoin the ranks of successful work-at-home moms who make money while staying home, you probably have some questions. You mightbe wondering where tofindwork-at-home jobsthat pay well and how toavoid work-at-home scams. You may even be wondering if you wouldlike being a work-at-home mom.The first step to joining the ranks of successful work-at-home moms isnotfinding a job orstarting a business. It is taking a long, hard look at yourself, your family, and your resume, and deciding whether being a work-at-home mom is what you want.Youll needto take into consideration whether you have the personality traits to work from home, what you will gain from it, and what you might have to give up. Below are four steps to help you get started on your journey to becoming a successful work-at-home mom. 01Whats the Right Career Path for You?Ken Wramton/GettyIf, after mullingyour options, youve decided to start looking for a work-at-home job, here are some useful links for work-at-home momsCompanies Hiring for Work-at-Home Jobs - An alphabetical directory lists companies hiring people to work from home in fields ranging from customer service and data entry to PR and travel.Top TelecommutingCompanies - If you prefer to work for a major company, one of these firms may be the place for you.List of Work-at-Home Call Center Jobs - These companies hire home-based call center agents.?Be sure todetermine if a work-at-home job is legitbefore applying. Many work-at-home job postingsare scams. Luckily, there are a number ofsites dedicated to helping moms look for remote jobs or other types of flexible work.

Spotlight on Sidney Bernsen and Ann Dowling to Receive ASME Awards at Honors Assembly

Spotlight on Sidney Bernsen and Ann Dowling to Receive ASME Awards at Honors Assembly Spotlight on Sidney Bernsen and Ann Dowling to Receive ASME Awards at Honors Assembly Each year, the ASME Honors and Awards Program recognizes individuals and organizations for a variety of engineering achievements and contributions to the profession. This year, the Society will honor 10 individuals for their accomplishments at the 2013 ASME Honors Assembly to be held on the evening of Nov. 18, during the 2013 ASME grenzberschreitend Mechanical Engineering Congress Exposition in San Diego, Calif.One of the nights honorees, Sidney A. Bernsen, Ph.D., will receive ASMEs Melvin R. Green Codes and Standards Medal, which celebrates memory and extraordinary contributions of Melvin R. Green, an ardent supporter of industrial standards and a longtime employee of the Society. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the development, promulgation or management of documents, objects or devices used in ASME programs of technical codification, standardization and conformity assessment. Sidney Bernsen Dr. Bernsen, a consultant and resident of San Diego, will be recognized for his distinguished leadership and professionalism in the development, advancement, promotion and acceptance of ASME codes and standards and for pioneering efforts in the development and standardization of quality assurance and nuclear risk management programs for application in power plants and other facilities. For 60 years, Bernsen has made outstanding contributions as a leader in research, development, design, licensing, quality assurance and management of nuclear and other high technology facilities, including a number of unique projects and programs. An ASME Fellow and Honorary Member, Bernsen was the first chair of the ASME Standards Committee on Nuclear Quality Assurance. He was a member of the committee for 30 years. In addition, he served on the ASME Nominating Committee and the Codes and Standards Redesign Team. He is a founding member of the ASME Board on Nuclear Codes and Standards and has served continuously for more than 38 years. In 1998, Bernsen was appointed the first chair of the ASME Standards Committee on Nuclear Risk Management, and he continues as a member and serves on the Executive Committee. He is also a member and former vice chair of the ASME Standards Board on New Development. He received an ASME Dedicated Service Award in 1989 and the Bernard F. Langer Nuclear Codes and Standards Award in 2000. Ann Dowling Ann Dowling, CEng, CPhys, Ph.D., Sc.D., a resident of Cambridge, U.K., and head of the department of engineering and deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Cambridge, will be also be honored during the ceremony. Dr. Dowling will receive the Kate Gleason Award, which is given to a female engineer who is a highly successful entrepreneur in a field of engineering or who has had a lifetime of achievement in the engineering profes sion. Established in 2011, the award honors the legacy of Kate Gleason, the first woman to become a full member of ASME. Dowling is being recognized for significant contributions to advance gas turbine engine technology and the engineering science of combustion and acoustics and for outstanding leadership in industry-university cooperative research and international engineering education. At the University of Cambridge, Dowling is also a professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the University Gas Turbine Partnership with Rolls-Royce. She is one of the founders of the Energy Efficient Cities initiative at Cambridge and was the U.K. lead of the Silent Aircraft Initiative, in collaboration with researchers at Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. Dowlings research is primarily in the fields of combustion, acoustics and vibration, and is aimed at low-emission combustion and quiet vehicles. Her research on unsteady combustion provides insight and models that are enabling gas turbine manufacturers to avoid damaging instabilities in low-emission combustors. An ASME reviewer and conference participant, Dowling received a Best Technical Paper Award from the ASME International Gas Turbine Institutes Combustion and Fuels Committee in 2001.The ASME Foundation is the proud supporter of the ASME Honors and Awards program through the management of award endowment funds set up by individuals, corporations or groups. For more information on the 2013 Honors Assembly and all 10 of the award recipients, visit www.asmeconferences.org/Congress2013/Honors.cfm.

Human Resources Specialist - Job Description

Human Resources Specialist - Job DescriptionHuman Resources Specialist - Job DescriptionAhuman resources specialist- often referred to as an HR specialist- helps an employer find job candidates who are most qualified to meet the organizations needs. He or she recruits applicants, reviewsresumes, conducts interviews, and performs background checks. The HR specialistmay also inform applicants of their acceptance or rejection. His or her work often goes beyond recruitment and hiring.An HR specialist may orient new employees by explaining company or organization policies, procedures, and benefits. Some HR specialists also have other duties including benefits administration and employee retention. Quick Facts HR specialists earn amedian annual salaryof $60,350 (2017).547,800 people work in this occupation (2016).While most human resources specialists recruit andscreen applicants, as well as tend to other HR-related tasks, for one employer, about 16% work for employment placement firms or temporary help agencies, acting as consultants to other companies.Most HR specialists work full time during regular business hours.Those who specialize in recruitment must travel to job fairs and college campuses where they have access to potential applicants. Human resources specialists have a goodjob outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow as fast as the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. A Day in a Human Resources Specialists Life These are some typical job duties taken from online ads for human resources specialist positions on Indeed.com Recruit and coordinate interviewing, references, and documentation for staff hiringFollow up on hiring decisionsDistribute, complete, and process paperwork for new hiresWork with employees to answer benefits questions and assist in processing life events and open enrollment electionsConduct new hire orientation and benefits orientation to build a strong foundation for new employees and incre ase employee engagementAssist in the developmentof policies and proceduresCoordinate exit process for departing employees Coach management and teams to promote and facilitate career growth and development How to Become an HR Specialist Most employers will only hire human resources specialists who have a bachelors degree in human resources management, business, or a related major. Earning a degree in psychology, particularly with a minor or dual major in human resources or business, can also prepare you for this career. Regardless of the major, coursework should include personnel administration, human resources and labor relations, social sciences, business administration, and behavioral sciences. Human resources specialists arent required to become certified but doing so can increase the likelihood of advancing in this field. Two organizations that offer professional certification are the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and theHR Certification Institute (HRCI). S oft Skills ThatWill Help You Succeed in This Career In addition to educational requirements and voluntary certification, an HR specialist also needs certain soft skills (personal qualities) to succeed in this occupation. Interviewing job candidates requires one to have strong listening skills. He or she also needs excellent interpersonal skills including, social perceptiveness- an awareness of another persons reactions. Excellent speaking skills, as well as the ability to convey information through writing, are other necessary attributes, as are sound judgment and superior decision-making skills. What Employers Will Expect From You Here are some requirements from real job announcements onIndeed.com Excellent attention to detail while multitaskingAbility to handle sensitive situations and maintain a high degree of confidentialityPC literate, including Microsoft Office productsExtremely strong organizational skillsAbility to build and develop relationshipsAbility to execute daily tasks with wenigstens supervisionMaintain records or files and respond to visitors and telephone callsDemonstrated ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and be a self-starter who works with integrity while also being a strong team player How to Determine If This Occupation Is a Good Fit for You Career satisfaction is more likely to be achieved if an occupation is a good fit for yourinterests,personality type,work-related values, andaptitude. Learn about yourself by doing aself-assessmentand consider becoming a human resources specialist if you have the following traits Interests(Holland Code) ECS(Enterprising, Conventional, Social)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFP, ENTJ, ENTP, ESTPWork-Related Values Relationships, Support, Achievement Occupations With Related Tasks and Activities OccupationDescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2017)Minimum Required Education/TrainingHuman Resources ManagerOversees hiring and strategic planning for an o rganizations staffing needs$110,120Bachelors Degree in Human Resources or a Related FieldHuman Resources AssistantProvides support services to HR specialists$39,480HS Diploma or GED (minimum) Associate DegreeLabor Relations SpecialistWorks with labor union representatives and an organizations management team$63,200Bachelors Degree in Labor Relations, HR, or Business Sources Bureau of Labor StatisticsU.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook HandbookEmployment and Training AdministrationU.S. Department of LaborO*NETverbunden(visited January 9, 2018)