Emergency Job Search Tips from Kathryn Troutman

Emergency Job Search Tips from Kathryn TroutmanEmergency Job Search Tips from Kathryn TroutmanEmergency Job Search Tips from Kathryn TroutmanAre you among the thousands of federal workers who last week were deemed non-essential and put on a temporary lay off with no assurance of back pay? You might think your job and skills are essential, but they may elend be. If you have bills to pay and a family to support, take action now on your own behalf, just in case something else happens down the line regarding your career. See Kathryns quote in the Washington Times about the uncertainties that face federal employees now.I am not writing this to make you nervous. I am writing this because its time. Its actually the perfect time while you are currently off from work.We didnt think the government would shut down, but it did, and its time to stop being complacent. I personally have a lot of experience with contingency planning. I have worked for myself for 40 years. I am always looking out for myself and watching my bills, because I cant count on government or Congress or anyone else to take care of me. So heres my advice for your career and your earnings in the near future and always.Emergency Job Search Tips from Kathryn Troutman for All Federal Workers for Your Next Career MoveGet / keep your federal resume up-to-date EVERY DAY. Just like life insurance for your family, you should keep your federal resume up-to-date and in GREAT shape, just in case you need to send your federal resume out with little notice. So many of our clients havent updated their resumes in years Start today with updating, writing, and adding your accomplishments and keywords for your occupational series. Its always easiest to start with a sample to look at. Check out our sample federal resume to help you with yours.Set up your LinkedIn resume and account (if you are not in a high-security position), so that you can quickly develop your network in yourself on very short notice. Heres a Sample Lin kedIn Resume Natalie Richardson. Connect to me Kathryn Troutman if you would like.Write a two-page private industry resume for networking and in case you have to get a job outside of government temporarily during the government shutdown.Read the current job ads so that you are familiar with job search, just in case you need to look for a job to pay the bills.Pretend that you are looking for a new job outside of federal government. Look for agencies, companies, or contractors that could be your next fit. Honestly, you might actually need to do this at some point.How The Resume Place, Inc. can help with our Free Estimate Service (FREE)We can help you with your federal resume, private industry resume or LinkedIn resume. Get prepared for your next career move now. Check out our article on how our Federal Resume is the Gold Standard, and request a Free EstimateWritten by Kathryn TroutmanPresident, Resume Place, Inc. and Federal Career Training Institute Federal Resume Guru and Designer of the Federal Resume Developer of the Ten Steps to a Federal Job, Certified Federal Resume Job Search coach and Certified Federal Career Coach Author of best-selling federal career publications

3 simple rituals that will make you a fantastic parent

3 simple rituals that will make you a fantastic parent 3 simple rituals that will make you a fantastic parent You know how it goes. You want this little person to do the thing and they won’t do the thing and somehow zero-point-two-seconds later you’re in the midst of a tear-filled screaming match in the hair care aisle at CVS.You start thinking about how your real kid may have been switched at birth for this pint-sized tyrant who seems bent on reenacting “The Omen” in public. And teenagers make you want to skip right past negotiating and just call an exorcist.  Yes, you love them, but kids can drive you crazy.Or… maybe we’re just working off a completely boneheaded paradigm when we deal with our children. I will now attempt to illustrate this point with a seemingly absurd scenario:I’m with my fictional friend Hans. Hans only speaks German.Me: Speak English.Hans: (something in German)Me: ENGLISH!Hans: (something in German)Me: Stop defying my will, Hans!Hans: (shouts in German)And on it goes. Who’s the idiot here? Me. Why? I’m acting like he’s willfully resisting me when th e reality is that he simply doesn’t have the skills required to comply. No amount of me shouting, threatening or pleading is going to suddenly teach him to speak another language.If I asked you “Do kids have the abilities and self-control of adults?” you would laugh and say, “Of course not.” But we often treat kids - especially during heated moments - like they have the abilities and self-control of adults. Does not compute.This doesn’t mean we just let them do whatever they want. But it does mean we need to think a little less of parenting as being a prison warden and more like it’s about  teaching.Yeah, sounds nice but easier said than done, right?  Well, let me up the ante even more…What if you could exert discipline  and  teach your kids better behavior  and  develop a stronger bond with them, all at the same time? Sound good? But how the heck do you do that?Frankly, I have no idea. But luckily, Ross Greene does…He was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years. Greene designed a system that has not only been validated by research but has also been successfully used for decades in families, schools, juvenile detention facilities and inpatient psychiatric units.  His book is  The Explosive Child.Let’s get to it…  Mad SkillzFor sake of argument,  I’m going to assume your child is not pure evil, malevolently bent on resisting your wishes and focused on spoiling your dreams. It’s a stretch, but indulge me.Start with the assumption that your kid is lacking  skills, not the  desire  to comply. Work from the idea that kids do well if they are able to. If someone does not have the skills to deal with frustration and rationally problem-solve at a particular moment, they simply cannot do the right thing, no matter how much you shout or threaten.How rational are you when you’re all worked up? Exactly. And taking away Hans’  Xbox will not teach him another language.From  The Explosive Child:I encourage you to put aside t he conventional wisdom and strategies and consider the alternate view: that your child is already very motivated to do well and that his challenging episodes reflect a developmental delay in the skills of flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem solving. The reason reward and punishment strategies haven’t helped is because they won’t teach your child the skills he’s lacking or solve the problems that are contributing to challenging episodes. Indeed, you’ve probably noticed that punishment actually adds fuel to the fire, and that your child only becomes more frustrated when he doesn’t receive an anticipated reward. Your energy can be devoted far more productively to collaborating with your child on solutions to the problems that are causing challenging episodes than in sticking with strategies that may actually have made things worse and haven’t led to durable improvement… You and your child are going to be allies, not adversaries. Partners, not enemies.What evid ence do you already have for this? That your kid doesn’t misbehave 24-7. I’ll bet the majority of the problems you have aren’t random. Maybe getting them to do their homework consistently produces a meltdown. Or bedtime is always a battle of epic proportions. There are a handful of situations that are disproportionately responsible for the conflict you two experience.He has “difficulty with doing chores.” She has “difficulty with getting up for school.” That’s something we can address. Parents often shout “You do this every time!” but rarely stop to think there might be a real  reason  it happens so consistently at that particular time. There’s what Greene calls an “unsolved problem.”But instead of thinking about the skill that’s lacking, we just focus on the bad behavior.  If we aim to discover and solve the underlying problem, the behavior goes away on its own.You want him to stop hitting his sister when he gets frustrated. Do you really think for a sec ond his thought process is,  â€œI just love punching my sister. It’s one of my favorite hobbies.” Of course not. It’s more like, “I’m frustrated and don’t know how to handle my emotions.”If you just enforce a strict ban on sister-punching, it’s not going to teach him to handle anger any more than me shouting is going to teach Hans a second language. Sister-punching is just going to morph into some new anger-induced bad behavior, leaving you to assume the kid has a lot more problems than he really does. The unaddressed anger issues just create a game of “Bad Behavior Whac-A-Mole” that you will never, ever win.Help them identify the unsolved problem, teach them the lagging skill, and the awful behavior gets replaced by something that will make them a more effective human - and stop you from going prematurely gray.(To learn more about how you and your children can lead a successful life, check out my bestselling book  here.)Sounds good, but there’s a very common resistance to this logic that we need to address…  â€œBut  I’m  The Parent!”Many parents will respond that the kid should just obey. “They’re the child! I’m the adult!” To this I have a very simple reply:So how’s that working out for you?(Don’t bother to reply. I know the answer - because you’re still reading this.)“The kid should just obey” is the old paradigm. Parenting from when TV’s weren’t flat and telephones were all attached to a wall. And maybe it forced short-term compliance but it didn’t teach Hans another language and so sister-punching just turned into some other bad behavior. And now that kid is an adult and he’s probably breaking into my car right now.The irony of merely imposing your will on a child is that the kids least likely to be able to comply with this method are the ones most likely to receive it. Kid has trouble with emotional control, so we shout and threaten, this causes further emotional overwhelm which the kid doesn’t ha ve the ability to handle, and it’s a downward spiral until your living room is a reality show.Most times when you see conflict escalate it’s because of that logic -  that it’s a contest of wills, not skills.  If a child is upset, threats just make it worse, and if a kid is not upset, threats are an excellent way to get them upset. You have the skills to control your behavior, they don’t.Greene  sums it up nicely:Here’s a simple math equation that might suffice. Inflexibility + Inflexibility = Meltdown.Nobody’s saying you have to cave and give in. But it’s not weak to ask questions. To assume that maybe there is a legitimate reason they’re struggling, and that it’s something you can help them get better at. Being immediately dismissive of someone’s feelings is rarely a good idea.Do you want your child to be an adult who just mindlessly obeys? No. We want them to have better self-control, better problem-solving skills, to consider the feelings of others and to neg otiate.From  The Explosive Child:If a kid is putting his concerns on the table, taking yours into account, and working collaboratively toward a solution that works for both of you- and if therefore the frequency and intensity of challenging episodes are being reduced- then he’s most assuredly being held accountable and taking responsibility for his actions.We’re forgetting that parents don’t just need to be enforcers - they need to be teachers. Many will say, “He just wants attention” or “She just wants her own way.” Here’s the thing: those two sentences are true of every human on this planet. Your kid is just going about it all wrong. They need to learn the skills to do it better.Without them, they’re not learning a lesson about emotional control or frustration tolerance, they’re learning that whoever has more power can unilaterally make the rules. Congrats, you’re raising a bully. Start saving bail money and tell him to stop breaking into my car.People with MD’s don’t rob banks and they don’t buy lottery tickets. They have the skills to make a lot of money in a better way. If your kid knew a better way to get what they want, they’d do that.(To learn how to deal with out-of-control kids - from hostage negotiators - click  here.)Alright, lots of talk about teaching skills and problem-solving… but how do we actually  do  that?  CollaborationOkay, so we are no longer responding to child tantrums with the words “RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.” Time for Hans and I to both take some Berlitz classes.The best time to start a good regimen of diet and exercise isn’t after your quadruple bypass; it’s 20 years before your heart attack. And the best time to use this system isn’t when someone four-feet tall is screaming bloody murder in  the vegetable aisle of the supermarket, it’s when things are calm at home. It can work in the midst of an argument, but it’ll be more effective and less stressful if you’re proactive.There are thre e steps here and Greene has a Magic Formula for each. This should make things a lot easier for you to execute and, more importantly, should drastically reduce the amount of email I get saying, “But I don’t know what you’re telling me to do, Eric.”Step 1: EmpathyLet’s say that getting them to do homework is always a struggle. But you’re smart, you didn’t wait until the next homework deathmatch to have this conversation. You’re being proactive. Time to address the problem before it’s a nightmare.From  The Explosive Child:The Empathy step involves gathering information from your child to understand his concern or perspective about a given unsolved problem.So what’s the Magic Formula for the Empathy step?“I’ve noticed that…” + (problem) + “What’s up?”So you’d say, “I’ve noticed we’ve been having some difficulty when it’s time to do your homework. What’s up?”Be calm and gentle. This isn’t an argument or an interrogation. That said, we do need an answer. And most kids will respond with the dreaded, “I don’t know” or silence. That’s okay.Frankly, the kid probably doesn’t know. They probably haven’t thought that much about it. Children aren’t known for quiet reflection, pondering the difficulties of life while lounging in a smoking jacket with a snifter of brandy. Heck, you don’t know why you do half the things you do either. It’s okay.Be patient. Ask questions. Encourage them to talk. Get them to clarify. And try to find out why this problem occurs at homework time and not during other moments.  Beyond that, the important thing to do is  shut your big adult mouth. Do not rush to give your side of things or to solve the problem for them.Some parents will say,  â€œBut I do listen! Why are we still dealing with this issue over and over?” If you already have a solution in mind and are just listening until it’s your turn and then tell them what you were going to tell them anyway, you’re wasting your time. Their issues won’t be addressed and the solution won’t last and you’ll be doing this whole thing again in a few days. I call it “Sisyphean Parenting.” By the way, it doesn’t work.Patience. Gently ask questions. Don’t judge.Step 2: Define The ProblemOkay,  they told you their side. And knowing how kids are, they probably didn’t think too much about how that affects anyone other than themselves and  that’s why they’re in trouble. But that’s okay. They’re a kid. If they had the skills, they would.Again, don’t jump to solutions just yet. We need to teach them those skills: being considerate of others, problem-solving, etc. And that means we collaborate, not dictate.The “Defining the problem” step is when your needs enter into the equation. Magic Formula?“The thing is…” + (communicate your concerns about the problem)Calm and gentle. Avoid the word “you” because unless it’s followed by “are wonderful” it’s going to sound like an accus ation. Stick to the word “I” and talk about your feelings.  This teaches them to think about other people’s perspectives.Do both of you understand where the other is coming from? Can you both summarize the other’s position to their satisfaction? Awesome. Let’s build some more skills.Step 3: The InvitationNow it’s time for solutions. And, no, you still don’t get to suggest one. Sorry.Magic Formula?“I wonder if there’s a way we can…” + (address kid’s concern) + “but that still makes sure to” + (address your concern) +“Do you have any ideas?”This teaches them to take other people’s feelings into consideration when problem-solving - which is a much better lesson than blind obedience to unilateral demands.Giving them first crack at suggesting the solution doesn’t just improve their empathy and problem-solving muscles, it also lets them know you’re interested in their ideas. It’s a bonding moment. It teaches them, by example, how to collaborate - as opposed to teaching them “How To Be A Dictator.”This is how you teach them skills that will make them a successful adult. And it doesn’t involve lectures that they’ll ignore.(To learn how to raise emotionally intelligent kids, click  here.)Yeah, I know: nothing is ever  that  simple with kids. So how do we know if it’s working? And how do we course correct when it inevitably doesn’t the first time around?The 2 Criteria For Good SolutionsIn order to work, any solution has to include two elements: It has to be realistic. The kid has to actually be able to follow through. It has to be mutually satisfactory.  It must solve the concerns of both parties. For the record, kids are terrible at both of these. That’s understandable, these are skills to be learned. So let’s start teaching - but not by lecturing.Children will offer solutions that solve their problem but not yours. So again, we’re gonna build those empathy muscles along with problem-solving powers. Don’t say, “That’s a terrible idea.” There are no  bad  solutions here, only ones that aren’t realistic or mutually satisfactory.Greene’s  Magic Formula for this one?“Well, that’s an idea, and I know that idea would address your concern, but I don’t think it would address my concern. Let’s see if we can come up with an idea that will work for both of us.”And let them try again. They’re learning to think about others’ feelings and make a plan before they behave. And when they come up with something realistic that works for both of you, you’re done for now. They’ll be more likely to follow through because it’s  their solution.You’ll know youâ €™re making progress when the kid starts following through on their plan without reminders or help. Until then, they might screw up. No problem. Ask them how you can improve the solution so it’s more realistic or more mutually satisfying.In fact, it’s  good if you both acknowledge that the first solution may not work, but that you’re both trying in good faith. Often neither of you will know if it’s truly realistic or mutually satisfactory until it’s been tried. Acknowledging that durable solutions are refined with time reduces conflict. So don’t expect immediate miracles.Just the fact that you both showed empathy and listened will bring you closer together than shouting and orders. It’ll make “Solution 2.0” better because your kid knows you’re willing to calmly listen and to give them some autonomy. You may not have immediately solved the issue, but you definitely improved the relationship. And that’s what leads to many more good solutions in the future.(To lea rn the 10 steps to raising happy kids, click  here.)Okay, we’ve covered a lot. Let’s round it all up - and for those who feel that this might be too touchy-feely, that the adult world is not always so collaborative, well, we’re gonna address that too …Sum UpHere’s how to be a fantastic parent: Mad Skillz: It’s not a battle of wills, it’s all about skills. And if you listen, they’ll learn. “But I’m the parent!“: If that was working there is no way you would have read this far. You’re not that masochistic. Step 1 â€" Empathy: “I’ve noticed that…” + (problem) + “What’s up?” Step 2 â€" Define the problem: “The thing is…” + (communicate your concerns about the problem) Step 3 â€" Invitation: “I wonder if there’s a way we can…” + (address kid’s concern) + “but that still makes sure to” + (address your concern) +“Do you have any ideas?” Realistic and Mutually Satisfying: I’m not sure those words describe anything I’ve ever done in my life, but when their solution hits both marks, you’re golden. Some might say the adult world is not always such a collaborative place. Your kid may end up in a job with a boss who unilaterally dictates orders, doesn’t listen and makes threats.That is a 100% real possibility. And that  is  a problem…Which is why we taught them awesome problem-solving skills, right?From  The Explosive Child:A (dictator) boss is a problem to be solved. How does your child learn to solve problems? (With the above three steps.) Which skill set is more important for life in the real world: the blind adherence to authority… or identifying and articulating one’s concerns, taking others’ concerns into account, and working toward solutions that are realistic and mutually satisfactory…? If kids are completely dependent on imposition of adult will to do the right thing, then what will they do when adults aren’t around to impose their will?I’m going to stop shouting at Hans and we’re both going to use Google Translate.You’re teaching your kid the skills they need to be empathetic and respectful, to problem-solve and negotiate. And in the process, you’ll get better at those things too.When it comes to abilities, we act like kids are our equals. But when it comes to respect, we act like they’re inferior to us.Try reversing that.Join over 330,000 readers.  Get a free weekly update via email  here.This article first appeared on Barking Up The Wrong Tree.

Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work - The Muse

Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work - The Muse Why You Should Share Your Crazy Ideas at Work “OK, forget about money and logistics. Tell me what your ideal partnership between our two departments would be,” my colleague, Ben, said to me a few weeks ago. Forget about money? I understood why he said that, but when you’re used to adhering to a pretty strict budget, it’s hard to not think about it. It’s also hard to not think about all the other factors that may have held you back in the past. When I’m tasked with planning an event or program, my mind automatically runs through a checklist. How much will it cost? Will the desired location be available? Can [insert department] assist with funds and staffing? I need to ensure all bases are covered before my creative process even begins. “Don’t be afraid to suggest crazy ideas,” Ben said, as I sat there thinking and tapping my pen against my notes. When I laughed, he told me that he “always starts with crazy ideas, because it helps lead other people to have more realistic but great [ones].” He’s right, and I need to start thinking more like he does. We all should. Because the thing is, you never know what that “wild” thought will lead to. Sure, it might be declined right off the bat. Or, perhaps, your suggestion inspires an even better, and more brilliant idea, from your teammate. But maybe, just maybe, the decision-maker surprises you and approves your initial proposal. I’m not saying these have to be completely bizarre or fantastical in nature. I’m just saying that, sometimes, we need to push convention aside and abandon the standard mold (at least temporarily) to find the best solutions and to take things to the next level. My partner, for instance, works at a community market that also serves as a fast casual restaurant. Since opening almost a year ago, the classic hamburger has been on the menu. A few weeks ago, he suggested they start offering it only on Thursdays. At first, his team thought the idea was trash. Who takes a good item- a simple, reliable one- off the menu (except for one day)? But he provided his rationale, so they decided to give it a shot. Prior to this experiment, the store sold around 45 burgers each week. Last week, they sold 95. Just on Thursday. They more than doubled their sales, and they decreased staffing needs, which helped save more money. Not such a trashy thought after all, eh? Here’s the thing. As much as you think you can predict it, you never really know how others will respond. Nor do you always know what other departments or companies can provide or who is actually willing to lend a hand. If you assume everyone’s answer will be no, if you limit yourself to planning around limitations you’ve had in the past, you’re closing a lot of doors for yourself, your team, and any clients you may serve. So, don’t be afraid to propose those long shot, “what-if” ideas. (And don’t be afraid to read this article first on how to get a “yes” out of anyone.) If the answer is no, you shrug it off and move on. But if it’s yes? Then you just probably put something pretty cool into motion. And that’s worth the risk of rejection.

Does the Senior Executive Service (SES) need to be changed

Does the Senior Executive Service (SES) need to be changed Does the Senior Executive Service (SES) need to be changed Does the Senior Executive Service (SES) need to be changed? Does the Senior Executive Service (SES) need to be changed? by Susan Custard A recent article in the Washington Post highlighted the need for reform of the Federal governments Senior Executive Service. The article summarized the findings of a report developed jointly by the Partnership for Public Service, and the consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, supports plans being developed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to overhaul the entire SES program, from selection to development to retirement. The report indicates that the SES, with an outstanding program concept for government executive leadership, has not reached its potential for a variety of reasons, including stagnation, lack of applicants and simply not enough attention to development and retention of exceptional leaders. The report, and OPMs proposal both recommend significant changes to the SES program, including rotational assignments, and a streamlined selection process. Additionally, the report advocates for development of an elite corps of managers that regularly move across agencies. Other recommendations call for OPM to recognize qualified executives for temporary or permanent assignments, especially to address natural disasters, emergencies, administration changes or other policy or technology changes already in place. OPM will begin to review and propose solutions to these issues through the development of an SES office that will serve as a clearinghouse for all senior executive issues within the government. About the ECQs: The report describes the ECQs as essays where applicants write how they have demonstrated their competencies through work experience or training and development. Often times these essays run 10 pages or more. OPM has responded by developing 2 alternatives. One being the accomplishment record, the other being a strict resume-based application method. As OPM begins to review and potentially change elements of the SES program, The Resume Place is your expert to assist you in developing a competitive application package. Our SES experts are tracking the OPM changes, and are providing feedback to OPM on recommended changes. We will be happy to work with you on changes to your materials if the selection process changes. If you are considering applying for SES positions dont wait for these changes there are great opportunities out there today call us for a consult or log on to http://localhost/services/services-menu/ses/ to learn more. Important SES Websites: SES Salaries opm.gov/ses/performance/salary.asp Career SES Pay for Performance Awards Charts opm.gov/ses/facts_and_figures/SES_AnnualReport_FY2007.pdf OPMs Main Senior Executive Services pages www.opm.gov/SES Executive Core Qualification Descriptions opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp SES Job Vacancies opm.gov/ses/recruitment/vacancies.asp Performance and Salaries opm.gov/ses/performance/index.asp Partnership for Public Service Read a pdf file of Reimagining the Senior Executive Service here: ourpublicservice.org/OPS/publications/viewcontentdetails.php?id=136 Susan Custard brings a unique perspective to her coaching more than 30 years of experience working across HR functions. With this experience, Susan applies her in-depth knowledge of various government occupations and positions to develop and execute an effective career management strategy.   Susan also brings outstanding interview training to clients with expertise in behavioral interview training. Susan has coached and worked with clients in career transition at all levels from entry-level to the C-suite. Susan specializes in offering customized services to clients that can include consulting, coaching, resume development, and interview preparation. Susans consulting services include comprehensive employment application development, content strategies, content analysis, discussion and brainstorming on leadership examples, competency analysis and decision-making, writing and focusing strategies. Other clients can benefit from Susans approach to career coaching, which includes strategic career planning and counseling, focused on a particular area or level. Susan excels in developing effective partnerships to coach clients in creating a personalized career management strategy that will leverage opportunities and experience to an effective and satisfying placement.

Social Media Networks Every Model Needs to Master

Social Media Networks Every Model Needs to Master Social Media Networks Every Model Needs to Master So you’ve finally decided to follow your dream of becoming a model. You’ve taken some photos, found a great model scouting site, and created a killer online profile that’s sure to get you noticed. What next? Social media. A solid digital presence has the power to elevate your career and open the door to incredible opportunities. Just take a look at some of the top models. Cara Delevingne, Coco Rocha, and Kate Upton all use the most popular social media networks to chronicle every aspect of their model lives. From their commutes and trendsetting styles to the mysterious backstage world of fashion shows, their social media accounts win the hearts of fans and brands alike. Are you a model who wants to join this digital road to success? Then be sure to hop on board these hot social networks. LinkedIn No,  LinkedIn isn’t just for old fogeys and marketers. It’s actually a really powerful tool that lets you network with agencies, photographers, advertisers, brands, makeup artists, hair stylists, and other professionals who make the modeling world tick. The beauty of LinkedIn is that you aren’t limited to connecting with people you know. You can expand your professional network by adding people (and businesses!) from anywhere in the world, whether you’ve met them or not. LinkedIn isn’t the place to chat about your day and post modeling shot after modeling shot. Rather, it’s all about professional networking, gathering important information from industry leaders, and making meaningful connections. And who knows, maybe one of those connections will lead to a great job!   Instagram As Vogue so perfectly said, “Instagram really has become the Twitter feed for those who prefer to say it with pictures.” And because fashion is inherently visual, why wouldn’t you want to be on the most picture-perfect social platform out there? Instagram lets you share your unique modeling journey with everyone in the social media stratosphere, all the while building your personal brand and fan base. You can share a mix of behind-the-scenes photos (just make sure you have permission first!), professional photos, and natural photos that show off your hire-worthy personality. Don’t forget that Instagram lets you add videos, too! The key to Instagram is to find the right mix of personal and professional and to tie it all together with the proper tags. For inspiration (and some serious fashion eye candy), be sure to check out some of the best model Instagrammers, like Cara Delevingne, Sean O’Pry, Miranda Kerr,  Candice Swanepoel, Noah Mills, Gisele Bundchen, Tyra Banks, and Karlie Kloss. Facebook There’s a 99.9% chance you’re already on Facebook, but do you really know how to use it to boost your portfolio, your exposure, and ultimately your success? First, you need to separate your personal and professional Facebook lives. Potential clients and connections don’t need to know about that wild party you went to last night. And similarly, your friends and family won’t appreciate a constant stream of modeling photos. That’s why you need to create a professional page for your modeling career! Keep your posts professional, relevant, current, and interesting, and don’t be afraid to mix it up with photos, videos, links, and simple text updates. Also don’t be afraid follow other people and businesses in the modeling industry, and always, always, always respond to comments right away. And, never leave your fans hanging. You should be consistent with how often you post! Twitter Don’t underestimate the power of 140 characters. Even though it’s not as popular as Instagram when it comes to mobile users (mobile is everything, as you know), millions of people log in to Twitter every day to check out the latest in the fashion world. That means each tweet you post has the incredible opportunity to transform the world’s experience with fashion. It’s a place to show the world your personal take on the style, to share relevant links, to connect with others in the industry and to post professional photos and videos with a personal edge. In short, it’s a quick way to build your brand and share your passion for fashion and modeling. Tip: When it comes to posting photos, don’t post any old thing. Like Coco Rocha told Vogue, “If you’re posting pictures to platforms like Instagram or Twitter, be selective about the one you post. No one wants to follow someone who does not take pride in composing an aesthetically beautiful picture. No random snapshots, treat every upload as if it were a work of art.”

5 Fun Places to Network Without Feeling Icky

5 Fun Places to Network Without Feeling Icky 5 Fun Places to Network Without Feeling Icky Networking. Just the word alone is enough to send shivers down every job seeker’s spine. Thing is, networking is truly a crucial component of a successful job search. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to dust off your job interview suit, print out some resumes, and head off to your local (and boring) networking event. Spruce up your networking skills by hitting up these five fun places to network without feeling icky. Check out these  five fun places to network: 1. School Events Whether you’re at school for a writing celebration, parent-teacher conferences, or a bake sale, networking at your child’s school is an excellent way to meet the other parents in your kids’ classes- and potentially expand your professional network. You can find out from other working moms and dads what type of work they do- and if their companies are hiring- as you work the book fair together or help out on picture day. Sign-up for today  and find great flexible job listings from legitimate employers quickly, easily, and safely! 2. Family Vacations Sure, you’re there for the sand and surf, but who’s to say that you can’t score some new connections, too? Vacations are a great time to network because everyone is already relaxed, friendly, and in a good mood. That makes it much more likely that the guy you met at the hotel pool will help to set up an informational interview for you with his boss après vacay. 3. Coworking Spaces Coworking spaces are an excellent way to network! For starters, many of the people youll find there are remote workers already employed by remote companies. As you revamp your resume to patch up any employment gaps, you can strike up a conversation with some of the people there to find out about the work they do, how they landed their jobs, and any potential tips they might have to help you in your job search. Remember, networking isnt always about landing that job interview or meeting the CEO of a company that you want to work for. It can simply be getting some much-needed pointers or career advice. 4. Volunteer Events You’re swinging your hammer for Habitat for Humanity when you discover that the carpenter next to you also has connections to a company you’ve been dying to work for. Volunteer events are a great way to meet new people because you already have common interests. Forging a friendship with your fellow do-gooders just might result in a lead for a job that you really want. 5. Local Coffee Shop You might be there just to get a tall pumpkin spice latte, but if you only go to your neighborhood coffee shop for the coffee, you’re missing out on some serious networking opportunities. After all, many people who work remotely will often venture out to their local coffee place to work. So bring along your laptop the next time you’re in the mood for a hot chocolate with extra whipped cream, and look for other remote workers there. You might learn about some interesting flexible job opportunities- and learn some tips on how to work remotely, too. There are many fun places to network that don’t have to actually feel like you’re networking! Be creative and be prepared to network no matter where you are! Readers, what are some other fun places to network that you know about? Let us know in the comments below!

Customize this Outstanding Fixed Income Specialist Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Fixed Income Specialist Resume Sample Customize this Outstanding Fixed Income Specialist Resume Sample Create Resume Fred Stone100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell: (555) 987-1234email@example.comProfessional SummaryFixed Income Specialist competent at creating fixed income strategies and researching competitive and product trends. Create marketing message and review all marketing material to ensure accuracy. Work closely with portfolio managers as well as internal and external clients.Core Qualifications Market research Advertising trends Support distribution Product strategies Portfolio management Investment acumenExperienceFixed Income Specialist, April 2012 â€" PresentLos Angeles Business Communicationsâ€" Los Angeles, CA Develop a strong marketing message for clients and prospective clients and provide review marketing as well as meeting materials. Organize large conferences and provide support distribution, training and meeting support to management team. Drive, create and modify new and existing product strategies. Possess knowledge of all portfolio holdings, risk attr ibutes of each strategy, past and current position of the portfolio and short-term outlook for the strategy and performance attribution. Conduct research pertaining to similar product market, competitors and customer trends. Pro-actively lead sales campaigns for the fixed income space of the department.Fixed Income Specialistâ€" First Assistant, August 2008 â€" May 2012Monterey Financial Servicesâ€" Monterey, CA Developed and lead pre-sales campaigns and large scale sales campaigns through full sales cycles. Offered clients solutions that benefited their workflow and helped them meet their goals. Established and maintained client relationships at all levels of the organization. Maintained accurate customer contact and opportunity data Collaborated with develop teams to develop and execute fixed income sales strategies for each product.Education2008 Bachelor of Science, MarketingUniversity of California â€" Los Angeles, CACustomize Resume