Pretty much everyone who is out of college would love to get a good job and earn good money. For those who are already employed, there is a high chance that they are not completely satisfied with their current position and would, therefore, not mind moving a few steps up the career ladder. One issue that has everyone concerned is the performance of the economy; as things stand, it is not very easy to secure a decent job because quite a number of companies are opting for leaner workforces so as to lower operating costs. Those that are hiring have put in place very stringent requirements because of the huge number of job seekers.
If you are to beat this competition, you need to have an edge over everyone else; obtaining an engineering degree might be a good place to start. So what exactly can an engineering degree do for your resume; what exactly is it that employers see in engineers? Here is what you need to know.
Communication Skills
One thing that is known about engineers is their ability to communicate effectively. An engineer is a person who possesses profound technical knowledge on various matters. What needs to be understood, however, is that, not everyone possesses such knowledge. In today’s world, effective communication is very vital, and it can mean the difference between securing a major deal and outright failure. Good engineers are capable of translating their technical jargon into a language that the average person can understand.
The idea here is to enable lay people understand various technical matters without over-stretching their brains. This is a characteristic that quite a number of companies are looking for. A good number of employers believe that people with engineering degrees can do just that, and if you are able to prove them right, then you will have moved closer to securing that desired position.
Creativity
Something else that employers see in engineers is creativity. This of course stems from the fact that engineers are trained to create, repair and make things more efficient. In today’s ever-competitive world, companies are looking for new and better ways of doing things. They want systems that require minimal resource input but produce maximum quality output (efficiency). It is quite impossible to create such systems without a good dose of creativity. For employers, it is all about bringing the most robust minds on board their teams in order to remain competitive and relevant.
Mathematically Inclined
We live in a world of numbers where pretty much every decision is determined by a certain mathematical concept like probability etc. “Numbers don’t lie” is a common adage that holds great truth. In order to make informed decisions, calculations have to be performed; in order to make correct predictions, numerical records have to be thoroughly analyzed and so forth. There is no better professional to handle such complex issues than an engineer. This is because the majority of engineering courses involve crunching numbers day in day out. Employers, therefore, view engineers as very valuable additions to their teams and more so at the strategic level.
Team Player
As far as engineering is concerned, rarely will you ever find a mind-boggling creation that was the work of only a single individual. In order to come up with a meaningful solution to a problem — whether in hardware form or theoretical conclusions — engineers usually have to work together. A good example is the Golden Gate Bridge, which was constructed almost 100 years ago by scores of engineers and is still standing to date. History is replete with many other similar examples, and as a result, engineers have over time made a name for themselves as being great team players. It is common knowledge that all employers today are looking for individuals who are capable of working as a unit for the attainment of synergy.
Author Bio William Stevens is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to technology. In this article, he explains a few perceived talents of engineers and aims to encourage further study with a master in public relations.
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It can be hard to stand out as a newly qualified teacher; as well as facing competition from other teachers, you also have to deal with tighter school budgets, and the wider state of the economy. While the rolls for primary schools are showing signs of improvement, many secondary teachers are having to face up to job shortages, and uncertainty over funding. In this way, it’s important to find different ways to stand out within the current market.
Continue Working on Your Interview Skills and CV
First impressions and interview skills are still a crucial part of anyone’s employment prospects; spend time running through mock interviews, and ask teachers for feedback on what you may be doing wrong. Similarly, work on updating your CV and tailor it to particular institutions – what kind of subjects are you most passionate about in terms of your professions, and how would you design your lessons in a way that is unique to your personal tastes and experiences?
Keep Up With Supply Teaching
While full time, permanent jobs might still not be hard to find in some parts of the country, you should make the most of your NQT status to get as much supply teaching as you can; you can supply teach for five years before you need to complete your induction, and should register with local agencies to find work. Depending on whether you’re qualified in secondary or primary, you will need to be flexible in the kind of work that you’re prepared to do.
Be Prepared to Work in Different Types of Schools
Be aware of the job opportunities available across a range of schools, and the ways in which you can make yourself more attractive to them; consider independent schools, academies, and free schools, and research your local area to see what’s available. Independent schools, for example, will place more demands on living on campus if at a boarding school, and may also require postgraduate degrees from their prospective candidates.
Build Up Other Teaching Experiences
Try to make your CV more distinctive by building up other teaching experiences – these can include private tuition in your chosen subject, or a range of subjects. Alternatively, you might want to try teaching abroad, either with your subject, or as an English language teacher. Performing teaching duties as part of charities and relief organisations can similarly help you to improve your experience.
Ask for Feedback
During any supply or temporary work, attempt to get as much feedback as you can from your employers – this may vary from job to job, but can be important if you want to identify areas for improvement. You should also be able to fine tune your CV by understanding what schools are looking for from their teachers.
Be Flexible
One of the more challenging parts of being an NQT is having to be as flexible as possible with the work provided; first and second choice schools may not be available, and you may have to deal with long term periods of unemployments. Consider moving around the country if you can, as this can help you to widen your job opportunities.
Know Where to Look Online
There are many useful online sites to find teaching work and specialist positions; sites like GSL Education, the Times Educational Supplement, and the Guardian Teacher Network provide up to date listings, as well as forum and job posting bulletins that can allow you to follow the latest developments within your profession – job alerts can also be useful if you’re checking for work via your smartphone or tablet.
Albert Roberts is a secondary school teacher in Essex, England and enjoys the challenges that teaching brings. When he’s not busy marking or planning lessons he likes to blog about the hurdles that face teachers; from getting teenagers to engage with learning to finding employment.
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Many successful companies are finding that outsourcing projects and positions outside the local office to a remote office is more ideal in cutting back and saving on expenses. With this increase, companies have used the technology of video interviews to scan through the ideal candidate for the position. This sounds easy enough, sit at home, do a quick video chat with the hiring manager, and get the job. However, there are some unbeatable tips that will ensure your success in landing the job with the company.
Keep Professional
Whether you have a remote office somewhere or your office is merely in your spare bedroom at home, the first key to achieving a successful video interview is providing a professional environment. Hiring managers don’t pay favor to lots of clutter in the background of obscene or offensive images. The key is to keep the background clean and clear, and beware of your surroundings. Along with an organized and clean background, you want to make sure the lighting is well efficient enough for the hiring manager to clearly see you and your serenity behind what you have to say.
Be Well Prepared
As if you are preparing for your school play, or asking that hot girl out on a date, you want to rehearse. Be prepared as to what you are going to say. Have a list of things that are key points you think would help the hiring manager pick you for the position. If possible, prepare a list of answers to questions you think they are going to ask so you will not look like a “deer in headlights” when they ask you certain questions. Try practicing in front of your mirror or for friends or family to get the idea of someone listening and watching back at you. Better yet, try a “trial recording” and send it to a few people. This will help in giving the most accurate feedback for the actual event.
Look Like the Part
Despite the idea that you will only be seen from the neck up, you want to dress and look as professional and “put together” as you can. So as tempting as putting on a nice shirt and possibly even throwing on a tie for good measures on, but leaving your boxers flying in the breeze, be conscience enough to put a nice pair of pants on to finish the look. When picking your wardrobe, be conscience that patterns and prints look different on camera than in real life. Be cautious as to matching correctly and appealing to the eye. To stay on the safe side, it’s suggested to stick with solid colors.
Let the Real You Shine
Be sure to try and charm the hiring managers with your best personality. Let the best “you” come out. Engage in small talk like you would in person. If you can look past the screen, visualize you are sitting at the table with the hiring manager. Make sure to smile and look interested in what they have to say. Chances are they are tired of seeing one interview after the other, so you want to make sure you shine and stand out.
Show Some Excitement
Nobody wants to talk to a “fuddyduddy” and no one wants to hire one either. Showing that you are excited for your position and the knowledge and skills you possess to fit their requirements will play favor amongst the hiring managers. Keep in mind, that in a video interview you have to reach out past the screen. Your emotions and excitement have to reach the viewer’s not just the screen. So typically putting emphasis on your excitement and enthusiasm will reach the managers as an eagerness for the position, more so than in a face to face interview.
Testing One Two Three
Is this mic on? Don’t be alarmed or surprised if the hiring managers record your video interview. Typically recording is done so they can go back and compare and contrast the different applicants. Maybe, the person conducting the interview needs to share with higher up, either way is mindful as to what you say.
Author Bio: Davis Miller wrote this adorable article. He has won the art of writing through his magical articles. He knows the taste of youngsters, so always writes his articles in a new manner. His articles on the topic edtech pr are highly appreciable.
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The very first evidence of social service work in the criminal justice system was in 1817 when Elizabeth Fry took on the challenge of prison reform in Britain. Known as “the angel of the prisons,” Fry advocated for humane treatment of prisoners, the separation of genders in prison facilities, and post-release support through education and paid work.
The profession was officially recognized almost 100 years later as a result of ongoing philanthropy and changing social mores. Today, social service workers are an essential part of the criminal and juvenile justice system. They fill an important need in the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals.
Professional Challenges, Personal Rewards
Social service careers in criminal justice can be extremely fulfilling for individuals who seek to contribute to an often under-served sector of American society, including a disproportionate number of young males and minorities.
These jobs also have an impact on the community at large, as appropriate treatment can reduce recidivism. Statistics from the United States Department of Justice indicate that 650,000 people are released from federal and state prisons each year. Unfortunately, without effective counseling and support after release, over half of all prisoners eventually reenter the system.
There are a lot of challenges to consider when entering this field. However, a social services worker can have a positive personal impact on the lives of others, including the families of detainees. Career growth opportunities are plentiful:
Correctional Treatment Specialist
Median Salary: $47,200
Job Outlook: 18% growth by 2020
Correctional treatment specialists monitor criminal offenders who have been released from prison. Much like a probation officer, these professionals help previously incarcerated individuals transition back into society. Individuals with a master’s degree in criminal justice can often be hired without any previous experience in apprehending criminals. However, they should be aware this job can be a dangerous one. Correctional treatment specialists need to carry a firearm for protection when conducting home visits, employment checks, and property searches.
Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Median Salary: $38,100
Job Outlook: 27% growth by 2020
Counselors can find job opportunity in prisons and juvenile detention centers, as well as with parole and probation agencies. Licensure in this field requires a master’s degree, two to three years of experience, annual recertification, and continuing education. Counselors are also regulated by their state of residency. The growth rate of this profession is very favorable as drug offenders are required to undergo treatment as part of their rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.
Social Workers
Median Salary: $42,500
Job Outlook: 25% growth by 2020
Social workers play an essential role in criminal justice, working with the incarcerated as part of a multidisciplinary prison health team. The position plays an important role throughout the prisoner lifecycle, from intake assessments of new inmates to exit counseling of those being released. Licensure varies by state, as do educational requirements. Individuals with a degree in social work, coupled with a master’s degree in criminal justice, will be dually prepared for the challenges of this role.
Adding Value in a Growing Industry
The United States criminal justice system has become more punitive in recent decades. More prisoners are being housed across the country than ever before, including juvenile offenders. Mentally ill people who fall through the cracks also end up in jail when no other options are available.
Many prisons struggle with overcrowding, creating the opportunity for new and more modern structures to be built and ultimately staffed by criminal justice professionals, including those in the social services field. While many jails and detention centers hire directly, an increasing number are managed by separate companies with expertise in corrections and behavioral health.
Outside the prison walls, social service workers can continue to support the criminal justice system in helping prisoners make a successful transition back into society. This career is not for everyone, but those who follow the path are highly valued contributors in today’s world.
Author Byline: Laura Mingo writes in the field of higher education. This article aims to offer career advice for university students in relation to criminal justice and promotes the benefits of advanced study regarding an online master’s in criminal justice
When you are a young college grad who is just out of school, Australia can suddenly seem like a fairly unwelcoming place. It always feels like there are fewer jobs than there are applicants, and if you have mostly worked for your family or in part-time jobs, the prospect of an interview can be a little terrifying. If you want to make sure that you are prepared, however, make sure that you consider how you are dressed!
First, scope out the place where you have applied. Look at the people who are walking in and out. If the dress code says business casual but you see everyone in rather more formal attire, mimic what you see, not what their website tells you. Remember that the key to dressing for an interview is to signal that you belong there.
Choose a suit with good lines. This does not mean that you need to go get a bespoke suit; after all, not everyone has tons of money to throw around! Instead, get a good suit off the rack. Choose one that you know fits you across your broadest point, whether that is through your shoulders or your stomach. Then take the suit to a place to have it altered to fit you well. This alone can win you a second glance.
While the suit does not have to be custom made, why not kick your outfit up a notch by throwing in some custom made accessories? A custom made tie is an easy way to give your outfit a focal point and to make sure that you get some attention. A great custom made time is created using the most luxurious materials around, giving you a chance to shine.
Remember not to neglect your shoes. The old saying goes that you can learn a lot about a many by his shoes, and if you are someone who is invested in making sure that you make a good impression, choose shoes that are not worn and that have been recently shined. If you do not have access to a shoe shine place, it is very easy to pick up some shoe polish and to take care of it yourself.
Are you ready for your big post-college interview? Whether you are in Sydney or Canberra, you need to look like you are ready for everything, and this starts with your wardrobe. Don’t forget that how you look matters, so dress your best and aim to please!
Author Bio Hayley is a freelance blogger and part time fashion consultant. She recommends custom made ties as a cornerstone of any business wardrobe.
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Cover letter writing may seem like a necessary evil when you are looking for work, but it is no less important than preparing your resume. Taking the time to craft your cover letter well will increase your chances of getting that all-important interview – and a job offer. Here are some short, sweet, and to the point cover letter writing tips to chew on to help you reach your goal.
1. Use a business letter format.
A basic block style format is easy to follow and always looks professional. You don’t need to be concerned about missing an indent on a paragraph like you would if you used one of the other letter-writing styles.
2. Address it to a specific person.
If you don’t have the person’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Manager” over “Dear Sir or Madam.” It’s worthwhile to make a phone call to the company to find out the name of the person you should be addressing your correspondence to and the correct spelling of his or her name if you are not sure.
3. Writing about how you can benefit the company.
The hiring manager is looking for someone who can increase earnings or save the company money. You can hook his or her interest by demonstrating that you can benefit the company in this manner.
4. Be honest.
Don’t put anything in your cover letter that is not true and that you can’t back up. If the employer find out that you lied, you’re finished even before you have a chance to be interviewed. You can even be fired if the company finds out that you lied on your application after you land the job, so be very careful when you are presenting yourself to an employer.
5. Keep it brief.
Don’t go over one page. Even if you have had a lengthy career. Your goal is to encourage the hiring manager to invite you for a personal interview, not eliminate the necessity for one.
6. Include the title of the position you are applying for.
Hiring managers see hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes and cover letters. Don’t make the person guess which job you would like to be considered for when you apply. If you are responding to an ad, use the exact title so the hiring manager can match your cover letter to the position. In many cases, resumes and cover letters are sorted by computer software and if yours doesn’t use the same keywords, it will be overlooked.
7. Summarize your qualifications.
Tell the reader why you would be a stellar candidate for the position, without rehashing the contents of your resume. The cover letter is meant to encourage hiring manager to invite you to a meeting. Take this opportunity to convince him or her why getting face to face with you would be a good idea.
8. Close with a specific call to action.
Ask for an interview. You could also tell the reader that you will be calling to follow up on your letter. If you decide to add this sentence, make a note in your calendar, and be sure to follow up. To end your letter on a positive note, be sure to thank the reader for his or her consideration.
9. Proofread your writing.
Go over your letter in detail. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to take a look at it for you as well. You don’t want to leave anything to chance when you are introducing yourself to a potential employer. This is your chance to make a good impression, and writing with spelling and grammar errors will immediately relegate your application to the bottom of the pile. It won’t matter whether you have excellent skills or the right educational background for the job at that point.
10. Don’t forget to sign your letter.
This is another detail that you may overlook if you are trying too hard to make a good impression. If you are mailing the letter, put pen to paper and sign it. In a case where you are e-mailing it, make sure you put your name at the bottom of your correspondence. The hiring manager will appreciate your eye for detail when deciding whether to invite you for an interview.
About the author Leslie Anglesey is an academic paper writing specialist and a contributor to EssayTigers. She is an active member of writing and blogging events.
This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines.
Community college is a great starting point for many high school graduates who don’t have a clear idea about what their next step should be. Community college can serve as a segue for high school grads who need an environment that offers smaller classes and academic intimacy. While studying at a community college, design students experience flexibility for growing into academic and career goals. Creative students enrolled in courses such as fabrics for interiors or color design may find themselves as emerging interior design professionals and innovators. Are you a community college student who envisions a future as an interior designer? Then transferring to a specialized design educational institution may be your next step.
What is Interior Design, Really?
If you’re an imaginative and artistic individual, then you most likely have the talent to enter the interior design field. Keep mind that the industry requires professionals who also have disciplined and keen business skills. Interior designers are professional creatives, yes, but they must marry business knowledge with aesthetic visions in order to create residential and commercial interior spaces that meet the needs and reflect the styles of various clients. CareersInInteriorDesign.com emphasizes that aspiring interior designers will need to specialize in a wide range of “artistic and technical requirements,” including:
Space, visual and business planning
The interaction of materials, texture, color and lighting
Interpersonal communications and leadership skills
Project management (e.g. proposals and presentations)
Research Top Schools & Programs
To become a licensed interior designer, you’ll need years of work experience and, preferably, an education from an FIDER-accredited school, according to MyInteriorDecorator.com. As you research the best interior design schools for your career path, look for a school that is FIDER (Foundation for Interior Design Education Research) or CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) accredited. Schools that offer a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum degree required for commercial work, are best.
Check out state requirements and ensure that a program provides you with those credentials. Depending on education and experience, students can earn the title of certified, registered or licensed interior designer. To be eligible to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, aspiring designers need a bachelor’s degree with two years of full-time experience or an associate’s degree with four years of full-time experience. Participate in internships or the Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) to gain experience and strengthen skills.
Is Your Future in Interior Design?
According to The Wall Street Journal, interior designers start with a salary on average of $36,000 and can earn upward of $107,000. Median salary is $53,000. As of July 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that jobs for interior designers are “expected to increase by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020,” which is average. Still interested? Designers can specialize in residential and commercial settings, including office buildings, shopping centers and malls, and airport terminals. Various concentrations include hospitality, corporate and institutional, industrial and retail.
Designers can earn a living as a:
Self-employed freelancer; 30 percent of interior designers were self-employed in 2010
Contractor for a design agency
In-house designer for a firm
Innate passion and ambition for networking and building a portfolio will drive your success. Although the idea of achieving your dream of becoming an interior designer may feel overwhelming, take one small step at a time and keep your eye on the prize.
Byline: Vivian believes that window shopping is an extracurricular activity and that shoe shopping is a sport. She loves Target for its fashion and cheap chic style.
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Are you looking for job right now? Perhaps, you are already employed but want to find new opportunities? But whichever of these statements is true for you, the thing is, finding breaks could be difficult these days.
But you need not worry because there are ways to increase your chances of getting a new job. One of the easiest methods is by signing up with anemployment agency. To ensure that you will get job offers in the field of your choice, go for recruitment agencies that only accept candidates for specific job positions.
Now, if you are seriously considering registering with a job recruitment company, there are important things to know before actually signing up with them. By knowing about these things, you will be able to find out if you have found the right employment agency.
Do they offer lots of job opportunities? Keep in mind that you are better off with job placement companies with stacks of jobs to offer. The reason for this is simple, if they hold plenty of job posts; it is a sign that the agency is popular and trusted by many companies that are looking for additional employees. Likewise, being popular with businesses also points out that the agency is likely to be the right one for you.
Find out if they have your target job positions. What kind of occupation are you looking for? If they rarely offer a job in your field, approach them as directly ask how often they post jobs that fit you.
What is their reputation in the business? You will know the answer to this if you will talk to people who are familiar with the agency. Also, look into the years that the agency has been in the business. Of course, the longer that they have been in operation, the better. This also implies that they are successful at what they do.
It is always awkward to ask anyone about how they are doing or how good they are in their line of work. But you must not be afraid to ask about this since it will help you determine whether you can work with them or not. To put it simply, inquire about the number of job placements that they usually make each month.
Knowing about these things will give you a good picture of what the agency is really like. With the information that you will gather, you will be able to make a wise decision when contemplating whether to sign up or not. Regardless of what job you are searching for, make sure to get a hold of the recruitment agency service that will work for you.
Further, job recruitment involves the action of providing work, recruiting or signing an agreement with workers, and matching jobs for employers and job hunters. Posting of job advertisements can also be part of their work. It is normal for employers to pass on the task of screening and interviewing qualified applicants to the job agency that they trust and working with.
Facts about online employment agencies
Because the internet is also being widely used by recruitment companies, it is crucial to learn about them as well. Firstly, everything could be done via online these days so it is not surprising to find online-based employment agencies. Job applicants also find this as the more convenient option when it comes to finding their dream job.
Job seekers simply leaf through the job openings posted on the agency’s website and upload their resume, along with other documents, once they found a job that they would like to apply to. It is really easy and you get to save time and money too!
Then again, you must be careful with online applications as scamming is rampant in the internet world. Identity theft and human trafficking are two of the worst fraud cases that you must watch out for when using the internet. As a job hunter, you must apply measures in order to safeguard yourself from fake agencies. The best that you can do is to check out their profile and reputation first before making any move of signing up.
This step will allow you to confirm if the agency is operating legally. If they have nothing to hide, they would be more than willing to let you check their complete profile.
As a final point, it is not right to immediately register with London’s job agencies that you first heard of or come across with. All the things mentioned above are important. Be acquainted with them and there’s no doubt that you will end up with the best recruitment agency in London.
Author Bio: The author of this post is Will Smith, a professional blogger who has written many articles on education, career, recruitment agency service and much more.
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‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’, so the saying goes, the same applies to your CV. This is your first point of contact with your potential employer, you want the interview, and ultimately the job, and so what is on you CV and how it is laid out is probably THE most important factor, otherwise you’re never going to get the job!
Fusion People are global recruitment specialist, and therefore see thousands of CV’s every month. Pull out your CV and follow our breakdown of what not to include on your CV to ensure you get the interview.
#1 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
It doesn’t matter what position you are applying for, your future employer will want to know that you have a good grasp of the English language. If you can’t be bothered to spell check your CV, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to be the model employee. If you don’t have the best spelling skills or grammar isn’t you thing then ask a friend or professional to take a look over your CV.
#2 Language
You can spell everything correctly; put all the full stops in the right places but if you’re talking in codes your CV is likely to go straight in to the bin. Obviously it’s excellent to be well read and have a broad vocabulary, however this is no novel you’re writing, your CV needs to be clear, concise and to the point. Imagine you’re the employer sifting through hundreds of CV’s trying to find the perfect employee, who are you likely to choose? The candidate who takes two pages to tell you their life story or the candidate who can articulate in one page his/her experience, skills and ambitions.
#3 Design
Employers aren’t looking for fancy paper or an exuberant design when reviewing your CV. They’re looking for the quality written copy and nothing more. Unless you work in the design industry, which can sometimes require an artistic portfolio, your CV should be laid on plain A4 white paper only.
#4 Photographs
Unless you are applying for a modelling or acting position, a photograph on your CV is a big no no. Your appearance doesn’t affect your performance, therefore adding a photo to your CV can look unprofessional.
#5 Your Salary
Including your salary on your CV can compromise your bargaining power should you get offered the position. It’s best to have an idea in mind of the salary you are aiming for, should your interviewer ask then divulge. Be prepared to justify why you feel you deserve the salary you are asking for, and remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get!
Good luck!
Author Bio: Leah Jarratt is a regular guest writer for Fusion People, global recruitment specialists.
Good luck in your search.