How to Build a Great Executive Brand

How to Build a Great Executive Brand In business, no man or woman obtains a top job, lands an extraordinary deal or develops a significant following without a combination of poise, authenticity and confidence in their abilities. That combination of poise, authenticity and confidence is the foundation of what is referred to as executive brand. Needless to say, having a presence (i.e. brand) that conveys confidence and capability is an absolute precondition for success. Regardless of whether you’re a banker, a sales professional, musician or recruiter, how you present yourself matters enormously. Impeccable Image is Imperative to Executive Branding Contrary to popular belief, executive presence has little to do with performance (directly speaking). Rather, it’s a measure of image; whether you give off the impression to others that you have what it takes. Variables such as walk, clothing, set of the individual’s shoulders, dress and facial expression contribute to (or deduct from) how colleagues and bosses perceive a person. That brings us to what author Sylvia Ann Hewlett describes as the three pillars of executive presence: 1. How you look (appearance) 2. How you speak (communication) 3. How you act (gravitas) Defining Gravitas   Out of the three variables listed above, most executives  believe that gravitas is the core characteristic of building an executive  brand. Without gravitas, one won’t be branded  as a leader. As opposed to what many may believe, gravitas has more to do with executive branding  than just being the smartest guy or gal in the room. Gravitas, according to over 62% of leaders, is what signals to the world that an individual has the ability to get things done. In sum, gravitas consists of 6 variables: 1. Composure during a crisis (i.e. grace under fire) 2. Decisiveness and showing teeth 3. Integrity and speaking the truth to power 4. Possessing emotional intelligence 5. Reputation 6. Vision On the flip side, things such as lack of integrity, sexual impropriety, flip-flopping, inflated ego, and off-color or racially insensitive jokes greatly undermine one’s ability to be perceived as a competent, confident leader. Communicating with Authority Similar to gravitas, a key component of presenting oneself like an executive involves being able to command a room and command the audience’s attention. Much of this rests on one’s tone of voice, body language and eye contact. Eye Contact and Communication Eye contact matters enormously.   Being able to make eye contact with co-workers, superiors and a general audience proves to have a transformative effect. According to Hewlett, it is the foundation of one’s ability to connect and inspire. Being able to maintain eye contact entails knowing the content cold, which in turn requires extensive preparation and practice. Appearance and Authority It’s well known that individuals size up a person’s confidence, credibility and friendliness based simply on appearance. According to a Harvard Medical School study, they do so within 250 milliseconds. The same study also found that grooming and polish were chosen as more important than physical attractiveness. Therefore, we can conclude that cultivating an appearance that conveys authority has little to do with what someone was born with, as far as looks. Rather, what they do with what they are given is more crucial. In the End Cultivating a brand  that commands respect and instills confidence in others can be onerous. Just like anything else in life, it requires discipline and vision. Additionally, being perceived as an executive entails surrounding yourself with people who are better than you, giving credit where credit is due, showing humility, smiling, as well as empowering others through showing them how to gain an executive presence. Putting in the necessary work (i.e. overcoming the struggles) in order to be able to brand  yourself like an executive will foster heightened success, heightened pay and, ultimately a more fulfilling life. [Image Credit: Shutterstock]

Useful Mechanical Engineering Resume Writing Tips

Useful Mechanical Engineering Resume Writing TipsMechanical engineering resume writing tips can help you write a stronger, more well rounded resume. The design of a resume, including the contents and format, is what will get you the interview. To ensure that your resume is well received, you need to be organized, have the ability to structure your thoughts in a way that reflects well on you, and to be able to convey your personality so the hiring manager.First, it is important to understand that even though Mechanical Engineering is not the first choice for all that apply for a job, it does have a few opportunities available. Some employers seek applicants who have experience working in the field, others search for individuals who have a degree or certification related to the field. There are also schools that offer degrees in this discipline. The more experience and expertise you have worked in the industry, the more likely you will be hired.The first key to writing a good resume is to understand the difference between Mechanical Engineering and any other engineering related discipline. All engineering disciplines require a Bachelor's degree, but you do not have to complete an Engineering degree to enter the field of Mechanical Engineering. A Bachelors' degree can open doors and create a foundation for pursuing a career in this area.By knowing what your area of specialization is, you will be better prepared to write a professional resume. If you have a Bachelor's in a specific area, such as mechanical engineering, and you are attempting to pursue a Master's, you will have an easier time in a limited field. If you have been in the field for quite some time, however, it may be difficult to advance into a master's program.Regardless of whether you have a formal education in Mechanical Engineering or another engineering discipline, you will need to take into account what the field requires. If you are applying for jobs in the field, you should be able to describe your experience in specific terms. You may want to provide samples of work samples, if you can. However, to describe your responsibilities, how you conduct research, how you design products, and how you collaborate with other engineers can be a daunting task for most students.The easiest way to describe the experiences that you have had with Mechanical Engineering is to write a summary. A summary summarizes a major topic in the most concise manner possible. Many companies use a summary to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the position. Whether or not they hire you, they can see how much you know about the field and will be impressed with your abilities.It is critical that you use a clear, simple language when writing your Mechanical Engineering resume. If you need to use words like 'application'experience,' you should use those to describe your previous work. It will only serve to make the information harder to understand and in turn, cause your resume to be less attra ctive.Good mechanical engineering resume writing tips can help you be successful. If you have specialized training in the field, you will stand out in the crowd, and you will have an edge over the competition. With a strong application and a compelling summary, you will be well on your way to landing a job.

Crucial Checks Employers Will Complete Before Hiring You

Crucial Checks Employers Will Complete Before Hiring You You may not realize this but whenever you apply for a job you’re put under immense scrutiny. There are plenty of checks an employer will conduct before they even set up an interview. Some of these are quite intrusive and examine different aspects of your life. However, they are also completely legal and could affect your chances of getting the job. That’s why you need to be prepared for them. Here are a few issues an employer might look at when deciding whether to hire you. Credit Record  Legally, an employer can not refuse to hire you due to your credit history. While this is true, there’s nothing to stop them looking. They have every right to, and you can bet they will. Particularly, if your job involves any financial responsibility at all. That might include investments, fund management or looking after business accounts. However, they might take it into consideration for a job that involves looking after smaller amounts of money like managing a till. Luckily, there are easy ways to fix a bad credit history. You just need to pay off your debts and make sure that in future your bills are paid on time. Within a year, your credit will be back in the green. Criminal Record  When you apply for a job, you will typically be asked whether you have ever been arrested. It’s best not to lie here because they will check up on any facts you provide. If it was only a minor offense, you might still get the job. You might wonder whether arrests include road crimes. We wouldn’t recommend you ask your potential employer about this. You’re pretty much just admitting that you have been arrested at some point on the road. Instead, enquire with Scheiner Law your local attorney. They’ll be able to tell you what employers are looking for when they check criminal records. They might also be able to help you get yours cleared or at the very least, sealed. Social Media Activity  Most employers look at social media activity as a positive. After all, businesses love promoting their companies on social media and it’s useful to have an employee who knows how to do this. True though this is, it needs to be the right type of activity. Employers should not be able to find anything that could embarrass them or their business. As such, if you are open on social media profiles, keep privacy settings high. Ideally, you want to avoid employers finding them. Or, make sure that there is nothing embarrassing that could come back to haunt you. It’s important to remember that publication online is never anonymous, no matter how hidden it might seem.     Job Experience  You might have had a poor history in another company. Perhaps you didn’t click with your boss, or maybe you weren’t happy there. Either way, you didn’t perform well in the position. The best thing to do is leave this period off your CV. Unless, it was an extended part of your career experience. If that’s the case, leave it on but don’t draw attention to it. Make sure it looks boring or completely insignificant to the job you are now applying for. Otherwise, they might check, and a bad report from a previous employer could stop you getting another position. Image credits Main   Credit    Social Media

7 Reasons Why You Cant Sleep Properly At Night

7 Reasons Why You Cant Sleep Properly At Night According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that one third of the U.S. population gets less than the recommended hours of sleep. This consequently leads to problems like stress and anxiety, heart disease, obesity, and depression, in addition to poor concentration during the day and also adversely affects work performance. If you are or have ever faced problems sleeping at night, then go through the list compiled below to learn more about some of the possible causes. Artificial light inhibiting melatonin production We are prone to overusing our digital gadgets like smartphones and tablets and often tend to use them the most right before we sleep. The blue light emitted from these sources suppresses melatonin production; a vital hormone required for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. The light from our laptops and mobile devices causes our circadian rhythms to become jumbled up as our bodies cant distinguish whether the light is from the sun or from an artificial source like our phone. Artificial light affects the circadian rhythm leading to your inability to sleep, upsetting the body’s recognition making it unable to determine whether it’s time to sleep or not. To fix this, dont take mobile devices to bed and turn everything off at least one hour before your bedtime. Without the artificial light, the body can start producing melatonin which is essential for a good night’s sleep. Medications resulting in sleep disturbances In addition to lifestyle changes, some of the medications you are taking can also be the culprit, causing you to lose sleep. Many everyday medications are known to cause sleep disturbances including alpha blockers, beta-blockers, anti-depressants, corticosteroids and many others. Alpha-blockers are commonly administered to treat hypertension, something 40% of the adults aged 25 and above have been diagnosed with worldwide. They are linked to decreasing the REM (rapid eye movement), thus causing sleep disturbances. Similarly, beta-blockers, which are used to treat angina, migraines and sometimes blood pressure, can also lead to sleep disturbances by inhibiting the nighttime secretion of melatonin; the hormone for regulating both sleep and the bodys circadian clock. If you notice changes in your sleep pattern after starting a new medication, then consider discussing this with your physician. He will hopefully help you find an alternative treatment for your problem. Hormonal changes A person goes through hormonal changes throughout their life. Women, in particular, are prone to sleep problems owing to menopause and resulting hot flashes. In fact, perimenopausal women often report difficulties initiating as well as maintaining sleep with frequent nighttime sleep disturbances. One of the main symptoms reported by women due to menopausal transition is sleep disturbance and this could be the reason for your inability to sleep properly through the night. Depression, PTSD, and other psychological illnesses People who are going through major stressful life events, like loss of a loved one, stressful job, or major depression also face trouble while sleeping properly at night. People who have PTSD especially face problems when it comes to sleeping through the night. Moreover, going through an emotional trauma or psychological issues can also result in poor sleep quality. Thus, depression, stress, anxiety, and other related symptoms could also be the underlying reason of your sleep disturbance.   Brain trauma People who have had some brain injury or trauma in the past can also experience trouble sleeping or suffer from insomnia. Researchers have identified a few processes that lead to insomnia after head trauma: Injury to the areas of the brain controlling the sleep-wake cycles may be directly linked to sleep disturbances in individuals. In addition to sleep disturbance, traumatic brain injury can also manifest itself in the form of other cognitive deficits including depression, disorientation, and anxiety and stress which are also linked with insomnia and sleep problems. Traumatic brain injury is also associated with a disturbance in melatonin production which is one of the hormones which regulates the sleep Brain trauma and injury can seriously affect sleep-wake cycle in addition to causing other problems. If you have had a physical brain trauma recently and suspect that your sleep disturbances are related to the presence of any of the brain diseases, then schedule a brain test to find out the underlying cause. The only way to find about brain trauma is through deliberate brain testing; it may be expensive but it can screen out a lot of possibilities. Sleep apnea It is estimated that around 1 in 3 people have mild insomnia. Insomnia can be caused by a plethora of reasons, including psychological or certain medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. People who have sleep apnea also have insomnia. Sleep apnea causes the airways to be blocked during sleep, which makes a person wake up repeatedly throughout the night disrupting the sleep cycle. Poor lifestyle choices â€" heart burn Your lifestyle and behavior can also be a leading cause of your inability to sleep properly during the night. Eating heavy food, consuming alcohol and coffee right before sleeping, for instance, could also be the culprit leading to heartburn. Heartburns usually result when a person lies down right after a heavy or late meal. Caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, heartburn isnt really a pleasant feeling and causes you to lose sleep for obvious reasons. You can easily manage this by refraining from eating heavy or fatty foods late in the evening along with alcohol and coffee after 8 pm. If you have been facing this problem occasionally then you should definitely consider seeing a doctor and getting a prescription. Conclusion Whatever the reason for your sleep disturbance is, it is important that you take it seriously and have it checked. Lack of sleep can lead to many related problems including poor performance in your personal and professional life as well as irritability, stress, and anxiety and even debilitating brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The inability to sleep properly is going to affect your overall health, something you should never compromise on. Hence, it’s essential that you look into this problem and get it treated at the earliest. This guest post was authored by Kamil Riaz Kara Kamil Riaz Kara is an HR Professional and Inbound Marketer with a Masters in Administrative Sciences from the University of Karachi. He frequently blogs on management, technology, lifestyle and health and is associated with Brain Test Team. You can find him on LinkedIn Twitter.

Resume Writing Tips to Avoid

Resume Writing Tips to AvoidIf you're looking for some resume writing tips to avoid, this article will give you some tips. You can use them to your advantage, when you're preparing your resume.Avoid looking at the resume that your friend is editing. When you look at another resume, the editor usually changes words, that you didn't intend to be changed, or, they change wording that makes it easier for them to present the information on the page. The easiest way to recognize a resume that has been edited is to see if the spelling has been altered.Resume writing tips to avoid are commonly related to the grammar of the resume. If the style is one that is usually used by your college career counselor, you may not have the same skills as your counselor and in turn, your resume will probably suffer. Try to find one that is more informal and more neutral.Many resume writing tips to avoid dealing with formatting the resume. If the resume you're reviewing is designed for a secretary, or that w as printed on a computer printer, then it may look better if it's laid out like one. If you're trying to make a resume that you intend to send to an employer, you need to make sure the format fits well into the employer's organizational chart.Most resume writing tips to avoid dealing with how the resume should be presented. A resume is only as good as the information that it contains. Look at your resume and see if it has the information that is required for it to be considered a success. Most people who use resume writing tips to avoid are looking for the employers to find something that they find interesting about you.Another one of the resume writing tips to avoid is if the resume doesn't address the needs of the employer. Your resume will be reviewed for its contents, and if it doesn't address the requirements of the employer, then the resume won't be read. It will simply be tossed away. Look for some suggestions that will help your resume speak to the employer about the needs t hat you have.Resume writing tips to avoid dealing with the content of the resume. You have to focus on the specifics of what you can contribute to the employer, rather than the generalities of the position that you're applying for. Those that aren't taken into consideration may not even get considered for the job.Resume writing tips to avoid seem to mainly involve keeping the job opening brief and to the point. They don't want to read a resume that talks about your childhood, or has many attachments attached. Be short and sweet, and keep the resume to the point.

10 Simple Ways To Cope With Your Occupational Burnouts CareerMetis.com

10 Simple Ways To Cope With Your Occupational Burnouts â€" CareerMetis.com It’s only the start of the week but you’re already longing for the weekend.As working individuals, we tend to joke a lot about getting lazy to get out of bed during Monday mornings and constantly yearning for Friday nights.evalIt’s normal to feel work dissatisfaction and the lack of motivation at some point. What most people don’t realize is that working a 9 to 5 daily grind can truly take a toll on one’s physical and mental being.If you have been feeling it more months now, maybe it’s not laziness. Maybe it’s a burnout.A job-related burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, combined with uncertainty about your competence and the value of work, caused by prolonged stress or frustration.Some of the signs that you’re experiencing an occupational burnout may include:You dread reporting for work.You have a cynical or critical attitude at work.You find it difficult to begin a task.You lack energy, interest, and concentration to be consistently produ ctive.You feel empty most of the time.You lack satisfaction from your outputs as well as your accomplishments.You feel like your efforts aren’t recognized.You doubt your place in the company.You think of quitting your job.Everyone, including co-workers and clients, irritates you.You turn to food, drugs, and alcohol to feel better.Your sleep habits and appetite have changed.You experience unexplained physical pain, like headaches, backaches, and illnessesYou can’t wait to go home.The good news is that you can do little things to manage your occupational burnouts, even while you’re at work.1) Find time to exerciseRegular physical activity never fails to help you deal with stress. You don’t have to escape to a gym or run a kilometer. A mere walk around the block or even along the hallway will suffice.Take alternate routes when going to your favorite restaurant so you’ll have the chance to walk more. You may also consider using the fire exit stairs rather than the elevator. Do n’t fall into a sedentary lifestyle and get your blood flowing.2) Get some sleepevalDue to job commitments, most of us working adults neglect the importance of getting enough sleep. As a result, we put our short-term and long-term physical and mental well-being at risk.Aim for 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye per night. You should also take power naps of 20 minutes if you must.3) Eat healthyJust because your workplace is surrounded by unhealthy fast food joints doesn’t mean you have an excuse for not eating healthy. Don’t settle for unhealthy and “fake” food out there if you want to feel good throughout the day.If you can, find time in the morning to pack your own snacks. Pack fruits, veggies, grease-free meats, and basically real food. Opt for dark chocolate. Grab a green tea to boost your mood.4) Get up from your seat and go outdoorsevalTake short breaks from your dreadful tasks indoors and catch a glimpse of the outside world. Breathe in the fresh air. Roam the streets. Look fo r green patches beyond the city’s gray facades.Feel the heat of the sun. It’s nice to stand up from your desk every once in a while not only to prevent neck and back pain but also to refresh your sight and mind.5) Break routinesYou wake up at 6, dress up for work, leave by 7, take the bus, walk to your office, and arrive by 8. This is how your day started last Friday, yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow and the days after that.It can feel like you’re walking on a treadmill with no chance of moving forward. So do yourself a favor and try to break routines â€" something you have control over.Challenge yourself.Try different means of transportation and routes. Explore different dining places during your lunch break. Change your choice of coffee. Sneak to the nearest park or museum. Be creative when it comes to your OOTD. There are a lot of ways to make your daily grind more bearable.6) Encourage social interactionRemind yourself that you’re not a machine -you’re a social being who needs interpersonal communication. Talk to your colleagues and share laughs with them. Break free from your tasks to have some small talks. Greet people when you arrive and before you leave.You can also make the workplace more human by suggesting to your boss to have face-to-face meetings, rather than group e-mails. Go out for a company lunch out or coffee break to talk about important things.7) Put live plants on your deskWould it be nice to have a “bring your pet to work” day? We all wish we could bring our cats to work to have someone to cuddle with when we’re stressed out.evalThe least you can do is bring a plant at work and place it on your desk â€" it’s not an animal yet it’s living. Studies show that adding more greenery in your workspace can reduce stress and increase productivity.Another thing is they clean the air too. Think of low maintenance indoor plants like cacti, peace lilies, rubber plants, and other succulents.8) Use your smartphone for genuine communicationIt’s recommended to disconnect from our phones every once in a while to combat stress. However, you can also reduce tension by using your digital devices as a breather.During your break, instead of scrolling through your Facebook timeline and self-loathing over other people’s highlight reel, call your mom, best friend, partner, or other people you can talk to. Ask about their day.Share what happened with your and what you plan to do an hour from now. Exchange jokes. We‘re social beings here. Human communication is vital in modulating your mood and getting you back on your feet.eval9) Connect with your family and friends on a regular basisDon’t just wait for the Friday Night to reconnect. Do it every day. Sometimes, the rest you need from your work-related exhaustion isn’t a long slumber. You can find comfort in the presence of the people you love. Eat together. Watch TV together. Share stories and laughs.10. Take a mindfulness breakInstead of using your short breaks to grab a cup of coffee and biscuit, use it for meditation. Use a meditation app. Listen to calming music. Try some breathing exercises.Reach for the nearest park. Take a leisurely walk around the block. You can also take a nap. Mindfulness should be a top priority.

2010 TORI Nominee - Barb Poole - Hire Imaging

2010 TORI Nominee - Barb Poole - Hire Imaging 2010 TORI Nominee Career Directors International (CDI) is pleased to announce the nominees of the 2010 TORI Awards, also known as the Toast of the Résumé Industry. Writer, Barb Poole, President of Hire Imaging, LLC, has been nominated in the category of Best New Graduate Résumé for the top award. 2010 TORI Award Nominee CDI’s President Laura DeCarlo, proudly states, “Nomination for a TORI is one of the most prestigious honors a résumé writer can achieve. Being recognized as “one of the best” by your peers is an accolade that very few get to savor. We are proud to introduce the TORI Awards to the résumé writing and careers industry, because it highlights the work of members in our industry that so often get overlooked.” Professional résumé writers submitted entries for the TORI Awards in June, and a panel of the industry’s top writers were selected to judge the submissions. Up to seven entries were nominated in each category. Nominees were honored on October 16th in San Diego during CDI’s annual conference. Career Directors International is raising the bar and setting new standards for résumé writers and career coaches worldwide. With more than 400 members, the organization provides continuing education, testing, and coaching for professional résumé writers and career coaches.

Do you need a social resume - a personal website -

Do you need a social resume - a personal website - When someone Googles your name, what does he find? When you have your own website a social resume you can help control your online identity. It is TIME, if You are a job seeker, independent contractor or small business owner. You just want some job search insurance. You want the right people to find you and to hire you! An online presence a social resume can help you achieve your goals! My social resume package can help you: Get discovered by people who need you. Attract interest in you and what you offer. Remain high on your industrys radar, even if youre not looking for a job. Make it easier for people to find you through Google and other search engines. Control what people find when they Google you. Expand your network of potential customers, employers, mentors and colleagues. The more people who know about you, the more likely you are to be referred for opportunities. Sharpen, communicate and reinforce your most important messages. Raise your profile and improve your value as a subject matter expert. Use your online presence to convince people you can do what you want to do next even if you are missing some qualifications. Best of all, you can achieve these results around the clock whether youre actively working at it or not. As soon as youre ready, so am I. Contact me for a price quote. LEARN MORE photo by ♀ÎÅ"à ¸Ã¡ » ³ÃŽ ±Ã »_BÐ ³ÃŽ µÃ »Ã »Ã¢â„¢â€š