Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom What Does the Future of Education Look Like

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom What Does the Future of Education Look Like This isn’t his mother’s first grade class. My son is seven years-old attends a public school in Oak Park, IL just outside Chicago. He reads ahead of most of his classmates, so he accesses a specialized online curriculum instead of the standard printed book. He uses a mobile device to compete in math games with kids all over the world. Much of his homework involves picking a subject he’s interested in, investigating it on his own, and then reporting back in a classroom discussion. Although my son’s college education will likely be unrecognizable, we can speculate about changes that will take place over the next 10-15 years. The two main trends rapidly picking up steam are online learning and vocational training. Online Learning In recent years, we’ve witnessed the rise of massive open online courses (MOOCs), which are online classes aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web. MOOCs consist of a variety of materials from video lectures and assigned readings to quizzes and interactive user forums for instructors, students, and teaching assistants. The current technology, however, requires some tweaks. “MOOCs are not working that well because people only take one class at a time and then don’t finish it because it isn’t compelling,” says Erica Orange, Executive Vice President of New York-based business consultancy The Future Hunters and member of DeVry University’s Career Advisory Board. “The next generation of MOOCs will be sensorily immersive, leveraging virtual reality to put students in the world they’re studying. Instead of having to memorize facts about the Civil War, for example, a student in a future MOOC will be on the battlefield.” New modes of online learning will cater more effectively to Generation Z â€" or those students born roughly 1997-2012. “The oldest Gen Z-ers have been forced into an industrial model of school and we are seeing all these attention problems,” says Ms. Orange. “Their brains are wired differently and actually function better with input from a variety of sources.” For the rest of the article, please visit the original piece at Time.com.

How to do workplace sports talk

How to do workplace sports talk For those of you who cannot shut up about this weekends Super Bowl, think about your impact on the workplace atmosphere: A study of Harvard Business School graduates found that in 85 percent of the cases drum roll, please men initiated sports talk. This is because female population does not care about spectator sports with nearly the fervor of the male population. Of course, small talk should be easy, inclusive, and non-offensive. The weather comes to mind as a safe topic unless someones mother just died in a hurricane. The price of gas is safe just dont start placing blame. Commenting on the new furniture in the office is a good tactic because it affects everyone. Sports talk is not like the weather. Those who initiate sports talk at work alienate people who do not follow sports. And when sports-talk gets to the metaphor stage, the whole company is in trouble. When the sales manager says, Were using a long-pass strategy, the sports-ignorant may continue to go after small accounts, and then there is no strategy at all. So those of you who initiate team-building meetings with talk about sports should consider the fact that you might be undermining teamwork by talking about other peoples teams. I do not differentiate watching soap operas during the week from watching sports on the weekend: both strike me as a vapid escape from ones own reality. But people who want to be in charge are the people most likely to enjoy competing, so its natural that the leaders of the workplace talk sports. And it makes sense that if you want to be friendly with the leaders of the workplace, you need to be able to talk sports. Luckily, you dont actually need to be capable of playing the sport to understand it. Exhibit A: the beer-bellied couch potatoes who pontificate on football. Exhibit B: me. I play basketball very well and have never played football, and when it comes to analogies, I feel equally competent in both arenas. Another step Ive taken to fit in at work is to follow the soap-opera aspect of sports. This is not difficult to do because: 1. It satisfies my need for intrigue, which would otherwise require hours with the National Enquirer. 2. Personal problems (Mike Tyson has a temper) are much easier to remember than personal statistics (Mike Tyson had X knockouts in X number of years). 3. The New York Times Magazine (registration required) does an amazing job of covering sports as if it were drama. (My favorite a recent article about a grade school aged skateboarder who won sponsorship from Nike. Now I can talk for hours on the perils of corporate sponsorship for athletes.) The great thing about the drama of sports is that once you read a story, its good for more than a few years of workplace chatter (e.g., Venuss stint at fashion school or Michael Jordans family life). If you cant stand the idea of reading about sports, try this: Go to a gym. Learn a lot about weight training; people love to talk about their workouts at work. You can impress someone with your knowledge of squat techniques to the point where you will get out of having to talk about other sports-related trivia. Because, after all, people who talk about sports at work are just looking for an easy, non-threatening way to connect with people that is not as obvious as talking about the weather. So okay, sports talk is workplace behavior that is non-inclusive of women, but so are a lot of other things, like, impromptu meetings in the mens room and posters of naked women in cubicles. So battle the latter when you can and capitulate to the sports talk. If you cant figure out how to fake it in a sports talking office, check out the book Talk Sports Like a Pro, by Jean McCormick. If you are one of the sports talk promoters in your office try reading a section of the newspaper that is not sports. Itll give you something else to talk about even when the Super Bowl looms large.

Nombray Offers a Solution to Unify Your Web Presence - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Nombray Offers a Solution to Unify Your Web Presence - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Many of you are flustered with your web presence right now and are trying to make sense of it, as well as manage it. The problem is that its hard for people to understand your personal brand, when its scattered throughout the web. A first impression on the web is equal to the website someone first enters to view your brand. That first website becomes your personal brand to that visitor. A lot of people are putting up Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook logos on their blogs, in order to showcase their other web presences. There was never a service to unify your web presence, until now. The solution is Nombray, a new startup company, run by Chris Lunt, who Ive spoken to on the phone once before. Why is Nombray important? 1) It acts as a domain name check for your brand name. You can type in your first and last name, as well as keywords into their search engine. The search results will be divided into two main categories, available names on the web and not available (sorry!). The type of results you will get will be the available and taken domain names, using your first and last name, and keywords you type in. The site will check with the registrar and return domains such as firstname.com, firstlastname.us, keyword-lastname.net, etc. If you choose to use this service, it will cost you $19.99 per year, and you get hosting with the domain. I would recommend only purchasing .coms and .nets for whatever you can find for your brand name. For more information on how to select domain names, please see my complete guide. Whatever you do, do not use this service for a corporate website. It it purely meant for the individual brand. 2) It allows you to merge your web presence under your domain name. Once you claim a domain name, it gives you a template you can use to showcase your online brand portfolio, including LinkedIn, Twitter, your blog and much more. Through this system, its very easy for someone to have a perfect understanding of who you are and what you do. Its also beneficial for those who want to verify they have a consistent brand image, by going through each tab and ensuring images and information are identical. You can add any site you wish as a tab. Adding Facebook would not prove to be useful unless you made your profile completely public (see below). Image from cnet.com Who would I recommend this for? The one group I would recommend this service for are the novices out there. If you are clueless on how to build a blog, a website or how to manage your social networks, this service provides an easy to use format, so you can start getting your name out there immediately. In the future, I could see this service being more important, as social networks open up and are less private. Also, as the number of social networks climbs, making sense of all of them and selecting which ones best represent your brand can be solved by this service.

Company Research Speed It Up by Using Two Google Tricks

Company Research Speed It Up by Using Two Google Tricks You knowcompany research benefits your job search and career in many ways. For instance, when you research the company you’re about to interview with, you:Look more prepared in your interviews.Ask more intelligent questions.Might find out they’re not the company for you.Time â€" the Biggest Research ConstraintYou understand the benefits, but sometimes you simply don’t have the time to do company research. In a perfect world, you would assemble a full dossier on the organization, its industry, its products, its performance, its executives, etc.In the real world, your current boss needs you to finish a report, you want to go to the gym, your daughter needs cupcakes for a school thing, and your spouse is out of town.Two Google Speed Tricks for Company ResearchBeyond using Upwork(not an affiliate) to hire someone to do your research (I do), there are a couple of Google tricks that will help you get relevant search results fast:Type the company’s name into your search bar (example : Electronic Arts).Trick #1: Click on “News.”Click on “Search Tools.”Click on “Recent.”Trick # 2: Use a preset orcustom date horizon to reduce results.Like this:You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to ImpressWhile this isn’t thorough company research, you will be able to use what you read in your interviews.When you do this, you will look more curious and more prepared than almost every other candidate. Why? Because sadly, very few candidates do any research at all â€" even for C-level jobs.Dont believe me? Check out Godfreys comment below. Or read what the chairman of the largest retained search firm in the world has to say about company research here.Two More Interview Research TipsDont forget to prepare to answer questions about your salary history and compensation requirements. Youll find a quick primer here.Read the LinkedIn profiles of the people who will interview you. If you dont, you might get knocked out of the competition. More here.Image Courtesy of William Iven Featured by: SmartBrief Updated January 2019 2015 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Interviews â€" Preparation (7 Posts)

A Good Nursing Student Resume Template

A Good Nursing Student Resume TemplateYou will find that applying for and getting a nursing student resume template is a very useful tool to use when it comes to helping you get your online nursing degree and career on track. This is an incredibly beneficial skill to have, because the online world can be unforgiving. There are a lot of people out there who do not realize that the online world is not real life, so you need to utilize these great tools in order to be successful.When you want to make sure that you are going to get a good job, it is really a good idea to use a nursing student resume template. You will be able to get a lot of free advice online if you decide to use them, and you will also be able to get a lot of ideas on how to properly fill out a resume. Once you use one of these you will realize just how important it is to be able to get a good looking resume that makes you stand out from the crowd. If you fail to do this, it can be detrimental to your chances of gettin g hired.A good nursing student resume template will allow you to be able to focus on making sure that you have a professional looking document. When you use this tool, you will be able to focus on making sure that your information is right and it looks nice. You will not have to worry about whether or not you are being taken advantage of by someone. Instead, you will know exactly what information is important and what information is not so important.With this type of document, you will be able to get a head start on getting a job. You will be able to really learn about your employer's requirements and how to go about fulfilling them. It will be a much easier process for you, and you will not have to worry about getting it wrong and ruining your chances of getting hired. After all, this is what a job is about, right?There is no reason to waste your time doing things that do not require you to do well. There is nothing more frustrating than doing something wrong and doing worse than y ou would have. You will be much better off to use these great online tools and make sure that you are able to get a good nursing student resume template. You will be able to focus on your job search with less stress.It is also important for you to keep in mind that this type of resume will help you a lot in some areas. First of all, you will be able to narrow down what you need to do in terms of how to get a job. It is not necessary to list everything, but you need to be able to focus on the important things and make sure that you have a good grasp on the basics. These are two things that will help you get a nursing student resume template that will work for you.When you decide to use a nursing student resume template, you will want to think about getting one that has a theme going on. This is going to help you to focus on certain subjects and activities that you need to take part in. You will be able to get in touch with these events and other situations in your past and be able to relate them to what you are doing now.Finally, you will want to think about having some personalized information that you can put in your resume. This will help you fill out the right sections of your document and get your attention of the hiring manager. Getting this done will save you a lot of time and frustration as it relates to trying to get your online nursing degree.

Informational Interviews are a Form of Networking

Informational Interviews are a Form of Networking People have asked me why I dont talk about informational interviews in my networking workshops.   The answer is that informational interviews ARE a form of networking. An informational interview, an informational meeting is a better term, means talking with someone about what they do and/or what their company does to learn and get questions answered. What Is The Purpose of Informational Interviews? An informational interview aka networking is simply having conversations with people. As a job seeker, networking becomes defined as looking for a job. It is absolutely more than this. Are people really willing to take time to speak with you about this?   It depends. There has to be a good reason or they have to see value in investing time meeting with someone. A classic sales term is WIIFM.   What is in it for me.   What will someone get in return? When you are asking for an informational meeting, what is in it for them? How will they benefit from talking to you about what they do? These are some of the reasons someone would be willing to talk to you: A boost to their ego Makes them feel like they have done something helpful It is a payback or favor to a friend Sourcing for future hiring needs How To Ask For An Informational Meeting How you ask for the meeting is key. Using the right language/words/tone of voice makes all the difference in securing the meeting. Here are some tips: Use the Referral Source Early You can request an informational meeting either in person, through email or by phone. It doesnt matter how you ask the person for the meeting. What does matter is mentioning the name of the person who referred you (recommended you speak to them) early in your message. Mentioning a referral source, someone you both know, makes it feel less risky. Keep in mind, a little honest flattery is helpful. I was speaking with Sarah Doe and she highly recommended that I speak with you about _______________ (occupation or company name).   Sarah says you are extremely knowledgeable and would be helpful in my quest for information in this area. State the Purpose of Your Meeting Once youve proven youre not a dangerous stalker, you can clarify what information you are looking for. (You are not looking for a jobyet. You are trying to see if your skills and experience will fit into that organization.) I would enjoy meeting with you to discuss what you feel are the most valuable assets of people in your field. or Based on your tenure in the field of [industry/occupation], I was hoping to learn from you some of the day-to-day challenges you face and how you stay current? Be Prepared to Handle Objections Sometimes the response you get isnt really a rejection. Be prepared to handle any of these responses: Im really busy Im not the right person If you are looking for a job, talk to HR We arent hiring right now None of these responses really mean no. Dont give up. How To Respond To An Objection If they say they are busy, ask when they will have more time to meet either before or after work. They are the right person because you were referred to them. Reinforce that their experience in the organization makes them exactly the right person. They understand how the organization works and thats important. If they direct you to talk to HR or say that their company isnt hiring, then your request probably included the fact that you are looking for a job. Move forward and say something like: While I am exploring new opportunities, Im more interested in learning about your organization and your experience working for them. Would you have just 30 minutes to meet?   If you receive an answer other than yes, it means that the person doesnt feel like it is safe or worth their time. Flattery will get you everywhere, try feeding them some.   Also, remind them of who referred you. A little bit of guilt can be a wonderful leverager. Is There A Hidden Agenda? Honestly, there isnt a hidden agenda. Your purpose for the meeting is to gather information. You do not know yet whether you would want to work for that organization. Thats why you want a meeting to learn more! Your conversation may or may not lead to your wanting anything more from them. And you never know. You may find you have things in common with the person you meet with and this conversation could result in a new friendship. Confirming The Informational Interview When you do land a meeting, remember to verify the time and location and send a reminder the day before. And provide the person with your mobile phone number just in case. The Format of The Meeting You have asked for the meeting so you determine the agenda. Arrive early and be prepared! Here is the agenda for an informational meeting and more tips to make your networking meetings more successful. Always Send A Thank You Message After informational interviews, you should always send a thank you message. Email or regular mail is fine. What you say in your message is more important. Heres what to include: Thank them for their time Explain why what you learned was helpful State what your next steps will be (the take-away from the meeting) Set the expectation you will follow up You should also follow up with the person who referred you to let them know how the conversation went.

Do You Take No Personally in Your Job Search - Hire Imaging

Do You Take “No” Personally in Your Job Search - Hire Imaging Even in the best of job markets, job seekers hear “no” more often than they hear “yes”. The preceding questions to these responses will vary of course. The job seeker might ask, “Do you have 15 minutes to chat?” or “Will you please take a look at my resume?” Each “no” can be chalk on a blackboard. Job seekers, who are struggling with transitional grieving, a hit to self-esteem, fear, or other issues, often perceive any “no” as more rejection. If you are trying to make a great impression in your job search, there’s a mantra to remember and internalize that will serve you well. Don’t take “no” personally I’ve worked with many clients who are in sales â€" newbie to c-level. And they agree that the sales profession entails hearing “no” or variations like “not yet” more than once (probably many times) before you hear a “yes”. Talented sales professionals know that rejection and denial are often stages in a process. What’s really tough for job seekers is that it’s not the widget product being promoted. It’s not the servicing of widgets being sold. It’s about you, the job seeker. What value proposition you offer, and why you are the better choice. When you put yourself out there and hear “I’m too busy to speak with you,” or “No, you don’t meet our criteria,” well, ouch. Most of my clients work with me on a strategic job-search program that involves introspection, exploration, targeted research, strategy and action. And it’s always interesting how easy it is for these smart, prepared and generally positive people to unravel a carefully developed and orchestrated search, because of a “no”. They will talk about taking a position clearly previously defined by them as not desirable. They will propose overhaul of communications that powerfully convey their focus, brand and success stories. Sometimes this doubt (even melt-down) comes after just one or two rejections. Sometimes there’s a wave of “nos”. Often the toughest “no” is silence. You do not hear anything. A recruiter did not get back in touch (there’s nothing for you right now in his pipeline). A hiring decision-maker didn’t get back to you (he had fires to put out at work with a major reorganization initiative). Your ace-in-the-hole networking contact at ABC Company hasn’t returned your emails (her kids have the flu, and she’s been trying to work from home). Think statistics. In a job search, statistically you’re going to hear “no” often. Remember my sales clients’ perspectives? An old sales adage  reflects the statistics. Expect 90 “nos” for every single “yes”. Of course, life’s not that clear. You may have a few more; a few less. You may be the one who lands that next and great fit immediately. The point is, it’s not atypical; and it’s not reason to abandon ship or course. The truth is, that most of the time, it’s not about you at all. If it is, you will get the message, because you’ll hear it from more than one person. If you’re interviewing poorly, lack qualifications for the jobs you’re targeting, are not following through; you’ll see a pattern. If you ask for feedback, take heed and take action, what is personal can be addressed. It’s certainly always good to ask, “What’s working and not working?” That’s a different post. Photo: sboneham