Video Job Seekers and Employers Sing Simply Hired Praises

Video Job Seekers and Employers Sing Simply Hired PraisesVideo Job Seekers and Employers Sing Simply Hired PraisesIn our other blog posts, we often talk about best practices for finding a new job via SimplyHired.com. Perhaps its narrowing your search to a specific regionor sorting through listings via job title or anticipated salary. In short, we like giving our users and would be users all the handy tips and useful hints for utilizing our service to help make employment connections. Here, however, we wanted to do something a little different. Instead of us doing the talking, we thought wed turn the mic towards folks like you who utilize Simply Hired and its job listing and searching tools on a daily basis. What did we find out? Employers love Simply Hired for the ease of listing jobs and the sheer number of quality candidates that can be reached on a single platform. Finding an employee from listing to the application and beyond, is easier than ever with Simplyhired.com.Those lookin g to get hired are also fans of the sheer number of positions available and the ability to finetune their job searches across a variety of variables. Looking for a job close to home? Throw in a zip code and distance preference and away you go. Have a salary in mind? With our salary estimator and searchability, we take the stress out of number crunching. Add all this into a user-friendly, intuitive platform for filtering, sorting and searching and its no wonder millions of users turn to Simply Hired as their first resource in job searches.Interested in what weve said so far but want to hear more? Click on the video below and hear directly from users at all levels about why they use and love SimplyHired.com.

Can you become a skilled writer Yes and heres my story to prove it

Can you become a skilled writer Yes â€" and here's my story to prove it Can you become a skilled writer Yes - and here's my story to prove it I was recently catching up with a mentor of mine the other day.He was my boss right out of college. I will never forget the first time I walked into that loft-style digital marketing agency, wearing a collared shirt, peeking my head in and saying, “I’m here for an interview?”Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!My soon-to-be mentor and the head Copywriter, an older Indian guy, walked me into the back office?- ?a room with creative advertising campaign ideas and awards hung up on the walls, with carpeting that was bright green like freshly cut grass. Where awards weren’t hung, the rest of the walls were painted with “Idea Paint,” with cups of dry erase markers everywhere within reach.The interview lasted ten minutes. Maybe  fifteen.“We can’t hire this kid,” the Indian guy said, right after I’d walked out the door to head home. “He doesn’t have a portfolio. He doesn’t have any experience in advertising.”Telling me the story years later, my mentor said that nobody wanted to hire me. And if I’m being perfectly honest, I wouldn’t have hired me. But my mentor saw something in me I hadn’t even recognized fully in myself.I was hungry to learn?- ?and I had a desire to be great.Over the past several years, I’ve achieved just about every writing-related goal I’ve set for  myself.I’ve had dozens of articles go viral, accumulating millions of views.I’ve been invited to speak on massive podcasts and at major conferences about writing online.I’ve seen my work in TIME, Forbes, Fortune, Business Insider, Inc Magazine, CNBC, The Chicago Tribune, and dozens of other major publications.I’ve published a book,  Confessions of a Teenage Gamer,  and was able to do so independently and on my own terms.I’ve published a variety of eBooks and built an audience of over 100,000 followers across Quora,  Medium, and  Instagram.I’ve connec ted with some of my favorite (and most successful) writers?- ?in a wide variety of industries.I’ve ghostwritten for 100+ founders, CEOs, and industry experts.I’ve founded a content marketing executive positioning agency, called  Digital Press, and grown it to 20+ employees in less than a year (alongside my co-founder  Drew Reggie?- ?who is 50% of the reason why we’ve succeeded).But most of all, I’ve turned the thing I love most in the world, writing, into more than just a career. This craft has become my lifestyle, and allowed me to do all the things that truly make me happy.If you ever doubt your own ability to become a skilled, successful writer (or skilled, successful  anything), just remember:there was a point in time when I wasn’t very skilled either.This article first appeared on TheAcscent.pub.

7 words you should immediately stop using to describe yourself

7 words you should immediately stop using to describe yourself 7 words you should immediately stop using to describe yourself We all know the words we say to others matter. But sometimes we forget that the words we say to and  about ourselves  are equally important. We need to be careful about the way we describe who we are. If you wouldn’t assign a word to  a friend  or other loved one, you probably shouldn’t assign it to yourself, either. Keep scrolling for seven specific words that you should stop using to talk about Y-O-U.1. AloneIf you’ve just gone through a breakup with a significant other, have experienced a loss in your family, or are just feeling generally down in the dumps, it can be tempting to feel - and even say - that you’re all alone. Remember, though, that if you’re sharing these feelings with a friend or other confidante, you’re far from lonely. If you feel lonely, stop thinking of yourself as alone and reach out for support. “Perhaps it would help to reach out or let people in your life know that you need something versus trying to figure it out alone,” licensed psycholog ist  Sue Sexton  says. “You are  not  alone!”Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more! 2. StupidLicensed marriage and family therapist  Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali  tells us that she hears this word all too often. “If you say to yourself that you are stupid, you will trigger a negative feeling about yourself, as well as negative thoughts about yourself,” Osibodu-Onyali says. “Too many negative thoughts can lead to a drop in self-confidence or self-esteem.” Give yourself a little credit. Allow the necessary room to make mistakes so that you can relieve the pressure you put on yourself and be a little more compassionate to yourself.3. Lazy“Too many of us call ourselves out when we can’t rise early to exercise, take on one more task at home or at work, or just keep up with someone else,” says  Karen Azeez, certified holistic health coach and author of  The Kindfulness Solution. “At this point, we should see if we just need more down time, sleep, motivation, or information instead of judging ourselves harshly.” Don’t conflate exhaustion or overwhelm with habi tual laziness. You’re only lazy if you choose to be.4. Just/OnlyWhen asked what you do for a living or even for fun, don’t hedge your answer with the word “just” or “only.” You’re not “just” a student or “only” an assistant or spending your weekend “just” hanging out. Own who you are and what you do. “These qualifiers undermine your power and awesomeness, serve as an apology for something that requires one, and broadcast low self-esteem or fake humility,” says  Nikki Bruno, a power coach, speaker, and author.5. SorryWomen, in particular, are in the habit of making themselves apologetic way too often. While  saying that you’re sorry  may seem harmless - maybe even polite - you probably say it more than necessary. Executive coach and  Development Corps  founder Kate Gigax encourages you to be mindful that you’re not saying sorry for things that aren’t yours to own. Consider replacing “I’m sorry” with “thank you.” For instance, try saying , “Thank you for your patience” instead of “I’m so sorry I’m late!”6. Sensitive“By labeling your thoughts and feelings as sensitive, you’re not only judging yourself, but you’re instantly negating your thoughts and feelings,” therapist and life coach  Tess Brigham  notes. “There’s nothing wrong with having emotions.” Even if you’re convinced that you have more feels than the average human, you don’t owe it to anyone to justify your behavior. Instead, allow yourself to experience those emotions, so you can move past them when you’re ready.7. HopelessNo matter how low you’re feeling or how much you feel you need to grow or improve, we ask you to never, ever label yourself this way… and the experts back us up. “Reinforcing that you’re growing and learning is a far more positive, motivating, and effective message than expecting mastery out of the gate and beating yourself up over it,” life and career coach  Sally Anne Carroll  says.This article originally appeared on Brit + Co.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people 7 words you should immediately stop using to describe yourself We all know the words we say to others matter. But sometimes we forget that the words we say to and  about ourselves  are equally important. We need to be careful about the way we describe who we are. If you wouldn’t assign a word to  a friend  or other loved one, you probably shouldn’t assign it to yourself, either. Keep scrolling for seven specific words that you should stop using to talk about Y-O-U.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!1. Alone:  If you’ve just gone through a breakup with a significant other, have experienced a loss in your family, or are just feeling generally down in the dumps, it can be tempting to feel - and even say - that you’re all alone. Remember, though, that if you’re sharing these feelings with a friend or other confidante, you’re far from lonely. If you feel lonely, stop thinking of yourself as alone and reach out for support. “Per haps it would help to reach out or let people in your life know that you need something versus trying to figure it out alone,” licensed psychologist  Sue Sexton  says. “You are  not  alone!”2. Stupid:  Licensed marriage and family therapist  Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali  tells us that she hears this word all too often. “If you say to yourself that you are stupid, you will trigger a negative feeling about yourself, as well as negative thoughts about yourself,” Osibodu-Onyali says. “Too many negative thoughts can lead to a drop in self-confidence or self-esteem.” Give yourself a little credit. Allow the necessary room to make mistakes so that you can relieve the pressure you put on yourself and be a little more compassionate to yourself.3. Lazy:  â€œToo many of us call ourselves out when we can’t rise early to exercise, take on one more task at home or at work, or just keep up with someone else,” says  Karen Azeez, certified holistic health coach and author of  The Kindfuln ess Solution. “At this point, we should see if we just need more down time, sleep, motivation, or information instead of judging ourselves harshly.” Don’t conflate exhaustion or overwhelm with habitual laziness. You’re only lazy if you choose to be.4. Just/Only:  When asked what you do for a living or even for fun, don’t hedge your answer with the word “just” or “only.” You’re not “just” a student or “only” an assistant or spending your weekend “just” hanging out. Own who you are and what you do. “These qualifiers undermine your power and awesomeness, serve as an apology for something that requires one, and broadcast low self-esteem or fake humility,” says  Nikki Bruno, a power coach, speaker, and author.5. Sorry:  Women, in particular, are in the habit of making themselves apologetic way too often. While  saying that you’re sorry  may seem harmless - maybe even polite - you probably say it more than necessary. Executive coach and  Development Corps  founder Kate Gigax encourages you to be mindful that you’re not saying sorry for things that aren’t yours to own. Consider replacing “I’m sorry” with “thank you.” For instance, try saying, “Thank you for your patience” instead of “I’m so sorry I’m late!”6. Sensitive:  â€œBy labeling your thoughts and feelings as sensitive, you’re not only judging yourself, but you’re instantly negating your thoughts and feelings,” therapist and life coach  Tess Brigham  notes. “There’s nothing wrong with having emotions.” Even if you’re convinced that you have more feels than the average human, you don’t owe it to anyone to justify your behavior. Instead, allow yourself to experience those emotions, so you can move past them when you’re ready.7. Hopeless:  No matter how low you’re feeling or how much you feel you need to grow or improve, we ask you to never, ever label yourself this way… and the experts back us up. “Reinforcing that you’re growing and learning is a far more positive, motivating, and effective message than expecting mastery out of the gate and beating yourself up over it,” life and career coach  Sally Anne Carroll  says.This article originally appeared on Brit + Co.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

3 Books All Mechanical Engineers Must Read

3 Books All Mechanical Engineers Must Read 3 Books All Mechanical Engineers Must Read 3 Books All Mechanical Engineers Must Read We thought it might be interesting to ask a few mechanical engineering professors what books they thought should be on every professional mechanical engineers bookshelf; books that convey key lessons and principles. Below are three submitted reviews. Perhaps these books are already on your bookshelf. If not, maybe they should be. Happy reading. To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design By Henry Petroski In this book, and other writings, Petroski emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding design failures as a means to creating better designs. This book cites many well-known examples of engineering failures such as the Hyatt Regency skywalk, the Mianus River bridge collapse, and the DC-10 engine servicing procedure. However, the main message of the book is that failures may be initiated by factors that were not considered in the original design, or not re-evaluated as designs were optimized or changed. Particularly now, as our design analysis and visualization tools become increasingly refined and precise, Petroskis book reminds us that no computer tool can ever replace critical thinking on the part of an engineer. - Allen H. Hoffman, professor of mechanical engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance By Robert Pirsig Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is arguably one of the most important books written in the 20th century. Although published over 40 years ago, it remains highly relevant today as a key volume on any mechanical engineers bookshelf. Conceived and written well before the formalized introduction of quality management and standards, Robert Pirsig asks the question, What is quality?a question that ultimately literally drove him insane. Written in narrative form, this book has multiple layers. On the surface, it is the story of a father (the author) on a motorcycle trip with his 12-year-old son. As the journey unfolds, the second layer of the book is revealed as the author comes to terms with a ghost named Phaedrus, who is his former personality prior to his receiving electroshock therapy, which was the ultimate downward spiral into insanity. As the story of Phaedrus is slowly becomes known, the third layer of the book is also revealed, which is a journey into the philosophical q uestions that remain relevant today: Why does technology alienate rather than unify society? What is quality, and if we cant define it, how do we live a high-quality life? This book represents a journey upon which all mechanical engineers should embark. - Anthony J. Marchese, professor of mechanical engineering, Colorado State University The Design of Everyday Things By Donald Norman Every mechanical engineer should have a copy of Don Normans terrific book, The Design of Everyday Things. This book is a classic. Its been through several editions, yet each time I read it I come away with insights that are new, fresh, and important. This is because the book is only partly about design; it is also about people and the ways that people use, or struggle to use, simple, familiar products. Using consumer products such as doors, faucets, and keypads as examples, Norman asks us to step back from our problem-solving work from time to time and consider how people will use or maintain the things that we have created. The examples of poor design are hilarious and Normans guidelines for good design are both simple and profound. The Design of Everyday Things can change the way we think about the products we use, and about the part we play in creating new products. - Jeffrey A. Donnell, professor of mechanical engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further Discussion Perhaps these books are already on your bookshelf- if not, maybe they should be.

Five Golden Rules That Take the Stress Out of Conducting an Interview

Five Golden Rules That Take the Stress Out of Conducting an Interview Five Golden Rules That Take the Stress Out of Conducting an Interview Five Golden Rules That Take the Stress Out of Conducting an Interview DeZube Job seekers arent the only ones stressed by interviews. The process can be stressful for employers too especially if you conduct interviews infrequently. Or perhaps youre new new to recruiting. Both can make it difficult to conduct interviews with ease. I used to get all nervous before I interviewed someone and nine times out of 10 would fall into chat mode where I wouldnt ask anything about the job and more or less found out that they liked cats or had family in the area and thats it, says Jayca Pike, marketing director at Breezy HR. Good interviewing starts with a clear vision of the role you need to fill. Its also requires having an awareness of how to influence the process in constructive, stress-free way. In essence, here are the five golden rules to better interview outcomes, including one that Pike uses today to run effective interviews: 1) Understand what youre looking for 2) Curate questions that apply to all candidates 3) Take time to destress before the interview 4) Treat yourself and applicants with kindness 5) Share your concerns openly Lets take a deeper dive into these five steps. 1. Get clarity about the role and the questions you want to ask. When Sabrina Balmick, marketing manager at ACA Talent, hired a marketing specialist last year, she first developed a job description and candidate profile, then used it to write interview questions. Because it was an entry-level role, I wanted to explore things like team work, attitude and analytic skills and crafted questions based on those topics, she says. You can also refer back to your candidate and job profile if you need clarification during the interview. 2. Use a consistent interview process for everyone. If youre feeling frazzled planning your interview, create a structure where you use the same questions and ratings for every job candidate. Pike switched from being a nervous interviewer to a confident one after she went to work for an employer who used consistent interview process. The mandate from HR was like: Ask these 10 questions. Grade each answer. You have 30 minutes go! she says. It sounds a cold and corporate, but in reality, I could run an effective interview that way. Do press candidates by asking follow-up questions about any unclear or open-ended responses. These answers often yield great insights about a candidates work style or personality, and may create further lines of communication, Balmick says. 3. De-stress before interviews. Conducting interviews can be nerve wracking, even for seasoned professionals, so take time before each interview to clear your mind and calm your nerves, says Jason Hill, CEO of boutique consulting firm Sound Advice Consulting Services. The best way for me to get in the right mode is to get mentally prepared. I listen to some of my favorite music and let go, or I meditate and focus for a few minutes with no distractions. Check in with yourself before heading into the interview and return to your plan if you start feeling overwhelmed. As with the candidate, a little self-care goes a long way to clear your mind and build self-awareness. 4. Focus on the candidate rather your fear. Dont monitor your racing heart or churning stomach. Instead, focus on reducing the job seekers comfort. Jana Tulloch, CPHR, a human resources professional at training firm DevelopIntelligence, positions herself as the job-seekers ally in the room. She opens the conversation with positive statements: Im glad youre here. Your resume was impressive. Im looking forward to learning more. To put candidates at ease, she tells them what to expect: how long the interview will last, the types of interview questions asked and why everyone will take notes. Tullock even tells job seekers that if they if they draw a blank, they can skip a question and come back to it. Go for literal comfort, too. Do your interviews in the coziest place in your office. Avoid overly hot, cold, or dark spaces. Everyone feels less tense when theyre comfortable. 5. Be direct without being confrontational. When you avoid a difficult topic its often because it makes you uncomfortable and even tense. But not sharing your concerns with the job seeker denies them the chance to respond to them. Ted Bagley, senior talent manager at Influitive, an advocate marketing firm, regularly shares his doubts with candidates and asks them how theyll address challenges. I did this to a candidate in a phone interview, and he addressed my concerns, Bagley says. We had a follow-up interview in person a few days later, and he gave me a well-thought-out action plan that provided steps on how he was planning on working through my objections. Bagley said this showed that the candidate had a clear plan to overcome them and would be coachable the biggest thing I look for in new hires. The takeaway: Be direct and honest with candidates about your concerns. Avoid using negative language or jumping to assumptions. This approach can help you learn something new about the candidates problem-solving skills.

5 ways youre setting yourself up to fail on LinkedIn

5 ways you're setting yourself up to fail on LinkedIn 5 ways you're setting yourself up to fail on LinkedIn Your LinkedIn profile might be one of the first things a recruiter sees about you, so don’t make these mistakes. Here’s what you might be doing on the professional networking platform  that’s setting you up to fail.Not checking your privacy settings before updating your profileYou know how once you update your profile,  LinkedIn lets your whole network know? It doesn’t have to be that way - especially when you’re sprucing up your profile for a job hunt while you’re still employed.To check your settings when it comes to updating your profile, click “Settings Privacy,” then “Privacy,” then “Sharing Profile Edits.” You have the option to choose “No.”The same goes for checking out other users’ profiles (for work purposes, of course).  To check your settings when it comes to who can see you’ve viewed their profile, click “Settings Privacy,” then “Privacy,” then “Profile Viewing Options.”From there, you can choose if you want “Your name and headline” to pop up in the other person’s notifications, “Private profile characteristics,” or “Private mode.”Using it as a dating siteNo, no, no. Absolutely NOT.  As a professional networking platform, your job is to be a professional - so act that way.We’ve said this before, and we will say it again: LinkedIn is not a dating site, so please don’t use it to flirt.After all, if you do, you might just end up like this.Having an outdated profile picture…You’re doing yourself a major disservice.Here’s what Lydia Abbot, Blog Editor Content Marketer at LinkedIn, had to say about picking a picture “that looks like you” on the platform, in a blog post.“Have you ever had the experience of first seeing someone’s Facebook or LinkedIn picture online and then meeting them in person only to find that they look completely different (for better…or for worse)? If yes, you know it can be startling and even make you question their credibility,”Abbot writes. “So, make sure your LinkedIn profile picture is up-to-date (within the past few years) and reflects how you look on a daily basis â€" your hair, glasses, makeup, etc.”…or not having a photo at allNot having a LinkedIn photo is a red flag. Wouldn’t you want to see how someone presents themselves professionally?Not filling in the description box or other fieldsYou’re not giving yourself a fair shot here. Recruiters and future colleagues won’t be able to connect with you if you don’t tell them who you are through your experience.So fill in the gaps - be sure to edit your introduction by including an accurate summary (that isn’t too long) and/or media. Don’t neglect the “Experience,” “Education,” or “Accomplishments” sections, either.

Why You Should Take a Step Back in Your Career - The Muse

Why You Should Take a Step Back in Your Career - The Muse Why You Should Take a Step Back in Your Career I’d spent most of my career working toward becoming an HR Director, and I was well on my way to achieving that goal. But, man, was I unhappy. And I know- we’ve all found ourselves in jobs that aren’t very fulfilling, but this was something more. I was downright miserable. I struggled to get out of bed, I was grumpy all the time, and it took every ounce of energy I had to get through a day at the office. After months of muddling through, I had to face up to a radical idea: Maybe this wasn’t the right path for me. But how would I figure out what was without quitting my job and having space to think? Along those same lines, how could I quit my job when I had bills to pay, a dog to feed, and a husband who was supportive of my decision to explore a new career path, but rightfully concerned about how we’d manage financially. Knowing that I couldn’t last in my role much longer, we sat down and took a hard look at our budget and our savings. What could we do without? How much of our modest savings could we use to supplement my unemployment? We decided that we had enough saved up to cover about three months of time off. And, just to be safe, I lined up a part-time remote role that would supplement my income while allowing space for me to job search. I also made a timeline for myself. If I hadn’t figured things out within three months, I would go back to human resources. I don’t want to downplay how scary or financially risky this choice was. I gave it a lot of thought, and it took some serious planning. It’s not something that everyone can do. I know that I was lucky to be in the situation I was in. And there’s no way I could’ve done it without a supportive partner (and I do mean that both emotionally and financially), as well as a savings account. Not to mention, quitting my job and essentially walking away from the career I’d spent a decade building was really disorienting. How could I now not want something I’d spent so long working toward? Even harder than wrapping my head around that was explaining this choice to my friends and family. Some of the people I was closest to just didn’t understand, and I struggled with feeling like I’d made a huge mistake. I kept wondering, was I crazy to do this? This is all to say that leaning into my career pause took a little time- both to explain to others, but also to justify to myself. But eventually, I started pushing myself to try new things and make the most of my time off. I started practicing yoga. I took up bike riding. I read inspiring books about people pursuing their passions. But I didn’t stop there. I made a list of the things I loved to do and thought a lot about how I could use my existing skills in new ways. I put myself out there, offering resume writing and career consulting services to my network and seeking out contract recruiting gigs. Before I knew it, I was a freelance recruiter and had started a small resume writing business. My side hustles were doing well enough that three months away from the HR world turned into a year. I began to wonder what else I could do. With each new experience, I became braver. I found myself saying yes to crazy things that I would never have done before. Like skydiving, a 40-mile charity bike ride, trekking through Patagonia, and selling almost all my worldly belongings to move onto a boat I can’t stress enough how out of character these choices would’ve been for me just a year or two ago. Before quitting my job, I was not a risk taker. Now, I’m kind of in love with embracing things that scare me. The facts are that the most interesting and exciting things that I’ve experienced since taking a step back from my career are all a direct result of embracing change. I’ve learned that life can be an adventure, but only if you stop playing it safe all the time. You don’t need to quit your job to change the trajectory of your life. Just try making one change, then another and another. Maybe you self-publish an opinion piece on LinkedIn or start volunteering at a nonprofit that supports a cause you’re passionate about. Even something as simple as challenging yourself to speak up more at work or offering to plan your next department gathering can begin to shift your mindset. Every time you experience yourself trying something new, you’ll get a little braver. And who knows where that will take you?