Mike McRitchie | Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writer | Telecom Marketing Content Writer

Writing Resumes that Communicate Your Unique Value | Writing Marketing Content for Telecom Business Growth

6 Ways To Get Your Foot In The Door Of Any Industry

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If you have your eye on an industry and you really want to get your foot in the door, there are a few smart ways you can do this. Below we have 6 smart ways that you can use to break into just about any industry, so take a look and see what you should start doing today.

  1. Be Willing To Start From The Beginning

If you’ve only ever worked in industries that are foreign to the industry you want to work in, you’re going to have to be willing to start from the very beginning. This can be disorienting and a bit scary, but totally necessary if you’ve never worked in an industry and it’s something you really want to do.

Save up some money so you can have peace of mind when choosing to move to a new industry. A cash cushion can help you if you’re taking a pay cut or experience another type of emergency.

  1. Volunteer Or Shadow Somebody

Perhaps you can get in the door by asking to volunteer or shadow somebody in the industry you want to work in. You won’t get paid, but it could be valuable and a great thing to put on your resume. This way, you’ll get a feel for whether you truly want to work in the industry and what your new role will entail.

  1. Network

Networking is key, because let’s be honest; in many industries, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. When you know people in the industry, you never know who they might know, and you never know what kind of opportunities might be presented to you. Use LinkedIn and go places in person where you feel you’ll be able to meet the right people. It’ll make the biggest difference!

Job Search Networking New Industry

  1. Do Training And Appropriate Courses

In your own time, you should do training and appropriate courses to improve your skills and become more desirable to the employers that you’re trying to impress. They don’t necessarily have to be courses where you will get a certificate and an official qualification, unless of course that’s what you’re going to need to land the job. Do your research so you know what you can teach yourself, what workshops and seminars you should be attending, and any official courses you should be doing. Investing in yourself is always worth while!

  1. Craft A Fantastic Resume And Cover Letter

Having a fantastic resume and cover letter that really relates to the job you’re applying for is key. If you don’t customise your resume and cover letter you’re going to run the risk of getting lost in a pile of other resumes and cover letters. You can use resume templates to create yours, but make sure you customise it depending on what the company are looking for.

  1. Follow The Company On Social Media And Interact With Them

Following the company on social channels and interacting with them can create a connection with them. Then, when an opening comes up, you’ll stand more of a chance of being employed!

Do You Know What Employers Are Really Looking For?

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What employers are looking for in a job candidate

When you are in the process of trying to get a job, it can often be hard to know whether you are going about it in the right way or not. Even if you are very experienced in this area, it is often something of a challenge trying to work out what you should and should not be doing. The good news is that it is always possible to make sure that you are going to increase your chances, so long as you are happy to work on that as best as you can and put the effort in. One of the most important concerns here is to make sure that you are really aware of what employers are looking for – and that can be hard to know. In this post, we will help you out on that front, and hopefully help you to improve your job hunting skills dramatically in the process.

A Stellar Application

First things first, your possible future employers are all looking for an application which is going to blow them away, so if you can provide that for them you will be sure of doing very well indeed. The best applications have a number of qualities and facts which you do need to consider here. Firstly, a rocking CV or resume. If you go and take a look at this resume builder from LiveCareer, you will see that there are a few qualities in particular which a resume needs. Secondly, a cover letter – without that, it is unlikely that you will be taken as seriously as you would like to be taken. Finally, the whole package should be presented professionally and look the part. If not, it might end up in the rejection pile.

The Right Skillset

It’s amazing how often people will apply for work which they are simply not right for. If you have ever found yourself doing that, it is probably because you thought you might as well, just in case. There might be something to that, but the truth is that employers will look for any opportunity to put you in the no pile: and having the wrong skills is a definite, easy no. Try to mostly apply for jobs which you are actually skilled in, unless the job advert specifically says that anyone can start for training. This will save you – and them – a lot of time and effort.

Great Interview Skills

Finally, a lot rests on the interview, so you need to learn to master it as well as you can. If you are only ever giving in great applications but not managing the interview stage, it’s unlikely you’ll get the job you really want. The best way to manage interviewing is to practice it. That partly means just applying for jobs and getting interviews, but also rehearsing before each one, ideally with a trusted friend who can help you. Great interview skills are often the difference between success and failure.

Travel Around The World With These Careers

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Are you someone who likes to travel? Do you dream about seeing as much of the world as possible? You may assume that this is something you are never going to be able to do. After all, you just don’t have to budget! However, this does not mean you should let your dreams of travelling die. After all, if you combine your career with travelling, you have the perfect solution. But, what sort of career can take you around the world? Read on to discover some suggestions that can help you to realise your dream.

Career Travel Options

Nurse – Are you someone with a caring nature who likes to help others? If you have always wanted to work in the healthcare industry, you can use this passion to take you around the world. After all, there is not one country on the planet that does not have a need for professional healthcare. This reason alone shows how this career can take you anywhere. A lot of people with nursing qualifications decide to go to third-world countries whereby they can help those most in need. This is an extremely fulfilling route to go down and it will enable you to visit some of the world’s most wonderful places.

Work on a yacht – There are a number of different ways you can approach this and look for a job on a yacht. The first option would be to work for a cruise ship. The great thing about working for a cruise ship is that you are going to be travelling to different places all over the world on a daily basis. You will also meet new people too. Plus, there are lots of different jobs available on cruise ships, from becoming an entertainer to working at the reception. In addition to this, you may decide to look for a job on a superyacht working for a private client. This means ensuring every single part of the yacht is flawless and providing an impeccable service when the owner is on the yacht and hosting guests. This is a job that will enable you to rub with the rich and famous too but it is only suited to those with an impeccable attention to detail.

Freelancing – Freelancing is one of the most flexible job and business options for people today, which is why it is the perfect solution for anyone that is searching for a job that will allow them to travel the world. All you need is a laptop and an Internet connection, and you are ready to go. If you take a look online, you will see that there are so many different websites for freelancers today, and so there are many different ways you can pick up suitable jobs. If you have a skill that can be delivered over the web, you can freelance. Some of the main areas for this work include the likes of content writing, training, software development, web design, graphic design, admin, PR, translation, marketing, and such like. If you are travelling around the world, you will need to make sure you manage your time carefully when going for this route.

Teaching – Another sort of career that can take you across the world is to become a teacher. Of course, you can become any sort of teacher you wish too. However, teaching English is something that is in demand all across the world. Plus, if that was not good enough, with every country you add to your CV, you are enhancing your CV further, and this will lead to more doors being opened in more countries. If you do not have a taste for languages, don’t panic. No matter whether science or maths is your forte, you are going to find international schools in most countries that are looking for people like you. Of course, you could also opt to provide private lessons or even give online training.

Flight attendant – Of course, one of the most obvious job options for anyone that wishes to travel the world is to become a flight attendant. This is definitely something that is worth considering if you would like to see different places. If you can get a job as a long haul flight attendant, even better! Not only is this beneficial because you can travel far and across different continents, but long-haul flights often incorporate overnight stays, and so you will get a small amount of time to explore the country you have stopped at. If you go on short-haul journeys, there is every chance you will simply fly somewhere and then fly back, and so you might not get to explore as much as you would like.  Nevertheless, the discounted air tickets you will receive will also help you to travel more!

As you can see, there are many different careers that can take you around the world. From counselling to working on a superyacht, you should, hopefully, have found one or two ideas that resonate with you. After all, there are many different skills and attributes that are in demand all across the globe, and so this means that there are many opportunities to work and travel. If you like the sound of anything that has been mentioned, make sure you conduct further research so that you can plot your career moves more effectively.

How To Land Your Dream Job

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How to land your dream job

Many people have dream jobs that they would love to have but few people actually get around to making it happen. Of course, there are many ways to achieve your dreams if you are willing to put the effort in, so we have put together some tips for those who want to try. Keep reading if you’d like to land your dream job and want to find out more.

Do Your Research

The first thing that you need to do if you want to land your dream job is to research that field. Doing research is very important because it tells you more about the job, the sort of things that you would be doing day-to-day and the sort of people that you would be working with. If you spend some time doing research, you might get some more insight on how to get into this field.

Practice Your Interview Skills

If you are going to get your dream job, then you are probably going to have to have an interview. It is very important that you spend some time practising your interview skills if you want to land the job. You’ll likely find samples of interview questions online which you should use to practice. Ask a friend to do some practice interviews with you to build your confidence.

Go To Grad School

One of the best ways that you can land your dream job is to get some more qualifications by going to grad school. This will set you apart from the competition and you should be able to land it when you graduate. To go to grad school, you’ll need to take the GRE or the relevant test so make sure to prepare for this carefully using a prep course like those that have been reviewed in the following article: www.testprepselect.com/best-gre-test-prep-course.

Network

Networking can be a very effective way of meeting people in different industries and making contacts in other businesses. If you want to land your dream job, then you should think about trying networking. You’ll find that there will be plenty of networking events in your local area so make sure to look out for them and try this out.

Job Shadow

Job shadowing is a great way of landing your dream job as you can get experience in the field and watch what others do. When you shadow someone, you will be able to decide if this is really your dream job or not. You can also make valuable contacts and maybe even find yourself in the same position in that company one day.

Go For It

Your dream job is something which you want so you need to make sure that you put the effort in. You won’t just get it by applying, you need to think about networking, researching and nailing that interview. Consider going to grad school if you think it would improve your chances of landing your dream job. Be confident and soon you’ll be living the dream!

13 Tips for Surviving Your First Year as a Nurse

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If you’ve completed your training and you’re about to embark on your career as a full-fledged nurse, then you’ll likely feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you’re excited to get your new career underway. On the other hand, oh boy, just what have you let yourself in for? There’s no getting around the fact that the first year as a nurse can be tough. Or maybe it’s better to say WILL be tough. If you can make it through that inaugural year, then you’ll make it through anything. Below, we take a look at thirteen tips to ensure you’ll do just that.

First Year Nurse Survival

It’s How You Learn, Not What You Know

If you thought you knew everything because you completed your training, then you’re going to be in for a surprise pretty quickly. Even the greatest medical professional in the world doesn’t know everything. You’re not supposed to! The important thing is to understand that you don’t have all the answers kicking around in your head. When you come up against a medical puzzle, then talk to people. There are no stupid questions, especially when it comes to another person’s health. The second you accept that you’re not going to know everything, you’ll A. be much more relaxed, and B. have adopted the right ‘learning’ attitude that all the best nurses have.

Get To Know Your Colleagues

In most workplaces, colleagues are the people that you interact with on work-related matters, and sometimes grab a beer with. When you’re a nurse, they’re less “colleagues,” more “extended family.” You’re going to be working very closely with your other nurses, and often in situations that are intense and relationship-bonding. Don’t wait until you’ve shared a dramatic moment together to become linked. Make an effort to get to know them from the beginning. You’re all on the same side, and should be there to build each other up when it’s needed.

Bring Good Energy

Everyone has bad days. You can’t always be in the greatest mood of your life, and there’ll also be times when your hospital and the people in it just get on your nerves. While it’s fine to complain every now and again, if you find that you’re forever using negative language, then it’ll be time to rethink your approach. It might be enjoyable for you to get everything that’s wrong off your chest, but think about the impact it’s having on your colleagues. No-one likes to be around people who are complaining all the time. Bring a positive mindset and energy to the place, and you’ll be a valued member of the team. If you’re struggling to be positive, then talk it out with someone outside of the workplace, and read up on some of the best ways to change your mindset for the better.

Get Organized

Between your shifts, your family, and your friends – who might become something of strangers due to your business – you’re not going to have much time in your life. As such, it’s imperative that you get yourself organized. If you’re well-prepared, then you’ll be able to start your shifts the right way. No-one likes to be rushing to get ready in the morning and only walking through the door just as their shift is beginning. If you make time in your schedule to deal with life’s admin tasks and the like, then you’ll always be one step ahead of whatever’s coming up next.

Learn From the Bad Shifts

No-one performs at the highest level all the time. Even the greatest athletes in the world have off days. And as a nurse, you’ll be the same. You could have twenty shifts where you get everything right, and then one can still pop up where nothing seems to go right, and during which you make mistakes. Don’t dwell on them. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s how you respond to them that counts. So learn from the errors you’ve made. Every error is an opportunity to learn! It’s crucial, too, that you don’t go too hard on yourself. Tell yourself the same thing you’d tell a friend if they make the same mistake. There’s no reason to be your own worst enemy.

Look the Part

Your appearance isn’t going to be the most important thing when you’re on the job, but there’s no getting around the fact that appearance and confidence are closely linked, and that confidence and performance are also closely linked. If you feel secure within yourself, you’ll be walking tall and talking with confidence. So take 5-10 minutes before your shift to ensure you’re happy with how you look. Also, remember that what we’re wearing can get us into the right ‘professional’ mindset we need to work well, so make sure you’re buying new hospital scrubs once your old ones have been worn out. You’ll look and feel the part.

New Hospital Scrubs

Comfortable Shoes

And talking about what you’re going to be wearing, don’t forget your shoes! You’re going to spend more time than you would think possible on your feet, and if you don’t have shoes that you feel comfortable in, then you’re not going to last too long. They really can make a massive difference to your overall enjoyment of your shift.

Treat Yourself Well

You’re going to be dedicating your career to helping others; but don’t forget to help yourself. You’ll find that you’re able to work harder, longer, and better if you’re doing things like getting enough exercise and eating well. While you might not want to spend your free time doing these things, it’ll pay off. The key to doing things that you’d rather not do is to make them more fun. For example, cooking healthy meals will be no chore if you learn the cooking well. Exercise won’t look so intimidating if you do it with your friends.

Time With the Family

You’re going to quickly find that being a nurse is less a job, more a lifestyle. The needs and demands of the job will be with you all the time, and can, if you’re not careful, roll over to the time that you should be enjoying with your family. As such, it’s important to find ways to “switch off” from your shift. When you’re with your loved ones, don’t be thinking over the events of the past day. Set ten minutes aside at the end of each shift to “decompress” from the day. You can take the energy you get from the good shifts home with you; the bad ones should stay in the hospital. No good will come from taking them home with you.

Find What You Need

There’s no one way of doing things, or being a nurse. The trick is to find out what works for you, and do that. It might mean going for a run in the morning or spending an hour eating breakfast at a nearby joint before your shift. You’ll naturally fall into these things over time. Just listen to your body and your mind, and see what it’s telling you. If something seems off, then switch it out for something new instead. The best version of you will make for the best nurse!

Review And Progress

There’s always time for reflection when you’re a nurse. We don’t mean spending every evening vaguely reflecting on the day’s events; we mean actual, concentrated reflection. For example, every month you could perform some self-analysis, identifying the aspects of your job in which you’re excelling, and the aspects that you need to improve. If you’re not entirely sure what your strengths and weaknesses are, ask other people. Their answers will give you something to work on. By the time the next reflection session rolls around, you’ll have transferred one of your minus points to the plus side of the list.

Give It Your All

You’ll probably understand from your training that there’s little room for half measures when you’re a nurse. If you’re going to make nursing your job, then you need to be all in. As we said above, it ’s less a career, more a lifestyle that you’re taking on. But as with any other job, there’s no substitute for working hard! Give it your all, go the extra mile, and you’ll find that your efforts are rewarded with greater command and confidence in your role.

Stay Positive

Finally, remember that there’s no substitute for a positive mindset. It’s useful in whatever you’re doing in life, but especially so when you’re a nurse. You’re not always going to encounter things that make your heart sing, so you might need to do it yourself. You can focus on the good things in life, or focus on the bad things. Only one of them makes sense, however.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to go on an awesome journey as a nurse, one that is more different than similar to the one you envisioned. Try to enjoy it as much as you can! You’re making a positive difference in the world, after all, and that’s always a reason to be happy in your work.

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