Career Burnout Dont Let it Happen to You

Career Burnout Dont Let it Happen to You The first contact of the year came from the brother of a friend of mine. My friendship with my friend had started some years ago when he had returned from overseas and was trying to find an executive role in the UK. Now his brother needed help. These are bright guys â€" excellent academic backgrounds and post graduate professional qualifications. This new connection was suffering and his elder brother, listening to his stuff over the Christmas break, offered an introduction. The conversation between Christmas and the New Year with (let’s call him) Peter started off with “I am burnt out, exhausted, frustrated and need help”. I was curious that a guy working in a company that I know, which has been having a good run of growth in recent years and who is working right at the top of organisation should be feeling like this. When we were discussing when we might meet, it was clear that his mind was like a microscopic diary â€" he could pinpoint his time and his outputs up to 4 months in the future by the day. He was burdened not just by what had been happening (more anon), but by what he knew he would be required to do in the coming year. I looked at his CV. I reflected on what I had heard. It was difficult to reconcile how this bright and successful man in his late 40s, with a seriously good background, could have got into this burnt out state. When the recession started to bite, the performance of the business came under pressure. The company had been on a good run for some considerable time. The sector they are in is always tough in a recession â€" one of the first to go into recession and one of the first out, typically. As a senior executive on the management team and probably one of the closest to the CEO, this man has a close eye on the business’s performance. He is expected to know everything and be a key driver in the downsizing of the business. Nothing new so far. There were a few interesting things. First, the CEO was a bully. As the pressure was mounting to produce a good year for the shareholders, the behaviour of the CEO became more unreasonable and the actions he was expecting more unreasonable too. Second, for Peter, he was expecting to trample over the domains of his colleagues to action what the CEO was demanding. Third, Peter had not inherited a strong departmental team. Having settled in, he was at the start of reshaping the when the edict came that there would be no recruitment. He was stuck with a sub-standard team as the pressure has been mounting and he was required to do even more work. This case reminded me of a recent article in The London Times about the long hours being worked in the UK just now. “Millions would happily put in a few extra hours during 2010 in return for ending the year in employment” was one of the key points. “Workers fear the consequences of not putting in the time required to do the job â€" perhaps for their companies, or perhaps for their job prospects. “Millions of people are still working far too many hours and often they are not even being paid for it. This long-hours culture causes stress and damages people’s health.” It doesn’t matter who you are, how senior you are, this culture can get to you. You can get burnt out. A combination of heavy load (often exacerbated in a recession as the old teams are reduced in size), increased pressure and unreasonable behaviours by seniors can lead to fatigued, stressed, disgruntled, burnt out employees. If you’re tired, stressed and burnt out â€" there is help out there. Maybe it’s time for a change eh? Further reading: So You Want To Leave a Job You Hate. Simon North is the founder of Position Ignition â€" a careers company dedicated to taking you to the next step inyour career. Simon is a career and transition expert with over 25 years of experience in helping individuals with their personal and professional development. He is passionate about helping people whether it is to find a rewarding career, make a career change or identify the right career plan and direction. For more information follow  @PosIgnition.  Image: Shutterstock.

Tips For Writing A Resume For Government Job Seekers

Tips For Writing A Resume For Government Job SeekersThere are many tips for writing a resume for government job seekers. However, while they may be effective in the development of your skills and qualifications, there are certain common mistakes that are made during the job search that can leave you with less than desirable results.Unfortunately, many first time job seekers make the mistake of just memorizing a resume and then applying to all the government jobs that they apply to. It is a poor way to get noticed and get started on the road to success. On the contrary, it will greatly reduce your chances of success.While you do not want to spend more time on your resume than is necessary, it is a huge mistake to simply copy and paste the information from your old resume. You may find it necessary to add a cover letter with your new resume. If so, make sure that it adds value and displays your talents and abilities in the appropriate light.While it is certainly true that there are som e federal positions that are competitive and it takes an exceptional resume to gain an interview, there are plenty of other positions that do not need an extraordinary resume. In addition, it is important to realize that you may not have to write a complex resume. In fact, it may be possible to create a resume that contains only the information that the employer needs to make a good decision.By checking out the various professional associations, you can find information about the career development resources that are available to individuals who are looking for employment. These associations will provide you with valuable information and guidance to ensure that you are doing everything possible to prepare yourself for a successful job search.In addition, you may want to take a look at the many resources that are available to government job seekers. The Internet offers a wealth of information on just about every subject. You will be amazed at the number of suggestions and links that you can find, many of which can be the very thing that will make your resume stand out.One thing that you will want to avoid if you are a free government job seeker is using resumes that are identical to those that are offered by others. Instead, you should always be able to create a unique resume that offers something different and something that makes you unique and stands out from the competition. That can go a long way toward helping you develop a successful resume.While there are tips for writing a resume for government job seekers, the most important aspect is actually developing a well-constructed resume that will give you the best chance of being hired. Just remember to include your most relevant experience. Next, include the skills that are directly related to the position that you are interested in and finally, be sure to include all of the information that is required.

Leverage the advantages of being an introvert at work

Leverage the advantages of being an introvert at work The workplace is set up to reward extroverts. For example, ENTJs make up only 3% of the population but they comprise a wide majority of the worlds CEOs. The bias against introverts in American society is well documented, including research that shows that a spot on the cheerleading team foreshadows career success much more reliably than a spot on the honor roll. Also, workplace catch phrases that annoy everyone are especially annoying if youre not an extrovert: Toot your own horn! Your career is only as strong as your network! Lets do lunch! The absurdity of the workplace being set up for extroverts is that 57% percent of the world are introverts, according to Laurie Helgoe, a psychologist and the author of the book Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength. A lot of people tell me that my posts about how to approach social situations if you have Asperger Syndrome are helpful to people who are introverts. That might be true, in that both types of people need to limit their exposure to social situations. But the difference is that people with Aspergers are disabled socially. People who are introverts could be great in social situations. So you cant judge yourself by whether or not you are socially competent. Rather, if you have the choice to be in a social situation or be alone, which would you choose more often? An introvert has more energy for doing life if he or she gets time alone, to recharge. An extrovert gets recharged from being around people. (Heres a test to take if youre not sure what you are.) I am not an introvert. (Im an ENTJ.) But I have sensory integration dysfunction, which gives me a similar feeling to introverts when they are overwhelmed with outside input. So unlike most ENTJs, I have a soft spot for introverts. And I am realizing that introversion is an important thing to have in a workplace the trick is having introverts that understand why theyre so valuable. Here are five ways to leverage the advantages of introversion: 1. Work in the world of ideas. Introverts generally love to talk about ideas, according to Helgoe. She says that in conversation, introverts are stronger if you talk about what are you thinking? instead of what are you doing? And at work, you are stronger if you are helping people with ideas rather than sticking to a routine pattern of work. 2. Give ten minutes and then go. Make a connection, really contribute to the conversation, and then ten minutes is enough. Also, Helgoe says extroverts often have anxiety that they cannot get access to the introverts in their life because they are always leaving to be alone. Introverts can alleviate this problem by being fully attentive for a short time and then leaving. 3. Have confidence in your self-knowledge. Do you know the personality type that has the longest Wikipedia page? INTJ. Because the combination of being an introvert and being idea-driven makes one very interested in learning about oneself. INTJs are extreme cases, but all introverts have this combination to some extent, and the self-knowledge will help you to put yourself in situations where youll have the most positive impact. For example, Helgoe has a great chapter on how to get out of going to a party a key skill for an introvert, who does better in very small groups. But the bottom line is that you have to say that youd rather be alone, which, Helgoe points out, requires a real grounding in who you are. 4. Teach other people to interact with you. A lot of the conflict Ryan Healy and I used to have is that I had no idea how to communicate with an introvert. The biggest difference is that I think out loud, so I never stop talking to think. Ryan thinks and then talks. But if I never shut up, he cant actually think long enough to have a response. He did a bunch of research about communication styles and he taught me this difference between us. It helped me a lot to make space so that we could have a productive conversation. (Heres a book that can help you teach people how to approach introversion, and heres a summary of the book.) 5. Take control of your work. One of the most popular professions for introverts is being a writer. What this means is that there is a lot of information written about what work is well-suited for an introvert. Here is a list of ways to make an office that will help introverts excel. And, Im going to end by telling you to check out the book I recommend more than any other book in the world: Do What You Are by Paul Tieger. This book does not provide a single list of jobs suitable to introverts because there are so many different types of introverts. But this book can tell you what sort of introvert you are (for example, an artist or an activist?) and what sort of work you will thrive in. As for you extroverts, stop assuming everyone is like you, and start tailoring conversation to introverts when its appropriate. Once I understood the different types of personalities, I started doing much better at work.

How Workplace Happiness Affects Your Paycheck

How Workplace Happiness Affects Your Paycheck Studies have shown that when we are happy at work, we are smarter, more motivated, more competitive and, thus more successful. While it’s widely known that overall fulfilment allows us to enjoy more meaningful relationships and better health, few understand that it impacts a paycheck significantly: Nose to the grindstone the correlation between success and happiness: There is a big misconception among many  corporations and educational institutions that success leads to happiness. Often, we tell ourselves that once we get the promotion we want, the pay raise we feel we deserve or the recognition we desire, happiness will follow. Until recently, it was widely thought that focusing on productivity and performance, even to the detriment of our well-being, would lead us to become more successful and, therefore happier. Everyone has heard the phrase: Keep your nose to the grindstone” However, recent research in psychology and neuroscience has proven that fulfillment and happiness are a key ingredient to a successful career. Optimism fuels performance and achievement which, in turn, allows us to advance monetarily. In simper terms, happiness is not a random event in the distant future. Treat it as such and not only will it hinder your ability to succeed, but it will also prevent you from living life to the fullest. Dopamine, serotonin and the brain’s reaction: Countless studies have shown that our brains are literally hardwired to perform at their best when they are in a positive mindset. When we feel optimistic about our future, dopamine and serotonin are released in our brains. In conjunction with providing a heightened sense of well-being, dopamine and serotonin allow us to more rapidly organize new information and become more skilled at complex analysis and problem solving. Specifically, a clear head allows for 100% engagement. Conversely, perseverating on your problems exhausts most of your capacity for attention which drains energy as well as performance levels. It’s no secret that, as a group, low performing employees take home sparse paychecks. Consider the following: A recent study at the University of Toronto found that our mood can change what we see.  When shown pictures with multiple images, those in negative moods could not process as much as their positive counterparts.  Positive emotions expand our peripheral line of vision. People who were asked to think about the happiest day of their life prior to a formal exam scored higher than those simply given the test. Exercises: An individual who can learn to control their thoughts will maintain control of their happiness and, thus career potential. While doing so is easier said than done (it takes significant practice and discipline), below are three easier exercises that could begin making a difference today. Think of your brain as a computer disk with a finite amount of space.  Consider your surroundings, inner monologue, other people in the room and your desired task as small files that quickly fill that disk to capacity. The more stored on that disk, the less available room there is for intelligently evaluating information and making rational decisions.  Thus, it comes useless to allow that disk to be filled with thoughts of self-doubt as you are throwing away valuable space. Know what you stand for: define what your core beliefs are always remember to live in the present, resolve with the past and create your ideal future. Keep healthy: success requires not only our minds, but our body, energy and spirit as well. Eat well, exercise and when necessary, practice some form of mediation. Neuroscientists have found that monks who spend years meditating actually grow their left prefrontal cortex. In the end: Happiness is more than a good feeling  it  is also a crucial ingredient of our success. Allow your brain the capacity to feel positive and heightened creativity, resilience and intellectual capacity will quickly follow. If you wish to increase the number on your paycheck, choose happiness as one of your definitive goals. Then, place all your energy, willpower and effort towards chasing that goal.

CCRP Certified Nursing Assistant On Resume

CCRP Certified Nursing Assistant On ResumeAlthough CCRP certified nursing assistants are trained to perform a number of specific duties, they are not professionally trained as medical personnel. They should always use their clinical skills in addition to nursing skills. This is in order to demonstrate their abilities to nurses and make them aware of the differences between their clinical skills and nursing skills. CCRP certified nursing assistants must also be able to provide safety measures when performing duties such as feeding, assisting patients, examining them, and giving medications.The CCRP nursing certification program trains these individuals to give instructions to other people as well as help them do their own job. Most importantly, they are trained to give orders to their patients. In this way, they demonstrate their skills as a professional and show that they are capable of performing tasks. The nursing certification program also trains the nurses how to handle and feed the patients in accordance with the needs of the patient.Some nursing aides specialize in one aspect of the nursing care. They are called assistant nurses, assistant midwives, and assistant neonatology nurses. There are several hospital sites that provide these certified nursing assistant courses on the internet as well as in the local hospitals.CCRP certified nursing aides are employed by nursing homes and by large hospitals. The nurse's most important task is to make sure that the patients are safe during their stay. They can be certified by undergoing a specialized course as certified nursing assistant.Certified nursing assistants, who have passed the program, are required to complete a licensing examination. This examination requires an applicant to answer a number of questions about the right way to interact with a patient. It also requires him to answer a number of questions about the right way to transfer and receive information from the patient. This exam is generally given at the end of the training program.Certified nursing assistants are also paid different salaries according to their experience and their specialization. The salary package will depend on the amount of work they perform. It will also depend on the details of the employer's job description. The salary package is often contingent on the nature of the work experience of the individual.A certified nursing assistant is going to land the best position according to his level of experience. The nursing positions will require them to be trained for certain critical skills. If you want to land a certain job, you need to pass the CCRP certification examination before being hired.So, if you are interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant, now is the time to start preparing yourself to land a job. You should review the CCRP certification program and the requirements before enrolling for the program. Many nursing homes and hospitals will also require the students to obtain additional cert ifications before being able to be hired.

Helping Veterans Land Employment

Helping Veterans Land Employment 10 Flares 10 Flares Tom Gimbel is the President and CEO of  LaSalle Network,  a Chicago-based staffing firm. Founded in 1998, LaSalle has served thousands of clients and candidates, placing job seekers in temporary, temporary-to-permanent and permanent positions. LaSalle is the only Illinois-based staffing firm named on the Inc. 500/5000 list for the last seven consecutive years. ReadTom’s latest on his blog,  Past Five,  or tweet him  @TomGimbel. More and more companies are filling open positions with veterans, recognizing the value these candidates bring, but still veterans ages 18-24 have a 20.4 percent unemployment rate, compared to a 15 percent unemployment rate for civilians in the same age range. Why the discrepancy? It could be companies are opting for civilians… it could be a number of reasons. With identifiable skillsets, vets aren’t selling themselves during the application and interview process, or they aren’t ready for the civilian workforce and haven’t begun the job search yet. Since two of the three are for the most part uncontrollable, here are some tips for veterans to make themselves more marketable. Avoiding military terminology. Use layman terms to describe what you did. A hiring manager may not understand what an infantry squad leader does, but they can understand leading a team, overseeing equipment, conducting negotiations. Break it down to help them understand and see the value you would bring. Showing off the significant skillset. Past performance is the best indicator of future success. Share what you’ve done and how that experience qualifies you for each requirement in the job description, and be sure to spell it out. Chances are that you’ve indirectly accomplished the requirements (team player, ability to solve problems, etc.), so sell yourself because other candidates have probably performed at least one of the requirements. Network. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with current or past employees and set up a meeting or have a quick phone call with. This is an opportunity to generate an understanding of what the position calls for, the company culture, etc. This should be done before submitting the application in order to better match the hiring manager’s needs when drafting the résumé. Get more training. Positions stay unfilled for a reason, because the skills of the candidate pool don’t match-up to the job requirements.   Rather than sitting back and waiting to hear back from employers, veterans should consider gaining new certificates or getting retrained in a certain skill. An increasing number of individuals in the military are enrolling at online universities, as these schools provide them with an outstanding education and the flexibility that is required to finish their courses. Taking these courses while still active in the military gives these ones the chance to transition seamlessly into civilian life. These extra efforts won’t go unnoticed. Paying for these courses has also become easier for military personnel, since some online universities offer a  military tuition discount. This discount is available to active-duty military, reservists, and their spouses, giving these individuals the chance to develop the skills that are needed to find employment.

Filling The Gap Between Products Users

Filling The Gap Between Products Users How do customers engage with a product? This is the oldest question in the business book, and one of the most challenging too. There is a natural gap between a material item â€" your product â€" and an individual that you need to fill. When you understand how to make the gap disappears, your products engage enthusiastic customers and can even find loyal advocates in no time. If the gap is left unattended, you will find it tricky to appeal to your audience or even to create an emotional attachment to your offering. Filling the gap is about making an inanimate object part of someone’s life by giving it an additional value that goes beyond its practical functions. A fork is only a piece of cutlery, for instance. But a fork that goes the extra mile to connect with the user becomes an object of consumer’s desire. Filling the gap is about giving your product an extra dimension that taps into the customers’ sense of goodness and quality. Ultimately, how do you make your fork go the extra mile? Let the product do the talking Products are inanimate objects. While some can move and display interactive behavior such as toys when powered, there is a thin line between a product that interacts within a programmed sequence and a product that can stand up for itself. Therefore, more and more companies are looking for solutions that would help their customers to make decisions about the products available, such as by providing an integrated digital supply chain of information. The information could be accessible via QR codes and breach the gap between the point of origin of the product and the customer. An alternative solution is to bring augmented reality into the user’s life to help them choose the best option by comparing products within a known environment. IKEA, for instance, uses AR to project furniture into the customer’s home. Create an ethos that goes beyond functionality Environmentally conscious entrepreneurs benefit from a powerful differential factor. Their business, and consequently their products, are as sustainable as possible, which enables them to tap into a new market. Indeed aside from tax advantages that are inherent to sustainable operations, your products also appeal to an audience group that recognizes its ethical values on top of its functions. It’s not just a fork, it’s an eco-friendly fork, and per se, it integrates into the lifestyle of green customers. Build an ecosystem of products HUman beings need to cultivate a sense of belonging. We are naturally attracted by communities, and we want to belong to a community. Consequently, isolated products can have a difficult time piercing through a crowded market. However, products that can connect with each other to enhance their respective functionality can build a powerful and attractive brand ecosystem, such as Apple products. For customers, there’s more than a sense of belonging when joining the ecosystem. It’s about defining their perspectives on life through the brand â€" in the case of Apple, the debate between Mac and Windows users has been running for decades and goes beyond product specificities to include the life aspirations, mindset and creative abilities of customers. In conclusion, your products need to engage with customers by using digital communication, maximizing their ethos, or creating an all-included community that supports their aspirations. If you want your object to appeal to people, you need to give it emotional qualities that appeal to your customers, from the ability to interact effectively to building a sense of belonging.