Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Essential Mobile Application Development Skills

Essential Mobile Application Development SkillsEssential Mobile Application Development SkillsTheres growing demand for skilled software engineers. One reason is that theres plenty of work in moving data to and from the cloud to support new mobile applications.You may want a spot on the team that makes the next SnapChat or Candy Crush Saga. Or, perhaps you want to land a position at a larger company where youd work to make business applications available to the tablets and smartphones other employees already use at home or on the road.Use our Salary Calculator to find the abfluging pay for mobile application developers in your area.Skills and training by mobile app schriftartTo create apps for kids or the next viral social game, you need a background in graphic or interaction design. Get some experience with Unity3d development and showcase your skills with Adobe technologies likeActionScript.To build easy-to-use business tools, pursuing a degree in computer science or electrical eng ineering is a great start. You could also study object-oriented programming principles, such as Objective-C, C++ or Java, on your own.Essential readingBefore you start sifting through job listings, its essential to understand responsive design and memory and interface constraints, and how these relate to planning and testing interactions on tablets and smartphones.And be sure you understand key concepts such as theseThe pros and cons of different mobile application development architecturesThe fundamental differences between designing software for the Web vs. software for mobile devicesThe importance of HTML5, CSS and JavaScript essential tools, whether you make hybrid apps or responsive websitesThe latest standards and certifications for device networking, like Bluetooth and WiFi DirectLearning by doingGetting a start in mobile application development can be as simple as getting your geek on with the devices you already own and the networks you use all the time. Apple, Google and Microsoft all offer software development kits, tools and online tutorials to help software developers start writing mobile apps.Start your app what if list by reviewing what features you want on a mobile deviceDo you dream about faster performance or better features of an app you frequently use?Have you imagined a new way to utilize a touchscreen?What does the app of your dreams look like?Remember, theres no better way to learn than by doing. After reading up and starting to play around with the tools of the trade, find out where engineers meet in your area and join them. Attend a hack-a-thon or a devcon.Show and tellYoull likely need a sample project to show hiring managers, who will want to make sure potential hires in mobile application development are able to do more than repeat the latest buzzwords.Mine your past for ideas. Did you write a Hello, World project in college? Dust off that assignment or a similar one and build on it. If youve created an app already, rewrite it to s how you have skills in more than one codebase (versatility is important). Aim toward creating a portfolio of applications that perform simple tasks or flows.Be prepared to talk about what you can do in a way that ties your new skills back to the languages you know. Practice for interviews by talking through a design herausforderung at a whiteboard with a friend or mentor.Start your searchBy now, you have a handle on the challenges of mobile application development. You understand the importance of new design principles and Web standards. With your sample app up and running, its time to start interviewing.This post has been updated to reflect more current information.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

The secret to always being at your best, according to samurai

The secret to always being at your best, according to samuraiThe secret to always being at your best, according to samuraiReading a few books by samurai, there was one thing I saw repeated again and again and again that surprised me.It has nothing to do with swords, fighting, or strategy.Actually, quite the opposite when you think about it.What did so many of historys greatest warriors stress as key to success and optimal performance?Being calm.And it wasnt one random samurai mentioning it off the cuff.Were talking about some of the greatest samurai who ever lived writing about it over and over for five hundred yearsShiba Yoshimasa(1349-1410)For warriors in particular, if you calm your own mind and discern the inner minds of others, that may be called the foremost art of war.Suzuki Shosan(1579-1655)When you manage to overcome your own mind, you overcome myriad concerns, riseabove all things, and are free. When you are overcome by your own mind, you are burdened by myriad concerns, su bordinate to things, unable to rise above. Mind your mind guard it resolutely. Since it is the mind that confuses the mind, dont let your mind give in to your mind.Kaibara Ekken(1630-1714)A noble man controls frivolity with gravity, awaits action in a state of calm. It is important for the spirit to be whole, the mood steady, and the mind unmoving.Adachi Masahiro(1780-1800)The imperturbable mind is the secret of warfare.And, of course, the man probably considered the greatest samurai of them all, Miyamoto Musashi, in his classic,The Book of Five RingsBoth in fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm. Meet the situation without tenseness yet not recklessly, your spirit settled yet unbiased.Nobody really needs to sell us on the value of staying calm.You know the benefits you think clearly, you dont make rash decisions, you dont get scared.But how do you get and stay calm?Our society is energy drinks, 24-hour news cycle, Starbucks on every corner, and relentles s social media feeds. GO GO GO.And even funnier, much of what we know about relaxing and being calm is dead wrong.The samurai had answers. And they line up with the science. Here we go.The scientific samurais guide to staying chillThe samurai trained in martial arts a lot and they thought about death a lot.Really, they thought about death a lot.ViaCode of the Samurai A Contemporary Translation of the Bushido ShoshinsOne who is supposed to be a warrior considers it his foremost concern to keep death in mind at all times, every day and every night, from the morning of New Years Day through the night of New Years Eve.Hey, you would too. Death was pretty much in their job description, right?But research showstraining very hard and imagining the worst that could happen are two powerful techniques for promoting calm.Samurais trained relentlessly.They strongly believed you should always be prepared (they were like the deadliest Boy Scouts imaginable.)Research shows that preparation reduces fear because when things get tense, you dont have to think.Who survives catastrophic scenarios like samurai battles? The people who have prepared.Via David McRaneysYou Are elend So SmartAccording to Johnson and Leach, the sort of people who survive are the sort of people who prepare for the worst and practice ahead of timeThese people dont deliberate during calamity because theyve already done the deliberation the other people around them are just now going through.And how about all that thinking about death?Negative Visualization is one of the main tools of ancient Stoicismand science backs it up.Really thinking about just how awful things can be often has the ironic effect of making you realize theyre not that bad.From myinterview with Oliver Burkeman, author ofThe Antidote Happiness for People Who Cant Stand Positive ThinkingIts what the Stoics call, the premeditation that theres actually a lot of peace of mind to be gained in thinking carefully and in detail and consciously ab out how badly things could go.In most situations youre going to discover that your anxiety or your fears about those situations were exaggerated.Okay, but you dont want to spend all day training in sword-fighting or thinking about death.I get that. Frankly, neither do I.So whats the key here?Research shows the most powerful way to combat stress or anxiety - to stay calm - is to have a feeling of control.For samurai, training tirelessly and visualizing the worst that could happen gave them a feeling of control while in battle.The US military dramatically increased Navy SEAL passing rates by teaching recruits psychological methods for gaining a feeling of control.Without a feeling of control, when stress gets high we literally cant think straight.ViaYour Brain at Work Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day LongAmy Arnsten studies the effects of limbic ordnungsprinzip arousal on prefrontal cortex functioning. She summarized the importance of a sense of control for the brain during an interview filmed at her lab at Yale. The loss of prefrontal function only occurs when we feel out of control. Its the prefrontal cortex itself that is determining if we are in control or not.Even if we have the illusion that we are in control, our cognitive functions are preserved. This perception of being in control is a major driver of behavior.Anything that gives you afeeling of controlover your situation helps you keep your cool.So what does it for you?More information? Practice? Support from others?Thats the thing that will help you keep your cool like a samurai.Note I said feeling of control - it doesnt even have to be legit control, justfeelinglike you do can work wonders.Even a good luck charm can help - because good luck charms really do work.Good luck charms provide a feeling of control, and that feeling of control actually makes people perform better with them.ViaThe Courage Quotient How Science Can Make You Braverpeople wit h a lucky charm performed significantly better than did the people who had none. Thats right, having a lucky charm will make you a better golfer, should you care about such things, and improve your cognitive performance on tasks such as memory games.Sum upI know what some of you are thinkingCalm? Arent samurai the ones always screaming at the top of their lungs while waving a sword?Thing is, that was adeliberatetactic to frighten their enemies.Musashi explainsIn single combat, also, you must use the advantage of taking the enemy unawares by frightening him with your body, long sword, or voice, to defeat him. . . In single combat, we make as if to cut and shout Ei at the same time to disturb the enemy, then in the wake of our shout we cut with the long sword.Sneaky. These are the kind of smart ideas that come from a cool head.The samurai were great warriors. They fought against their enemies in epic battles.But as Musashi and the others make clear in their writings about being calm, the most important battle is to overcome yourself.ViaThe Book of Five RingsToday is victory over yourself of yesterday tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.Join 45K+ readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related posts4 Lifehacks From Ancient Philosophers That Will Make You HappierWhat 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?How To Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple EmailsThis article originally appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Why Work is Killing You, and How to Fight Back - The Muse

Why Work is Killing You, and How to Fight Back - The MuseWhy Work is Killing You, and How to Fight Back If Jeffrey Pfeffer had to sum up his latest book in one sentence, hed say that the workplace is killing us and nobody cares. Take a minute, because thats quite a summary. You should care, obviously. Employees, employers, governments, and societies all suffer from the effects of toxic work environments. If I work you to a point where youre so sick physically or psychologically you can no longer workyou become the publics problem, says Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford Universitys Graduate School of geschftsleben whose research has focused on organization theory and human resource management. Companies are squandering money via medical costs, lost productivity, and high turnover, and governments and societies have to deal with the long-term consequences and costs to the public health and welfare systems. In the U.S., 120,000 deaths a year could be attributed to work environments, acco rding to Pfeffers book, Dying for a Paycheck How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance- and What We Can Do About It, racking up about $180 billion in health-care costs. He estimates that about half the deaths and a third of the costs could be prevented. So once you know and care, what can you do to fight back? 1. Get Out of There (or at Least Take Your Vacation)Pfeffer believes that in every single industry, there are better and worse employers. If your office is toxic, you should follow your instinct and try to leave for something better before you get so psychologically and physically ill that you simply canbedrngnis keep going, as Pfeffer writes.The way to buffer yourself is to get out. And if you cant get out permanently, then get out temporarily, he says. Many people for obvious reasons dont take all the vacation to which theyre entitled.2. Establish Your Own Support NetworkAgain, its notlage always possible to jump ship as soon as youve realized how m uch the ships grinding you down. Youve got bills to pay and mouths to feed, and it takes time and effort to find a new job- a tall order especially while youre doing a soul-sucking job. The irony of the situation is that the very things making your job miserable might be preventing you from doing something to make it better, like spending time with people you care about and who care about you. But remember that friends make you healthier, Pfeffer says. Find people at work and away from work who can provide the support you need. 3. Surround Yourself With People Who Have More BalanceThe clich goes that the first step to fixing a problem is to recognize there is one. But its hard to do that in a society where harmful work habits are so common.Surrounded by people who act as if long hours, an absence of job control, and work-family conflict is normal, people come to accept that definition of the situation, Pfeffer writes in his book, emphasizing how potent social influence can be. So if you cant change your company, change who you spend time with. Find some people who dont work all the time, who have relationships with their family and friends that extend beyond pictures on screen savers, and who have work that provides a sense of autonomy and control, Pfeffer writes. 4. Dont Rationalize Whats Not RationalPeople know when theyre being overworked. They know when theyre starting to take drugs to stay awake. They know when theyve taken to self-medicating with alcohol. They know when theyre not eating well. They know, Pfeffer says. But often people stay anyway, even when know they should get the hell out.In his book, Pfeffer details some reasons people stay, including the tendency to rationalize decisions weve already made. People dont want to admit theyve made a mistake by choosing that job or company, so its easier to tell themselves Its just a crazy few months or Theyre paying me so well or The commute is so easy.They also dont want to be seen as quitters, by thems elves or anyone else. The ability to survive tough work circumstances has become a badge of honor, Pfeffer writes, and the decision becomes a binary You can either hack it and thrive, or you can leave- and thereby admit to yourself and your family and friends that you cant take the pressure and that you arent good enough to compete with the best.Remember two things. First, its okay to admit you were wrong about the job and to take steps to find a better one. Second, sometimes its not you thats doing something wrong, its the company. 6. Ask the Right Questions on Your Way OutOnce youve decided its time to get out, make sure youre not moving from one toxic office to another. Pfeffer recommends asking questions not only of your potential boss, but also of your potential peers about anything thats stress-provoking to you. Try some of these What are the normal hours? How accessible are you supposed to be off hours? How much travel is there? How much notice do you get in advance of work t rips? Is this place where you have a fair amount of say about what you do and how and when? Do most people take their vacations? Do people come to work sick? But dont just take their word for it. Look around if youre visiting the office for an interview. Does everyone look exhausted and sullen? Probably not a great sign. If the company is big enough, check up on recent press. Have several rounds of layoffs been reported? Might be a red flag. Pfeffers summary of his book is pretty depressing. I have a feeling that if youre reading this (and if you got all the way to the end), a lot of it felt familiar. And that might be scary, but it should also be reassuring. Youre not the first or only part to go through it- and there are real ways to get out. So try not to feel overwhelmed by the toxic situation. Acknowledge it. And then figure out what youre going to do next to get the happiness and better health you deserve.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Best Practices for Working with a Recruiter

Best Practices for Working with a RecruiterBest Practices for Working with a RecruiterLook, its time we had a talk. We understand that youre a motivated, energetic, career-oriented go-getter that has a firm grip on their industry employment market. You may be ready, willing and able to spend hours hunting down and applying for the job of your dreams. You may have even been rewarded for your efforts thus far with an bewerberinterview or two.If youre on the hunt for a new position in todays competitive job market, however, youre doing yourself and your career no favors by overlooking the usefulness of a professional recruiter. Whether an exclusive recruiter hired to staff a high-level position for a major corporation or a specialized firm that is known for staffing in your industry, recruiters are in the business of placing qualified candidates in the perfect jobs to benefit both employee and employer. In short, if you have the chance to work with a recruiter, what are you waiting for? With that being said, working with a recruiter for the first time can be a bit of a change of pace for those used to going at it on their own. To ensure that you get the best use out of your personal recruiter, here are a few best practices for working with a recruiter in your job search.Be HonestMany candidates fear to be forthright and open with their recruiting contact for fear of the information they share getting back to the potential employer. In reality, however, recruiters build their personal careers on a reputation for excellence and making the right connections between workforce and company need. Be upfront with your recruiter on items such as salary requirements, upcoming vacation schedules, lurking issues on your resume such as job gaps or terminations. Many times a recruiter can work with behauptung known variables and, in fact, has probably seen just about everything when it comes to career placement. Save yourself and your recruiter time and embarrassment and be open and forthright with your career needs and limitations at the start.Ask QuestionsCurious about the job application process for a particular position? Not getting interview callbacks and wondering if your desired compensation is too high for the market? Interested in knowing about a particular company, title or industry? Remember that recruiters work day in and out with these and many other details of the job application process. Feel free to ask plenty of questions during your initial interview and throughout the recruitment process. Doing so will help keep you at ease and will also let your recruiter know youre a serious candidate looking to make a move now. Theres nothing that irks a recruiter more than a potential match for a position that seems uninterested or drags their feet. Be on top of things and engage and youll get extra job placement attention from the professional that matters.Dont Go Around a Recruiter to The EmployerThis may be the holy grail of just dont do it action s potential employees can take when working with a recruiter. If your first point of contact for a particular position is with a recruiter, whatever you do, do not use the introduction opportunity to then apply directly with the employer. If a company has enlisted the aid of a recruiter they likely will prefer candidates from that source lessening your chances at scoring an interview or job offer.In addition, recruiters earn their income typically based off a commission for placing quality candidates. If you undercut their ability to collect on that hard-earned fee, be prepared to be blackballed by the recruitment agency and potential affiliates as someone who doesnt comply with the well-understood recruitment/candidate rules of engagement. Working with a recruiter is often the most efficient and productive way candidates can find quality open positions. Certain fields and professions, in fact, hire almost solely through recruiters, relying on the expertise of these individuals to h elp lessen the risk of poor quality candidates and aiding in the reduction of employee turnover. Search jobs on SimplyHired.com for specific recruiter related open positions and find opportunities to rely on the pros to help you land that career-making job.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Whos Concerned About Chronological Order Resume and Why You Should Listen to Them

Whos Concerned About Chronological Order Resume and Why You Should Listen to Them It helps in case you read them in order but it is not crucial. Your orders will be carried out exactly as you desire. To show chronological purchase. Organize in chronological purchase. Indicate a link between the sort of position youre seeking and the sort of position an employer is offering. They all are positive. Write a brief description if your employer is comparatively unknown, or if your work title is somewhat vague. Besides the literary procedures of synchronism utilized by traditional chronographers like Eusebius, Syncellus and Scaliger, its possible to synchronize events by archaeological or astronomical ways. You can locate a complete list here. Students are predicted to set the strips in order using their understanding of crucial words for chronological texts. Orders the stages of a procedure or a project as time passes. Getting the Best Chronological Order Resume Making your res ume is vital. Creating your resume is vital. Today chronological resumes are preferred by the majority of the recruiters. Resumes with mistakes might be ignored. Its a fact-based resume that allows employers to rapidly skim through and find a sense of your work experience and qualifications. Assure a prospective employer that youve got career objectives and direction. You must find out the way to create the absolute best resume qualifications examples that you could deliver to the organization and provide great first impression about yourself, understand it here. No matter your degree of job experience, your resume format is important to making your program stick out. In case you have any questions, you can get in touch with our friendly support team night and day and get immediate assistance. For some jobs, you will want to highlight certain abilities, while for others, you are going to want to demonstrate related experience. While you could have a good deal of work experi ence, its likely in a different industry. If youre a recent graduate or have very little experience, you always have the option to set the education section ahead of the work experience section. Thus, among the fruchtwein important decisions a writer makes concerns the pattern of organization thats utilized to structure and order info. The work description might also earn a difference. Whenever your work history is clear, a hiring manager is ready to swiftly identify your qualifications and link them to the position youre applying for. A chronological resume works best when youve got an extensive work history thats in the exact line of work as the job for which youre applying. The reverse chronological resume style is the most frequently used style. Another benefit of our website is the quickness. Our website is just one of the most appropriate for essay help. You can trust the very best essay help online. The chronological resume format doesnt work well whenever youre chan ging careers. The table below summarizes the key differences among the 3 formats. Along with the right format format should make sure you include the perfect reverse and rich with the proper vital words. One has the capability to select from a chronological or functional format. The Bible student needs to have a feeling of historical flow. If youre wondering where to begin reading the Bible chronologically, check out a couple of the links above. From now on as readers once you first begin reading you need to think about the way in which the text is organized. You are going to receive unique texts, which will be finished in time.Be sure to list your relevant abilities and any certifications you might have, like your reverse chronological resume template word Handlers card. The layouts are created in such a way they make the resume be noticeable. Sometimes it may also be helpful to check at chronological resume examples to visualize the way to best organize your resume.

Monday, December 2, 2019

What to Look for As You Screen Cover Letters - Spark Hire

What to Look for As You Screen Cover Letters - Spark HireWhen youre a hiring manager looking to fill an open spot within your company, the process can feel overwhelming. As resumes and cover letters pour in, you want to make sure youre looking at all of the materials that come across your desk, without taking up too much time as you do it. Learning what to look for can help to make the process easier, as you quickly weed out the candidates who arent qualified for the open position. The traits of a great cover letter includeA document that is well organized and free of spelling and grammatical errorsIf you read the first sentence and notice a youre when there should be a your then you should be highly skeptical about this candidate. No matter what kind of position youre hiring for, good grammar is important. If the individual either is unaware of these rules or didnt care enough to verify that their document welches grammatically correct, theyre probably not the kind of person you wan t to bring on board.A demonstration of relevant skills and experienceIf youre hiring for a web designer and the person only has skills as a writer, you may want to think twice before you invite them in for an interview. While a person with the right amount of enthusiasm can learn new skills, you dont want to hire someone who lacks the technical training necessary to do the job well.The ability to demonstrate tangible successesThe right person for the job is able to offer up real examples of times when they were successful in the past. Whether this includes solving a problem for a client or increasing sales, these examples are important for any good cover letter.A sense of understanding about the companyThe best cover letters are those that clearly werent being sent out to 30 other places. You want to see that the individual took the time to research your company specifically, and included some of this information in their letter.As a hiring manager, what do you look for in a cover l etter? Image AndreyPopov/BigStock.com

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Stopping Lung Cancer One Breath at a Time

Stopping Lung Cancer One Breath at a Time Stopping Lung Cancer One Breath at a Time Lung cancer may not be at the top of the news cycle the way it once was, but its leise killing at an alarming rate. Rick Rummel, CEO of Louisville, KY-based Breath Diagnostics, Inc., says the real problem is that most of the time its not caught until its too late. So many times its Stage 3 and Stage 4. But if you catch it early then many times the outcome can be very different, Rummel says. Its sad it doesnt happen more often. Were out to change that.Capturing the CompoundsThe companys creation is all about getting close. Enough to capture breath. There are over a thousand compounds in breath, he says. What happened was several doctors got together and figured out some of these compounds were elevated in some patients and they had to be able to measure it. Dr. Xiaon-An Fu was working on something for tuberculosis and adapted it to lung cancer. A patient breathes into a bag and we take that bag and run it across a microchip and then it covalently bonds with the chemical and then it involves a spectrometer. You have very specific masses so you can landsee if theyre elevated. When its elevated, its very elevated.A silicon microchip is used to collect carbonyl compounds found in the breath. Image Breath DiagnosticsFu, an associate professor in chemical engineering at the University of Louisville and a co-founder for the company, says just capturing compounds was among the leading challenges. You have to understand that these compounds are in low concentrations in the breath, he says. We needed to capture them from breath and then concentrate them into roughly ten microliters. Ultimately the idea is to be able to use ordinary instruments such as FDMS (filter dynamics measurement system) to analyze those compounds, he says.Fu says the microfluidic device uses 100 microliters of methanol and it flows through the chip for the washing process. He estimates the cost of the device to a pat ient might be in the low three-figures. And the key is identifying the combination of compounds, says Fu, who received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University. One compound can be another disease.A Positive OutlookThe company has studied 800 patients so far and is very encouraged by the results, according to Rummel. We start with lung cancer and have a chance to take this to many other diseases, Rummel says. We want to get this to be very accessible to as many patients as possible. What we hope to do is have a low-cost test that a patient could take every year and monitor the markers. It can be a regular part of their prevention. Our cost should be well below the standard cost of a CT scan for lungs. And, remember, CT scans are radiation themselves so this can possibly change exposure there as well. Its looking at other ways to fight this terrible disease.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.Learn how to leverage emerging technologies that create su stainable solutions at ASMEs COMS 2016 For Further Discussion What we hope to do is have a low-cost test that a patient could take every year and monitor the markers. It can be a regular part of their prevention.Rick Rummel, CEO, Breath Diagnostics, Inc.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Job Interview Body Language Tips

Job Interview Body Language TipsJob Interview Body Language TipsIf youve ever spent an awkward blind date across from a slouching, shrugging, uninterested pasta dinner companion, you probably know the importance of body language for communication. Sure, the human species may have developed a pretty sophisticated system of language over the years, but that limp handshake, failure to make eye contact or otherwise out of the norm body positioning can tell you just as much, or mora, than what comes out of a persons mouth.With that in mind, candidates preparing for job interviews would be remiss if they overlooked the importance of nonverbal communication during their one on ones with hiring managers. Just like researching prospective employers or sprucing up a resume, practicing good posture and control of body language is essential for those looking for interview success. On board with our advice but elend sure where to get started? Weve got a few tips and tricks to help nail that job i nterview body language.PostureFor every person who ever listened to their mother say dont slouch, this ones for you. Poor posture isnt just bad for your back health, it also can convey a lot more than youre intending to prospective employers. Whether sitting or standing, you should aim for your shoulders to be back and straight and avoid humping over or slouching. When sitting at the interview table, plant two feet on the floor and ensure your back remains in contact with the chair or that youre sitting up straight in your seat. When in doubt, roll your shoulders back a few times to limber up those muscles and get your body used to that foreign, but correct, posture position.SmileUnless youre one of those permanently grumpy types, this body posture tip should come easily and naturally and will go a long ways towards making you appear professional, relaxed and confident. A sincere smile upon greeting your interviewer and throughout your meeting will help keep the conversation flowing and can also put the hiring manager at ease, building their opinion of your soft skills and approachability. Practice smiling in the mirror to ensure youre not throwing up a cartoon-esque grin and youll be well on your way to a job offer that has you humming along to dont worry, be happy.HandshakeWith as many advances in technology and communication verkommen interviewers face, its important to know that some things just dont go out of style when it comes to human interaction. A firm, well-practiced handshake is still an essential part of greetings and deal-making, worldwide. Practice proper handshake technique and ensure you have a firm yet polite grip. And as far as that power handshake goesjust dont. Regardless of the job field, no one wants to start off introductions with their hand being crushed.Eye ContactAn often overlooked form of non-verbal communication, eye contact is essential for candidates looking to practice good body language habits during their interview. Rather th an engaging in an all-out stare down with the interviewer, candidates should practice making eye contact during appropriate times in the communication. This is especially important when interviewing with multiple people at once. Solid eye contact will help you appear attentive and engaging, big plusses for those doing the hiring on the other side of the table.Hand GesturesIf youve ever spent time along the eastern seaboard, you have probably witnessed the art of talking with your hands. While natives of New York and New Jersey may work this into their conversations smoothly, for most of us its a habit thats more distracting. When in the interview room, keep hand gestures to a minimum. Avoid pointing, clapping, or throwing your arms up in the air as these can all come across as agressive or sudden when conversing with a relative stranger. In need of a crutch? Try clasping your hands lightly in your lap to avoid giving the appearance of a Mozart impersonating conductor at a high schoo l band rehearsal. Our final word when it comes to body language during your interview is relax. Take a deep breath, show up early and prepare for your interview for greater confidence and more focus on both body and mind. Prepping for your interview in all aspects, including body language, will help you appear professional and calm, increasing your chances of landing that all-important offer.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Financial Advisor Career Path

Financial Advisor Career PathFinancial Advisor Career PathBecause financial advisors play an important role in helping people make decisions with their money, the path to becoming one is not necessarily easy. Becoming a financial advisor requires a hefty amount of education, testing, and experience. However, if you stick to that path then you may open up opportunities for advancement and other career moves in the future. Education for Financial Advisors Education is a critical step on the path to becoming a financial advisor. To start, you usually need to get a bachelors degree in a finance, economics, statistics, or another finance-related field. Earning a graduate degree can not only give you a competitive advantage when looking for work, but some firms require their advisors to have a masters in business administration (MBA). In some cases, you can work on your MBA while pursuing work in the field at a lower level. People who want to become financial advisors can also obtain o ne or all of ansicht certifications Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Although the certifications arent necessarily required to become a financial advisor, having one can help you get mora work and higher-paying jobs. The CFA certification is considered the most prestigious since its harder to get. It takes about four years to earn the CFA credential, which involves passing three exams that require more than 300 hours of study each. Other requirements include a bachelors degree, four or more years of professional work experience (it doesnt have to be related to finance), and two or three letters of reference. To get a CFP certification, you must have a bachelors degree, complete courses outlined by the CFP Board, and then pass the CFP Exam. You must also complete 6,000 hours (about two years) of related experience before you can apply for certification, or 4,000 if you meet certain criteria. Earning a ChFC is a bit different. To get the certification, you can complete eight self-study courses at your own pace and pass a final exam within four months of course completion. You must have three years of full-time business experience as well, or two years if you also have a bachelors or masters degree. No matter which certification you choose, they all have continuing education and ongoing recertification requirements that you must complete if you want to keep your credentials. Starting Out as a Financial Advisor Since the certification programs all require some work experience, many people pursuing a career as a financial advisor with no previous experience start by working in a more junior type of position at a financial firm while they finish their education or obtain their credentials. Many firms offer internships as well, and if youre still in school or a recent graduate, check with your institution to see if it partners with any firms. There are many places you can work as a fin ancial advisor, and the type of firm you join depends on whats most important to you. Big-name firms like Charles Schwab or Fidelity Investments generally offer more robust training programs and support, but climbing the ranks in such large companies can be harder. Often, advisors at big firms must meet tough production quotas as well. Smaller, more boutique firms may not offer the same level of training or brand-name recognition you might get with a larger firm, but compensation can sometimes be better. You may also have the opportunity to do more types of work and gain a wider range of experience in a smaller firm, and a better chance of advancing in your career. Many financial advisors choose to start their own companies and work for themselves. This route is usually better suited for people who already have some experience in the industry. Other Career Opportunities for Financial Advisors Being a financial advisor can open up other possible career paths and options for advan cement. For financial advisors who have developed expertise in a specific area of investing or client service, becoming a specialist at either a regional or national level within a firm is possible. In some firms, some financial advisors technically remain within the function but reduce or eliminate their own interactions with clients, and instead turn to actively managing client accounts on behalf of the firms other financial advisors. Those interested in pursuing a management track can move on to become a branch ausverkauf manager or branch manager for a financial institution. Depending on the firms policies and the size of the office, a financial advisor who moves into a branch management position may or may not have the opportunity to retain a book of business. Financial advisors who move into branch sales manager or branch manager positions may use these posts as stepping-stones to regional or national sales force management positions, or into a variety of management positions in other areas, such as marketing or product management.