Favorite Friday The Other Hardest Question How Can I Help You MUST READ

Favorite Friday The Other Hardest Question How Can I Help You MUST READ January 8, 2008.  The Other Hardest Question: How Can I Help You? I was about 18 months into my business and networking like crazy.  Meeting lots of people, becoming a power connector, and having fun. But people would ask: how can I help you? And my response was usually something like nothing for now, Ill let you know. It was a bad answer, because people wanted to help me, but I wasnt letting them help me!  Crazy, I know. Heres my post about it, where I actually answered in a much better way: How Can I Help You? My advice to you: figure out how to best answer that question (and its variations).  And maybe you, too, can find out how close you are to Mr. T (read the post for more :p)! Favorite Friday The Other Hardest Question How Can I Help You MUST READ January 8, 2008.  The Other Hardest Question: How Can I Help You? I was about 18 months into my business and networking like crazy.  Meeting lots of people, becoming a power connector, and having fun. But people would ask: how can I help you? And my response was usually something like nothing for now, Ill let you know. It was a bad answer, because people wanted to help me, but I wasnt letting them help me!  Crazy, I know. Heres my post about it, where I actually answered in a much better way: How Can I Help You? My advice to you: figure out how to best answer that question (and its variations).  And maybe you, too, can find out how close you are to Mr. T (read the post for more :p)!

Four Mortgage Tips For First Time Buyers

Four Mortgage Tips For First Time Buyers Buying your first property is a big step and for many it’s the start of a new chapter. Its important to know everything about buying and how you can finance it all before you take the big leap forward.    Are you looking to buy your first ever property, but no idea where to start when it comes to a mortgage?   One of the first questions home buyers ask is how much can I borrow on my mortgage?    Well lucky for you, we share   some valuable mortgage tips for first time buyers, to make it all a bit easier for you. Find what you want and if you can afford it Once you have decided on where to live as well as what budget is required for the deposit, you will need to understand what you can afford to pay monthly, after taking all your income into account. Using an online calculator can be extremely useful during this stage to find out what type of mortgage you can truly afford. It is important to select a mortgage type which suits your exact lifestyle. Working out how much you can afford to borrow and repay is useful before you agree on selecting one. It is also key to consider the mortgage interest rates which can often rise during th4e course of the mortgage, so make sure to factor this when choosing one. The best thing about being a first time buyer is that you will be more likely eligible for certain schemes designed by the government to get you on the property ladder. These include things like help to buy    and special programs to   help you pay the mortgage. Be attractive to mortgage lenders Your lenders will want to see your accounts, and spending history. It is crucial that you keep on top of your spending to make sure you are in fantastic financial shape before going to apply, in order to get accepted. They also look to see if you earn more than you spend, so it is probably a good idea to cut unnecessary spending too in order to show that you will have enough to cover your monthly rate in the future. The decision for a mortgage is usually based on your credit report, so make sure that this is a healthy score and if not, try to get it that way beforehand. Watch out for hidden costs When it comes to your mortgage there can be a lot of hidden costs, that you may otherwise not be aware of. This includes; Legal Fees â€" for conveyancing and land registry, it is recommended to take a flat fee as this allows you to contact your solicitor when you require without worrying about extra added rates. Valuation Fees â€" it is recommended to get this done as part of the mortgage offer as there is a chance to save a large amount of money doing this. Stamp Duty Consider how much this will cost. Recently stamp budget charges were cut for first time buyers in the UK, however its important to check if this is the case where you are. Shop around for the best deal  By shopping around you will save a lot more money in the long term. Online resources such as mortgage calculators as well as comparison websites can be so helpful to help you make the right deal before you settle. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your finances are key to getting a good deal, so make sure they are in good shape. We hope these four mortgage tips will be useful to you when it comes to sourcing your first mortgage!

Youre in Control of What Goes On Inside Your head - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

You’re in Control of What Goes On Inside Your head - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Your mind manages all of your life: your outlook, how you approach situations, and how you interact and work with others. It’s a feeling of great freedom to think what you want. Sure, there are random thoughts that come and go that you can’t do anything about. But the ones you put in and hold, you control. Outside of having brain damage, disease, or mind-altering substances, you’re in complete control of what goes on inside your headâ€"if you choose to be. You already know this, but I’m emphasizing these facts because I want you to understand how empowering they can truly be. You rule your world and run your life with the perspective you choose. Or, as one CEO told me, “Your mind is your boss, and you gotta be self-employed.”

How to research employers University of Manchester Careers Blog

How to research employers University of Manchester Careers Blog Back to basics Do you know how to find a list of companies offering current vacancies? Use CareersLink   click on the vacancies tab.   These companies have specifically advertised with us to target YOU University of Manchester Students. Use graduate recruitment directories available in the Careers Centre to take away. Most arrive in September but stocks are available most of the year. Use other graduate recruitment websites some are listed on this page Use sector specific vacancy sites and press.   Use our sector pages to become familiar with the best ones. Do you know how to find a list of companies for any particular sector you may be interested in? Have you used the organisation directory  in CareersLink?   A company registering an event or vacancy can choose to appear in the directory. So even if they have no vacancies currently advertised with us their website will be listed so that you can search for them, why not search by organisation sector in the advanced search option. Use the sector pages there are often links to portal sites where you can find lists of organisations by sector.   On some of our NW pages  we have even done the hard work for you and there are downloadable lists. Use the Careers Centre we have books and journals that can not be accessed online. Use our starting point guides. Ask the information staff based in the Careers Centre.   The information team have many years of  research skills they can point you in the right direction. If in doubt google it!   But be prepared to be persistent and keep  refining your search terms. Not every result will be relevant or reliable! Ok so now you have a list and you have to start making choices and be able to articulate why you want to  work for RBS  not HSBC, Exxon not BP? Often when looking at graduate directories or graduate scheme websites  one looks pretty much like another. You may indeed be applying to  6 investment banks but don’t make the mistake of writing a generic CV or cover letter. You may just want a well-paid stable job and are not that fussed about what you do for your first graduate job, but for heaven’s sake don’t put that on your application!   You must show the employer why you have chosen them and how you fit into their organisation. Are the roles you are applying for the same or very similar or do they actually have unique characteristics in different companies? What about progress beyond the graduate scheme is it the same, what are your options to specialise? What is different about the companies? 1   You can research this on  most company’s websites (ignore the graduate / get a job  with us bit for now).  Imagine you wanted a broker, a new bank, advice on your business, a new app designing, to  buy a product etc. How would you choose between the companies on offer? Do they have different client types (small businesses, different sector focus etc) Different products and services Different ways of service delivery Different technologies or methodologies Different ethos, how do they perceive themselves what is their USP? Different geographical coverage, local, UK, EU, Global, emerging markets? 2   You can also find out what is being said about them in the media, (news articles, social media, advertising campaigns) any recent publicity good or bad.   Evaluate how this will impact on the company and how that might influence your decision to join them. 3   Did you go to one of their events, meet a representative? What did they do that made a positive impression on you? 4   There are lots of websites now where you can get employee profiles and tips on what different companies are like to work for.   Just bear in mind the context, ex-employees may have something different to say to a current employee, something thats anonymous may be different to something endorsed by the company. e.g. http://www.graddiary.com/interviews/ http://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm http://www.insidebuzz.co.uk/ 5   Use your networks Have any of your friends or family  worked for any of the organisations you might be interested in? Does the company have a Facebook or Twitter account what does their social media presence say about them and can you use it to ask questions?  (Be careful about what your digital footprint says about you!) Have you set up a LinkedIn profile? Check out our guide on how to use LinkedIn effectively. So now you have the basics, there are no shortcuts unfortunately, but it does get  easier as you become familiar with the best sources of information. All Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted

Benefits of Using a Resume Writing Service

Benefits of Using a Resume Writing ServiceIn order to boost your chances of landing a job interview, the benefits of using a resume writing service are immense. After all, you want to impress potential employers enough to get the job you have always dreamed of. And one of the best ways to make that happen is by having a professional do the work for you.But while a professional resume writer can help you land that interview, you will still need to create a compelling cover letter. Even if the person reviewing your resume turns down your request to go over it, it does not mean you are not qualified for the job. A cover letter is just as important as your resume, and it must stand out. That is the only way you will be able to catch the attention of the person reading your cover letter and get that phone call.There are various reasons why people leave their jobs without the proper warning. One is redundancy. People who know they are being let go may try to cover up the fact that they hav e been let go by writing a convincing cover letter. However, this may not always work.Another reason people leave their jobs prematurely is because they are in a job search for the wrong reasons. They may be looking for a promotion or a new position because they think they deserve one, but the fact is that they really don't. It may take them time to come to terms with that fact, but when they realize it, they tend to give up altogether.Whether you're in a job search or just beginning your job search, you need to start out with a good first impression, and a strong cover letter is the fastest way to achieve that. You should write a resume, but you can make sure that it stands out by making an extra effort to craft a cover letter. And you should get a resume, but you can ensure that it gets noticed by creating a cover letter as well.It's true that the job search is stressful enough without having to deal with an incompetent or careless resume writer. It takes a lot of skill and patien ce to do a good job of writing a resume, and it takes the same amount of skills and patience to create a great cover letter. The problem with hiring an in-house resume writer is that you can never be certain of his or her qualifications. And since employers are always on the lookout for 'qualified' candidates, these writers tend to outsource their services to companies that specialize in their needs.However, there is another option for those who need a professional resume writer. Resume writing services can be found all over the Internet. But it's often the case that such services charge their clients' high fees for services that would be unnecessary for most people. Professional writers can deliver a high quality resume, and this can be done for a fraction of the price paid by a commercial resume writing service.If you do hire a professional resume writer, you should be prepared to be patient. No one can guarantee that every job will be offered to you or that every interview will b e given to you. But with a little perseverance, you can get a job - or even land a raise - by keeping a well-written resume and killer cover letter handy.

How to Write an Effective Job Transfer Letter - CareerAlley

How to Write an Effective Job Transfer Letter - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. There are many reasons why you may want to request a job transfer to another department within your organization. Maybe you would like to transfer to a new city or country or maybe you just need a change. An effective job transfer letter communicates your willingness for a transfer better than a conversation or an email. Consider the following steps on how to write an effective job transfer letter to express your interest, qualifications, and experience with the company: There are many reasons why you may want to request a job transfer within your organization. An effective job transfer letter communicates your willingness for a transfer better than a conversation or an email. Tweet This Step #1 How to Start Your Letter Your letter should be written like a standard business letter. Start your letter by greeting the employer with a formal salutation such as Dear Mr. Smith and include your contact information and other important information (such as your managers name). Step #2 -How to Format Your Letter The first paragraph of your letter should state the reason why you would like to make a change. Be completely honest, while stating your reason for the transfer. For example, if the reason for your request is that you want a promotion, then you should state that you heard about the vacancy and it can be helpful in building your career. If the reason is personal such as spending more time with the family, then you should state that the vacancy is important to have a better relationship with your family. You can also say that you are satisfied with your current position but are more interested in the new one because of the convenient timings and better learning opportunities. Step #3 Highlight Your Achievements After stating the reasons, mention your personal achievements in the second paragraph and also state why you want to remain a part of the company. You can mention the special training you received and skills which make you best suited for the position. Mention how the company improved your understanding of different fields. Also explain how you performed your duties at the job, what you did to improve the productivity of your department and why your current experience makes you suitable for the vacant position. Step #4 Highlight Your Approach In the third paragraph of your job transfer letter, discuss how you will handle the responsibilities for the new position when youll get it. Suggest how youll benefit the company and what you can do for its growth. Tell your employer that youll provide assistance with the training of the employee who takes over your previous position. Step #5 Discuss Next Steps In the last paragraph, ask the employer as to how he would like to further discuss your request i.e. via phone call or a personal meeting. Thank the employer for his consideration and then close the letter in a formal manner by writing Sincerely, with your name and signature. Attach supporting documents with your letter like your resume that contains your current job responsibilities, and copies of certificates and degrees that would be useful for the position you want. Step #6 Proof Read Your Letter Although this is the last step, its the most important step. Your transfer letter is probably one of the most important documents you will use in your career. You need to ensure it is as perfect as it can be. Use other tools as well, such as spell-checkers, grammar checkers and other tools such as a famous plagiarism checker UK for students. A poorly written letter will end any chance you have of getting your transfer. Leverage your friends and family to read a draft of your letter. A review can help spot if youve left out important information. Ask your reviewers if they understand your request and if they have any recommendations regarding changes. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

Get A Clue- Know What You Can Do

Get A Clue- Know What You Can Do Before you even begin thinking about looking for a new job, you must know what you can do and what you WANT to do! Here are some resources to help you figure this out! When I facilitated resume workshops there was always at least one person who didnt know what they wanted to do next. When I asked what they were looking for they would respond: “I don’t know” or “I am keeping my options open” or “I can do almost anything” or “A good paying job”. I wanted to scream, but instead, I asked them what kinds of things they wanted to do. Most of them still couldn’t answer this question.   They werent ready to write a resume either. Before You Write Your Resume, Know Your Focus If you can’t specifically identify what you want to do or what you like doing, then it is time to sit down and do some self-assessment. Self-assessment stinks. It is painful and hard work. Sorry.   You have to do it. Not just for the resume, but for the whole purpose of job search. Finding The Right Job How do you find the right job amongst a myriad of jobs posted on job boards if you aren’t entering the right keywords? (I know you are not reading every job listed for the day on Indeed.com.) Are you spending too much time searching for jobs only to find nothing? Thats got to be time-consuming, not to mention frustrating. In order to find the right types of jobs, you have to be on the lookout for the right job titles and skills requested in job postings. Why Should I Hire You? Ok, let’s say you can find a job to apply to and you submit your general resume and by some miracle, you are called for an interview. Great, now, the interviewer will ask “why are you qualified for this job?”, “what are your strengths and tell me about a time you used one” and “why should I hire you? Good luck answering these questions if you haven’t done some serious self-assessment. So if you are convinced that its worth the pain and suffering to do some self-assessment, here are some resources I recommend. What Color Is Your Parachute Self-assessment books are all over the place. “What Color Is Your Parachute” by Richard Bolles, is probably the most comprehensive. Though it’s updated every year, the info hasn’t really changed.   If you have the discipline, sit down and read it. O*Net There are other assessment tools online.   O*Net   or these tools: O*NET Ability Profiler O*NET Interest Profiler O*NET Work Importance Locator O*Net offers several assessments that tie back to over 800 occupations. This helps you see how your interests, skills and abilities map to jobs. So how it works is, you take the assessment of your interests and values and skills and it matches your answers with the requirements of hundreds of occupations.   Then you link to the occupational descriptions to learn more about the duties and skills required.   It can be quite helpful. More Assessments There are three assessments, that when combined, can be helpful in steering you in the right direction. If you need more help figuring out what you want to do, read  Choosing A Career Can Be Overwhelming. You can also check out What Do You Love To Do STAR Stories Another, perhaps easier, self-assessment is to document Accomplishment stories.   Think of a time you were proud of something specific you did.   Perhaps you solved a problem, made a customer really happy or saved the company money.   Once you’ve recalled this story, begin to document it.   Recalling Past Accomplishments walks you through documenting your stories and helps organize them. Visualize Your New Career Sometimes it takes visualizing what your ideal day and job look like to make it a reality. If you are interested in a self-guided exercise to help you visualize your new career, check this out:  Envisioning Your Future Bottom Line: So the next time someone asks you, what are you looking for, know what you can do and give them an answer.