Happy at writing - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Happy at writing - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Lois McMaster Bujold, one of my favorite sci-fi authors, tried a new approach for her latest book: Having fun writing it. The first ideas for this book surfaced in June, 2004, when I was out on my back deck trying to soak up some Minnesota sunshine for the long winter ahead. (In other words, I made it up, in a welcome idle moment.) I began writing in August, quite soon after Id turned in the final manuscript for The Hallowed Hunt. This was to be a book written for my own pleasure, at my own pace, without the constraints of a contract or pressure of a deadline. The duology length came as a bit of a surprise to me, but it was precisely what the story, as it developed, needed. Also a surprise was how fast the writing went; I finished the first draft in Aug. 2006, a mere year after Id started, the time it would usually take me to write a single much shorter book. It was fun! If youre into sci-fi at all, try reading her Vorkosigan books, featuring Miles Vorkosigan, the most unlikely sci-fi protagonist ever. Theres about a dozen of them and theyre all great fun, my personal favorites being Memory and A Civil Campaign. I find it interesting that Lois decided to skip deadlines and just have fun only to find that her writing went faster and she enjoyed it more. This is at odds with the more traditional image of the artist suffering for her art. And the same concept probably also applies at work. Focus less on deadlines and more on enjoying work, and you will find that you get more work done and have more fun. By the way: Bujolds publisher is Baen. Check out the proud motto of the Baen online bookshop: If its in stock , We have it! Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Interview Questions - What Questions to Ask the Interviewer IM HIRED

Interview Questions - What Questions to Ask the Interviewer Turning the Tables on the Interviewer You got through those tricky interview questions and now the interviewer has turned the tables. It’s up to you to ask the questions. This isn’t just the interviewer being polite, an interview is a two way street. This is a perfect opportunity for you to discover whether this role is right for you. Make sure you leave that interview knowing everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Below are the 5 areas you need to be questioning in the interview. Question Progression and Training Opportunities No one wants to get offered a position where there is no potential for development. Growth in your career should never be a cookie cutter approach, everyone’s progression is unique. You need to be looking for a company that endorses a variety of training opportunities. For example, would the company be open to you taking on a part time qualification to boost your career or enrolling for a short online course. Question if they have a learning and development department or a list of courses available to employees. Question the Company Values All companies will have a set of values they promote within their business. However, whilst all companies will most likely represent great values on their company site not all will embed these into their company. Firstly question what are the company values if they aren’t openly shown online. Then listen out to how these are shown throughout their company. For example, team work could be a value but how do they ensure teams effectively work together (ie. Team socials, networking events or team training.) Questions when to Expect Feedback Once the interview is complete, asking what’s next is one of the most important questions. Set clear expectations so you know exactly when you can expect interview feedback. Obviously we’re all hoping for an offer at this stage, but if the worst case scenario becomes reality you at least need feedback so you can move forward and improve your performance next time. Don’t be afraid to include this in your interview questions. Confirming whether you will hear via phone or email and a rough timeline. Question Your Research Prior to any interview, researching the role and company is key. Now you don’t want any of that hard work to go to waste. Reference your research in your interview questions. Discuss new articles you have seen about the company’s growth or new products they have released. Ask questions about information you gathered through their website. Whether that be about the companys journey or structure. Show you are interested and passionate about joining their organisation. Companies want to know you are enthusiastic about them. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Theres only one interview technique that matters Do your homework so you can listen to the answers and react to them and ask follow-ups. Do your homework, prepare Jim Lehrer ________________________________________________________________________________________ Question the Reason for the Role One of your interview questions should be about the reason why this role is being advertised. This will give you an insight into the company or department. Whilst an employer will never state the role is being advertised as everyone is else leaving, you will gauge from their tone or explanation what’s behind their reasoning. Replacing a leaver who has been able to progress or a new role due to company growth are all positives but a company restructure might be something to explore further. Example Interview Questions What are the next steps in the interview process? Can you tell me a little bit more about the existing team? Can you give me an insight into the culture of (add company name)? Why are you currently recruiting for XXX position? What do you like about working for (add company name)? What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 60 days, year? If successful, what are the progression routes for this role? How would you describe a typical day in this position? What are the prospects for growth and advancement? Are there any further questions I can answer for you? What are the biggest challenges of this job?

The Most Important Thing to Get From a Sample Freelance Writing Resume

The Most Important Thing to Get From a Sample Freelance Writing ResumeThe right sample freelance writing resume is a little known secret for getting your name and face out there. Many people who are self-employed still don't get the marketing they need to get their name out there in the millions of articles written every day. If you are self-employed and want to be in the limelight, here are the 3 steps to getting a sample freelance writing resume.First, find freelance writing resume service that has a wide selection of samples of resumes. The choice will vary depending on what kind of business you're starting and what kind of person you are. The more prepared you are for this step, the easier it will be.Second, take a look at the sample freelance writing resume and use the qualities in the paragraph headings to customize the resume to your own personality. Remember, writing resumes and cover letters for people you've never met is only half the battle. You'll need to convince them th at you are the right person for the job, and that you will fit in well with the company and the culture of the job. That means writing in a way that makes you more effective and impressive than your competition.Third, use your previous work experience and strengths to go into detail about yourself and to make your resume stand out. Write about things you love and do well, and then write about things you'd like to improve in your resume. A good example would be writing about your success in a past job interview, the areas you wish to improve on, and the job features you're happy with in your current position.Be sure to be honest in the sections of your sample freelance writing resume, because if you are not, you can still get some of your information to be in the resume, but it will be watered down to nothing. The idea is to get the reader to stop and wonder if they can trust you.There is no doubt that many things you could have done differently and a few people would also tell you h ow much hard work and effort you put into your career. It is important that you get that kind of feedback from someone else. It's all good advice if you have to pay for it, but having a support group for your writing skills is definitely worth it.Following these three steps to a sample freelance writing resume should help you get the best from your resume and increase your credibility. Good luck!

Presidential Perks Air Force One, Personal Trainer, White House

Presidential Perks Air Force One, Personal Trainer, White House The 2016 election was among the nastiest in American history. The unprecedented general election â€" which came on the heels of a long, raucous and surprise-filled primary season â€" included accusations of election rigging, sexual abuse, corruption, lies, graft and even espionage. And now it’s over. Election Day has come and gone, and on Jan. 20, 2017, President Obama will be shuffled out of the Oval Office. The new president will earn a salary of $400,000 a year, but presidential perks go far beyond a paycheck. Here are some of the best benefits of being president. Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. 1. You Fly High in Air Force One The commander in chief flies in style, comfort and safety aboard a customized Boeing 747-200B. With 4,000 square feet of floor space, it has the sophisticated equipment necessary to serve as a command center. And since it can refuel midair, it can remain airborne as long as needed. The plane’s galleys can feed 100 people at a time, and the aircraft has the capacity to repel a wide range of attacks, including electromagnetic pulses. Air Force One costs about $200,000 an hour to operate, according to a CNN report. 2. You Take Off in Marine One The greatest getaway vehicle in the world, Marine One is a super-specialized helicopter that goes wherever the president does. It is designed to rescue the president in the event of an emergency. Only four pilots from the vaunted Marine HMX-1 “Nighthawks” squadron are bestowed with the honor of flying the presidential super-chopper every year. The helicopter can cruise at more than 150 mph and can operate if one of its engines fails. Marine One is armed with anti-missile systems and ballistic armor. Wherever it lands, a Marine salutes the president. 3. You Ride in ‘The Beast’ “The Beast” is the nickname given to the presidential limousine, which President Obama described as “a Caddy, basically on a tank frame.” Actually, it’s a fleet of 12 identical vehicles the president uses when moving by car. Bulletproof and bombproof, Fox News reports that a new Beast is being built for 2017, and each vehicle will cost an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million. Read More: The Richest Politician in Every State 4. You Live in Cool Digs Presidents always have lived well in the White House, which had running water in 1833, central heating in 1837 and an elevator in 1881. The White House was built for $232,272 in the 1790s, according to History.com. The White House Historical Association says the building has 132 rooms. Contrary to popular belief, there are no secret passages or hidden escapes â€" none known to the public, at least. However, there is a well-known underground complex that includes a florist and bowling alley. 5. You Earn Post-Presidency Office and Travel Expenses The General Services Administration is required to furnish former presidents with enough money to cover travel and business expenses. In 2016, Congress presented President Obama legislation that would have capped taxpayer spending on former presidents’ office and travel expenses at $200,000 a year. The soon-to-be former president vetoed the bill. 6. You Pull in a Hefty Pension Not only do presidents get cushy offices and free travel, they also receive a presidential pension â€" they were, after all, government employees. The Former Presidents Act sets into law what ex-presidents receive in compensation. All four living former presidents â€" Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush â€" received annual pensions of $205,700 in 2016. 7. Your Own Country Home Every president since Franklin Roosevelt has enjoyed his own retreat of solitude â€" Camp David. Located deep in Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County, Md., the camp serves as the president’s country home. Although it is charming, it’s not exactly rustic. Amenities include a full gym, swimming pool, executive board rooms and an aircraft hangar. According to the book “The $1.4 Billion Man: Costs of the Obama White House,” every night the president spends at Camp David costs $711,000. 8. Hired Help Is Always Around to Serve You The White House is home to nearly 100 permanent residence staffers. The private army of servants includes maids, cooks, butlers and a head housekeeper. But it doesn’t stop there. Among the other permanent staffers on the payroll are full-time plumbers, valets, groundskeepers, engineers and florists. Read More: How President Obama Is Worth $12.2 Million 9. A Top-Notch Security Detail Watches Over You When you see the president, you might notice intense-looking, hyper-alert men and women with earpieces following behind. That’s the Secret Service, the agency tasked with protecting the president â€" even at the cost of their own lives. Well-armed, trained and prepared, members of the Secret Service are more than bodyguards. They conduct advance work, threat assessments, countersurveillance and airspace security. Ex-presidents get Secret Service protection for life, and their children are protected until the kids turn 16. The agency’s 2016 budget was $2.2 billion. 10. You Get Buff With a Personal Trainer The White House is home to a full fitness center. The president doesn’t have to wander around alone wondering how to work all those exercise machines either. Instead, the job comes with a personal trainer, which President Obama is known to utilize extensively. Information on the current presidential trainer’s rate is not available, but according to Angie’s List, the average trainer charges between $80 and $125 per hour. Read More: 10 Cheap Fitness Apps to Replace Your Gym Membership 11. An Executive Chef Cooks Your Meals Every president since John F. Kennedy has dined in style thanks to a White House executive chef. In 2005, Cristeta Comerford became the first woman appointed to the position when she was hired by first lady Laura Bush. She still remains at the post after being reappointed by first lady Michelle Obama, who was inspired by Comerford’s passion for healthy food. It is estimated the White House executive chef earns under $100,000 a year, which the CulinarySchools.org website deems to be “surprisingly modest.” 12. Your House Has a Movie Theater Presidents who happen to be movie buffs are in luck: The White House is home to a 42-seat tiered theater where the presidential family and guests can watch movies, sports and television. President Franklin Roosevelt converted the East Terrace cloakroom into a theater so he could watch newsreels from World War II. 13. Fresh Vegetables Are Available In 2009, Michelle Obama began work on what would become a massive White House garden. The fruits of her labor appear on the White House menu. They feed foreign dignitaries and support charities and food banks far and wide. The garden â€" which the first lady started with just $200 in supplies â€" recently was the beneficiary of a $2.5 million donation to ensure taxpayers won’t be burdened with maintenance and upkeep. Related: Organic Foods That Aren’t Worth Organic Prices 14. Visitors Enjoy a Fantastic Guest House When heads of state and other dignitaries visit the U.S., the president puts them up in the Blair House. At 60,600 square feet, Blair House consists of four integrated townhomes with a combined 120 rooms and 18 full-time employees. 15. You Get a State Funeral Presidents receive the office’s final perk when they die and are buried with the pomp and circumstance of a state funeral, which is reserved for heads of state. The seven-to-10-day, three-stage event comes with full military honors, including Guard of Honor, military escort for the immediate family, armed forces body bearers, military flyover and a 21-gun salute. When President Ronald Reagan died in 2004, his mahogany casket alone cost $14,000. Up Next: 20 Coolest Job Perks From Google and Other Top Companies

How and When to Ask for Salary Raises

How and When to Ask for Salary Raises Throughout your career, you are definitely going to encounter a situation where you feel entitled to a salary raise but have not been offered one. Learning how and when to ask for a raise is the first towards taking control of ones future and career. Unfortunately in these tough economic times, raises are not always freely given, in fact sometimes we feel like we are fighting for it. Capitalizing on successes and highlighting your ability to make a difference can often be parlayed in to raises. The trick is to know when to strike. First, decide just when to ask for a raise. This can be tricky. Many employees opt to only ask for a raise on a yearly basis, but it is possible and sometimes even suggested, to ask for raises on a more frequent basis. When trying to determine the best time to ask for a raise, consider the following: Is your employer financially secure? Even if your company announce its earnings from the rooftop, it is generally possible to determine if they are secure or experiencing cash flow difficulties. Obviously asking for a raise when a company is strapped for cash is not a great idea. Has your employer recently won new business, reached a sales goal or other milestone? If so, it is often best to ask for a raise as soon as possible especially if you contributed to the success. Have you recently done something to change your company in a positive way? Finishing a large project, winning a new client or developing a helpful program for the company can make you shine and is the best way to successfully ask for a raise. Once you have determined the perfect time to ask for a raise, you next need to learn how to do so in an appropriate manner that is professional but also persuasive (minus the chocolates and sucking up). Remember to keep all communications regarding your request positive, and be prepared for a no or an offer that is less than you expected. When asking for a raise, remember that your best weapon is your record of successful accomplishments. Properly documenting and presenting them is critical towards a successful request. Carefully and concisely outlining your accomplishments as well as your growth is the first step towards asking for a raise. Finally, always remember that professionalism is key. Because of this, it is vital that an employee not ignore the management structure of their organization. Every employee should first approach their manager or supervisor with their salary raise increase request. Jumping ahead is little more than stepping on the toes of the manager and will likely not result in a raise. If you are not satisfied with cost of living or non-existent raises, dont be afraid to approach your manager about your needs. An employee who recognizes their strengths and contributions and is willing to learn and grow is an asset to any organization raises simply make sense. Find the best time to present your request and documentation and you will likely see your salary increase. Guest Post by:   Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 9+ best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals. As a proud member of PARW, CDI, AORCP, Erin also sits on CDIs Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDIs Member Mentoring Committee. She also is a featured blogger on several well-known career sites http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com. For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter @GreatResume or visit our blog.

5 Facts That Show Citi Is Actually Committed To Diversity

5 Facts That Show Citi Is Actually Committed To Diversity5 Facts That Show Citi Is Actually Committed To DiversityDiversity can and should be a lot more than a buzzword.Here are five facts that prove Citi is committed to paying more than just lip service to its diversity and inclusion initiatives.1 Accelerator Programs Bringing Diversity To LeadershipOne of the biggest culprits of pay gaps or discriminatory environments is the lack of diversity in leadership roles. After all, its hard to overcome the differences in average salaries among Senior Vice Presidents if there are only three females in the role.Though Citi is already hitting above industry standards in the share of females and people of color in managing director and director-level roles, they have an accelerator program whose goal is to make even more progress.Citi is continuing to refine development programs offered for women and people of color. Take their Diversity Leadership Program, for example. It provides high-potent ial employees in the Institutional Clients Group with access to workshops, individualized coaching, and sponsors to help build their executive presence and strategic skills. One way Citi embeds diversity into its recruiting efforts is through its Early Identification programs. Through Early ID, talented college sophomores from diverse backgrounds learn the skills necessary to prepare for the recruiting process. At the end of the five-week program, students are offered the opportunity to interview for a full-time internship and can have their junior summer internship locked down a year () in advance.2 Citi Accommodates The Needs Of A Diverse WorkforceA diverse workforce means having a variety of needs and desires when it comes to how, where, and when work happens. And Citi is committed to improving the work/life priority, supporting geschftsleben continuity needs, and optimizing the companys real estate footprint.Citi supports a number of flexible work schedules and arrangements to h elp employees and managers find the right workplace solution that meets personal and business needs.Flexible work requests can be made by individuals, managers, or businesses within Citi. These remote work requests must remain within the United States and be approved by managementwho will ensure that business goals can still be met. If the flexible work request includes a part-time schedule, then the reduction of hours may impact your employment classification or pay.Options like these demonstrate Citis understanding that accommodating a diverse workforce means more than recognizing holidaysits about changing the way work is done, for the better.3 Nearly 100 Countries Worth Of PerspectiveTons of companies can boast about their auf der ganzen welt status because of their multitude of office locales. But few can truly say what Citi can Citi has a presence in nearly 100 countries with offices across the globe hiring local talent. The firm also does business in over 160 countries. This allows Citi to combine global insights with deep local knowledgeand gain a powerful advantage because of it.4 Global Mobility = Global WorkforceCiti does more than just maintain offices in nearly 100 countries. They hire in those countries, too.Citi empowers members of its team to change both their locations and their responsibilities. For example, their Global Engagement Management Associate (GEMA) program allows employees to move abroad and work in two different countries over the course of two years.As one employee put it, Regardless of where you abflug, there are countless examples of people here who start in one function or geography and end up somewhere completely different.This policy gives seriously amazing opportunities to people around the world, and it creates the gold standard in team diversity You are guaranteed to have people with unique backgrounds and experiences. This means you can have people from opposite sides of the world on the saatkorn team.5 Employee Networks Ensure All Groups Are RepresentedOne of the most important parts of protecting diverse interests is making sure everyone has a voice.One of the ways Citi accomplishes this is through 150-plus chapters of employee-formed and led network groups. More than 16,000 employees across 38 countries make up groups like Women in Finance, Pride, and Black Heritage. These and other groups create another safeguard against intolerance and discrimination and provide employees across all levels of the organization access to their peers.Something missing from this list? You could change that.Citis culture of embracing diversity that is embedded across all levels, from junior employees to the C-suite, gives people the voice they need to make even more changes for the better.If you want to start an impactful career in finance at a place where values matter, check out job and internship opportunities at Citi on WayUp right now

The Resume Writing for Beautician Trap

The Resume Writing for Beautician Trap Its possible for you to win your fantasy salon or get folks to your own home based spa all with only a solid impressive Resume Templates. The work candidate does not just copy the work description, but instead includes their very own relevant haircare methods. There are numerous totally different resume templates designed for numerous jobs. Keep in mind, THINK PROFESSIONAL. Because the retail geschftliches miteinander is transactional nature, it is simple to include things like numerical quantification to project competence. Customer service skills are likewise an absolute necessity to be able to survive within the area of cosmetology. The combination resume format permits the candidate slightly more freedom in expressing experience and competency in numerous techniques. The absolute most important item of information that hiring managers wish to understand is whether you own a license to practice cosmetology in your state. Top Resu me Writing for Beautician Secrets notlage every provider demands the exact saatkorn quantity of expertise and skills a hair stylist at the same company might not have to execute the very same tasks at another. The further skills section may be the difference maker in whether you get called in for an interview. Showcase your exceptional customer service abilities and understanding of beauty goods in your CV, so it appears like the beautician CV example. We have the mandatory amount of knowledge and previously worked as a beautician at a trustworthy business. Want to Know More About Resume Writing for Beautician? Otherwise, if youre mucksmuschenstill employed then utilize present tense. A certificate from an accredited esthetician school, its much simpler for you to have a job. Hopefully resume and cover letter samples that you receive the job that you deserve is to provide help. The Appeal of Resume Writing for Beautician Our resume builder is the quickest approach to create a resume that will allow you to get your fantasy job. A make-up artist is needed in every part and corner of earth irrespective of its geographical placing. Your picture needs to be updated and clear. The Honest to Goodness Truth on Resume Writing for Beautician Our Makeup Artist resume sample was designed so it is going to be simple to update and increase your qualifications so that you can land that new job. To acquire the interest of the latest salons in your region, youll want a hair stylist resume thats properly shampooed and blow-dried. In addition, you can search for hair stylist jobs on Monster. There are lots of job opportunities offered for makeup artists. The Key to Successful Resume Writing for Beautician The last product should appear similar to the professionally written resumes at the peak of the webpage. You will see the format composed of different resume sections. Whatever resume format you choose to use, be confident your format remains consistent thro ughout the document. To maximize your chances of receiving an interview you must customize your resume to every position you apply for. Even if one isnt required, its generally a great idea to send a quick cover letter together with your resume. Whenever youre in need of work, the very first important thing you will have to work on is building a resume. Make a list of absolutely all youve done that may be useful on a resume. What Resume Writing for Beautician Is - and What it Is Not This beautician job description gives you further detail. The significance of a CV cannot be marginalized. Wherever youre in the writing procedure, you should keep reading this beautician CV example to compare yours against. See the difference between both examples below.