Saturday, March 14, 2020

Why hiring managers should embrace automation

Why hiring managers should embrace automationOne of the most important aspects of the Human Resources professional is right there in the name human. And if you value the humanity of the processmeeting new people, finding the exact right fit for recruits, helping people get settled into their new jobsthen the new wave of technology- and automation-focused hiring can feel a littlecold. But it doesnt have to be that way. Embracing this new wave of technology can enhance your work, and help make your job mora efficient. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1518041901437-0) ) Automation is inevitableNothing is certain except death, taxesand new technology. Im guessing youre elend using a rotary phone or a typewriter anymore, so its time to acknowledge that automating the hiring and recruiting processes (at least somewhat) is the way the industry is moving forward. In fact, according to recent research,75%of hiring managersuse applicant tracking orrecruiting software to improve their hiring process.Automation saves timeHow much of your time is spent reviewing resumes or cover letters? And how many of those materials are from people who arent a good fit, and would never qualify for an interview? While youre investing time toward a specific goal (finding the ones who are qualified to bring in for an interview), the process could be so much cleaner by the time it gets to you. Having an automated first responder, like screening software, does a lot of the prework that doesnt really serve the ultimate goal. Spend your time on people, not on the paperwork.Automation helps improve the hiring processAutomated software and processes can yield more data than we could ever get from eyeballing resumes. With raw data on whos applying for positions and what qualifications they have (based on a parsing of their resume), hiring managers can get clear pictures about the applicant pool, and also use that data to refine job descriptions, interview questions, and t he more qualitative aspects of the job search. Automation now can make your hiring process easier and easier in the future.Automation can do deeper analysisIts not just reading or scanning software that can improve the processits also digital tools for automating interviews. By analyzing everything from word choice to speech patterns to facial expressions, predictive programs can give data-based analysis of how well a candidate aligns with qualities you set ahead of time.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Having A Frenemy At Work Is Actually Good For You Heres Why

Having A Frenemy At Work Is Actually Good For You Heres Why Has it ever crossed yur mind that the co-worker you bestattungs lunch (and share juicy workplace gossip) with may not actually have your back? According to a study published in the Journal of Management, these types of schleierhaft relationships with co-workers who may or may not be real, loyal friends aka frenemies have a bigger impact on us at work than you might realize.Jessica Methot, a Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations associate professor and co-author of the study, looked at whether or not workplace relationships that are considered hot and cold affect our emotions at work and consequently our job performance. And wouldnt you know, she discovered that these relationships often create mixed feelings among employees in the workplace, which is likely to lead to job performance that is also unpredictable.Surprisingly, though, there is a bright side to that unpredictability. While most of us know that rela tionships with people we love to hate can cause stress thats bad for our health, chances are, they can also motivate us to do better at our job.In a review of the findings in Rutgers, Methot says, prior studies have shown a link to increased stress, high blood pressure and rapid aging suggesting that frenemies are worse than enemies. Yet, ambivalent relationships are also associated with greater creativity and higher productivity, perhaps because they fuel a competitive spark.Sound familiar? Personally, I can definitely attest to some pretty kick-ass projects finished after a confrontational run-in with a work frenemyIf nothing else, Methots findings reaffirm what many of us who have been on the other end of these love-hate relationships already know. Relationships with co-workers are some of the most complicated interpersonal interactions we have. Hopefully, if yours are on the ambivalent side, you can use any stress that may cause to your advantage rather than letting it drag you down.--This article was originally published on SheKnows.com.Related stories5 Women on the Thrills and Challenges of Working in Tech15 jobs with flexible schedules for busy working momsFlexible part-time jobs for students can seriously offset college expensesFairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Systems Engineering Roles at Cisco Meraki

Systems Engineering Roles at Cisco Meraki Are you wondering what its like to work as a Systems Engineer at our partner Cisco Meraki?Check out the interview above with Robert Casselman, Global Director of Systems Engineering at Cisco Meraki, for helpful information as well as advice on applyingTo join their team, click here to see all available opportunities at Cisco Meraki and dont forget to press Follow to receive custom job matches, event invitations and mora One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the perform ance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080 ), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Face-saving Remedies for Awkward Work Situations

Face-saving Remedies for Awkward Work SituationsFace-saving Remedies for Awkward Work SituationsUse these tips for changing course and saving the interaction when aconversation takes an awkward turn.So, chairman, this must be your lovely new girlfriend ?Um, actually, shes my granddaughter.Oooops.Ever been in this situation? The one wzu siche youputyour foot so completely inside your mouth theresnowhere to go?We all have. The difference maker is how you respond to the flub. Here aresix face-saving antidotes to awkward situations.Never say, Well, this is awkward.All that does is increase the level of awkwardness. No need to bring any further attention to your blunder. Youve said enough. Avoid this phrase at all cost - otherwise you risk digging in deeper.Remember Everything is neutral until painted with the meaning you ascribe to it. As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.Dont make things worse by magnifying the mess.Change the f ocus.Whether or not youre the cause of the awkward situation, always have a few go-to topics ready. And Im not talking about the clich, So, how about them Dodgers? or Boy, that economy really sucks, huh? Instead, find an interesting topic of discussion that has nothing to do with the current conversation. I suggest segueing with, Anyway, on a completely unrelated topic Are you an interesting enough partie to change the subject to a different topic at the drop of a hat?Self-deprecation helps.If you say something stupid, playfully admit your blunder. By honestly recognizing your humanness, people will (usually) forgive your mistake. For example, if you accidentally walk in on a private conversation between two co-workers discussing their intra-office affair - and the record scratches the instant you walk in the door - just say, Whoops I appear to have terrible timing.Are you willing to poke fun at yourself to save the situation?Remove yourself.If youre not comfortable in a certain s ituation, just say so. Heres how to remove yourself quietly and professionally from the simple, Will you excuse me, please? to Im not comfortable talking about this to the dramatic, OK, well, it appears the line has been crossed, and I need to excuse myself before my head explodes. Remember If you dont set boundaries for yourself, other people will set them for you. And then they will violate them.Are you willing to stand up for your boundaries?Fake a phone call.Sometimes people just keep talking. And talking. And talking. And theres nothing you can do to stop them. Very, very awkward. So, when all else fails, pretend like youre receiving an incoming call. Act like its an emergency and explain that you need to take it. People will understand. Just make sure you have a fake conversation on the phone for at least 30 seconds, and have a story ready to go for when they later ask you who called. Sure, its not the most authentic course of action, but you can only listen to your co-worker talk about her cats infected ear goiter for so long.Are you willing to walk away?Follow up if needed.If the awkwardness was especially thick, perhaps a quick email later that day will patch the scar. Hey Mary, look, I didnt mean to rush out of the room like that this morning. The mere mention of politics, religion and The Great Pumpkin always puts my stomach in knots. Hope you werent offended. Im happy to get together later and recap if theres anything I missed.How are you remedying your awkwardness?Remember Awkwardness is a choice.Consider these practices for saving your face, even when you fall flat on it.Let me ask ya thisWhat is your antidote for awkwardness?

Thursday, December 26, 2019

How Old You Have to Be to Work in Colorado

How Old You Have to Be to Work in ColoradoHow Old You Have to Be to Work in ColoradoIf you live in Colorado and need some extra cash to pay for dates, to buy your favorite new video game, or to get your first car, dont start looking for a job without first learning the minimum age you must be to work in the state. Colorado is pretty lenient. It allows juveniles of all ages to work in some capacities. How Old Must You Be to Work in Colorado Federal child labor laws require that a minor be at least 14 years old before they can work, and thats generally the case in Colorado. There are some exceptions, however. For example, 9-year-olds can deliver handbills, advertising, and advertising samples. They can work as shoe shiners, gardeners and golf caddies. Twelve-year-olds can also perform these jobs, but they can also sell newspapers and other merchandise, as well as babysit, and perform agricultural work. Child labor laws in each state have their own minimum age to work and requiremen ts for permits. Before children begin working in jobs that are age-appropriate for them, it is important to review the local rules and restrictions. Here is an overview of the requirements for children to work in Colorado. Youth Workers Require Work Certificates in Colorado Colorado state law requiresthat youths under age 16 obtain a child employment certificate. These are provided by schools. Workers under age 18 will be provided with an age certificate by request, but its bedrngnis required under Colorado state law. Age certificates will not be issued to minors under age 16 for work during school hours. What Teen Workers Can Do in Colorado Teens have a number of options available to them in the workforce. They can do all the jobs that younger juveniles can do, as well as work as public messengers, elevator operators, janitors, office workers, car washers, cashiers, models, packers, stockers, baggers and more. But they cannot operate power-driven tools or work under hazardo us conditions. Sixteen-year-olds may perform all the same functions, but they may also drive as part of their jobs. When teens turn 18, they are no longer subject to child labor laws. Theyre legally considered legal adults. How Many Hours Minors Can Work in Colorado Minors cannot work more than 40 hours per week or more than eight hours per day. Teens under 16 may not work more than three hours on school days. During school hours, minors under age 16 cant work without a school release permit. Superintendents of the school district where youths are enrolled can issue the permits. Young workers under age 16 can work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year and until 9 p.m. during summer months. Older teens or youth who work as actors, models or performers dont have to adhere to these hours. For more information on the minimum age to work in Colorado and how to obtain employment certificates, visit the Colorado State Labor Website.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Mistakes that Cost Young Job Applicants a Second Interview

Mistakes that Cost Young Job Applicants a Second InterviewMistakes that Cost Young Job Applicants a Second InterviewWhen it comes to applying for a job, there are hundreds of ways to blow it before you even have a chance at a second bewerbungsinterview. Unfortunately, it seems to be more apparent when it comes to young people after all, theyre only human but these mistakes cost them jobs their CVs say they are perfect for.Here are a few mistakes that cost young job applicants a chance for a second interviewBad Breath Its normal to have dry mouth when you go in for an interview. Try chewing a piece of gum before the interview just make sure you throw it away before you go in. No gum smackingBad Life Story You have a very small window to let people know who you are, what youre good at and what you want to do with your life. A quick, clear history of your life and career is key and if you cant communicate it quickly, you probably wont get the job.Sarcasm and Negativity Dont be a buzz killer be nice smileArrogance You might notlage be the rock star you think you are so remember that you still have to sell yourself Just because you got the interview doesntKnowledge When interviewing for a job lets say the technology industry you will be asked questions like what you find interesting about tech. If your answer is Ummmm then youre probably not going to make an impression. Before you arrive at the interview, write down some speaking points on a notepad and memorize them. If you freeze use your list.Attachments Dont send schmelzglaslele attachments, they pose malware risks and most recruiters will not accept them. Heres a big tip post your resume on LinkedIn and then you can send yours as a link in an email.Dress Code Okay, we get it, youre young and cool but wearing a Ramones T-Shirt to a job interview isnt cool. Men wear a shirt and tie. Women go conservative but stylish.Video Interviews Some recruiters use Skype and Google Hangouts for interviews as a more casual method however that doesnt mean you can leave dishes piled in your sink or laundry scattered all over your bedroom floor. Tidy up before the interview starts.Negotiating Salary No Asking salary questions on the first interview shows that you are a rookie. This is a process and the further you get through this process, the more theyll want to hire you and the stronger your negotiation position becomes.Photos Does your LinkedIn profile have a photo of you and your dog or one that looks like you just crawled out of bed? Get someone to take a more professional photo of you it just takes a few minutes and the job recruiter will think of you as a professional.Follow Up We never received an email follow-up. said the job recruiter. Forgetting to follow up via email is another sign that youre a rookie. A simple thank you note makes a big impression. Even a single sentence offering to answer any questions they have is fine.Career Objectives Padding your CV with fluffy clichs in care er goal statement DO NOT DO THIS A simple list of your education, work experience and maybe a list of other job specific skills are enough.Creativity If your job application begins with I am a chameleon, chances are your job application is going into the trash. Creativity is fine but when its a little too off-the-wall, its a deal breaker. Companies want to trust you so make sure you behave in a way that makes you look reliable and trustworthy.Videos Yes, theyre trendy but since most resumes have to be emailed to other people within the organization, they prefer printable resumes sent via email in case they have to print them out for comparing you with another applicant.No LinkedIn Profile A LinkedIn URL in an email is a lot easier to deal with than a Word or PDF attachment. LinkedIn is really useful because it makes all candidates resumes look the same and that makes it easier for a recruiter to figure out who is relevant and who isnt.Eating Even if youre meeting at Starbucks for your interview dont buy a messy breakfast sandwich and start eating it in front of the potential employer its distracting. Drink coffee or water or nothingLow Energy This is a tough call because you want to demonstrate youre a low-drama person but not a monosyllabic introvert so what do you do? Be excited at the idea of working for them but not bouncing off the walls like a crazy personShaving Rocking facial hair? Groom it Beards and mustaches or the unshaved look are in fashion but when youre up close and personal with a prospective employer, they might not look so nice if they are unkempt.Three Page CVs When you have no experience, its tough we get it but thats okay since most recruiters dont have a lot of time to figure out your job history. Remember, less is more and your resume only gets a 30 second glance anyway.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a Job

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a Job6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a Job6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a JobWilling to relocate? Ask yourself these six essential questions before you decide to pack up and go. TWEETBen Franklins famous adage, By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail is never truer than when you are looking for work in a brand new place. Relocating for a job requires that you lay some groundwork, but where do you even begin? Its essential to research the ort to which you plan to move, as well as its economic conditions, but self-knowledge is also a vital part of the process.Before emailing your resume to some far-off employer, ask yourself some key jon relocation questionsWhat is my risk tolerance?Ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial people are used to testing the limits of their comfort zones. Freelance ventures and impractical lifestyles are not for everyone, particularly when job security has define d your career. You may have enjoyed your punkt at XYZ Company but a job relocation is warranted due to a partners job transition, or you need to relocate to be closer to a family member. Changing jobs is stressful, but changing cities adds unfamiliarity to the mix. Ask yourself whether small shifts throw you off-kilter, or whether trying something new energizes you. Your leap of faith can be smoother if you know your tolerance for risk beforehand.Do jobs in my industry exist in the region in which I am willing to relocate?The Bureau of Labor Statistics makes finding U. S. regional economic data a snap. If the job market in your new area is different from your current one, your career prospects will rely on your ability to adapt to emerging or affiliated industries, or to upgrade your skill set. Want info on local cost of living and home values? Best Places and City Data evaluate these items along with demographics, educational levels, environment,unemployment rates, property tax and other economic outlook data. Anyone who has pounded the pavement can tell you that a job search is a job in and of itself, but prior research will make relocating infinitely easier.Am I willing to take less money for better quality of life and more time?A local job search is challenging enough. Relocating for a job compounds this challenge since you need to discern if your new pay will cover basic expenditures and lets not forget about moving expenses. To prepare, you might want to start shoring up your finances and making fiscal adjustments such as cutting back on non-essentials. Compare the cost of living between your current region and the new one. A salary calculator can be instrumental in determining how much youll need to earn to stay afloat.Do I have the employers perspective in mind?Convenience and cost are two big reasons why hiring managers will not take a second glance at an out-of-area candidate. Allay their fears by mentioning in your cover letter that job relocation p lans are already underway, and that youre available to interview at the employers convenience. Reconnecting with a friend or relative with whom you can stay short-term may enable you to list a local address within your resumes contact information section. LinkedIn can help pinpoint decision makers in your industry, enabling you to reach out to locals before youve made your move. Be sure to state upfront that you dont expect prospective employers to pick up expenses related to your relocation. Fortunately, some job search expenses may be tax deductible. Keep the employers perspective in mind before you send out that first inquiry letter.I need to relocate. Is a career change feasible at the same time?The economy has changed in significant ways in the last decade. Consider the outlook in your industry, and how many working years you have ahead of you. No matter what field youre in, picking up a new skill will make you more marketable and will increase your confidence. While some go ba ck to earn a degree, many avail themselves of free skill development through MOOCsorYouTube, or distance learning sites such asCoursera. Just as when preparing for a job interview, your preparation and research will provide a strong foundation for taking the next step, or exercising caution before doing so.Should I quit my job and just move?Perhaps dumping the corporate rat race and striking out on your own sounds like a plan. However, before launching a new life in an unfamiliar city, dig deeper. Is it more cost effective to rent or to buy? How long will your new commute take? Find out what the locals do for fun are they outdoorsy, culture enthusiasts or tech types? What will you do in your spare time? Knowing the regionalisms - such as calling a soft drink pop vs. soda - will also help you feel more connected to the locals.When thinking about relocating for a job, pace yourself. No one is completely inured to the risks inherent in leaping into the unknown, but with plenty of prepa ration, you can soften the blow as you land.Ready to write the next chapter of your career? Hire a TopResume writer today