Tuesday, December 31, 2019

How to Respond to a Request for a Reference Check

How to Respond to a Request for a Reference CheckHow to Respond to a Request for a Reference CheckResponding to a reference check request is a tricky business. Fear of reprisal and lawsuits keep many employers from responding at all. unterstellung recommendations will help you respond reasonably to reference checking requests while protecting the legitimate interests of your company and your current employees. Follow Your Companys Established Reference Check Policy First, many companies request that managers send written reference requests to Human Resources. If the managers reference is positive, however, you can agree to have the manager provide a verbal reference directly to an employer. Anything that is sent in a written format should come from Human Resources, or HR staff should review the response for consistency and protecting the best interests of the company. A common reference checking format asks you to provide this information about the former employee. Job title, and occasionally, job responsibilities,Final salary,Dates of employment,Provides a checklist that asks the former employer to rank such characteristics as teamwork and dependability, andAsks whether the former employee is eligible for rehire by your organization. This paperwork is best left to Human Resources- at least, ask the HR staff to review any written response you may be thinking of sending. Do not answer questions that ask you to numerically satz a former employee in any aspect of their work or work characteristics. Numeric ratings are not comparable based on any shared meaning of the definition of the term, nor is the meaning of the numbers on a numeric scale defined on these forms. Therefore, at best, it is flawed communication. At worst, it may hurt the job prospects of your former employee. Ensure the Employee Has a Signed Authorization on File Secondly, check to ensure that the former employees signature, authorizing the reference check is on the paperwork sent by the requesting company. Without the former employees signature granting permission, you should not provide any information about the employee. Occasionally, an exiting employee will leave a signed reference check permission form in their employment file. This will only occur if the employee has not found a new job- unusual for fruchtwein employees who leave their current employment. Respond to a Reference Check Request With a Positive Reference If the manager can, with few reservations, recommend the former employee, in consultation with the HR staff, the manager may return the call to the inquiring employer. When responding to a phone call, the manager should make certain that the employees signature authorizing the reference check is on file with Human Resources before returning the phone call. When a former employee was a good employee and left your company on good terms (perhaps a spouse relocated and the distance was not commutable), you want to give the former employee assista nce to find a new location. Or, perhaps you have been used as a reference by an employee who reported to you at one time, although not most recently. If you have positive comments to make about the employee, you may respond to the potential employer with the positive comments you can contribute. Reference Check Questions You Dont Want to Touch Answer only the questions that you are comfortable answering if you receive a reference request phone call or document. A manager should only speak to the areas of the employees skills and experience about which he has direct knowledge. There are several questions a manager should not answer Example Question Predict whether your former employee will be successful in the lokalitt for which they are being considered. (Got a crystal ball, anyone?) You cant possibly answer this question. Even if the position sounds similar, you cant predict the coworkers, the employers culture, their relationship with customers or the myriad of factors that he lp an employee succeed- or not. ExpandGood Answer When the employee worked for me, in her position with my company, she was a strong contributor whose work was appreciated. Example Question What were the employees weaknesses? ExpandGood Answer She had no weaknesses worth mentioning that affected her ability to perform her job capablywhen she worked for me. Example Question Why did the employee leave the position in which she reported to you? ExpandGood Answers She sought increased responsibility and to round out her knowledge of our company and products, orShe left our organization because of personal reasons that were important to her. These are the kinds of reference check questions a potential employer will ask if you return a reference checking phone call. Respond to a Reference Check Request Not Positive If the employee left your company under a cloud, whether the employee was a bad fit for their job, a non-contributing employee for other reasons, or unmanageable, refer the call or the form to Human Resources staff for a standard response. Sometimes there are unusual circumstances surrounding an employees leaving your company. Perhaps an employee was watching pornography on his computer- yes, he asked his HR Director to serve as one of his references. Another former employee may have threatened violence or committed a violent act while employed by your firm. While these former employees will rarely list your company as a reference, be prepared. These calls should be sent to HR staff for the standard response. There is a caveat here, however. Talk with your attorney before responding to any reference check about a potentially violent employee. If you fail to reveal violent behavior to a potential employer, and the former employee commits a violent act while in the employ of the new employer, your company can be liable for not revealing this information. So, check with your attorney under any unusual circumstances in which you parted ways with an employ ee. When a Former Employee Asks for a Generic Reference Letter Giving former employees a generic reference letteris not recommended. Once a document exists, it lives forever. Prospective employees have provided HR offices copies of letters that were 10 and 20 years out of date, sometimes barely legible from multiple photocopy sessions. After a certain period of time passes- you have no idea what kind of employee your former employee has become- unless he or she is the rare exception who stays in touch with you. And, you never know how the employee will use your letter or how your words will be interpreted by prospective employers. Adopt a policy that states that managers are never to give written, generic reference letters. Inform the former employee that your company will be happy to provide employment confirmation from Human Resources to specific employers who inquire directly. Final Thoughts on Responding to a Reference Check Request Few employees set a goal of failing at work. Yet, employees do fail and companies and employees do part ways. Keep in mind when you are asked for a reference that every former employee deserves the opportunity to start over- no matter the terms on which they parted from your organization. Perhaps the former employee was ill-suited to the position he held at your company. Your company culture may have been a complete mismatch with the employees needs. The employee may have had a different vision for the requirements of his job from that of his boss. Maybe his personal life and marriage ?were unraveling during his tenure with your firm. You never know all of the details and reasons about why an employee fails or moves on. Its easy with the high performing employee that you regret losing to a better job, a family move, or a dream opportunity. Its harder with the marginal performer. Be honest or provide minimal information. Dont do crystal ball predictions of success nor provide numerical ratings and rankings for undefined terms. If necessary, provide the minimal information that describes the former employees performance. Whenever possible, give the employee a break and talk with the prospective employer. The Bottom Line Recent figures relating to reference checking indicated that employers are taking reference checking very seriously. As referenced on the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) website, accessed 6-26-19, In a 2018 HR.com report sponsored by the National Association of Background Screeners (NABS), 95% of surveyed employers indicated that they use one or more types of employment background screening.Whenever possible, give your former employees a break- when you can do so in good conscience.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

How Company Pride Can Make Your Team Happier at Work

How Company Pride Can Make Your Team Happier at WorkHow Company Pride Can Make Your Team Happier at WorkIf youre a manager, you know only too well that some employees see work as a necessary evil. It pays the bills. And even if they dont hate work per se, given their druthers, theyd much rather stay at home than head to the office.It doesnt have to be that way.In fact, you can play a key role in helping your team feel a lot better about coming to work every day.Why should you care? If team members are completing their projects, what does it matter if theyre counting the hours until quitting time? It matters because theres strong evidencethat employees who are happy with their company and their work make the best employees.What makes employees happyThere are a lot of factors that make employees happy at workThe ability to make decisions on their ownThe opportunity to do creative workA good balance between work and the other aspects of their livesFeeling appreciated for the work they d oHaving a job that relates to their skills and preferencesAll of these glieds are important. But the most critical element of all may be how your employees feel about the company itself. Are they proud of the company? Do they know what principles it stands for? Do they brag to their friends and family about the work the company does?Why pride mattersAccording to recent research by my company, Robert Half, pride in ones organization is the strongest driver of happiness for workers in both the United States and Canada. Pride topped the list for men, women and workers 35 and up. Overall, workers who feel proud of their organizations are three times more likely to be happy at work compared to those who dont.GET OUR WORKPLACE HAPPINESS REPORTHow to build employee prideYou can start instilling pride by reminding workers of why your particular business is a great place to work. What do you stand for?Every company is a bit different. Does yours have a commitment to helping solve a particula r problem or issue? To environmental stewardship? To giving back to the community? Does your firm help improve the lives of your customers in a significant way?Sometimes a company telegraphs its values and priorities through a mission statement thats shared with the public and employees. Nikes mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. (And just so theres no misunderstanding, Nike adds, If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Coke seeks torefresh the world in mind, body and spirit. And Googles is no less than to organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful.These feelings and ideals are what you want to instill in your team. And when communicating them, make it personal. Explain to employees that their individual contributions are what sustain and reinforce the companys values.What makes me proud of my companyPerhaps the easiest way to envision what Im talking about it to offer a personal example. I have great pride in my company, Robert Half, and Ill tell you why.As a staffing firm, we assist people in a key area of their lives finding employment. This gives them not only a source of financial security but also dignity. At the same time, we help businesses grow by providing them with the skilled people they need to succeed. Unquestionably, we enjoy thefinancial rewards of our hard work. But no price vierundzwanzig stunden can be attached to the satisfaction we get from knowing our company helps people and organizations in these fundamental ways.We also have a set of LEAD Principles at Robert HalfLeadership by exampleEthics firstAn openness to new ideasDedication to excellenceThey are the values that define our company, and they are integrated into key programs and communication efforts. New employees hear about them from Day One forward. The LEAD Principles are even inscribed on the walls of our corporate headquartersKnowing that my work helps makes a difference in peoples lives and that my c ompany has a set of values each employee adheres to is very gratifying.Robert Half also constantly reminds employees that we work for the best. My company is first in our industry on Fortune magazines list of Most Admired Companies. Weve appeared on the list each year since 1998. Forbes magazine named Robert Half No. 1 on its list of Americas Best Professional Recruiting Firms. We frequently appear on Best distributionspolitik to Work lists. And each time the company receives one of these honors, its celebrated, and employees are told how they helped Robert Half attain these distinctions.Some say pride drives happiness. To me, its aformof happiness in and of itself.Give your team members every opportunity you can to take pride in the organization where they work. Help them become a proud family.Get more tips on how to build employee pride and increase your teams morale by subscribing to the Robert Half blog now

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Ask Recruiters How to Nail Your Email Responses and Phone Interview

Ask Recruiters How to Nail Your Email Responses and Phone bewerbungsinterview Ask Recruiters How to Nail Your Email Responses and Phone Interview Receiving direct contact from a recruiter is an exciting part of the job search and a welcome break from rejection notices and non-responses. Out of hundreds of applicants or thousands of LinkedIn profiles, the recruiter decided you were one of the few worth reaching out to congrats The next step is to validate their instincts. Whether youre responding to a recruiter email or participating in an anfangsbuchstabe phone interview, its critical to show that you are professional, skilled, and a strong communicator.We reached out to four recruiters to gain insight into what theyre looking for in these initial interactions.Samantha Harmon, AjilonAdam Karpiak, Karpiak ConsultingLizbeth Hernandez, JobscanTabitha Trent Cavanagh, ThinkingAheadHow to Respond to a Recruiter EmailA recruiter could be sending an email or LinkedIn InMail to you for a coup le reasons. Typically, theyre either doing cold outreach for a role (sourcing) or responding to your job application.What to do when a recruiter contacts you unexpectedlyWhen a recruiter finds your LinkedIn profile and messages you out of the blue, their primary objective is to open a dialogue.Im hoping to be able to hear something that isnt a complete shut down, said Karpiak. I just want a sliver of daylight where I can try to figure out what kind of value I can add for them.I hope to establish a mode of communication to keep us on their radargert and convert them to apply, said Hernandez.Recruiters are generally happy to receive any response at all during cold outreach. Jump way up their list by going beyond a simple tell me more and showing genuine interest in the role.I feel confident about them when they take the time to look up the company before they even draft their response to me, said Hernandez. If they respond with anything that shows that theyve researched the company, our founders, our mission, or my background, thats always good news.Ultimately, the best responses to those messages include something like, Yes, I am interested. When can we set up a time to connect? said Harmon. It shows interest on their part, and it demonstrates the lets meet halfway mentality.Harmon added that only following up with questions about the client or pay things an agency recruiter might not even be able to disclose at that point can suggest that they arent actually interested, or that they may not see what we do as valuable. Those people are likely not going to become candidates.Some job seekers might not have a high opinion of recruiters after slogging through a job search, but there are great recruiters out there who will become your advocate if you let them. When a recruiter comes calling, its not a time to vent your frustrations. Be professional and courteous.Unless they are downright rude, nothing would really deter me from wanting to have an initial convers ation, said Cavanagh.I can tell sometimes if a candidate will not get along with me or treat me like a cog, said Karpiak. Im not a cog. Im a partner in the process. If they just want me to blast them out there or are disrespectful to me because Im a recruiter, Ill pull the plug.Get more recruiters to your inboxHow to Scan a Resume with Jobscan (208)How to Scan a LinkedIn Profile with Jobscan (253)??Text Tutorial Try it NowApply for jobs with a resume optimized for the exact applicant tracking systems recruiters use.Text Tutorial Try it NowBring recruiters directly to you by optimizing your profile for LinkedIn search.How to respond to a recruiter phone interview requestIf youve applied for a job and a recruiter responds, its likely to schedule a phone screening. Replying to these messages can be nerve-racking for job seekers who suddenly see their dream job within reach. The key to these interactions isresponsiveness.When I email a candidate to schedule a phone screen, what I mostl y care about is, Are they being a pain to schedule? said Karpiak.We look for clear and professional responses, but we really look for responsiveness in general, said Harmon. That dictates how smoothly our process of working with them will go and how invested they are in their job search at this point.The real tests come during the phone call.What Recruiters Are Looking for in Your Phone InterviewThe phone interview is your opportunity to validate the recruiters instincts and show off the depth of your skills.We ask basic questions about the candidates skillset to make sure that were on the same page about experience and requirements, said Harmon.Hernandez wants to know how theyve applied the skills and qualifications from their resume into their actual work.Instead of reciting the skills on your resume, its much more important to intelligently discuss what it is you do, exactly.Its easy to list things on a resume, Hernandez continued, but when I ask you to tell me about your backgro und, I want to see how confident you are in verbally articulating that skillset and how you market yourself.A set of corporate recruiters weighed in on this in a previous article. You want to know how good they are conveying their past experience to someone that theyve never met, said non-profit recruiter Andrew. In that initial conversation, Im gauging what their communication skills are like.Recruiters cover a lot of ground in a short phone interview.Confirming that your skills align with the job description is a primary concern for recruiters at this stage yet they have more ground to cover during the 15-30 minute phone interview.This is the recruiters first good opportunity to start assessing culture fit and long-term expectations.Culture fit is big, but at a startup, I also look for things that a candidate can add to the team or potentially even teach our team, said Hernandez.I care about their interests, their passions and their WHY, said Cavanagh.Hernandez added that this can didate might be my coworker one day, so I am screening for someone who will be respectful, friendly, and mindful towards the team.This also includes how a candidate fits in not only with the current team, but the companys long-term goals.Tell me what you want down the line, said Karpiak. Then tell me why you cant achieve that at your current job.Where do you see yourself eventually may be cliche and perhaps overused, said Hernandez, but it actually lets me know whether or not we can offer you the ability to pursue that goal and, from a business perspective, whether our joint goals align.Hiring someone is a big investment. While you dont necessarily need a structured five year plan, having a clear idea of what youre working towards can inspire confidence in the recruiter, especially if you make a point to align it with company values.How to respond to a recruiter (and nail it)To recapBe responsive. Dont make the recruiter work for it.Show your interest by researching the company and the role.Articulate your skills and experience clearly. Know why youre good at what you do.Show that youll be a good coworker by being friendly, professional, and courteous.Prepare a long-term vision for your career (preferably one that aligns with the company).Additional readingWhat Do Corporate Recruiters Want? We Asked ThemUnderstanding the Recruitment Process The Key to a Successful Job SearchHow to Answer What Are Your Salary Expectations?

Monday, December 16, 2019

4 Tips on Getting an Entry-Level Job in Entertainment

4 Tips on Getting an Entry-Level Job in Entertainment4 Tips on Getting an Entry-Level Job in EntertainmentGetting started in the entertainment industry often translates into low-paying or no-paying grunt work, but it can still be highly rewarding. If youre willing to accept the low pay and the often menial tasks you will be given for the first two to three years, chances are it will get you on the career path youve been dreaming of. Temping is a good way in, interning is also a smart choice as is volunteering on a shoot. Here are four entry-level jobs you can seek even if you dont have experience. Taking Temporary Entertainment Positions One of the fastest ways to get the experience you need to break in is to sign up with a temp agency. Temp agencies distributionspolitik you in a wide variety of positions within entertainment. Most of these positions are administrative in nature, such as working as an assistant for a few days or weeks. While the glamour may be missing, its often the best route to get yourself onto a studio lot. By signing with a temp agency, youll not only meet a number of potentially influential people, but youll also be in the prime position to find out what else might be available that matches more with your career goals. Make sure that when you reach out to a temp agency, you find out whether they place positions within the entertainment or media landscape. Or research those temp agencies on the internet. You can also find out which temp agencies each major studio or network uses by contacting their human resources departments and simply asking the first person who picks up the phone. There are many independent production companies in cities all around the country, so you can apply the same strategy wherever you may reside. These companies produce a wide variety of video productions, like commercials, which is a good start to gaining hands-on experience. Interning in Entertainment Most major networks and studios offer a wide variety of internship programs. The good news is you dont necessarily need to be in college to take advantage of them. These programs span a wide variety of fields from writing and directing to programming and development. If you hold minority status, look to see what minority-specific programs each company might offer. To find out about these programs, visit the various corporate websites and search under their jobs section for a list of available internship programs. You may have to consider relocating to pursue your dream job. Volunteeringto Gain a Foothold One of the easiest ways to get experience is to offer to work for free. Almost everyone in the entertainment business could use an extra pair of hands, and if you can afford to forgo a paycheck for a short period, youll receive hands-on experience and networking opportunities. For example, if you learn of a movie or TV shoot, through research or by chance that day, walk up to someone on the platzset and ask if there are any depar tments that they know of that might offer volunteer opportunities. From the camera department to the makeup department, most movie sets are often shorthanded and more than likely, youll sign a waiver and be working the same day. If you live outside of big entertainment cities, find out about films or television shows being produced in your area by contacting your local film commission. If your city doesnt have a film commission, check with the county clerks office. Becoming an Independent Producer This veers from entry-level positions as mentioned above. Some of the greatest names in Hollywood started out by writing their own rules. They opted not to start out as a production assistant on the latest Spielberg film but chose to make their own film from the start. Although this is not a road thats easily traveled, there is certainly much to be said for individuals who take a chance and risk it all. If you feel that you have a project that you want to get off the ground right now, then go for it. Read every book you can get your hands on and educate yourself on the process. Find the money and talent that you need to get your project going. A good reference guide for new producers is The Movie Business Book by Jason E. Squire. Add this to your must-read list if becoming an independent producer sounds like the right choice for you.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

The HoloLens Revolution

The HoloLens Revolution The HoloLens Revolution The HoloLens RevolutionAs recently as 2014, when scientists at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena plotted the course of one of their Mars rovers, they consulted maps and satellite images, as well as images uploaded from the rover itself. There welches an element of guesswork in integrating all those overlapping data sources, but guessing wrong could send the rover along an impassable path or get it intractably stuck.Now, JPL scientists have a new tool for studying possible routes. That tool, called OnSight, enables users to explore 3-D stereo views of the Martian environment and to get a natural sense of depth and understanding of spatial relationships. They are able to examine the rovers worksite from a first-person perspective, plan new activities, and preview the results of their work firsthand.A pilot group of mission scientists has been testing the application, using it for such tasks as identifying rock formati ons that merit further study by the Curiosity rover.That NASA tool is just one of the applications of a new type of computer hardware and software combination called mixed reality or MR. Its a variant of virtual reality ordnungsprinzips, which have been around for decades and have edged toward the hauptrichtung through new headsets, smart mobile devices with 3-D capabilities, and improvement in display resolution. Mixed reality uses some of the same technology, but instead of an immersive experience cut off from the outside world, it blends or merges holograms into the physical environment.Mixed reality in combination with technologies that enable interaction with holograms, called holographic computing, is poised to be the next big disruptive technology. Major technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, Samsung, Apple, Sony, and Facebook are investing significant funding in the development of low-cost virtual and mixed reality systems, and Microsofts HoloLens is alr eady being used in some applications, such as NASAs OnSight system mentioned above. These devices promise to break down the barriers between virtual and physical reality, and enable the physical and virtual worlds to intersect in new ways. And they have some very real engineering applications that could well transform the profession as profoundly as the personal computer did a generation ago.custompagebreakThe Holographic Computer Holograms may landseem futuristic, but most of us carry around objects- such as credit cards or drivers licenses- embedded with them. The recording of the light field necessary to make a hologram requires a laser, a beam splitter, and a photographic medium that enables the light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed. The resulting image changes as the position and orientation of the viewing system changes in the same way as if the object were still present, thus making the image appear three-dimensional.Up to now, the most common photographic recording medium has been film. Holograms, by comparison, have been 3-D snapshots rather than moving, interactive images. Technologists have been working for decades to find a way to project dynamic, holographic images into the spaces where we live and work. The goal has been to create something that works similar to the depictions of holography in science fiction, from the recorded plea of Princess Leia in Star Wars to the immersive holodeck of Star Trek.The Microsoft HoloLens doesnt do that. Instead, it is a self-contained system running a special version of Windows 10 that generates and projects stereographic images onto the lenses of a headset. In addition to the central processing unit and graphics processing unit of a conventional computer, the HoloLens possesses a separate holographic processing unit. That HPU calculates where 3-D graphics exist in the physical space of the user and keeps track of such input as voice commands and gestures . All that computing power- along with built-in speakers, advanced sensors, buttons, a camera, and vent- have been miniaturized to fit in an untethered visor. Compared to virtual reality headsets such as the ochsenauge Rift, the HoloLens projects its images onto a fairly narrow field- about the area of a sheet of copy paper held 18 inches in front of your face. That limited field of view is acceptable because unlike virtual reality, mixed reality does not try to be fully immersive. Instead, the HoloLens projects its images onto the lenses in a way so that the holograms are perceived to exist together with physical real-world elements in a shared environment. Thats immensely difficult. If a hologram is supposed to sit on a table, the holographic computing system must calculate how that virtual object should appear to the HoloLens user as he turns his head, stands up or sits down, or if he leaves and then reenters the room. Indeed, if a real-world object passes through th e space between the user and the hologram, the holographic computing system can in real time calculate which parts of the hologram would be eclipsed by that object and make those portions disappear.Whats more, these holographic objects are interactive. Virtual buttons can be clicked and holographic objects can be transformed with tools or by touch, much the way that objects on a conventional computer screen can be altered. By virtually transforming the physical world into a tangible representation of programs and controls, HoloLens represents a dramatic reduction in the distance between the user and the interface.custompagebreakEngineering Applications Microsoft introduced the system in January 2015 and since March 2016 has been shipping the system to developers and academic groups. Engineers, designers, architects, and animation teams at these organizations are using the HoloLens technology to discover the best practices and most powerful application for this new com puting platform.NASA, for instance, has been working with Microsoft on developing software tools to exploit the HoloLens. Another NASA application called ProtoSpace uses holograms for spacecraft design. The system superimposes a computer-generated version of space hardware over the field of view of the users headset. That enables NASA scientists to naturally walk around a full-scale version of a spacecraft (such as the Mars 2020 rover currently under development at the NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and examine different components. That capability provides a feeling of how large each component is or how tight the tolerance might be- two measures that might be difficult to assess from looking at a model on a computer screen. The goal is to avoid design conflicts as the new six-wheeled robot is assembled. This isnt theoretical NASA engineers are using ProtoSpace today. Engineers recently used ProtoSpace to check the size of the rovers nuclear batteries, which is one of the last tasks done before launch, and to make sure they would fit inside the rocket that would launch the spacecraft to Mars. ProtoSpace allows engineers to test fit all the components and practice the installation procedure at full scale with the actual tools they will need to ensure there is enough clearance. And they can do all this early in the design phase before a single part has been manufactured.Another application being developed is called Sidekick. That tool is intended to provide crews aboard the International Space Station with assistance for complicated tasks. In one mode, Sidekick uses Skype voice and video chat to enable ground operators to see what crew members see, provide real-time guidance, and draw real-time annotations into the crew members environment to coach them through the task. Sidekick can also augment standalone procedures with animated holographic illustrations displayed on top of the objects the crewmember is working with. This capabilit y could provide refresher training and guidance for station crews while they are in space, much closer to the time they will be performing a task. In addition, Sidekicks stand-alone mode could be a resource during future deep space missions, where communication delays complicate difficult operations.Private companies are developing applications for the HoloLens as well. The Swedish defense and security company Saab has created a holographic training system for the HoloLens, and automakers Volvo and Volkswagen are working with Microsoft to demonstrate the use of HoloLens in lieu of CAD software for seeing life-size 3-D design schematics.The engineering and construction firm CDM Smith, Boston, Mass., is discovering how to apply the HoloLens technology through the entire product life cycle. During the planning phase of building plant upgrades or extensions, for instance, engineers are uploading CAD files into the HoloLens to visualize how additional pumps or pipes will fit into the existing space. During the design phase, the entire project team dons HoloLenses to walk through the final project and experience the project via holograms within the physical environment of the existing site. A safety issue in the layout that would not be obvious in the blueprints can be seen in the holographic representation and team members can suggest changes to the design before construction begins.During construction, CDM Smith engineers walk through the project wearing HoloLenses to compare the holographic models to the actual work, to make sure the job is being done as designed. After the project is complete, facility managers can continue to use holographic models to collect and manage operations data, as well as manage the site remotely.Education may also see some important applications for the HoloLens. My lab at Old Dominion is studying how to use the power of holographic computing to provide learners with a multisensory interactive immersive learn ing environment. One possibility involves providing remote access- linking several remote classrooms to the same lecture hall, or sending students on a virtual tour of places like the International Space Station, or connecting them to experts who can illustrate processes live, in person, and in 3-D.Clackamas Community College in Oregon also is using HoloLens to develop a hands-on trade-based curriculum for automotive students. For example, students use the mixed reality application to disassemble engines, or to identify, using the headset, all the parts of an engine they are working on.custompagebreakBeyond The TechnologyIt was less than 10 years ago that society was introduced to a new computing paradigm handheld devices that sensed and responded to touch and motion. What was a novel and, to some, baffling interface in 2007 has become so second nature that today small children are given their parents iPhones to play with- and those children have no problem operating th em. After seeing the HoloLens in action and talking to professionals who are excited about its possibilities, I believe holographic computing will follow a similar path. As the technology improves, holographic computers will be capable of rendering high-resolution 3-D digital content that blends seamlessly with our environment. Manipulating that content will become as easy and natural as picking up a box or sitting at a table. High-definition holograms will look as real as physical objects and will become practical tools of daily life.Whats more, holographic computing platforms and headsets will be light and small enough to wear all the time, and will be able to spatially map the users environment wherever he is. An engineer wearing a holographic computer will be able to use his actual hands to manipulate holograms representing parts of a new engineering system and virtually teleport (or holoport, perhaps) himself and his team members into meetings. The now-ubiquitous han dheld screens will be replaced by headsets and wearable devices that provide digital and projected interfaces everywhere.Some technological breakthroughs still need to occur before we get to that point. For one, more natural ways of interacting with holograms and the holographic computing platform need to be developed. Private companies are working to crack that problem. For instance, Milpitas, Calif.-based Eyefluence is working on eye tracking technology intended to enable ones gaze to navigate and explore holographic displays. Another company, Gest, Austin, Texas, is building a device that wraps around the palm and fingers to better capture gestures that a person could use to intuitively create, shape, and size holograms. And advanced voice recognition is being developed by Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other tech giants.Advances in scanning technology may enable engineers to scan, capture, create, and render 3-D models based on the users first-person visual p erspective, eliminating the need for common scanning tools such as spinning tables for depth sensing devices or large scanning booths that require a hundred cameras. Magic Leap, a Dania Beach, Fla., company that is developing its own holographic computing system and headset, is just one of the groups working on that first-person scanning technology.The biggest breakthroughs, I believe, will come with the coupling of holographic computing and two other emerging AI and information technologies next-generation cognitive cybernetics capable of deep learning and even anticipatory capabilities, and the world wide web of Things comprised of widespread connected embedded sensors.Combined, those three technologies could create something like an Internet of Presence and Experiences, where smart wearable devices and appliances tap into advanced cognition systems to deliver information and services to you via holograms- often before you even know you want it. Those advanced technolo gies could transform mixed reality into an all-pervasive digital reality that is based on extraordinary levels of data, context, and insight.Beyond the technology, however, there are likely some social aspects to the use of mixed reality headsets that need to be worked out. The headsets are more imposing than the Google Glass, and it may turn out that they are going to be tools best suited for use in designated workspaces and classrooms rather than in coffee shops or stores. On the other hand, society has adapted to mobile computing much more quickly than might have been expected.The possibilities for holographic computing are truly exciting, and the endless applications go as far as the human mind can imagine. Holographic computing is one of the major engineering tools for the 21st century, and we are only beginning to understand how it will change the profession.Ahmed K. Noor is eminent scholar emeritus and professor emeritus of modeling, simulation and visualizatio n engineering at Old Dominion University in Virginia. For more information on holographic computing and mixed reality, go to a website created as a companion to this Mechanical Engineering magazine feature aee.odu.edu/holocomputing/. The site contains links to online material related to variety of aspects of both holographic computing and mixed reality. The site includes a daily news feed for up to date information on related subjects.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Detailed Notes on Free Resume Builder Reddit in Step by Step Order

Detailed Notes on Free Resume Builder Reddit in Step by Step Order CV is just a bit of paper that may work like magic for you. It is extremely important for them to assure that youve received the instructions for the following steps of application. Double check to be sure that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. Free Resume Builder Reddit Secrets That No One Else Knows About Sample resumes and advice about how to compose a resume available. Skills Visualize your abilities. Resume writing is the fruchtwein significant step in presenting your abilities and receiving the job that you desire. The Good, the Bad and Free Resume Builder Reddit Professional resume writers understand the significance of their work, so they are always accountable for the ideal result. Resume writing isnt simple, and there are several unique opinions on how best to do it. All you need to do is upload the info and the resume builder will look after the rest. What youve writte n To look for a position that will enable me to increase my existing programming wont inspire anybody to interview or hire you. The very last thing you desire is for your resume to let you down when youre actually the best suited pick for the job. In some instances, youll have the choice to create a cover letter too, and a few of them will even provide you with the choice to create a personal resume website to boot. DO guarantee the remainder of your resume is completely machine readable. There are a lot of professional resume template that can be found on the internet from which you are able to make out some idea about how to construct a professional curriculum vitae using best resume builder websites. Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any drehort in the creation approach. Unlike a lot of the ansprechbar resume builder sites that need the user to register, it does not need registration. One of the primary drawbacks of employing an online res ume builder is the very simple truth that youve got zero control over your content. Facts, Fiction and Free Resume Builder Reddit Most online resume builders will make it possible for you to create a resume at no cost, however, not all of these offer exactly the same features. So far as features are involved, it is significantly mora versatile. Most online resume builders, if not all of these, will claim that you may make a resume free of charge. There are plenty of resume builders readily available, that range from free resume builders to premium ones. Choosing Free Resume Builder Reddit Is Simple While Canadian resumes are available in many diverse formats, they share some standards that you ought to know about. Most of our Resume Templates can be found in various color schemes to offer you better editing opportunities. You are able to then download the resume in the many formats out there. A variety of formats available A substantial benefit of our CV layouts is that t heyre supported by all well-known formats. The Key to Successful Free Resume Builder Reddit Attempt now the free resume builder to update your work application and get started applying for your fantasy job immediately The procedure for building your resume and applying online might take several hours. Utilizing a resume builder will help save you valuable time and money when looking for work. Make certain you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about You may find several great resume templates, but youll have to decide if theyre likely to help or hurt your likelihood of landing an interview. So, its time for tough love now. There is not any time for procrastination once it comes to getting your perfect job. Some of them are going to permit you to put in your information and enable you to download a printable version thats prepared to be sent to employers. Below are our services that can help you get hired faster. The very first key is to realize how r esumes are organized. Possessing a detailed contact information listing may give your prospective employer more options about how to get hold of you. A basic resume is also less difficult to read. Your CV is going to be saved safely on the website and generating it is completely free of charge. At length, a candidates LinkedIn page is currently increasingly more important, and has to be consistent with the resume. Resume Planet is thought to be one of the most dependable sources for resumes at affordable prices.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Look at Accentures Women Career Consortium in NYC

Look at Accentures Women Career Consortium in NYC On June 27th, Accenture hosted their New York Metro Womens Career Consortium and PowerToFly was excited to collaborate with them on this special event. Held at Accentures New York office, this evening of discussions and networking provided New York women in consulting and technology the opportunity to learn from and connect with both Accenture leaders and their peers while enjoying some tasty food and drinks. Hosted by PowerToFly CoFounder Milena Berry, speakers from Accenture includedKathleen OReilly, US Northeast Region Managing DirectorDavid Moskovitz, Senior Managing Director, NA consultingJill Standish, Retail Industry Managing DirectorBarbara Spitzer, Financial Services, Managing DirectorEmily Boese, Financial Services, Managing DirectorElena Pienkowski, Products, Managing DirectorSubba Ramaswamy, Managing DirectorOur captivating speakers discussed their careers at Accenture including favorite projects, changes in the industry a s a whole, and how they find work-life integration even while juggling their multiple responsibilities at the firm.Accenture is hiring and you learn more about their open roles on PowerToFly. In addition to being leaders in the consulting world, Accenture leads the industry in the fight for gender equality. Accenture is working towards a gender-balanced workforce by 2025, with 25% of their managing directors being women by 2020. You can read more about their work for gender equity here. Our attendees wait for the night to officially kickoff. PowerToFly CoFounder Milena Berry We start off the night with a video introduction by Accentures Ellyn Shook, Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer. David Moskovitz Jill Standish Barbara Spitzer Emily Boese Subba Ramaswamy Elena Pienkowski Another look at our panel discussion. Our panel takes questions from the audience. Networking during the reception. Accenture team members answer questions from attendees. An amazing evening at Accenture Related Articles Around the Web Accenture 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 wertzuwachs 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. Lea dership 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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Friday, November 22, 2019

How Starting a Blog Can Benefit Your Career

How Starting a Blog Can Benefit Your CareerHow Starting a Blog Can Benefit Your CareerIf you want a great job in any industry, you need to stand out from the pack. Even if you do all the musts- like have a complete LinkedIn profile and refined resume- it still may not be enough to stand out in this crowded fruchtfleischet. One way to take your professional persona to the next level is through blogging. Below are seven ways blogging can help you triumph over the competition. Blogging Enhances Your Professional Profile Hiring managers want proof that the expertise you boast is legitimate. Blogging allows you to give them something concrete to look at. Your blog should be current and, above all, relevant to your industry. If you blog about random, unrelated, topics theyll wonder what exactly your area of expertise is The point is to show hiring managers and recruiters the way you think, how much you know, and how thats going to help them. Blogging hits the mark when it comes to sell ing your brand, even with limited experience. Doing research as well as analyzing problems and solutions in your profession shows that youre passionate and motivated. And it demonstrates that youre in touch with your niche. You (May) Attract Decision Makers Think about this scenario for a minute You publish a blog post outlining suggestions on a hot issue in your field and its picked up by the online community. People share it on social media, it gets mentioned in other articles online, and maybe even some curated newsletters. This kind of exposure could lead to decision makers (like hiring managers, or recruiters)coming your way. Tech companies large and small are always on the lookout for fresh talent. Netflix, for instance, contacts potential hires through LinkedIn when a profile looks promising.Uber riders who ace a mobile coding game get invited for a friendly chat with the company. Ultimately, informative blog posts can take you down that path. Professionals share millions of blog posts every day. Wouldnt it be great if yours were among them? Expanding Your Network Yes, getting out in the real world and networking is important. So is networking with others online through groups, like LinkedIn Groups, and forums. However, theres only so much time you can spend on networking efforts. Instead, you can make the right type of people come to you. A blog can put your name on the map, and allow like-minded folks to come your way. Remember to include your social media handles and contact information on your website. Otherwise, people will not be able to connect with you A Blog Compliments Your Resume Recruiters and hiring managers receive dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes for a single job opening. The tech job market is piping hot right now. Sure, its easier to land a job in certain areas because of a skills shortage. Still, competition for most positions- especially at top companies- is intense. Meaning in the very least your resume and cover lette r have to be on point. Even more, hiring managers may look for an extra reason to add your resume to the call for interview pile instead of the not sure one. A link to your blog could make all the difference. A blog can add context to your resume and cover letter. It also can show how you apply your skills and knowledge. Blogging Lets You Establish a Digital Footprint Whats one of the first things recruiters do when they receive your resume? Most likely some kind of Google search of your name. And what they see on the results page can seriously impact your chances of getting called in for an interview, or even an offer. Recruiters want to see a digital footprint for several reasons It shows youre savvy with the internet/social mediaThey become familiar with your skills/personality before an interviewThey want your views on the developments and operations within the industry Overall, a trail of content indicating pride in your career will go over well in the eyes of hiring manage rs and recruiters. Build New Skills and Stay Current Managing a blog allows you the chance to learn new skills. It also can give you something productive to do during your job search- instead of refreshing your email inbox, hoping for news about positions youve applied for. Through blogging, you can sharpen a range of skills. Such as, WritingSEOSocial mediaAnalytical tools (like Google Analytics)A CMS (like WordPress) Employers wont ignore those skills (Or the determination and ambition a good blog portrays.) Moreover, blogging not only helps your knowledge bank stay up to date, but it also gives you the chance to help others. It Establishes You as a Leader When you create content that offers advice, solutions, and guidance- you help people. The ability to teach a skill that many companies look for in candidates. It not only shows that you have superior communication skills, but it also demonstrates that you enjoy helping others. Over time, publishing useful content in the t ech industry solidifies your place as a leader, or authority figure. This kind ofleadership never fails to impress a hiring manager. But it doesnt stop there If your blog becomes a go-to source for helpful information, you could even start blogging as a side job. Meaning you can get paid to writeas a freelanceron other sites, and perhaps even one day be contacted to write a book. Not to mention a slew of other professional opportunities.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

5 ways to break yourself out of a February Funk

5 ways to break yourself out of a February Funk5 ways to break yourself out of a February FunkThere are a few things I can always rely on in life death, taxes, my sister not returning the clothes she borrows,autumn anxiety, and a February funk in the middle of winter gloom.Even though a count of its days says differently, February feels like the longest month of the year every year. And if I dont do anything about it, Im expecting the same this year.Its not hard to understand why I feel this way. Living in Chicago, by February Ive already endured months of sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and a general greyness that wont go away. Everyone is sneezing and coughing, and Ive been wearing the same winter coat as my uniform for months. The holidays are over, spring is supposed to be coming, but its still dark outside when I leave the office at 5 p.m. unterstellung things combined leave me lackingmotivationand drive. If I let them sink in, Im left feeling disconnected and despondent.But ju st as Ive learned to not let the Sunday Scaries ruin the weekend, Ive decided not to let the February Funk get me down this year. Here are five ways experts say you can fight it.1. Exercise regularlyWe knowexercisehelps prevent and improve a number of health problems - high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis, for example. Butresearchon the link between wirtschaftskrise, anxiety, and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety.The key is making it a habit. Once exercise becomesa part of your life, you notice that you have a lot more energy than you used to and are by far less easily fatigued.2. Try new thingsDay-to-day, routines are good. They give us a sense of discipline, which allows us to commit to lengthy projects and finish them by deadline. They also give us a sense ofcalmand order.But routines can also make us feel stuck. Thats why breaking up your schedule with something new can have a greatimpact on your happiness. When you try new things, you put your brain into new situations that force it to think in unique ways. This stimulates creativity, which eventually rubs off in other areas of your life.3. Set small goalsSetting goals when youre down can feel nearly impossible - a far cry from feeling ambitious. But settingsmall, attainable goalsis critical to making sure you dont lose motivation.And make sure those goals have a timeline. Making a list of things you want to achieve is great, but if you dont put a timeframe around them then theyll be put off until tomorrow and will never get started. Think about using theSMART Goalsframework to break up tasks into manageable parts.4. Express gratitudeResearcher Robert Emmons has conducted a number of studies onthe link between gratitude and wellbeing. His research has found that gratitude reduces toxic emotions such as envy, frustration and regret, and increases positive emotions such ashappinessand contentment.5. Listen to musicY ou likely have a few tunes that you know lighten your spirits. Nows the time to crank them up. On theirmusic and mental health page, the American Music Therapy Association lists over a dozen studies supporting the benefits of music therapy for persons withdepressionandanxiety.Theres a science behind formal music therapy, but putting your headphones in and pressing play on your favorite Spotify playlist can help, too. The mix of melody, harmony, and rhythm stimulate the senses and promote calmness by slowing down breath, heart, rate and other bodily functions.If youre overwhelmed by a funk, help is availableThe February funk makes sense were coming down from our holiday highs, and summer, while the light at the end of the tunnel, cant even be seen yet. Everyone has their own perfect recipe for a February funk, but that doesnt mean you should let it mess with your mind, or leave you feeling lost or cloudy.Being more aware of your thoughts andbehaviorscan help prevent you from descendi ng into the funk and being swallowed by it. Even if you feel powerless right now, there are steps you can take and people that can help you move forward.If you need a little help or guidance along the way, its OK to ask for it. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to your overall health and wellbeing, and a therapist can help you process why youre feeling stuck or unhappy.This article first appeared on Talkspace.