Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Why Companies Cant Keep Millennials

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Why Companies Can't Keep Millennials China Gorman, a consultant who helps organizations connect HR operations to the bottom line, gave a presentation not long ago that shocked everyone in the room. She had cited a statistic from the Aberdeen Group’sStrategic Talent Acquisition Report. Millennial employees go into new jobs expecting to stay at least 5 years, and yet they depart after an average of 1.5 years. The 1.5 years stat surprises no one, I’m sure. After all, everyone knows that Millennials are the most disloyal employees out there. They are known to use their free-wheeling twenties and thirties to pop in and out of organizations all over the place. Before you even have the chance to get a nameplate on their cubicle, they’re gone. It was the first part of the Aberdeen stat that had us all aghast. Apparently, Millennials like and anticipate stability more than we thought. They look forward to staying at a company long enough to make their mark, develop professionally, and move up. So what’s going wrong between that initial acceptance of the job offer and the resignation that comes far sooner than anyone planned? Allow me to speculate on some potential causes. Their expectations are too high A Millennial goes into a new job â€" particularly a first job after college â€" believing it will be the be all, end all of career satisfaction. They will wow the higher-ups, save the company if not the world, and achieve stardom in a single bound. Unfortunately, this is not exactly how it works out, and they are gravely disappointed. Companies have great branding In the recruiting world, there has been a major emphasis on employer branding as of late. Organizations are pouring lots of effort and resources into showcasing why they are the best places to work. The only trouble is, often the reality doesn’t live up to the hype. Millennials jump ship because what the career experience they’re getting is vastly inferior to the experience they were promised. For more reasons, check out the full post at Intuits Fast Track blog.

Tips to Write an Engineering Resume Objective

Tips to Write an Engineering Resume ObjectiveWriting an engineering resume objective is very important. It makes a good impression to employers and also creates awareness in the mind of prospective employees. If you don't have much technical knowledge, it is very important to write an objective. There are very many ways to write an objective.When writing an engineering resume objective, avoid using the words 'excelling'innovative' as these can lead your resume towards the rejection list. The objective should highlight your achievements, skills and abilities and not your hobby or interests.As an engineer, you have more responsibilities than a non-engineering employee. This can be easily seen in the engineering curriculum where engineering is combined with other subjects like physics, maths, chemistry, biology etc. A good objective needs to be written as if you were a student. You should be able to include the areas that you have to improve on during the curriculum.Most of the time, wh en writing an engineering resume objective, it would be good to include the exact details about the achievements, such as the length of your college career, the number of students that you have taken, what you have achieved during this period and the level of skill and the certification that you have obtained. The objective should not be filled with words like 'Most wanted'Most qualified' as these will definitely lead you down the wrong path.If you are a person who doesn't have any engineering degree, it would be good to tell your employers that you don't need one. The most important thing to do is to show that you have already learned the basics of engineering. It's a known fact that people with less education make more mistakes, and most of the times, they don't know what they are doing. If you are the type of person who doesn't have any engineering background, it would be good to show the employers that you have started to learn as soon as you graduated from college.When writing an engineering resume objective, try to include the industries that you have worked in. These may be small firms, big firms, or maybe even government. It would be wise to include all the details of your previous employment, but don't use the words 'experienced' as this will give you a sense of accomplishment without proving it. To include a career objective is to prove your worth, so don't exaggerate your achievements, but rather to highlight your skills and abilities.When writing an engineering resume objective, try to add the focus of the employer. What exactly will they be seeking out from you? Ask yourself this question and answer it. By doing this, you will be sure that you have put forward exactly what the employer needs and has put your focus correctly.Lastly, always keep in mind that an objective must be written carefully. You don't want to mention anything that may hurt your chances of getting the job. The resume objective is one of the main tools that you can use to get th e attention of the employer. Use it wisely and impress them by highlighting your abilities and skills.

Dear Ms. Career Girl Critics, I Heart Me

Dear Ms. Career Girl Critics, I Heart Me Things are absolutely nuts in my world and I couldnt be happier about it. What started out as Job Search Boot Camp has quickly evolved into something even more fabulous.   I cannot wait to share more about this project with you over the next few weeks.   All I can say is that it has a lot of sparkle and Nicole in it (and a bit of pink as well!). I also get to meet Emily Bennington in person in Ohio on Saturday to start on big project #2   this project also has a lot of sparkle to it.   Stay tuned. This week didnt start out so hot though.   I received a few snarky emails from people who questioned my credibility on my more recent job search/resume  posts and about my representation in the article published in the Chicago RedEye on Monday.   The emails suggested that  I was somehow being fraudulent to my readers because I dont have a masters in Human Resources, I dont work in HR  and Im not a recruiter by day.   Side note: I never claimed to be a career expert.   Oh yeah, and then there was the reader who wrote in to tell me that I am so money hungry.   That one was the most interesting considering I have not made one cent from my blog, but have dumped  a lot of money  into updating it over the last year and a halfIve always written here simply because I LOVE IT. Hearing these things definitely bursted my bubble for a few hours, and I may or may not have had a cocktail or two to soothe the blow. Then I thought about it a little more.   I definitely care about what you guys think.   I love talking to you, reading your emails and checking out your resumes. But I understand that not everyone is going to like me.   I guess thats just part of blogging. Second, I was disappointed these Gen Y readers were so narrow minded.   I thought we were the generation that believes, we can achieve anything we desire to in our careers! I thought we were part of the generation who encouraged starting businesses from dorm rooms and turning them into something great.   We are an entrepreneurial generation, yet these readers criticized me for it. Lastly, since when do I need medals of honor and accolades to write about rocking your career as a young professional?   Really guys?   I believe that in many cases,  self-education is the best education.   My family is living proof of this theory. I am  living what I write about.   I work in Corporate America- and I love it.   I wear a lot of pink and I work in finance.    I wake up at 5am to write about what I love-  for FREE- before going to work.    It is in my DNA to network every day.   I pack a hell of a lot into my day because I have a ton of energy.   Not to mention all of the  career books, coffee dates, emails with career authors  and podcasts I devour.   If thats not enough, than so be it.   Accepting your own oddities may be the best thing you can do for your personal brand.   After talking about this with my publisher last night and accepting that it is what it is, I felt a huge relief.   When I worked on my manuscript this morning at 5am, I started writing it with much more spunk.   I cut out boring sections, I re-named all of the chapters and  I used more daring examples to illustrate my points. It really feels good to be me. In conclusion, thanks to the loyal readers who have stuck around.   Thanks for those who have accepted my odd passion (I dont love using that word) of everything career-related.   If you have something you love to do, go for it.   Who cares if its normal.   Who cares what other people say.   I know, easier said than done, but at the end of the day you are the one that has to look back with no regrets.

How to Identify and Tackle Hierarchy in the Workplace

How to Identify and Tackle Hierarchy in the Workplace The office pecking order seems like an age-old concern, especially in a world where diversity, gender equality, and employee rights are so openly discussed â€" and in many businesses promoted â€" but new research from Citation HR has found that hierarchy in the workplace may be ever present. We’re not talking about strict structures of authority and discipline, but what the research highlighted instead was a subtle nod towards hierarchy in certain tasks or activities â€" like office brew rounds. To delve into the topic a little deeper, Citation conducted a survey of 2,000 office workers across the UK, focusing on the office politics associated with making drinks for others. The research found that half of the business directors defy office etiquette by avoiding the tea and coffee round and only making drinks for themselves, whilst half of all employees surveyed say their colleagues don’t pull their weight. In addition, more than one third admitted to resenting their obligations to always make drinks for others. A top-down hierarchy can stifle the employee experience and leave workers with a lack of control, motivation, and desire to excel. The future of work is moving towards organizations where employees feel valued and have the tools they need to reach their potential. Here are a few pieces of advice to help tackle hierarchy in the workplace. Initiate shared responsibility rules It’s important to have mutual respect in the workplace, regardless of status and authority. Initiate a shared responsibility rule in your office for those monotonous and lackluster tasks that often get delegated to the intern or junior team members â€" like photocopying, tea rounds and setting up meeting rooms Redefine roles and responsibilities Make it a mission to ensure every employee has a clear set of objectives and knows what’s expected of them. Give employees the opportunity to show their capabilities and give them each their own desired level of autonomy and decision-making power within the framework of their job role. Give junior team members the floor If employees feel like they’re being side-lined from responsibilities that are reserved for more senior staff or not invited to internal meetings, you risk them feeling like their opinion isn’t valued. This is especially a concern for employees in the early stages of their career and could impact them speaking up in future. One thing to remember about hierarchy is that if it becomes a problem in one area of the business, the negative feelings can creep into other departments and that negativity can even spread among employees. If possible, trial an open-plan office space Having the CEO and directors sitting alongside the rest of the workforce can have a huge impact on morale. Where possible, try to design the office space so that the people of higher seniority are integrated with the junior teams to encourage conversation and rapport, rather than having a separate bank of desks in the corner which can still be perceived as segregation. One of the biggest things that can influence a workplace culture is how close the workforce is. By getting all levels to sit together and collaborate not only will staff happiness improve, but it should also reflect on retention levels and business performance. Respect at every level Continuing on from the above theme, Forbes suggests one of the things most of us dislike most about bad hierarchy is that the people at the top of a power structure often get treated with a lot more respect than individuals at the bottom. It doesnt have to be that way and it shouldnt be. Communicate clearly and consistently with all employees about big things that are happening in the organization. When you dont let people know about important events that affect them, it feels deeply disrespectful as though theyre simply mindless cogs in the machine and not worth keeping in the loop. Check out the infographic below by Citation.

Writing a Great Tech Resume

Writing a Great Tech ResumeWriting a great tech resume is easier than you think. You need to make sure you get the right experience and qualifications for the job. You need to make sure you tell your employer everything you can about the company you're applying for. This is your best tool in the world to land that dream job.Tech professionals come and go all the time, so the job market is constantly changing. The job application process is always changing as well. The challenge is to be ready when an opportunity presents itself and keep up with it.The list of skills is a big one. The biggest thing to write down is the skills you have. Everything from the technical side of your background needs to be written down. Including your certifications and education are also vital. The list should be as comprehensive as possible.Describe what skills you have and how they contribute to being a skilled person. This is your chance to show employers that you're detail oriented and good at getting things done. You should also give them an idea of what you're looking for in a career.References are also a great way to showcase your skills. Showing people you know and have worked with how you did things is a great way to show them you're detail oriented. People will more likely to hire someone they trust when they see you have proof of how you've done work.For someone who already has some kind of computer-related skills they will probably be better off applying for a tech job in the field they already know. A technical writer will be happy with this job position as long as they are happy with their job. If they are unhappy with their job chances are they won't take a lower paying job that will most likely not show any signs of improvement in their skill set. A little frustration adds up over time.Your skills on paper or when filling out the job description is another great way to use to describe yourself. Give them some examples of what you can do. If you don't feel comfortable doing this just don't do it. Don't put yourself down or make it seem like they should know who you are just because they asked.There is nothing wrong with showing your skills when writing a tech resume. It's a great way to be positive about yourself. Take time to describe the different things you know and how they fit into the company you are applying for.

Careers - Learning Will Never be the Same - CareerAlley

Careers - Learning Will Never be the Same - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. The hunger for knowledge seems to grow with each new generation. Whether it is expanding into a new career, accomplishing a personal goal, or looking for a promotion, the opportunities of finding a school to fit a need can be found in almost any region. Online courses have made learning more convenient with classes to fit any schedule, but the real value of learning is from the courses offered. Why Psychology is Important Selecting a business management or project planning course may seem like a fitting way to learn the aspects of the business world, but there is one course that gives meaning to all types of careers and personal advancement. A skilled psychology professional is not only growing in demand, but also becoming a necessity in interacting with employees, customers, different cultures, and communication. Degree Recognition When a degree in psychology is offered as an area of expertise, potential employers take notice. This is becoming a welcome change in government, the medical field and the international arena. When an employee can provide insight into perception and personality traits, it is a huge asset to a firm. Areas Covered in Psychology Courses Understanding the traits and makeup of others is only a portion of what a psychology major can offer. A good course can teach how to advance in memory and learning, plus social and developmental characteristics of individuals. The history of psychology is an amazing journey that shows how the planet has evolved from simple functions to complex situations and the effect that it has on the human mind. Before jumping into an online course that could take up a lot of time, start with the one that will have an impact on future areas of study and a great future. Universities and colleges, such as Monash online, offer a different type of learning experience through ease of access, skilled personnel and personal attentiveness. Starting with a psychology course can develop the mind into seeing the future in a more defined way, possibly even changing a future course of study. Always check out the pros and cons of an online school before entering into the study of psychology in order to know that the study and result will be rewarding. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ what where job title, keywords or company city, state or zip jobs by

Whos Your Daddy - Leverage Your Job Search Network - CareerAlley

Whos Your Daddy - Leverage Your Job Search Network - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. In a priorpost on this topic (Job Leads and Links from Friends Did You Network Today?) I mentioned that I did not know the statistics of those hired due to Networking (versus job hunting). I still dont know the stats, but I do know that Networking has the following going for it: Cost It is cheaper to hire someone you know (or who was recommended) as the company is not paying recruiting fees. Reference Either the hiring manager or someone the hiring manager knows has recommended the candidate. This is the best reference (as I would like to believe that no one would recommend someone that would make them look bad). Cutting the Line Recommended candidates typically get into the interview process more quickly than other candidates and are more positively received (for the reasons above). But enough about what I think, the links below will help you with the How and What of Networking. The #1 Networking Tool During Hard Times Another great article, this covers what I call reverse networking. So right off the bat Im sure you have two questions What is reverse networking and Why would you want to do it. Reverse Networking refers to providing leads to headhunters (or anyone who is looking for a lead to a job candidate) for positions they are trying to fill. Okay, now for the and why would you want to do this?, two reasons really. First, headhunters will not forget that youve helped them out and, when finding something that may match you skill set are likely to call you. Second, the person you recommended will be grateful (even if nothing comes of it) and will be more likely to return the favor (if not now, at some point in the future). This is part of building your Network which is, by the way, a two way street. In any event, this article with tips is worth the read. The Art of Career and Job-Search Networking -Leveraging QuintCareers.coms site again, this article provides a number of networking and professional organization links. Womens groups, diversity groups and links to Tools for Networking, the article may initially look like it doesnt have much to offer, but you must click through the links to get the real benefit (not least of which is the Tools for Networking). Networking Basics What better place to get networking advise than Harvard Law? This article covers the basics (what it is) as well as explaining long term relationships, steps for Networking and a detailed list about the informal interview. The article also gives examples of a request for an interview (email and letter), phone requests and a thank you note. This is worth your time to see how the masters do it. While you are on the site (which is, by the way, the careers office of the school), take a look at some of the other resources on the career site. Job Networking Videos One thing Ive not done much of on this blog is to provide video examples (but that changes here). This site, from Education-Portal.com, provides four videos on How to Find Job Networking Contacts, Connections, getting them to work for you and the importance of job networking. Certainly worth a listen and watch! Have Your Networking Letter Land You a Job Amazingly, this article comes from Allheatlhcare.com, not a careers site. The article describes a networking letter, who to target and then the fundamentals. There are five fundamentals in the article, and each has a link that goes into additional detail. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+