4 ways to choose a job that wont take over your life

4 ways to choose a job that won’t take over your life If you want to make the most of your career, you need to put in the long hours, right? That belief is pervasive in many industries â€" especially high tech, and especially at startups. If you’re looking for a job in a field that celebrates the 80-hour workweek, it can be tricky to figure out which offer is for the job of a lifetime and which is an invitation to burn out. It gets even more complicated when you consider the research. Research shows that overwork does not lead to better results for companies or employees. On the contrary, according to studies from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, relentless work schedules can result in health problems from depression to heart disease. Meanwhile, a classic study in Great Britain in the ‘80s showed that cognitive function â€" and by extension, work quality â€" drops as workers’ hours increase. I spoke with Mercedes De Luca, chief operating officer of software company Basecamp, about strategies job seekers can use to tell the difference between paying their dues and paying too high a price for the startup experience. During her 20-year career in tech, De Luca has served as CEO at MyShape, vice president of global information technology at Yahoo!, and vice president and general manager of internet commerce for Sears. These are her tips for job seekers who want to build their careers without signing on for 16-hour workdays: 1. Combine what you do with what you love If you focus on meaningful work and don’t get distracted by email, meetings and unnecessary tasks, you can produce more in a 40-hour workweek than someone who puts in twice the time but spends it on reactionary tasks. However, even 40 hours can seem like too many if you’re not doing what’s right for you. Before you start your job hunt, think about which roles will combine the things you care about with the things you’re good at. For example, if your background is accounting and you love to travel, a position at a hospitality company could be perfect. 2. Sign on for the people In an interview, you need to show what you can do for the company, but you also want to learn how working at the company will further your career. People are key here, and respect for employee time starts at the top. Is the hiring manager likely to be a great coach or mentor? Does he or she seem to work relentlessly? Evaluate the communications you’ve had with this person. If the manager asks you to interview on a Saturday morning, or emails you late at night, there are a few conclusions you can draw. Perhaps the manager is admirably committed to hiring, but this behavior could also indicate a company culture where work cannot wait â€" even at night and on weekends. 3. Ask the right questions about culture Speaking of culture, there are questions you can ask during the hiring process to reveal how work gets done â€" and that can tell you a lot about whether it can get done in a reasonable workweek. Ask questions like: What’s the decision-making process at this company? What do you do when stakeholders disagree? What is a great project your team recently finished? How many people worked on it, and how long did it take? Which outcomes will I be accountable for, and how will my success be measured? That final question is critical. Keeping your work hours in check demands that you focus on the work that truly matters. You can’t do that at a company that can’t identify what success should look like. 4. Set the right tone after you take the job In an effort to impress, a lot of people start a new job by working nonstop. Resist that instinct. Set your boundaries for sane work hours, and let your team know they shouldn’t call you on nights or weekends unless something is legitimately urgent. Likewise, you’ll honor their time. Then, use your work time wisely. Identify the most important tasks for each day, schedule blocks on your calendar to prioritize that work, and resist distractions â€" that includes answering non-urgent emails or scheduling meetings where no work actually gets done. There are times when work can wait. Protecting non-work time starts with choosing the right role at the right company, led by the right people. Employees have responsibility in this effort, too. When you make your hours on the job more meaningful, you’ll find that your work life can support both reasonable hours and success. “Extreme work schedules don’t work for companies or for employees,” said De Luca. “We all have a role to play in changing the culture of workaholism. For job seekers, that can and should start before even accepting a position.” Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available!

How to Become a Cover Letter Writing Machine

Instructions to Become a Cover Letter Writing Machine Instructions to Become a Cover Letter Writing Machine Composing a superb introductory letter doesn't need to be troublesome yet it requires some investment. The uplifting news? When you have built up a heavenly introductory letter, you can utilize it as a layout for various requests for employment. In this two-section post, I'll make you through the strides of composing a fruitful introductory letter. Stage One: Create a Template In case you're conveying a few introductory letters a day as an aspect of your responsibilities search, making an adjustable introductory letter layout will spare you a great deal of time and exertion. The introductory letter layout will contain essential data about yourself that doesn't change, independent of the activity you're applying for. To start with, ensure you have the right introductory letter structure set up: the header ought to contain your location, the date, and the business' contact data (the last mentioned, obviously, will change for each letter): 123 Main StreetAnytown, NY 12345July 18, 2012 Manager contact name, TitleName of CompanyCompany Address Dear Ms. Smith: The principal passage of your introductory letter will be modified for every business, so skirt that part for the time being. The body will contain a story of your capabilities, and generally, will remain the equivalent for each introductory letter that you compose. (One special case is in the event that you are applying to occupations in at least two unique fields all things considered, you should tailor the experience you center around to the business you are focusing on.) Beginning with your present position, clarify what you as of now do and what you've achieved before. (In the event that you've quite recently graduated or are jobless, talk about your latest experience.) Resist the inclination to utilize the very same language that shows up on your resume-this is your opportunity to be more spellbinding than the bounds of your resume permit. As the Web Designer for my school's Technology Services office, I plan and fabricate understudy bunch sites, utilizing vital HTML/CSS coding to make available, reliable and client centered structures. I am likewise presented to database engineering and question devices that are joined into the sites I make. Beforehand, I filled in as Webmaster for my clique, dealing with the substance and format of my section's site while keeping up the brand character of a national association. Notice how the creator of this introductory letter portrays precisely what his obligations were in each position and furthermore features the abilities he learned. Consider the kinds of abilities your potential bosses are searching for, and try to underscore precisely how you have picked up those. As a camp instructor for Camp Big Lake, I directed third and fourth grade understudies all through the mid year. I was exclusively answerable for arranging and executing water sports exercises for my gathering of fifteen campers; this experience helped me to build up a solid feeling of responsibility. At present, as a math mentor at my college's Academic Resources Center, I show propelled analytics to my companions who are battling with their classwork. Despite the fact that it very well may be trying to distinguish the issues that keep an understudy from understanding a math idea, I discover it incredibly compensating to apply my own insight so as to support my friends. Didn't figure you could remember your late spring at Camp Big Lake for an introductory letter or resume? Reconsider! On the off chance that you are an understudy or ongoing alumni, it's totally satisfactory and urged to incorporate any significant professional training you have, regardless of whether it's waitressing at the nearby burger joint or recording papers for your folks' privately-owned company. The key is introducing these encounters such that makes them pertinent to your pursuit of employment. The area of your introductory letter enumerating your experience can be it is possible that a couple of sections, contingent upon how broad your experience is. In portraying your work understanding, use words and expressions, for example, In this limit, I… In that position, I was liable for… Having filled in as a [position], I am extremely knowledgeable about… Keep in mind: don't simply tell businesses that you have the right stuff they are searching for-clarify precisely how you gained them. On the other hand, don't simply rattle off your encounters mention to businesses what aptitudes you picked up in each position. Your layout ought to likewise incorporate an expert sounding end: I am sure that my experience in web improvement would permit me to contribute altogether to [name of organization]. I would be excited to have the chance to examine this situation with you further. Much obliged to you ahead of time for your thought. Polish it off with a conventional mark line-choices incorporate Earnestly, Truly yours, and Kind respects. If you are messaging your introductory letter as a connection, you don't have to check in a written by hand signature-basically composing your complete name is totally adequate. One week from now, I'll disclose how to alter your introductory letter format to focus on every one of your bosses explicitly. Good luck!

Business Resume Examples - Tips For Using Them

Business Resume Examples - Tips For Using ThemThe majority of people have used business resume examples that they have seen on other businesses' websites. While these examples may be very good, it is always recommended to change the format in which you write your resume. Most of these examples are designed to look professional yet practical. But this is not how a professional should write their resume.You should never try to appear that you are so experienced that you have been with many companies before the new employer. Most employers do not want to hire someone who has been with many companies before. They want to hire someone who is prepared and who knows what they are doing.If you find a business resume example that you think looks very good, take some time to write down everything that you have learned about this industry and see if you can put in some solid information to support your point. Look at any business resume examples that you like and then go back and try to gather information. Do not just base your resume off of an example. This could be a time wasting practice.You should always sign your resume with your name as well as an 'S'. Many people do not even realize this rule. So always ensure that you are signing your own name and using your last name. Also make sure that you indicate the time that you started working in the industry and any training that you may have received. Even though you may feel that you have done all of this before, this is still important information to give the employer so that they will feel confident in hiring you.If you find yourself needing to fill out several different sections of your resume, consider putting them all in one section. This will also be much easier to remember. Try to keep the total number of sections that you have filled out at three or less. The more sections that you have filled out, the more difficult it will be to get back to the top of the page quickly.When you use business resume examples, mak e sure that you find one that allows you to show the best traits that you possess. It is never a good idea to rewrite other people's examples, but you may choose to incorporate certain qualities that you feel will work well for you. You should try to work in more of your best attributes to your resume so that they can stand out.Make sure that you read and understand each section of the business resume examples. Then make sure that you carefully fill in the areas that you feel are necessary. Make sure that you do not rush your resume or become sloppy in terms of how you fill out the sections. If you do not feel that you have the necessary information to be able to answer questions, you should save them for a later date. You do not want to write your resume and find out that you do not have the answers to all of the questions that are on it.You should always make sure that you thoroughly read your resume and understand what is written on it. You should also know that it is imperative that you make the most of the business resume examples that you find and add to your resume.

To Whom it May Concern How to Address a Cover Letter (Examples)

To Whom it May Concern How to Address a Cover Letter (Examples) To Whom it May Concern How to Address a Cover Letter (Examples) With regards to tending to an introductory letter, guidance segments much of the time spotlight these two traps: Error 1: Failing to deliver your introductory letter to a particular individual Error 2: Addressing an introductory letter to an inappropriate individual Most occupation postings dont determine who will peruse your introductory letter. This puts work searchers in a precarious circumstance. Fixing the primary mix-up could make you make the second. So whats the most ideal approach to supplant To Whom It May Concern on your introductory letter? Here are 4 top tips for making sense of who to deliver your introductory letter to: 1) Dont Address the Recruiter For some employment opportunities, the main individual you have to intrigue is a corporate enrollment specialist. That doesnt mean you should deliver your introductory letter to them. Selection representatives don't peruse introductory letters, a long-term medicinal services scout told Jobscan. Main concern. That may be an exaggeration most dont, some do yet numerous enrollment specialists would concede that they arent the target group of an introductory letter. Its for the most part for the employing chief, said an enrollment specialist in the non-benefit industry. For us [recruiters], its only an additional progression in a previously lengthened procedure. The medicinal services enrollment specialist concurred: If youre sending it directly to a recruiting supervisor whos taking a gander at a much lower number of candidates, they may really understand that. Significant note: Cover letters arent what they state they are Introductory letters dont present your resume, they supplement it. So as to get your introductory letter under the control of an employing chief who cares, your resume needs to move beyond the selection representative and, by and large, the candidate following framework theyre utilizing. Have a go at breaking down your resume underneath to get moment improvement tips and spotter experiences from Jobscan with the goal that the time you spend making your introductory letter isnt a waste. The catchphrase examination likewise shows precisely what to concentrate on in your introductory letter. Jobscan Premium (one month free) even has an introductory letter check include. 2) Search the Company Website and LinkedIn Scarcely any occupation postings list the recruiting supervisor by name yet many will reveal to you the situation to which youd be detailing. Instances of reports to makes reference to in genuine employment postings. With this data, a little criminologist work can uncover the name of the recruiting administrator. The most effective method to Search for a Hiring Managers Name on a Company Website Start off by perusing the companys site. Search for an about page, organization index, or contact page. These pages are every now and again connected at the extremely base of the website. Companies that highlight workers on their about page make it a lot simpler to make sense of who will peruse your introductory letter. A segment of Jobscans about page. Not exclusively would you be able to make sense of who the employing director is from a page this way, you may likewise get the hang of something about them that could prove to be useful in your introductory letter or meeting. You can likewise have a go at looking through the site. On the off chance that the site doesnt have a worked in search bar, utilize this language structure in Google: [position youll be revealing to] site:company site This will uncover hard-to-track down about pages or different notices of the situation in the companys blog entries, public statements, and different pages. Step by step instructions to Search for a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn On the off chance that an organization doesnt list the employing supervisor on their site, LinkedIn is your next best asset. Start off via scanning for the organization page on LinkedIn. Once youre on the companys LinkedIn page, click See all X representatives on LinkedIn close to the top. Contingent upon the organization size, you can either peruse all positions or thin your outcomes by adding search terms to the hunt bar (for example Promoting Manager) and using the Current organizations channels on the correct side of the screen. On LinkedIn, you can channel your quest for anybody at present working at a specific organization. Quest for the reports to position from the activity posting. On the off chance that it wasnt gave in the posting, scan for watchwords identified with your imminent division (for example showcasing). In the event that the organization utilizes an instinctive corporate hierarchy you ought to have the option to figure out who will peruse the introductory letter. 3) Contact the Company Directly There is nothing amiss with calling or messaging the organization to request the name of the recruiting supervisor. Be affable and legit with the clerical specialist or client support delegate. Disclose that youre going to go after a position and youd like to know who you should address in your introductory letter. In the event that they arent ready to give an answer or move you to somebody who knows, let it go. The exact opposite thing you need is news finding its way back to the recruiting administrator that you were pushy with one of their partners. 4) If you despite everything cannot make sense of the name of the employing supervisor On the off chance that your examination doesnt yield any outcomes, to whom would it be a good idea for you to address your introductory letter? Reach skyward When Addressing a Cover Letter You dont need to deliver your introductory letter to an inappropriate individual, however on the off chance that you do, its preferable to figure high over low. On the off chance that you are just ready to find a rundown of executives, Lily Zhang of The Muse suggests that tending to an introductory letter to an elevated level division head is still to your greatest advantage. At long last, nobody will blame you for tending precisely higher up than would normally be appropriate, she composes. This methodology is certainly better than not utilizing a name in your introductory letter since it despite everything shows the time and exertion you took to discover who the division head is. To Whom it May Concern Alternatives Utilizing To Whom it May Concern is viewed as obsolete and excessively formal in many recruiting circles. It additionally never really assist you with standing apart as its the go-to welcome most candidates use while tending to an introductory letter to an obscure beneficiary. In the event that you know the position youd be answering to, utilize that. At any rate, Dear Customer Experience Manager shows that you painstakingly read the activity posting. Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Hiring Team are a couple conventional options that are somewhat less stodgy than To Whom it May Concern. You can likewise deliver your letter to the fitting division, for instance To the Design Department or Dear Engineering Department. Similarly as with numerous parts of the request for employment process, exhibiting that you put in some additional exertion can have any kind of effect. Doing some examination before tending to an introductory letter adds to a positive early introduction.