From PR to Fitness

From PR to Fitness Success Story > From: Job To: Solopreneur From PR to Fitness “Nothing was ever good enough.” * From PR to Fitness For Emma Theron, the world of PR felt unsupportive and fake. So, she decided to take a leap and never go back. It's been a steep learning curve, but now she's turned what used to be the highlight of her day into her full-time career. This is her story. What work were you doing previously? I was working as a senior PR consultant in a technology PR agency. What are you doing now? I'm a group fitness instructor and studying to become a personal trainer. How did you feel in your work before you decided to make a change? Not great. Nothing was ever good enough. If anything ever went wrong, fingers were always pointed. There was never any support from the company: better resources or support with clients, etc. It was very demotivating. Why did you change? I'd just finished my second period of maternity leave. I was aware of some unpleasant things going on at work with my former colleagues whom I respected and liked, and I wasn't looking forward to going back. I felt that if I was going to have time away from my children, the expense of childcare and the stress of going to work, I had to be doing something that I enjoyed. When was the moment you decided to make the change? I wasn't happy with my daughter's nursery and had withdrawn her. From a purely practical point of view, I was a bit stuck about getting back to work. I also knew that if I did it, there would be no getting out. So, I cut the cord and never returned. How did you choose your new career? When I was back at work before my second pregnancy, I realised that the highlight of my day was going out to lunchtime Pilates, or taking a run out down by the river. I knew then that I wanted to do something I loved, and that fitness could be the answer. Are you happy with the change? So happy! In fact, I couldn't feel happier. I've taken the Les Mills Body Attack certification in recent months and am getting busier by the day, my own local class is really taking off, and I've kicked off my PT training, which I think will be exciting. I really haven't looked back. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I don't miss much to be honest. The nice whack of the monthly salary was of course helpful, but it didn't really feel worth it in the end. I miss the people I used to work with, but most of the nice ones have left as well anyway, and we still keep in touch. The industry itself is pretty fake and self-serving, so I feel I'm well out of it. How did you go about making the shift? My first rung on the ladder was Exercise to Music training, which was scary as I had no idea if I would be any good at it, and I didn't feel very good at it at all at first. That feels like a distant memory now. I've been teaching my own class for a year. Once I felt confident in my craft, I undertookthe Body Attack training, which has just been amazing. But I also realised I wasn't going to make much money from group exercise alone, and I wanted to improve my professionalism, so I decided to take a level three personal training qualification. I was incredibly lucky to have received an inheritance that enabled me to pay for this training as well. What didn't go well? What 'wrong turns' did you take? When setting up my own class, I think I paid too much for advertising that didn't provide any returns. I've also learnt not to try to be all things to all people and not take anything personally. How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? It was very tight at first, but the inheritance I received helped hugely, and I'm starting to earn a bit more now. What was the most difficult thing about changing? Believing I could do it. It seemedlike such a massive hurdle and distance to travel, but the time has gone so quickly and it's been a great experience. What help did you get? My husband is a huge support, and was the one who gave me the green light to pursue my passions. Without his support â€" financially, emotionally, mentally and physically (looking after the children!) â€" it wouldn't have happened at all! What resources would you recommend to others? For me personally, it made a real difference to pick a job I had to train for. I never had any formal training in PR, which always made me feel like I'd missed out on something or thatthere were gaps in my knowledge I wasn't aware of (although I don't think this was at all the case). So, I would recommend trying to get a qualification thatgives you the confidence to take your first steps. What have you learnt in the process? That I am capable of so much more than I thought possible. Life can change quickly and it's so short; I can't waste time doing things I don't enjoy. I also learned to put myself first, rather than the company that I worked for. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Go for it and don't look back. To find out more about Emma's fitness business, visit www.facebook.com/funandfriendlyfitness. What lessons could you take from Emma's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Professional Resume Writing in Waikiki HI

Professional Resume Writing in Waikiki HIYou have decided to go professional resume writing in Waikiki HI. You have a list of essential skills that you would like to emphasize upon. While doing the selection process, you want to put a mark in this as professional resume writing in Waikiki HI could be a tough job to do.Research has it that this is not the only means by which one can be selected for a job. There are other ways as well. Professional resume writing in Waikiki HI should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider before selecting any professional resume writing in Waikiki HI that will help you land the job that you want.If you think that you have the right approach to be professional resume writing in Waikiki HI, then you have to keep it in mind that it is a highly competitive job market. Any type of profession is definitely competitive. It is hard to get away from that fact. You have to deal with the fact that you might be competing against some very talented people who are also very talented in other areas.So, one of the best ways to get hired is to focus on your strong points. The fact is that if you use professional resume writing in Waikiki HI to highlight your strong points, then you will definitely land the interview. You should have several strong points and one way of making them all stand out is by using professional resume writing in Waikiki HI to highlight them.Focus on the fact that you have worked in several different kinds of occupations. The thing is that you need to try and identify the different fields where you were able to excel and what you achieved in each field. Think of the tasks that you have handled successfully. The most important thing is that the tasks you have performed well have some value. Your interviewers are looking for potential customers and they can evaluate your skills according to what you have done.Another thing that you can do in order to be professional resume writing in Waikiki HI is to give ou t information that is more than relevant. Since the main aim of professional resume writing in Waikiki HI is to get you hired, you need to leave something valuable in the interview. While focusing on relevant information, you need to include your strengths that you might have gained in your previous work. If you have been involved in some kind of field of endeavor, you can include this in your resume.Now, if you have unique qualities and capabilities that you might be able to contribute to the organization that you are applying for, then you need to include this. Make sure that your resume has all these sections and put it together in a way that they speak about your overall abilities and talents. Putting them together in a way that they all highlight your strong points is the way to go.One last thing that you can do to make sure that you are a professional resume writer in Waikiki HI is to ensure that you have proofreading services so that you will know how to put together the info rmation in a proper manner. These people will review the document in your hand so that you will know if it is not presentable. This will come handy when you will be required to present the document to the hiring person.

The Best Time to Take Your Graduation Year Off Your Resume

The Best Time to Take Your Graduation Year Off Your Resume Age Discrimination is a real thing. Unfortunately, when you apply for jobs online the forms you fill out will make “Graduation Year” a required field in order to submit your resume.Now, this is a bit of a tricky situation. For one thing, companies are not allowed to ask you your age (but they can ask if you are over 18). You know your graduation year may give a company a ballpark estimate of your real age. Typically, most get their bachelor’s degree between ages 21 to 23. At first, it is great to have on your resume to indicate that you are a fresh job seeker on the market. But when should you take it off?As your career progresses, that graduation year combined with more than a decade’s worth of experience can lead to companies discriminating against you due to your age. In this post, we can explain one method to handle this and also the best time to take your graduation year off your resume.Methods of Handling Online Forms With Required FieldsThe simplest and most direct way to answer this: Lie about your graduation year. If you are job seeking in your 40’s, you had most likely graduated in the early 1990’s. But you are protected against Age Discrimination in the United States. However, this is very difficult to prove. So, on your required graduation year, claim to have graduated 10 years later. Do the math and try to make it seem like you are really in your mid-30’s.After this, go through your social media accounts and make sure your birthday and graduation year does not appear. Companies are allowed to ask if you are older than 18, but they are never allowed to bluntly ask, “How old are you?”.The other thing you can do is skip the job application for requiring your graduation year. Any company that is deliberately trying to get around a law protecting you from Age Discrimination should give you cause for concern.The Best Time to Take the Graduation Year off Your ResumeYou can imagine, given the fact this topic is taboo and can lead to legal problems in companies, there is no “official rule” that says you have to include the graduation year on your resume. More so, there is no rule as to when it should be taken off.However, when applying for jobs, the recommended amount of time for keeping the graduation year is about 10 to 15 years. Just like your work history, anything you learned 10 to 15 years ago will no longer be relevant to future jobs. You have grown so much since graduation and what you learned in school was just your starting point. You are now capable of so much more.If you are not sure you like having the date on your resume, no matter when you graduated, it is best to remove it completely.Why Remove It Completely From Your ResumeAge Discrimination is not just a privilege of those seeking work after age 40. It happens to newcomers, too, and that can be discouraging. Some who are new to their industry come out of colleges and universities with fascinating experience in traveling, internships, and advance d degrees.They are thentreated as, “too young” when the resume is already abundant, can be as equally painful for the experienced 40+ job candidate who is treated as “too old”.The very appearance of a graduation year on a resume can, by itself, lead to a discriminatory way of thinking that counts against the job candidate at some point.Do Yourself and Your Resume a FavorThere is no way to get around the discriminating thoughts of a person hiring. The best thing to do is to keep the graduation year off the resume.By the time you get to an interview, and they meet you in person, they will start to put the pieces together as to whether or not you will be a great fit. At least by that point, you are meeting people face to face.If they discriminate based on age after meeting you, but they thought you were qualified enough to interview, that is a company you were never meant to work with.

Proof That Placements Improve Graduate Outcomes In One Slide

Proof That Placements Improve Graduate Outcomes In One Slide Charlie Ball, Deputy Director of Research at HECSU was presenting at this years PlaceNet conference.  PlaceNet is a registered charity for Placement Officers and Tutors, employers and others concerned with student placements. PlaceNet represents professionals dedicated to improving the quality and value of student placements in a wide range of subjects. Here is one of the slides shared on Twitter that shows that placements improve graduate outcomes. Follow Charlie on Twitter. Participants who took placements were: 1. Less Likely to be out of work than those who did just paid work or no work experience at all 2. More likely to be in a professional level job than someone who had just done paid work or had no experience 3. Not so clear for salary, although doing some work experience better than none 17

How To Hire A Resume Reviewer To Make Sure Your Job Application Is Correct

How To Hire A Resume Reviewer To Make Sure Your Job Application Is CorrectOne of the most important ways to make sure that your application is written correctly is to hire a resume reviewer. They will help you make sure that your resume is optimized for the employer and gives them the information they need to contact you.Being in the job market is hard enough, but being on the wrong career path is almost impossible. This is why having a great resume can often mean the difference between landing a job and sitting on the shelf. That's why it's vital to make sure that you get all the information on your job search out into the open.There are many things you can do to make sure your resume is written correctly. However, in order to be successful at this, you need to enlist the services of a resume writer. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to create a stellar resume that is guaranteed to be noticed by the employer. However, if you're not sure where to start, don't worry, w e've got you covered.The first thing you want to do is find a resume writer who specializes in writing resumes exclusively for employers. If you've never even heard of such a thing, don't fret. Most of the professional service providers offer their services online.You'll need to research the website or company you're considering and then make sure you understand everything about the entire process. For example, most of these companies offer to hire and resume review services, so you should know the different terms that are used. You may even want to ask questions of the reviewers to ensure that you understand everything you need to.After you've done this, you may also want to find out how long the website or company has been around. If it has been around for a while, it may be the best option to use. You never know when a publisher is just trying to profit, so this could be a concern.Another way to find the right review service is to contact your local resume review service. You can usually find a representative online or by phone. These individuals are often knowledgeable and will be able to give you advice and recommendations for writers who specialize in writing resumes specifically for the employer.Resume review sites are also a great way to find the best writers. Their goal is to review the best resumes possible and tell you who has the most work. If you don't think you have what it takes to land a job, you can always take a look at what other people have written and learn what they are looking for before you submit your resume.

Crazy But True 7 Unusual Tips for Success - CareerMetis.com

Crazy But True 7 Unusual Tips for Success Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comWork hard. Get enough sleep. Say “yes” to opportunities. Could this advice be any more boring?If you’re tired of hearing the same old career advice parroted by middle management, it’s time to think outside of the box. Here are just seven tips for success that are weird yet effective.1. Eat More BeansevalNot only are beans packed with things like protein and fiber, but they’re also a great way to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Instead of experiencing rushes and crashes after every cup of coffee, your body will release a steady stream of glucose that keeps you on an even keel.evalThis means that you’ll be less hungry and more energized throughout the day, allowing you to focus better on projects and stop getting distracted by every co-worker that passes through with McDonald’s.2. Paint Your WallsYou might be familiar with the term “color psychology” as a marketing concept, but were you aware that you can also use it as your own personal pick-me-up? We’re socialized as humans to have specific emotional responses when we look at specific colors, and you can hack this by deliberately introducing the right hues to your home or work space.For example, red will ignite your passion and keep you motivated. Blue will soothe you and help you lose track of time when you have lots of work to do.3. Listen to MusicStudies have shown that music has a tangible impact on the brain. It can lower cortisol, reduce stress, improve focus and help you make new connections between Point A and Point B. It doesn’t even matter what genre you’re listening to; as long as you’re enjoying it, music will boost your state of mind.So don’t feel guilty about cranking up Guns N’ Roses the next time that you’re struggling with a work task: Their screaming is good for you!4. Write on the WallsIt turns out that your toddler-self had the right idea all along. Ideas can come to you at any time of day, including when you’re taking a shower or lounging around in bed, and they often dissipate in the time that it takes you to track down your computer and record them.evalA better way to capture these flashes of brilliance is to invest in non-permanent markers that can be used on glass, whiteboards and even the walls themselves. You’ll never forget a great idea again.5. Make Your Own CoffeeevalThat green-and-white logo might seem like a lifesaver when you’re dragging yourself to work, but Starbucks isn’t without its flaws. For one, you can never be sure how many calories, sugars and fats are actually in your morning espresso; these can vary depending on your barista.You’re also subjecting yourself to the dubious hygiene of whatever 18-year-olds are working behind the counter. If you want true control over your java and your health, invest in your own coffee maker.6. Give Yourself an Angry AlarmIf you’re the kind of person who hits snooze eight times on a good day, it might help to choose an alarm that you really, really hate. Not only will it invigorate you every morning with the sheer volume of your rage, but it might even wake you up before your alarm goes off.evalYour body will get into the rhythm of waking up every morning at 5 AM, and to spare you from your hated alarm, it will start jerking you awake at 4:59 AM.7. Think In OppositesInstead of asking yourself how you can succeed, make a list of all the ways that you can fail. Then do the opposite of everything that you just wrote. For example, if you’re launching a new app, don’t think about ways to attract customers; think about how you can actually alienate customers. This “opposite” mindset can break you out of ruts and give you fresh, creative ideas from looking at a problem sideways.These are just a few tips for success that you probably won’t find in self-help books. They might not be the most conventional paths to fame and glory, but they can be just what you need to kick-start your career in unexpected ways. Good luck !

Are you Attending Executive Networking Events for Your Job Search

Are you Attending Executive Networking Events for Your Job Search Are you Attending Executive Networking Events for Your Job Search? Most execs I talk to claim networking events are a waste of time, awkward, and don’t get them any results. Well, Cut the Crap, Get a Job! Quite the opposite. The right events will not only be hugely efficient, but very effective if you know the right way and use your job search tools correctly. Here are some of the tips and tricks to success: 1. Be prepared, mentally and physically. Mentally, be prepared to walk up to strangers and have a confident-but-warm greeting with a smile. Don’t expect people to come to you and don’t go with a buddy that you hang out with at the bar. Physically, dress up in interview attire (remember that you are always interviewing!), and have business cards. If you are unemployed, print personal business cards with all of your contact information, including social media links. Don’t forget a small pad and a pen to take down their information, write notes about your conversation and anything else you learn at the event. Sometimes there is a speaker and you can follow up with them the next day, too. 2. Have your “elevator pitch” ready. Rehearse prior to going as you will feel more confident and, don’t worry, they won’t know it’s rehearsed!: Your entry: “Hello, I’m Jack, may I introduce myself? go around the small group shaking hands, smiling, exchanging cards Then, if it comes back to you, share your goal. Your goal: “I’m seeking a senior buyer position in Seattle with Nordstrom or Macy’s. Do any of you know anybody at these two companies?” Your close: Close every conversation with “how can I help you?” or “what brought you here and is there anything I can do to help you?” And, dont forget to ask permission to follow up with them. Your goal needs to be specific enough for the other person to engage. Include functions and company examples, when possible. Naturally, if the person you are meeting works for a company you would like to apply to (or have), then change your approach. “Ms. Jackson, I see that you work at Nordstrom; what do you do there?” take notes! “I know it is very busy here tonight, but do you mind if I follow up with you as I saw a job posting there that I am interested in applying to and would like some guidance before I do.” 3. Meet as many people as you can. But be sure to learn about them! Take at least one nugget away per person you meet so your follow-up e-mail can refer back to that. In your follow-up, you can repeat your goal as they probably will not remember and they may know somebody who knows somebody. Do NOT hand anyone a resume unless they ask, but it’s okay to have them in your folio just in case. 4. Drive the Follow Up Process with Precision: the A,B,Cs: A. When you get home: Open up your computer and do the following: Start an Outlook Contact group with a color-code called “X Industry Event_date” Enter every person you met, even if you just got their e-mail address. In the notes section of the contact, write down the date you met them, the event name and anything about the conversation you remember. B. The next day: Send an individual, personal e-mail to the people you met. The first sentence should reference the event the night before. “It was a pleasure meeting you at the X Industry Event last night”. “I was the one who shared my goal of securing a senior buyer position at Nordstrom or Macy’s here in Seattle.” “Additionally, I offered to help you with _____.” Ask for the next step. “May I set up a phone call or meeting with you to ask you some additional questions that may help me secure my dream job?” “Here are three options of times so you can just reply back with one that is most convenient for you.” (List 3 half-hour slots in the next 2-5 days: one on the next day, one the day after, one the day after that). “Or, feel free to select another block of time and I will move things around to call you.” C. Once you secure a time from them, send them a meeting request via Outlook to lock it in. Put “Jack Jones connecting with Ms. Jackson” in the subject and cut and paste your entire e-mail conversation in the body of the e-mail. Always put your cell in case they have to move the meeting. In summary, Cut the Crap, Get a Job and see more guidance on https://www.danamanciagli.com.

Make social networking work for your job search -

Make social networking work for your job search - When research shows 93 percent of recruiters use social networking tools to help them identify and hire qualified applicants, it makes sense to create profiles on networks where you expect people in your industry to spend time. This raises the question: how can you really make the most of time you spend using social media? Identify the best networks for your industry. Where are you most likely to meet people in your field? Search the networks you enjoy and see if your colleagues and contacts are using those networks. LinkedIn is a natural fit for professional use, but you could be surprised to find an active Twitter chat or Google+ hangout. Create amazing profiles. You wouldnt go to a networking event without getting dressed, would you? Likewise, dont start stepping out on social media until youve put together profiles and bios that articulate your value proposition. People should easily understand what you offer when they click through to learn more about you. Post useful content. Be a resource to your community. While you want to feature your story and your skills, be sure youre providing value to the people who follow you. Dont share too much self-referential information, and make a point to pay attention to what interests your community the most. What goes viral (is most popular) in groups where you are a member? What attracts the most comments and shares? Put your researcher hat on and take action accordingly. Consider what hiring managers want to see. Jobvite’s survey said employers are looking for the following information when they check you out online: professional experience length of professional tenure industry-related posts mutual connections specific hard skills cultural fit examples of work Illustrate your passion for the work. Illustrate your commitment by keeping up with the news affecting your business. This is easy to do via social media tools. Be active.  Dont dabble fully commit! If you see a community you think is worth your time, jump in with both feet and get engaged. Follow thought leaders and demonstrate how you belong among their ranks. Show that youre interested in company profiles of organizations where you might want to work, too. Demonstrate good judgement. Show you know better than to spout off on social about something that bothers you. Illustrate what you know about your field, dont use your social media feeds as a complaint outlet.  Jobvite’s Social Recruiting Survey featured a number of items particularly irksome to employers. Numbers represent the percentage of employers bothered by the item: illegal drug mentions: 83 percent sexual posts: 70 percent poor spelling and grammar: 66 percent profanity: 60 percent guns: over 50 percent mentions relating to alcohol: 44 percent political updates 17 percent Get my free white paper:  5 Mistakes Preventing You From Landing a Job This Week   Read the whole post on  Vault.com. Get my book: Vault Guide to Networking