Tax Time Happy Returns from the Job Search

Tax Time Happy Returns from the Job SearchTax Time Happy Returns from the Job SearchDig out those job-search receipts If you shelled out for resume preparation, employment agency fees or interview-related travel in 2009, you might see some of that money come back to you.Her husband is an aeronautical engineer. They moved from Texas to Connecticut, wzu siche he found work with a defense contractor. She, however, worked in what has become one of the hardest hit sectors in the recession financial services.Obviously, finding a job in her new state wouldnt be easy. Neither, apparently, was doing her taxes, since she didnt have a firm grasp of what job-search expenses she could deduct. And the woman in question was passing up easy opportunities for deductions, said Theodore D. Lanzaro Jr., a certified public accountant and managing partner of Lanzaro CPA, in Connecticut, who helped the woman prepare her tax return.She had had a lot of obvious stuff, like driving to an interview, phone call s, prepping her resume, but she didnt have deductions for talking to a career counselor. She paid somebody $250 for career counseling. Thats deductible, but she didnt know that. She didnt know she could deduct newspapers and magazines she bought to look for jobs.The more they talked about how she was going about finding a job, Lanzaro said, the more deductions they found she could take. Lanzaro and his associates discovered several thousand dollars in Internal Revenue Service deductions the woman would have willingly paid, had she never asked.Shes not alone, said Lanzaro and tax experts who spoke to Ladders. The line between a deductible eintrag and a taxable purchase is not clear. The money you spent to have your resume rewritten is tax deductible, but the money spent on a new business suit is probably not.To help clarify the issue, Ladders asked accountants and tax preparation experts to evaluate the tax liability of some of the most common job-search expenses. In all cases, job s eekers should consult a tax professional for authoritative advice on their individual cases, but the advice that follows can help you determine some of the best guidelines to follow when considering purchases that could be tax deductible.Who is eligible?Many job seekers arent even aware they qualify to deduct job-search expenses on their taxes. They assume deductions are reserved for the unemployed. Not so, said Bob Meighan, CPA and vice president at TurboTax. The IRS allows anyone, employed or not, to deduct some of the cost of finding a job from his final tax bill. The limits apply to what kind of job youre looking for and your individual expenses.In short, your job search must be in the same line of work in which you are currently or were most recently employed, he said. It should also be at a similar level of responsibility with duties similar to those of your most recent job. If you havent held a job in that trade or business for an extended length of time, your job search will be considered for a new trade or business, and your deductions may not be allowed.Recent college graduates should bear in mind behauptung qualifications If you held a college internship or valid job while in college and your search is for a job in the same trade or business, you will be able to deduct job search expenses. Otherwise, it is a new trade under IRS rules.Whats OK to deduct?Some of the most common tax deductions associated with a job search include1. Employment agency/career coaching fees. If you paid for a career coach or used an employment agency, most of the charges are tax deductible. If your employer paid for such services, you may actually have a tax liability. ( See the attached worksheet.)2. Resume preparation. This includes using a professional resume writer, paper, printing and postage.3. Round-trip travel to job interviews. That includes airfare, meals (at 50 percent) and lodging (actual expenses only). For your 2009 return, you can deduct 55 cents per mile fo r driving to and from interviews. In 2010, this deduction will drop to 50 cents per mile. Be warned If you combine a vacation with a trip to conduct an interview, you could get into trouble with the IRS.4. Advertising for a job, such as in the job wanted column of your local newspaper.5. Newspapers and periodicals purchased to search through employment ads.6. Phone charges incurred when setting up interviews.7. Education leistungspunkts for tuition, related fees and books are generally tax deductible. There are two education tax credits of which you should be aware the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.The American Opportunity Credit gives credit up to $2,500 per student for postsecondary education. It breaks down to 100 percent of the first $2,000 of expenses, and then 25 percent of the next $2,000, said Melissa Labant, a tax expert with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In order to claim the entire $2,500 credit, youd spend a total of $4,000 in education expenses. This credit is more generous than others in that it not only covers tuition, but covers books and related fees as well.Note that married couples filing jointly can get 100 percent of the American Opportunity Credit if their combined income is $160,000 or less, making it widely available to middle-class taxpayers, Labant said.Graduate-level classes typically fall under the Lifetime Learning Credit, she said. This credit covers individuals paying qualified tuition and related expenses at a postsecondary, eligible educational institution. The IRS site points out that unlike the Hope Scholarship Credit, students are not required to be enrolled at least half-time in one of the first two years of postsecondary education.

How Birchboxs CEO Handles Advice From Others - The Muse

How Birchboxs CEO Handles Advice From Others - The MuseHow Birchboxs CEO Handles Advice From OthersIm the queen of second opinions. I cant buy a pair of jeans without sending a mirror selfie to someone else to get more input, I refuse to book a hotel without checking at least three different review sites, and I still struggle to send tricky emails without first running them by someone else on my team. Because of this, Ive ended up buying pants that I hate two weeks later, or staying at a hotel that wasnt my vibe, or writing an email that didnt really sound like me, all because someone else told me to. So, recently Ive made it my goal to seek out advice with the goal of making the most educated decision, rather than seek it out to get my decision.Which is why when I spoke to Katia Beauchamp, the CEO and founder of Birchbox, a subscription service for beauty products, about her ultimate life mantra, I was thrilled to hear she lived by the same philosophyMy best advice is to seek advice . All the time, you should ask people about their experiences and how they weigh options and pick paths forward. I made the mistake early on of not spending enough time doing this. Why? Because I was busy, for one, and because it invited so many different opinions and ideas- it made my head spin. Ive since realized that its not about bringing someone in to actually get an answer. This is about gathering as much perspective as possible, and it should never stop. It is about learning all the time it is the only way to speed up the journey of developing an even deeper sense of and instinct for what you are doing. Outside ideas are there for you to consider, to think about, and question whether you want to take pieces of themit is up to you to use them to shape your vision, beliefs, and drivers. Many people talk about information overload and decision fatigue. But like Beauchamp, I choose to believe theres another side to the coin- receiving options is liberating, with the right mindset .As she explains, asking for someone elses advice isnt about getting the right answer out of them. Rather, its about adding perspective to your current situation so you can choose the right answer for you.So, how can you ensure a second opinion doesnt cloud your judgement? Consider these two things before reaching outWhat part of your decision are you unwavering on? What part of your decision are you unsure about?Going back to the jeans example, I may be certain that I want them in a dark wash, but unsure whether I should go with ripped or classic. So, when I ask for a second opinion, I can ask them what they think about the style to steer them toward helping me make that decision.The same thing goes for career advice. People may throw ideas out there for the kind of job you should have, the kind of path you should take, the kind of responsibilities you should own, or the kinds of decisions you should make. You can let it overwhelm you, or you can pick and choose what you want to fa ctor in, and let everything else kiste to the wayside.It seems silly, but its truly that simple. Once you see others advice as something you can take rather than something you have to take, the pressures off, and you can make decisions that align with your values.As Beauchamp says, this will only help you develop stronger internal instincts- and ultimately a better sense of who you are.

6 email mistakes youre making (and how to fix them)

6 emaille mistakes youre making (and how to fix them)6 email mistakes youre making (and how to fix them)Last week I posted on my social networks asking people to share their email pet peeves. I expected a few responses, since who doesnt want an opportunity to vent? What I did notlage expect welches such a passionate response with very specific details about what irks everyone beyond measure.If youre wondering if your own emails are annoying, its fine to ask your friends or colleagues for their input. I believe the only way we can become better at what we do is by paying constant attention to the feedback we receive, said Liviu Tanase, CEO of ZeroBounce. Asking others what you could improve in your email technique shows modesty and the desire to listen and learn. Thats a great starting point for progress. But dont randomly try to correct the egregious email techniques of others Offering unsolicited advice is always tricky, Tanase offers, but if its someone you care about, there are d elicate ways to suggest an improvement. Use your best judgment.This article could easily have been called 600 Of the Extremely Annoying Things You Do on Email and Must Stop Immediately, but for the purposes of brevity and clarity, Ive whittled down the list to six of the worst offenders.In no particular orderYou hit reply allTheres a point in every email chain where the group share must stop. In fact, the vast majority of email chains should not include everyone in every department youve ever worked with. Heres a good rule of thumb pretend that those copied on the chain will invoice you for your time - much as a high-priced attorney might. Would you still copy them on the memo about the frosting on the cupcakes at the company picnic? Probably not.You use text speakPlease dont. Unless its your BFF, leave the cutesy text acronyms for those youre sure willunderstand them. Nothing looks less professional than a business email rich with ur kk andYou rambleThen ramble some more They say that time is money, so including dozens of superfluous details in an email keeps people from doing their actual jobs. If you have a lot to say, try to break up each point into short readable sections. If you have too much to say, send yourself a copy of your very important email first and then scan through for readability before hitting send.You send a DM when you should email/You email when you should send a DMPersonally, I hate it when random strangers try to pitch me using social media. While I love to engage with others online, I prefer it to be measured in increments and not pressured. For me at least, sending an email means I can filter it and save for future reference. My very busy friend Eugene is quite the opposite and loathes email. If you need to reach him urgently, Facebook messenger or similar is his stay in touch method of choice. The takeaway lesson here? Find out if the person youre in touch with even uses email, and if not, their preferred communications method.You neglect to properly define yourself or your companyNever assume that the person on the receiving end knows who you are and what you do. Youre probably best off using a loose formula when it comes to initial or early contacts. Tanase says in personal or strictly business email, There are some basic guidelines we all know and should follow. And a lot has to do with the image youve created for yourself or your organization. Does your company have a more serious approach in the way it communicates? Then use the saatkorn tone of voice whether youre sending a blast or a one on one email. Have you always infused your communication with lots of personality? Tanase says Dont be afraid to do the same in your emails. But, theres a fine line between having personality and coming across as unprofessional. Make sure you dont cross that line.You send out emails no one cares aboutI dont have any handy statistics about the bazillion people we encounter over a lifetime, but its definitely a lot. Nev er assume that someone knows or remembers you or your company. More than that, never assume they want to hear from you. And if you do randomly write, try to offer them something - knowledge, a laugh, a business tidbit they probably missed. Tanase says Billions of people around the world are using email to communicate. Its fast, efficient, and has turned into an incredible revenue generator for businesses of all sizes. Speaking of unsolicited advice, if theres one I would give, it would be to take good care of your email list. Its your number one asset and its hygiene makes a crucial impact on your email marketing ROI.

What You Need to Know About Accounting Automation

What You Need to Know About Accounting AutomationWhat You Need to Know About Accounting AutomationFinance functions are increasing the use of accounting automation where it makes the fruchtwein sense. The goal is to boost efficiencies and align with digital transformation initiatives, either in the accounting and finance functions themselves, in the broader business, or both.But this is just a start, as technology continues to advance. Accounting professionals at all levels need to be ready for whatever happens next.Heres more about how automation and other technologies are revolutionizing finance and accounting work, as well as what you can do to stay relevant if youre an accounting employee or job seeker.Accounting automation trendsRobert Halfs new report, Jobs and AI Anxiety, explores how technologies like cloud computing, software robots and virtual reality are already transforming workplaces. The future will see many more automation applications that will have an effect on tradi tional finance jobs. Some of the technologies that will disrupt accounting include the followingRobotic process automation (RPA) - If youve ever written a macro in Excel, then you understand the basis of RPA, which focuses on automating repetitive tasks. Modern RPA tools like Kofax and Blue Prism are extremely powerful and can be used to automate even the most complex processes.Natural language processing (NLP) - NLP focuses on bridging the communication gap between menschenfreundlichs and machines. It turns documents and speech into structured data and enables computers to speak or write in a way that sounds natural.Artificial intelligence (AI) - Were a long way from developing AI that thinks like humans, as popularized in films such as 2001 A Space Odyssey and The Matrix. Today, work in the field of AI focuses on copying human decision-making processes and executing jobs in human ways. For example, some financial firms use AI to assess risk or detect fraud.Machine learning (ML) - ML, a close cousin to AI, allows software to edit itself so it keeps improving without human intervention. The software does this by analyzing vast quantities of data, identifying patterns and using these insights to improve future performance. ML is a potent way for machines to learn and adapt over time.SEARCH ACCOUNTING JOBSHow will automation impact accounting?On the road from manual work to full automation, there will be a few intermediate stages. To use a past example, take banking reconciliation. Previously, reconciliation had to be completed manually, but then tools were created that allowed data to be imported from your firms bank and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, reducing the manual work necessary. Many of these tools still require some human intervention, such as when theres a data conflict. However, they are improving, and reconciliations are now completely automated in some offices.As accounting automation continues to take over some of the individual du ties traditionally the province of finance professionals, here are some of the tasks it is likely to affectRoutine tasks - Number-crunching is the most obvious candidate for automation. Any job that involves following an algorithm - calculating depreciation, for example - can be automated using existing RPA tools.Compliance - While accountants will still need an excellent understanding of compliance, most key controls can be automated. ML can help improve the efficacy of automated key controls, ensuring there are no costly compliance breaches.Customer interaction - The human touch cant be automated, but NLP can help. NLP allows for the computerization of some customer interactions, from chatbots to contract and document preparation.Strategy - Strategic thinking requires both analysis, where AI excels, and creativity, which is almost exclusively human. Further down the line, this might be an area dominated by what is referred to as symbiotic computing. Symbiotic computing is th e process of people and AI working together as partners to create the best possible results.What can you do to keep your career moving forward?Its unlikely software or robotic finance professionals will completely replace humans any time soon. However, accountants who want to future-proof their careers will increasingly need to work with automated tools to deliver the best possible service. The following skills can help you thrive in a world of increasing accounting automationData analytics - The ability to work with large datasets is becoming a vital skill in all sectors. This requires a knowledge of common reporting tools and experience with cloud-based ERPs.Creativity and strategic thinking - Automation has a tendency to over-standardize matters, which is problematic. Clients will still want to work with finance professionals who can anticipate unique opportunities and plan for all eventualities.Emotional intelligence - This is paramount to any individuals success in the accou nting profession. You need to build rapport with clients, earn their trust and pick up on the nuances of what theyre telling you. Existing AIs cannot provide clients with the same level of trust and empathy people can.Communication - Excellent writing and speaking abilities will always be valued by employers. They enhance customer services and are crucial for cross-departmental collaboration, especially during ongoing digital transformation projects.As long as you stay abreast of changes and keep your skills fresh, accounting automation probably isnt going to be a major threat to your career success. When you focus on how you can work with these innovations and use them to your firms advantage, you can actually advance your career.Learn more about how new technology will affect accounting jobs in our Jobs and AI Anxiety report.

Auditor Resume for Dummies

Auditor Resume for Dummies Certifications can be quite a powerful portion of a resume in some situations, a certification or two can set you head and shoulders over the competition. The capacity to communicate and interact is an essential quality. The auditor should have the capability to remain standing for four hours at one time, be in a position to bend and stoop and utilize safety ladders. In all instances, on-the-job training is given with employment. Auditor Resume and Auditor Resume - The Perfect Combination Membership of the Chartered IIA has to be maintained as a way to use the CIA designation, and CIAs are expected to maintain their understanding and abilities through continuing expert education (CPE). Internal auditing gives a very good comprehension of an organisation and the way that it works and also builds some key transferable skills. Once an auditor has opted to pursue a career in IT auditing, they must pick from a broad array of ever-evolving technology abi lities and certifications. It is crucial to note, however, that an external auditor isnt necessarily involved with the detection of fraud. Working hours are generally normal schreibstube hours. Candidates must have eight decades of on-the-job knowledge in at least one of the regions of the Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge. Accounting Clerk Resume Your accountancy abilities and strengths should be displayed in a user-friendly format. The Foolproof Auditor Resume Strategy A business that has a more complicated delivery process may decide to go for freight invoice verification. Your resume serves as your very first introduction to prospective employers and can figure out whether or not you will progress in the application procedure. If you presently have an Objective Statement and youre struggling for more room, you should think about removing it from the resume. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. Resume examples are important, but your resume can be turned into even better when youve got a better knowledge of the way to compose your own distinct document. Make your resume expert summary from the most effective few bits. 1 A resume summary is a brief, snappy introduction paragraph that gives you a summary of your very best work. The narrative format lets you control the information which you provide. You may also add your goals for the position, including how you intend to leave an effect on the organization. Career development prospects are helped if youre flexible and can relocate. In spite of no experience, you still ought to show experience. My latest experience is as an auditor for a big worldwide company based in Japan, working with different subsidiaries in the united states and Mexico as well. Get the Scoop on Auditor Resume Before Youre Too Late Bosses want to inform their subordinates what to do and the best way to do it. Night auditors stay available at the front desk to react to overnight eme rgencies. They should be well-groomed with an excellent skill in customer service. Know what it requires to develop into an auditor. Tell him or her why you made a decision to begin a career for a Night Auditor. Duties may differ based on the facility dimensions but the principal job for night auditors is handling accounting duties at the close of the day. 1 general weakness of lots of resumes, is they include a laundry list of job duties as opposed to accomplishments. Theres no harm in attaching a 2 x two headshot provided that its professionally done. Granted employing an expert service is somewhat more expensive, however once you consider it could get you into your dream job, the price is minimal. In order to raise your odds of getting work in internal audit, its highly recommended to find work experience. Show you have a passion for the new area and have been taking every chance to come up with your abilities. Telling someone you managed a huge project is excellent. Ma ybe youve employed your listening skills to fully grasp how you are able to employ your understanding and experience to enhance the operation of others on your team still attempting to learn the ropes. Great communication abilities and the capacity to work well with people at all levels are indispensable. What You Need to Know About Auditor Resume Your measurable achievements ensure it is real. Ideally, it should incorporate both essential skills and preferred aptitudes so that you find applicants that are fully capable and know what is necessary to be effective in the position. As you dont have experience, youll need to emphasize your abilities and educational accomplishments. You dont require experience to get achievements.

What Is So Fascinating About The Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job.?

What Is So Fascinating About The Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job.? Theres no need to fear the dearth of qualified experience on your resume. You cant compose a productive rsum for those who have zero work target. A superb aim is specific and measurable. An organizations primary goal in hiring is to discover a capable, talented individual that may reflect the corporations values in their work. Dont neglect to include any exceptional training youve completed or appropriate coursework. Ideally, you should choose the qualifications which are most relevant to the position for which youre applying. Following that, writing an overview of your qualifications like your educational attainment and the essential skills needed in the position needs to be performed. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the substantial cost saving in comparison to traditional hiring methods. Actually, a seasoned writer can get the job done much faster than any student as theyve bee n writing academic assignments during their entire life. Utilizing action verbs in resume writing is as simple as any other kind of writing, so long as you know what things to include and what things to look for. Even if youre requested to write down a story about the statement of purpose, that doesnt mean that you need to pen down thesis. There are various tips in writing resumes that you could follow to create a resume which is among a sort that will entice the interest of your employers. Writing a resume can be somewhat intimidating if you are a newcomer to job hunting or whether youre job looking for a while with little if any results. To do this, you have to be purposeful about your work. Your work is to advertise yourself to prospective employers through your resume. Then decide which will be contained beneath their various work in the Experience section of the resume. A great objective is one to which you are totally committed. Among the dominant themes embedded in a number of the written exercises was the significance of establishing career targets and planning how to implement them. The function of the career objective isnt to tell the hiring manger what you would like to escape from the provider. Rather, it is to showcase your skills and abilities that will help you to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job. Game The ways about how to write an outstanding statement of purpose is defined below. The problem was, I might get a word between questions. The goal of your resume is to create the reader want to vorstellungsgesprch you. In addition, the purpose supporting the work will be fruitful. Choosing Good Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job. The very first portion of your resume should include your contact information and numerous qualifications that you desire to highlight. In that circumstance, its more important to stick to the instructions on the work listin g. Gather a well-organized file of all of the info you must create a good resume. Some personal information besides the contact details should also be included, even though they arent that important. The Demise of the Purpose of Writing a Rsum Is to Get a Job. To assist you compose a perfect letter, have a peek at the points given below that tell you just how to compose a cover letter. A strong cover letter is able to make your application stick out from the crowd.

Indeed Resume Reviews & Tips

Indeed Resume Reviews & Tips Life After Indeed Resume One just should type in the details for the type of resumes one is searching for, on different search engines and he receives a lot of search effects. There are a number of search tactics that allow you to seek out the right resumes. As job search sites have a tendency to be free services, the info found in your resume (that can be easily found other places, like in a phonebook) is not sufficient to tischset you in danger. The Boolean search allows you to rapidly hunt for resumes employing different search combinations. A resume builder service is a means to acquire expert help with one of the most significant documents which you will should get the job of your dreams. To boost your probability of locating the interview, youll need to at all times customize your work application predicated on which then template has become the most appropriate to use. The aim of the resume builder is to offer an easy to follow template that permits the building of an ideal resume across a wide selection of industry types. There are lots of elements, which ought to be maintained when building the resume. There are a large selection of resumes listed on Craigslist. Contact information also has to be given in the resume so the employer can contact you when required. Resumes are important to folks who want to construct each of their careers. By highlighting the essential points it becomes much easier for the interviewer to understand the applicants strong points. Then its an easy job for locating a job. One of the absolute most immediate ways of coping with sudden job loss is to concentrate on the future, not the past. Losing your work may hit hard, but taking adequate actions to deal with your emotional and mental well-being in the very first instance will go a ways towards supporting you in making a positive future expert journey. There are different kinds of internships which exist, depending upon your c apabilities, skills and passion. Second, you receive an inside look into an area of work youre interested in, assisting you to earn that career path a bit less sketchy. In case you havent been in the position to need to update your resume in the previous couple of years, than you are among the lucky ones. In case you have any hobby thats pertinent to the work position, then its a fantastic idea to mention it in your resume. In a couple of seconds, the work board has captured your resume. Resume objectives could be a bit controversial. Only relevant and necessary information should be offered in the resume, as stated by the requirements of the job. That means you wont need to be worried about the format when making job specific resume. Make certain you pick a curriculum vitae format thats suitable for the position youre applying for. Also, be eager to modify the manner that you operate to better meet your targets or to stay informed about the ever evolving business world. You r skills are tasks youve performed before. The very best method is to select the assistance of Resume builder for writing a resume so you will not loose the work prospect. Work history or expert experience is among the most crucial section of your resume. Focus One important piece that a resume builder can assist you with is obtaining a focus on your targets. When youre writing your resume, it is necessary to include information which is pertinent to the job. Resume writing tips allow you to understand the appropriate techniques of resume writing. Owning an online resume or an on-line portfolio can truly separate you from the customary crowd applying for employment. Indeed Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone When youre searching for work, dont rely on just one method to locate jobs. Resumes are well known to play an essential role in presenting a better impression before the employer. Applying with the work targeted resume for each job is a superb practice rather than sending sa me resume for each and every job. If you would like to coach at the high school or college degree, you will most likely require a four year degree. Finally, you can create your resume private which means that it wont be searchable by employers. An employer doesnt wish to learn about the part time job of the employee but only wish to understand about the abilities and experience specifically field. If he or she cannot be able to understand the resume, then you can be sure you will not get the job.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for New ASME Award

Nominations Now Being Accepted for New ASME Award Nominations Now Being Accepted for New ASME Award Nominations Now Being Accepted for New ASME Award The ASME Committee on Honors is currently accepting applications for a new ASME Award, the Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Award, which recognizes a senior researcher who has made a significant contribution to the sciences and technologies associated with adaptive structures or materials systems. The nomination deadline for the inaugural award, which will be presented next year, is Oct. 1.The Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Award is intended to honor a lifetime of achievement and sustained impact in the field. The award consists of a $2,000 honorarium, a vermeil medal, and a certificate. The award recipient will also be asked to give a plenary lecture at the annual Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems. To download a nomination form, or for instructions on how to complete the for m, visit www.asme.org/about-asme/honors-awards/achievement-awards/adaptive-structures-material-systems-award. Completed nomination forms and reference letters should be e-mailed in a single PDF file to Norman M. Wereley, the Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Award Committee chair, at wereleyumd.edu. To learn more about the ASME Honors and Awards program, visit www.asme.org/about-asme/get-involved/honors-awards. If you have questions about the new Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Award, contact Fran McKivor, Honors and Fellows, at mckivorfasme.org.

Geographer - Job Duties, Requirements, and Earnings

Geographer - Job Duties, Requirements, and EarningsGeographer - Job Duties, Requirements, and EarningsA geographer studies the land, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of a platz or area of the earth. This social scientist may use what he or she learns through this research to help governments and businesses plan where to build homes and roads, how to respond to disasters, and what marketing strategies to use. Sometimes called GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Specialists or Scientists, geographers can specialize in several different areas of study, but most people who work in this field are physical or human geographers. A physical geographer studies the physical aspects of a particular region while a human geographers focus is on the effect human activities, including economic activities, social characteristics, and political organization, have on that area. Quick Facts Geographers median annual salary is $76,860 (2017).1,500 people work in this occupation (2016)A little o ver half of all geographers work for theFederal government. Architectural and engineering firms and state governments employ some.They usually have full-time jobs and work during regular business hours.The job outlookfor this occupation is good with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting job growth that is as fast as the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. However, given how few people work in this field, this growth wont amount to many job openings. Roles and Responsibilities It is important to know what your job duties will be before you decide whether to pursue this career. We took a look at job announcements onIndeed.comand learned that geographers Utilize GIS tools to perform data mining and research, and to assess, integrate, manipulate, exploit, extract, and analyze digital imagery, geospatial databases, and various sourcesUse imagery, intelligence reports, and knowledge of the Agencys research library holdings to complete various assignmentsCollab orate with coworkers to exploit, analyze, report, and disseminate information for the benefit of decision makersMaintain current knowledge of relevant technologies and subject areasPerform quality reviews to ensure geospatial and content accuracy The Downside of This Career Travel is a big part of geographers lives as their research often takes them to the regions they are studying. If you dont like traveling, particularlyinternationally and sometimes to very remote places, this may not be the right career for you. How to Become a Geographer Entry-level, as well as most Federal government jobs in geography, require only a bachelors degree. You will generally need a masters degree in geography or geographic information systems (GIS) for more advanced positions, especially those in the private sector.If you have your eye on a faculty position at a college or university, get ready to earn a doctoral degree. Because there are few jobs in this occupation, not everyone who gradua tes with a degree in geography can find work as a geographer. Should you want to use your degree to pursue other options, there are other occupations that will make good use of your knowledge. Your bachelors or masters degree will also prepare you to become asurveyor, urban or regional planner, geoscientist, or cartographer. WhatSoft SkillsDo You Need to Succeed in This Career? Analytical SkillsAs a geographer, you will have to analyze large quantities of data.Critical Thinking The ability to think critically will allow you to decide what data to collect and the methods to use to analyze it. You will then use the findings to solve problems.Writing and Presentation Skills Part of your job will involve writing and presenting your research to clients or colleagues.Communication Skills Since geographers often collaborate with colleagues, you must have excellent listening and speaking skills. WhatWill Employers ExpectFrom You? Here are some requirements from actual job announcemen ts found onIndeed.com Be a self-starter, be able to work alone, yet be able to share information with team members and customers in a timely mannerExceptional customer service orientationDemonstrated experience in creating visual aids (graphs, charts, etc.) and drafting, editing, and proofreading documents for publishingHighly accurate data entry skillsAble to translate technical concepts into laymans terms Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? Consider your interests,personality type, andwork-related valueswhen choosing a career.Do aself assessmentto learn about your traits. If you have the following ones, think about becoming a geographer Interests(Holland Code) IRA (Investigative, Realistic, Artistic)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) INTP, ENFP, INTJ, ISTP, INFPWork-Related Values Independence, Achievement, Working Conditions Related Occupations DescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2017)Minimum Required Education/TrainingAnthropologistStudies the origin, development, an d behavior of human beings$62,280Masters Degree in AnthropologyEconomistCollects and analyzes data in order to learn about the distribution of resources, goods, and services$102,490Masters or Doctoral Degree in EconomicsHistorianStudies historical documents to learn about the past$59,120Masters or Doctoral Degree in History Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited November 12, 2018).

Daily Job-Search Tips You Can Do Now to Help Your Career in the New Year

Daily Job-Search Tips You Can Do Now to Help Your Career in the New Year Daily Job-Search Tips You Can Do Now to Help Your Career in the New Year Ramp up Your Job Search Before the New Year With These Daily Tips Start off 2018 the right way with these daily job-search tips. 2017 may be coming to a close, but there's still time to set yourself up for job-search success in the new year. With just a few small tasks, you can take advantage of the holidays and keep your career moving forward, even while you celebrate the holidays. Not sure how? We've created a list of steps you can take to advance your job search as you enter the new year. Complete one of these steps each day and you'll start off 2018 armed and ready to take on the professional world. Practice your elevator pitch on family members Instead of dreading your relatives' questions about your career or ongoing job search, try taking advantage of the situation to practice your elevator pitch. In 30 seconds or less, explain to your relatives how you're currently exploring job opportunities in [industry] that would allow me to leverage my [skills] and [education or other professional development efforts]. Then, follow up this statement by asking your loved ones if they know anyone who works in the industry, at the company, or within the field you're interested in. You're not asking about job opportunities that is, unless one of your relatives is in the unique position to provide that type of information. Rather, you're looking for introductions to people in their network with whom you can set up informational interviews. Send season's greetings to your professional network The holidays are a great time to reconnect with your professional network. Whether it's with an email, an e-card, or a traditional card, wish your contacts a very Happy New Year! in a way that will benefit your job-search efforts. Your message can be adapted for networking connections and those you've met while interviewing for positions, in addition to your friends and family. Use this opportunity to update your professional networking contacts on what you've been doing with regards to your job search, and, if you're addressing someone at a company you want to work at, restate your interest in working at their organization, should the right position open in the future. Get a free resume review If you've decided to take a break from the job search during the holiday season, you're not alone. However, instead of completely abandoning your job search, there are a few small things you can do during this lull that can make a big difference when you ramp up your efforts in January. Start by getting a free resume review from a professional resume-writing service like TopResume so you know where you stand and how much work you may need to do to get your resume in shape for a serious job hunt. Related:5 Signs You Need a Professional Resume Review Invest in your career success If your New Year's resolutions include finding a new job, changing careers, or finally getting that promotion at work, consider signing up for a class in 2018 that will help you build the skills you need to make that career resolution a reality. I recently shared 12 affordable online courses with Business Insider that will help you advance your career. If you have a specific skill or tool in mind that you'd like to master, check out sites like Udemy, Envato Tuts+, General Assembly, Coursera, edX, GoSkills, Lynda.com, and SkillShare, to name a few, to find out if there's a way for you to develop those skills on your own time. Increase your industry know-how with a podcast Will you be stuck in a car, on a train, or some other means of transportation while traveling for the holidays? Turn that downtime into an opportunity to increase your knowledge and boost your motivation. Listen to a podcast or TED Talk from an expert in your industry or a motivational speaker that will pump you up for the new year ahead! Related:5 Must-Watch Motivational TED Talks Exchange that ugly sweater for something useful for your career Instead of regifting that unwanted present, see if you can exchange it for something that can benefit your career. From briefcases to interview outfits, there are a number of holiday presents available that can help you advance you reach your career goals in 2018. And, if you have any relatives asking for last-minute gift ideas, send them this list of gift ideas for job seekers. I especially love the collection of stress-relief presents included in this roundup. Store your resume in the cloud If a recruiter or hiring manager asks for your resume, don't make them wait until you're in front of a computer to reply. Save a copy of your professional resume and any other important job-search documents on a site like Dropbox, iCloud, Box, or Google Docs and download their app to your phone so you can bring your files anywhere and easily share them while on the go. Build or update your brag book Before the new year is upon us, take stock of everything you did and achieved over the past 365 days. Then, pull out your brag book and log your accomplishments. If you haven't taken the time to create a brag book in the past, now's your chance. Not only will this document help you prepare for your upcoming performance review, but it's also an incredibly valuable file to have, should you decide to ask for a raise or explore new job opportunities. Click on the following link to learn how to create a brag book for your career. Bonus career tip: Stay in the know Whether you're happily employed or itching to find something new, it's important to keep a pulse on the job market and the latest job-search best practices. Stay in the know by signing up for TopResume's free weekly newsletter and following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram so you're constantly picking up fresh job-search tips and career help to keep your career moving in the right direction. Click on the following link to access more career advice. Find out if your resume is ready for the job hunt. Request a free resume review today! Recommended Reading: 5 Ways to Get Your News Headlines in a Hurry Webinar: Personal Branding for Your Career Goals 5 Surefire Networking Tips to Rock Any Company Party

I ate (and cooked) like a Parisian for a week and heres what I learned

I ate (and cooked) like a Parisian for a week and here's what I learned I ate (and cooked) like a Parisian for a week and here's what I learned Like almost every young woman, I have long been fascinated with the French lifestyle. The romance, the fashion, the food, the passion (no rhyme intended). It was my language class of choice in high school and college, I watched classic French cinema, I studied abroad in Paris. Striped shirts, trench coats, and black ballet flats were closet staples. I tried - and am still trying - to pull off a silk scarf tied around the neck.One aspect of my life I somehow  hadn’t  applied the coveted French influence to was one of their most sacred pastimes: cooking. Besides mimicking my Parisian picnics by picking up a baguette, wedge of Brie, and an apple and traipsing over to a New York City park, I hadn’t delved into any of Julia Child’s books or tried my hand at  coq au vin. But as I’ve become more of an experienced home cook and meal plan week by week, I decided to try deep-diving into French foodie culture by cooking like the Parisians do all week long.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!F ollow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!I chose Rachel Khoo’s  The Little Paris Kitchen  as my main inspiration, mostly because I already had it on my shelf and had been happy with its recipes the few times I used it. Also, my own cooking life may as well be called,  The Little New York City Kitchen. Khoo studied at Le Cordon Bleu and cooked and baked in Paris culinary bookstore and tea salon, La Cocotte, for many years. She believes “French flavors and techniques needn’t be out of reach of the everyday home cook,” and does all of her recipe testing from the tiny kitchen in her Paris apartment “with just a mini oven and two gas rings”- so it felt quite accessible too.The book is divided into certain categories of cooking, and I used recipes mostly out of the “Everyday Cooking” and “Snack Time (Le Goûter)” sections, since I didn’t want to go for big dinners too quickly and I was only co oking for one. Over the course of the week I made: ratatouille, crepes, savory tartines (open-faced sandwiches), gratin dauphinois with arugula salad and homemade vinaigrette, and croque madame “Muffins.”Here’s what I learned from cooking like a French person for a week, and what I plan to take into future weeks of my culinary (and general) life too!  1. Fresh is bestFrom breads to cheeses to meats to veggies, one aspect consistent throughout Khoo’s tips and recipes is to use fresh ingredients. She grinds fresh pepper, grates fresh nutmeg, and visits her neighborhood butcher, farmer’s market, and fromagerie (cheese shop) to source ingredients. Though of course produce is a bit limited this time of year, I made an effort to get as fresh as possible, and also got any bread ingredients from my local bakery, which made a huge difference in taste.2. Keep it simpleThe recipes I made, as well as the others featured in the book, did not have a long list of ingredients, or even com plicated cooking instructions and techniques. The French believe in cooking simply, but cooking those simple items really  really  well. Though I didn’t do it perfectly, of course, the practice reminded me that you can make superb food and not necessarily be slaving over the stove for hours or using 10 different pots and pans. The ratatouille is really just a bunch of sliced vegetables, but roasted to caramelized bliss. The tartines are toasted bread with either pear and ham, avocado and grapefruit, or butter and radish. The Croque Madames are just bread, ham, cheese, egg, and cream. Simple, but true home-cooked comfort.3. Shop localParis is full of small local businesses - there are local wine stores, butchers, cheese shops, outdoor produce markets, and my favorite and perhaps the most famous: the boulangerie (bakery). I don’t have quite all of these options in the city (though I do come close!), but I did buy a fresh loaf of French bread from my local bakery for the tartines, and besides being completely delectable, it was also nice to support a local business I enjoy. After all, one of my favorite parts of getting off the subway at the end of the day is smelling baked goods wafting through the air. Plus, it was practically the same price as a loaf of bread from the bakery section at my local grocery store, which is probably getting shipped in and doesn’t taste nearly as wholesome. Definitely something I’m going to remember for next time!4. Food is meant to be enjoyedOne of the constant reminders as I cooked - which can really fall to the wayside in everyday life - is that food is meant to be enjoyed. And nobody knows that quite as well as the French. Khoo even says it herself, that many traditions in France are based on “the opportunity to indulge oneself.”  I poured myself a glass of red wine every night, popped in some earbuds (since I have a roommate) with “La Boulanger” Pandora station playing, and got to chopping, or slicing, or boil ing, or whatever that night entailed. It made it a relaxing daily activity that helped me disconnect from my day even more - something you can take your time with and not take too seriously. Were my potatoes for the Gratin Dauphinois sliced in the same thickness so they cooked completely evenly? No, not at all. Did they still taste incredibly delicious when mixed with cream and butter and baked until golden brown? Mais, bien sûr.5. Treat yourself (literally)As in surround yourself with treats. I grabbed a  pain au chocolat  (mostly just known as a “chocolate croissant” here) and a  café au lait  from my local bakery in the morning for breakfast, and it was so luscious and indulgent that it instantly put me in a better mood for the day. I also picked up mini fruit tarts for dessert - since the French  always  eat dessert - and many of the meals required rich ingredients (butter and cream potatoes, white bread, cheese, etc). Though of course not the stereotypically “healthi est,” I was surprised by how much having a “treat” to look forward to really made me that much more excited for a meal on a mundane day, and therefore put in me a better mood for life in general.This article originally appeared on The Everygirl.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

The Professional Networking Document A Valuable Tool in Your Job Search

The Professional Networking Document A Valuable Tool in Your Job Search The Professional Networking Document A Valuable Tool in Your Job Search If youre wondering what a professional networking document is, youre probably not alone. Unlike a resume or professional bio, this is a different kind of marketing document for job search networking purposes. While the top part of your professional networking document resembles a resume, the bottom part explains to those with whom youre networking what youre pursuing, including: Position(s)Types of companiesSpecific target companies The bottom part is perhaps the most important part of your professional networking document. Where and how to utilize aprofessionalnetworkingdoc Use your professional networking document in a networking meeting or informational interview, in which you would slide it across the table to the person who has graciously agreed to meet with you to provide advice and possible leads. Just as the meeting is nearing the end, ask if the person wouldnt mind taking a glance at your professional networking document. Watch as she takes a look at your company target list. Youll see her study it and hopefully mention that she knows people at some of the companies. This is the start of something good. If you are a member of a buddy group, you can provide the other networkers a copy of your professional networking document. A buddy group is a better place to disseminate your document than to a larger, formal networking group, where participants wouldnt appreciate carrying a sheet of paper around. You can also send it to your network in an email. By doing this youll cover more ground, but its not the ideal way of distributing your professional networking document. Your goal is to get in front of people with your document in hand so you can discuss it with them. Howtowriteaprofessionalnetworkingdocument The top part of your professional networking document, as I mentioned above, resembles your resume. It is not your entire resume, as the document should not exceed one page. Only include the juiciest information on your resume. Following are the sections for a Sr. Director of New Business Developments professional networking document that would follow their name and contact information. ??? Sr. Director New Business Development Identify new global business development opportunities that garner growth and consistent revenue increases of 18% annually. Direct marketing strategy, creating new brand and product category offerings within their respective portfolios. Recognize industry trends leading to profitability added value. CORE COMPETENCIES New Business Development | Major Account Management | Marketing | Negotiations | Sales EXPERIENCE ABC, Anywhere, USA Sr. Director, New Business Development/Marketing/Sales (2009 â€" 2019)Directed a $200MM company that produced office management software primarily supporting Energy and Education. Emphasis on overall operations of five departments, continuous improvement, and revenue generation. Major highlights include: Initiated the designof three brands that dominated the US Northeast region and gained prominence in Western Europe. These brands remain the most popular for ABC. Trained inside sales and distributor sales staff in all aspects of selling, sales input and follow-through; leading to 80% increased sales for ABCs distributors.Implemented cross-sales plans between major education companies; consistent annual sales growth of an average of 18%. EDUCATION Babson College, Waltham, MAMasters of Science, Business Administration University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MABachelor’s of Science, Marketing, Minor in Communications ??? The bottom part is perhaps the most important part of your professional networking document because it gives your networking partners a sense of your goals. Someone who receives your document will have a better sense of how to help you than if you were to simply express your goals through conversation. ??? ROLES Director, VPNew Business Development | Sales/Marketing TYPE OF ORGANIZATIONS Entrepreneurial, innovative | mid- to large-sized organization | education or energy | within the USA TARGET COMPANIES Education: American Public Education | Archipelago Learning | Capella Education Company | Bridgepoint Education | Franklin Covey Company | Rosetta Stone Energy: 1366 Tech | Achates Power | Aemetis | AltaRock Energy | Aquion Energy | BrightSource Energy | Clean Energy Collective ??? The Target Companies section of your professional networking document is likely the most difficult to devise, yet it is the most valuable piece of the document. As mentioned above, this will hopefully spark an idea in people who receive your document. Imagine someone saying, AltaRock Energy. I know the VP of Marketing there. Here name is RoseAnn Johnston. A great woman. Give me a minute to get her contact information. Also Clean Energy Collective. I know the CEO there. We play golf. Your professional networking document can greatly enhance your networking efforts if written effectively and used in the proper circumstances. This document is not confined to executive-level job seekers; managers and individual contributors can also benefit from it. Bob McIntosh, CPRW, is a career trainer who leads more than 15 job search workshops at an urban career center. Job seekers and staff look to him for advice on the job search. Bob’s greatest pleasure is helping people find rewarding careers in a competitive job market.

Customize this Outstanding Communications Director Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Communications Director Resume Sample Customize this Outstanding Communications Director Resume Sample As a communications director, you know that any message is more effective when tailored for a specific audience. That’s why your resume needs to be written with a specific target in mind, using proven principles to create a message that presents you to hiring managers and recruiters in the best possible light. While it’s always helpful to follow guidelines and tips when crafting your resume, looking at actual resume samples, such as our communications director resume sample, can contextualize those tips and give you a great start on understanding how resume best practices impact your final document. If you need further help, our resume builder can walk you through the process of resume development, but first have a look through the sample to understand the result you should aim for.Create Resume Stanley Dulkowski100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell: (555) 987-1234example-email@example.comProfessional SummaryResponsible Communications Director with the ability to manage i nternal and external communications for any company or client. Successful history of working for a company or a firm, managing digital communications and establishing excellent media contacts. Works to achieve a harmonious work environment by properly managing communications.Core QualificationsCorporate Policy AdministrationDigital CommunicationsCommunications Process DevelopmentInformation Release CoordinationCommunications Team DevelopmentProject-Specific TrainingExperienceCommunications Director, September 2010 May 2015Brick Incorporated New Cityland, CAReviewed and approved all internal correspondence from the executive team.Worked with marketing manager to develop media correspondence.Revised several of the internal communications development policies.Communications Director, June 1998 July 2005Pilson Corporation New Cityland, CACollaborated with executive team to develop policies for review of internal correspondence.Created several critical policies regarding the posting of corporate information on the Internet.Managed and updated the companys media distribution list.Education1998 Masters Degree, CommunicationsGlendale Premier University New Cityland, CACustomize ResumeWhy Is This a Good Communications Director Resume Sample?This communications director resume sample has many selling points, but start by breaking it down into parts so you can understand how they come together into an effective document. The resume opens with a professional summary, offering a concise introduction to the jobseeker’s skills, including illustrating strengths such as digital communications and media relations. Showcasing these strengths can make a candidate shine in a competitive job market where specific skills are highly prized. This candidate also mentioned employment at both companies and firms, broadening the field of expertise and opening eligibility for a wider range of jobs.The core qualifications section serves two purposes. It gives readers a quick overview of essential skills, allowing jobseekers to make a strong impression in a single glance by listing skills critical to a communications director, such as corporate policy development and information release coordination. Its primary purpose, however, is to pass automated text scanners. These tools have become ubiquitous in screening applicants, and a strong list of keywords like the ones in the communications director resume sample can improve your match percentage and ensure your resume passes the next stage.Next, move on to the experience section. In the communications director resume sample, the experience section shows a stable career with long-term tenure of five years or more at each job. Duties are broken down into neat, easy-to-read bullets that use active language to pack the most punch in the shortest space possible. Note how this jobseeker avoids the kitchen sink approach and, rather than breaking down every facet, instead sticks to the most critical job functions that be st demonstrate his or her skills.Last is the education section. Whether you have advanced degrees or ongoing training, your education section is a brief but powerful way to show employers you’re committed to bettering yourself in your field. Keep it short and sweet, with only the relevant details needed.Why You Need a Strong Communications Director ResumeIn an age where reputation is everything, companies rely on their communications directors to protect their image and maintain their relationship with the public and stakeholders. This means they’ll only consider the best possible candidates for the job with little to no leeway for poor presentation or sloppily crafted resumes. Resumes like our communications director resume sample tell employers that you know how to present a compelling message in a positive light with clearly-structured information designed for easy reading and absorption. When seeking the best candidate, companies have little time to spend mining each resume for the information they’re looking for; the ideal resume should make that information easily accessible with the pertinent details front and center.Costly Communications Director Resume Mistakes to AvoidJust as negative information and poorly sourced facts can sink a press release, including negatives or incorrect information on your resume can sink your job search. Those aren’t the only pitfalls to avoid, though. There are a number of potential mistakes that could cost you the job of your dreams.One critical focus is your keywords. We don’t just mean the core qualifications section shown in the communications director resume sample, though this is vitally important and should be part of your keyword efforts. However, you should also integrate keywords into the body of your resume in both the opening summary and the professional experience section. The crucial thing here is to integrate those keywords seamlessly so that they’re presented in context rather than standing out like a sore thumb, awkwardly and obviously inserted. For a skilled communications director, this is just another subtle way to show how you can work the essentials smoothly into any message, while also improving your keyword density score for automated text scanners.ConclusionJust as you wouldn’t trust a major corporate IPO announcement to a newly-hired junior communications assistant, you shouldn’t trust your resume to anything but industry-proven best practices. Our communications director resume sample demonstrates those best practices, combining succinct, engaging writing in the professional summary, core qualifications, experience, and education sections to create a winning resume that truly conveys the message that you’re the best candidate for the job.

12 Job Descriptions Thatll Make You Want to Apply Today

12 Job Descriptions That'll Make You Want to Apply Today 12 Job Descriptions That'll Make You Want to Apply Today They say don’t judge a book by its cover - but sometimes, first impressions reveal a lot. Case in point: job descriptions. If you can’t even get excited about a job when you read a high-level summary of the position, how do you expect to maintain interest in the role several months out, let alone years? To help you cut through the tedium and get straight to the good stuff, we highlighted a few of the most exciting job descriptions out there today. But make sure to apply now - opportunities like these won’t last long! About the Company: “At Rhino Camera Gear, we create tools that enable filmmakers to create amazing films. If you’ve ever seen a movie with a guy pushing a big cart on a track, we make smaller more mobile versions of those. Our customers include Apple, Tesla, BBC, NBC, Red Bull Media House, and many more amazing content creators.” Job Description: “We’re looking for someone who is well rounded in photography, videography, design, and social media. Our marketing team is highly collaborative and moves fast on executing new campaigns and ideas. We try out new ideas constantly, learn from them and execute again… You will be a critical part in taking Rhino and [its] image to the next level in this position.” About the Company: “Tiger Analytics is an advanced analytics consulting firm enabling enterprises to generate business value from data. Today, we are the trusted data sciences and data engineering partner for several Fortune 100 companies, who are leaders in their respective industries. We bring deep expertise in marketing science, customer analytics, operations & planning analytics, and risk analytics.” Job Description: “In this role, you will work on some of the latest applications of data science to business. You will directly work with key client stakeholders to define the business problem and determine solution requirements. You will be responsible for ensuring business value and communicating results, making executive presentations, etc. If you are passionate to work on unstructured business problems that can be solved using data, we would like to talk to you.” About the Company: “Based in Boston, Lekker Home embodies a ‘design for living’ concept. Our European warm modern appeal caters to discerning household consumers and design professionals alike. As an independent and family-owned company, we take business personally. Our team is cohesive and adept, giving us the ability to be responsive to all of your needs. We foster an environment of employee empowerment whereby each team member is given the freedom to shape policy, enabling us to make decisions with our clients’ best interests in mind.” Job Description: “Lekker Home, an independent home décor retailer, is currently looking for a design-minded professional to join our team as a full-time sales associate in many different facets of our design store and business. This is an ideal position for an individual with a strong luxury sales background, and a passion for Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern design. We offer competitive extension healthcare options, 401k Retirement Plans, and more!” About the Company: “We’re a growing technology startup with a history of delivering innovative solutions. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things every day. Ozmonauts are active learners, have a positive impact on the world and do exceptional work. We face challenges together and we win together. And together, we deliver world-class solutions that transform the way the world uses technology.” Job Description: “Ozmo is seeking a senior full-stack software engineer who is smart, curious and loves the challenge of solving problems that improve people’s lives. Our intelligent device support solutions use the latest software stacks and cloud technologies. You’ll collaborate with a fun and close-knit agile team to architect, implement, test and continuously deliver new features and products to our customers.” About the Company: “Wade & Wendy is building conversational AI chatbots to improve the hiring process. We equip companies and people with insights and recommendations to make more informed hiring decisions.” Job Description: “Are you ready for your mind to be blown? Well: you get to work on creating the personality and language of our artificially intelligent hiring heroes. You’ll have to cleverly write within tight constraints, while driving an awesome, wow-ing experience for candidates and helping really dig deep into the fundamental questions about what makes someone tick. The process of building great teams is broken â€" do you want to fix it?” About the Company: “CornerStone Staffing has been servicing the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex since 1991… we understand the unique needs of DFW area business and have nurtured relationships that have allowed us to become a premier staffing service. We are careful to select people for our team that have demonstrated excellence through their skills, character, and background.” Job Description: “CornerStone Staffing in Irving has partnered with a company in Grapevine who works on very high profile, politically contracted projects! We are looking for a Grammar Guru who is seeking their next opportunity in a complex and ever-changing work environment!” About the Company: “UniKey is a technology innovator focused on access control. UniKey’s proprietary Touch-To-Open ® technology can be easily integrated into lock or code systems making your smartphone your key. This technology affords secure access by simply touching your lock without removing your phone from [your] pocket or purse. UniKey serves the mass market by licensing technology, and works in partnership with trusted, market-leading companies.” Job Description: “As our VP of Engineering, you will be building and leading a world-class engineering team across the entire stack, from hardware to embedded IoT software, mobile applications, processing of large-scale data processing to optimizing and scaling our databases, through to our Azure-based services infrastructure, our APIs and ensuring a strong front-end experience for our customers and our customers’ customers.” About the Company: “We are a Los Angeles based construction firm, exclusively serving the Greater Los Angeles commercial real estate markets. We are the ideal match for the applicant that seeks autonomy, mastery and purpose from their professional environment. We routinely win contracts from competitors that are 10x our size for some of the largest and most venerated clients in the Los Angeles area. S3 is an agile professional services construction firm perched on the virtues of ‘design-thinking’ and a ‘one-team’ approach.” Job Description: “You are self-educating and self-motivated through curiosity, a passion for building and an unruly desire to do good. Changing environments, varying levels of responsibilities and challenging objectives allows your true strengths to shine. In moments of chaos, you continually rely on your developed organizational prowess and your strong ability to prioritize and communicate effectively to get you through even the most demanding of situations… You’ve learned that self-promotion is an unsustainable practice and the truest form of personal success is obtained through servant-based leadership, humility and generosity of spirit.” About the Company: “At Simple Startup, we help entrepreneurs sleep at night. No, not by tucking them up in bed with hot cocoa, by handling their finances so they can focus on growing their business. We take the weight off of entrepreneur’s shoulders by removing them from the daily bookkeeping and accounting grind. In turn, we open up more of their bandwidth for the good stuff â€" business development, sales, networking, happy hours.” Job Description: “You Are: An auditor and CPA with a proven track record of building and leading accounting teams. You’re looking to become part of a high-energy team in beautiful Boulder, Colorado where you will play a key role in building a successful company that already has great traction. You love to communicate, are obsessive about the details, and do all this with a big smile on your face!” About the Company: “DigitasLBi is a highly-caffeinated playground where brilliant minds come together to make bold, award-winning creative. We use data-driven insights to guide our work, but we also believe in a healthy dose of spirited storytelling as we strive to transform the marketing landscape.” Job Description: “We’re looking for an outstanding Manager in Project Management â€" a digital producer with a passion for using collaboration, the creative process and emerging technologies to produce world-class interactive experiences for our clients. You’ll help create dynamic digital experiences and integrated campaigns for Fortune 500 clients. Our project work includes experience design and development, digital and social media campaigns, digital partnership activations and promotions, eCommerce and CMS implementations, CRM programs and branded content.” About the Company: “GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health, the industrial internet, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing.” Job Description: “General Electrics Global Government Affairs & Policy group is seeking qualified candidates for the R. Michael Gadbaw International Law & Policy Fellowship program. GGA&P oversees GE’s engagement on public policy issues with the US Congress, the US Executive Branch governments around the world and multilateral institutions. Our fellows are involved in many aspects of our operations.” About the Company: “At Eagle Investment Services, we are transforming ourselves and the FinTech industry… We are looking for smart, motivated, fun people to help us with this industry-changing transformation. Already an industry leader in Financial Technology, Eagle is building the next generation solutions to include new and emerging technologies around Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Data Science and distributed Cloud computing.” Job Description: “Do you thrive on working on the cutting edge? Working with innovators in the early stages of ideas, products, or platforms? Do you want to transform an industry? Crave new challenges and solving hard customer problems using the latest in software technology?… As a developer at Eagle, you will use the latest technologies from Mobile to Cloud to create amazing, customer-focused SaaS products. Come help us re-imagine our solutions to provide world-class, best of breed solutions to delight our customers. Make a major impact on the FinTech industry.” Didn’t see the job that’s right for you?   Create a job alert  to get updates on the latest jobs in your area.

How to Best Wish Your Coworker a Happy Retirement

How to Best Wish Your Coworker a Happy Retirement How to Best Wish Your Coworker a Happy Retirement What Is Retirement- Really? Retirement is the point in time when an employee chooses to leave his or her  employment  permanently. Retirement generally coincides with the employees eligibility to collect retirement resources such as Social Security, a company pension, or distributions from a 401(k) or another retirement plan. Eligibility for public and private retirement resources varies from country to country as does the retirement age. An employee may choose retirement for reasons other than the wish to stop working. Employees may suffer ill health or debilitating physical problems that require retirement. Family problems and responsibilities may require retirement. An employer may require employees to take  early retirement  in order to cut costs and preserve the business. Whatever the reason, retirement from employment marks the start of the next chapter of an employees life. Employees choose diverse methods of retirement. They may leave employment completely or start a second career or part-time work. They may  semi-retire or pursue phased retirement during which they gradually decrease the number of hours worked. Some employees retire and then return to work for their same employer in a part-time, temporary, or consulting role. Fortunately for retiring employees, many options exist to meet their financial, emotional, and social needs in retirement. With sufficient financial resources, the employee may decide to pursue interests other than work and career in retirement. What Happens When a Coworker Retires? When a coworker retires, coworkers generally sign the retirement card, participate in the scheduled festivities, and send personal greetings and gifts to honor the retirement occasion. Traditionally, when the momentous occasion of an employee retirement occurs, it is marked as a life passage into the next chapter for the employee. The employer and the employees colleagues use the retirement event as one last opportunity to express care and appreciation for a valued coworker. As a consequence, employers and coworkers, who know not what the future brings, want to wish the retiring employee a happy retirement. This is greatly appreciated by the employee who has decided to retire. But, the employer and coworkers are often more hesitant about how to deliver their retirement wishes effectively and successfully. They frequently use standard gifts that will remind the employee of their workplace in the coming years. Engraved watches, plaques, and desk clocks are examples of a reminder retirement gift. You will want to make your coworkers retirement memorable. Use these sample retirement wishes to send a happy retirement message to a valued colleague. Retirement Wishes Here are sample retirement wishes that you can customize for your own use when you have the opportunity to wish a treasured colleague all of the best in retirement. These retirement words wish the coworker the very best thoughts for the future.   Read through these sample retirement words and wishes to find sentiments that echo your own feelings about a coworker. Were really going to miss you! Hope youll enjoy every minute of your retirement. Best wishes!I hope you have a wonderful retirement! You will be missed, but never forgotten. Youve done so much for all of us.Best wishes for a very happy retirement. Thank you for everything youve done for me directly and indirectly; its much appreciated and I shall miss working with you. And, of course, if you decide retirement means youve time to follow some artistic dreams, go for them...Your guidance and encouragement have helped me and so many other coworkers thrive in a very competitive environment, and weve been so fortunate to have your expertise to rely on. Youll be missed, but I know your retirement is the right thing at this time. May the next phase of your life bring you all that you seek and more. Recently I wished you congratulations on your retirement. But, I also want you to know what a blessing its been to work with you over these past few years, and how much I will miss you. Then you responded to my note, and wouldnt you know it, your uplifting words encouraged me more than you could imagine. Thats the special kind of person you are!  You helped me so much and your thoughts were always well thought out and to the point. I truly appreciate everything you did for me over the years. You will be missed. I hope that you have something wonderful planned! Well miss you. But, the time is right for you. I sincerely hope that retirement is wonderful and I wish you lots of joyous time with your family.Just wanted to say that I found so many of your ideas inspiring. Its hard to imagine our workplace without you! I hope retirement brings you the chance to do whatever it is that you always wanted to do but didnt get to. All the best!To say you will be missed seems like such an understatement. You are one of those rare people who instantly became a friend instead of just a coworker. There are no words to truly reflect how much we will miss working with you. Not to worry, though, Ill stalk you on FaceBook. Now, get out there and show the world just how much fun you can make possible in retirement. You have made such a difference with your constant optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to answer questions, no matter how stupid. Somehow, you were able to make what seemed complicated into something we could all be excited about and get behind. I know well all really miss you. Thank you for everything youve done and please enjoy yourself!It has been a joy to work with someone so passionate, calm and professional all at the same time. While Ive only had the chance to work with you briefly, its clear that your dedication to our customers has made a huge positive impact on our company. I hope retirement brings you wonderful things. You will be greatly missed. You have been so wonderful to work with- so many brilliant and creative ideas and suggestions that Ive lost track - and you will be sorely missed. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you. Youre also a wonderful friend and I appreciate your friendship and caring more than I can say. Our friendship, which is near and dear to my heart, will continue, I know.Working with you was such a pleasure. I always appreciated your thoughtful, steady approach to solving any problem large or small. You proved that it doesnt take a loud voice to accomplish tremendous things. Best of luck, and enjoy your retirement! It was great working with you- your work truly made a lasting impact, and one that has changed the company for the better in so many ways. I always appreciated how you were readily available to lend an ear and help solve any problem. We will miss you very much, but I wish you the best in retirement! Thanks for everything!I just want to say, Thank You. You always listened, you always had something constructive to say, and you always offered support and encouragement with an unflagging spirit. Ive learned so much from you, and I will miss working with you. Keep in touch, please. Now go... go on, get the skis out, find the canoe, get started on the to be read pile. Enjoy! You deserve it. Working with you has been an immense pleasure for the past couple of years. Your graciousness about the people with whom you work, your delight in and your acknowledgment of their successes, and your ability to make them the heroes, has always impressed me. Your work brought a huge, new capacity to my work that is helping me to live out my own personal and professional mission. And, my audience benefits from your contributions every day. On a personal level, I have enjoyed our friendship and will delight in continuing it into your retirement, even when we no longer work together regularly. While your lovely presence will be missed in the office, the great work you did here ensures that you will not be forgotten anytime soon. What you achieved at this company made quite an impact, and that’s not so easy to do these days. Thank you for being a tireless professional, a helpful coworker, and a good friend. Now go and relax! More Related to Retirement Find out more about retirement with these additional resources. Retirement Recognition LetterHow to Bring Up Retirement With an Older Employee

Career Paths With a Degree in Communication

Career Paths With a Degree in Communication Career Paths With a Degree in Communication Earning a communication degree involves studying how humans create information and share it both on interpersonal and organizational levels. Students who major in this subject will graduate with the ability to present and exchange information- whether it is written, visual, or oral- in an appropriate manner for the audience and context. The communication major encompasses several areas of specialization including: JournalismInterpersonal communicationMass communication: Subspecialties are television, radio, and film;Strategic communication: Subspecialties are health, public relations, and advertisingGames and interactive media designVisual communicationSports communication While communication majors at some schools study all of these topics, some ?allow or even require, their students to have a concentration in one.  Communication is a versatile major in that graduates can take one of a variety of career paths.   Students can earn associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degrees in communications. Most associate degree programs are designed for students who plan to transfer to bachelor-level programs, but there are some that offer a terminal degree in communications. Masters degree programs focus on teaching communication theory, research methodology and practice, therefore preparing students for academia or the workplace. Doctoral programs emphasize original research and students are expected to develop an area of specialization. Earning a Ph.D. prepares students for academic careers or for managerial or consulting positions that draw upon an individuals area of expertise. Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take Bachelors Degree Courses (Some of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs) Introduction to Communication StudiesHistory of TelevisionPrinciples of Persuasion and InfluenceRhetorical CriticismMass Media and SocietyTechniques of SpeakingPrinciples of Public RelationsPublic Relations CampaignsMedia WritingAudio ProductionStorytelling for CommunicationsInterpersonal CommunicationDigital Design in CommunicationHistory of JournalismCommunication Law and Ethics Masters Degree Courses Rhetorical TheoryIntercultural CommunicationResearch and Writing MethodsCommunication in PracticeMedia Policy and RegulationRace and MediaOrganizational Strategy and LeadershipStrategic WritingThe Role of Communication in Conflict NegotiationMedia RelationsDigital Media ProductionPublic Relations ManagementDesigning and Evaluating Effective Communications for the WebWriting for MultimediaNew Communication Technologies Ph.D. Courses (some coursework depends on area of concentration) Media TheoryPhilosophical Foundations of CommunicationTechnical WritingEthics for Science and Technical CommunicationMethods of Communication ResearchInformation Needs, Seeking and UseCommunication Research DesignSpecial Topics in Cultural and Visual StudiesNew Media Research Studio Career Options With Your Degree Bachelors Degree (entry-level or one to two years of experience): Public Relations SpecialistMedia Communications ManagerMarketing AssistantMarketing Communications SpecialistTechnical WriterEvent Marketing SpecialistCustomer Communications SpecialistContent Marketing Campaign ManagerMarketing SpecialistMedia Specialist (Traditional and Emerging Media)Social Media and Communications CoordinatorPublic Affairs SpecialistCommunications Coordinator Masters Degree: Senior Communications SpecialistPublic Relations ManagerSenior Manager of CommunicationsCommunity College Communications Instructor Doctoral Degree: ?Professor, Consultant *This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in communications. It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in communications only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline. Typical Work Settings Strong communication skills are invaluable in many occupations which gives those who major in this subject a wide range of choices. In addition to the more obvious choices listed above, including jobs in media, marketing, and public relations, communications majors can take some alternative routes. They typically work in offices but may find themselves in jobs that involve interacting with people in a variety of settings. How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major If you are a high school  student who is thinking about studying communications in college, take classes in writing, speech, journalism, and theater. What Else You Need to Know This major may also be called communication studies, mass communications, strategic communications or communication, and media studies.Some undergraduate programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism Mass Communications (ACEJMC).A bachelors degree in communications isnt necessarily a requirement for acceptance into a masters degree program. Undergraduate students may major in other subjects.Some doctoral programs require a masters degree in communications or a related field for admission, while others require only a bachelors degree. Doctoral candidates must write a dissertation.It can take from four and six years to earn a Ph.D.Some masters degree programs require students to write a thesis.Universities require, or at least encourage, students to get practical experience by doing internships. Professional Organizations and Other Resources Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)The American Communication Association (ACA)Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)National Communication Association (NCA)NCA Doctoral Program Guide

How your brain makes choices that sabotage you and what to do about it

How your brain makes choices that sabotage you and what to do about it How your brain makes choices that sabotage you and what to do about it In the digital age, information comes at you like a tsunami.From the moment you wake up, notifications (news, social media, email, chat channels) fight for your attention.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!With all of the information vying for your attention, you make choices and use a lot of your mental energy before the day even starts.Even ignoring information is a choice.The more choices you make, the harder it becomes for your brain to make more because it gets tired.And your brain makes impulse decisions when it’s tired.It’s similar to how your muscles get tired at the end of a workout, the strength of your willpower fades as you make more decisions.Without your awareness, your brain creates shortcuts in the form of cognitive biases to help you process the influx of information as the day progresses.In many cases, it doesn’t want to make decisions at all.The brain takes these shortcuts to conserve energy.Short-term gains are a priority for our brains especially when your willpower is running empty.Think about how many decisions you make the moment you wake up till you go back to bed again at night.By the time you’re winding every day, you’ve made an average of 35,000 decisions!What to wear, what to eat, how to take care of your home and family, what to do at work, how to approach a task.These are all important decisions.This is why conserving energy is so important to your brain.Here is the problem.No matter how rational and high-minded you try to be, you can’t make decision after decision without paying a biological price.Low mental energy is a problem we all face.The more choices you make throughout the day, the harder each one becomes for your brain, hence the need to take shortcuts at the expense of what will really benefit you in the long-term.In his research about self-control, Baumeister and his team explained that there is a lin k among decision-making actions, self-control, and willpower.Self-control appeared to deteriorate over time from repeated exertions, such as decision-making.The brain uses two approaches to take shortcutsThe first shortcut is to become thoughtless or careless: it acts impulsively instead of using the energy to first think through the consequences.The second and most preferred for a tired and depleted brain is to do nothing. Instead of thinking about the impact of the decisions, it avoids any choice and goes into strict energy saving mode.If you have ever “ducked” a decision, your brain was heavily conserving energy for the future.Ducking often creates bigger problems in the long run, because the problems, issues and what needs sorting don’t go away.Your brain doesn’t care about long-term effects.It’s designed to conserve, ease mental strain and keep you going for as long as possible.Which is why it’s insanely important to make life-changing decisions early in the day whe n you are most active, mentally alert, and can think clearly.If you want someone’s best attention, energy, and focus to go toward the decisions that are important to you, schedule it in the morning.And, don’t hold important business meetings late in the afternoon.You may not get the best results.But if you are holding a creative brainstorming meeting, schedule it at a time when you are tired because your brain does creative work better when you’re tired. This sounds crazy, but it actually makes sense when you look at the reasoning behind it.In decision making and psychology, decision fatigue is one of the causes of irrational trade-offs in decision making.Start your day rightWhat’s the most important decisions you have to make every day?Is it about life, family, work, or long-term financial goals.Whatever it is for you, put your best energy toward it every day.Start your day by working on the most important thing in your life.I’ve written previously about the importance of morning routines.Start your day right and you will have the best.day.ever.Automate decisions you make over and over again For millions of people, the decisions that drain them are the ones they make over and over and over again.Put less mentally demanding decisions on autopilot.Save yourself the energy and automate some of your decision-making processes.Don’t waste precious willpower on some decisions.Make fewer good decisions by automating “inconsequential” choices.Things like food, clothing and media consumption can be planned in advance whilst you save mental energy for important life and business decisions.Schedule purposeful brain downtimeIt makes perfect sense that our attention spans and concentration need to be rebooted, at several points throughout the day.According to research, the brain gradually stops registering a sight, sound or feeling if that stimulus remains constant over time. You lose your focus and your performance on the task declines.Studies have shown that workers are most focused and productive when following the rhythm of a work/rest ratio.When faced with a long creative p roblem, it is best to impose brief breaks on yourself. Brief mental breaks will actually help you stay focused on your task and improve your idea generation approach.A structured downtime can help you do your best work.By giving your brain a break, you allow it to make improved neural connections and ultimately better decisions.Conserve your brain space and energy for larger decisions by building better routines.Dig deeperMy new course,  Thinking in Models  is open for enrollment. It’s designed to help you to think clearly, solve problems at multiple levels of depth, and make complex decisions with confidence.  Join the community  of people on a mission to think clearly, work better, solve problems at multiple levels of depths, and make complex decisions with confidence!  Click here for details.You can also subscribe to  Postanly Weekly  (my free weekly digest of the best posts about behaviour change that affect health, wealth, and productivity).  Subscribe  and get a free copy of my new book, “The Power of One Percent Better: Small Gains, Maximum Results”. Join over 45,000 people on a mission to build a better life.Oppong is the founder  @Alltopstartups. Curator at postanly.com, Columnist at Inc. Magazine. Featured at Business Insider, Quartz, CNBC, Entrepreneur, HuffPost, etc.This  post  originally appeared on  Medium  and is reprinted with permission.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people How your brain makes choices that sabotage you and what to do about it In the digital age, information comes at you like a tsunami.From the moment you wake up, notifications (news, social media, email, chat channels) fight for your attention.With all of the information vying for your attention, you make choices and use a lot of your mental energy before the day even starts.Even ignoring information is a choice.The more choices you make, the harder it becomes for your brain to make more because it gets tired.And your brain makes impulse decisions when it’s tired.It’s similar to how your muscles get tired at the end of a workout, the strength of your willpower fades as you make more decisions.Without your awareness, your brain creates shortcuts in the form of cognitive biases to help you process the influx of information as the day progresses.In many cases, it doesn’t want to make decisions at all.The brain takes these shortcuts to conserve energy.Short-term gains are a priority for our brains especially when your willpower is running empty.Think ab out how many decisions you make the moment you wake up till you go back to bed again at night.By the time you’re winding every day, you’ve made an average of 35,000 decisions!What to wear, what to eat, how to take care of your home and family, what to do at work, how to approach a task.These are all important decisions.This is why conserving energy is so important to your brain.Here is the problem.No matter how rational and high-minded you try to be, you can’t make decision after decision without paying a biological price.Low mental energy is a problem we all face.The more choices you make throughout the day, the harder each one becomes for your brain, hence the need to take shortcuts at the expense of what will really benefit you in the long-term.In his research about self-control, Baumeister and his team explained that there is a link among decision-making actions, self-control, and willpower.Self-control appeared to deteriorate over time from repeated exertions, such as dec ision-making.The brain uses two approaches to take shortcutsThe first shortcut is to become thoughtless or careless: it acts impulsively instead of using the energy to first think through the consequences.The second and most preferred for a tired and depleted brain is to do nothing. Instead of thinking about the impact of the decisions, it avoids any choice and goes into strict energy saving mode.If you have ever “ducked” a decision, your brain was heavily conserving energy for the future.Ducking often creates bigger problems in the long run, because the problems, issues and what needs sorting don’t go away.Your brain doesn’t care about long-term effects.It’s designed to conserve, ease mental strain and keep you going for as long as possible.Which is why it’s insanely important to make life-changing decisions early in the day when you are most active, mentally alert, and can think clearly.If you want someone’s best attention, energy, and focus to go toward the decision s that are important to you, schedule it in the morning.And, don’t hold important business meetings late in the afternoon.You may not get the best results.But if you are holding a creative brainstorming meeting, schedule it at a time when you are tired because your brain does creative work better when you’re tired. This sounds crazy, but it actually makes sense when you look at the reasoning behind it.In decision making and psychology, decision fatigue is one of the causes of irrational trade-offs in decision making.Start your day rightWhat’s the most important decisions you have to make every day?Is it about life, family, work, or long-term financial goals.Whatever it is for you, put your best energy toward it every day.Start your day by working on the most important thing in your life.I’ve written previously about the importance of morning routines.Start your day right and you will have the best.day.ever.Automate decisions you make over and over again For millions of people, the decisions that drain them are the ones they make over and over and over again.Put less mentally demanding decisions on autopilot.Save yourself the energy and automate some of your decision-making processes.Don’t waste precious willpower on some decisions.Make fewer good decisions by automating “inconsequential” choices.Things like food, clothing and media consumption can be planned in advance whilst you save mental energy for important life and business decisions.Schedule purposeful brain downtimeIt makes perfect sense that our attention spans and concentration need to be rebooted, at several points throughout the day.According to research, the brain gradually stops registering a sight, sound or feeling if that stimulus remains constant over time. You lose your focus and your performance on the task declines.Studies have shown that workers are most focused and productive when following the rhythm of a work/rest ratio.When faced with a long creative p roblem, it is best to impose brief breaks on yourself. Brief mental breaks will actually help you stay focused on your task and improve your idea generation approach.A structured downtime can help you do your best work.By giving your brain a break, you allow it to make improved neural connections and ultimately better decisions.Conserve your brain space and energy for larger decisions by building better routines.Dig deeperMy new course,  Thinking in Models  is open for enrollment. It’s designed to help you to think clearly, solve problems at multiple levels of depth, and make complex decisions with confidence.  Join the community  of people on a mission to think clearly, work better, solve problems at multiple levels of depths, and make complex decisions with confidence!  Click here for details.You can also subscribe to  Postanly Weekly  (my free weekly digest of the best posts about behaviour change that affect health, wealth, and productivity).  Subscribe  and get a free copy of my new book, “The Power of One Percent Better: Small Gains, Maximum Results”. Join over 45,000 people on a mission to build a better life.Oppong is the founder  @Alltopstartups. Curator at postanly.com, Columnist at Inc. Magazine. Featured at Business Insider, Quartz, CNBC, Entrepreneur, HuffPost, etc.This  post  originally appeared on  Medium  and is reprinted with permission.