5 Steps to Assessing Your Skills for a Career Change

5 Steps to Assessing Your Skills for a Career Change5 Steps to Assessing Your Skills for a Career Change5 Steps to Assessing Your Skills for a Career ChangeChanging careers has always been an option for people who want to do something different. But today, in an economy that has impacted millions of people, some are finding they need to change careers, even if they would rather not.Whether your change is based on want or need, you have to take a good, hard look at your transferable skills and highlight the ones that can help land that job in the new field.Thats not as hard as it sounds. So, heres a simple five-step process you can use to match the skills you have with the ones an employer wants.(1)Take a sheet of paper (or open a new document on your computer) and list all the skills you have from your current and previous jobs.(2)Pick out the hard skills, those that were specific to your current and former jobs. For instance, if youve been an accountant, proficiency in accounts rece ivable and accounts payable software would be a hard skill. If youve worked in construction, operating a crane would be a hard skill.(3)Pick out the soft skills, mostly personal traits and abilities, that apply to just about any job and work environment. ExamplesCommunication. How well do you communicate verbally and in writing? Employers look for either or both in just about any job.Organizational skills. How well do you manage your time, workflow, and priorities?Project management. Can you manage and deliver projects on or ahead of deadline?Problem solving. Can you recognize when a process isnt working and can be improved? If so, can you find an innovative way to fix it?Computer skills. Just about everyone needs to know the basics (how to use email and common applications such as a word processing or spreadsheet program). The more proficient you are, the less time theyll need to train you.Foreign language skills. Many companies, especially those that do business globally, value wo rkers who can speak second languages. Some jobs even require such skills.(4)Find postings for jobs that interest you, then determine which of the hard and soft skills theyre looking for line up with those on your list.(5)Prepare a resume and titelblatt letter that highlight the hard and soft skills you possess from your past work, and how well they will transfer and bring value to your desired job. Leave out hard skills that arent relevant to the new field.In the end, the worst that could happen is that you wont be called for an interview. But smart employers recognize that an enthusiastic, likable candidate with transferable experience and a willingness to learn can be a better choice than someone with the right experience but the wrong personality.

7 Reasons Why You Need Personal Business Cards, and 7 Facts to Include on Them

7 Reasons Why You Need Personal Business Cards, and 7 Facts to Include on Them 7 Reasons Why You Need Personal Business Cards, and 7 Facts to Include on Them A funny story I tell my workshop attendees Once, I ordered 250 personal business cards from Vistaprint - only to find when I opened them that Id spelled my occupation wrong worksop facilitator.There went 250 business cards into the trash. Im ashamed to even type this, but Im making a point Spell-check your order before submitting it.That said, my point today is a bit bigger than that. The real message is You, as a job seeker, need your own personal business cards.7 Reasons WhyYou Need Business CardsNetworking eventsPerhaps the most obvious reason why you need personal business cards is to make a good impression when networking. Most attendees of any given networking event will have them. bedrngnis havingyour own will separate you from the pack - in a bad way.Job fairs A great way to introduce yourself to companies for which y oud like to work is by going to job fairs. Impress company repsby attaching personal business cards to your resumes.Social gatheringsEven atcasualgatherings with friends and family, youll want to carry business cards.This will remind people that youre on the job search. That said, dont go from person to person shoving your cards in their hands. Only give out cards when it makes sense.You come across as professionalWhen you were employed, your company probably gave you business cards to help you represent it positively. Now, youre representing a company called Me, Inc.Theyre easier to hand out than resumesYou dont want to carry resumes everywhere you go. Plus, the people youre networking with will appreciate a business cards convenience over a full-size resume.They may create opportunitiesPeople dont remember everyone they meet at a networking event.Your personal business card serves as a good reminder - and it tells them how to get in touch with you if they want to talk mora.Theyre a call to actionWhen someone has one of your personal business cards, theyre more likely to call you back. Similarly, when you have someones personal business card, youre more likely to follow upyourself. What to Include on Your Business CardsContact informationYour home address (optional), email address (make it professional), and telephone number (home or cell). No surprises here.Your social media accountsAlong with your LinkedIn profile URL, you can also list your Twitter handle, Facebook account, and website or blog, if appropriate.Major strengths This is one of the most important bits of information. A personal business card with only contact information is of little value. As a potential networker, Id need more information about you. Lets say youre in marketing.Your areas of strength might include social media, public relations, web content, and trade shows. Keep it short and sweet.A logo Im not a big fan myself, but if you have a professionally designed logo that truly repre sents what you do, go for it. No cheap logos from Google or templates from personal business card providers.A photoAgain, not a big fan, unless youre inan occupation where such a thing is standard (e.g.,real estate, modeling, acting). IT or finance or medical tech? I think not.A branding statementThis may work well if it is short and descriptive enough to show value. Something like, I fix things that break is not descriptive enough. Many job seekers do this. However, Creating marketing literature that generate sales and increases visibility is a much clearer statement of someones value.Leave the back blankYou might be tempted to provide more information on the back, but this is valuable real estate for networkers whod like to take notes aboutyou. Make sure to carry a pen with youin case your newfound connection needs one.This post originally appeared on Things Career Related.Bob McIntosh, CPRW, is a career trainer who leads more than 15 job search workshops at an urban career center .

Walking faster could add years to your life

Walking faster could add years to your lifeWalking faster could add years to your lifeMy parents were notoriously fast walkers. I remember once barely being able to keep with them on my little 8-year-old legs while walking through the city. It was tough at the time, but now I am quite glad for it has trained me to be a very fast walker as an adult. One who will even walk into the street if there are too many people meandering down the sidewalk - which is pretty common in tourism-heavy New York City.Well, I may risk getting hit by a car but I will probably live a little longer as a new studypublishedin theBritish Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who walk faster have a 20% lower mortality risk compared to slower walkers.Fast walkers for the winThe study used data from the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Survey which provided them with the walking speeds (self-reported slow, average, fairly brisk or fast) of 50,000 English and Scottish adults.The researche rs observed the subjects for nine years.It found that among participants who did not experience a health vorstellung in the first two years of follow-up walking at an average or brisk/fast pace was associated with a reduced risk of bothall-cause and CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) mortality, compared with reporting walking at a slow pace.Now the study cannot definitively state that walking faster makes you healthier and there was no evidence of faster walkers having a reduced cancer mortality rate but the simple exercise of just walking at a brisker pace just helps you become an overall healthier person, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. So in other words, try walking a little faster on your commute today.

Customize this Impressive Administrative Assistant Resume Sample

Customize this Impressive Administrative Assistant Resume SampleCustomize this Impressive Administrative Assistant Resume SampleCreate Resume Heidi Rollings100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryReliable Administrative Assistant with the ability to work as part of an effective staff, or manage multiple tasks independently. Tools for success include a strong command of Internet administrative programs, an ability to meet deadlines and the willingness to respond to corporate crisis situations. Dedicated to doing what is needed to help the company succeed.Core QualificationsMicrosoft OfficeInternet SchedulingMeeting Agenda PreparationCorrespondence CoordinationTime ManagementTravel Itinerary PreparationExperienceAdministrative Assistant, June 2012 May 2015Breslin Corporation New Cityland, CAWorked full-time during the summers and part-time during the year to help in a variety of tasks.Assisted in the development and dist ribution of meeting agendas.Monitored and updated several executive schedules.Administrative Assistant, June 2009 June 2010Hilltop Incorporated New Cityland, CAAssisted in distributing internal company memos.Served on the committee that organized social events.Updated the reception area bulletin board.Education2009 High School Diploma, General StudiesGrecian Senior High School New Cityland, CACustomize Resume

6 Sites to Find Freelance Job Listings Online

6 Sites to Find Freelance Job Listings Online6 Sites to Find Freelance Job Listings OnlineWhether youve decided to make freelancing a full-time job or just want to pick up a little extra cash to supplement your existing income, the hardest part of getting departureed as a freelancer is knowing where to look for freelance job listings. Once you get going, however, youre likely to find that potential gigs are all around you, especially online. Here are 6 places to look for freelance jobs. Some sites will be familiar to every job seeker, and some might take you by surprise. 1. CareerBuilder CareerBuilder allows you to post up to five differentresumes, which means that you can look for a variety of freelance jobs at the same time, or look for full-time work and part-time work simultaneously while testing the waters for a potential freelance career. To search for freelance jobs, add freelance or part-time to your search criteria. 2.Craigslist The granddaddy of all local sites, Cra igslist is a solid choice for your hyper-local freelance job search. Go to your citys site and then look at the jobs sidebar on the right-hand side of the screen. Select your industry andsearch by keyword(e.g. freelance) or go directly to the part-time listing at the bottom of the list. For freelance jobs of even shorter duration, the gigs section at the very bottom of the right-hand side of the screen offers work that lasts the duration of a project. Just beware ofscams. Although its no longer free to post jobs on Craigslist, its leise pretty cheap as little as $25 per job, per category, in most cities. And never give anyone your bank account number,social securitynumber, or any other identifying personal information in order to get access to a listing or to apply for a gig. 3.FlexJobs FlexJobs isnt free, but its also one of the few job search sites thats targeted solely to job seekers looking for part-time, flexible-schedule, or freelance work. The site also researches the co mpanies that provide its listings to verify that theyre legit - and promises a money-back guarantee if youre not satisfied with your results. Although FlexJobs offers listings in Canada and overseas, youll find the most jobs if youre looking for US-based companies. 4.Indeed.com Indeed allows you to search millions of job listings, freelance and otherwise, in your area by typing in your keywords and your geographic location. You can also set upemail alertsto have freelance job listings sent directly to your inbox. 5.LinkedIn Youve probably grown to think of LinkedIns resume on steroids service as a way to market yourself to full-time employers, but its also a great tool for freelancers. Once you build yourprofile, including a clear, professional headshot, and relevantkeywordsto grab potential clients attention, you can start searching for freelance gigs by including the term freelance in yoursearch terms. Better yet, use the service to network with connections at companies wh o might need your services, and lay the foundation for a personal introduction to the manager who hires contractors. 6.Monster.com Set up a profile and become a registered user, and Monster will send you listings geared toward your specific needs, or you can search their database of jobs. To find freelance jobs, include keywords like freelance or part-time in your search criteria. Monster allows users to apply directly to jobs from the site. Use an App There are also apps you can use to find quick gig opportunities or to pitch your freelance services. Check out these money-making apps that will help you find a variety of opportunities.

The True Meaning of Resume Cover Letter Samples

The True Meaning of Resume Cover Letter Samples Samples will provide you with a notion of what information to have in your cover letter, and the way to format the letter. Pick the Resume Cover Letter option and choose the template you would like.Short cover letters might not be as familiar to everyone in comparison to an ordinary cover letter. Composing a cover letter is not a simple job. A Consulting Cover Letter can likewise be written in the same manner. Whether youre writing an Accounting Cover Letter or a work application cover letter, it is vital that you abide by the proper format. Sample resume to a single page. Read through some samples, then customize your own letter so that it shows why you ought to be selected for an interview. Cover letter samples are an excellent place to begin before writing your own letter. A sample is able to help you decide what things to put in your letter, and the way to format the letter. New Questions About Resume Cover Letter Samples Your pals at Resume Companion are here in order to assist you with your transition. It may be hard to understand just where to start since there are several distinct strategies and advice out there regarding Cover Letters. Up in Arms About Resume Cover Letter Samples? Employers would like to know what you do well. Resumes cover letters and whats the letter. A Resume Cover Letter Format has an extremely significant role in bringing you the very best employment prospect. Accounting is about numbers. The End of Resume Cover Letter Samples How to offer your candidacy on a cover letter for sales positions to receive any job you desire. At worst, it can earn a promising candidate seem to be an uncreative cut-and-paster. There are several job candidates that are qualified but yet theyre rejected A strong cover letter is able to make your application stick out from the crowd. Just as youve got to discipline yourself to rewriting your application materials, you must decide on th e number of positions youre asking for a day. The introduction briefly states the way the applicant found out about the particular job opening and the particular position hes applying for. If youre responding to a newspaper advertisement, erreichbar job posting or networking with a particular possible employer its important to personalize your cover letter to every employer and each work opportunity to reveal how you fit the job and business requirements. Summarize why youre the proper person for the job. Relating your strengths to the requirements of the organization and the work immediately indicates youve spent time considering the position. One of the absolute most important jobs of any great sales pitch is to refrain from doing harm. Regardless of what engineering track youre on, your cover letter should highlight problem solving skills and the ability to satisfy quality standards. For instance, a cover letter is an excellent place to speak about a career shift or maybe to explain a protracted gap in employment. Your cover letter is able to help you take that additional degree of control over your application package. A terrific cover letter is your opportunity to prove that you know the sortiment of the role and the businesss mission.

Ask Away Does College Matter Anymore

Ask Away Does College Matter Anymore Welcome toAsk Away, Recruiter.coms weekly column Every Monday (we know today is Tuesday. But usually, we postAsk Away on Mondays), well pose an employment-related question to a group of experts and share their answers. Have a question youd like to ask the experts?Leave it in the comments, and you might just see it in next weeksAsk AwayThis Weeks QuestionReceived wisdom says that, if you want to get a good job and have a successful career, you need to go to college first. But plenty of commentators have taken to the Internet in recent timesto argue that college degrees dont really matter in this day and age. So, I ask does a college degree matter anymore?It depends on the job. When it comes to my legal/accounting/finance work, I need you to have a degree and show working knowledge of your capabilities.Those are jobs that require certifications by state and lengthy hours of study time.But customer service, marketing , illustrators, graphic design, IT, etc. I just need you to be able to do the job. I could care less about your degree. And thats because fruchtwein of those jobs are intuitive. A degree may help, but most of the good people in these fields are self-taught.- Jazmin TruesdaleCEOMino EnterprisesYes And they do on so many levels.College is an excellent time of transition, and many students can show that they have loyalty and commitment by getting their degrees.Majors matter. I work in commercial real estate and work with 30 universities across the country that offer degrees in real estate. We recruit and hire students with these degrees. I continue to see generations of these students dominate the industry.- John M. CrossmanPresidentCrossman CompanyIn my opinion, college degrees still matter nowadays. Yes, 20 years ago, a college degree had a better value, but collegedegree still matters.A degree wont automatically make you an expert in your field or put you in a top position, but for sure it will get you noticed when you start and open doors that wouldnt be open if you didnt have a degree. Then, it is up to you how you will take advantage of these opportunities that the degree created.Another reason that a degree still matters is that good careers cannot be pursued without a degree. How can you become a doctor, an economic analyst, an investor, or an academic without a degree? Yes, there are people like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates that became billionaires after drooping out of college, but every rule has an exception, right?- Noel GriffithOwnerCareersWikiIn his book AntiFragile, Nassim Nicholas Taleb suggests that college is a byproduct of economic success, not the creator of it. Therefore, it could be said that an entrepreneurial-minded person could be successful without ever attending school. If we broaden our view of the college experience to include making us better citizens and, ultimately, better people, then the importance ofcollege increases.- Dave Popple PresidentPsynet GroupNo a college degree does not matter anymore What most people fail to realize is that, according the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 30 percent of the adult population has a bachelors degree or higher. That leaves approximately 70 percent of people without degrees. The ultimate goal of college is to get a degree in bestellung to be gainfully employed however, based on the data I just shared there, are more adults without degrees than adults with degrees, and these people still work every day.While a college degree is not necessary, some form of higher education or technical training is required. There are college graduateswho leave their institutions with their four-year degrees only to find out that they are unemployable Yet, there are also young people who leave high school with career and technical certifications who will make more money than a degree could ever yield.- Felicia G. MeadowsCounselor, coach, and consultantTomorrows Future Coaching and Consulting College does matter, but what matters the most is how you utilize your time there. Its true that a degree alone may not be enough to set you apart from the thousands of other graduates applying for the same set of jobs thats why you need experiences. While in college, students need to pursue internships and study abroad trips, join organizations, and go to conferences. unterstellung are the things that provide you with a well-rounded and complete education.To fully capitalize on college and land a job after graduation, you need to get out of the classroom. As a society, its important that we provide college students with the access to these experiences and help pave the way for bright futures.- Christie GartonFounderUChicI went to school for English literature. At no point in time have I ever been hired based on my education Ive always been hired based on my experience. I actually dropped out of my masters program to pursue working full time in marketing, which I am now thankfully doing.More and more individuals my age are realizing that college was a huge waste of money and time. Higher education is important for specific fields, but for some people, its just a financial investment that may or may not ever pay off. It makes much more sense for individuals interested in specific fields to begin working in them in a part-time capacity to discern whether or not they actually enjoy the job. Right now, we have a similar model in unpaid internships, but most people cant afford to work unpaid internships. The system obviously needs a shakeup-Rachel MargaritisMarketing managerAcupath Laboratories, Inc.

7 Expert Tips for Writing an A+ Cover Letter

7 Expert Tips for Writing an A+ Cover Letter7 Expert Tips for Writing an A+ Cover Letter When youre applying for jobs , titelblatt letters can feel like the bane of your existence.Im a writer, and even I find the process daunting. What am I supposed to include? How many dumb jokes can I throw in? Do I have to use To Whom It May Concern?To get the 411 on how to write a good cover letter, I chatted with Kevin Kermes, the founder of Career Attraction , and Jenny Foss, the recruiter and job search strategist behind JobJenny.com .Although it sometimes seems like writing anything longer than a tweet is going the way of the dodo, cover letters still matter - especially if you dont have a recruiter or a direct introduction to the hiring manager.A compelling cover letter can be the thing that grabs the readers attention and shares how your career story lines up with what that company is looking for, said Foss. Its your gunst der stunde to show fit as well as an opportunity to give the reader a hint of your style and personality.Plus, since most cover letters are bad, according to Foss, a great cover letter gives you a strong advantage over your competition.Here are seven tips from these experts that will help you write an amazing cover letter.Although it might seem obvious that you shouldnt use a boilerplate cover letter for different jobs, Kermes said this is the biggest mistake he sees people make.You have to customize what youre going to say to each individual, he said. All of us know when we get an schmelzglas that was written for the masses, and it doesnt motivate us to take action.So, whatever you do, dont write a single cover letter and swap out the names of the companies as you go. Personalize your cover letter in every way you can.This is one of Foss top three tips for writing a cover letter because its the best way to ensure it gets read, she said.Rather than emailing the general jobssupersweetcompany.com, try to find out who the hiring ma nager is - and email them instead.The same advice goes for figuring out who to address your letter to use the name of the internal recruiter, HR person or hiring manager if possible.Kermes said this tip is important because it allows you to tailor your letter to not only the company - but also the individual.Invest the time to learn about who youre writing to and whats important to them, he said. Its a noisy world, and weve found that making emotional connections gets more responses than anything else.To find this information, you couldIf all else fails and you cant find a name, Foss recommended addressing your letter using Dear Hiring Team instead of To Whom It May Concern.Now that the salutation is out of the way, its time for the most important part of the cover letter the lead.If you think Im writing to apply for XYZ position will get you in the door, Foss said youre dead wrong.Start out with that as the lead, and youve lost me before I get to the second sentence, she said. D raw the reader into the story by sharing what about that organization most impresses or captivates you and why - specifically - you want to work for them.Foss recommended something thats memorable and thoughtful. Be creative.If, for example, youre applying to be an event planner at a resort you visited growing up, she offered the following suggestion My passion for Timberwoods Lodge dates back to 1985, which was the year I first rode my bike (a Schwinn Lil Chick, complete with banana seat) in your Fourth of July Jamboree.Once youve hooked your reader, the next few paragraphs should explain what you can do for them and the company.Spell out very quickly and succinctly what you can walk through that companys doors and deliver, with the deliverables of the job directly in mind, said Foss.It doesnt have to be a guessing game. She pointed out that the job description will give you some very solid hints about what theyre looking for.Kermes suggested using three to four bullet points within the letter. Under each one, you should quantify the outcomes you can produce to solve your recipients biggest problems, he said.So, instead of saying I sold $300,000 worth of products at my last job, you could say I will use my past experiences to double sale of your products in the next 12 months. After all, if you write a rockstar resume , itll have all the details about your past positions.No one wants to fall asleep while reading your cover letter, so Foss said you shouldnt be afraid to use a conversational tone and a bit of personality.We all get so hung up on the what it ought to be or the rules for cover letters that we end up with the worlds most boring, say-nothing end products, she said. Dare to be different just keep it on point with what the company is looking for and what you can deliver.As for busting out jokes and casual language, Foss said it depends on your writing strengths, the personality of the company or brand and the position youre applying for.If your e applying to be an auditor at a conservative financial services firm, keep it formal. But if youre applying to be a copywriter for a funky ad agency, youve got more room to play.Gauge the culture and personality of the brand and adjust your tone accordingly, she explained.People rattle on about what they want rather than show the reviewer exactly how and why theyre a great fit, she said. Or they go off on irrelevant tangents in an effort to look witty or original.When you write a cover letter for a job, you should be succinct and remain focused on the readers needs. You also should avoid meaningless words.Many people stuff a bunch of cliches into cover letters like proven track record, results-driven, and my personal favorite very uniquely qualified, said Foss. You cant be very unique - that statement alone is redundant. You either are unique or you arent.Use your cover letter to capture the readers attention and address their needs (which dont include cliches).OK - youre almost done Before wrapping up your dazzling cover letter, you need to add one more thing a call to action (CTA) for your reader .Make it clear what you want them to do and what youre going to do, said Kermes.Your CTA could include a timeline for following up or a way the reader can connect with you. Either way, make sure the reader knows what action to take now that youve totally wowed them.Whether you want to land your first job or find a better one, a strong cover letter is key to your success. Take your time, let your personality shine - and then get ready for the interviews .This article was originally published on Student Loan Hero . It is reprinted with permission.

How to Respond to a Job Offer Letter Like a True Professional

How to Respond to a Job Offer Letter Like a True ProfessionalHow to Respond to a Job Offer Letter Like a True ProfessionalIf you aced your job interview, you will soon receive an offer letter, either in your mailbox or your inbox. This letter serves as a formal proposal for you to begin employment at the company and confirms verbal offers made to you during the interview. Job offer letters include such things as The job title or positionSalary or wage, as well as benefits and perksAn acceptance deadlineThe desired start dateTraining informationInstructions on how to accept or decline the job offer Job Offer Letter Conditions Some job offer letters are basic in nature, while others are more specific, so examine the details carefully. The letter may contain contractual rights or amend conditions you previously agreed to. Employers often add clauses regarding work responsibilities, salary,and benefits including the following Signing Bonuses Its likely you discussed bonuses as part o f yoursalary negotiations. Make sure the letter contains the agreed upon bonuses and amounts.Additional Bonuses If bonuses are included in your employment package, check to see if they are guaranteed or discretionary and annual or more frequent than annual.Salary If your letter shows a salary increment structure, see if it meets your expectations.Other Benefits Make sure the list is accurate and outlines standard perks such as insurance, vacation time, and contributions to a retirement fund. If you secured other benefits during salary negotiations like stock options or extra vacation time instead of cash, make sure the letter reflects those agreements. Job Responsibilities These must correspond with the position. You also want to make sure the letter states the job title. If the company downgrades your job in the future, you can use the letter as evidence in any dispute entschlieung proceedings.Work Hours Job offer letters usually state official working hours but look for company po licy on overtime and holiday pay.Legalities Watch out for other conditions that affect your rights and your career path. For example, mandatory arbitration limits your power if you have a dispute with your employer. Non-compete and non-solicit clauses also limit yourability to secure other business. Privacy Watch out for conditions that affect your right to privacy in the workplace. Extending the Acceptance Deadline Sometimes, after receiving a job offer, you find you need more time to consider your options. Its best to tell the employer as soon as possible, giving them a workable reason for the delay. Try to approach the topic in a candid and professional manner If you have other offers on the table, its best to be honest with the hiring manager unless you expect a negative reaction. The worst-case scenario is that they refuse your request and insist on an answer right away. Then you must accept or decline. Beware of using potential offers as a bargaining chip because this coul d backfire. They arent real until they appear in print. And never bargain with verbal offers.The Muse has excellent advice on dealing with multiple jobs offers if youre lucky enough to be in that situation. Accepting a Job When you accept a job, a brief acceptance letteris expected. It serves as an added record of job requirements and expectations. Use a business letter format and include the following Your gratitude for the offerA summary of the employment package as you understand itA formal acceptance of the jobConfirmation of your start date Send your letter, along with any signed documentation from the company. Address it to the person who made the offer when mailing it. If you send an email, use your name in the subject line. Keep your acceptance letter brief and professional to maintain the positive impression you made when interviewing. Declining a Job If you think the job isnt the right fit, you should let the recruiter know in writing. A letter removes any confusio n, and the recruiter can move on to other candidates. Its likely that during the interview process, you developed a relationship with the recruiter. A polite letter is a good way to keep the relationship going. Who knows, you may run into them again as your career develops. If youre declining an offer because the package is not attractive, but you want to work at the company, try negotiating a better deal. If that doesnt produce results and you must decline, express your disappointment. Show you were interested in working for the company, but the remuneration was a sticking point. The hiring manager may reconsider the proposal. A letter to decline a job offershould include the following An expression of gratitudeA statement declining the offerYour reason for declining the offer Job offer letters sometimes act as job contracts. Once you sign it, the conditions are binding. Make sure you agree with the contents and raise matterswith the employer for which you are not clear.

A Millennial CEO on the greatest (and most fun) trick for brainstorming

A Millennial CEO on the greatest (and most fun) trick for brainstormingA Millennial CEO on the greatest (and most fun) trick for brainstormingDani Beckerman is truly a Millennial CEO, but that shouldnt be perceived as a negative. It is quite an awesome thing in this case. After all, zu sich company, Jars by Dani, is what it is today (which is quite successful) because of Instagram (she boasts over 56,000 followers).She also has an impossibly cool style, showing up to speak on panels and interviews in those white chunky sneakers that are oh so cool right now (while when some of us try them on we look like a weird adult size version of Punky Brewster and by some of us we mean me).Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreHowever, dont let that youthful face and effortlessly laid back style fool you. This young woman is a super driven successful CEO whose company is making a major mark in th e food industry.Like all great ideas, Jars by Dani welches born out of looking for a fun way to impress her friends at a dinner party back in 2013. She decided to get a little whacky after a particularly inspirational trip to Michaels and put nachspeise in a jar. It was delicious and also incredibly beautiful, which in this visual currency age, is just as important as the taste.Beckerman, who was attending culinary school during this time, shared a photo of her creation on Instagram and soon friends were sharing the photos, and friends of friends were asking where they could get one and shortly after that, she realized she had a business on her hands. Before long she was making hundreds of jar desserts a day out of her own kitchen (with a very patient roommate and without a mixer mind you) and hand delivering them herself, with a little help of the New York transit system.I was in the best shape Id ever been in, she told Ladders as climbing flights of stairs every day was imperative for the crucial beginning of her business.Soon, her beautiful jars caught the eyes of some very famous dessert eaters including Diane von Furstenberg and other fashion brands who require the perfect artistic dessert including Barneys New York, Helmut Lang, Tiffany Co., Milly, Elle, and Glamour.Eventually, the company moved out of her kitchen and into a real test kitchen and office space and now has a staff of 14 people (30 during their very busy holiday season.)Dancing by myselfJars by Dani, which is available nationwide, is also always collaborating with other brands including by Chloe, Microsoft, HBFit and a little cupcake shop no one in New York has heard of called Magnolia. This means Beckerman, in addition to running her business and all the complexities that come with it, constantly has to come up with new ideas.Future plans include expanding her dessert offerings and opening her own store.So how does she stay creative? Dancing around in front of the mirror. No for real. She had tried meditation and it just wasnt working for her (plus, this sounds a lot more fun.)I came up with the best ideas and flavors here. First of all, it is a real confidence builder. Confidence is a mindset meditation. You have to like yourself, she told Ladders.Beckerman said she actually stopped doing the dancing technique for a bit and she felt an impact so she recently incorporated it back into her routine When you dance in the mirror think about what you like about yourself.Plus,studies have shown that dancing was associated with an improved cognitive function for aging adults as it helps with physical agility and mental strength. Dancing, more so than most other physical activities, requires mental, physical, emotional and social skills.And thinking about desserts sounds good too.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people