7 Tips for Choosing A Professional Resume Writing Service

7 Tips for Choosing A Professional Resume Writing ServiceCreating a resume can be a daunting task. If you find yourself stuck, or even frustrated, youre not alone. In the middle of a job search, especially one that might not be getting as many bites as you would like, its not uncommon to ask yourself Should I hire a professional resume writing tafelgeschirr to help me? If you decide to use a professional resume tafelgeschirr, you need to do research before deciding which one to go with. Its important that you find a resume writing service that will meet your needs, whatever they may be. After all, when you are entrusting your resume and cover letterand perhaps even other career documentsto someone, you are entrusting your career goals to them as well. Writing a resume that gets the attention of prospective employers and executive recruiters is about more than strong writing skillsits about knowing the human resources world, knowing the industry, and understanding what makes an effect ive vermodern resume with strong personal branding for you, the applicant.Its easy to search for professional resume writers on the internet and get dozens of results returned for an online resume service that look promising. But how do you evaluate which one is the best resume writing service for you? Or how do you determine which resume writing services are even legitimate and able to provide what they are promising? Finding someone to write your resume online might seem like the easy solution, but you need to do your due diligence before sending off money. There are many solid resume writing services out there with the proper experience, qualifications, and track records of success, but you need to do a bit of detective work to find them. Here are seven key points to evaluate when considering which service will best meet your job search needs and help you get the attention of a potential employer1. Credentials Does the company employ certified professional resume writers? Does th e company have a membership with at least one major professional association? Certified resume writers have to pass exams and show extensive knowledge and expertise in resume writing to become a certified resume writer. Going through the process of becoming certified also shows a dedication to their profession and their clients.2. Accreditation Is the online service youre considering an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau? I hate to say this, but there are scams out thereand you want to perform your due diligence in order to ensure that youre working with a reputable firm. By checking out professional resume services on the BBB.org website, you can read about any complaints and see a companys rating and their accreditation information. Consider this an insurance policy when conducting business online.3. Awards Has the resume service youre considering won any industry awards? Only the best writers in the industry are nominated and given TORI (Toast of the Resume Industry) Awards. If a service youre considering working with has been nominated foror wonany TORI awards, then you can be very confident that youre working with the best of the best. Only a top resume writing service will be nominated for a TORI award. 4. Process Is the companys resume writing process a good match for your needs? An effective resume for you and your career goals may be different than for someone else who may only need tweaks to their current resume. Some services only work with clients via email and worksheetsand never speak directly with the client before producing a written resume. Other services complete a phone consultation with clients to mine out important information and details that may not come across well in worksheets and questionnaires. Also consider how much time you have to invest in the project if youre on a tight schedule, spending hours completing lengthy worksheets and questionnaires may not be in your best interest.5. Time Every professional resume writin g service has a different turnaround time for their documents. Youll find everything from 24-hour turnaround to a waiting list of a month, or even longer. How much time do you have to spare? If youre passively looking, employed, and you arent in need of a resume yesterday, then you may be able to wait 30 days for your documents. However, if youre actively searching and need a job now, then going with a service that provides an average turnaround time of a couple days to a week to get your professionally written resume may be your best option.6. Sample Resumes Review Alfruchtwein all online resume services provide samples on their websites of the work theyve created for previous clients. Some companies have a few samples some provide hundreds. Peruse the resume samples to see if theres something you like. Take a look at the resume layout, the word choice, and how personalized the resume seems to be. Also try to assess if the formats seem like a modern resume or a traditional resume. Chances are, if you dont like any of the samples on the site, then youre not going to like the style of resume they end up writing for you. Just because someone is a certified professional doesnt mean their approach is always going to work to make you stand out as an applicant in your industry or position.7. Reviews Do your research and read online reviews from other clients. You would be surprised at what you can find by simply entering a company name along with the keywords reviews, complaints, or testimonials. Youll be able to find a wealth of information regarding previous client experiences that will help guide you to the right organization. Doing a simple search like this will help you separate a top resume writing service from a document factory that doesnt employ a single certified professional resume writer.Another factor you may want to consider during your search for the best resume writing service is reaching out to the organization to request a free resume critique or r esume review for your current resume. Doing so will also give you an idea of what that company sees as the major areas of weakness on your resume. While most services wont perform a complete review of the entire resume, they will likely provide you with comments about one or two areas they see that need the most improvements. Then, you can assess if their process is likely to result in a new resume that can help you land an interview and a new job. I will also offer this word of advicedont just search for resume templates and then fill in your information. Potential employers and HR professionals will easily be able to spot that youve done this. Even if they dont, it will result in you having a resume that is boring and does not help you stand out as an applicant. Effective resumes are tailored to the company, the position, and to the individual experiences and achievements of the applicant.Writing a resume is tough even for the strongest writers. No one has an easy time writing abo ut themselves, and an effective resume may vary from industry to industry and from entry-level to executive-level positions. A resume that is professionally written by a top resume writing service can help you overcome these obstacles while effectively showcasing your work experience, accomplishments, skills, and professional brand to the HR professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers who will be reading your resume.At Great Resumes Fast, were proud to have a kollektiv of certified professional resume writers and to be a top-rated resume writing service. Contact us today to get started working with one of our professional writers to create a new resume that can help you achieve your career goals. Are you tired of your resume being rejected by applicant tracking systems? I know how frustrating it is to submit your resume and receive no response. I hate seeing qualified people never breakthrough the screening process. It shouldnt be that way. Thats why I created this guide and I en courage you to download the FREE PDF so you can start seeing better resume response rates

Ive Been Waking Up at 4 A.M. for 5 Years Heres How I Do It

Ive Been Waking Up at 4 A.M. for 5 Years Heres How I Do It I have always admired those who abflug their days at 4 A.M., but I never had a reason to do so. For the most part, I have always been a morning person. Ive never been a night owl. Sure, there were times in my life I stayed up binge-watching true crime shows until 2 A.M., but those nights were the exception rather than the rule. I was never a partier. I never pulled all-night study sessions during college or law school. Instead, I kept a productive schedule during the day that freed me up to rest at night. However, I never really had a reason to wake up super early. Rising at 6 A.M. or 7 A.M. always allowed me to workout, study and go to school or work (or both).But when I became a mom nearly five years ago, that changed. My son kept me up at all hours of the night. Many of my days would start begrudgingly, unwillingly well before dawn. That only intensified when his twin siblings came along three years later. During those exhausting days of early motherhood, I rarely rose before I absolutely had to. Surviving on fragments of broken sleep meant that I grasped at any shuteye I could get and I never had to set an alarm because my kids always woke me well before I was ready.However, as my kids have gotten a little older, Ive gotten into the habit of intentionally waking up between 4 A.M. and 5 A.M. every morning even weekends. Heres how I do it1. I go to bed early.I have always been most productive in the mornings. Staying up late does little to boost my productivity. In fact, it only makes me more tired. So, I go to bed early. For me, that means lights out between 8 P.M. and 10 P.M. Since my kids are still rather young, inevitably, at least one of them will wake at some point during the night. My husband and I take turns answering their calls, but by getting an early start on sleep, I find I still feel rested in the morning even if theres been a sleep disturbance in the night.2. I start my day with a w orkout.Part of the reason I rise so early is that it allows me to have uninterrupted time to get my workout in. As a lifelong fitness devotee, fitting in a training session has always been important to me. I currently work from home with my kids. If I dont workout first thing in the morning, I must sneak it in during my twins nap time. However, that poses two problems sometimes they resist their nap, which throws off my schedule, and I have many other tasks that I need to complete during the nap time slot. Getting in my workout before the day starts solves both problems. It also provides a huge mood boost and fills me with feelings of endless potential.3. I remind myself how good I feel when I start my day off strong.Another way I force myself to wake up at 4 A.M. I remind myself of how good I feel when I do. I have always been a good self-motivator. When I go to bed, I set my alarms and look forward to the morning knowing I will be starting it off on the right foot. I look over my schedule. I glance at my workout program to landsee what Ill be doing in the morning. Doing these things remind me why Im choosing to rise at that hour and gets me pumped up for my early start. Then, in the morning, I immediately roll out of bed without giving it a second thought.4. I accept that its my best option.I coax myself into waking at 4 A.M. because I accept that its my best option. In other seasons of life, I could afford to wake a few hours later and take on the world. However, these days, as a busy mom and wife building a business, I needto wake up at that time. Doing so gives me the time to exercise for as long as I need. It gives me time to dress and put myself together for the day, to write and to get a head start on the morning without much interruption from the kids. By 730 A.M., we are out the door taking my oldest to school and starting work and errands, the day open to endless possibilities.5. I cut myself some slack.Finally, although Ive gotten into the habit of waking at 4 AM, I also cut myself some slack. I tell myself that if Im reallytired, I have the option to sleep in later if I want. However, rarely do I exercise this option. fruchtwein days, my internal clock wakes me before my alarm even goes off. Even if theres not much to do that day, I still enjoy the productivity and promise of the early morning hours. Although I never thought Id be here, I am now a very early morning riser and it feels great.

The IT crowd

The IT crowd The IT crowdPosted October 13, 2011, by Mike KermodeIts a ridiculous understatement to say that IT industries have blossomed in recent years theyve exploded. Information technology is now the cornerstone of modern economies the world over. IT is big. And its only getting bigger.Today, having at least some skills in IT is par for the course, and certainly an advantage. All geschftslebenes use and depend on technology their ability to function hangs on their ability to communicate electronically, develop and manage their websites, manage their information and databases and thats for businesses that arent even technological in nature. These days, having the right IT infrastructure is a prerequisite for success.Naturally, this means that countless job opportunities in IT have emerged many of them high-paying, with IT salaries expected to grow by five to 10 per cent in the next half year. Given the growth and the potential pay, theres no better time to get in on where ITs at.In-demand areasAccording to the Robert Half Technology Salary Guide 2011, which looks at yearly technology market trends and salary data, there are a few key skill sets that are gaining mora traction now than ever before. So its worth keeping the following in mindProgrammers, business analysts and Java developers are more in-demand than ever and can expect substantial salary rises.Same goes for network specialists, especially in light of the burgeoning implementation of virtualisation and cloud computing technology.The demand for infrastructure support professionals and PC technicians will continue to grow as companies upgrade software and operating systems.Security is paramount. As the number of computer users and IT-dependent businesses grow, so too is the need for security professionals.Major upgrades in the public sector, increased investment in IT by the big four Australian banks and resources sector, the Smart Grid implementation and NBN all mean huge demand for qualified IT professionals. With supply unable to meet demand and major shortfalls predicted, thats great news for anyone in the industry.IT rolesThere are almost as many IT roles as there are computer programs, languages, networks and databases. Heres a brief description of some of the key areas that you could work in.DevelopmentDevelopment is a broad term encompassing anything from software design to implementation, project planning, testing and requirements analysis. While a programmer will write the component-level, bare bones code, developers implement and coordinate the creation of software for clients. They still need to be well-versed in programming languages and frameworks such as C, C++, HTML, Java, J2EE, Microsoft.Net and SQL Server.Software architectureSoftware architects take a big picture view of the software development process. Theyre responsible for making design choices on platforms and coding, and communicating them to the developers. More so than developers, theyre a cruci al conduit between a client and their business IT requirements, and the whole lifecycle of the software design process.Project managementThese folk organise all the elements necessary to see that lifecycle through. With a combination of technical and managerial skillsets, PMs muster the resources, team members, contractors and consultants to get a project completed in budget and on time. Theyll also develop business relationships and oversee quality assurance throughout a project. With this level of responsibility, project managers and other senior-level IT staff can earn big bucks up to $2500 per day.Network engineering/architectureModern companies would be nowhere without computer networks, and network engineers make sure they work effectively. They take care of planning, architecting, installing and configuring WANs, LANs and other networks. Firewalls, routers, switches ansicht are all the domains of network gurus.Web developmentWith a solid grasp of business strategy, Internet protocols and scripting languages, web developers build and maintain websites, keeping close communication with clients on their requirements. This includes fashioning the site layout in a manner that best presents it to its target market, as well as to search engines. Web developers talk the talk of SOAP, AJAX, ColdFusion, JavaScript, HTML and LAMP.Database development/administrationAny business that depends on the storage of, and easy access to, mass quantities of categorised information will be looking to database developers to design, implement and maintain good database management systems for the efficient organisation and filing of their data. As more info gets stored electronically, these services are increasingly important.SecurityAs we conduct more and more of our business and information storage online, we also become increasingly vulnerable to security breaches so security has become one of the greatest areas of concern for most businesses. The never-ending task of the security professional is to ensure that data remains free from corruption and unauthorised access, spam is kept to a minimum, and viruses, malware and other forms of hacking are kept at bay.Technical services and supportTo keep IT-dependent businesses running smoothly, there need to be skilled technicians on hand to solve application and server problems, or to help manage frequent upgrades. As PCs become universally adopted by individuals and businesses alike, the need for good support for software, hardware and network connections has never been stronger.Technical writingThese are the explainers, the ones who make the technical gobbledygook comprehensible (sort of) to us mere mortals. The ones who take what the developers have created and translate it into instructions, user manuals, assembly directions, online help systems all so consumers (or workers who utilise the software, like engineers and factory workers) can understand it and put the product to good use. This content need s to be highly comprehensible and easy to follow, so technical writers need to have a knack for simplifying complex information. These days their expertise can extend to other aspects of the publication process, like layout and graphics.It takes more than just a head for codeIn addition to your technical skills, youll need good communication skills. You need these to become a leader in any field, and IT is no exception. That means diplomacy. Listening. Empathy. Building rapport. Good body language. In other words, all the stuff that makes people respect and want to work with you the stuff that helps you work with and lead teams the stuff that basically makes you a well-adjusted and personable person. You shouldnt underestimate its importance. Youll also need a head for business. Increasingly, employers dont just seek performers with the right technical skills, but those with an understanding of how IT decisions bolster business outcomes. This is especially important for those seeki ng to reach the upper echelons of the IT hierarchy. Project management skills are also crucial. As businesses become more risk-averse in uncertain economic times, sound planning and rigorous management practices have become dogma and this isnt just in IT. If you have the ability to organise, lead and manage projects and staff effectively while keeping your eye on budgets and timelines, you will definitely be the IT person employers will clamour for and theyll reward you handsomely for your project managing prowess. You should also consider contracting. More and more, contract work is a favoured employment arrangement for many IT specialists, and for IT companies generally. A recent IT Wire article revealed that IT is one of the biggest areas in which so-called independent professionals, or IPros, can exercise the freedom to be more productive working outside a nine-to-five schedule. Currently around 40 per cent of IT professionals are thought to work on a contract basis, althou gh the number of permanent positions is expected to rise next year. Just a word to those females wanting to get into this notlageoriously male-dominated industry dont worry, you are not alone Your numbers are increasing, and whats more, you can find support with a group for female students and graduates called Girl Geek Coffees, which meets monthly in different cities to discuss industry and academic issues. Grrl power does exist in the IT worldGet IT happeningGiven the prevalence of IT in virtually every industry, it is going to pay to get some IT skills under your belt. No matter who you are, there are measures you can take that will help you get ahead. This might not mean taking on a strictly IT role, but simply expanding your computer skills. For IT or general office workers, this could involve gaining expertise in Microsoft applications and functions. For small business owners, it could be as little as taking an MYOB course, or perhaps a business admin course specialising i n IT to better understand how IT can help your business outcomes. For those already working in IT and looking to progress, you probably already know that professional development in IT just never stops. Your technical knowledge quickly passes its used-by date as technology constantly morphs and evolves. Which brings us toQualificationsThere are many levels of qualification available, depending on what youre after. For instance, you can study information technology as an entry-level certificate, diploma or bachelor degree, and in some cases tailor your studies to something like project management. Consider taking on computer science if youre interested in the theory and mathematical side of computing, or combine IT studies with teaching if you want to help develop bright young minds. On top of this, theres a host of certifications that cater to specific programming languages and developer tools, like, for instance, Cisco, CompTIA, Oracle and Six Sigma courses. These are available as online courses, so you can study where you want, when you want. So whether youre wanting to add to your business credentials or youre looking to progress through the IT ranks, there are many options to get qualified, keep up-to-date, and stay ahead of the game by embracing IT. Dont get left behind Develop your IT skills with an online course.IT ResourcesSystems analyst sample resumeSystems analyst sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesBrett Raven - RedBalloon Chief Technology OfficerInterested in becoming a?Management ConsultantMarketing OfficerProject ManagerSystems AdministratorHelp Desk OfficerPopular Career Searchesbasic it coursesit qualificationsfast track career in itgov funded IT courses brisbanegovernment funded IT courses onlineIT CoursesBachelor of Cyber SecurityEnquire angeschlossen Enquire OnlineGraduate Diploma of Data ScienceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Applied Information TechnologyEnquire Online Enquire OnlineAssociate Degree of Applied Informat ion TechnologyEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMike KermodeRelated ArticlesBrowse moreInformation TechnologyITIT market hits temporary slumpThe ICT market is in the doldrums, according to the latest report, but it seems the slump will only be temporary.ITWOMENNine reasons to get a job in ITNow has never been a better time to make the jump into the world of coding, hard drives and USB ports. The IT industry is calling.Information TechnologyITIT career fact sheetConsidering a career in IT? Check out this career fact sheet for everything you need to know about the information technology industry, at a glance.

Can You Apply for a Job When You Are 3 Months Pregnant

Can You Apply for a Job When You Are 3 Months PregnantCan You Apply for a Job When You Are 3 Months PregnantEvery three seconds somewhere in the world a baby is born, with an average of over 130 million live births annually. Given that in the United States, nearly half of the workforce is female, it is inevitable that there are bound to be a lot of pregnant job seekers So what is a woman to do?The current law in the U.S. does elend require a pregnant job seeker to disclose this information. Employers canleid legally discriminate against a woman for being pregnant and once an offer is extended, they are also not allowed to rescind that offer based on pregnancy. A pregnant woman has every right to apply for a new job without revealing her situation. While there are ethical and trust issues to consider, lets first look at the why it makes sense to keep your pregnancy to yourself when einstellungsgesprching.1) Lets face it. While it is not legal to discriminate, there is still tremendous discrimination against pregnant women. From the perspective of an employer, it is certainly understandable they would not want to knowingly hire someone who is going to be out for several months within a relatively short time period after their start date.2) Nobody has a crystal ball. While women hope their pregnancies will go smoothly, the sad truth is that women miscarry all the time. Typically women dont even tell some of their family members about being pregnant prior to the three-month mark for this very reason.3) While it may seem dishonest to withhold this information during an interview, telling an employer you are pregnant should be done on a need to know basis. You may, in fact, be the best person for the job. Why risk being turned down unnecessarily?Be aware that if you start a new job while pregnant you may not be entitled to paid leave or medical benefits covering your pregnancy. While you do not have to tell your prospective employer that you are pregnant during the i nterview process, it may be wise to tell them before you start your new job. You are likely going to be showing within a few months and it will seem dishonest if you dont say anything.It is likely they wont be totally thrilled to find out, but they will be more understanding if you come clean early in the process. Also, if you do not like the way they react, it may be an indication that you should not accept the position after all. If the company is not family friendly, it may not be the place for you. By telling your new employer about your pregnancy once an offer has been extended, you can have an open discussion about flex hours and possible opportunities to work from home. You will be in a better position to negotiate.While you may be pregnant, it does not mean that you are not going to be a tremendous asset to the organization. Husbands who are job seeking and have pregnant wives at home dont need to disclose their status during the interview process and neither should you. Hav ing babies is an average occurrence. While it may pose a brief inconvenience for an employer, it should not become a deterrent to seeking the best job possible. You deserve to do a thorough job search and give yourself as many possible career options as possible, pregnant or notOur thanks toGlassdoor for the guest blog post. Glassdoor is your free inside look at jobs and companies. Salary details, company reviews, and interview questions - all posted anonymously by employees and job seekers.

How to Create a Copywriting Portfolio of Spec Ads

How to Create a Copywriting Portfolio of Spec AdsHow to Create a Copywriting Portfolio of Spec AdsPreparing an advertising portfolio of spec ads- ones youve created to show off your skills, not for an actual client- may make you feel like an amateur. But creative directors at advertising agencies have hired their fair share of budding copywriters based on spec work alone. If youre fresh out of college or want to make a career change to advertising copywriter, here are some suggestions for creating an impressive spec ad portfolio. Diverse Mediums If you want to break into advertising, youll need to show you can work in several different mediums. Maybe youre most comfortable with print ads. Even so, you should include copy for TV and radio commercials, websites, and emails in your spec portfolio. Otherwise, youll start out at an immediate disadvantage against other newbies who have a diversified portfolio. Dealing With Visuals Copywriters arent responsible for the visual compon ents of advertisements, but that shouldnt stop you from indicating in your copy-only portfolio what images you picture going with your words. Doing that will show youre a wordsmith who can appreciate how your work merges with that of the design professionals in an agency. Similarly, you shouldnt try incorporating images into your portfolio whether or not youve paid for their use. You should let your copy speak for itself. And if you used copyrighted images you didnt pay for- and that would be obvious if the photo sites name is visible- it would be an ethics red flag in a creative directors eyes. Creative directors would much rather binnensee a portfolio of outstanding pieces of copy on plain white paper than dressed-up ads with someone elses stolen images. Going Small or Big When youre just starting out, it makes sense to begin your career at a smaller agency that might be more likely to take a chance on someone with only a spec portfolio. Small shops are a great training ground where you can work closely with and learn from the minimal staff. However, dont discount the bigger agencies. They, too, might give you an opportunity if you make a great initial impression on them. Wow Factor Just because your portfolio consists of spec ads doesnt mean it shouldnt be amazing. Make your book more than just good. It should impress the creative director with solid, clever, salable copy that showcases your talent. If your book is mediocre, the CD is going to think so-so is the best you can do and theyll look elsewhere for someone to wow them. Think of it this way, too Stand a copywriter with some experience against a recent college grad with no prior experience. If the copywriter with some experience has a lackluster portfolio and the college grad has an outstanding portfolio, that college grad has leveled the playing field and may even have the advantage in hiring. Persistence and Patience Its hard when you want an ad career not to stress over every detail. T heres nothing wrong with wanting everything to be absolutely perfect just dont let that desire for perfection psych you out. Be persistent and patient, do your best work, and you will find your way into a job.

Why spending money on happy is worth it

Why spending money on happy is worth itWhy spending money on happy is worth itIf youve been reading my blog for a while, you know that Im not one of those financial bloggers who tells you to give up everything you love in order to pay off debt and build up savings. Yes, it takes some sacrifice to get yourself to a better financial situation. Thats true when you want to make any kind of change or improvement. But I also believe that its incredibly important to allow yourself joy and comfort along the way.Have you ever decided you wanted to get fit and/or lose weight? Youve probably tried a handful of different diets or exercise routines. You tell yourself youre not going to eat ANY sugar and youre going to work out every single day. How long does that usually belastung for you? In my experience, it doesnt last very long. I like to use this analogy because I think that physical wellness and financial wellness are very similar. If you restrict yourself from having anything that you enjo y, youll give up and go completely in the other direction.For example, every time I have done aWhole 30, I have completely gorged myself on cheese and chocolate after its over. Thats not sustainable And then it makes me feel like I undid all the healthy progress I made before (because I definitely did). So my new goal is to create a lifestyle that encourages and supports healthy eating, so that Im taking care of myself overall, while still allowing myself things I love, like chocolate and beer, once in a while.Thats why I think its so important to build the things that make you happy into your budget. There are many benefits, both to you and to your financesIt improves your quality of lifeWhen you align your money with yourdeeply-held values, you will feel happier and mora fulfilled. Values are beliefs and principles that make what we do in life worthwhile and meaningful to us. Your financial goals will be a lot easier to attain if they line up with what you believe in most. Plus, i f youre doing the things that you love most, your quality of life will improve.I love to travel, but travel can be expensive. Maybe its mora responsible to save and invest the money I would use on travel, but I dont think I would have a very good quality of life if I did that. Yes, I have saved my emergency fund and I prioritize my retirement savings, but I also get so much joy from traveling the world. That is why I save money throughout the year for travel. It is a specific line item in my budget, so that I am able to travel regularly. This is absolutely worthwhile for me, because I dont want to wait until retirement to see the world.It makes other sacrifices worth itOf course, you cant just continue spending money on the things that make you happy and expect your budget to magically work better. The key to affording the things you love the most is making room for it in your budget. The way you can make room for something is either to bring in mora money or reduce or eliminate oth er spending.When youre clear on where you want your money to be going, it gets easier to stop spending in other areas. For example, if you love trying new restaurants with your friends, youll have to have a larger dining budget. In order to make room for that, you must choose another area where you will cut back. Perhaps that area is cabs. If its obvious that youre cutting back on that expense to allow for the more important expense, itll be more motivating to take the bus.It makes it easier to stick to a budgetHave you ever tried to implement abudgetbut gave up when it felt too restrictive? I hear you Humans arent very good at restriction we need moderation. Building fun or relaxing things into your regular budget will make it feel less like youre on a budget and more like youre creating a plan to afford the things you enjoy.For example, Dan and I are going to visit friends in Virginia Beach in a couple weeks. Well want to make sure we can go out to eat and do other activities with out being stressed about our budget. This means that well probably avoid going out to eat between now and then. Yes, maybe itll be a bummer to forego Thai takeout this weekend, but having dinner with our friends will be more fun and more worth the money. Keeping these priorities top of mind makes it easier to make these decisions in the moment.It reduces the scarcity mindsetMindset has a huge impact on everything in our lives. If you believe that youll never have different circumstances, youll likely never try to change your circumstances. Its a self-fulfilling prophecy. The scarcity mindset means that you think that youll never have enough. Enough money, enough stuff, enough experiences, etc. Does that resonate with you? When it comes to money, this mindset impacts your behavior, and makes it less likely that youll be thoughtful and discerning with your spending.However, if youre creating space for joy, and prioritizing that spending, it will feel more like you have what you need. What do you need to have in your life in order to feel like you have enough?- - - Of course, even if you prioritize spending money on the things that make you happiest, there is going to be a limit to your spending. I want you to spend money on happy, but I dont want you to spend with abandon. You should still be living within your means and automating your savings. The key is to build your values and happiness-spending into your budget. If there isnt enough room for them, figure out what you can cut out to make the room.Maggie Germano is a feminist and financial coach for women. She helps women improve their relationship with money so they can take control of their financial future. She does this through one-on-one financial coaching, workshops, writing, and speaking engagements. She also founded Money Circle, which is a safe space for women to talk about money without feeling judged. Its a way to create community and openness around personal finance. Passionate about many issues affecting women, Maggie is a member of the Womens Information Network and was trained as a salary negotiation facilitator by AAUW.

22 Job Search Motivation Strategies from FlexJobs Readers

22 Job Search Motivation Strategies from FlexJobs Readers22 Job Search Motivation Strategies from ReadersStaying motivated through a job search can be challenging. When you start looking for a job, you can often feel very optimistic about the ease with which you will find your next job, but even the best job search can have moments of frustration or confusion. Prepare for those discouraging moments with these great job search motivation strategies from our readers.We recently ran a contest where we asked readers to tell us what motivates them to keep up with their job search, and 40 people responded with excellent advice.For a chance to win a free membership, enter our latest contest here Here are 22 job search motivation strategies our readers use to stay positive and motivated1. Set a job search alarm. Deb says, I platzset an alarm on my tablet for the same time every day indicating this is my hour or two that I need to search for employment. I make a point that I cant get up from my computer until I have applied for at least 2-3 positions. Afterward, I treat myself to something like a walk in the park, baking cookies, reading a chapter from a book, taking a nap, etc.2. Use Saved Search functions. Libby says, I have a lot of saved searches on my favorite sites, so Im able to scan through pretty quickly. I found myself burning out quickly when I was reading every posting in detail, so now I scan quickly and only open those that catch my eye. (Hey- recruiters are scanning our resumes just as quickly, right?)3. Try Meetup.com for networking. Leigh says, I looked on meetup.com for a job seekers networking group in my area. I had to go to more than one to find one that was a good fit, but when it did it was a surge of positive energy that gave me renewed motivation.4. Set goals and look forward to obstacles. Diana P. says, Finding the RIGHT job is bedrngnis an easy task. It takes patience, perseverance and lot of self-confidence and faith that sooner or later you will succeed. What motivates me? As a genuine Sagittarius, I always set goals, and I do notlagelagelage give up until I achieve them no matter of the obstacles and namely obstacles make us stronger and more sophisticated. So, no matter what, keep smiling and keep walking.5. Find one yes. Meema says, I tell myself I only need ONE yes. This helps me go through the NOs, keeping in mind that I am getting closer to that YES.6. Think about getting back to work. Enushi says, Your determination to get back to workkeeps you motivated all the time.7. Identify your motivation. Helen says, Its amazing just how motivated I am in my search, and its a pity that employers cant run their companies based on my needs Your motivation is there, you just have to identify what it is, and the world will then revolve around it.8. Make time for hobbies. Mary says, I stay motivated during my job search by making sure I schedule a time to do something I enjoy, whether its working on one of my hobbies or just s pending some time curled up with hot tea and a good book9. Do things you like. Christine says, I have a few things that I do 1. Walk and play with my dog 2. Go outside 3. Stop and take care of anything else read, clean, laundry, etc.10. Dont isolate yourself. Charlotte says, 1- Exercise several days a week. 2- Take breaks and go outside to clear your head when you feel less productive. 3- Dont stay isolated all day long. Work from a caf if necessary to stay connected.11. Keep going. Rob says, Never give up.12. Maintain your positivity. Lisa says, I keep a positive attitude and continue looking every day. I give a 100% in every job that comes along, and that keeps me going knowing that I am worth their time. My attitude is if they dont hire me, that is their loss, not mine. Never give up because good things come to those who wait.13. Stay organized. Violeta says, Strive to start from an optimistic mindset. Research not only job opportunities but also inspirational stories. Enroll in online courses to improve skills. Keep the applications organized using Excel or Trello.14. Know what boosts your well-being. Jamshid V. says, Finding a job is a job in itself, so the better I get at job search, the luckier I get. What motivates me I am always after that perfect job or at least a role that ticks off the points for my ideal role. If I am low on motivation, I get a scrap of paper and write down why I need to be fired up for job search. Bills, family well-being, gym membership (my well-being) and many more. After writing this list down and seeing it every day gives me the motivation to do more job search. Networking with folks in the industry and building a rapport has become a hobby of mine. The more rapport I have with them the closer I am to getting an interview or secure a role. Now thats another motivation In my spare time, I read books that are good for my mind and read less of newspapers. I recommend reading Get The Job You Really Want by James Caan. After readi ng this book that not only motivated me but made me think outside the box on while doing a job search and writing applications. My motto is it is not over until So folks keep your persistence strong.15. Focus on the best jobs for YOU. Recheal says, Find one or two job ads that seem perfect for you, by evening, and work on them, first thing in the morning. Each application you send will bring you a great sense of accomplishment. Take time to celebrate this victory, you will get new motivation each day to search for another (job) opportunity to create another moment of victory.16. Play it as a numbers game. Emily I. says, The only way that I can do a sustained job search is to completely separate myself out from the process. I was an independent consultant for a lot of years so job searching or, in this case, assignment hunting was a pretty constant activity. To start out, I consider it a complete numbers game. I create one great resume and one great cover letter and have been known t o send out hundreds of these in a week. I do not think about whether or not I want the particular job, which is for after the interview, and I have found that it is impossible to understand a job before that. I never schedule more than two interviews in a day. I once tried three and just couldnt handle it. After the interview, I dont think about it all. It has absolutely no impact on how many emails I send out the next day. In other words, I treat it like a somewhat boring job and do not allow myself to become emotionally involved, by either being happy or rejected. It may not work for everyone, but by following these general rules I had virtually no downtime as a consultant.17. Job search outside of your house. Jasmin says, To keep motivated I like to change up my work (job search) environment. I find I get a lot less distracted by things like laundry or eating etc. when I make plans to do my work at say Starbucks or the library. It gives more structure to the time and place when I need to be focused on looking for work and, of course, the additional treat of a coffee helps with motivation too18. Let your hobbies help your job search. Hayley says, To stay positive while job searching, I have been turning to one of my hobbies writing. Ive always wanted to write childrens stories, so I am taking a course, and already have my first chapter and working title completed It got me thinkingso I also started writing a self-help book on staying positive while job searching In writing this (more for myself, at the moment), it keeps my head in good space and has allowed to branch out even further in my writing It is so easy to become depressed and complacent. This helps me keep up my energy, time management, and it helps hone my skills of proofreading and editing Hopefully, soon, it will be working in my writing around my new work from the home schedule19. Wake up with a mantra. Carrie says, When I wake up I immediately tell myself that I will get the job that works for me, my lifestyle, and my financial well-being. I created my office space and had put it out in the universe, ask, and you shall receive. You have to stay positive, be positive, and think positive and positive things will come. I take breaks throughout the day and on those breaks, I get re-energized and get back to the computer by thinking that the next application will be the one. I do NOT get discouraged.20. Eat an energy-boosting diet. Leslie says,Keep a regular work schedule of job search activity like its a full-time job.Celebrate the small wins during the day.Focus on the positive.Get up to exercise during the day, even small chunks of time, whether a walk outside or jumping on the rebounder (mini-trampoline).Eat foods that boost energy and mood.Consider how many people in the world are in much less fortunate situations, and count my blessings.21. Be grateful for what you already have. Sara says, I wake up each morning and look at my beautiful two children. I am looking for the perfect job that will let me find fulfillment in my career while still being an active participant in the lives of my boys. They are my motivation I want to be around while they are still little, and that is what I am fighting for every time I submit an application. Who says a women cant have it all?22. Trade your skills for goods and services. Ann says, Once I apply for two jobs, I give myself a break and do something fun maybe go for a walk, make dinner from scratch (that doesnt happen when Im working FT), or make a lunch date with a friend. I have also stepped up my volunteer time. Since Im not working right now, this gives me that sense of community I miss from working with a team. It also serves as a great networking outlet. I have also learned that I can trade my skills for something I want for example since Im unemployed I was going to give up my gym membership. The gym owner made a trade with me Ill update his website and do some other marketing he needs, and I get a fre e membership for a few months. This is actually helping me improve my skills and keep them fresh while waiting for that next great job to come along.We love hearing how people focus on the things they can control and keep an open mind and positive attitude. Check out our success stories for more motivation and inspiration from successful members who found their dream jobsReaders, what job search motivation strategies do you utilize? Have you tried any of the tips listed by our readers? Let us know in the comments