Why even leaders get by with a little help from their friends

Why even leaders get by with a little help from their friendsWhy even leaders get by with a little help from their friendsI think of myself as strong.I landsee myself as someone who can manage a lot of stress. Who can get a tremendous amount accomplished in a day. Who can work long hours and pull through in clutch moments. Who doesnt give up in the face of problems, but works tirelessly until they are solved.I am a leader and fruchtwein leaders I know feel the same way. We have to - our companies, our employees, our clients, our families - they all rely on us to pull through in the clutch. And we do. Sometimes, in our skillful mastery of pressure, complexity, and accomplishment, we can feel super-human.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreBut then, on my way to dinner in New York with old friends from high school, my bicycle hit a pothole and stopped abruptly while I flew over the handlebars and slammed head-first into a parked car.Dazed, bloody, lying on the street, I couldnt think. Some people nearby came to ask if I was OK, but I didnt know. They asked if I needed water, but I didnt know. When I eventually staggered to me feet, they asked if I needed to sit, but I didnt know.Looking back on that moment, heres what I did know with absolute certainty I am very, very human.As a leader who advocates vulnerability as a strength, I am surprised to realize that I have, somehow, bought into the notlageion that I need to be super-human and that any weakness diminishes my leadership.In fact, I see clearly now that it is precisely the opposite. Not acknowledging our weaknesses is counter-productive for two simple reasonsOne, its unsustainable. Life inevitably catches up to us and then, eventually, we must face the inescapable reality that we are human, with weaknesses, flaws, and faults.Two, its poor leadership. Leadership is about connection. People will only follow you, work hard for you, create and risk and sacrifice for you, if they feel connected to you. So heres my question Will anyone ever be able to truly connect with you, really trust you, honestly give you their all, if you only reveal to them the parts of you that you think will impress them? How long do you think you can keep that up? How long before they become disillusioned?In other words, hiding our weaknesses in an attempt to be strong leaders makes us weak leaders. Our vulnerabilities make us most vulnerable when we pretend they dont exist.Heres whats important to remember our struggles do not define us any more than our successes do. You are not weak you have weaknesses. There is a difference.And from this place of humanness, that can hold both strengths and weaknesses, we can do the most leaderly thing there is Ask for help.When I eventually got up and stumbled to dinner, I was greeted by concern and support. My friend Toby got her car, threw my bike in the back and drove me to the emergency room. Pam, Susie, Nicky, and Vicky all came to sit with me at the hospital late into the night.I was lucky not to be alone that night, and that was thanks to my humanness, not despite it.And needing help - asking for help - is an essential part of being a leader. While Ive always known this, Ive also always secretly felt that its a leaders job to help others, not to need help.But thats a myth. The reality is that leaders who dont need help have no one to lead. People feel good when they help. They are inspired when they are needed. They dont think less of the people they help, they feel more connected.I am not superhuman. Nor are you. And thats not only OK- its better.This article originally appeared on Heleo.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

5 Ways to Ruin Your Job Search before 9 a.m.

5 Ways to Ruin Your Job Search before 9 a.m.5 Ways to Ruin Your Job Search before 9 a.m.6Ever wake up in the morning only to feel like you want to roll right over and go back to sleep until tomorrow? Everyone has days when they feel like they want a do-over- even when its only 600 a.m. But there might be negative ways in which youre contributing to these feelings that youre completely unaware of- and it might be sabotaging your job efforts as well. Here are five ways you could be ruining your job search before 9 a.m.Over-scheduling yourself.In todays world, everyone is super busy. Youre trying to get kids out the door and onto the school bus before applying for 25 jobs- all before 900 a.m. The problem is that your to-do list could actually be hindering you, leid helping you. If you spend your morning thinking of everything that you have to do, chances are youll do nothing. Instead, spend time in the morning getting emotionally (and physically) ready for the day by relaxing your mind and clearing it of any unnecessary thoughts. If you can get in a workout, your body will be at peace, too, and youll be ready for whatever the day may bring.Not getting dressed.Sure, your flannel PJs and fluffy slippers are your clothes du jour when youre job hunting. But by not changing your clothes, you run the risk of becoming even mora unproductive- and sloppy. Its a better idea to change into comfortable- and more professional- clothes before you start the day. Even yoga pants are fine when paired with a proper shirt. Changing your clothes will help you change your mindset and make your job search that much more streamlined- and successful.Refusing to get out of bed.Youre supposed to be up and out of bed by 630. But you keep hitting your snooze button for five extra minutes- six more times. When you purposely delay your day, you can create extra stress having to rush around getting things done. That stress can continue for the rest of your day, causing you to feel extra (and un necessary) pressure that can ruin the rest of your day. So the next time your alarm clock rings, do what it wants you to do and get out of bed.Adopting an all-or-nothing attitude.There are some mornings when everything goes wrong. Your kid didnt do his homework, the dog threw up in the kitchen, and your spouse misplaced the car keys. Its tempting to think that the rest of your day is going to be as miserable as your morning. Turn the tables (on yourself) and find the positives in the middle of the messes. By learning to change your mindset when things go wrong, youll be able to survive them better and have a great workday in spite of a bumpy start to the day. This learned skill will also help you when you are in the middle of a tough job interview.Not taking care of yourself.Youre running late, so you plan to hit the drive-thru for your breakfast. Or maybe you didnt have time to iron your power pants before your final job interview with a prospective boss, so you wind up throwing a pair of wrinkled jeans on instead. When you dont take time to take care of yourself, you are sending a bad message to both a potential boss and yourself. Essentially youre saying that youre not valuing yourself- and no one else should, either. By treating yourself with love and respect (by eating a proper breakfast, taking the time you need to get ready in the morning, scoring a quick run before you go to the office), youre making an investment not only in yourself and your family, but in your career as well.There are so many ways in which people can self-sabotage their days, and in turn, their careers as well. By being aware of some of the pitfalls, you can steer clear and be successful in your job search- and your life.Readers, whats your morning routine like? Do you think it has the potential to ruin your job search? Sound off in the comments below

This is how you can juggle your passion and your day job

This is how you can juggle your passion and your day jobThis is how you can juggle your passion and your day jobWe all know the story of creative people who work temp jobs waiting for a big break, but some people devote as much effort to their day job as they do their passion.Their day job is not just a paycheck, but gives an alternative fulfillment. Some of them keep their day jobs and passion as separate pspeciess of their lives, but otherbeis have found a way to incorporate what they love into their employment. The common link for all of them is determination, drive and focus. That means giving up traditional leiaya activities like watching TV. And sometimes it means not spending a lot of time with friends and family to fit it all in. Want this lifestyle? Heres how they do it.The doctor-poetFor Dr. C. Dale Young, medicine and writing are callings hes pursued his entire adult life. A San Francisco-based oncologist, Young has published four books of poetry and won a Guggenheim Fello wship. He also teaches part-time at Warren Wilson Colleges low-residency Master of Fine Arts program in Asheville, N.C. Even with full days at the clinic, Young makes time to write or read daily, even its only an hour or some time on the weekends. You have to commit to it and make time for it. Even small amounts of time, if done consistently, can add up to a great deal, he said.He takes vacation time to teach the 10 days for the MFA program, and during the semester he supervises two or three students, which means his weekend writing days from July to November are devoted to reading his students work.While he may feel tired at times, Young says he doesnt feel burned out. I make sure at least once or twice a year to take a vacation during which I do little except lie about and regenerate, he said.The company president-horse farm ownerPete Baldine is president of two businesses Moran Family of Brands, a national franchise specializing in automotive accessories, and Bella Rose Farm, his familys horse boarding and training facility about an hour outside of Chicago.Baldine grew up loving horses, as did his daughter. When she started working with horses professionally, he founded Bella Rose Farm in 2007, which has since grown to include 22 horses. His days are typically 15 hours long, seven days a week, fitting in farm work in between office hours, and on weekends. He said the company is very supportive of his passion, and rarely does farm business cut into his day job. Plus, he added sometimes he conducts Moran business on the farm. The company culture promotes flexibility for all their hard-working employees, not just him, he said.Every once in a while, there may be a situation where there is a sick horse. But thats no different than anyone else who might have a sick day and miss work. That doesnt happen often. Theyve never felt like they havent gotten their fair share, and Ive never felt like if I needed to make a work change that they resented it, he said.His vac ations are traveling to horse shows. He admitted this lifestyle isnt for everyone, especially for people who need a lot of downtime. Having the right frame of mind helps. With anything, even if you really enjoy it and like it, there are times when it can feel like a burden. If It does, you have to recognize it and deal with it and get your head screwed on right, he said.The journalist-musicianYoko Noge sang the blues professionally in Japan, but disliked the commercialization of music. Instead, she moved to Chicago to study and play with some of the greatest blues musicians including Willie Kent, Johnny B. Moore and others. Her day job is co-bureau chief for Nikkeis Chicago bureau, a Japanese media company, where shes worked for 30 years. At her peak, she would perform with her band two or three nights a week, often getting home at 2 a.m. and working at Nikkei the next day. Noge said over the years shes found the best balance is to focus completely at the task on hand when shes at the office, she concentrates on journalism, and when shes playing its all about the music. Only one time in her work career did she have an issue with a manager. Noge found out from colleagues he disapproved of her chosen music style and didnt think she deserved a promotion.I welches fiercely angry about it My reaction was, if I was a classical violin player, would he have said the same thing? Probably not. If I were an opera singer probably he would have said different things. But I had enough supporters because they know how hard I work, Noge said.It didnt have any lasting repercussions, as Nikkeis president and chief executive officer come hear her play when she visits family in Japan and performs, which is a great honor, she said. Shes cut back on some of her performances lately because she is also caring for her husband, fellow musician Clark Dean, who is in hospice care. Sometimes I get depressed, of course, but then I tell myself, life has different stages. You do your best a t each stage and whats the best for yourself and others. This is my choice right now, she said.The educational publisher-creative writerZoe Zolbrod is a manager at an educational publishers literature division, and has written a novel and a memoir. She says her company appreciates how her ties in the creative-writing world help her spot new talent and different stories for textbooks.Zolbrod not only juggles writing and work, but she and her husband are also raising two children, ages 8 and 15. To write she takes vacation time from work, and on Sundays she leaves the house early, in addition to writing at night when she can.Being a parent adds to the juggle, but she added it can work. I think kids needs come and go, Zolbrod said.She tries to fit in a bit of yoga, too, and after her last book she took a break to spend more time with her family, which she cant always do when shes writing.Its a constant juggle, a constant negotiation, what am I willing to give up? Zolbord said.The comme rcial painter-artistGene Pellegrene, who owns the socially conscious painting company artist painters, looks at his company as a piece of conceptual art. Its a traditional commercial painting company, but he also uses the time to learn about the people who hired his crew. From that interaction he creates an original piece of art for the customer upon project completion.Youre around them in their most personal space, interacting with children and pets in this vulnerable place, and you pick things up. My job is to take that and turn that into inspiration and try to create an art object, he said.Pellegrene said incorporating art and business does a couple of things. If the business doesnt do a great job, then the art falls flat, so theres extra pressure on the company to deliver. It allows lets him focus on making art he finds important, rather than worrying about needing to sell pieces.In his downtime, he gathers and distributes toiletries and other essentials to his local homeless po pulation. Sometimes I can have meaningful conversations with people, he said. Thats helpful for reasons I cannot articulate.The life coach perspectivePeggy Caruso, an executive and personal development coach, and author of Revolutionize Your Corporate Life,worked two jobs, write a book and cared for a child simultaneously. She said to balance a lifestyle like hers, good time and stress management are critical.Keep track of your productive actions versus the nonproductive actions, she said.To manage stress, determine your priorities and delegate when possible, she said. That goes for working parents, too. You can juggle children, passion and career. I always tell working mothers, lose the guilt. Im not saying dont spend time with your child, but dont be so hard on yourself if you get a caregiver, to delegate, to hire a housekeeper, she said.

How to Prove Youre as Smart as Your Degree - The Muse

How to Prove Youre as Smart as Your Degree - The MuseHow to Prove Youre as Smart as Your Degree Do you know what an Allen wrench is? The engineer my friend hired a few years ago didnt- despite his degree.His employment status changed after that. You see, its one thing to be able to list a college, graduate program, or certificate on your resume. Competence is an entirely different matter, however.What does this mean for you? How do you prove that youre as smart as your resume implies? Im glad you asked.Keep LearningTheres simply no replacement for learning. Certainly there are traditional routes you can follow to further your education like attending grad school or enrolling in an intensive course.But its silly to assume those paths are the sum total of a good education. Growth is a constant and lifelong process, and information is more accessible than at any time in our history. You can take free online classes, listen to podcasts, watch videos, read voraciously, listen to audiobook s- the list goes on, and the variety of topics which you have access to is endless.And certainly, since you have access to endless topics so long as you have an internet connection or a library card, you dont really have any excuses. Continuing to learn and push yourself is the best thing you can do if you want to be marketable. And, its not only good for your career and your brain (obviously), its also great for your self-esteem.Put in EffortYou may be hearing your moms voice right about now, or maybe the voice of a teacher or mentor from your past. You know what? Theyre right, and I cant over-emphasize this.Anyone can sign up for a class. Anyone can show up and sit through the class. It takes effort to actually draw as much knowledge as you can from that class, to apply that knowledge outside of the classroom (whether virtual or brick and mortar), and to build on that knowledge. Effort separates the mediocre from the exceptional, and the amount of effort you put into expanding you r knowledge is entirely, completely up to you.The same goes for collecting credentials. I know some folks with long strings of acronyms after their names who are truly exceptional, and others who are not so exceptional.Earning certifications or licenses can look good on paper initially and can certainly be a worthwhile investment. But anyone with five minutes of work experience knows a credential is only as good as the person behind it.Demonstrate MasterySpeaking of proving something, when you invest in your education, consider how you can go beyond just telling a potential employer or your current manager that youve completed a degree or earned a license, for example, and instead demonstrate your knowledge and skills.After all, youve poured the time, energy, and money into bettering yourself. For heavens sake, dont make anyone guess at whether or not youre qualified. Show them that you are.Because at the end of the day, its not whats on paper that matters most. Yes, the paper gets you in the door, but thats all a resume is- a foot in the door. Its what you can do that matters most. Employers dont create jobs as favors to hand out to nice people with sleek applications. They create roles because they need something done that ultimately impacts their bottom line. It doesnt matter how many accolades you have if you cant do the work.Finally, when youve completed a degree, program, or course, dont think of it as reaching the finish line. I often tell new college graduates, This is just the beginning. Your degree is a launchpad for much, much more. Where you go in your career and how you move forward depends in no small part on how you handle yourself.Keep learning. Keep challenging yourself. Keep building relationships across industries, gaining knowledge across industries, and looking for new opportunities.You cant stagnate if youre always learning. And you wont be stuck trying to figure out what you want to do and where you want to go in your career if youre reg ularly exposing yourself to new things.

A visual guide to a meeting agenda that actually works

A visual guide to a meeting agenda that actually worksA visual guide to a meeting agenda that actually worksIf youve been in your fair share of meetings that go off track, youre not alone. In an HBR survey of 182 senior managers,71 percent of respondents said that meetings are unproductive and inefficient. And were having more of them than ever.Research published in MIT Sloan Management Review suggests that meetings have increased in length and frequency over the past 50 years, and executives now spend an average ofalmost 23 hours per week in them more than double the amount in the 1960s.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreBut this doesnt have to be the case. With strong planning, you can have a productive, focused meeting and it all starts with your agenda.Rather than just a timetable youre obliged to fill in, an agenda is a powerful tool to make koranvers that all topics are rele vant, that its clear what preparation is needed and that discussion is goal-oriented.These can often be simple changes. For example, by opening the meeting with a two-minute agenda review, you can identify whether any items are missing up front and redistribute time to work them in rather than rushing to discuss and resolve them as the meeting is winding down.Its also helpful to switch the format of your topic titles from statements to questions. It immediately shifts the focus from a broad area of discussion to what youre specifically hoping to get out of that discussion.Your agenda also plays a key role in ensuring the meeting itself runs smoothly. Make sure each topic has a priority level and leader assigned to it, and note realistic times for each item to help prevent the discussion from running overtime.The next time youre planning a meeting, why not try out a few of these tips? Were sure theyll help focus your agenda writing so that you can get the best out of your time and your team and the results you need.Courtesy of The Business BackerThis article first appeared on Businessbacker.com.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 nestkken 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

Writing Resume - What Is It?

Writing Resume - What Is It? The War Against Writing Resume In the darbietung the client wants a folks will remember, I give them one people wont ever forget. Since you might not have a great deal of experience, its important to include information thats pertinent to your intended job like coursework, projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. So it must be memorable and include only relevant information regarding your educational background and experiences about the open vacancy. Not everybody is good at handling others, so in the event that you can offer hard evidence of your people skills by quantifying the impact youve made through exceptional customer support, youll be irresistible to possible employers. A simple resume template is going to be your very best bet. Youre basically employing the resume to sell yourself to the employer in a means which makes them want to have a good look at you and what you need to offer their company. Unfortunately, most recr uiters only spend 10 to 20 seconds looking at every individual resume, or so the trick to writing a great resume is to tailor it to the job which you want, highlighting that youve got the abilities and talents necessary to not just qualify for the job, yet to help the business reach its objectives. You have to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why youre a perfect candidate for the parteicular job and business. Characteristics of Writing Resume There are a lot of choices out there for getting help with your resume to make sure the last draft will receive a second look by employers. Finding the resume right is a big key to getting work. Bear in mind, landing the interview is the very first step to receiving the position that you truly desire ur crew of professional resume writers will supply you with a sparkling resume reminding no others.To be useful, it has to earn a superior impression immediately. When youre speaking about experience, be specifi c. Its also important to think about the sort of work you genuinely are interested in being hired to do. So, youre receiving a work from someone with a tall intellect. Youve got recent knowledge in the specialty you are searching for. People with several years of experience need only list the past ten decades of employment history. A lot of people dont like their existing job or career. Youve got a continuous work history in your area. Writing a resume can be an intimidating task because you have to make certain to include all the crucial information whilst keeping the document to a manageable size. Use a cover letter with your resume The resume will give the most relevant and vital info, but a cover letter will make it possible for you to hit on things that each employer needs to understand that shouldnt be on a resume. If you need assistance figuring out the way to do so, have a look at our office worker resume samples and expert writing tips. You just want to put in the info that is necessary for the employers, but keep out any fluff thats unnecessary. When you go to the site, you can get a few really pleasant FREE templates located in various categories, so to ease your work strategy. If youre trying to customize professional, pre-formatted resumes, have a look at our totally free downloadable templates. As part of selecting the best resume builder, consider whether it grants you the flexibility to modify section headings. The Death of Writing Resume Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and locate a way to highlight that which you have done that applies to your career. When it may also list employment experience, experience really isnt the focus. So once youre considering how to compose a resume, dont forget that you need to be selling your abilities and accomplishments, not only listing your work history and your old responsibilities. By emphasizing transferable abilities, you will expand your possible job industry. Hiring managers are going to want to speak to you. Your experience should deal with every necessary qualification in the job announcement. If you dont supply the info needed for the hiring agency to learn your qualifications, you may not be considered for the job. Job Search If you are on the job for many years with the exact same employer, your resume may be somewhat dusty and your job interviewing skills could be on the rusty side. Youve got to focus on telling the employers why youd be the correct candidate for the job by giving them only the pertinent information for this work position. Showing that youre interested in that work specifically and not simply any min wage job wont hurt. Federal jobs often need you to have experience in a particular kind of work for some period of time. Youre asking for work thats different from your present or most recent job.

Video Interviewing Candidates of Older Generations - Spark Hire

Video Interviewing Candidates of Older Generations - Spark HireMany hiring and recruiting professionals believe that Baby Boomers are too old for new technology such as video interviews and would find them unappealing and complicated. However, a study by the Pew Research Center revealed that nearly 75 percent of 65 to 69 year olds go online. The income and education of the individuals whom the study focused on were also factors. Ninety percent of seniors who make $75,000 or more, and 87 percent who have a college degree go online. This proves that there are affluent and educated Baby Boomers online and they are talent that companies shouldnt turn their backs on because of assumptions about their ability to use technology.Video interviewing technology was not developed to be complex or difficult to operate. This technology was created with the convenience of employers and candidates in mind. Recording answers for a one-way interview is just as easy as surfing the web and shopping onli ne, so Baby Boomers should have no problem completing a video interview on any computer with a webcam. If an older candidate doesnt have a webcam, they can use a smartphone to record one-way video answers from anywhere and at anytime using a video interviewing platforms mobile app.When video interviewing Baby Boomer candidates it is also important to keep in mind that discrimination on the basis of age is absolutely illegal. Older candidates are protected by the government and EEOC from not being hired based on age alone. Companies need to make sure they are abiding by best practices when conducting video interviews, such as asking all candidates the same set of questions.Just as with any other candidate and any other generation, Baby Boomers have strengths and weaknesses that can be uncovered by using video interviews. Older candidates have many years of experience to share with your organization that can be very valuable to its success. Therefore, you mustnt fall victim to the com mon misconception that older workers arent as knowledgeable of technology as Millennials.Learn more about video interviewing technology from our free whitepaper, 10 Video Interviewing Myths Debunked.ruf dolgachov/BigStock.com

Tips to Boost Your Interviewing Skills

Tips to Boost Your Interviewing SkillsTips to Boost Your Interviewing SkillsTips to Boost Your Interviewing SkillsInterviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances when you finally land that bewerbungsgesprch. Below you will find some helpful hints that will better prepare you to land your dream job.One of the biggest things you should prepare for is the company itself. The brother-in-law of one of our employees went on an interview with a pretty big pharmaceutical company but didnt research the company prior to his interview. During the interview, they asked him what he knew about the company. Not too much, was his response. I know your company makes different medications, he added. At that moment the interview was technically over. He basically shot himself in the foot by not knowing the basics of the company he was interviewing with. We are not saying that you need to know everything about the company. That is unnecessary since you dont want to overstep your distrib utionspolitik as a candidate looking for a job. Instead, pay attention to the demeanor of the interviewer and their energy and enthusiasm.Be prepared to ask questions. At every interview, you will be asked, Do you have any questions? Do not say no Asking questions demonstrates your interest in what goes on in the company. This part of the interview gives you an opportunity to see if the company is a right fit for you. When youre being asked certain things during the interview, keep them in mind for when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions. You can go back and ask more clarifying questions based on their initial interview questions. Being able to ask follow-up questions of things that had been previously discussed also displays your communication skills. Being able to listen and letting the person know you understood what was said is a major part of the interview process.You can take yourself out of a job by talking too much during an interview. Be prepared, answer wha t is asked of you, and ask questions. If youre not prepared, you can very easily start rambling on and talk yourself out of a position. Prepare for the interview by reading through the company web site and the job posting. Dress appropriately We are not saying to make sure your shirt is pressed. Were saying wear a suit One of our employees went on an interview with a very laid back company. Most of the people in the company were wearing shorts and flip flops, but that didnt stop him from wearing a suit to both of his interviews. It is important to look professional.The last thing we want to touch upon is not appearing desperate. Hiring managers dont want someone who seems desperate for a job. They want someone who is cool, calm, and confident in their ability. If you know you can do the job, then believe in yourself and the interviewer will also believe in you.

How to Break Into Copywriting

How to Break Into CopywritingHow to Break Into CopywritingYoure in the creative industry but youre not a writer. You write pretty well and enjoy it. Colleagues and friends say youre witty and clever. And youre looking for a career change. Now might be the time to explore making a move into copywriting.The need for quality written content is real. But how do you break into the world of copywriting if you dont have writer somewhere in your job title? Consider these ideasEducate yourselfStart by reading great writing on, well, copywriting. Some excellent books on the subject includeHey Whipple, Squeeze This The Classic Guide to Creating Great Ads by Luke SullivanThe Copywriters Handbook A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells by Robert W. BlyEverybody Writes Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann HandleyThe web is also rich with information on how to break into copywriting. Check out sites such as Copyblogger, The Copywriters Crucible and Copyhackers. Taki ng online copywriting courses is another great option. For example, HOW Design University offers a Copywriting for Designers course and Mediabistro has a range of copywriting classes.Raise your hand for copywriting assignmentsMake it known internally that youre interested in copywriting, and that your knowledge of the industry, creative campaign or target audience will be an asset. Most employers will appreciate the initiative.Write for a causeConsider taking on pro-bono work as a way to build your copywriting portfolio. According to Content Marketing Institute research, 61 percent of nonprofit marketers use content marketing. And 69 percent are creating more content than they did one year ago. Reach out to an organization whose work youre interested in and ask if you can assist them with their communications.Find a mentorLocating a mentor doesnt have to be complex or time-consuming. It could be as simple as asking for a one-time informational bewerbungsgesprch with an established c opywriter whos on your staff or in your professional network. Explain that youre interested in copywriting and want to know more about that side of the business. If the meeting goes well, request the opportunity to help on the next project. Pay close attention to the advice and edits provided, and offer your appreciation for the feedback. Soon the copywriting team may be asking you for work.Read why copywriting is a hot profession today

15 Things You Need to Know About Working Abroad - The Muse

15 Things You Need to Know About Working Abroad - The Muse15 Things You Need to Know About Working AbroadHaving worked for a global company, Im no stranger to watching friends take overseas roles. While working abroad isnt in the cards for me anytime soon, you can bet that I live vicariously through their Instagram accounts. Are you interested in joining them and taking an grenzberschreitend job? Ive sought out what you must know from people across various industries who have worked around the world. Heres what they had to say.If youre going to move to a new country for a job, make sure its not just a good opportunity, but also a great employer that offers you a favorable employment contract.1. Choose an Employer That Will Help as You Navigate All the ChangesNegotiate to ensure you get a nice relocation package and that your compensation covers the new cost of living, says Nima Maher, who spent three years in London early in his finance career. A good employer will not only help you obtain the appropriate visa, but should offer relocation support in the form of a temporary housing stipend, payment for packing and shipping your belongings, assistance selling your home, and- depending on the situation- job search aid for your significant other.Megan Armstrong, who has worked for her current company both in the U.S. and in France, agrees Go with a company that will take good care of you when it comes to understanding local laws, taxes, and leasing arrangements, especially if there is a language barrier involved. 2. Understand the Companys Culture, Especially Work-Life BalanceDifferent countries may have very different norms when it comes to vacation packages and work-life balance. For instance, when I worked in London, I received 25 days for vacation, but found when coming to the U.S. that the norm is half of that- more like 12-15 days. Be sure to ask about this, urges Peter Morgan whose IT career has taken him from London to New York City.3. Know What Youre Getti ng IntoIn Europe youre often expected to give employers three months notice before leaving a position. So if you become an employee in the country youre in- not a U.S. employee on an international assignment- be sure to discuss how long your assignment or position abroad may last. Have that quite clear from the beginning, suggests Armstrong.4. Understand Your Visa ConditionsRemember that, depending on which type of work visa you have, you may have to return to your home country if you resign or are fired. You often cannot look for a job elsewhere after you arrive, explains Katie Morgan, who taught high school and performed social work during her time in the U.K. Each country has varying types of work visas, so research the regulations around the one youll be under. Typically, employers take responsibility for obtaining a work visa due to the complicated processes involved (and if your employer isnt guiding you, be wary). That said, youll still have to fill out plenty of paperwork, s o have your pen ready A different country means different tax laws and banking practices, so do your homework to avoid surprises. Most notably, get a clear answer as to whether youll be a U.S. employee on assignment or if youll become an employee in your new country The affects how much of your income youll be taxed on in the U.S. 5. You Must File Taxes With the U.S. IRSBefore we went to Germany, an accountant already living overseas told us wed be paying German taxes and wouldnt have to pay U.S. taxes for the same work up to a certain threshold of income, shares Tim Thorndike. What we werent told welches that we still had to file with the IRS to show that we had paid German income tax. We didnt find that out until five years after moving and ended up paying both the German Finance Office and the IRS for those years, he laments. 6. You Might Have a (Very) Hard Time Getting CreditGetting credit can be very difficult in a new country, so before you leave your home country, get a credi t card with an international company. Transferring that card will be easier than getting credit once youre there, explains Peter Morgan, who learned this lesson the hard way. My company finally had to step in, writing a letter to vouch for me. Even then it was still at the discretion of the credit card company whether Id get one.7. Banking Can Get ComplicatedResearch how to set up an account abroad. Look into local banks minimums, timing on transfers, fees and online capabilities. And make sure to get a reference letter from your U.S. bank, suggests Lindsey Wilsnack who lived in Panama for two years with her husband and kids.See open jobs abroad at Booking.comOur OfficeSee Their Open Jobs At Booking.comIts easy to focus on the professional aspect of your move, but dont forget about the personal and social aspects of your life. Follow these tips for relating to locals and finding your new crew.8. Seek Out Fellow ExpatsTo make friends, start with a hobby you enjoy where you could meet other people. I personally went to Zumba classes to just get out in a way where I could naturally be with and meet people who had common interests, says Katie Morgan. You can often find local expat websites focused on arranging meet-ups. 9. Get Acquainted With Local Pop CultureRead pop culture magazines and watch their popular shows before you get there. Youll get a better understanding of their humor and local lingo, Katie Morgan adds.10. Prepare For and Soften the Language BarrierBefore moving, gain some basic conversational skills so you can navigate necessities right away, suggests Wilsnack.Katherine Stevens-Ridge, who has worked for her current employer both in the U.S. and the U.K., agrees My biggest learning point has been interpreting slang and accents in the office. I can get lost in translation at times, but Im picking up English slang slowly. You know, bits and bobs 11. Use Your Extended NetworkReach out to anyone you know- and anyone that group knows- who has been to yo ur new country ahead of you, whether they are in the same profession or not. They may offer professional insights or even introduce you to potential friends, says Katie Morgan.Check out this handy international moving checklist along with these practical tips from my network of expats12. Start the Visa Process Far in AdvanceThis will not happen overnight. The forms took almost a month from filling them out to having the visa in our hands. So as soon as you accept a position, be proactive about starting the visa process, says Stevens-Ridge.This is not something you can do last minute. Make a list of what must be original and notarized, so you dont slip up there, suggests Wilsnack.13. Pack LightlyEven if your company offers to move all your belongings abroad, I recommend bringing as little as possible. I brought my things with me and immediately felt very weighed down by having it all there. Many of my expat friends rented furnished flats, and it seemed a lot easier than having all th is stuff to keep track of and move, relates Armstrong.14. Figure Out How Youll Get AroundIf you plan to drive, find out how long your home countrys drivers license is valid in your new country before you have to take a test, says Katie Morgan.15. Dont Forget Your Visa While TravelingMake sure when you go back and forth between countries, you pack not just your passport with your visa but also your visas accompanying paperwork, or you may not be admitted, says Peter Morgan.Moving abroad for work takes careful preparation, and this, of course, is just a short list of to-dos. If youre really contemplating international work, be sure to do plenty of research on the country and company and talk to others whove made the same move. But for many, all that hard work is worth it. As Maher puts it, Its pretty great if youre open-minded, outgoing and enjoy traveling.