How to Write a Sample Accepting Letter

How to Write a Sample Accepting LetterHow to Write a Sample Accepting LetterIt wasnt that long ago that job applicants simply picked up the phone and accepted a job offer, but many employers now request that you write an acceptance letter. Looking at sample accepting letters is a great way for you to see how others wrote these letters in the past. Sample accepting letters also give you a good format to follow when you write a letter to accept a new job. Writing several sample accepting letters yourself also lets you go over those letters and select which one is perfect for accepting your new job.What are Sample Accepting Letters? Sample accepting letters are short and straightforward examples of what employers expect from those sending in similar letters. Unlike recommendation letters and other types of letters that contain multiple paragraphs and lots of content, you might notice that sample accepting letters are generally much shorter. Check out several sample accepting letters to see what you should do when you decide to accept a job.Following the Format of a Sample Accepting Letter When looking at sample accepting letters, youll notice that these letter follow the same general format. The date, personenname of the person who offered you the job, the name of the company, and the companys address all go at the very top. You will open the letter with a mention of the individuals name to whom youre sending the letter and end it with your own signature. Divide the remaining letter into several paragraphs that includethe name of the company, your direct supervisor, and your job titleyour expected start dateyour annual salary and any benefits given to youan expression of gratitude for receiving the jobyour phone number, email address or another way for the individual to contact youWhat to Look for in a Sample Accepting Letter When looking at sample accepting letters online, pay attention to both the tone and the format of the letter. Keep things brief and to th e point with no more than three paragraphs included in your letter. After looking at sample accepting letters and creating your acceptance letter, turn to our resume builder or to create an improved version of your resume that you may want to include with your acceptance letter. Related Articles How to Write a Sample Declining Letter for a Job OfferHow to Write a Summary StatementHow to Write a Thank You Internship Letter

How to Make the Most of Your Time in an Interview

How to Make the Most of Your Time in an InterviewHow to Make the Most of Your Time in an Interview3The moment is finally here. After weeks (or in some cases, months) of job searching, youre finally in front of a fhigkeit employer- and you dont want to blow it. You want to make a good impression, and of course, get a job offer, but that wont happen unless you make the most of your time in an interview. Heres how to do just that.How to Make the Most of Your Time in an InterviewAsk great questions.No matter if youre doing an in-person interview or a Skype interview, almost every job interview ends with the same phrase Do you have any questions for me? As a job seeker, youd better have one question you can ask The question can be anything from a particular point about the position youre applying for, to where your interviewer envisions the company will be in five or 10 years from now. But dont think that the hiring manager is simply being polite in asking you if you have any questions he really does want you to have one. Having a question shows interest, and a potential boss wants an employee who is actively interested bedrngnis only in the job, but the company as a whole.Convey positive body language.Slouching and a job offer do not go hand in hand. So make sure when you meet your potential boss you stand straight, smile naturally (not forced), and shake hands firmly. When youre seated, dont lean back in the chair- it can convey aloofness, too much bravado, or the opposite, that youre not really interested in the job. Instead, sit up straight, and from time to time, lean forward to show your interest and engagement with your interviewer.Get all the contact info.Lets say that youve been scheduling your interview with a hiring manager. But when you get there, you meet not only with him, but a few other bigwigs at the company, too. Make sure to get their contact information from them. This is crucial since it will allow you to follow up faster and more directly about the position, and also send a courtesy thank you for meeting with me email.Know about the company. It happens. Youve been job searching for so long (and have had so many job interviews that didnt pan out) that you didnt do any research about the company before you got to the interview. Now youre sitting across from a potential boss who is asking you what you specifically like about his company youre at a loss for words. Even if youre tired of job searching (or just plain tired), you need to make the effort to know as much as you can about the company youre applying to work with as it relates to your potential position. That way, when a hiring manager is reviewing his notes post-interview about all the potential candidates, your application will make it to the next round and not be tossed in the trash. Start researching companies with the company databaseover 30,000 companies that support flexible workBe present.Job interviews make you nervous. We hear you. So in an effort to make it go as quickly as possible, youre busy thinking about all the potential job interview questions the hiring manager could ask you. As youre doing this, though, youre not paying attention to what hes really saying, and more importantly, how youre coming across. In a job interview, dont plan ahead or try to anticipate what you might be asked. Stay in the moment so that you can stay calm, show your interest, and put your best job seeking foot forward in order to land the positionIts up to you to make the most of your time in an interview. Be present, focused, and go into your job interview prepared to heidewitzka your potential employer- and hopefully accept a job offerReaders, how do you maximize your time in an interview? Let us know in the comments

30 commonly confused words for jobs seekers to know

30 commonly confused genaus for jobs seekers to know30 commonly confused words for jobs seekers to knowThanks to the efficiency of grammar and spelling tools today, it can be easy to let your writing skills slip a bit. And because many people have become reliant on word processing programs to do all the heavy lifting, they might not always give their documents the once-over they deserve. Unfortunately, this can spell disaster for job seekers- no pun intended.Although some people are becoming more aware of their grammar, there are still words that can flub us from time to time. To help you out, weve compiled a list of30 commonly confused words job seekers need to know.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAdvice vs. AdviseAdvice is a proposal for action. Advise is to offer suggestions, guidance, or counsel.Compliment vs. ComplementCompliment is a polite expression. Complement is to add to something as to complete it.Elicit vs. IllicitElicit is to evoke a response. Illicit is forbidden or illegal.Farther vs. FurtherFarther is a greater distance. Further is to advance.i.e. vs. e.g.i.e. means it is, while e.g. means for example.Imply vs. InferImply is to suggest. Infer is to conclude.Insure vs. EnsureInsure is to secure or protect. Ensure is to be certain of.Its vs. ItsIts is it is. Its is the possessive form of it.Loathe vs. LoathLoathe is to dislike. Loath is to be reluctant.Principal vs. PrinciplePrincipal is a lead or head of something. A principle is a rule of conduct.Theyre vs. TheirTheyre means they are. Their is the possessive of they.Who vs. ThatWho references people. That references objects.Whos vs. WhoseWhos means who is. Whose is the possessive form of who.Youre vs. YourYoure means you are. Your is the possessive form of you.Adverse vs. AverseAdverse is harmful. Averse is to dislike strongly.Affect vs. EffectAffect is an influence or feeling. Effect is t he result of a change.Criteria vs. CriterionCriteria are the basis for comparison in the plural form. Criterion is a singular (one) basis for comparison.Discreet vs. DiscreteDiscreet is to be careful in action or speech. Discrete is to be individually separate.Formally vs. FormerlyFormally is official. Formerly is in the past.Me vs. IMe is used when something is happening to yourself. I is used when you (the person) is doing something.Number vs. AmountNumber is a measurement. Amount is a size.Then vs. Than.Then can refer to a point in time, or it can mean in addition to. Than is used to compare two things.Loose vs. Lose.Lost weight? Thats great Then your pants are probably loose. But toloseyour pants means that your pants might be entirelytooloose.Lay vs. Lie.When you lay something down, youre putting it into a specific place. And when you want to go to bed after a rough day of job searching, you lie down. (And of course, as a verb, to lie is to not tell the truth)To vs. Too.This is often one of the biggest spelling mistakes. To implies direction, while too means also.Stationary vs. Stationery.Stationary means not moving. Stationery, on the other hand, means paper thats used for writing. If youre mailing in your job application, your resume paper would probably be considered stationery.Empathy vs. Sympathy.Empathy is the ability to directly relate to someones feelings. Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone else.Uninterested vs. Disinterested.If youre uninterested in a conversation youre having, it means that youre bored. If youre disinterested, it connotes being impartial.Gray vs. Grey.While both spellings are correct, gray is the more commonly used spelling of the word in the U.S. Grey is used in British English.Lead vs. Led.Led is the past tense for lead (e.g., I led a team of 10 people for over three years.) Lead is a verb in the present tense that means to guide as a means of moving forward- except when it rhymes with the word fed, in which case lead is a heavy metal.Sure, many of us can make minor mistakes in our writing from time to time. But for a job seeker, it can mean the difference between having your resume reviewed thoroughly or getting tossed in the trash. For job seekers and professionals alike, its important to check yoursocial media profiles, resumes, cover letters, job applications, websites, and emails toensure that your grammar, spelling, and word usage are all correct. That way, your application will reflect your professionalism and aptitude for the job- and not some silly spelling error.This article originally appeared on Flexjobs.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

How to get what you want in your performance review

How to get what you want in your performance reviewHow to get what you want in your performance reviewIts the most wonderful time of the year - and Im not talking about the holidays.Im talking about your annual performance review at your company.The performance review is one of the most importanttools of communicationan employer has at zu sich disposal. This annual, bi-annual, or even quarterly review of an employee allows employer and employee to speak directly. However, despite what you may think, an annual review is not just about the employees performance. It is about everybodys performance.Lets reframe how we think about reviews - and how to make sureyou get what you wantout of your next one.There is no reason to fret over your upcoming performance review. Instead of worrying about what feedback management might have, think instead of whatyouwant.Make a few lists.What have you achieved over the past twelve months?What would you like to achieve over the next twelve?In what ways (if any) has management been lacking?What resources do you require to be successful?What is a performance review?Theperformance reviewis a rare opportunity for an employee to have dedicated time in which to communicate wins, losses, struggles, ideas, wants, needs, and hopes for her future at the company.The best part? All of ansicht things are communicated directly to your management, often face to face. So what do you want over the next year?Do you want a raise?Do you need mora support in your department?Are you unhappy with management?Do you want to change your role?Well walk you through a few commonscenarios so that you get what you need out of your next annual review. The number one rule of a performance review?Come prepared.How do I get a raise in my performance review?Lets be real here. Most employees are going into a performance review hoping to see some zeros added to their annual salary. Before asking for a raise in a performance review, ask yourselfif its the right time.W henasking for a raise, you cant really just ask. Instead, make a case for why you absolutely deserve a raise.Create a script to ask for your raise(we made one for you.) Communicate to your manager all of your successes over the past year. Make sure your babo knows exactly what you bring to the team,the new skills you have acquired, what praise you have received over the past year, and your detailed plans for future success.Dontgo in asking for an arbitrary raise. Dont complain about your bills, your rent, or your (very real) student loans. These are reasons you may need a raise, but they are not the same reasons as towhyyou deserve a raise.How do I get a promotion in my performance review?Maybe youre not necessarily looking for a raise, per se, buta promotion via title change. While the two typically go hand in hand, asking for a title change has nuanced differences.So, when you want that specialist title changed to a Manager role, be prepared to explain why.A great way to start som e research for this discussion is by looking at job descriptions. If you have a coordinator title, but you feel like your role is that of a manager, communicate that. Show your duties alongside a standard job description for the title you want. Are you already doing all the work of a manager or a director without the title? If so, present the evidence to your boss. If your desired title requires mora work or a development of a certain skill set, present plans to strengthen and hone these skills. By showing your manager a side-by-side job title comparison, you are presenting a pretty irrefutable case for your title promotion.You dont have to avoid asking for more money because youre nervous about it. If youre asking for a promotion because you are already outperforming in your current position, you must alsoask for a raise. No questions asked. Do it.How do I switch my role in my performance review?Maybe youre happy with your salary and happy at your current company. The culture is gr eat, the commute is short, and the upper management is awesome. Thats great news.Maybeyoure looking to transition roles - and not necessarily in an upward motion. Lets say you are in an administrative position, but you have recently started taking on responsibilities of a social media manager.Maybe you want to transition into the marketing department full time. A performance review is a perfect time to have discussions like this.Again, lay out your achievements over the past year, specifically highlighting your newer skill set. Provide a plan for a transition period in which you could train a replacement and slowly hand off your administrative duties. When planning a department transition, the stronger case and more work you present, the more likely it is that you will get interdepartmental approval. Hiring new employees is a costly pain for any business. By making both your transition and the onboarding of a new employee seamless, youre more likely to have your role request approv ed.How do I get more support in my department?Ifyoure overworkedand understaffed, I hope you have communicated this to management before your performance review.If you have reported this unsatisfactory work environment to no response, well, that is frustrating. If you havent brought your intense workload to management yet, what are you waiting for?Either way, when asking for more departmental resources, its important to come prepared to present thewhy. Like we outlined earlier, it would be advantageous to come prepared to ask management to either create or fill a dedicated role that your team is struggling to maintain. If you work on a large number of long-term projects with no real owner, maybe your team needs a project manager. If your team is struggling to producequality product-based content, maybe its time to hire a content writer.Determine the areas in which you are departing your real role entirely. Are these extra responsibilities taking away from the core function of your r ole? If the answer is yes, present the ways in which your primary focus is being compromised.How do I report unsatisfactory management?Ugh, the worst. This has the potential to be one of the more awkward elements to attack in a performance review. Assuming you are speaking with or in the presence of management, these can be sensitive subjects.Depending on your complaints, you will want to manage it in different ways. When its mismanagement or micro-management, your review might be a good time to offer constructive criticisms. Offer your frustrations in a constructive manner. If your boss tends to micromanage, offer instead a weekly meeting where you can update her on the progress of certain projects. If your manager is never in the office, a weekly meeting could also be a good way for her to check in and be aware of the happenings in the office.Whatever your complaint may be,make sure it is as constructive as possibleand offer solutions where you can. Problem-solving is a highly-val ued soft skill and this is a great arena in which to showcase it.When its something more serious like harassment or potentially illegal behaviors, you will want to approach human resources or corporate, if available. If you are in a smaller workplace or a company without an HR department, consider reporting harassment or misconduct to theEEOC.In conclusionId be remiss if I ended this article here.It can be difficult to ask for what you deserve at work. As women, we tend to downplay our amazing achievements and keep trudging on whilemen ask for what they want(seemingly) at every turn.Ill leave you with this tip. Always be aware of what you contribute to your workplace. An annual performance review is a good time to talk about achievements, changes, and kinks in the workplace. However, you should always feel empowered toask for what you have earned, no matter what time of year it may be. Go out and get itThis article was originally published on CareerContessa.

10 Top Emerging Technologies in Engineering, Part 1

10 Top Emerging Technologies in Engineering, Part 1 10 Top Emerging Technologies in Engineering, Part 1 10 Emerging Technologies in Engineering, Part 1Ingenuity and vision are the hallmarks of great engineering. Envisioning the machines of tomorrow is especially important, and some technologies visible and invisible could change the way we design and make products.5G networks will provide faster connections, even in cars. Image IntelNew communication technologies will link up machines much like cellular technologies interconnecting humans. These technologies could make it common for hospitals to monitor patients as soon as they are in an ambulance, or for factories to be alerted to hazardous conditions by remote industrial control rooms.One of these critical technologies is 5G, which had a coming out cocktailparty at the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade show held in Barcelona. The show is largely a showcase for the newest mobile handsets, but the latest Internet of Things t echnologies also took the spotlight. We explore the ten top trends from the show.1) Goodbye, 4G. 5G is the faster successor to 4G, and it is coming soon. By the end of 2018, ATT will launch its 5G network for mobile devices, and soon after, it will be in machines, cars, internet der dinge devices, drones, and infrastructure equipment. Simply explained, 5G will allow machines to make long-distance data calls to other mechanical and electrical devices at speeds faster than todays home internet connections. 5G modems were shown by Intel, Qualcomm, and Sierra Wireless, while Ericsson talked about 5G technologies for IoT devices and machines. Ubimetro boasted about a 5G connected street lamp, while Germanys Fraunhofer Institute demonstrated a 5G security camera with superfast connection to a computer so it could instantly recognize a face.Also for You The Emerging Technology Award in Manufacturing.2) Blockchain. Many think blockchain is the same as bitcoin, but it isnt. Blockchain is the underlying technology that makes bitcoin possible, and it can be adapted to manufacturing. Companies like Cisco and Nokia are exploring ways to log timestamped data sent from sensors on a digital ledger which is at the center of blockchain and instantly verifying it as being genuine. A deeper audit trail on a blockchain could help in the effective management of sensors and machines.3) 5G Robot. NTT DoCoMo of Japan demonstrated a 5G humanoid robot that uses 5G to mirror the operators movements in real time and perform tasks remotely. The idea was to demonstrate the speed of 5G and how it can mimic human movement almost instantly. NTT also expects to put 5G IoT devices all over 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, so if you plan to be there, watch out.4) Augmented Identity. The concept of augmented identity is key to preventing future car theft. IDEMIA, a French company, wants to bring facial recognition for the authorized use of cars. Enroll your face with a system, and a car will unlock only if it recognizes your face. The technology uses sensors, location tracking, and software. IDEMIA has a larger goal of enabling a more secure shared driving culture.For the rest of the list,read on in Part 2. For Further Discussion

Un-Answered Issues With Resume Templates Google Disclosed

Un-Answered Issues With Resume Templates Google Disclosed The Fight Against Resume Templates Google All the layers were created carefully which may help you to construct a professional resume within an extremely brief time. Utilizing entry-level resume examples can provide you a tried-and-tested structure to take as a starting point and also provides resume help to learn how to finish each resume section with guides in regards to what to include and exactly what you ought to avoid as a way to entice the ideal employers. You may indeed utilize distinctive formats and templates based upon the culture of the organization or organization to which youre applying. If youre using mobile phone, you can also utilize menu drawer from browser. By carefully targeting resumes for particular jobs and situations, its possible to greatly improve your odds of getting noticed in the work market. Several businesses are now conducting their job searches on the internet to save costs. As soon as you know which in-demand skills you currently have, you can find out what to learn next to get prepared for the work industry. More frequently than not, customizing your resume does not indicate a major rewrite, but instead only a few tweaks. There isnt anyone set correct approach to assemble a resume. An excellent guideline is one particular page of resume for every 10 decades of work experience, states Bock. To begin with, learn the vital rules. Begin by taking a look at the jobs requirements. Your resume can continue to be riveting. Download and customize free of charge Sometimes all that you will need is to reorder a couple of bullet points. If you wish to get a nice job, you require a good resume. Furthermore, look at working with a professional recruiter to ensure youve got the very best shot at landing the correct job. If youre making many versions of your resume or cover letter, be certain to label each one with a particular title which will help you remember which is which (like the title of the job that youre applying for). Creating a Google account is completely free and takes just a couple of seconds. The freebie has word Docx and portable document format documents so it is easy to edit it to your requirements. Alongside its basic look, the template offers you the sections you should include with subtle prompts to provide help. More than a few companies have created add-ons that you are able to download with resume or CV templates, usually at no cost. Others are provided by graphic design sites. Since there are lots of modern resumes templates readily available online thats best for you, you do not need to waste time creating one from scratch. Pick a template you want. Resume template in Word is going to be of excellent aid for you to make the correct Word document as a resume. Templates are able to help you structure your letter and resume so they are well organized. Its quick and simple to find and use templates. Templates may be used for making CV, resume to be able to apply for jobs. A template also simply makes it possible to conserve time. It gives you a suggested structure for your documents, so you can quickly start writing. If you wish to add your own section, whether for Certifications or Projects or another category thats related to the work description, dont hesitate to pop it in. So if you choose to go the Resume Builder route, be mindful that youll need to cover the last product.

5 Jobs with the Biggest Salary Increases - Spark Hire

5 Jobs with the Biggest Salary Increases - Spark HireGet your resumes ready. Not only is the economy in recovery mode, but there are jobs out there with salaries that are actually increasing.1. Information TechnologyPayScale reports that the average salaries for IT workers are increasing 5.1%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also has some encouraging nachrichten for IT hopefuls. Unemployment for this particular group is one of the lowest in the country, coming in at 5.2%, as reported by CNN Money.Because there is such a wide range of skill sets for IT workers, the education and experience necessary for a job differs vastly. Candidates looking for an entry-level position may only need an Associates or Bachelors Degree, but if you want to be laying the groundwork for new programs and processes, a Masters or Doctorate degree is necessary.2. LegalLaw school graduates have not had it easy in recent years. Good news is on the horizon though. The BLS predicts a 10% job increase for att orneys over the next few years, according to CNN Money. To top that off, in the same article PayScale reports a 5% salary increase for attorneys and paralegals as well.Given that job hiring is still stagnant, it may not be the best time to quit your current job. Just know that the job outlook for those in the legal field is starting to improve, and in a few years, you may get your opportunity to join their ranks.3. Food ServicesBLS reports that the average cook and waiter makes less than $25,000 a year. However, given that the economy is in recovery mode, date nights and celebratory dinners are back leading to higher average salaries for food service workers. PayScale predicts a 4.8% salary increase over the next year, as stated on CNN Money.While there is no formal education necessary to be a waiter or waitress, high end restaurants may give preference to candidates with a degree in hospitality or years of experience. Becoming a chef does require candidates to have formal training at an accredited cooking school.4. Marketing and AdvertisingOne of the first things to go when companies started cutting costs a few years ago was absatzwirtschaft and advertising budgets. But now, companies are ready to invest in themselves again and therefore marketing and advertising services.CNN Money reports that PayScale predicts a 4.8% salary increase in this field. Hopeful candidates wont be able to get by on creativity alone. Employers are looking for employees with degrees in marketing, advertising or related fields like communications, journalism or public relations.5. Media and PublishingDo you want the good news or the bad news first? Bad news is that if youre looking to make a career change into the media and publishing industries, job offers will be few and far between. In fact, according to CNN Money, the BLS states that a 6% decline in jobs is likely. However, because of this decline, employers are asking those already in the field to step up their game.Which bring s us to the good news. With greater job responsibility, employees are making better pay, approximately 4.6% more according to PayScale.What do you make of these salary increases? welches your industry mentioned inthereport? Spark a conversation belowIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr byPatrick Hoesly

Information Architect Job Description

Information Architect Job DescriptionInformation Architect Job DescriptionInformation Architect Job DescriptionThis information architect sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Information Architect Job ResponsibilitiesProvides positive benutzer experience by determining information structure for Web sites and Web applications.Information Architect Job DutiesIdentifies user requirements by researching and analyzing user needs, preferences, objectives, and working methods studying how users consume content, including data categorization and labeling meeting with focus groups.Plans information architecture by studying the site concept, strategy, and target audience envisioning architectural scheme, information structure and features, functionality, and user-interface design creating user scenarios pr eparing data models designing information structure, work-and dataflow, and navigation evaluating information representation conducting creative meetings.Organizes information by translating user behavior into media structure and elements crafting interactive experiences producing workflow diagrams, user scenarios, flowcharts, and storyboards preparing interaction specifications, navigation rules, organization of information, and site maps coordinating with business, technology, visual, structural, editorial, cognitive, and brand strategists.Implements information architecture by preparing paper and interactive prototypes and mockups including page layout and navigational elements coordinating with Web Producer and Production Developer to integrate site concept, visual design, writing, interface, and navigational structure documenting structure and processes.Validates information delivery by developing and completing usability test plans evaluating traffic patterns studying user fee dback coordinating with Usability Specialists.Updates job knowledge by tracking research regarding web design and usability participating in educational opportunities reading professional publications maintaining personal networks participating in professional organizations.Enhances organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.Information Architect Skills and QualificationsRequirements Analysis, Planning, Database Management, Self-Motivated, Presenting Technical Information, Problem Solving, Data Modeling, Strategic Planning, Multi-tasking, Ad Hoc Reporting, Data MaintenanceEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Information Architect Jobs and apply on now. Find out mora about employee compensationSalary CalculatorSalary Negotiation Tips for EmployersBenchmarking How to Pay New Hires

10 Ways to Boost Your Professional Brand

10 Ways to Boost Your Professional Brand10 Ways to Boost Your Professional BrandBuild a strong professional image in and out of the workplace to advance your career.If you want to get ahead at the office, you need to establish a professional brand on and offline that emphasizes your strengths and supports your job goals.Here are ten ways to boost your professional image in and out of the workplace to help you achieve your long-term career goals.10 Ways to Boost Your Professional Brand from Ladders Clean up your angeschlossen presence. If one of the companys executives decided to check you out online, what would they find? A well-branded online presence is just as important for a career-driven professional as it is for an active job seeker. Google your name and review the first page of results. Does each listing support or weaken your professional brand? Take the steps to improve these results by overhauling your online brand. Take a seat at the table. If youre attending an event tha ts sure to be crowded, get there early and grab a seat at the table so you dont end up in a chair on the outskirts of the room. This way, it will be easier to join in the conversation and voice your opinion. If you have something to contribute to the discussion, speak up dont wait for an opening to appear, as you may miss your window. Never stop learning. The best way to maintain a long, prosperous career is to never stop learning. Seek out professional development opportunities through relevant webcasts, Meetups, and other membership associations. Prove that you are a valuable resource to your employer by sharing your newfound knowledge with the members of your team. Use your first and last name. How many people do you know named Sarah or Mike? Whether youre networking during your free time or meeting new colleagues at your office, its best to introduce yourself to others using your full name. notlage only will you sound more professional, but youre likely to be more memorable. Le ave the first-name only introductions to Madonna and Usher. Get involved. If you havent taken advantage of your companys extracurricular activities before, nows your chance. Whether its the company picnic, the co-ed soccer league or a weekend dedicated to Habitat for Humanity, find something that interests you and join. Or better yet, start your own Corporate Social Responsibility program. Its a great way to establish your brand at the organization and informally network with colleagues from other parts of the company. Recruit a mentor. The right mentor can shape your professional skills, teach you the ins and outs of your industry, help you navigate corporate politics, overcome adversity, and introduce you to the right people and resources to advance your career. As you become more involved with your organization and relevant networking groups, it will be easier to identify the right person to become your mentor. Exude confidence. Most executives agree that confidence is essential to being a good leader and strong negotiator. You have to exude self-assurance, even when you feel lost and helpless. Keep this in mind when youre taking on a new project or giving a big presentation to an important client. When all else fails, fake it til you make it. Stop apologizing all the time. Do you have a tendency to apologize in the workplace, even when weve done nothing wrong? While you may think youre merely being polite, youre actually hurting your image. Think about it If youre apologizing all the time, youre unintentionally telling your boss that you make a lot of little mistakes. Research has shown that men will often interpret this behavior as a sign of weakness or a lack of conviction. Whether youre closing a business deal or negotiating your compensation, dont be apologetic. Toot your own horn. If you want to get ahead, you not only have to deliver results above expectations you have to be recognized for your accomplishments. If youre working on a project thats go ing well, dont be afraid to share your enthusiasm with your boss. At the end of the project, share the results - especially if they were good. You cant be promoted if no one is aware of your great work. Build a brag sheet. Document your major contributions and achievement so youre always prepared to discuss the value you bring to the organization. This is especially useful when youre updating your professional profiles, sitting down for your annual review or preparing to ask for a raise or promotion with your boss.Take these steps to bolster your professional brand and show management that youre ready for the next step in your career.

How Melinda Gates became the woman she is today

How Melinda Gates became the woman she is todayHow Melinda Gates became the woman she is todayMelinda Gates is one of the most powerful women in the world. As co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and an outspoken advocate for human rights, she has the platform to make a difference - and she uses it.But Gates was not always so high-ranking, nor was she so well-balanced. In a recent InStyle profile, she shares insights about how she became the professional she is today.Finding zu sich careerThe tech industry has long been male-dominated, and research indicates that it still is. Despite that, Gates graduated from Duke University in 1986 with a bachelors degree in computer science and economics. A year later, she joined Microsoft.How did she find herself in a business sector with so many male colleagues?Gates learned how to program under the recommendation of a nun at her all-girls Catholic high school, according to the profile. At college, she often found herself on all-ma le coding teams, but by junior year, she was running them, it reads.But Gates told InStyle that while she knew how to play the game in a male-dominated world, she did not enjoy it.I had to learn how to be myself in this culture and binnensee if I could succeed, she said.Gates excelled at Microsoft, eventually becoming general manager of information products. But in 1996, she left the company to concentrate on philanthropy and her family, according to her bio.Making time for lifeGates is a high-powered businesswoman, but shes also the mother of three children. Thats one of the things we underestimate about women in the business world, she told InStyle. We spend our whole lives juggling, which is badass or kick-ass - I like either.But she wasnt necessarily always so skilled at this balancing act. When her oldest daughterJennifer was young, Gates eventually learned to take time between commitments to reset, according to the profile.When Jen was little, Id flown off to God knows where to meet women out in fields and do world-stage events - you could come home a little full of yourself, Gates told InStyle. I showed up at home in my suit, and Jen shunned me for a few hours.But, she continued,Jen would wait on our mudroom floor with a book, and if I sat down in my yoga pants and read to her, then I was back in her world.Fearlessly speaking outGates may have been inspired to go into programming by a nun at a Catholic school. But that hasnt stopped her from shepherding $1.2 billion of spending for family planning that includes access to contraception - much to the consternation of the Catholic Church, according to the profile.In fact, when it comes to her voice, Gates doesnt hesitate to express what she thinks is right, even if its to her husband, the principal founder of Microsoft. She supports her recommendations to him with data, especially when shes advocating for womens issues.He (Bill Gates) doesnt always take my word as the gospel truth - that would be nice, she told InStyle. Sometimes I have to say, I need you to trust me.?For those who wonder what keeps Gates going, this is her definition of success, in her own wordsTo know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, she told InStyle. This is to have succeeded.