10 Ways to Prevent Interruptions

10 Ways to Prevent Interruptions 7 Whether at work, on the go or at home, people rarely like to be interrupted. Here are some tips on preventing that from happening. You too can prevent interruptions 1) Relax and get comfortable before you begin the task at hand; sit in a good chair, adjust the lighting, etc. It's bad enough when other people interfere, you don't need to let your own body beat them to it with a cramped neck or tired eyes. 2) Allow people onto your instant messenger contact list once you're confident that they won't abuse the privilege of being there. 3) Turn off your email/messaging program or any other work communications mechanism but make sure that people know how to reach you in case of emergency, work or otherwise. In my case, I used instant messaging as my hotline and that's why it's important to follow tip 2) before this one.eval 4) Keep your personal cellphone off during the day, and only check messages during your lunch hour or breaks. This is true even if you work or job search from home. It's very easy to let cellphones blur the distinction between your personal life and your work life, and if you're not careful both can suffer for it. 5) Plan a part of your day to be available for others and tell everyone concerned. Ideally, this would be the same time slot every day so that people easily remember it. Expecting to be interrupted, only use that time slot for light work that can tolerate intervention. The rest of the time, be strict â€" when people come to interrupt, tell them to come back during your ‘available' hours.eval 6) Educate your questioners to answer their queries on their own. This will eliminate their need to interrupt you for the same question repeatedly and other questions in the future. Just as good if not better â€" they may avoid bothering other people too. 7) Recognize the patterns in interruption and react to break them â€" is it always the same person? Make sure they only come to you during your public time (see above). Do people mostly bother you for the same reasons? Put a clock where it can be seen, teach someone else to use the coffee maker, or write up a help guide on your blog or company intranet about how to find lost email. Whatever it takes. 8) Filter your email so that you receive alerts only for important messages that need an immediate response. Everything else can wait for daily time slots first thing in the morning and first thing after lunch. If you consider this to be light work, by all means do it during your ‘available' hours from tip 5). 9) Remove any comfortable chairs that will tempt people to sit down and chat when they're distracted. When I first arrived at my last job, I purposely kept a comfy chair near my desk so that people would stop by, it was a great way to meet my colleagues quickly. Once I felt comfortable enough, I got rid of the chair. 10) Keep all cool gizmos/gadgets/gewgaws out of sight if they are likely to attract others like bees to pollen. Yes, that means your Palm Treo Lego cradle. Plus, it'll be easier for you to resist the urge to play with them yourself. Bonus tip! 11) Respect the attention of people around you. If you're careful about interrupting them, they'll be less inclined to do it to you. Next in this 3-part series: Avoid Distractions Prevent Interruptions Avoid Distractions Stay in Focus This interruption is ok:

Resume Writing For Singapore

Resume Writing For SingaporeBefore you begin your job search, it is important to consider the above points for resume writing for Singapore. This is something that all businesses can benefit from. So what do you need to know?First, it is vital to know that there are many resume writing services out there to choose from. However, it is still important to choose one that you think is good enough to meet your needs. Whether it is a three or five page resume, it is important to have what you need for the Singapore market.Second, it is very important to include details of your career goal in your resume. The goal of the CV should be very specific so that it can fit in better with the type of job that you have. Make sure that it is very detailed and is targeted towards the type of career that you want.Third, when you start writing your resume, make sure that you choose something that is easy to read. A resume that is hard to read will not be of any use. Many employers prefer resumes that a re easy to read as they can quickly skim through it in order to decide if you are really qualified for the job.Fourth, when you first start writing your resume, write about one year in advance. This way, you are able to take out some of the details that are irrelevant to the job that you are applying for. Also, this will give you more time to come up with the details of your resume that are relevant to the job that you are applying for.Fifth, it is also important to make sure that your resume is concise. Remember that your employer does not want to spend a lot of time reading your resume. Make sure that it is short and to the point.Sixth, when you first begin to write your resume, include the list of your achievements. This will show employers that you are committed to your work and have a sense of accomplishment. By showing them how much you have accomplished in the past, it shows them that you have the potential to be great in the future.Following these six basic steps will help y ou get a solid resume that will be able to stand out among the competition. It will also help you find employment faster. Always remember that quality always beats quantity.

Passion...Superpower or Career Kryptonite

Passion...Superpower or Career Kryptonite There’s been a lot of talk lately about whether or not “Follow your Passion” is the “worst career advice ever given”. Particularly applicable to Millennials, who have heard this advice repeated from those who perhaps didn’t follow their devotions early enough in life â€" this is a relevant debate. So when I began thinking about the “worst advice ever”, several random â€" even contradictory â€" thoughts came to mind. Perhaps you’ve had some of these same reactions and opinions? Passion is NOT the Cause of High Unemployment At YouTern, we’ve mentored hundreds of college students and recent grads. Without a doubt I can tell you that despite what you’ve heard in the media, read in myriad blog posts â€" and despite any preconceived notions â€" Gen Y’s attempts to follow their passions are NOT why so many are unemployed or under-employed. This theory is bunk. Period. Consider the Source Like most advice â€" including the “follow your passion” variety â€" we must strongly consider the integrity of the source. All too often this advice is from Boomers who also spew such noteworthy advice as “Get a job!” and “Passion doesn’t pay the bills!” Which is it, my Boomer friends? The reflective “follow your passion” advice? Or the bitter, parental “You need a real job” speech? Can’t be both, sorry. Passion as an Excuse for Non-Performance “I haven’t found my passion yet…” (Yes, this is where the Boomer in me comes out). This gem is most often heard from the guy who just spent the entire day on his parents’ couch playing Call of Duty. Think you’re going to find your passion living at home, sleeping until 11am while Mom does your laundry? You are not. And you give a bad name to others genuinely searching for their passion through internships, volunteering and continuing education. You, my excuse-driven friend, are unwise to place devotion on a pedestal while devaluing independence, contribution and the opportunity to learn and grow. Passion Has a Shelf Life Very few of us are fortunate enough to turn any of our passions into lifelong vocation. In fact, very few of us pursue ANY of our passions for a lifetime including hobbies, careers â€" even relationships. So, knowing this is the case for 99% of us, why is passion such a driver in our professional lives? Could it be that we’ve been sucked into “passion” while failing to realize that even our deepest passions have a limited shelf life? Must Passion Come from Work? I’m not convinced that our day jobs MUST involve passion â€" especially in our entry-level careers. Can’t we pursue feelings as part of our work-life balance? Can’t we contribute and create outside the office? Can’t we pursue our entrepreneurial dreams while working for someone else? As some of the happiest people I know are pursuing their passions outside their 9 to 5 responsibilities, the answer seems to be “yes”. Passion as a Synonym for Happiness Along those same lines… I’m not sure that passion must be a pre-requisite for finding and excelling at a job. In fact, it seems general happiness from work comes down to four questions: Do I like the job? Do I like or respect my direct supervisor? Do I philosophically support the company’s mission? Does the compensation meet my current needs? Especially in our current economy, if all four answers are “yes”… that may be a job we should be passionate â€" and happy â€" about. Passion in “Pay it Forward” Style For many across all generations, passion embodies “pay it forward”. We feel as though we’ve learned from our failures, enjoyed some success and, overall, accomplished something worth sharing. Now, it’s time to give back by pursuing our devotionss while mentoring others. With this in mind, the question for passion seekers becomes: Can we properly “pay it forward” before we’ve personally accomplished something worthy of professional respect? Define “Passion” Speaking of those who have accomplished… Many now known as passionate innovators, mentors and philanthropists (Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and the late Steve Jobs, for example) were once one-dimensional, insanely ambitious workaholics. Their undeniable passion is why they worked so hard â€" and were so driven to success. Surely, this intense type of devotion isn’t anywhere near the same level we think about when a young professional attempts to answer the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” question. So, let’s be clear what we’re talking about â€" and understand there are many different levels of passion on the professional playing field. And maybe that’s where this post should end: stating that passion does have a different definition for everyone â€" especially when discussing career development. And, while we’re debating, let’s agree that passion should be a superpower to be used only for good. Because when devosion comes from the dark side it can all-too-quickly become an excuse for a lack of productivity, a generational stereotype or â€" worse yet â€" a buzzword that acts like career kryptonite. image courtesy of eneas About the Author:  A passionate supporter of Gen Y talent, CEO and Founder of YouTern Mark Babbitt is a serial entrepreneur and mentor. Mark has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Mashable, Forbes and Under30CEO regarding internships, higher education’s role in preparing emerging talent for the workforce and career development. Recently, Mark was honored to be named to GenJuice’s list of “Top 100 Most Desirable Mentors”. You can contact Mark via  email  or on  Twitter.

Salary Negotiations How To Take Your Earning Power To a Whole New Level

Salary Negotiations How To Take Your Earning Power To a Whole New Level I have received so many emails from you asking for more advice on salary negotiations. That is why I asked Bethany to give us some advice! I know it is hard but you have to be confident and know what you are worth! Today’s post is written by Bethany Ramos, who is a full-time freelance writer and co-owns her own e-commerce website, The Coffee Bump. The Coffee Bump specializes in a wide variety of  bunn coffee makers  and assorted coffee and espresso products. For many young professionals today, salary negotiation may seem like a four letter word. Yet it is a critical part of the game if you want any chance of advancing in your career. Once you’ve learned the basics of salary negotiation, you have the potential to take your earning power to a whole new level. Get Started: Salary Negotiations Start with Your Experience It’s hard for a potential or current employer to argue with your experience and expertise in your industry. When you can prove to an employer why you are the perfect fit for a position, it will make it easier to get the base salary you are looking for. Don’t Make the First Offer One point that many women overlook in salary negotiation is to allow the employer to make the first offer. It is best to steer clear of any salary discussion until you have been offered a position. After the employer has decided that they want you for the job, it will be easier to negotiate the salary you are looking for. In the same way, if you are up for a review, focus on your contributions within the past year instead of asking for a specific monetary raise in your annual salary. Do Your Homework You will do yourself a disservice by going into a salary negotiation without researching the base market value of your position. Find out what employees are being paid for the same job at competing companies. Although this is information that you don’t want to throw in your employer’s face, it can be used at the right time as a bargaining chip to secure the salary you want. Sell Yourself Although it may feel awkward for some of us to brag about our strengths, if you do not believe in yourself 100%, it will be difficult for an employer to believe in you. Have the attitude of a salesperson in a salary negotiation. You don’t want to come off as cocky or arrogant, but you do want your employer to know that you are worth the extra money. [Related Post:  Why You Need To Promote Yourself at Work] Know Your Limits If you are considering a new position, make sure that you know your limits well before a salary negotiation begins. These limits can be based on the salary ranges that you will consider, as well as the average salaries paid to other employees in similar positions. Have dealt with salary negotiations before?  What is your advice?

How to Select Resume Writing Services in Southlake TX

How to Select Resume Writing Services in Southlake TXA resume is a document which helps in determining an individual's qualifications. It also provides a glimpse of one's past and will further serve as a framework for the hiring officer to appraise your abilities.When seeking employment, a potential employee should produce a strong and professional looking resume that would give him a unique advantage in landing a job. Resume writing services in Southlake TX provide resume writing services in addition to a wide range of other writing services which includes but is not limited to:It is essential to obtain the services of a professional writer since one is supposed to be able to stand out from the rest of the pack and this is especially true when you are seeking employment. Even if you are skilled in writing, a professional resume writer can help make it better and less stressful.Resume writing services in Southlake TX is expected to give you a quality written resume that is sure to im press your potential employer. Though, you can now get your resume in electronic format through the internet, it is still advisable to have a professional resume writer for your resume. You do not want to waste your time and money by hiring someone who is incompetent to write a resume.If you are seeking a professional resume writer, you will need to conduct some research so that you would be able to hire someone whom you can rely on. The best way to conduct your research is by asking around to get referrals. This way, you would be able to verify the credibility of the resume writing service before you hire them.A resume should be written in such a way that the information it contains can be easily understood by the reader. It is important to remember that the way you have written your resume will reflect on your personality.In order to ensure that your resume is formatted properly, you can choose a resume writer who offers services in HTML format. HTML format can help you avoid prob lems with formatting the resume during the interview process.The last thing you want is for your resume to be rejected because it was not properly formatted. With the help of a professional resume writer, you can rest assured that your resume will be reviewed professionally without any fault.

6 Wishes for College Graduates

6 Wishes for College Graduates This is the time of year when college seniors begin to really think about what theyll do after they graduate. Some, perhaps few, have jobs lined up already. Finding a job is difficult, especially if you havent had real experience to put on your resume. But that shouldnt be an issue if you understand how to translate your college activities into experience. The same advice holds true for anyone searching for a new job. Learning how to translate your past experiences into something your future employer will value is difficult. It requires an understanding of what your future employer would be looking for and an understanding of sales and marketing! Spinning is a very valuable skill! It always helps if you have something to work with first, so here are my 6 wishes for anyone who is serious about managing their career: 1. Get involved. Do more than just get good grades or do your job. Take initiative and get involved in projects, groups, activities that will build skills and connections. 2. Build relationships. Make connections inside and outside your normal circle. You can never know enough people. 3. Find a mentor or mentors. Find people you respect and either set up a formal or informal mentoring relationship. 4. Be Other-centric. It isnt all about you. Give whatever you can and do it generously. Volunteering is always a good idea but what Im talking about goes much deeper. Showing an interest/concern for others should be practiced in thought, word and deed. 5. Continue to Learn Just because youre out of school doesnt mean youve finished learning. Continue to seek information. Soak up new ideas. Commit to being a life-long learner. 6. Develop Resiliency This is going to be a bumpy ride. Things wont go the way you plan. Be able to adapt and adjust. Learn how to roll with the punches and make lemonade out of lemons. These wishes apply to us all, no matter what stage of life we are in. What advice/wishes do you have for someone embarking on a new phase of life?

10 Secure File Sharing Options

10 Secure File Sharing Options There are a lot of options when it comes to file sharing in the workplace. You may be aware of what file sharing is in general (sending and storing files online), but are you familiar with the various types and services available? Types of File Sharing File transfer protocol programs (FTP) This is the most common file transfer system. FTP allows specific users with the password to access shared files. Public sharing is also an option. Peer-to-peer networks Instant messaging and Skype are examples of peer-to-peer networks. Coworkers can communicate and share digital files without filtering through a central server. Removable storage media If you’ve ever used a removable hard disk (i.e. a flash drive) to transfer saved files, then you’ve used removable storage media. This method is slightly dated, however, as businesses phase out extra hardware. Online file sharing services Dropbox, Resilio, and Tresorit are examples of online file sharing services. While their names may give the impression that they require specialized, technical ability to use, they are actually fairly user-friendly. 10 File Sharing Services Box Resilio SSH (Secure Shell) SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) Tresorit IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) Dropbox Google Drive Microsoft OneDrive Amazon Drive Each service has different pros and cons associated with it. For an inside look at these services, consult the secure file sharing visual below. Panda Security put this infographic together to help you fully understand the enigma that is file sharing.