Free Traditional Corporate Trainer Resume Template

Free Traditional Corporate Trainer Resume TemplateFree Traditional Corporate Trainer Resume TemplateIf youre seeking to continue your career as a corporate trainer, the company you submit your application to can influence the way you write your resume. If the organization youre trying to get a job with has an impressive history of success for a long period of time, chances are a traditional resume style may be best. A traditional style is the safest approach for resume writing, and it may be exactly what an old-fashioned company may be looking for. Writing your resume in this format can help you show off your skills and qualifications for the position. Here are some of the best practices when writing a traditional resume.Create ResumeCustomize ResumeWhat to Include in a Traditional Corporate Trainer ResumeGetting hired with an established national corporation may mean that you have to compose a traditional resume. If you want to get a top corporate trainer job, you have to show the h iring manager that youre qualified with your resume style. When writing a traditional resume, avoid adding too much information or irrelevant details. The human resources department simply wants to see sections such as highlights, experience and educational background. Dont go beyond the basics when using this resume for your job search. You may find that your traditional resume leads to a job offer in your preferred industry.Common Resume Fails Mistakes to AvoidFlashy entwurf If youve decided that a traditional resume is best for a company, dont veer away from that style with a flashy look. Avoid colorful printer paper or unusual fonts that may be distracting.More Than One Page Unless youre a top executive with decades of experience, make sure your resume doesnt go longer than one page. Keep it simple and to the point to make it meet this length requirement.Lack of Focus Dont forget to craft your resume around the specific position youre applying for. Be sure to revise any previous resume versions you have written to reflect the demands of the job you most want.Few Keywords Todays top traditional companies may also be employing automated electronic resume evaluators to find specific keywords. Analyze the job posting for these important keywords that match the job description, and place them throughout your resume.Resume Content Daniel Ellison 5544 Circle Drive Dover, DE 11111 555-702-8196 ellisondanymail.com Summary Skilled corporate trainer with proven methods of increasing employee success. Experience with a variety of corporate settings and individuals. Strong ability to present information in a new and interesting way. Commitment to company goals and objectives. Seeking work as a corporate trainer in an established organization. Highlights Experience leading training classesExpertise writing materialsManagement experienceTop coaching skillsAchieved top evaluation scoresAbility to deliver material in a variety of waysSolid understanding of adult learning theoryUnderstanding of team building and enrichmentTeamwork skillsStrong verbal communicationConcise and effective writerMeticulous and detail-orientedPersonable and approachable Engaging and interestingExperience Corporate Trainer 6/1/2008 8/1/2012 Dow Industrial Dover, DE Revitalized employee training program on proper safety procedures.Conducted workshops and learning sessions on hazardous materials.Delivered instruction to a range of adult learners.Assessed employee understanding of material.Created training manuals and materials that aligned with company goals.Supported a 28% reduction in safety incidents in the factory setting. Corporate Trainer 8/1/2012 Present Home Depot Dover, DE Created a management leadership retreat for newly hired or promoted team members.Instituted activities and experiences to develop employee leadership skills.Partnered with upper-level management to create a curriculum.Prepared and delivered dynamic presentations to increase employee engagement. Drafted training materials for new processes and procedures.Implemented quarterly cashier incentives to encourage upselling.Increased average check amount 23% over the course of a year.Managed a team of eight corporate trainers in the organization. Education Bachelor of Science in Leadership DevelopmentUniversity of Delaware, Newark, DE

3 Times You Should Take Charge at Work - The Muse

3 Times You Should Take Charge at Work - The Muse3 Times You Should Take Charge at WorkWe all know our place in the office- manager, employee, office dog (OK, the last one is wishful thinking that we have dog readers). And while some lines arent meant to be crossed, others get blurred when teams are shaken up, priorities are shifted, bosses go on vacations, and people quit before their replacement arrives.So, when an opportunity opens up to take charge, it can be pretty damn tempting to step up and show off our leadership capabilities.But how can we put ourselves in a position of power without overstepping our boundaries (or worse, pissing people off)?Here are three times its completely OK to take control at work- no matter your role (oh, and how to do it right)1. When Youve Been Given PermissionPretty obvious, but still worth mentioning. When youre made the point-person for a project, thats your cue to take charge, make aya things are running smoothly, and keep tabs on your teams pr ogress. Because if things dont go well, its ultimately your head thats on the block.However, this isnt permission to boss your teammates around- that wont help anyone be more productive (and it sure wont make people like you more). Rather, make sure everyone has the resources and support they need to get stuff done on time and in good fashion.2. When a Key Players Missing (and No One Else Can Do the Job)Maybe one of your higher-up colleagues caught a cold and youre the next person most involved in your teams initiative. Or, your boss is out on vacation for the week and no one else can step up to take on their responsibilities.This is your chance to show your leadership potential without stepping on other peoples toes. While the persons gone, keep the momentum going and carry out their vision. Just musiknote This is not your opportunity to run with your own ideas- instead, use this time to show your manager you respect their decisions and can hold down the fort when theyre not there. When they come back, they may take charge again (as they should), but theyll (hopefully) recognize the work youve contributed and give you more opportunities to lead in the future.3. When the Other Persons Flaky (and Its Your Reputation on the Line)This is a bit trickier to navigate, as its not your job to take on someone elses work, and doing so can ruin your relationship with the person.However, there are times when theres a big deadline looming and your reputations on the line, and the other person just isnt pulling their weight, so you decide to do it all on your own.When this is truly your only option- youve sent them many follow-ups, looped them in on your decisions, and have little time left to get it done- the best thing to do is (kindly) let the person know why you decided to take it over. It could be as simple as saying, You did great work on this, but the client wanted it finalized by this week, and as I know youve been swamped with other projects I thought it would be b est if I just finished the pitch myself.If youre honest about your intentions (a.k.a., you didnt do it just to get on your boss good side) and respect and acknowledge the work theyve contributed, theyll probably be grateful you stepped in. And if theyre not so happy you took over, you can at least go home feeling confident you did everything you could to salvage you (and your co-workers) job. Even if its not in your job description to be the person in charge, there are times when its in your best interest (and others) to do so. As long as you approach the opportunity as any respectable leader would- without ego and with a desire to help everyone succeed- youre sure to handle it like a champion, and open more doors for yourself.

What Your Reaction to Going on Vacation Says About Your Career Path

What Your Reaction to Going on Vacation Says About Your Career PathWhat Your Reaction to Going on Vacation Says About Your Career PathWhenever I take time off from work, whether its just a day or a week, I always have varying reactions to leaving. Not just an emotion toward the reason for leaving- happy because I get to spend two weeks in Asia, or fear because I have to go to the dentist (who isnt afraid of the dentist)- but also a gut feeling about parting from my job. Sometimes I worry that Ill miss something important while Im gone, sometimes I dont think about my work at all, and sometimes I worry that no one will even notice Im gone. What Ive learned is that how you feel going into vacation says a lot about you- not just how prepared you are to take off for a few days, but also how you feel about your current career path. Lets take a look at a few of the signsIf Youre Way Too Excited to LeaveYouve been checking the clock every 10 minutes, and when the time comes you leap out of your chair, practically throwing your laptop across the room. When you leave the office, you log out of email and dont even think about checking it once while youre gone.Maybe you just cant wait to meet your friends in Florida or are finally taking that trip to Europe youve planned for a year. Or maybeYou Dont Take Enough Time for YourselfIf youre leaping to the occasion, its possible this is the first time youve taken a break in a very long while.But vacation days arent meant to be your only outlet for some RR. And a lot of people only get allotted a set amount of days each year- meaning two weeks off has to satisfy someone for about 351 days worth of work. So dont wait until that one long holiday weekend to wind down. Make sure to give yourself little breaks throughout the day and the week, whether its an hour each day for lunch or an email answering curfew after 6 PM on Thursdays. If youre constantly taking time away from your daily office routine, vacation wont feel like a neces sity- but an added bonus.Its Not the Right Job for YouThe less obvious, more complicated alternative is that you really dont like your job. Now, getting excited for one vacation doesnt mean you should immediately quit and try again. But if every time you go on vacation youre practically begging to get out, and every time it ends youre devastated to return to work, thats a pretty clear sign that youre not happy with what youre doing.Vacations are great, dont get me wrong. But theyre temporary, and a life that consists of you only looking forward to days off isnt a life worth living. Its unlikely that your job will consistently bring you as much joy as a trip youve planned for months, but its way more permanent- so make it something you can look forward to each day.If Work Is All You Think About When You LeaveYoure texting your boss in the cab on the way to the airport, or you missed your train out because you had to submit just one more report. Chances areYou Didnt Prepare Beforehand Many people plan out their vacations weeks in advance- your time away from work should be planned just the same. Make a list for yourself of what needs to get done before you leave and actually do everything on that list. Be aware of what youll be missing and who you need to contact to let them know you wont be in the office. Create an email away message. The more you prepare, the easier itll be to drop everything and go.Youre Working Too HardBut, lets say you did all of that. Everythings taken care of and all you have to do is relax, but you cant.Youre likely working yourself too hard- you have done such a good job at your job that you dont know how to not do it. In this case, you probably really need the break, so take it Log out and tune out, and I promise you, nothing will implode while youre gone.If Youre Excited to Leave, But totenstill Miss the WorkFor those of you who have been looking forward to your vacation all week but are sad to go when the time comes, you probably feel one, or both, of two thingsYou Like ConsistencyIts possible its not the job you miss, but the stability of going into work every day thats making you a bit weary. Youre probably overly organized and addicted to calendars- which means a vacation away from all that terrifies you.So, think of your vacation as an experiment Now that youre not on anyones schedule but your own, what do you want to do with your time? This is your chance to figure out how you see your life outside of your job.You Love Your JobSimple as that Missing work could just mean you love the project youre creating, the people in your office, or the company you work for. You like going away, but you truly care about your job just as much. Overall, this means youre doing alright (OK, more than alright)- but even happy employees need some time off, so make sure youre not thinking about work the whole time.While most of us probably like to take vacations, we all react differently to leaving work for them. So, take musik note of how youre feeling going into your next day (or days) off and try to figure out what that means for your current position and what you want to do next. Even if next is a long ways off. Photo of person going on vacation courtesy of Tetra Images/Getty Images.

How to Be More Productive at Work

How to Be More Productive at WorkHow to Be More Productive at WorkEveryone juggles busy schedules, but some people make it look so easy. Theyre always getting things done, faster and mora efficiently than others. Meanwhile, youre wrestling with your workload, burdened by expectations and deluged by what youre NOT getting done. Whats the secret for knowing how to be mora productive at work?It turns out that highly productive people work hard at forming good habits. To start with, they maximize their organizational skills with an approach that goes deeper than a tidy desk and clutter-free calendar. They understand how to make the best use of their time by avoiding the productivity pitfalls that cause the rest of us to feel stressed, distracted, overwhelmed or inadequate. And, according to a recent survey, they also know the day of the week and time of the day when their productivity peaks.View the Productivity Power Play infographic for a more detailed look at the findings.Many of thei r good habits are really things they dont do. Heres a list.1. They dont procrastinateProcrastination is one of those traps that many of us fall into as we lose our focus and then wonder, What happened to the time? or How did I miss that deadline?Its not the same as laziness, because procrastination is an active process of choosing to do one thing over another or putting off making a decision about taking action, for one reason or another.There are many ways to eliminate distractions and counter procrastination, whether youre working on a small task or a large project. Consider these strategiesIdentify what youre most likely to put off.Break down big projects into specific, well-defined tasks, then write those down.Reward yourself for reaching milestones. Whether its a walk with the dog or an after-work drink, celebrate with something you know you enjoy.Use deadlines or set time frames to motivate yourself to work on something or get it done.Ask for help when you need it to get over the hump.2. They dont go to every meetingBy the time most meetings are over, youve spent an hour or more on what ended up as only 15 minutes of useful information. Some meetings and conference calls are unavoidable, but you may be able to skip the unnecessary ones.3. They arent disturbed by digital distractionsBeing interrupted robs you of the concentration you need to be productive at work. Just because you have push notifications doesnt mean you need to respond immediately to every ping. Set up alerts for urgent matters only, and schedule specific times throughout the day to process the rest. Simply put, dont be tethered to your computer or smart phone for calls, texts, social media notices, emails or other messages.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER4. They arent perfectionistsAt some point, you have to sign off on the final draft of a project or proposal. No matter how conscientious or talented a person is, they can always refine their work further, but after awhile, theres negligible i mprovement for your continued efforts. People who know how to be more productive also know when to quit.5. They dont over-commitYou may want to look like the most dedicated person who says yes to everything, but thats not the way to be more productive. Instead, its a recipe for stress, burnout and even lower quality work. You shouldnt accept something that comes across your desk if you cant manage it in a timely manner. Productive people dont shirk responsibilities, but they know when to say no.6. They dont stretch their focusHighly productive people give their full attention to one task at a time instead of trying to cover a number of items at once. The most important thing you need to do should be your top priority at any one time. Let your focus drift, and you might lose sight of that.7. They dont get buriedRest assured That pile of reports you glanced at and filed away for later will stay there and grow. Keep on top of your paperwork. For email, dont glance at it every time you hear a ding, but check your inbox only at certain times of the day. During those times, tackle each message the moment you read it, whether that means sending a quick reply, scheduling a task or deleting it.Knowing how to be more productive at workIf you feel like youre struggling with productivity issues, youre not alone. Just know there are concrete steps you can take to regain control and feel good about the job youre doing.Not only will you get more done when you increase your productivity, but the quality of your work will go up. Youll make fewer mistakes, lower your stress level and earn more respect.

The Key to Successful Visual Resume

The Key to Successful Visual Resume If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Visual Resume Meanwhile the many video tutorials are a fantastic idea for showing you the way to use the website and the assorted features of the service. Editing and organizing the info is a slice of cake. Visual resume is more reader friendly as it has both graphics along with detailed data in textual form. Pictures are very valuable to your resume. What You Should Do to Find Out About Visual Resume Before Youre Left Behind Clearly, nobody likes to admit they have any weaknesses, especially in front of a prospective employer. For a work seeker, its always theres no hard and fast rule on sticking with a specific type of resume. For instance, a direct supervisor could be on the lookout for a new hire that is likely to make her look good to the powers that be. In any event, let your visual resume reflect your nature and the sort of position you want. You also ought to explain your career objective that is an overview of the job opportunities you would love to pursue with the employer. Specific resume objectives will see to it that the reader that the applicant is centered on the requirements of the employer. Keep personal info to a minimum unless it is exceedingly pertinent to the job for which youre applying. There are various types and formats of resumes, and based on an individuals profession and the form of job they are applying for, different resumes may be required or preferred. The New Angle On Visual Resume Just Released Your professional experience regarding the job that you are applying, such as security personnel, will also provide you an advantage. A visual resume is an ideal answer to it. There are a number of job opportunities readily available, but obtaining your perfect job might be harder than it was previously. Visual resumes are a fantastic means to emphasize the things on which you fruchtwein want a possible employer to focus. You ought to make certain that all the needed information thats necessary for the position youre applying for should be included in the resume. Visual information is crucial. You ought to avoid placing any incoherent info on the resume. It is a good idea to gather as much info on your possible employer as possible. What You Should Do to Find Out About Visual Resume Before Youre Left Behind This paragraph should include a brief excerpt of career achievements which are included in your resume. Text doesnt need to be boring. If you dont want it shown, you can just ignore them, blank sections arent going to appear in the finished result. Have a look at my visual resume here. The War Against Visual Resume Often, hiring managers dont have enough time to thoroughly read all the resumes they receive. If you wish to earn a fantastic impression on employers, you must work for it. If you wish to place your core skills first to permit the recruiter know your knowledge, Visuals and images have a tendency to reverberate them better since theyre simple to capture. It isnt hard to update when you will need to reveal new abilities and accomplishments. The Hidden Treasure of Visual Resume If youve recently graduated and have no working experience in any respect, you will need to sell yourself. If youre lucky you might be in a position to work within the very same industry as your startup. Choose from our assortment of industry approved Visual CV templates in accordance with your industry and degree of experience. To do so, besides the purpose and asking yourself why you require it, its also wise to think about the market, the work kind and company culture. Life After Visual Resume When it regards the visual analytics space, an excellent way to do that is an interactive resume. As a candidate, if your design skills arent great, then developing a visual resume can be a costly affair. Visual resume poetry during its finest. If a visual resume is something which you wi sh to pursue you might even need to look at an infographic. The Ugly Secret of Visual Resume Therefore, if youve found a punctuation error or would love to modify your resume a bit to make an application for the different position, youll have to edit it and print again, which takes more time and energy. Work in progress is usually comprised of the complete number of raw materials necessary for an item, since that is added at the outset of production, as well as the price of further processing as each unit progresses through the numerous manufacturing steps. Simply take the time to consider your career aims, your previous achievements, and the value you bring, before you begin the entire process. To spare you the hassle of earning a new resume from scratch if you previously have one, you can import one from your hard disk. Our admin cv template will offer you a few ideas. If you are only starting out, your CV should be comparatively straightforward, but for mid-career or late- career professionals it can find a little more complex. Your CV will most likely be put to use as a springboard for questions at interview, which means you want to ensure you truly feel pleased with the way its written and with the selection of words. Writing a CV can appear difficult, but after you start it will get a lot simpler. Simply choose the template and make an incredible text or visual resume. After you purchase, the template is forever yours, which means you can update whenever you own a title change or wish to highlight a recent accomplishment. Your application might wind up in the spam folder. It is possible to include one with your on-line application in an appropriate section like personal site, portfolio, or comments.

Key Pieces of Writing a Cover Letter Resume Formats Purdue

Key Pieces of Writing a Cover Letter Resume Formats Purdue Before you begin, it can be useful to review some titel letter samples, just so youve got a visual of how everything fits on the webpage. Finally, heres a titel letter format example. There are 3 general kinds of titelblatt letters. It is crucial your cover letter be tailored to every position youre applying to. The work description will have most of the search phrases you should include do your very best to sprinkle them where you may. You are going to have the chance to display your creativityin a wise way the secret is to comprehend whats acceptable, and whats out of bounds. The letter delivers detailed info on why youre qualified for the job that you are applying for. Your letter should have 1-inch margins all of the way around the webpage. A Secret Weapon for Writing a Cover Letter Resume Formats Purdue Weve compiled and annotated an array of unique kinds of cover letter from various kinds of student applica nts. In most instances, big businesses recruit men and women in the hundreds every couple of months and they need to go through thousands of applications and resumes. Doing research will be able to help you figure out who is the best suited person to obtain the letter. When you have doubts concerning the cover letter then the subsequent article will allow you to clear those doubts and help you compose a fantastic cover letter giving you that an edge Looking at examples of strong cover letters is an excellent approach to fully grasp how this advice may get implemented. No matter which format you select, your cover letter should stick to some overall content guidelines. Writing a concise yet strong document isnt easy expect many iterations. The cover letter basics a true information regarding the report for. Top Choices of Writing a Cover Letter Resume Formats Purdue Therefore, you wish to be sure that your cover letter makes the very best impression on the individual whos r eviewing it. Select a kind of letter that fits with your reason behind writing. At any time you compose a cover letter, it must be addressed to a particular individual. You may ask somebody else to take a read through the whole letter, and a spell check is a must is suggested. Check with the programs to which youre applying to determine precisely what you want. For non-CASPA participating schools, you need to have your letters sent straight to your schools. For non-OTCAS participating schools, you ought to have your letters sent right to your schools. For non-PTCAS participating schools, you need to have your letters sent right to your schools. The History of Writing a Cover Letter Resume Formats Purdue Refuted The letter supplies an opportunity to expound on your resume, permitting you to detail why your unique abilities and experience make you the very best candidate for the job. Explain which youre applying for work and want to handle your cover letter to the appropri ate individual. In this instance, just emphasize that youre great for the job because youve got the necessary skill collection. Whether youre applying for work on your own or through a recruiter, the cover letter is among the most crucial prerequisites for a work application. The Start of Writing a Cover Letter Resume Formats Purdue Many people believe that a cover letter isnt required, while some are bewildered about what should be included in the cover letter. Why you succeed in your given filled is presented by means of your cover letter. Your cover letter ought to be formatted like an expert small business letter. Find more information about the differences between a resume and a cover letter to be certain to get started writing your cover letter with the right strategy.

How to Follow Up After a Job Interview

How to Follow Up After a Job InterviewHow to Follow Up After a Job InterviewAfter you have ajob interview, its important to follow up andthank your interviewerfor taking the timeto meet. Along with expressing appreciation, your thank-you letter, schmelzglas, or call is an opportunity to highlight your relevant qualificationsshow your enthusiasm for the rolemention important details that didnt come up during the interview. When you are selected for a job interview, it means that youre a serious contender for the job. Thats why its important to take the time to follow up after every singlejob interview, including in-person and phone interviews, as well assecond interviews. By following up, youll remind the interviewer that youre a strong candidate for the job. Youll reinforce that youre qualified and should be given serious consideration. Sending a thank-you note alsoshows that youre interested in the lokalitt. If an employer is deliberating between two candidates with similar qualific ations, a thank-you note could give you an edgeoverthecompetition. Heres mora information on what to say and how to time your communication. How to Follow up After a Job Interview If possible, collect business cards from everyone you meet during your interview. That way, youll have peoples contact information on hand. If that isnt feasible, checkLinkedInfor theinterviewers job titles, contact information, and the correct spelling of their names. If the information isnt listed, look up interviewers on the company website or call the companys mainline. A receptionist should be able to access the company directory and help you gather up details. 130 Watch Now 7 Things to Do Right After Your Interview What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email or Letter Promote your candidacy.Use your follow-up note to reiterate your interest in the job and the company. Tell the interviewer why you are qualified.Highlight your relevant skills that are specific to the jobs requirements. What did y ou forget to say?Mention anything you wish you had said, but didnt, during the interview. Clean up interview mistakes.If you misspoke during your interview or answered a question poorly, your thank-you note isa goodplace to rephrase and clarify what you intended to say. Include your contact information. Make it easy for the interviewer to get back in touch by including your phone number and email address in your correspondence. Follow-Up Email Message and Thank-You Letter Tips Follow the guidelines below when crafting your follow-up notes. Send athank-you letteroremailto everyone who interviewed you. It can be helpful to jot down some quick notes immediately after yourinterview to remind yourself of topics discussed and points you want to cover. Review examplesofthank-you lettersif youre not sure what to write. Email is the fastest way to say thank-youafter a job interview, especially if the interviewers hinted that theyll be making a quick decision. Its perfectly acceptable to send athank you email message. Consider sending ahandwritten thank-you note in addition to your email message. Keep a schachtel of thank-you cards and a book of stamps handy.Takingthetimetowriteanote,putastamponit,andmailyourthank-youwill serve as another reminderthat you care enough about the job. In some industries, such as print publishing,handwritten notesare mora common. Make sure to use your best handwriting Dont wait.Send your note within 24 hours of the interview, sooner if youre emailing. The saying he who hesitates is lost can hold true when youre onthejobhunt. Proofread your follow-up lettersbefore you send them. A typo or agrammatical error can knock you out of contention. Be particularly mindful of peoples names spelling those incorrectly will definitely be noticed. Review an Example Subject Thank You Customer Service Associate PositionDear Mr./Ms. Last NameThank you for taking the time to meet with me regarding the Customer Service Associate job. The position seem s like a strong match for my skills and abilities, and I believe I would be an asset to your company.The customer-first culture of the Bates Company meshes closely with the customer service skills I have acquired during my previous employment.In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively and diplomatically resolve challenging customer issues.If you have any questions, or I can provide you with further information regarding my candidacy, please dont hesitate to ask.I very much appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you regarding the position.Sincerely,Your NamePhoneEmail Expand Follow-Up Phone Call Tips Even though its easier to send a quick email, making a follow-up phone call can help your candidacy for the job. Whatsmore, if the job at hand involves a lot of phone time, calling to say thanks shows you have the strong communication skills required for the position. In additionto saying thank you for consideringyou for the job, you canshare afew of your key qualifications. If youre feeling nervous, you can make a list of points you want to mention ahead of time. Always start by saying who you are (use your full name), the position you interviewed for, and when you met.You can also mention anything you forgot to say during the interview. Follow Hi, Mr. Matherly. This is Janice Burlington. I interviewed for the Customer Service Associate position, and wanted to thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday.I am very interested in the position. Please dont hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or theres any additional information I can provide. You can reach me at 555-555-5555. Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you soon. ExpandHeres more about how to follow up a job interview with a phone call. Key Takeaways Always say thank you after an interview Its your si ngle most important post-interview action.Send your email or letter ASAP Dont delay. Aim to send a letter within 24 hours of the interview. Send a thank-you to every interviewer.Reinforce your qualifications As well as saying thanks, use your letter to show why you are a good candidate for the position.

Taking Trauma Out of the Brain

Taking Trauma Out of the Brain Taking Trauma Out of the Brain The hell of the battlefield can make hell in the life of the solider, long after hes put down his gun. About 15 percent of U.S. soldiers returning from recent wars have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Why one solider suffers from the disorder while others do not may never be known, but now researchersat Tel-Aviv University have found a way to train soldiers to significantly reduce the chance of being affected by PTSD.In less than extreme situations, fear is healthy. And fear is learned. Put a part in a situation that once proved dangerous and theyll likely feel a surge of fear. But when events go beyond dangerous and into the realm of trauma, the subsequent learned fear can become debilitating. Just how fear and posttraumatic stress disorder become debilitating is not well understood. But one thing is well known During the experience of fear, the amygdalae (two small parts at the end of the hippocampus, deep in the brain) become quite active.The amygdala is a brain structure that serves as a kind of alarm bell in our brain, says Jackob Nimrod Keynan, a researcher in cognitive neuroscience at the Sagol Center for Brain Functions in the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, And the problem starts when this alarm bell goes out of control. We all need to recognize danger, but if youre at home and you hear the alarm, and if you cant turn off the alarm, you cant do anything.Research from 2009 showed that Israeli soldiers with more active amygdalae before a traumatic exposure were far more likely to have PTSD after. Talma Hendler, director of the center, began wondering if there welches a way soldiers could turn down that activity, before seeing combat, to avoid a potentially debilitating long-term aftermath.Detecting abnormalities within the brain with a fMIR machine. Image Wikimedia CommonsThe answer was biofeedback.Keynan, Hendler, and their colleagues testedvolunteers using an fMRI machin e and asked them try to find ways to lower the activity in their amygdalae. A simple thermometer-like bar told them whether the activity was increasing or decreasing. We did not suggest strategies, says Keynan. We told people to find their own way. We found that it works well different people find different strategies. Perhaps there is an instruction that would better, but the part where you try different things is perhaps as important as finding things. The experimentation is very importantthats the theory.However effective, its not likely that fMIR machines will ever be rolled out to the barracks before a battle in the hopes of preventing PTSD. Theyre too big, too noisy, too expensive. Its like giving someone a medicine that costs a million dollars a pill, says Keynan.The EEG headcap with dry touch-electrode sensors. Image Tim Sheerman-Chase / FlickrSo the team turned to another brain imaging technique EEG. It was everything that fMIR wasnt cheap, quiet, mobile, and easy to use. T he only problem was it doesnt show whats going on inside the brain, but whats going on at the scalp.But maybe what was going on at the scalp might somehow reflect what was going on inside the skull. It was a long shot, but to find out,researchers needed to do both at the saatkorn time. That is, subjects would have to wear an EEG cap while they played the lower-the-thermometer/calm-the-amygdala game from inside an fMRI machine.But the two techniques dont get along. Both imaging techniques interfere with each other. EEG interrupts magnetic homogeneity, and fMRI puts noise into the electric signals, says Keynan.So they turned to the teams biomedical engineer, Ilana Podlipsky-Klovatc, who came up with a system to make it all work. In short, she tweaked the EEG system to work in the fMRI, and found a way to remove the fMIR noise, which is systematic, from the EEG.There was every chance there would be no recognizable pattern in the EEG to match with amygdalae activity as picked up by the fMRI. Imagine how anxious I was before I hit enter, says Keynan. Amazingly, a signature emerged. This is not a direct measurement of amygdalae activity, he says. We dont claim to have recognized a signal coming from the amygdalae. Its a fingerprint.But its a fingerprint that proved to work with biofeedback. People who were able to calm the amygdalae with the EEG were subsequently able to do the same in the fMRI.Keynan and his colleagues have been able to take the cheaper lighter biofeedback machinejust an EEG cap with a laptopto bases and train soldiers to lower their stress vulnerability. The game they play now is a bit more sophisticated. Instead of trying to lower a bar, they watch an animated scene of a hospital waiting room, with angry shouting people around the front desk. As a soldier lowers the activity in his amygdalae, the people at the desk begin to sit down. Changing the chaotic scene turns out to be far more motivating than the old thermometer bar.Keynan hopes to train 150 soldiers soon. Then, in a year or two, theyll interview the soldiers to see how effective the biofeedback was in reducing PTSD. And soldiers everywhere may someday be able to leave the traumas of the battlefield on the battlefield.Michael Abrams is an independent writer. For Further Discussion Different people find different strategies. Perhaps there is an instruction that would be better, but the part where you try different things is perhaps as important as finding things.Jackob Keynan, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

6 Illegal Reasons to Fire Someone

6 Illegal Reasons to Fire Someone6 Illegal Reasons to Fire SomeoneAlmost all employment in the United States is at-will. (Montana is the only state that doesnt have at-will employment as a default. Unions or a contractual obligation for a particular position are the other exceptions.) That means you can fire someone for any reason or no reason as long as that reason isnt prohibited by law. So, technically, you can walk up to an employee and say, Ive decided to fire you. No reason, and its legal. Or, Your shirt has vertical stripes, and I prefer horizontal stripes, youre fired. But, that doesnt mean that every employment termination is legal. In fact, there are numerous reasons why you cannot fire an employee. The first group of illegal termination reasons is covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Race Is an Illegal Reason to Fire Someone You can, of course, fire someone of any race, just not for a reason because of their race. This is true for all races- you cant fire a wh ite person to make a place for a person of color any mora than you can fire a person of color because you prefer to hire white people. Along with race come ethnicity and national origin. In the US, you are not required to hire a person who needs company sponsorship for a visa. But, if the person is already authorized to work or is a US citizen, you cant discriminate on the basis of their national origin or ethnicity. Sex Is an Illegal Reason to Fire Someone Its illegal to fire someone for being a male or female. Federal law is clear that you cannot discriminate on this basis. A question that hasnt been wholly settled is discrimination against transgendered employees. The EEOC settled a lawsuit on behalf of a transgender individual, and the courts tend to be leaning this way. So, most likely youll find yourself in court if you fire someone for being transgender. Likewise, the courts have been clear that homosexuality is protected as well. Employers need to err on the side of kind ness and communicate that - no matter the circumstance of the firing - the termination was in no way related to gender identity, sexual identity, and so on. And a good rule of thumb dont terminate someone for their sex or their sexual identity. Period. Religion Is an Illegal Reason to Fire Someone Whether a person is an evangelical Christian, Muslim, or an Atheist, their religious beliefs (or the lack thereof) are protected. Exceptions exist. For example, if you are a temple- if your Jewish Rabbi converts to Christianity, you can fire him, but in your for-profit business, forget it. Religion is protected. And like disabilities, you may be required to make some accommodations as long as they dont create an undue hardship. If a Muslim employee doesnt want to handle alcohol, for example, and the only time the situation comes up is once a year at the company holiday party, you can reasonably accommodate the persons wishes. If, however, a Muslim employee doesnt want to handle alcohol and your business is a bar, it would probably be reasonable to fire him. Disability Is an Illegal Reason to Fire Someone The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits firing someone because of a disability- real or perceived. You cannot terminate someone for being disabled and you have to provide reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability. Reasonable accommodations vary from business to business and job to job. Most likely it is a reasonable accommodation for a diabetic marketing employee to keep food at her desk and eat it when needed. At the same time, it is not a reasonable accommodation for a diabetic employee who works in a manufacturing clean room to keep food in her pocket. The law doesnt explicitly define what conditions are considered disabilities, but instead says anything that involves a major life function can qualify. Age Is an Illegal Reason to Fire Someone Age is unlike the others because you can (technically) fire someone for being too young, but not for being too old, as long as that old is over 40. After 40, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) kicks in. You cant fire someone for getting old. If you are even thinking about this, remember that someday, you too will be over 40. Youll appreciate the legal protection while you have the opportunity to maintain your professional relevance. Pregnancy Is an Illegal Reason to Fire Someone Pregnant women are protected under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Just because a woman will need to take some time off isnt a sufficient reason to fire someone. If a woman has worked for you for 12 or more months, you have 50 or more employees, and shes worked at least 1250 hours in the past year, shes also protected by the Family Medical Leave Act, which means you need to give her up to 12 weeks of protected leave to deal with the pregnancy, birth, and bonding with the new baby. Remember, these laws protect you from firing people for these reasons but they dont protect empl oyees from employment termination for other reasons. The best practice is to terminate only after a failed performance improvement plan, for cause (such as stealing), or a layoff. Otherwise, approach any employee termination fairly and professionally and follow the law. DisclaimerPlease note that the information provided, while authoritative, is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality. The site is read by a world-wide audience and ?employment lawsand regulations vary from state to state and country to country. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from State, Federal, or International governmental resources, to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct for your location. This information is for guidance, ideas, and assistance.