Oh, No! My Resume Has a Typo! What Should I Do

Oh, No My Resume Has a Typo What Should I DoOh, No My Resume Has a Typo What Should I DoSo youve hunted days, weeks or even months, holding out hope for the perfect job. Youve turned down oversized giant pains in the neck and have stepped right past teensy, tiny roles, only to find the job seekers equivalent of that just right fit of a position. A little background research and some touch ups to ye olde resume, and then you hit send. Sitting back with a smug smile, you click on that email, thinking youll just look it over and appreciate the job well done when out of the wild blue yonder you spot it. An obvious, glaring and completely out of distributionspolitik typo is sitting there staring at you like the menace that overtookwellyour career prospects. If this scenario sounds oh so familiar, or is frightening enough to induce cold shudders and chills when you turn off your night light, never fear. Much like in real life, there is no takesie backsies when applying for jobs but Simply Hired has you covered with some sure-fire ways to recover from typo blunders and mistype missteps. Read on for our best ways to handle the avoidable but inevitable question of oh no, my resume has a typo, what should I do.Leave It Be Dont Fret Over Punctuation ErrorsPut this piece of advice solidly in the not all errors are created equal category. Did you miss an oxford comma? Perhaps you overused the ellipsesor forgot to close out your quotation marks. While these types of typos are annoying, their impact on your overall callback chances are relatively low. This is especially true if the errors in punctuation are few and far between. Minor errors in punctuation may cause your internal OCD demon to fret, but take it from us and tell that perfection monster to take a chill pill. Be sure to correct any errors for future resume use and move along. Its likely the hiring manager may not even notice and certainly wont look too askance if they do.Major Errors? Dont Be Afraid of Hitting Res end.While a minor punctuation or grammar tense issue may not be anything to fret over, the saatkorn can certainly not be said for major snafus. Omissions in critical details such as dates of employment, job titles or other areas of your professional experience can platzset you up for major embarrassment when uncovered down the line. If you catch a hiccup in one of these areas, its better to send a chaser email with a corrected resume and a quick note.When sending a corrected resume, dont be so quick to admit to a mistake in the first place. Instead of pointing out a prior error, try phrasing your email as an updated resume or your most recent document to replace any prior versions. If the position has plenty of applicants, chances are the hiring manager hasnt had a chance to review the error-filled original.An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of CureOne of the best ways to avoid anxiety over resume mistakes is to leave errors out from the get-go. You may be thinking this is easi er said than done, but there are plenty of steps candidates can take to set themselves up for success. Before you hit submit for that lucrative job position, have a trusted friend or advisor give your documents a once over. A fresh pair of eyes, or better yet two, can help catch any formatting, grammar, spelling or timeline errors that you may have missed. There are also a host of online resume review services that charge a modest fee for a quick once over and polishing. For entry-level positions, this type of investment may seem overboard, but if youre looking to score a higher up job title, a little bit of professional help may be just what you need. To sum things up, if an error does manage to work its way into your resume or application, its certainly not the end of the world. Like most mistakes in life, you should correct and learn from the experience and then move on. If you have a mistake pointed out to you during the interview process, be sure to maintain professionalism and thank the person who caught on. They wouldnt have noticed your mistake after all if you hadnt been seriously considered for the position so consider this a small silver lining in your minor career embarrassment.

Methods Improve Concrete Precast Plant Operations

Methods Improve Concrete Precast Plant Operations Methods Improve Concrete Precast Plant Operations Methods to Improve Concrete Precast Plant OperationsConcrete precast plants manufacture construction elements that are designed and manufactured at a central facility and then transported to the construction site to be assembled.It is challenging for concrete prefabricators to produce made-to-order concrete products that can be delivered to a site as needed, says Min Liu, assistant professor at the department of civil, construction, and environmental engineering at North Carolina State University. Concrete prefabricators need to work collaboratively with designers and installers on details such as dimensions, material, and strength requirements.The precast industry is under constant pressure from clients to design fabrication lines efficiently, control (ideally reduce) material and labor costs, and provide just-in-time delivery to minimize storage and handling costsespecially in a weak economy. This makes it even harder for concrete prefabricators to make and execute reliable work plans.Two of the biggest challenges for meeting deadlines are variations in starting time and taking longer than expected to complete production tasks.Variations notlage only cause productivity loss and delay the task itself, but more importantly they will have a ripple effectcausing productivity loss of the downstream crews and process delay of the entire project, which can be many times bigger than the direct effect and significantly affect overall project performance, she says.To reduce these variations, Liu carried out a study with three main objectives Determine the causes of variation in precast concrete slab production tasks Determine the negative impacts associated with not controlling variation Compare the two different management strategies for dealing with variation keeping laborers waiting until the preconditions are ready and keeping laborers busyEquipment maintena nce will help to prevent equipment failure.MethodologyThis study was published in the June 2012 issue of Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.Detailed production data from a local precast construction facility was collected, including site layout and actual and planned task starting times and durations. Twenty-one sets of data were obtained for each of the following tasks cutting and removing slabs, cleaning the bed, pulling and stressing strands, and placing concrete. STROBOSCOPE simulation models were used to determine penalties associated with not reducing variation, which included an increase in project duration, work in progress (WIP), and cost and a decrease in labor productivity. Furthermore, the effects of two different execution policies in the face of variationkeeping laborers waiting until the preconditions are ready and keeping laborers busywere compared.Results and DiscussionThe main cause of starting time variation and task duration variation proved to be equipment breakdown.In construction there are multiple conditions that need to be met for a task to be executed smoothly, says Liu. These include material, design information/working method, equipment and tools, space, labor, and weather. In this case study, equipment was the most important variable.Although the company was aware of the negative impacts of equipment failures, it did not make changes because having a full set of spare parts was considered to be too expensive. Liu is confident that, after seeing the quantified consequence of its decision to do nothing, the company will realize the real cost of inaction and adopt a different strategy.The strategy could be having a good equipment maintenance program, sharing back-up equipment sources with other companies, or having a reliable planning program in place, such as the Last Planner System of texas tea Construction, to make sure preconditions are truly ready when its time to start a task, she adds.Results from the STROBOSCOP E simulation models showed that keeping laborers busy can not reduce variation and may actually contribute to more variation caused by a WIP increase. This goes against the traditional management assumption that keeping workers and equipment busy would result in optimum production performance, as discussed by Ballard et al. (2003), says Liu.These findings imply that plant managers can improve productivity and project performance by reducing variation. The simulation models should also help concrete prefabricators understand that keeping laborers busy is insufficient for managing variation and greater effort should be made to reduce variation through better work plans. This could include lean construction, alternative assignments (a workable backlog) for the crews on-site, and alternative uses of labor time for training and providing feedback.Management effort should be devoted to eliminating causes of variation in the planning stage, concludes Liu. Although this study is based on a concrete-slab production facility, this research can have a broader effect on the construction industry because the research method and simulation models are applicable to other fabrication processes as well.Mark Crawford is an independent writer.Production delays in concrete precast plants can be reduced with a good equipment maintenance program, sharing back-up equipment sources with other companies, or having a reliable planning program in place.Min Liu, assistant professor, North Carolina State University

This chatbot will help you face death

This chatbot will help you face death This chatbot will help you face death When you’ve reached the end of your life and are staring your own mortality in the face, it might seem hard to believe that a robotic sidekick could help soothe your existential angst. But that’s exactly what a new chatbot was able to do, according to a new study.Researchers from Boston Medical Center and Northeastern University  recruited 44 men and women age 55 and up and let them talk to a  3-D virtual end-of-life counselor - or “agent” - who offered them a series of multiple choice question and answer prompts “on topics related to palliative care” such as creating a last will and testament, selecting a healthcare proxy, and making funeral arrangements - and found that users responded overwhelmingly positively to it, they wrote in the study, including one sub-group whom the chatbot asked about their religious beliefs.People who participated in the study reported feeling a drop in their overall anxiety after talking to the chatbot, including feeling some relief from their fear of death, researchers found. They also expressed more willingness to create a will, according to the study.Still, the research subjects said when it came time to really prepare for the end, they’d probably look to a real human over a virtual one - with 12 of the 44 participants saying they would seek out another person to complete their arrangements.“Like I said it was nice talking to Tanya about it, but as for specifics in the end I need someone who [is] like the person who’s going to be doing this for me,” one person said.The chatbot was also programmed with information to be able to counsel patients who identify as Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh  - as well as for atheists, spiritual humanists and secular humanists, researchers wrote.In one sample exchange, the chatbot prompted a religious discussion by asking,  â€œI am really interested in the relationship between religion and spirituality.  Do you consider yourself spiritual, religious, both, or neither?”When told that the user identified as Jewish, the chatbot responded, “I wish I knew more about Jewish traditions. Were you raised religiously?”Patients said the chatbot’s interest in their religion made her “interesting” and prompted them to think more deeply about their faith.“I guess what I liked best was what she made me think about spirituality and religion,” one user wrote, according to the study.The researchers plan to continue the study, expanding it to a six-month longitudinal study in which users will be prompted to do activities that could help them feel better - like physical exercise or mindfulness practice - along with spiritual counseling and stress reduction.

New neuroscience reveals 7 secrets that will make you persuasive

New neuroscience reveals 7 secrets that will make you persuasive New neuroscience reveals 7 secrets that will make you persuasive You can painstakingly show somebody tons of bulletproof evidence and present flawless logical arguments but often they still won’t change their mind. What gives?The problem is that the human brain is not a purely rational computer. And when we ignore that, even the best of efforts to convince others can fall flat.From  The Influential Mind:As it turns out, while we adore data, the currency by which our brains assess said data and make decisions is very different from the currency many of us believe our brains should use. The problem with an approach that prioritizes information and logic is that it ignores the core of what makes you and me human: our motives, our fears, our hopes and desires. As we will see, this presents a serious problem; it means that data has only a limited capacity to alter the strong opinions of others.So the human brain doesn’t work by strictly logical rules - but it does work by rules. And if we know what they are, we have a much better shot of framing o ur arguments in ways that other people will find convincing.So what are these rules? Don’t look at me - I’m the guy who presents heaps of data all the time thinking that makes a difference. (Sigh.) That said, I know where we might be able to get some answers …Tali Sharot is a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London and her new book is  The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others.She’s identified 7 factors that influence our ability to influence. (I hope you don’t mind if I try to change your mind about how to get others to change their mind.)Let’s get to it …1) Prior beliefsDon’t ignore a person’s current stance when trying to persuade.  Military strategy  says direct assaults against fortified defenses are stupid. The human brain is no different. Start off by telling people they’re wrong and you’re already in trouble.When our brains hear new info that agrees with our beliefs, we eagerly accept it. Whe n we hear things that contradict our beliefs, our minds suddenly morph into defense lawyers looking for any conceivable flaw.So a few rounds of back-and-forth jousting doesn’t weaken people’s opposition. Often it has a “boomerang effect” that ironically causes them to double down.From  The Influential Mind:When you provide someone with new data, they quickly accept evidence that confirms their preconceived notions (what are known as prior beliefs) and assess counterevidence with a critical eye. Because we are often exposed to contradicting information and opinions, this tendency will generate polarization, which will expand with time as people receive more and more information. In fact, presenting people with information that contradicts their opinion can cause them to come up with altogether new counterarguments that further strengthen their original view; this is known as the “boomerang effect.”You’re a pretty smart person, right?Well, that means you’re  more  like ly to boomerang, not less. (If you responded by saying, “No, I’m a moron” then you’re off the hook.)From  The Influential Mind:…the greater your cognitive capacity, the greater your ability to rationalize and interpret information at will, and to creatively twist data to fit your opinions. Ironically, then, people may use their intelligence not to draw more accurate conclusions but to find fault in data they are unhappy with.So how do we overcome this natural neuroscientific resistance? Don’t begin by trying to prove others wrong. Start by finding common ground.When people who believe childhood vaccination is dangerous were presented with evidence that it’s not, the discussion went nowhere. When the focus was shifted to “improving the health of children” the conversation made progress.From  The Influential Mind:Influence behavior by building on common ground instead of trying to prove others wrong. Our instinct is to try to alter people’s beliefs and actions by i ntroducing data to prove that we are right and they are wrong. It often fails, because in the face of facts that clash with their prior beliefs, people tend to come up with counterarguments or turn away. Instead, find arguments that rely on common ground. For example, telling parents who refuse to vaccinate their children that science has shown that vaccines do not cause autism did not alter the parents’ behavior. Instead, saying that vaccines would protect their children from deadly diseases was more effective- the argument did not contradict their prior beliefs and was compatible with the common goal of keeping children healthy.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my bestselling book  here.)So taking the right angle with your logic can be critical. But there’s also a way to succeed that is usually considered the exact opposite of logic…2) EmotionWe all know that our mood affects our judgment. Neuroscience research shows that we actually understand each other better when our brains are “in sync” emotionally.I tell a joke. You laugh. I laugh. And then the conversation seems to go more smoothly. The positive emotion synced our grey matter. This is one of the reasons that stories can be so powerful in convincing people even when rational arguments fail.You can have the best evidence in the world, but if you’re emotionally out of sync with the other person they might not even really be hearing what you’re saying.From  The Influential Mind:Lauri Nummenmaa, a Finnish neuroscientist who studies brain synchronization, writes that this may be one of the roles of emotion in neural synchronization- to promote social interaction and understanding, and to therefore enhance our ability to predict each other’s actions… Emotion equates the physiological state of the listener with that of the speaker, which makes it more likely that the listener will process incoming information in a similar manner to how the speaker sees it. This is why eliciting emotion can help in communicating your ideas and having others share your point of view, whether you are conversing with just one individual or talking to thousands.So don’t neglect to share feelings. Make a joke. Tell a story. Don’t try and connect with reason until you’ve connected with emotion.From  The Influential Mind:One of the most powerful ways to communicate ideas effectively is to share feelings. Emotions are especially contagious; by expressing feelings ourselves we are shaping other people’s emotional states, and by doing so we make it more likely that the people in front of us will take on our point of view.(To learn the science of how to take naps that will make you smarter and happier, click  here.)This is all great for ideas. But how do we get people to change their behavior?3) IncentivesIf you want people to do something, emphasizing rewards is powerful.In one hospital the staff was only washing their hands thoroughly 10% of the time. (I’ ll pause a second to let your horror die down a bit.)But when researchers set up an electronic scoreboard that congratulated employees after a good scrubbing, compliance went up to 90%.From  The Influential Mind:The researchers placed an electronic board in each room giving the staff immediate feedback on how they were doing. Every time a doctor, nurse, or other worker washed their hands, the numbers on the board went up. These figures indicated how well the current shift was going: what percentage of workers were currently washing their hands and what the weekly rate was. What happened? Compliance soared to almost 90 percent!Anticipation of rewards usually beats fear when it comes to getting people’s brains to act. This is one of the reasons why video games can be so addictive.From  The Influential Mind:If you want someone to act quickly, promising a reward that elicits an anticipation of pleasure may be better than threatening them with a punishment that elicits an anticipation of pain. Whether you are trying to motivate your team to work harder or your child to tidy their room, remember the brain’s “Go” reaction. Creating positive anticipation in others- perhaps a weekly acknowledgment on the company website of the most productive employee or the possibility of finding a beloved toy under a pile of clothing- may be more effective at motivating action than the threat of a pay cut or a time-out.But it’s also vital to keep the  other  side of this equation in mind. When you want people to  stop  doing something, warnings about negatives prove more powerful than incentives.From  The Influential Mind:…when your goal is to cause someone else not to do something- a child to avoid eating a cookie or an employee to avoid communicating confidential information to unauthorized individuals- warning of bad consequences may be more effective than promising rewards.(To learn how to best use caffeine - from a neuroscientist - click  here.)Focusing on rewards is a much better way to tell people what to do. But, then again, people  hate  to be told what to do. So the answer to getting people to do what they’re told is not to tell them what to do …4) AgencyPeople like to feel in control. This isn’t just a personal preference; we’re biologically wired to seek control. It makes us happier and healthier across a number of dimensions.From  The Influential Mind:… all else being equal, cancer patients who have a greater perception of control survive longer. Lower risk of cardiovascular disease has also been associated with a greater perception of control. This is not surprising; the sense of control reduces fear, anxiety, and stress- all things that have a detrimental effect on our bodies.Former FBI lead international hostage negotiator  Chris Voss  says it’s critical in any negotiation to give the other side a feeling of control. And the research agrees.So when you want to persuade, don’t give orders; give options. Don’t tell; a sk and guide.From  The Influential Mind:… giving people an opportunity to advise how their taxes should be allocated increased the likelihood that they would pay them in full. To produce impact, we often need to overcome our instinct to control and instead offer a choice… What is interesting is that the sense of control need only be that- a perception. It is better to guide people toward ultimate solutions while at the same time maintaining their sense of agency, rather than to give orders.(To learn how to use FBI hostage negotiation techniques to lower your bills, click  here.)All of this stuff is great but it’ll be useless if they’re not really paying attention in the first place. So how do you make people want to listen to you?5) CuriosityIn general, our brains seek positive information and avoid negative information. This is true to an absolutely terrifying degree…When doctors tell people they may have Huntington’s Disease, very few actually follow through on getting tested. Other studies have shown similar results when it comes to HIV testing and breast cancer screening. When the news could be bad, people often don’t want to hear it.From  The Influential Mind:When potential carriers are asked if they intend to take the test, between 45 and 70 percent say yes. Yet most of them do not follow up on their explicitly stated intention. In fact, one study reported that when approached by the registries of testing centers, only 10 to 20 percent of people at risk for Huntington’s choose to register for the test…So if we frame the info we have as bad, people will often tune out. But if the same information is presented as positive, others often get curious. But how do you make them  really  curious?When we hear something that sounds good, but the information is incomplete, your brain wants to “fill the gap.”  Best example?“Here are 7 clickbait headlines that will make you more curious.”From  The Influential Mind:…consider online clickbai t such as “The ten celebrities you never knew were enthusiastic gardeners” or “The three politicians you never knew got a nose job.” Those create gaps of knowledge in people’s mind that were not there to begin with. I never considered which celebrity adores plants or which politician used to have a crooked nose, but now that this gap of knowledge had been pointed out to me, I have an urge to fill it. Once we are told what we do not know, we want to know.So to draw people in emphasize the possibility of improvement and highlight the informational gap so they start asking questions.From  The Influential Mind:Reframe the message to highlight the possibility for progress, rather than doom. Our intuition is that if we have something important to convey, others will want to know it. This instinct is wrong. In particular, if the information is tied to a bleak message, many will actively avoid it- as was the case with preflight safety briefings. Reframe your message so that the in formation you provide will induce positive feelings (as the airlines did), highlight the informational gap you are filling, and show how the knowledge can be used for the better.(To learn 6 rituals from ancient wisdom that will make you happy, click  here.)So you’re emphasizing the positive benefits that can come from listening to you. That’s great. Unless it’s not. Because there’s an exception to this rule …6) State of mindWhen we feel threatened, we’re much more sensitive to negative information.From  The Influential Mind:We found that under threat, people were much more inclined to take in negative information- such as learning that the likelihood of being robbed is higher than they’d thought- than when they were relaxed. The more stressed they were, the greater their tendency to alter their views in response to unexpected bad news. (Stress did not affect the ability of good news to change their beliefs.) Under threat, we automatically absorb cues about danger.When we feel bad, our instinct is to play it safe - even if this isn’t the smart move. Research shows that when underdog football teams start losing, they play more conservatively. And this is a terrible strategy when the competition is better than you are.From  The Influential Mind:Examining over one thousand football games from 2002 to 2006, Brian Burke, the creator of Advanced NFL Stats, a website about football and game theory, found that underdog teams, like Tedford’s, were less likely to vary their play. When they begin failing, they start minimizing risk. …a conservative strategy means underdog teams are less likely to fail grandiosely, but they are also less likely to win.On the other hand, when we feel good we’re more inclined to take risks. Researchers theorize that positive emotions make people buy more lottery tickets. When you feel good, you feel lucky.From  The Influential Mind:Examining lottery sales in New York City, Ross Otto and his colleagues from New York Uni versity stumbled on a peculiar pattern. When unexpected good events happened, more people bought lottery tickets. A local sports team unexpectedly won a game? Purchases escalated. An atypical sunny day in the midst of winter? Sales went up. This study is correlational- it shows a relationship between variables, but we do not know whether one factor is driving another. However, one theory is that an unexpected positive event, such as a bright, sunny day, makes people feel good. When you are joyful and relaxed, your mind is more likely to focus on how things may go your way. You may then overestimate your luck and be more inclined to take a risk.So align your presentation with the other person’s mood. When they’re feeling down, they’ll be more receptive to suggestions that seem safe. When they’re up, they’ll be responsive to riskier ideas that have a big payoff.From  The Influential Mind:A person’s emotional mind-set will affect how they react to what you have to say. Ther e needs to be a match between the opinions we are offering and the state of the individual in front of us. The same person will ignore your guidance one day but welcome it with open arms another, simply because their favorite football team lost last night or because the sun is shining on a winter day.(To see the schedule that very successful people follow every day, click  here.)Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that when you’re trying to persuade someone, the two of you aren’t the only ones who can affect the result …7) Other peopleWe’re social creatures. We love to think we act independently and aren’t affected by the opinions of others, but we are. Always and forever.This is so powerful that we follow the lead of others even when it can be life-threatening.From  The Influential Mind:…every year, 10 percent of kidney donations in the United States go unused. It turns out that when a donation is declined by one patient, whether because of the patient’s specifi c medical condition or their religious beliefs, the next patient on the list is informed that the organ was previously declined but is not told the reason. That patient then assumes that the organ is faulty and passes up a potentially lifesaving operation- as will the next patient, and the next.The flip side is just as true. When others are positive about something, we’re more likely to see it positively as well.From  The Influential Mind:Sean Taylor, who received his PhD from NYU and now works for Facebook, has studied how existing ratings and comments influence subsequent ratings. He found that if you manipulate the ratings so that the first review is glowing, the likelihood of other positive reviews increases by 32 percent and the final rating is enhanced by 25 percent!When we frame our position as a positive and popular one it gives it more weight because, hey, all the cool kids are doing it.(To learn the four Stoic secrets to being more productive, click  here.)Okay, we’ve covered a lot. Time to round it all up …Sum upHere’s how to use neuroscience to be more persuasive: Prior Beliefs: Don’t start with how they’re wrong, start with common ground. (You may disagree with me on this but we both want to get better at persuasion, don’t we?) Emotion: Make them feel and get your brains in sync. (Look! Smiling puppies!) Incentives: Focus on rewards, not warnings. (Incentives will get you what you want, I promise.) Agency: Give options, not orders. (Would you like to offer them two possibilities or three? Totally up to you.) Curiosity: “Fill the gap” and focus on the positive. (The headline of this blog post was not chosen at random, my friend.) State of Mind: If they’re feeling down, present the conservative option. If they’re feeling good, focus on the riskier upside. (Before I explain this further, how are you feeling today?) Other People: Showing the popularity of your position helps. (Every smart person I know follows this rule.) That’s all the data you need to stop being reliant on data.  We didn’t have statistics and research thousands of years ago but people still convinced one another.We get the answers we need when we think like a computer.But we get the help we need when we don’t forget we’re human.Join over 320,000 readers.  Get a free weekly update via email  here.This  article  originally appeared at  Barking Up the Wrong Tree. New neuroscience reveals 7 secrets that will make you persuasive You can painstakingly show somebody tons of bulletproof evidence and present flawless logical arguments but often they still won’t change their mind. What gives?The problem is that the human brain is not a purely rational computer. And when we ignore that, even the best of efforts to convince others can fall flat.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!From  The Influential Mind:As it turns out, while we adore data, the currency by which our brains assess said data and make decisions is very different from the currency many of us believe our brains should use. The problem with an approach that prioritizes information and logic is that it ignores the core of what makes you and me human: our motives, our fears, our hopes and desires. As we will see, this presents a serious problem; it means that data has only a limited capacity to alter the strong opinions of others.So the human br ain doesn’t work by strictly logical rules - but it does work by rules. And if we know what they are, we have a much better shot of framing our arguments in ways that other people will find convincing.So what are these rules? Don’t look at me - I’m the guy who presents heaps of data all the time thinking that makes a difference. (Sigh.) That said, I know where we might be able to get some answers …Tali Sharot is a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London and her new book is  The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others.She’s identified 7 factors that influence our ability to influence. (I hope you don’t mind if I try to change your mind about how to get others to change their mind.)Let’s get to it …1) Prior beliefsDon’t ignore a person’s current stance when trying to persuade.  Military strategy  says direct assaults against fortified defenses are stupid. The human brain is no different. Start off by tell ing people they’re wrong and you’re already in trouble.When our brains hear new info that agrees with our beliefs, we eagerly accept it. When we hear things that contradict our beliefs, our minds suddenly morph into defense lawyers looking for any conceivable flaw.So a few rounds of back-and-forth jousting doesn’t weaken people’s opposition. Often it has a “boomerang effect” that ironically causes them to double down.From  The Influential Mind:When you provide someone with new data, they quickly accept evidence that confirms their preconceived notions (what are known as prior beliefs) and assess counterevidence with a critical eye. Because we are often exposed to contradicting information and opinions, this tendency will generate polarization, which will expand with time as people receive more and more information. In fact, presenting people with information that contradicts their opinion can cause them to come up with altogether new counterarguments that further strengt hen their original view; this is known as the “boomerang effect.”You’re a pretty smart person, right?Well, that means you’re  more  likely to boomerang, not less. (If you responded by saying, “No, I’m a moron” then you’re off the hook.)From  The Influential Mind:…the greater your cognitive capacity, the greater your ability to rationalize and interpret information at will, and to creatively twist data to fit your opinions. Ironically, then, people may use their intelligence not to draw more accurate conclusions but to find fault in data they are unhappy with.So how do we overcome this natural neuroscientific resistance? Don’t begin by trying to prove others wrong. Start by finding common ground.When people who believe childhood vaccination is dangerous were presented with evidence that it’s not, the discussion went nowhere. When the focus was shifted to “improving the health of children” the conversation made progress.From  The Influential Mind:Influence be havior by building on common ground instead of trying to prove others wrong. Our instinct is to try to alter people’s beliefs and actions by introducing data to prove that we are right and they are wrong. It often fails, because in the face of facts that clash with their prior beliefs, people tend to come up with counterarguments or turn away. Instead, find arguments that rely on common ground. For example, telling parents who refuse to vaccinate their children that science has shown that vaccines do not cause autism did not alter the parents’ behavior. Instead, saying that vaccines would protect their children from deadly diseases was more effective- the argument did not contradict their prior beliefs and was compatible with the common goal of keeping children healthy.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my bestselling book  here.)So taking the right angle with your logic can be critical. But there’s also a way to succeed that is usually considered the exact opposite of logic…2) EmotionWe all know that our mood affects our judgment. Neuroscience research shows that we actually understand each other better when our brains are “in sync” emotionally.I tell a joke. You laugh. I laugh. And then the conversation seems to go more smoothly. The positive emotion synced our grey matter. This is one of the reasons that stories can be so powerful in convincing people even when rational arguments fail.You can have the best evidence in the world, but if you’re emotionally out of sync with the other person they might not even really be hearing what you’re saying.From  The Influential Mind:Lauri Nummenmaa, a Finnish neuroscientist who studies brain synchronization, writes that this may be one of the roles of emotion in neural synchronization- to promote social interaction and understanding, and to therefore enhance our ability to predict each other’s actions… Emotion equates the physiological state of the listener with that of the speaker, which makes it more likely that the listener will process incoming information in a similar manner to how the speaker sees it. This is why eliciting emotion can help in communicating your ideas and having others share your point of view, whether you are conversing with just one individual or talking to thousands.So don’t neglect to share feelings. Make a joke. Tell a story. Don’t try and connect with reason until you’ve connected with emotion.From  The Influential Mind:One of the most powerful ways to communicate ideas effectively is to share feelings. Emotions are especially contagious; by expressing feelings ourselves we are shaping other people’s emotional states, and by doing so we make it more likely that the people in front of us will take on our point of view.(To learn the science of how to take naps that will make you smarter and happier, click  here.)This is all great for ideas. But how do we get people to change their behavior?3) IncentivesIf you want people to do something, emphasizing rewards is powerful.In one hospital the staff was only washing their hands thoroughly 10% of the time. (I’ll pause a second to let your horror die down a bit.)But when researchers set up an electronic scoreboard that congratulated employees after a good scrubbing, compliance went up to 90%.From  The Influential Mind:The researchers placed an electronic board in each room giving the staff immediate feedback on how they were doing. Every time a doctor, nurse, or other worker washed their hands, the numbers on the board went up. These figures indicated how well the current shift was going: what percentage of workers were currently washing their hands and what the weekly rate was. What happened? Compliance soared to almost 90 percent!Anticipation of rewards usually beats fear when it comes to getting people’s brains to act. This is one of the reasons why video games can be so addictive.From  The Influential Mind:If you want someone to act quickly, promising a reward that elicits an anticipation of pleasure may be better than threatening them with a punishment that elicits an anticipation of pain. Whether you are trying to motivate your team to work harder or your child to tidy their room, remember the brain’s “Go” reaction. Creating positive anticipation in others- perhaps a weekly acknowledgment on the company website of the most productive employee or the possibility of finding a beloved toy under a pile of clothing- may be more effective at motivating action than the threat of a pay cut or a time-out.But it’s also vital to keep the  other  side of this equation in mind. When you want people to  stop  doing something, warnings about negatives prove more powerful than incentives.From  The Influential Mind:…when your goal is to cause someone else not to do something- a child to avoid eating a cookie or an employee to avoid communicating confidential information to unauthorized individuals- warning of bad consequenc es may be more effective than promising rewards.(To learn how to best use caffeine - from a neuroscientist - click  here.)Focusing on rewards is a much better way to tell people what to do. But, then again, people  hate  to be told what to do. So the answer to getting people to do what they’re told is not to tell them what to do …4) AgencyPeople like to feel in control. This isn’t just a personal preference; we’re biologically wired to seek control. It makes us happier and healthier across a number of dimensions.From  The Influential Mind:… all else being equal, cancer patients who have a greater perception of control survive longer. Lower risk of cardiovascular disease has also been associated with a greater perception of control. This is not surprising; the sense of control reduces fear, anxiety, and stress- all things that have a detrimental effect on our bodies.Former FBI lead international hostage negotiator  Chris Voss  says it’s critical in any negotiation to gi ve the other side a feeling of control. And the research agrees.So when you want to persuade, don’t give orders; give options. Don’t tell; ask and guide.From  The Influential Mind:… giving people an opportunity to advise how their taxes should be allocated increased the likelihood that they would pay them in full. To produce impact, we often need to overcome our instinct to control and instead offer a choice… What is interesting is that the sense of control need only be that- a perception. It is better to guide people toward ultimate solutions while at the same time maintaining their sense of agency, rather than to give orders.(To learn how to use FBI hostage negotiation techniques to lower your bills, click  here.)All of this stuff is great but it’ll be useless if they’re not really paying attention in the first place. So how do you make people want to listen to you?5) CuriosityIn general, our brains seek positive information and avoid negative information. This is true to an absolutely terrifying degree…When doctors tell people they may have Huntington’s Disease, very few actually follow through on getting tested. Other studies have shown similar results when it comes to HIV testing and breast cancer screening. When the news could be bad, people often don’t want to hear it.From  The Influential Mind:When potential carriers are asked if they intend to take the test, between 45 and 70 percent say yes. Yet most of them do not follow up on their explicitly stated intention. In fact, one study reported that when approached by the registries of testing centers, only 10 to 20 percent of people at risk for Huntington’s choose to register for the test…So if we frame the info we have as bad, people will often tune out. But if the same information is presented as positive, others often get curious. But how do you make them  really  curious?When we hear something that sounds good, but the information is incomplete, your brain wants to “fill the g ap.”  Best example?“Here are 7 clickbait headlines that will make you more curious.”From  The Influential Mind:…consider online clickbait such as “The ten celebrities you never knew were enthusiastic gardeners” or “The three politicians you never knew got a nose job.” Those create gaps of knowledge in people’s mind that were not there to begin with. I never considered which celebrity adores plants or which politician used to have a crooked nose, but now that this gap of knowledge had been pointed out to me, I have an urge to fill it. Once we are told what we do not know, we want to know.So to draw people in emphasize the possibility of improvement and highlight the informational gap so they start asking questions.From  The Influential Mind:Reframe the message to highlight the possibility for progress, rather than doom. Our intuition is that if we have something important to convey, others will want to know it. This instinct is wrong. In particular, if the informati on is tied to a bleak message, many will actively avoid it- as was the case with preflight safety briefings. Reframe your message so that the information you provide will induce positive feelings (as the airlines did), highlight the informational gap you are filling, and show how the knowledge can be used for the better.(To learn 6 rituals from ancient wisdom that will make you happy, click  here.)So you’re emphasizing the positive benefits that can come from listening to you. That’s great. Unless it’s not. Because there’s an exception to this rule …6) State of mindWhen we feel threatened, we’re much more sensitive to negative information.From  The Influential Mind:We found that under threat, people were much more inclined to take in negative information- such as learning that the likelihood of being robbed is higher than they’d thought- than when they were relaxed. The more stressed they were, the greater their tendency to alter their views in response to unexpected b ad news. (Stress did not affect the ability of good news to change their beliefs.) Under threat, we automatically absorb cues about danger.When we feel bad, our instinct is to play it safe - even if this isn’t the smart move. Research shows that when underdog football teams start losing, they play more conservatively. And this is a terrible strategy when the competition is better than you are.From  The Influential Mind:Examining over one thousand football games from 2002 to 2006, Brian Burke, the creator of Advanced NFL Stats, a website about football and game theory, found that underdog teams, like Tedford’s, were less likely to vary their play. When they begin failing, they start minimizing risk. …a conservative strategy means underdog teams are less likely to fail grandiosely, but they are also less likely to win.On the other hand, when we feel good we’re more inclined to take risks. Researchers theorize that positive emotions make people buy more lottery tickets. When y ou feel good, you feel lucky.From  The Influential Mind:Examining lottery sales in New York City, Ross Otto and his colleagues from New York University stumbled on a peculiar pattern. When unexpected good events happened, more people bought lottery tickets. A local sports team unexpectedly won a game? Purchases escalated. An atypical sunny day in the midst of winter? Sales went up. This study is correlational- it shows a relationship between variables, but we do not know whether one factor is driving another. However, one theory is that an unexpected positive event, such as a bright, sunny day, makes people feel good. When you are joyful and relaxed, your mind is more likely to focus on how things may go your way. You may then overestimate your luck and be more inclined to take a risk.So align your presentation with the other person’s mood. When they’re feeling down, they’ll be more receptive to suggestions that seem safe. When they’re up, they’ll be responsive to riskier ideas that have a big payoff.From  The Influential Mind:A person’s emotional mind-set will affect how they react to what you have to say. There needs to be a match between the opinions we are offering and the state of the individual in front of us. The same person will ignore your guidance one day but welcome it with open arms another, simply because their favorite football team lost last night or because the sun is shining on a winter day.(To see the schedule that very successful people follow every day, click  here.)Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that when you’re trying to persuade someone, the two of you aren’t the only ones who can affect the result …7) Other peopleWe’re social creatures. We love to think we act independently and aren’t affected by the opinions of others, but we are. Always and forever.This is so powerful that we follow the lead of others even when it can be life-threatening.From  The Influential Mind:…every year, 10 percent of kidney do nations in the United States go unused. It turns out that when a donation is declined by one patient, whether because of the patient’s specific medical condition or their religious beliefs, the next patient on the list is informed that the organ was previously declined but is not told the reason. That patient then assumes that the organ is faulty and passes up a potentially lifesaving operation- as will the next patient, and the next.The flip side is just as true. When others are positive about something, we’re more likely to see it positively as well.From  The Influential Mind:Sean Taylor, who received his PhD from NYU and now works for Facebook, has studied how existing ratings and comments influence subsequent ratings. He found that if you manipulate the ratings so that the first review is glowing, the likelihood of other positive reviews increases by 32 percent and the final rating is enhanced by 25 percent!When we frame our position as a positive and popular one it gives it more weight because, hey, all the cool kids are doing it.(To learn the four Stoic secrets to being more productive, click  here.)Okay, we’ve covered a lot. Time to round it all up …Sum upHere’s how to use neuroscience to be more persuasive: Prior Beliefs: Don’t start with how they’re wrong, start with common ground. (You may disagree with me on this but we both want to get better at persuasion, don’t we?) Emotion: Make them feel and get your brains in sync. (Look! Smiling puppies!) Incentives: Focus on rewards, not warnings. (Incentives will get you what you want, I promise.) Agency: Give options, not orders. (Would you like to offer them two possibilities or three? Totally up to you.) Curiosity: “Fill the gap” and focus on the positive. (The headline of this blog post was not chosen at random, my friend.) State of Mind: If they’re feeling down, present the conservative option. If they’re feeling good, focus on the riskier upside. (Before I explain this further, how are you feeling today?) Other People: Showing the popularity of your position helps. (Every smart person I know follows this rule.) That’s all the data you need to stop being reliant on data.  We didn’t have statistics and research thousands of years ago but people still convinced one another.We get the answers we need when we think like a computer.But we get the help we need when we don’t forget we’re human.Join over 320,000 readers.  Get a free weekly update via email  here.This  article  originally appeared at  Barking Up the Wrong Tree.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

What Hiring Managers Want Beyond Skills

What Hiring Managers Want Beyond Skills What Hiring Managers Want Beyond Skills You worked diligently at your job to develop expert-level skills and qualifications. Your experience and knowledge match the job description exactly. You thought for sure you were perfectly suited for a role â€" and then you get the crushing news that someone else was hired. You had an impeccable background â€" so why the rejection? In short, skills alone are not enough to get you hired. Here are three traits hiring managers seek that applicants often overlook.[See: The Best Business Jobs.]Are you compatible?Assessing compatibility is trickier than it sounds. On the surface, you might think this is about likability, but it has many more layers. When hiring, busy managers need to factor in assimilation and effectiveness in the current environment. For example, Candidate A is a top salesperson who hits every benchmark, has an impressive sales funnel and documents impeccably. Candidate B is a successful salesperson who knows how to close a tricky deal and handle demanding clients, and w ho is tough but fair. If the role requires hiring and training new graduates on prospecting, selling and closing, Candidate A may be the best fit. But if the role requires reining in senior sales folks who would rather play golf than find new business, Candidate B is the ideal choice. In the latter scenario, building rapport, trust and respect and managing those who wont comply are more important abilities than contributing to sales revenue.Managers seek to add adaptable new hires who will be comfortable and productive as quickly as possible. If you come across as an odd man out, skills alone are not likely to get you an offer. To demonstrate compatibility, discuss how your experience matches the companys nuanced needs regarding office environment, colleagues and workflow.[See: 8 Skills That Set Millennials Apart at Work.]Are you resourceful? Work is hectic. In our expanding economy with information overload, 24/7 access and rapidly advancing technology, employees at all levels have never felt more stressed. No matter how technically proficient you may be, you will be a burden on your manager and team if you cannot figure out things on your own. There is always some acclimation and orientation required. For example, you will need to figure out what hours employees work, who you call when your computer is running slow and whether your manager actually has an open-door policy.An employee must be resourceful to get answers to these questions and to drive productivity when there isnt a set procedure or process or someone to ask. She must also have a keen sense of when to ask a question and when to try something out. Developing the insight, observation skills and the confidence to make these decisions is not natural for many employees, but it is necessary. Lacking resourcefulness not only sinks your productivity, but it also burdens the people whose help you sought as well.Here are some ways to demonstrate resourcefulness during the hiring process. Dont be late, or at least call in advance if something uncontrollable has thrown you off schedule. Follow up if a planned activity doesnt happen, like if your phone doesnt ring at the hour appointed for your interview. Come to in-person interviews looking composed and prepared with a resume, notebook, working pens and thoughtful questions to ask. Find out about parking, bathrooms and dress code before your meetings. In short, look for ways to show you can improvise.[See: The Most Important Allies to Make at Work.]Are you engaged in the process?I have seen more-qualified candidates lose out because they didnt convey genuine interest or passion in the role, company, industry or team for which they were applying. An employer does not want to feel that you are doing a favor by accepting a salary to work for the company. Managers look for someone who is qualified and interested in joining the team. Given todays low unemployment rate, high turnover and wide range of available jobs, this interest is even more important now. A qualified candidate who is not interested is a risky hire. Most managers will not take the chance in hiring this person because of the high cost of turnover and retraining. Compelling job candidates show genuine engagement and interest in the opportunity.In summary, skills are indeed a key part of hiring, but other personal traits ultimately make the difference in who gets the offer. While certain skills may take years to attain or master, compatibility, resourcefulness and engagement are attributes you can develop much more quickly. And they transfer with you regardless of your title, industry or role. Before you start your next interview process, assess what attributes are required for success and identify ways to demonstrate them.

Cafeteria-Style Benefit Plans Give Employees Choices

Cafeteria-Style Benefit Plans Give Employees Choices Cafeteria-Style Benefit Plans Give Employees Choices Are you looking for a way to customize your benefits plan to meet the needs of your individual employees? A cafeteria-style  benefits plan may be the best way to go. This custom-selection option is an employee benefits plan that allows your employees to choose among a variety of offerings to create a benefits package that best meets their needs and those of their family. Cafeteria-style plans provide a special exception to federal income tax rules that apply to an employees earnings. In a cafeteria-style plan, employees are allowed to select among various nontaxable benefits and cash. Benefits to Employees In a cafeteria-style plan, an employee generally receives a certain number of dollars from the employer to purchase particular elements of a benefits plan. This enables employees to purchase benefits, such as health insurance, with pretax dollars. Cafeteria-style plan options can include various levels of health insurance plans and other insurance options such as short term and long term disability insurance  or  group term life insurance. Other options may include 401(k) plan contributions for retirement, dependent care assistance, adoption assistance plans, and contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Not All Employees Want the Same Benefits This type of customized menu provides employees with more take-home pay and several additional benefits. The advantage of a cafeteria plan is that employees can choose what most makes sense for them. For example, a young employee with no health problems might opt to spend his or her cafeteria plan dollars on a minimal health plan. An employee with four family members might choose to spend their cafeteria dollars on a comprehensive health plan with a lot of coverage. The employee without a family, on the other hand, might choose to spend his or her benefit dollars investing in a retirement plan. Regulation of Cafeteria-Style Plans Cafeteria plans are governed by Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code.  No matter what the goal of the employer’s cafeteria plan, the plans are named after Title 26, Section 125 of the United States Code where cafeteria plans are specifically excluded from the calculation of gross income for federal income tax purposes. Section 125 plans allow employees to contribute pretax dollars into the plan. Contributions toward plans are not subject to federal, state, or social security taxes. The contributions are placed into an account the employee can use to pay for allowed expenses (e.g., premiums for health insurance, dependent care costs, medical supplies). Since no federal, state, or social security taxes are taken out and the dollars are not included as gross income, the employee saves anywhere from 27 percent to 50 percent on these purchases. When the Employee's Choices Exceed the Amount of Money In a typical cafeteria plan, an employee might choose options that exceed the number of dollars allowed by the employer. In these cases, the employee pays a part of the premium for his or her chosen benefits, so the cost to employers is lower. For example, an employee with health problems or an employee who is age 55 and order, might choose to buy up to a more comprehensive health plan that includes the services they need. Working with Benefits Professionals In all cases, working to provide employees with a cafeteria-style benefits plan deserves the assistance of a knowledgeable benefits plan professional who can advise the employer about the various options. Given the complexity of the U.S. tax code and the unpredictable changes in laws, employers should always seek the assistance of a professional. You want to make sure your plan is legal and that it benefits both employee and employer. Do Your Homework The web abounds with sites offering help and advice about customized benefits plans but employment laws and regulations vary by state and country, so no website has the definitive answer. When in doubt, always seek legal counsel or assistance from the state, federal, or international government resources to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct.

The Best Times to Ask for a Raise

The Best Times to Ask for a Raise The Best Times to Ask for a Raise How Do You Know When It’s the Best Time to Ask for a Raise? You’ve been on the job for a while - but you haven’t had a raise. Look for these six signs it’s the right time to ask for one. In an age where the cost of living rises at an annual rate of roughly two to four percent, most people understandably want their salary to increase as well. If you're unhappy with your compensation and according to one survey, most people are, even if they're well-paid you need to do something about it. Sure, there will be times when you're given a raise without having to ask for it, but if that doesn't happen, you may need to take matters into your own hands. When asking for a raise, the timing must be right. For example, it would not be beneficial to ask for a raise after your company announces major layoffs or after you receive some not-so-stellar performance feedback. If your timing is off, your manager will likely deny the request and remain closed to the idea of a raise for a while. If you want serious consideration, ask for a raise at the following times. After you've aced a big project If you land a major client or close a record-breaking deal, you rightly expect some recognition for your achievement. Recognition may come in the form of an award or congratulations from your manager, a bonus, or even an added responsibility. But if the thing you really want is a raise, then ask for it. You've earned it! A big win or a major accomplishment highlights your value to the organization and will help make your case. When your company is performing well When business is good and the prospects for future growth are excellent, company decision makers feel better about investing in the business and employees. If your company just announced a major partnership or quarterly business results that exceeded expectations, it may be a good time to ask for a raise particularly if your performance has been strong and you can demonstrate that you've contributed to the positive company results. If you're underpaid Sometimes a raise feels more like a necessity than a nice-to-have benefit. If you feel you're underpaid, then it's best to speak with your manager or ask HR for advice. Companies have varying amounts of information about the competitiveness of employee compensation: Some rely on anecdotes learned through recruiting efforts, while other companies have detailed survey data that shows competitive compensation for every position in the company. If you think you're underpaid, asking for a raise can lead to a discussion that helps everyone understand if you need a salary adjustment or not, based on company information. Related:7 Powerful Ways You Can Improve Your Negotiation Skills At performance review time Many companies typically review employee salaries at the same time that they're assessing company and individual performances; you can do the same. If you have an annual review coming up, it's a good idea to approach your manager about a raise ahead of the meeting. That way, you'll have another opportunity to get clarity on your chances of receiving a salary increase when you sit down to discuss your performance. Also, some companies have a compensation and performance-management calendar, and salary increases may be effective on a certain date every year. If you know that salary increases are effective on March 1, ask about a raise a month or two ahead of that date. If your job has changed Moving into a new job or getting promoted often comes with an increase in compensation, but not always. If you received a dry promotion assignment to a higher-level job without an adjustment in pay then you need to ask for a raise. There's nothing worse than feeling like you're giving extra effort and taking on broader responsibilities but not being paid for it. Like any relationship, the one you have with your company requires a give and take balance. If you're in a new job and contributing more, it's fair to ask that your compensation reflect your added responsibilities. After you've done your research If you love your company, the people, and the work you do, but your compensation is disappointing, you may be tempted to look at other opportunities. Before you start looking, do some research into what your position's market rate is. Using salary websites, such as Payscale, you can search salaries based on years of experience, geographic location, and more. If you find that you're making less than the market rate for your role, you should have an honest discussion with your manager. Explain what you found in your research, remembering to also showcase the value you bring to the company. Your request may not earn you a raise on the spot, but it may open the door to further conversations about your salary in the future. Thankfully, there are many ideal times to ask for a raise. If your performance warrants an adjustment to your compensation, then you can and should make a case for an increase. For those times when your company doesn't give you a raise without your asking, you can start the conversation instead. Click on the following link for more advice on salary negotiation. Does your resume reflect your worth? Check with a free resume review today! Recommended Reading: Ask Amanda: How Do I Ask My Boss for a Raise? 5 Phrases You Should Never Use When Negotiating Salary How to Close the Wage Gap and Earn the Salary You Deserve

Bomb-Sniffing Spinach

Bomb-Sniffing Spinach Bomb-Sniffing Spinach Bomb-Sniffing Spinach After years of talking to our plants, it looks like theyre finally able to talk back. MIT researchers recently transformed the leaves of spinach plants into sensors that can detect explosives and other dangerous chemicals in the soil and air, and transmit the information to a smartphone. Plants are self-repairing, cheap, abundant, and can withstand the elements, which makes them a less expensive and more efficient platform than man-made solutions for certain outdoor applications. They also contain a tremendous amount of information about the environment, and they can use their root systems to help detect chemicals dissolved in groundwater, said Michael Strano, a chemical engineering professor at MIT. Were showing how we can get information from a plants root system to your cellphone, Strano said. This plant-to-human communication is the latest phase in Stranos research in plant nanobionics, a new field that the group has pioneered. The vision is to try to replace the electronic devices we mass produce with comparably functioning plants, he said. Two years ago, the researchers began engineering different types of plant leaves to detect a variety of chemicals, such as TNT, sarin nerve gas, and hydrogen. They embedded leaves with fluorescent carbon nanotubes that had been coated with a polymer. Researchers use a near-infrared microscope to read the output of carbon nanotube sensors embedded in a plant. Image: Bryce Vickmark / MIT When molecules of the targeted chemical bind with the polymer, the nanotubes emit a different color of fluorescent light, which the researchers detect with an infrared microscope or camera. Next, the group gave the bionic plants wireless communications capability, they reported in October in Nature Materials. They did this by embedding spinach leaves with polymer-coated nanotubes engineered to detect chemical compounds called nitroaromatics, which are used in landmines and other explosives. After the nitroaromatics are introduced into the soil, they travel through the plants roots to its leaves in about ten minutes. The researchers then shine a laser on the leaf, causing it to emit near-infrared fluorescent light, which they detect with an inexpensive camera connected to a $35 Raspberry Pi microcomputer. The microcomputer transmits the signal to a smartphone, which can pick up the signal from about one meter away. The researchers are working now to extend that range, and they have filed a patent on the technology. One of the papers lead authors, Win Hao Wong, has started a company called Plantea to develop and market the plant bionic technologies, which potential customers are already inquiring about, Strano said. The bionic plantsStranos team also experiments with arugula and watercresscould be planted around chemical, nuclear, or fracking sites to monitor leaks, spills, and security threats, Strano said. They could also detect insect attacks on plants or to predict a drought or other environmental conditions. Other technologies exist to detect such problems, but many of them are expensive and cumbersome, Strano said. This is about decreasing the amount of work involved and lowering the economic footprint. But one thing you cant do with the nanotube-embedded plants is eat them. Now you finally have a good excuse for refusing to eat your spinach. Read the latest issue of the Mechanical Engineering Magazine. Were showing how we can get information from a plants root system to your cellphone.Prof. Michael Strano, MIT

Small Business Hiring Resources

Small Business Hiring Resources Small Business Hiring Resources Small Business Hiring Resources This article is from The Small Business Hiring Guide These websites can be useful for small business hiring. US Chamber of Commerce US Department of Labor The federal agency responsible for all employment issues offers a range of services, including an interactive tool that provides information on federal employment laws. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data and statistics from the federal government, including information related to average hourly earnings, changes in the unemployment rate, productivity costs, and more. Internal Revenue Service The source for tax forms, bulletins and other information related to the tax implications of employment. US Small Business Administration The SBAs Office of Advocacy regularly collects data related to the role of small employers in the U.S. economy. US Chamber of Commerce Tax Tips for Small Businesses An IRS campaign to educate self-employed and small business taxpayers about their federal tax responsibilities and common pitfalls. None of the information provided herein constitutes legal advice on behalf of Monster.

4 Tips to Find Flexible Jobs in the United Kingdom

4 Tips to Find Flexible Jobs in the United Kingdom 4 Tips to Find Flexible Jobs in the United Kingdom In the article “14 Million Britons Who Want Flexible Working Compete for a ‘Handful’ of Jobs,” it shows that Britain is facing some serious lack of flexible working options. According to research from flex experts Timewise, a paltry 6.2 percent of job listings are flexible. However, 14.1 million workers (or 46 percent of workers in the UK) want to work flexibly. While better flexible working options exist outside of London, Scotland, northern Ireland, and northern England, this lack of flex work has a particular negative impact on working women who cannot climb the corporate ladder since the option to work flexibly isn’t even an option to begin with. And to add insult to injury, flexible work options decrease at higher salary levels, so executive-level jobs with remote work options are even more rare. To get a sense of the industries that are offering flex (and which aren’t), here are just a few examples from Timewise’s research findings: Positions that offer flex: Health/social care 20 percent Education/training 13 percent Military/policing/security 7 percent Positions that offer little flex: Director/management 2 percent Marketing/advertising/PR 2 percent Engineering/manufacturing 2 percent The law is also working against making better flexible work options for people. As of right now, an employee who has worked with his current employer for at least 26 weeks can make one flex request to change his work schedule for a year. (The company legally has to consider the request, but doesn’t necessarily have to grant it.) Previously, only parents with children under 16 were allowed to request flex. If you’re looking for flexible jobs in the United Kingdom, here are some tips: Assess your situation. Before you start looking for a flexible job, you should figure out what type of flex you really need. While you might really, really want a full-time telecommuting job, given how limited the number of flexible jobs in the United Kingdom are, you might need to be flexible yourself when looking for flex work. So if you find a part-time remote job or a job that lets you work a compressed workweek, see if that level of flexibility would be enough for you. Take the market into consideration. Although no one industry in the UK seems to have an overabundance of flexible work, there are some sectors that are more flex-friendly than others. If you’re considering a career change (or simply have to have a work-from-home job), look to see which industries are hiring remote workers, and then tailor your job search to match those companies that are hiring. Avoid job scams. Job scams are unavoidable when you’re looking for a work-from-home job. That’s why you need to be super savvy in your job search. You should be wary of any potential hiring manager who reaches out to you with a too-good-to-be-true job offer, or is looking to hire you without an interview. And you should never, ever release any personal information (such as your bank account info or social security number) to a prospective employer. Know where to look. Job searching is never fun, but there are ways in which you can expedite your search. Look for job listings that use the words “flexible work,” “remote,” or “telecommute,” which will indicate that there is work flexibility already built into the position. That way, you don’t have to go through the entire job interview process only to find out when you’re offered the job that it is an in-office position only. You should also use niche job boards (such as) that are reputable and focus on flexible work. As work flexibility continues to grow in popularity, other nations, such as the UK, will catch on that flexible work is a huge benefit for both employees and employers. Only then will flexible jobs in the UK become the norm. Readers, are you looking to find flexible jobs in the United Kingdom or elsewhere? Let us know in the comments below!

What Is So Fascinating About Resume Reviewer?

What Is So Fascinating About Resume Reviewer? If you make an application for a position and have experience doing what is needed, the individual reviewing your resume won't know that unless it's described. A summary statement is an excellent place to talk straight to the manager. Successful candidates are well qualified, but they're also prepared. The folks evaluating your resume are not permitted to make any assumptions or review anything besides your resume (like a portfolio or website) to establish if you satisfy the specialized experience criteria. The Hidden Secret of Resume Reviewer It's much better to create a short and sweet customized cover letter in case you have the wherewithal to achieve that. Probably because it provides a fast overview of a business which may not be instantly recognizable. The business is not BBB Accredited. In just a few hours, it contacted me, and asked just a few more information. Resume Reviewer: the Ultimate Convenience! Be very cautiou s when employing any type of image, unless you're an expert designer. If you're in need of further photography, please support our photographers and they'll give a quote to you. Its well worth it to commit a little time and money to decide on a good template, like the one below, which you are able to customize with all your experience and accomplishments! In nearly all circumstances, your coach will have the ability to assist you locate a resolution, provided that you communicate with them. My dates are in the incorrect location. If this is the case, you may be guilty of resume speak. If a cancellation request is received before the very first call, you're going to be issued a complete refund. There are a lot of additional resumes to assess. Resume Reviewer - the Conspiracy Whichever big-time business you're interested in working for, you should know about the forms of interview questions coming your way. Getting your reviewer take a stab at guessing what sort of position y ou may be going for gives you a fairly good idea what varieties of roles you look qualified for. Bear in mind, a resume is a self-promotional, marketing document which should present you in the greatest possible light, with the intention of being invited for another appearance. If you're not certain where to begin or how to create a resume, there are a wide variety of resume templates that will provide you with a head start in developing a professional resume. Not every writer offers rush services. No Proof of Credibility The concept of ranking the best resume writing services isn't an issue. You'll easily recognize and remember her work on account of the colorful artwork employed in every short article. Take, for instance, how a thesis project may be described. Make certain it's at the peak of the very first page and no problem to find. For the time being, there's finally a change at the very top. Don't be concerned if it's different from the title at the surface of the page. After you have modified the standard resume template that you found on the net, make it simple on your upcoming self and save a number of versions of your resume. Who Else Wants to Learn About Resume Reviewer? Given that degree of interest, the organization's recruiters won't be hesitant to place your work experience below the microscope. Therefore, tech skills can definitely earn a payroll resume stand out. For that reason, it might not be essential to list all your part-time, unrelated jobs. If your resume looks sophisticated and professional, yet you're relaxed and casual, it is going to be a challenge to enable a hiring manager realize that you are the exact same person listed on the pages. Where information is easily offered. The website should explain fees and supply you with a very good idea of the way the service works. You may learn about all our services on their unique pages. Accuracy and availability can fluctuate. The Do's and Don'ts of Resume Reviewe r The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview. Clearly understand what you would like in your career and take some time to form a crystal clear and obtainable objective. There really isn't any substitute for taking advantage of skilled experience. You don't need to employ a career coach to understand that Google's interview procedure can be grueling. You certainly must incorporate the certifications and keywords the resume reviewer needs to set you through to an interview, but you don't will need to include everything. In a nutshell, resume services and resume writers that are simple to work with. There are frequently authors or companies which pay reviewers for positive reviews. After possible, you will find a comprehensive email from one of our many reviewers who will supply you with professional strategies on the best way to enhance your resume.

The Lost Secret of Good Fonts for Resume

The Lost Secret of Good Fonts for Resume Whatever They Told You About Good Fonts for Resume Is Dead Wrong...And Here's Why If you would like to stand out you may rather use a different resume font. It's critical to decide on a font that is simple to read. It's therefore recommended to pick a great font when writing your resume. Therefore, it's a font for resume you ought not ignore. An impressive resume font is a terrific means to be noticed. Are you attempting to discover what the very best font for resume 2019 is. As it's a conventional font, it may not be the very best font to use for a modern job application. If you take care of this, you won't ever fret about what's the ideal font for a resume you need to write. A fantastic guideline is that you need to almost never have more than three distinct typefaces in use for an undertaking. For example, you should not expect to not be taken lightly, if you use Georgia size 28. Although it's a good option, it may appear a little stale and outdated to some. Obviously, you will have to use your very best judgment when deciding if it seems bloated. Vital Pieces of Good Fonts for Resume If you are searching for a new job and you would like to put your very best foot forward, knowing the best resume fonts to use will enable you to create a great impression. There are lots of simple yet excellent fonts readily av ailable online. Your font needs to be large enough so the reader's eyes don't get strained. The incorrect font may earn a heck of a difference the moment it comes to getting those interviews. Using Good Fonts for Resume Employing the most suitable font size is essential because it can help to communicate your nature and professionalism. When it has to do with selecting a font to utilize in your cover letter, your best option is to keep it easy and professional. Employing an easy font will guarantee your cover letter is not hard to read. At the close of the day, cover letter is additionally a formal letter. Consider condensing the variety of words you have used to permit you to create your resume more readable. You may have to try out a few distinct sizes to make certain your cover letter fits on a single page. At the simplest level, you ought to be able to use your own judgment to determine readability. The Lost Secret of Good Fonts for Resume For abounding people, however, it is an alarming job. If you own a lot of experience, it might be a great alternative. To make it simple for individuals to find as much information as possible about you, you need to use a very simple design. There are various things to think about when applying for work, including your experience, skills and how far you're eager to travel. A well written resume is one that is not so overwhelming in the opinion of employers. When you're competing for a particular job or project, you want to create the evaluation as simple as possibl e for them. You may employ your cover letter to reveal your persona, interest and the way you're the very best candidate for this job. Not only that, for a number of the recruiters, cover letter is among the main elements. The Advantages of Good Fonts for Resume Occasionally it might feel as if you can't win in regards to crafting the ideal CV. Writing a resume can be an intimidating task unless you take advantage of a template to build one. If you're employing a different word processing program, the procedure is comparable. Cover the basics in an easy and smart way because of our resume format templates. Good Fonts for Resume - the Conspiracy Although Georgia is among the best fonts for on screen reading, it is likewise very common. Bear in mind the message that you want to convey with your resume. Should you do, your page will get overwhelming. The info above applies primarily to instances where you're sending a conventional cover letter by snail mail or any time you're sending an official cover letter for a Word or PDF attachment to an email message. The clean lines enhance the readability of the whole document. If you are in possession of a huge font, it is going to look as if you are attempting to fill up space on the webpage, and you probably are. You would like your words and message to be noticed, not your font choice. So since you can see, experts recommend these particular fonts since they have lots of the decent qualities of readable typeface. Many programs will merely permit you to boost your font size utilizing double digits, but in the event you can use single digits, 13pt also makes the ideal font size for resume layouts. The access to unique sizes, weights, and spacing selections for any specific font usually means you can receive a lot of mileage out of a single typeface. Although it is but one of the greatest fonts to use for interest, it will need to be purchased. More frequently than not, no cost fonts only arrive in 1 weight. To some, it's viewed as a more modern Serif font in comparison with Garamond. What Good Fonts for Resume Is - and What it Is Not Oh, and you would like it to seem good, too. Be consistent with stylization, and just select one or two to make sure your resume appears professional and simple to read. It is not hard to use, sophisticated and appealing. To some, it's also attractive.

Receptionist Resume Sample - an in Depth Anaylsis on What Works and What Doesnt

Receptionist Resume Sample - an in Depth Anaylsis on What Works and What Doesn't The Characteristics of Receptionist Resume Sample The important thing here is to appeal to what the employer is searching for in an employee. You might also be expected to take care of numerous tasks throughout the workplace. You can't compose a single resume for many kinds of jobs. Understanding of tire sales is a clear asset also. Study the company profile since most interviewers ask you what it is you could offer to the business. Receptionists are some of the the junior employees of businesses, organizations, and private businesses. They serve as the front liner of companies and businesses. Top Receptionist Resume Sample Choices Your resume's header is a form of handshake involving you and prospective employers. So far as a template goes, that's allotment of the issue. If you're looking for a different template, have a look at our other free resume templates. It is possible to observe the next templates to acquire a notion about how you should craft your resume. Employing the front desk receptionist resume sample is a great first step, but you also will need to be conscious of common mistakes people make so that you can avoid them. The capacity to use office equipment like phone systems, computers, and fax machines are indispensable skills for somebody in a receptionist position also. Because a re ceptionist is the very first person that individuals meet when coming to an organization or company, they need to be people who have the ability to help the business build a great relationship between the company and the clients. Many times, she is the face of the company and the only person a customer might come in contact with, whether in person or on the phone. The Demise of Receptionist Resume Sample Firstly, you have to understand well about the necessities of the job which you're applying for and state a number of the personally traits in the very first portion of the resume. A diploma from high school and specific certificates will enable you to find work, since there are lots of applicants all of the time. Human resources assistants should a high degree of problem-solving abilities, have in depth understanding of the recruitment procedure, and be in a position to deliver results in time. There are various forms of skills which can help you succeed at all elements of yo ur life whether it's school, work, or maybe a sport or hobby. Unique responsibilities, different abilities, different expectationsno two admin jobs are the same. If your field is quite uncommon or you've got an extremely high-profile resume then you must hunt for a resume writing service that has people experience in writing with such number of resumes. College educated receptionist trying to find a position where ability to perform basic duties easily and competence with very little supervision, and to boost the smooth running of the organization is necessary. There are skills required for jobs that are not just desirable by employers but necessary as a way to grow in your role or work nicely with other individuals. You don't have much work experience for admin area but if you've got strong people skills and computer skills you ought to be able to detect a great job. If you've got outstanding abilities, don't be afraid to incorporate them. Your multitasking skills will be placed to the test if the organization receives high footfalls each and every day. As a consequence, interpersonal abilities and superior communication abilities are a few of the most crucial skills for a receptionist. Do you need a medical receptionist job. Receptionist resume sample i Some Tips Here Some people today believe that it is very simple for them to submit an application for the receptionist jobs. You can't be a receptionist in case you don't find out how to speak to people. The receptionist must therefore be someone with the capability to work under pressure to find the work done. How to compose the ideal administrative assistant resume. For instance, a secretary employed in a physician's office is going to be expected to schedule appointments for patients. A front desk receptionist is the face of a company, so hiring managers wish to know you're a dedicated professional who focuses on accuracy in all you do. Virtually every office requires a capable Receptionist to manage the outward-facing sides of its operation. If you would like to find the job, you have to put some thought in what you're likely to set in your Medical Receptionist skills list. If you're searching for a receptionist you should stick to some contemporary job hunting strategies. To be THE ONE to find that interview, you have to compose the very best receptionist resume. You cannot be a receptionist in the event you don't discover how to speak to people.

Heres What I Know About Best Fonts to Use for Resume

Here's What I Know About Best Fonts to Use for Resume The Advantages of Best Fonts to Use for Resume You should indicate your abilities and abilities, along with hands-on experience that can help you cope with work responsibilities. Check to be sure you're providing all of the info required and clearly define your skill sets concerning application requirements. You need to always pick the best font for your CV, it ought to be well structured as it gives an overview of your abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Choosing your perfect resume font is dependent on particular aspects. Up in Arms About Best Fonts to Use for Resume? There are professional resume templates geared toward creative professions which save candidates lots of time. Obviously, there are dozens and dozens of unique fonts to select from, but not all them are befitting to use on a resume, so picking one is quite important to be in a position to land work. If your resume includes a great deal of technical in fo, Calibri might not be the best choice. Regardless, it's an amazingly professional option that would be a wonderful option for a resume. Very best text to utilize for resume An awesome resume font is just one of the greatest strategies to stand out. Once it comes with Mac, you might have to purchase it like an excess font to use with your Windows program. In truth, it is the default font for Microsoft Word. Bear in mind the message you would like to convey with your resume. Selecting the incorrect fonts for your resume could be a tremendous mistake. The important thing here is moderation. Formatting your resume can be quite hard. Best Fonts to Use for Resume - What Is It? There's always a chance that the hiring manager will print out a duplicate of your resume after reading it on the monitor. Cover letters give prospective employers a fast summary of why the writer is suited to a specific role. An excellent cover letter will help you acquire the desired job and salary. It has the power to determine whether the applicant gets called to interview or not. Best Fonts to Use for Resume - Overview Don't make your text too dark on the webpage, and don't utilize many unique styles since it will appear messy. Research has revealed that font isn't only about the looks. It is important that when writing your resume, you should ensure it is right regarding its resume font and size. As a rule of thumb, the font you ought to use for an executive resume ou ght to be clear, scalable and legible. For example, you should not expect to not be taken lightly, if you use Georgia size 28. The third kind is the combinational kind of resume which as the name implies, borrows features from both of the other kinds. You have many alternatives when it comes to selecting a font size and fashion. With so many choices readily available, determining the very best font for a resume can at times be a complicated decision. Be consistent with stylization, and just select one or two to make sure your resume appears professional and simple to read. Recruiters take six seconds to determine whether to toss your resume, so the ideal font produces a huge difference. Georgia is among the most frequently used fonts. Characteristics of Best Fonts to Use for Resume Naturally there are considerations of quality and readabilitythat's a givenbut which typeface is the most acceptable for your resume is dependent on the quantity of text which you have, your layout, what you need to convey and what ind ustry you wish to work in. Sans serif styles are very common online and with digital publishing on account of the simplicity of readability that accompanies the very simple style. Therefore, if you're still hesitant about which font family to use there isn't any need to be concerned about doing it. In addition to that confusion, the font size must be chosen and resume writers wish to discover the ideal font that will impress the recruiter but is not difficult to read. There are lots of pretty fonts, but should you combine them lubberly the entire work won't be well worth any attention. In addition, it's important to understand what sort of format your resume is predicted to be delivered in. For that reason, it is sometimes a terrific pick for technical industries and technology-focused resumes, generally speaking. Using resume templates have turned into the most time-effective method of guaranteeing that your resume iseasy-on-the eye. Best of luck with your work application! Be sure that you share Best of the Web with your buddies! Well, Arial is the ideal choice for your resume. Helvetica is a font that's quite well-respected in the plan world. If you would like to use a sans-serif font, Arial is one of the greatest options for your resume. Keep it simple by employing clear fonts like Arial. It's therefore recommended to opt for a great font when writing your resume. A proper font can help enhance the look of your resume. Selecting a font that's easy and simple to read is critical. There are quite a lot of fonts for you to select from, and that may make selecting a font for your resume equally as challenging as writing it.

The Forbidden Facts Regarding Resume on Linkedin Exposed by an Expert

The Forbidden Facts Regarding Resume on Linkedin Exposed by an Expert There are two methods to receive your resume onto LinkedIn. Experienced and talented men and women hear from plenty of recruiters on LinkedIn. And if you often go to the site for a work opportunity, then it's a great notion to upload resume on LinkedIn to highlight yourself from others. The great thing is that you may also add resume on LinkedIn. Because there are many people on LinkedIn, recruiters have the ability to use filters to locate prospective candidates. You might also want to get a peek at Facebook advertising Course. We wrote a superb post on some strategies for using LinkedIn to locate work. The solution is it is dependent on your LinkedIn profile and resume. Your resume needs to address an issue for employers (which is the reason why they're hiring). Hiring managers want to find professionals who can stick out from the pack. Additionally, job seekers can utilize LinkedIn to come across men and women in their networks that are linked to the hiring managers which they want to attain. The most suitable job for you is closer than you might imagine. Resume on Linkedin Options Prospective employers are able to at a glance, visit LinkedIn to find out more about you and your abilities and qualifications. You're able to access insights, knowledge and assorted job opportunities. Job seekers should incorporate a n assortment of recommendations with their profile to demonstrate that others respect the caliber of their work. Basically, you would like to quickly portray that you're a best candidate for those kinds of jobs you're pursuing. Resume on Linkedin - What Is It? The above mentioned step can help you to launch the Edit intro window. One resembles a movie poster. You must submit a bio. Your executive bio isn't something you'll use in combination with a work search. Introducing Resume on Linkedin You're developing a press kit. You should also make sure that you've got an expert photo and a superb quantity of connections. This is the way that it will look in your profile picture. Do not incorporate a picture for a conventional North American application. After you've written the best content, decide on a design which best shows off your specific capabilities and fits the position you're seeking. To assist you in finding the best ways to learn LinkedIn marketing online, we h ave located the Best Courses about the topic. Or DoYouBuzz, which is an extremely user-friendly website with both free and paid plans, providing you a great deal of template options and is an extremely smooth process also. Take a look at my article on resume design for optimum effectiveness. Your profile should incorporate a number of crowd-pleaser things which will interest a larger audience. Anonymous email addresses are typical on posted vacancies, meaning that it's practically impossible to send your resume to the name of an authentic human being. This URL is generally a combo of your name together with some numbers and letter. Your name ought to be the biggest text on the webpage. The header also has basic contact information and links to other relevant on-line profiles. So, simply take a look at a profile and learn what you have to learn. You're able to actually download a LinkedIn profile for a PDF file. You will learn how to create high high quality profile and lo cate the new job you desire. Life After Resume on Linkedin This section is a string of questions created to assist you quantify your performance in a place to write much better accomplishment statements. Spend one hour answering these questions in regard to each job you've held. Use filters to discover the most suitable candidates. What the In-Crowd Won't Tell You About Resume on Linkedin Sensitive or internal company info, in addition to overly personal details, should never create the cut. You may choose to change the file names so that you know which is which. This post has instructions on the best way to do that. Additionally, it has grown into one of the most significant job search websites. You're likely to need to answer questions, too. Obviously, there are a lot of nuances and steps you're have to learn, but this is a starting point! Once it does, it's still true that you have to hold their focus to make it to the upcoming steps. Just follow the easy steps giv en below. Resume on Linkedin Can Be Fun for Everyone The web is the new international stage for the contemporary symphony of commerce. By applying the web to market your merchandise and drive sales, you're going to be using the essential tactics you want to be successful in the new economy. On the website, you can construct your professional network and engage with them. You will see step-by-step road maps for assorted components of the Internet Marketing business. By putting these things on your blog, Google will help your prospective employers and customers find out how to advertise your presence on the net. Make certain you have a tight advertising and marketing message that proves you are who they're searching for. Job searchers will locate page, see your openings and learn everything they will need to understand about your organization.