Resume Tips That Include Parenting Skills

December 7, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips and resume tips that include parenting skills. Having kids doesn’t have to affect your job prospects. In fact, you can use your parenting skills to your advantage. 

While parenthood could leave you with less time to look for jobs and could possibly restrict your flexibility in terms of available work hours, there could be ways in which it helps you appeal to employers. Below are some of the ways in which you can use having kids to your advantage. 

 

 

resume tips

 

Resume Tips that Include Parenting Skills:

 

Parenthood demonstrates stability 

In today’s world, long-term employees are much hard to come by. If you’re young and childless, the chances of you leaving in a few months is great.  However, if you have kids it demonstrates that you are at a stage in life when you may not want to relocate.  Furthermore, it demonstrates that you are looking for stability, which includes a stable income. As a result, employers are more likely to see you as a safer option. This is something that you may be able to allude to in your resume or in an interview by stating that you’re looking for something stable and long-term.

 

Some parent skills are also career skills

To get a job, you often have to prove that you have a certain skill set. An employer may ask you to give examples of situations where you showed a certain skill.  It’s possible that you may be able to give examples of parenting situations in place of work related situations. Fortunately, many of the skills that you learn as a parent are also valuable in the work force.  

A few examples of parent skills that are also career skills include:

 

Time management

Another resume tips is to show that you’re good at multi-tasking or that you can meet deadlines? Parenting requires multi-tasking in many situations.  Parents must multi-task to meet deadlines, getting your kids to school on time and juggling housework. There are many ways in which you can showcase your time management skills. 

 

Problem solving

Parents also have to be skilled problem solvers. This could include solving a dispute between two of your kids.  Problem solving is essential to many jobs.  So, when asked about your problem solving skills, parental negotiation skills could be a great example. 

 

Organizational skills

Raising kids requires parents to be good organizers.  For example, organizing parties, carpools, the kid’s activities or simply organizing the day to day chores of the household.  Such experience could be great for showing an employer that you’re organized.

 

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Responsibility for others 

If you’re applying for a supervisor or management position, being a parent shows that you’re responsible for others.  Alos, many parenting skills are essentially business leadership skills.  For example, you need to demonstrate patience, good communication skills, be a mentor and exercise discipline properly. 

 

Parenthood can open up doors to new types of jobs

Employers may look upon you favorably for professions that work with kids.  By being a parent proves that you have skills, and you’re qualified to work with children. While certain roles may require niche qualifications (such as a family nurse practitioner degree you don’t have to gain work experience to demonstrate that you can work with kids. Y

Your experience as a parent could be useful in retail.  Especially, if it includes selling certain products like toys, prams or kids clothes. Look for niche marketing roles or admin roles involving children’s products or services where you have knowledge of products simply by being a parent. Consider all the things you may have learned as a parent and where you may be able to put this knowledge to use. 

 

Gain access to certain privileges by being a parent

You can often request more from employers when you are a parent. Some employers may be more willing to let you leave early to pick up kids if you are performing well.  Others may allow you to work from home to be around your children.  

Today, many employers are becoming more inclusive to their workforce’s needs. As a result, ask employers if  they may be able to accommodate you working from home.  In doing so, you could effectively mold job vacancies to fit your needs.

Filed Under: Careers Tagged With: , , ,

Tips on How to Search for a Job

March 16, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to search for a job.  If you want to get back into the workplace, recently graduated with a new degree, or ready for something new, these tips are for you.  Initially, it can feel like a daunting process.  You will need to tailor your resume, prepare an interview, and make sure your interview clothes are prepped and ready. 

There are lots of small things that are involved in finding your next great job position too.  Luckily, with the use of the internet, we can now access specialist job hubs like Practice Match. 

 

Here a few tips on how to search for a job: 

 

What You Really Want

It is essential that you try to find a position that suits what you really want to do. While it is true that we all have bills to pay, the novelty will soon wear off. You are much better off applying for the role that you really feel confident, and happy about. This means instead of sending your Curriculum Vitae (CV)or Resume cross multiple different industries try and stick to one. 

The best way to get a really solid grasp on what your next job position should be is to simply create your personal wish list. Write down everything and anything that you’re hoping for in your next job.  Next, check some off  those items from your list during your search and apply process.

 

Research

Another tip on how to search for a job is to research each of the companies that you wish to work for. They will all have a different culture and a diverse range of people working for them.  You need to know that, and understand the company’s vision and how you will fit in when you go to your interview. 

When you are in the interview, you can impress the interviewer with your knowledge of the company. This shows that you have taken the time to thoroughly research the company, and can be quite impressive.

 

 

job search tips

 

Goals

Think about all of the life goals that you have set for yourself. Do you want to work with a specific set of people? Are you looking to work with charities for a few years or do you wish to travel? Think about all of the goals that you have and try to find a job that meets at least some of them.

You can also break your job search down in the same way. Decide that you will use a few hours on one day to perfect your CV or Resume and a few hours on another day to develop your LinkedIn. This means that you are laying the foundations for when it is time to apply.

 

While the process of looking for a new job can feel incredibly overwhelming sometimes, even more so if there are financial pressures involved, it is still important to try and find a position that gives you some satisfaction.  You will want to enjoy what you’re doing. 

Filed Under: Careers Tagged With: , , ,

Running A Successful Blog Requires Organization

February 26, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on running a successful blog.  When it comes to making money off a blog, making any kind of profit from it is enough to be called a success. However, if you want to continually succeed, you need more than gusto, personality, and a good grasp of the subject you write on. You need to be consistent and, to be consistent, you need to be organized.

 

 

blogging tips

 

Here are a few tips on running a successful blog:

 

Get your own space and your own time

Are you a mom and trying to make money? Are you trying to do it in the same home where you raise your kids?  Good luck with that. Blogging and online work have made it easier for moms to work from home. However, you need to know how to balance motherhood and your career. This means creating a schedule that you can stick to.  You must consistently set aside time each day, but also maintain some kind of flexibility.

 

Track your income

You might be making literal pennies when you start.  But, as you find more ways to monetize your blog, it’s important to track both your income and your expenses.  You’re going to have to file taxes on your income.  Furthermore, you can deduct any money invested.  So, you want those figures available as well. Small business accounting apps like Tide can help you track your expenses.  Business accounting apps make it easy to generate reports for the financial year.

 

Make sure your folders have a hierarchy

Your computer is likely to be full of files used for blogging. Some are going to be blog drafts, some are going to be visual files, others are going to be videos. Create a file hierarchy that lets you find the files you need at any time. For example, you may have different files for media types such as images and videos.  You may have sub-folders for different years as well.  If you decide to publish elsewhere or refresh and edit your post, you’ll be able to find it quickly.

 

 

blogging tips

 

 

Work with a content pipeline

What are the different stages of creating a blog post?  Your stages may be different, but first brainstorm your idea.  Second, find an angle and title for that idea.  Next, research the idea and create the post for your blog.  The post should include final edits before publishing.  To help you keep a healthy schedule, it’s a good idea to have different posts at various stages.  This step will ensure you have at least one idea in each of the stages.  It will also ensure that you’re not constantly starting work from scratch when you have to write a new blog post. You will have ideas that are already in the development stage, you just need to carry it to the finish line.

 

Be ready to take notes on the fly

As mentioned, you want to have a content pipeline where you’re constantly brainstorming and working on blog ideas. However, aside from researching your ideas and thinking about what to write next, you have to be ready to catch inspiration when it lands. Having a portable notepad like a Mote Mote on hand can make it super easy to scribble ideas out at any time. Otherwise, you will be surprised how many times you think of a great post, but then forget about it a few hours later.

 

Keep a calendar on your phone

Having a paper planner is great, but it’s a good idea to make use of Google Calendar as well. You can set deadlines and alerts, change them to different colors, and make sure that you’re always sticking to your schedule.  Using Google Calendar is not only good for creating an editorial calendar, but also for any personal appointments you might have.  It’s also good for sharing posts on social, participating in campaigns, and more. It’s essential to be timely.  Especially, if others, including your audience or partners, have expectations of you to be at a certain place or doing a certain thing at a specific time.

 

Have a digital to-do list

A physical notepad is great for writing down ideas and taking notes when you need to remember something for later. But when you sit down to do your blogging for the day, having a virtual to-do list app like Todoist is super helpful for ticking responsibilities off one by one and helping you prioritize what you should spend the day doing. This includes not only writing blog posts, but networking, finding more monetization opportunities, using social media, and so on.

 

 

blogging tips

 

 

Have a healthy routine

When you work from home, it’s tempting to stay up until some ungodly hour to get work done.  But, it’s not healthy.  Getting the proper rest is important.  Being rested will help you stay motivated for the day ahead. If you wake up too early or go to bed too late, you will become unproductive.

 

An organized and clutter-free space

Unless you’re blogging on the go like a true laptop warrior, you’re likely going to need a desk to sit at. You want to keep that desk organized.  However, there’s another good reason to de-clutter your desk: stress. There’s evidence to show that clutter actually makes us more stressed.  It steals our attention and gives us more stimuli than we need, which makes it harder to relax. It also causes dust to build up, which makes for an unpleasant workplace environment.

 

There will be bloggers out there who don’t organize their work life in the way laid about above, and you might agree with some of their methods instead. That’s totally fine, we all have our own way of doing things.  But, try a few of our ideas, and let me know if they help you in running a successful blog.

 

Filed Under: Careers Tagged With: , , ,

Investing In Education Is Investing In Our Children’s Future

April 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

In recent years spending on education in America has decreased by 4%.  However, the average for the rest of the world is 15%.  We know that formal education can give children much more than just qualifications.  They learn socialization, teamwork and concentration skills.  We must invest in our children’s future.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on investing in education.  Education must be invested in and valued by all.

investing in education

Why The Lack Of Investment Matters

It isn’t only in the investment that America lags behind, but the education of our children has suffered too.  The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an international gold standard for the comparative effectiveness of different education systems.  However, despite our country leading the free world by many measures we are falling sadly behind on PISA.  The United States results for Science and Reading turned out to be average.  But, they fell significantly below average for mathematics.  Out of the 71 countries measured, the United States came in 38th.

What This Means In Real Terms

For the past 3 years the United States has been suffering from a skill gap.  Unemployment remains relatively high.  However, the number of people being hired is lower than the number of job openings.  There are job vacancies, but there are not enough people with the skills needed for the jobs. Private investment (such as that of the Fullerton Technology Foundation) is beginning to provide schools with laptops, iPads, digital microscopes, interactive whiteboards and other similar technologies.  Education investors from entrepreneurs like Jason Sugarman is taking the pressure off school budgets.  As a result, funds can used for investing in education.

investing in education

Unless the Federal Government increases educational spending,  the gap between the United States and the rest of the world will only increase.  In the end American productivity and the economy as a whole will suffer.  So, investments from private individuals and companies are real solutions to the issue.  Long sighted individuals realize that an investment in our children is an investment in our future.

Our children deserve the best possible start in life.  We need to allow our children access to a solid education so they can understand the world around them.  Unfortunately, our teachers and schools spend to spend too much time and effort finding creative ways to deliver the curriculum without funding.  We should not have to rely on private investment to save the future for our children.  However, we should at least recognize that it represents a solution to the problem.  Most importantly, we should be investing in education so we can secure our children’s future.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

How to Snag a Promotion Without Compromising Your Kids

April 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Not many people can say that they have the perfect work life.  There’s always room for improvement.  Furthermore, if you are a working mother then you may find it hard to completely throw yourself into your job.  You may even find it hard to concentrate on a day to day basis because you have a thousand things running through your mind.  This could include whether or not you packed a juice box in your child’s lunchbox or who has soccer practice later that day.  Either way, juggling kids and a career can be difficult.  But, that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on a promotion or time with the kids.  You can have both of these things.  Additionally, it’s a great way for you to boost your income.  Today, I’m sharing a few tips on empowering yourself and how to snag a promotion:

 

 

 

 

 

how to snag a promotion

 

 

 

Know the Needs of Your Department

If you want to nail that interview for a promotion, then it helps to know what is needed in the department.  You’ll want to be a leader for your department.  It’s important that you take on tasks in the new department, and show initiative.  Your manager doesn’t need to see you doing these tasks.  They will know that it was done, and this can  work in your favor if you are working in a team.  It may not be your job to do some paperwork at the end of the day, however, if doing the paperwork helps out a teammate, your manager or anyone else in the company than it is well worth it.  Your efforts will never go unnoticed.

 

how to snag a promotion

 

Be Friends with Your Boss

Your boss is ultimately the one who controls your destiny. It is in your best interest to get to know them better.    This doesn’t mean going to their home, babysitting their kids or buying gifts for them.  However, if you’re invited to dinner or cocktails accept the invitation.  By learning what makes them tick, you will be able to communicate with them.  This can work in your favor.

 

Be Successful

How to snag a promotion includes having a positive attitude.  A positive attitude it can been seen in your facial expressions.  Also, it can be seen in the way you carry yourself.  Even the speed of your voice can show how you feel about your job.  So, it’s really important that you are confident and  qualified.  When you know you have the training required to do the job well, this can be a huge boost to your self-esteem.  Furthermore, it can also make you feel more at home in your job.  If you have not enhanced your skills in quite some time, don’t worry.  If you work in the engineering industry,  go for an engineering masters course.  You can even do this online.  Which means that you don’t have to give up family weekends.  So, it’s worth considering.

 

how to snag a promotion

 

Know your Industry

The industry that you work in is constantly changing.  So, if you want to know how to snag a promotion it’s important that you keep up with what is happening.  A lot of industries have trade magazines or even websites that are completely devoted to news regarding your working niche.  By educating yourself, you can show that you have an interest in your job.  Just as important, you can also show those around you that you are willing to push yourself to go the extra mile. You can be an example for team members and other office personnel.  Demonstrate that that you’re willing to learn.  Take a newspaper or magazine in your industry to work with you.

 

how to snag a promotion

 

 

Be the Creator of Solutions

If you want to know how to snag a promotion, bringing a solution to the table is only half of the equation.  Your managers want you to bring an actionable plan. When sharing your ideas, help your manager and team members see your vision.  Present the path that you will take to implement the idea.  You will be seen as an asset to the company.  It is these types of employees who often end up with the promotion.  Unfortunately, you may not be able to come up with ideas all the time.  However, you don’t need to be a never-ending source of knowledge.  Just make share  you have ideas, and that you share them in a way that provides a solution.

 

Get a Mentor

If you are new to the company, feel as though you have fallen behind in your job or looking for a promotion, get a mentor.  However, you’ll need to make sure that this person has the qualification to help you.  Of course, it helps to find someone who you respect too.  Your mentor can be someone who works in your company or it could be someone on social media.  Take them out for lunch from time to time and talk about how you can be a better employee.  It also helps to talk to them about non-work related topics as well.  Having a genuine friend in your mentor is always a great thing to have.

 

Your Communication

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is not coming to the table to talk about issues that they have. You may have a fear of confrontation and this is completely normal.  But, honesty is always the best policy.  So, you need to make sure that you are always willing to work through conflict. This will help you to become a better leader.  Furthermore, it will stop you from dwelling on any work issues that you have.  If you leave these problems unaddressed they can cause stress.  Stress can affect your job performance as well.

 

Working Hard

Some employees try to set limits and even boundaries for themselves.  They don’t want to get involved in a project that will require them to work overtime.  Set your schedule so you can complete your work and still be able to pick up the kids from school or other afterschool activities.  If you must work late, have a family member or friend pick up the kids and keep them for a few hours.  It’s important that you be home for bedtime and homework checks.

So, how to snag a promotion is possible if you follow the above tips.  If you can’t implement them all, pick a few so you can make the most out of the job that you have or want.

 

Filed Under: Empowerment, Finances Tagged With: , , ,

Addressing Fears About Going Back to Work after a Baby

April 7, 2018 by 2 Comments

 

going back to work after a baby

 

If you have recently given birth and are near the end of your maternity leave, you may be feeling fearful about going back to work.  Many mothers dread this moment.  They don’t want to leave their newborn, or they feel guilty because they actually want to go back to work.  As a result,  we address fears that many moms have about going back to work after a baby:

The office has changed and you won’t know what is going on –  You fear that so many things will have changed since the last time you were in the office.  Many moms are worried that the atmosphere will be different.  Additionally, they are scared that they won’t know what to do anymore. However, many find that nothing has changed at all.  It seems like you’ve been out of the office forever.  Especially, because you have gone through such a life changing experience.

You fear your career will have to take a back seat – This is certainly not the case. Women today can have it all.  Just because you have had a baby does not mean you have to hit the stop button on your dreams. You can complete the  IMC Master’s Program online.  It’s a great way to advance your skills and move up the career ladder.  Going back to work after a baby isn’t the end of your educational goals.

 

 

 

 

Your boss won’t understand or agree to flexibility – Most people will assume that their boss won’t understand the demands of having a child.  This causes a lot of anxiety about going to work after a baby.  Most bosses aren’t as scary or as unreasonable as we think.  Your boss will be flexible so long as you show commitment to the position and company.  If you know that you need to be home with your baby or have an appointment put in the hours elsewhere.  For example, come in early or work a half day on a Saturday.  It’s certain your boss won’t have a problem with it.

You feel terrible because you can’t wait to go back to work – Last but not least, a lot of women feel awful because they cannot wait to get back to work. They are literally itching to get back into the office environment. There is nothing wrong with this! It does not make you a bad parent. It certainly doesn’t make you love your child any less than someone who doesn’t want to go back to work either.

Hopefully, you don’t feel as anxious about going back to work after a baby.  Most importantly, because you have had a baby does not mean that your career needs to take a backseat. You can have it all – if that is what you want.

Filed Under: Empowerment Tagged With: , ,