A Career Development Plan to Help Legal Secretaries Strive for Success

A Career Development Plan to Help Legal Secretaries Strive for SuccessA Career Development Plan to Help Legal Secretaries Strive for SuccessAre you hoping your career development plan will lead you to a legal support position? If so, youll be pleased to learn that the Robert Half Legal Salary Guide reports renewed demand for legal secretaries next year.But what does it take to become a legal secretary? And where could this career development path lead after youve landed this role? Lets take a look.Education and experience While it isnt an absolute must that you have a post-secondary degree to be a legal secretary, most employers prefer it. And if you hope to work in a firm that specializes in a hot practice area such as healthcare, you may be required to have a strong grasp of industry specifics. The necessary skill setThere are a variety of skills needed to be an outstanding legal secretary, from the ability to multitask and budget your time to strong interpersonal and soft skills. Additionally, increased client service demands have resulted in a need for legal professionals who are adept at client management. However, were also seeing an emphasis on tech skills. In plus-rechnen to proficiency in standard software programs such as Microsoft Word, more employers want legal secretaries with a solid knowledge ofVideo conferencing platformsCase management softwareLegal research toolsLitigation support programsBilling softwareTaking career development to the next levelTo advance your career, its always a good idea to invest in professional development. And earning a certification such as the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) designation from the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) can give you an advantage over the competition.Experience, education and professional development can all be key to landing a legal secretary position and advancing in your new career. But dont underestimate the value of asking for help in your next job search. Developing a strong relationship with a specialized legal recruiter can be extremely beneficial to your career path. Legal staffing specialists can give you additional insight on what skills youll need to hone to land your ideal position, as well as which positions would best dovetail with your career goals and aspirations.The market is growing for legal secretaries, so dont hesitate when it comes to taking steps to further your career development.Ready to look for a new challenge in the legal field? See what open positions Robert Half Legal has listed in your area.

How to Conduct a Video Job Interview with Style

How to Conduct a Video Job Interview with StyleHow to Conduct a Video Job Interview with Style574Lets face it after weeks (and possibly months) of job searching, youve let your style get a little, well, sloppy. But now theres the promise of an exciting job einstellungsgesprch, but theres one catch- its a video interview. The business mentor site Mixergy teamed up with Lemonly to create a cute infographic on how to pull off a video job interview. So put your best foot forward- and get the job- with these tips on conducting a video job interview with styleHow to Conduct a Job Interview with StyleLight it right.When youre doing a video interview, you need to light it strategically. Dont place your back to a window or a lamp. While backlighting can be flattering if done correctly, when its done improperly, it can make you look like one big dark blob. Since you want to illuminate yourself- and your skills- place yourself facing the light, if possible. Just make sure its not too bright or else youll find yourself squinting.Clear the clutter. Admit it during your job search, youve accumulated a little bit of everything in your home office. Before the interview, though, take some time to ditch all the excess stuff (like coffee mugs, your kids toys that have somehow snuck into your office, etc.). You want your background to look as professional as possible.Keep it quiet.Webcam mics are surprisingly sensitive. So if your kids are bickering in the background, theres a good chance that your potential anfhrer can hear it. Keep it quiet by shutting the door or getting your family to leave the house for a while until youre done with your job interview.Optimize your computer. While its a good idea to have your resume on the screen should you need to reference it, you should shut down all your other programs. Why? You dont want your computer to lag, causing a delay between you and your interviewer. Or worse, you dont want your computer to crash. After all, your boss-to-be will judge you not only on the answers to your questions (and your appearance), but on your tech skills, too. If your computer keeps lagging or crashing, he might assume that you dont have good equipment, a poor Internet connection, or both, which could ultimately cost you the interview.Stay centered.Sure, during your discussion with a potential boss, your entire focus should be on the video interview. Just as your mind is centered on the interview, you should also physically be centered in the middle of the screen. If youre off to one side, it can be disorienting to your interviewer. Try to stay solidly in the middle if you keep switching positions, it can appear that youre unsure of yourself.Doing a video interview can be tricky if youre not used to doing one. Keeping the above tips in mind should help you be prepared, presentable, and positioned to be the right candidate for the job.Readers, have you done a video job interview before? What did you find to be the most difficult part? L et us know in the comments below

Give Your Career a Mid-Year Check-Up

Give Your Career a Mid-Year Check-UpGive Your Career a Mid-Year Check-UpKeep your career on the right track with this mid-year evaluation. If you dont want to become obsolete in your career, then its imperative to seek out new professional development opportunities. This could be as simple as registering for your industrys annual conference, watching a relevant webinar, or optimizing your summer reading with a book that will help you to fill in a knowledge gap thats holding you back.Scope out the marketWhile you may be content with your current role, it never hurts to know what else is out there. The most successful professionals constantly keep an eye on the job market and their competition. Download free apps like Ladders and take a look at the open opportunities in your area. This is also a great way to research your market value before you negotiate your next raise or promotion.Combine work and playIf your networking activities slumped since the weather improved, its time to turn things around. Use each block party, baseball game, and barbecue as an opportunity to network. Additionally, take advantage of lighter workloads and summer Fridays by scheduling informational interviews with valuable networking contacts.

Fox News Twitter Gets Hacked

Fox News Twitter Gets HackedFox News Twitter Gets HackedIndependence Day brought some fireworks to the Fox News twitter account early Monday morning. An, as-of-yet, unknown hacker, sent out several malicious and false tweets claiming that President Obama had been assassinated, according to the most recent Foxnews.com article.The article also states that that the secret service will follow up especially diligently because of the nature of the tweets.So, how does this tidbit of news apply to you and your job search?Take it as a small reminder that you are your web presence, particularly when you are job hunting.Here are some quick tips so that you, unlike Fox News, will not be misrepresented online.Be aware of your web trail - meaning, know what it says about you. Google yourself often. Set up alerts. If you can find it, so can a potential employer.Mind your personal brand - even if you are not hacked, an indiscretion could keep you from getting a job. Or in some cases (Congressman W einer) or even get you fired.Dont let a Twitter misfire assassinate your chances at new career.

Secret Shortcuts to How to Put Linkedin on Resume That Only a Few People Know About

Secret Shortcuts to How to Put Linkedin on Resume That Only a Few People Know About As a consequence, its important to not just develop a fleshed out online profile you can include on your resume but additionally to customize its public web address so that its simple for folks to locate and connect with you. Overall, each on-line course is a far more affordable option than a degree typically runs nowadays. Some individuals are employing the option on LinkedIn to create a resume directly from the information included in their profile. To a point, it probably is dependent upon your goals for LinkedIn and your very own personal philosophy, but should you wish to be found in the utfruchtwein quantity of searches, theres no debate. You also have to keep in mind that the headline is among the most overlooked sections. The recruiter will learn if you have not properly formatted the document. You are going to be sending the recruiter a lengthy collection of previous responsibilitie s and experiences that may or might not be relevant to the prospective position. There was a time every time a proper Resume meant a review of the academic achievements. Graphic-based resumes permit you to lay out complex info in a simplistic way. All About How to Put Linkedin on Resume Apparently LinkedIn isnt written by HTML. LinkedIn offers users several strategies to create an impressive profile. That means youd miss a number of the best things that you can put on your LinkedIn profile. Second Your LinkedIn profile is an excellent method to complement your resume and extend extra particulars. When you submit an application for work, the employer might also have a look at your LinkedIn profile to find out more about you. You might have heard that employers compare resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and youre probably wondering why and what they are searching for. Employers would like to know that youre reachable at any moment, not just when youre at home. You ought to be i mmediately reachable by a prospective employer wherever you might be.Look for a job which you would want to submit an application for that has the LinkedIn easy apply option. You may create a profile on LinkedIn which can be utilized to network with future employers, and connect with others in your industry who can help you to find the job of your dreams. One of the absolute most important tools for a work seeker is their LinkedIn profile. You can have different resumes for various jobs you want to pursue, and you are able to send such carefully customized resumes straight to the headhunters, company recruiters, and hiring mangers you most want to speak to. LinkedIn is without question your very best friend once it comes bolstering your odds of getting hired through social networking. LinkedIn isnt a resume. LinkedIn has added a run of questionable features in the last year. Now you understand how to list LinkedIn on resume in a skilled and effective manner. A properly execut ed social media profile on LinkedIn is a significant job-search tool which increases your visibility, but it doesnt guarantee that youll be viewed, or seen by the folks having the authority and the urge to seek the services of a professional like you. If youre able to receive several recommendations from former or current colleagues, you do yourself a big favor. Before you compose a single sentence, you have to figure out who your audience is. How to Put Linkedin on Resume Explained The netz is an impersonal spot. Under the Edit your customized URL heading, you are going to see your public LinkedIn URL. The LinkedIn URL ought to go in the header along with the remainder of your contact info. On that page, start looking for Your public profile URL to produce a brief URL that will take individuals to your page. Simply speaking, your Twitter profile should showcase your multifaceted personality thats compelling if youre likely to use it like part of your job application. Your on-line profile cuts both ways as soon as it comes to job searching. Dont forget that your resume is your very first line of defense in regards to landing your ideal job. Because resumes have limited space, your career objective has to be concise. Usually once you take past a job or task you are able to consider a more efficient method to finish the job. Adding the incorrect things or too many things to your resume will prevent you from getting the business job that you desire. How to Put Linkedin on Resume Help Offering to give a recommendation for a different individual may inspire them to return the favor. Since recruiters only spend six seconds reviewing a resume, its not a great idea to get them spend an excessive amount of time scanning irrelevant info, states Augustine. You want recruiters and hiring managers and HR people to get in touch with you so you may show them you are a true person who you can ask questions and make a terrific impression whilst engaging in hum an contact. You ought to find out what best sells your abilities. Ensure you go as specific as possible with your resume skills. When considering what things to put on a resume, skills are the absolute most important. Also, you ought to make certain that you list because many skills from the work description as possible.

Thrive Global Mission

Thrive Global Mission Thrive Globals mission is to end the stress and burnout epidemic by offering companies and individuals sustainable, science-based solutions to enhance well-being, performance, and purpose, and create a healthier relationship with technology. Are you interested in joining the team at Thrive Global in their mission?If yes, then click here to see all available opportunities at Thrive Global and dont forget to press Follow to receive custom job matches, event invitations and mora One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a st udy conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Going Back to Work - Tips for Returning to the Workplace

Going Back to Work - Tips for Returning to the WorkplaceGoing Back to Work - Tips for Returning to the WorkplaceAccording to an analysis of Census data by Pew Research, 11 million parents- 18 percent of the U.S. workforce- did not work outside the home in 2016, the most recent year for which this information is available. (Livingston, Gretchen. Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads Account for About One-in-Five U.S. Parents. Pew Research FactTank, monat des herbstbeginns 24, 2018). At some point, many people who take time away from work to be stay-at-home parents return to the workforce. Going back to work means dealing with issues like arranging childcare and balancing work and family. These are the things with which all working parents must deal. Parents who are returning to the workforce after an extended absence also have concerns unique to their situation. Once all the practicalities of going back to work have been addressed, it will be time to make significant career-related decisions. F or example, you will have to decide whether to go back to doing what you were before your kids were born or try something new. And if you want to do something new, you will have to figure out what it will be. Is a Career Change in Order? There are several reasons for making a career change. If your career involved working excessively long hours or frequent travel, for example,you might anticipate that it will be too difficult to balance that with having a family. Your desire to change careers may have nothing to do with your role as a parent. Your interests may have changed during the hiatus you took from the workforce or perhaps you werent in the right career to begin with. This juncture presents the opportunity to find something more suitable. Changes in your career field or industry during recent years, for instance, a weak job outlook, may also necessitate finding a different occupation. It will take time to figure out what to do next. If possible, extend your time off to fo cus on choosing a career. If it is urgent to begin making money as soon as possible, consider looking for temporary employment until you can make a decision and get any required training for your new occupation. Temping can also ease your transition back to work. How Do You Make Up For Time Away From Your Field? Even if there are still job opportunities in your old field, it wont be easy to return to it. Many things could have changed during your absence, even if it only lasted a short time. Read up on your career field and industry and talk to people who are currently working in it. If you let your professional network lapse, now is a good time to revive it. Find out what you have to do to get ready to become a competitive job candidate. Consider doing a returnship. Returnships are internships geared toward people like you- experienced professionals who have been out of the workforce for an extended absence and are now planning to return. They can be in ones current career fie ld or a new one. A returnship can help you update your skills and provide networking opportunities and may even lead to a permanent position upon completion. Explaining the Gap in Your Employment History A returnship can also help bridge the gap in your employment history. If you use a chronological resume, it will otherwise end after your last job, which may have been several years ago. Many employers dont look favorably upon gaps in employment, and it will be incumbent on you to explain why your resume shows one. Dont make any apologies for the time you spent away from work. Instead, highlight your skills, especially any acquired during your absence from the workforce. Include any volunteer experiences and organizations in which you played an active role, such as the parent-teacher association at your childs school. While employers may not regard skills gained from volunteer work as highly as they do those that come from employment, it is a way of showing that you made good us e of your time. Many career development specialistssuggest using a functional resume rather than a chronological, one. It places the emphasis on skills rather than employment history. In your cover letter, explain that you are returning to the workforce and highlight your current skills. Do the same on job interviews. Many people shy away from talking about their employment gap, but since it is impossible to hide it, be straightforward and honest instead.

You Can Become an Effective Active Listener

You Can Become an Effective Active ListenerYou Can Become an Effective Active ListenerWhen you listen, you are giving your full attention to something or someone who is making a sound. Are you interested in becoming an active listener who can so deeply listen that your coworkers and staff feel fortunate to have you as a colleague? You can with deliberate practice and more experience. In deep, or active listening, which are words used to describe the most effective listening styles, the listener exhibits certain powerful listening behaviors. When you give your undivided attention to anotherbei part or activity, you are deeply listening to whatever they are attempting to communicate. This listening is perceived by the other person as respectful and caring. This listening is also perceived, by the person you are listening to, as evidence that you are really hearing and understanding what the person is trying to communicate. Youll want to learn to actively and deeply listen because these skills will help you become an effective business communicator. You cant become a great verbal communicator without the second half of the listening equation, active listening, strongly embraced. Understand What Constitutes Active or Deep Listening In active listening, the person who is the listener, conveys to the person whom he or she is listening to, their deepest respect. This is conveyed through a serious effort to focus in on and concentrate on the words and the meaning that the person who is communicating with them, is trying to convey. In deep or active listening The listener asks questions that probe and focus on understanding and clarifying the meaning of what the communicator is trying to convey. The listener does not spend the time formulating an answer or response to the speakers communication in their minds while the other person is speaking to them.The listener focuses his or her mind and full attention on the words and meaning of the person communicating as obse rved and heard through such components of speaking as their words, thetone of voice, nonverbal facial expressions and body language, examples, and speaking speed. The goal of active listening is shared meaning in which the listener and the person communicating are in agreement about the message that was conveyed from one to the other. (This does not mean that you agree with the speaker, just that you are absolutely certain that you understand the message they were attempting to convey.)In active listening, the listener provides to the person attempting to communicate, affirming body language, murmured agreement words, and other sounds and actions that help the person communicating feel heard out and listened to.For example, you can nod your head, smile, say yes, I understand, and use other methods of providing feedback as you listen. Eliminate Listening Bad Habits to Become an Effective Active Listener It is easy to fall into bad listening habits in the daily busy that you expe rience at work. Casual conversations and interaction with your every day coworkers can lead to an informality that doesnt support active listening. These are the common listening bad habits that will prevent you from becoming the most effective communicator. If an employee repeatedly raises the same issues or points of view to you, as an active listener, the fundamental problem to consider is that the employee is repeating himself because he doesnt feel you are hearing him. Take a look at your active listening habits to see if you are exhibiting the needed listening behaviors that will communicate to the employee that you really are listening- and hearing and understanding him.Dont try to pay partial attention to a colleague or staff member. You insult the person and you will never fully comprehend their position or need. When an employee or coworker approaches you for advice, inspiration, feedback or a discussion, listen to understand what the individual needs from you. If you cant fully attend to the staff person at that minute for any reason, it is better to reschedule the conversation. If you are, for example, on your way to a meeting, struggling with a deadline, trying to leave early, or experiencing any other distraction, it is better to make an appointment when you can really listen to the person.In the worst case scenario, if you only partially listen, the employee walks away feeling that you dont care about his or her concerns. It is far better to reschedule the discussion when you have time to listen with your active and deep attention. Say, Tom, Im really distracted by my 3 p.m. deadline on the current project. Can we get together tomorrow morning at 9 so that I can listen and fully understand your concerns? Listen with your full attention directed toward understanding what your coworker or staff member needs from you. Many managers, especially, are so used to helping people solve problems that their first course of action is to begin brainstorming solutions and giving advice. Maybe the employee just needs a listening ear. Your best approach is to listen actively and deeply. Ask questions for clarification to make koranvers that you understand exactly what the employee is trying to communicate. When you believe you do, then, and only then, ask the person what they would like from you.Trust this. They usually know, and often, they breathe a sigh of relief and say, Thank you so much for just listening. It is exactly what I needed. I dont need you to do anything else. The Bottom Line About Active Listening You can become a more effective active listener if you pay attention to these main bad listening habits. With repeated practice, you can eliminate your bad habits and become a great active listener. These changes will make you an effective business communicator. Your colleagues and reporting staff members will benefit from your deliberate practice.

Is College Still the Surest Path to Success

Is College Still the Surest Path to SuccessIs College Still the Surest Path to Success?Is College Still the Surest Path to SuccessWho says you need a college degree to live the American Dream?Over the last 25 to 50 years, many parents have stressed an agenda that included going to college, earning a degree, and moving on to make beaucoup bucks in the workforce. And many children have heeded the message. Today, the U.S. has more than five times as many college-degree holders as it had just after World War II.Since then, the economy has transformed from one powered by manufacturing to one powered more by information. Those with college degrees today are more likely to work in front of a computer than with a fustel or pliers in their hands. I saw this unfold in the years after I graduated from a high school that taught technologies such as woodworking, electricity, and building trades. The school eventually switched to an all college-prep curriculum.As the economy crawls through a slow recovery and the cost of sending a child to college keeps climbing into the stratosphere, blue collar jobs are making a comeback. If we continue to churn out more college graduates, will there be enough non-college grads around to build your house, overhaul your cars transmission, and fix your plumbing?Absolutely Somewhere along the line, some of us have forgotten about the importance of skilled craftspeople in these jobs that dont need college degrees. There is a blue collar renaissance going on right now, author Joe Lamacchia told PayScale.com recently. And why not? If youre smart and skilled at a craft, you can see the potential pool of experienced tradespeople thin out as more teenagers head off to college, making it easier to find a job in the trades.Lamacchia, who wrote the book Blue Collar and Proud of It The All-in-One-Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside of the Cubicle, added These are necessary jobs, and theyre not going to go anywhere. ur nations infrastructure is crumbling. .... Theres a lot of opportunity here.