Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Looking for God#8217;s Resume

Looking for God8217s Resume Looking for Gods Resume Im an agthetic I dont know and dont care whether God exists.- college flat-mate So, Wheres the Resume That Covers This?Assuming that if God submitted a job resume, it would be perfect, reviewing it as a job applicant or as a recruiter would prove to be a very useful and instructive exercise.However, it is one thing to be open to the idea of gleaning something from The Ultimate Resume, and quite aelendher to even imagine getting ones hands on it.That would, nonetheless, be the greatest windfall and breakthrough in the history of job hunting ever since Adam and Eve were, we are told, banished from the Garden of Eden and forced to create or find jobs for themselves.Imagine a glimpse of the Ten Commandments of resume writing implicit in the perfection of the Creators CV. Sure, none of us could match the content or the exemption from references- but the form Think of the form Obviously, since any resume standards that we mortals could possibly aspire to adopt could be no better than that one, all we would have to do is to do our best to emulate, i.e., crib, as much of it as we could.As for an omnipotent Gods possible motivation in submitting a resume, despite no evident need for one or for a job, it can be argued that such a CV would be analogous to the revelation of the Ten Commandments- a revealed set of guidelines to steer us in the right direction, especially given that we, most of our ancestors and descendants- immediate and remote- will have at some time been pushed into work as a result of the push from Eden. (Who knows?- Maybe Gods resume could tacitly be an apology and helping hand to those of us who have had to look for work and validation for the rest who have not.)The obvious problem is that it seems that no such Divine resume exists. Or does it? Surprise Here is a proof that Gods resume does indeed exist. (What follows may have a familiar ring for those of you who have ever heard of St. Anselm. If not, enjoy the perfect freshness of the proof and Google St. Anselm later.)STEP 1 Imagine (or, with less effort, conceive) a perfect resume than which none greater can be conceived..(Try very hard. OK?)STEP 2 Now imagine that perfect resume does not exist. (That should be easy.)STEP 3 But then, consider that if that perfect resume does not exist, it follows that it is not as perfect as an identical resume that in fact exists and can just as easily be conceived- since the hard part was conceiving the perfect resume in the first place. (A pizza that actually exists is mora perfect than one that does not. Call this the Perfect Pizza Principle.) That is to say you can conceive or imagine a perfect resume that does exist and also understand that it is more perfect than a so-called perfect one that doesnt exist.STEP 4 Accept the fact that the than-which-no-greater-exists, truly most perfect resume must exist. (Thats because existence is a form of perfection- as the PPP (Perfect Pizza Prin ciple) illustrates and because you can conceive that perfection. Besides, if you claim you cant, someone else can. If you dont mind the subtle circularity, it can be argued that God can.)STEP 5 Accept the fact that since God is the most perfect being of all, that resume must be Hisor Hersor Its. (This conclusion seems inescapable.)STEP 6 Try to find it.You may be tempted to counter that even if this proves Gods resume has existed, its still possible that it doesnt exist anymore- on analogy with the God Is Dead notion. Once was, now isnt.Sorry, that line of argument wont work- neither for God nor for The Resume. The non-existence of either is inconceivable. Thats because not only does Gods resume exist, it must exist,- forever, as well as now and in the past.Heres why If a perfect Gods perfect resume could somehow be destroyed- not by a perfect God, since there would be no reason to destroy anything perfect, it would not be as perfect as a resume that could not be destroyed. This con cept is very similar to the idea of a Superman who cannot be destroyed by kryptonite, or by anything else, being more perfect than one that could.If you think this is mere wordplay, try to conceive the non-existence of space.OK, try again. You dont have to try to imagine it just conceive it. Conceiving is easier than imagining, e.g., conceiving a shape with 24,236 sides is easier than imagining it. Still cant do it, right? Empty space is not the same thing as no-space. Neither is a vacuum. Nor an infinitesimally small Big-Bang mass point. Nor absolute darkness. That wont work either, since the darkness is an expanse and an expanse defines a space.God and The Resume apparently are just like space nonexistence? Inconceivable. (For those of you philosophically-minded or well-versed, think Kant.)That said, all that remains is for someone to find That Resumethe one that is perfect and therefore indestructible. Can it be found? Of course.by the perfect resume hunter than whom no greater c an be conceived.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Alternative Summer Opportunities for Law Students

Alternative Summer Opportunities for Law StudentsAlternative Summer Opportunities for Law StudentsSo, you didnt snag a summer associate spot at your target law firm or a coveted fr sich selbstship at your dream nonprofit? Chin up. While a prestigious summer gig has its benefits, there are plenty of alternative opportunities that can make your 1L or 2L summer worthwhile and provide useful experience for your future legal career. With April around the corner, its time to nail down your summer plans- check out some of our suggestions below.Keep studying- but not law.With only a few short years left to enjoy summer break, the idea of going to summer school may be low on your list, but hear me out. One of the complaints from both lawyers and legal employers is that law school doesnt adequately prepare lawyers for practice. Whether you agree with that notion or not, there is always room to grow your skill set. If you already know your intended practice area, consider the aspects of that ar ea in which you could use a stronger foundation. For example, if you are interested in transactional work, consider enrolling in some business-related and accounting classes through your universitys business school. If you are leaning toward litigation, seek out some writing and public-speaking courses. If you hope to go into family law, seek out courses through your schools social work or psychology departments. Science and technology classes would be useful for those considering a career in IP. The list goes on, of course, and the courses that will be the best fit will depend on which practice area you pursue. (Also, dont be afraid to reach out to practicing attorneys in your network and ask which courses they feel would be most useful for someone in their area.)Or just study law.You dont have to take non-legal courses taking classes at your law school over the summer is great idea too. Completing coursework over the summer- if your school offers it- can give you more time during the semester to focus on other activities like journal or moot court. Or summertime can be a prime opportunity to immerse yourself in a difficult topic so that you can tackle it head on. Summer school is also a good time to take classes you otherwise wouldnt have time for but find interesting.Take your studying on the road.Study abroad isnt limited to undergrad there are a number of interesting study abroad options for law students. Obviously, for those drawn to cross-border work, a study abroad program can be particularly useful. But you dont have to be set on an international legal career to benefit from studying abroad. Youll make connections that can last your entire legal career, explore aspects of the law that you may never have considered while confined to a classroom, and travel to new places. Of course, these programs arent free, so youll have to consider whether one will fit into your budget. And if youre interested, you need to jump on your application now as many deadlin es are fast approaching in the next week or two (and some have already lapsed).Work with a professor.Dont underestimate the value of spending your summer as a research assistant for one of your law school professors, especially if the professor is a scholar in your preferred area of law. Not only will a research position provide an opportunity to learn more about a particular legal area, but it will also allow you to develop a stronger relationship with the professor. As with every career path, connections are everything. You never know what doors will open with the right letter of recommendation or phone call. So a summer working under a respected legal scholar is a definite plus.Find a Legal Judicial Internship.While some of the more competitive judicial summer internships may have already been filled, you might still find opportunities with state judges. Consult with career services to see if there are any judges who frequently hire from your law school. You can also find a direc tory of judges on a states judiciary website. Interning for a judge will provide invaluable experience in observing the innerhalb workings of the judiciary. You will be able to observe arguments, read motions (and see what works and what doesnt), and gain insight into the judges decision-making process.Think small.Mega firms and corporate legal internships arent the only paths to valuable legal experience. Local law firms and solo practitioners can offer useful learning experiences, as well. While you may not walk away with a hefty paycheck, you may gain valuable mentoring and an opportunity to shadow one attorney, rather than being lost in a sea of interns. When I was in college, I interned for a solo practitioner who gave me challenging research opportunities, talked through the research with me in detail, and brought me to court with him (and introduced me to judges and lawyers). I walked away with sharper research skills and greater confidence in my legal writing, and observing arguments in court gave me new perspective. Smaller firms and solo practitioners may not have formal internship programs, but that doesnt mean they arent willing to take on an intern (although it will probably be on a volunteer basis or for school credit). Check with career services for a list of alumni to contact, ask professors if they have any connections, or reach out to your network to find some local lawyers who may be a good fit.Volunteer.Other volunteer positions, aside from local firms, may also still be available, so cast your net wide. Working for free isnt ideal, but if you can swing it, gaining experience that will help you develop as a lawyer may be worth it. And you still have time to snag a spot working at some pretty amazing places. For example, the Department of Justice hosts Volunteer Legal Internships, and there are still some summer positions posted on its website the New York State Office of the Attorney General is still accepting applications for volunteer int erns in the New York City office The Legal Aid Society is seeking Criminal Defense Practice Law Clerks in Brooklyn, New York and the National Parks Conservation Association is hiring a Summer Sun Coast Legal Intern in Florida- to name a handful of options. In some cases, you may be able to get school credit for these opportunities, making them even more valuable.Or get paid.Of course, unpaid internships arent the only ones still hiring. With summer programs starting in just a few months however, time to apply is running out. Set up a meeting with career services to see if they know of any available opportunities. And search broadly on your preferred job search board.In a few weeks, youll be bogged down with finals preparation take time now to find your summer job if you havent already.

Why Googles employees walked out and what it could mean for labor

Why Google’s employees walked out and what it could mean for labor Why Google’s employees walked out and what it could mean for labor The recent walkout by thousands of Google employees at offices around the world was the first protest of its kind by well-paid and benefit-rich high-tech workers.The collective action was triggered by a report that their employer had awarded several top male executives accused of sexual misconduct multimillion-dollar exit packages. But their list of demands suggests the roots of the crisis go much deeper.To me, it’s a reminder of just how outmoded American labor laws are, a primary area of my research these days. In fact, the underlying grievances that motivated the Google employees to walk out are emblematic of what’s prompting millions of American workers to feel they have lost their voice.And unfortunately, U.S. labor law no longer has their back. The walkout by these non-union professionals at Google, however, might change that.Five demandsThe brief walkouts took place in about 40 Google offices including New York, London, Singapore and the company’s headquarters in Mountai n View, California.They followed a New York Times investigation that found that the search giant gave Andy Rubin, the creator of its Android mobile software, a US$90 million exit package despite a credible claim of sexual misconduct. The report said two other executives received similar treatment.The leaders of the walkout presented a list of five demands on an Instagram page: an end to forced arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination a commitment to end pay and opportunity inequality a publicly disclosed sexual harassment transparency report a clear, uniform, globally inclusive process for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anonymously promote the chief diversity officer to answer directly to the CEO and make recommendations directly to the board of directors. In addition, appoint an employee representative to the board. The demands signal, in my view, a deep dissatisfaction with the lack of effective channels for reporting and resolving harassment claims, as well as a distrust of human resources, a department tasked with looking out for employees’ legal rights and enforcing company policies.Workers losing their voiceThe Google walkout has little precedent to help us understand what might happen next.For one thing, it’s the first time employees at a high-tech company â€" with their free meals and on-site gyms â€" staged a public protest. For another, it spanned multiple countries, a feat that very few unions are able to pull off. Finally and perhaps most importantly, the demands put forward go well beyond those covered under U.S. labor law.The thing that comes closest to it is the spontaneous strike by 25,000 executives, managers and employees at the Market Basket grocery chain in Massachusetts in 2014 to protest the firing of their CEO in a family dispute over strategy. After a six-week strike a nd a consumer boycott, the board capitulated and sold the company to the CEO. At the time, I called it the most successful strike of the 21st century.Both Market Basket and Google are examples of outbursts of employee tensions that have long been simmering among the private workforce. In a recent national survey we conducted at MIT, a majority of workers said they don’t have as much of a voice as they believe they should on a range of issues, from compensation and benefits to protections against harassment and respect for their labor.Astoundingly, almost half of respondents said they would join a union if given the chance, a number that has increased from about one third in comparable surveys conducted in prior decades.Yet, in case after case, companies have suppressed worker efforts to form a union, as we saw at Boeing facilities in South Carolina, Nissan’s Mississippi factory and Volkswagen’s Tennessee plant.No legal standingLike at Market Basket, Google’s employees have n o legal standing to require their employer to negotiate with them, particularly over the issues they care about.Legal standing only comes if they go through what is almost always a hotly contested, long and usually futile election process overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.And should they try, these employees would quickly find the board would rule a good number of them ineligible for coverage for several reasons, such as their being managers, contract employees or simply outside the U.S.Furthermore, their demands â€" such as an employee rep on the board or requiring the chief diversity officer to report to the CEO â€" are outside the narrow confines of what the labor relations board considers “the mandatory scope of bargaining.”And the demand to eliminate forced arbitration would likely end up at the Supreme Court, which has already issued a ruling that backs companies’ right to do it.But powerless?All this is not to say that Google employees are powerless to achi eve the “structural changes” they seek.Although labor law won’t protect them, they might be able to use the hundreds of millions of Google’s customers â€" of its search engine, email program or mobile phone software â€" to pressure executives to negotiate in good faith.In this regard, Google might be wise to look to Market Basket for guidance. Because of the strong customer support of the workers in that dispute, business plunged by 90 percent, which is likely what compelled the board to give in.In other words, if Google’s employees hold steady despite the lack of federal protection, they could not only end up changing their company’s policy on harassment, but become the vanguard that could help disrupt U.S. labor law in the process.Thomas Kochan, George Maverick Bunker Professor of Management Professor, Work and Organization Studies Co-Director, MIT Sloan Institute for Work and Employment Research, MIT Sloan School of ManagementThis article is republished from The Conve rsation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

How to be prepared to evacuate your building at work

How to be prepared to evacuate your building at work How to be prepared to evacuate your building at work Emergencies at work are never convenient. You can be sitting at your desk, sipping your morning cup of coffee one moment, and the next moment there’s a siren blaring and you’re wracking your head for the safety drills you didn’t pay attention to for how to evacuate your building.You can’t predict when an emergency can strike, but you can prepare how you’ll react to it so you won’t be caught off guard. Here’s how:1) Create and know the planYour employer should have an evacuation plan of the building that they run drills for, a plan that you can easily access if you forget the established protocol.  To prevent chaos in an already chaotic moment, everyone needs to know exactly what to do and where to go.Although not every employer is required to have an emergency action, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that at the very minimum, every employer should have a preferred protocol for reporting emergencies like fires, a procedure on how to carry out those protocols, a plan on how you will communicate emergency information, a backup plan if your initial communication strategy fails, and evacuation route assignments like floor plans or designated meeting areas.OSHA believes the best evacuation plans include employee input. That makes sense. When people are part of the planning process, they take ownership of the idea and are more likely to follow it. “When you include your employees in your planning, encourage them to offer suggestions about potential hazards, worst-case scenarios, and proper emergency responses. After you develop the plan, review it with your employees to make sure everyone knows what to do before, during and after an emergency,” OSHA recommends.2) Keep track of your belongingsSpeed and efficiency are your top priorities for evacuating. You don’t want to be held up with your evacuation because you forgot where you put your wallet carrying your identification, or are backing up an important document fr om your computer. To speed your exit along, keep your important supplies on you or near your work station in something you can easily grab and carry. That means paring what you need down to essentials that will get you safely out of the building.The  Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends creating a workplace emergency kit that can include items like a flashlight, extra shoes for walking and food and water, or whatever you would consider a necessity. If you’re working on sensitive information or a lengthy project, it’s also a good habit to back up your files regularly.3) When in doubt, ask for more informationUnfortunately by the time an emergency like a fire strikes, it’s too late to ask questions. That’s why the best way to prepare for an emergency is to ask many questions beforehand. Ask your human resources department about different scenarios. What if the microwave catches fire? What if there’s an active shooter on the premises? OSHA recommends designating cer tain employees to be key point people to communicate this information.Employers can also prepare employees by spreading the knowledge around and empowering them with first aid training, instructions on how to a operate fire extinguisher, self-defense tactics, and other training, so that they can have the knowledge necessary to save themselves.

Monday, November 18, 2019

I cannot tell a lie or a good one, anyway

I cannot tell a lie… or a good one, anyway I cannot tell a lie… or a good one, anyway We asked recruiters using Ladders “what was the worst lie you have ever heard during an interview”.When looking for that next career move, it’s imperative to put your best foot forward, but after asking our recruiters, “what is the worst lie you’ve heard during an interview?” it became apparent that all too often, job seekers wind up putting their foot in their mouth instead.After reviewing the recruiters’ stories, which they happily shared, we found that during the interview/onboarding process, there are four main types of lies:1.  Resume past accomplishments“Had a candidate that stated on his resume that he was a graduate of the United States Military Academy (my alma mater). Our company, a government contractor, verified his history. Apparently our company didn’t think to verify that he actually graduated from West Point. To mislead someone about that would be really brazen. Brazen he was. Terminated. He probably would have been better off saying he graduated fr om the Canadian or French, or Botswana Military Academy.”2.  Criminal background“I asked the candidate point blank, ‘is there anything negative that may come up in a background, credit and DMV check?’. He said, “nope, nothing, for sure.” Turns out he forgot about the 2 felony DUI’s he had in the last year, and a court appointment scheduled for the following week!”3.  Current drug use“Just heard my boss telling this one this morning. A candidate failed the drug test, coming up positive for â€" of all things â€" crack cocaine. When confronted on his start date, he claimed his step son must have put some in the coffee creamer or something. Really?”4.  Unreal and elaborate“Had a candidate interview as her twin sister (using her ID and all. It wasn’t caught until the background check when she used her own SSN. She stuck with the lie until her past residences didn’t match up. Her reason for lying was that she didn’t have a high school diploma but her sister did .  The offer was rescinded.”The common theme is that every lie reported by recruiters was easily identified. With today’s technology enabling near-instant background and drug tests, not to mention simple common sense (one jobseeker claimed to have an IQ of 290 when the highest IQ ever recorded is only in the 250 range), it pays to follow George Washington’s advice: “The truth will set you free.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Teen Job Interview Questions About Success

Teen Job Interview Questions About Success Teen Job Interview Questions About Success Work experience offers teens valuable benefits. If you get a job as a teen, youll learn to take responsibility, act professionally, and develop your ability to resolve everyday conflicts and problems. Plus, youll gain valuable experience for your  resume  and college applications. But, since teens typically havent held many (or any!) previous positions, answering interview questions requires some strategy.   Here are tips for how you can prepare for interviews. Plus, see sample answers for questions about success.     Tips for Teens on Successful Interviewing Determine three key ideas you want to communicate before the interview. What do you want to highlight in your interview? You might want to emphasize your academic success, previous jobs or internships, or strong abilities. Keep those in your back pocket and sprinkle those points into your answers.   For example, if the job is in retail and requires talking to customers, you might highlight your communication skills on the debate team. If its  working  with children, talk about your previous experience  babysitting. Find your fit. Think through the ways in which youre a good match for this job. Dont just talk about your strengths in general; tie them to the position to illustrate how your skills are applicable. Consider what the job requires. Then, think how your academic and extracurricular experiences show youd be a successful match. Use examples, scenarios, and stories to help paint a picture. Read up on the company.  Research the company before your interview. You dont have to memorize lots of facts, but you should have a general idea of what the company does, how they do business, and details about the job youre applying for. If the job is in retail, go to visit the store and shop around. If its at a restaurant, have a meal there to get a sense of how things run and what the menu looks like. You can also sprinkle your homework into your discussion. For example, When I was visiting your store, I observed XYZ, or “I saw on your website that you plan to... Come armed with questions.  Employers may consider your questions just as important as your answers as they demonstrate your curiosity in the company and real interest in the job. Here are some general questions to ask: What is the most important thing I need to know about this job?What kinds of opportunities exist for me to learn new skills?What is involved in the training?How can I prepare before the job begins? Review some of the common teen interview questions, along with the best way to respond to them. How to Answer Questions About Success One common open ended interview question that teens may hear is What do you think it takes to be successful in this position?   Interviewers want to see if you understand what the job entails. If youve read the job description and researched the company, you should have a good sense of jobs responsibilities. You can summarize them in your response. Then, try to show that you have the necessarily qualities and can handle the day-to-day needs of the position.   If you have relevant prior experience (at school, previous jobs, internships, or through volunteer work or clubs), now is the time to mention it! Even if you dont have direct experience, you can mention personality traits that make you a good fit.   Sample Responses to What do you think it takes to be successful in this position? Here are some sample answers to this interview question that you can use as a springboard to craft your own:   I think like, in most jobs, to succeed in this position Ill have to be hardworking, responsible, trustworthy, and a good team member.I feel it is important to believe what I am doing is meaningful and that I can make a difference. Keeping these two things in mind only motivates me to work harder.This cashier position requires someone who is detail-oriented - after all, it deals with money and taking orders, and its important that everything be correct. Having a good attitude is also important for this job. In my last job, I was a greeter at a store, so I have a lot of experience with making sure people get a good first and last impression.   When working with children, it is important to always make them feel like they are special. To be successful in this position, I will be energetic, creative, and understanding of the various needs of the all the children.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

5 signs you need to handle stress differently

5 signs you need to handle stress differently 5 signs you need to handle stress differently Stress is an overarching theme in most of our lives. Though we’re all busy, everyone finds time to talk about being stressed, unable to meet the competing demands of work and family, not to mention friends, hobbies, and self-care.This is a difficult way to live - and whether or not our culture requires such stressful excess - maintaining a breakneck pace can sabotage your ability to enjoy your day-to-day existence. Everyone handles stress differently, but some people are less able to adapt to it than others.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Here are 5 signs you need to handle  stress  differently.1. You feel enraged on a regular basisIf you find yourself struggling with severe  anger, including road rage, on a near-daily basis, this is a sign that you need to find healthy outlets to deal with stress.Anger is hard on you mentally and physically, and can lead to  impulsive choices you regret, such as violence. If you find it hard to keep your rage in check, you need to reevaluate your methods for dealing with stress.2. You frequently experience somatic (body) painMigraines, back pain, and IBS are just some examples of  physical issues that are often caused or exacerbated by stress. Internalized stress can manifest in physical aches and pains, and, if left untreated, can yield more and more severe health issues. If you’re taking sick days regularly for these physical kinds of issues, you are likely further exacerbating your stress and  anxiety  by missing work or school.3. You feel isolated from friends and familyConfiding in others  is a great way to lower stress levels, but if you feel that you have no time to see friends or family, you can’t even discuss or share your issues with them. If you feel like it’s been “forever” since you have spent time with the people who are most important to you, then this loneliness is likely compounding you r stress.4. Others tell you that you seem stressedIf you’re hearing from friends, family, or loved ones that you seem stressed and they imply that it is affecting their relationships with you, you might do well to listen to their issues.Examples of this include:  a partner saying they feel like they have to walk on eggshells around you  when you have had a bad day at work, a friend saying that you disappear into a black hole and stop answering texts regularly for weeks at a time, your boss pointedly asking if “something is wrong,” or your child saying that you always seem busy, even at home. Stress that sabotages your closest relationships needs to be examined and dealt with openly and proactively.5. You’re barely keeping your head above waterIf you feel that you are unable to see the big picture or plan for the future because you’re just keeping your head above water, it may be time to slow down and reprioritize. If you feel like you can’t think about larger  career, li fe, or relationship goals  because you’re so consumed by daily stressors, then you are denying yourself the opportunity to derive meaning from your life and plan for the future.It is essential to mental health to see your life as a coherent narrative; to think you are the protagonist in a story that makes sense to you. If you are barely surviving, you cannot be thriving in any larger sense.It’s unhealthy to live with excess stress, find help todayIf any of these signs of stress feel familiar to you, it would be a good idea to  reach out to a therapist. You deserve to enjoy your life, and this requires you to find more adaptive and healthy ways to deal with stress. Changing your responses to stress can change your life outlook and help you feel calmer and happier. You’ll have the resources to devote to aligning your values and goals, and start living a life that feels more authentic and meaningful.This article originally appeared on Talkspace.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