Friday, November 29, 2019

4 Ways Creativity Can Improve Your Resume - Enhancv

4 Ways Creativity Can Improve Your Resume - Enhancv4 Ways Creativity Can Improve Your Resume - With the stacks of resumes that recruiters have to go through each week, most spend only six secondsreading each one. Yours needs to be able to catch their eye within that short time frame. Using creative tactics like color, arrangement, fontand size can differentiate yours from the hundreds of others theyll read and boost your chances of moving on in the job process. Here are four different ways that creativity can improve your resumes appearance and ultimate potential.Capture attention with layoutAdding a splash of color or uniquely arranging your information is a great way to grab the readers attention. It breaks up the humdrum of the hundreds of other black and white, 12-point Times New Roman resumes that recruiters see. Try using a broad, bold nameplate at the top of your resume to immediately grab your readers attention. Then, follow up with interesting, but professional graphics like graphs measuring your skill levels or text boxes with descriptive information to draw focus down the page.Highlight important information with colorWith only a few seconds to communicate your qualifications for a job, your resume must highlight the important experiences and education that prepare you for the role. Adding color to job or category titles helps the quick-skimming eye of a recruiter find the relevant information in your resume. Just try to keep the background color white and make sure any color you use is dark enough to read. Sticking to a consistent color transportpalette based in cool hues will keep the page professional-looking.Boost readability with structureA few touches of creative structure can help break up the text of a resume and draw out important details. Separating sections with a line or segmenting short lists, like your skills section, into thirds across the page can make the resume seem much less overwhelming and dense without sacrificing any valuable i nformation. It also gives the page a satisfying look that is unique but methodic.Look modern with spaceA modern resume will show that youre a strong candidate who understands creative problem-solving is a crucial part of the current workforce. To prove your innovative spirit, use lots of white space and short sentences. Condensing lengthy language into impactful, short statements isnt easy but showcases your talent to communicate effectively. This should also avoid making the page look overcrowded or overwhelming and will display your understanding of powerful design.How to boost creativityIf you find yourself hitting a creative wall, dont be discouraged There are plenty of ways to boost your ability to think outside of the boxTake time away.If youve been staring at your computer screen with little inspiration, take a break Do something that interests you, or a quick exerciseto clear your head and then come back with a fresh mind.Go to bed.Sleep can restore your brains ability to th ink creatively. Put the resume down for the night and give yourself around nine hours of sleep on a comfortable bed and pillow. You should wake well-rested and be better equipped mentally to tackle creative projects.Ask for help.Its crucial to get a second pair of eyes on your work in order to improve your creativity and catch any mistakes you might have overlooked. Collaborative brainstorming, whether with a friend or career coach, can improve your writing approach and organization.The importance of keeping your resume standard is an outdated myth. Your resume is full of critical information, so you dont want it to fade into the noise of others A few splashes of creativity can brighten the page, highlight your important work and lengthen the time a recruiter looks at it. Consider adopting some of unterstellung tips, while still maintaining a professional tone, in order to improve your resume and land the job. Eric D. Halsey A writer with a passionate belief in the power of peer t o peer learning and storytelling to change lives. Wants nothing more than to spend a day cooking, reading books, playing board games, and discussing history and politics with friends. Also always up for an adventureLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *CommentName * Email * Website Subscribe now for moreSee more great content and inspiring examples of resumes done right each month. Subscribe Youre subscribed Latest posts See all posts by Eric D. Halsey The Resumes of Chernobyl by Katherine (Tori) LutzHow to Create a First Year Elementary School Teacher Resume by Tatiana Rehmova Top 20 resume tips and advice for 2019 with expert insights

Sunday, November 24, 2019

A Guide to the Best Music Schools in the East

A Guide to the Best Music Schools in the EastA Guide to the Best Music Schools in the EastWhether you have a cellist, a bassoonist, a jazz drummer or operatic tenor, serious musicians look for undergraduate and grad schools with top-notchmusic programs. And just as universities are divided into tiers, with the Berkeley and Yales of the world at the top, and less competitive schools lower down, the stratification of music schools is even more extreme, with the best conservatories in the country nestled at the top of the pyramid.But for many musicians, the better fit is a conservatory on a college campus? or a university with a top-ranked music departement. Like a conservatory, the best of these music schools require auditions, concert and recital resumes and a very different application process from the typical college admissions experience.The key lies in finding amusic schoolthat fits the musicians skills, commitment, and passion. Every major university has a music program, but the colleges on the following pages represent some of the best music programs in the East. Turn the page to get started, or use the quick links below.New York universities, including Eastman and NYUNew England universities, including Longy and PeabodyMore Oberlin and beyond 01Eastman, Tisch & MorePhoto courtesy of John MerklNot every music school is a good fit for everyone, and thats clearly the case with the final two on this list of eight great university music programs. One is a terrific classical music training ground, the other particularly well-suited to jazz. If youre looking at music schools in this part of the country, then you probably already know all about Philadelphias Curtis and Ohios Cleveland Institute of Music, two excellent conservatories. But these two music schools are part of larger universities, which gives students a taste of classic college life, as well as superior music instruction.Oberlin Conservatory of Music This conservatory, which is part of Oberlin Colleg e, near Cleveland, Ohio, is the nations oldest, but thats not its only claim to fame. Its collection of 1,500 musical instruments includes 207 pianos and its students - who are mostly undergrads - have 150 practice rooms and five concert halls at their disposal. Admission is highly competitive - and, like Eastman, one can apply to the conservatory only, via the Unified App, or do a dual degree program with the university. (And if youre interested in this part of the country, be sure to check out the other top Midwestern music schools.)Boyer College of Music and Dance This music program, which is part of Philadelphias Temple University, offers classical, opera and vocal training, but its particularly noteworthy for its jazz studies department, which offers bachelors degrees in instrumental performance, jazz vocal, and jazz composition and arranging, a major well-suited to the demands of a career as a gigging musician. If your jazz musician ever vied for the prize in the Lincoln Cente rs annual Essentially Ellington high school competition, thats a Temple University-sponsored program.Still looking? Dont discount the West Coast, which is home to some dazzling music conservatories and excellent university programs in California and beyond.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

8 Ways to Get Your Employees Excited About Their Jobs

8 Ways to Get Your Employees Excited About Their Jobs8 Ways to Get Your Employees Excited About Their JobsHappy and satisfied employees are more productive, and engaged workers tend to stick around longer. We know that employee retention is a big deal for small business owners who dont have the budget to handle the costs of hiring and training new employees on a regular basis. This is whygood employees can be one of the greatest resources in your small business. There are many things you can do to help your employees manage stress, find job satisfaction and get motivated to work. Communicate Openly There may not be a quicker way to lose the loyalty of your employees than withholding important information or communicating in a way that is misleading. Of course you dont need to share every detail of running your business, but there are some things that are important for your employees to know so they can do their jobs effectively. Communicate this information to your employees on a regular basis. Listen Just as communicating down is important, it is also important for employees to be able todiscuss issuesand ask questions that will give them direction in their jobs. Give your team opportunities to talk about things that are important to them, then take the time to listen and act on what is discussed. Be Positive The day-to-day operationsof a small business can be stressful, but a can-do attitude can reduce the impact of the challenges. The best part is thatpositivity can be contagious. The more upbeat and optimistic you are in the office, the more your employees will see the glass as half full. Make Learning Part of the Culture Skilldevelopment opportunities are valuable for employees, not only so they can do their current jobs well, but so they can also prepare for career advancement opportunities. Share Successes Its amazing how much a pat on the back can do for morale in a small business. Let your employees share in the celebrations of big wins so they can see the results of their hard work, and be motivated to continue building the positive momentum. Bring Fun into the Workplace An enjoyable work environment can be a great motivator.Consider starting a friendlycompetitionwith your teamwith monetary incentives or a day off as the reward. Or bring in some amenities that will lighten the mood, like a popcorn machine or Friday afternoon pizza parties. Be Fair Just like a parent needs to be fair with multiple children, you need to treat each of your employees fairlyor feelings of resentment and jealousy will begin to develop.Hold everyone to the same level of accountability, with the same rewards or reprimands doled out across the board. Let Your Passion Show You started your business because you have a passion for your work. Let that excitement show so your employees can appreciate how much you have put into your business. If you show thatyou are excited about your job and simply love what you do, your employ ees are more likely to genuinely enjoy their jobs as well. It takes time and attention to develop a team that is highly motivatedand excited to come to work every day. Incorporating some of behauptung ideas into your business will help you become a better leader and a more successful small business owner.