Resume PDF or Doc Submit the Best Resume File Format

Resume PDF or Doc Submit the Best Resume File Format You're about to choose between PDF and Word resume formats, but first, think about this:Star Wars or Star Trek? Quick, pick.If youre not a hardcore Warsie or Trekkie youre probably thinking, whats the difference?Its space people doing space things in space with glowy swords. Right?Wrong. There are obviously no glowy swords in Star Trek.Now, quick - PDF resume or Word resume? Pick.Again, Im sure you dont see much difference. Hint: Word doesnt have glowy swords either.It might not seem like it, but there are big differences between the two formats and choosing the right one is critical.So, which file format do you choose? Should you pick an MS Word doc or the PDF resume format?This article will tell you how to decide which file format to use when saving a resume so that you can be sure that a hiring manager will read it.Want to save time and have your resume in PDF ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one c lick. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Generic Word Resume vs Zety's resume in pdfSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume now1Resume Formatting - Word or PDF?Why is a simple thing like choosing between a PDF resume or a Word resume so important?Some companies can receive up to 250 resumes on average in response to a single job opening.And they use software to help them sort through that mountain of resumes. Because lets face it, recruiters are only human.The software is called Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software, and it sorts resumes by relevancy, checking them for keywords from the job description.If youput all the right things on your resume, ATS will rank it higher: especially, of you've put your best skills on your resume.So, if youve taken the time to carefully tailor your resume to t he job description by adding keywords to your resume, youre already one step ahead of everyone else.Hiring managers then read those resumes at the top of the ranking to choose who they are going to interview.That means that hundreds of resumes will never reach a human person.But what does all of this have to do with the file format youve chosen for your resume?ATS software is not able to read special formatting. Therefore it is critical for you to email your resume right.For example, some older versions of ATS software can have problems reading PDFsspecifically the resume fonts.While the software continues to improve, you need to make sure you have an ATS-friendly version of your resume.How do you know if your resume is going to have to pass through ATS?Many large companies now use some form of the software.Have you ever filled out an application online and then attached your resume separately? If yes, then ATS software probably scanned your resume.If you are applying to a large fir m with 100+ employees, there is a good chance that the company is processing your information with the help of ATS software.And if youre applying to a Fortune 500 company its more likely than not.Smaller enterprises and startups are less likely to use the software, but that trend is changing.The strategy to getting past the software is the same in almost every case:Your resume needs to match the job description.You need to use the best keywords for a resume.Plus, you have to make sure you knowhow to format a resume so that the software doesnt automatically reject it.Best of all? Get an ATS-friendly resume template.Pro Tip: If youre sending your resume as a PDF, make sure it is not saved as an image.How do you know your PDF file is okay? Try to highlight, copy, and paste the text. If your computer can read the text then youre good to go.Do you need information on how to format your resume to highlight your skills and achievements? Read our guide: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the B est One [Examples]2Heres How to Choose Between a Resume in PDF or WordSo, whats the best resume format - Word or PDF?Well, that depends on how a company wants you to apply for a job. One isnt necessarily better than the other.So, the first thing you will want to do is to check if there are any specific guidelines concerning the format of your resume.If the job description or online application gives you specific instructions, follow them. Thats all you have to do.If you are sending your resume directly to a human being or there are no specific instructions, consider saving your documents in multiple formats (PDF, .doc, .docx) so that you can pick and choose which to send in different situations.Here are the pros and cons of PDF resumes:Pro For The PDF Resume FormatVirtually everyone can open a resume in PDF format on their computers.Saving your document as a PDF ensures that the formatting will not get messed up when a user opens it. Creating a PDF resume gives you more creative fre edom (more on that later).Cons For The PDF Resume FormatSome ATS software may have trouble reading PDF resumes.If youve used a PDF resume format to make your resume more creative, ATS software may skip parts of your resume as it will not read graphics or text hidden in images.Here are the pros and cons of submitting your resume in Microsoft Word formatting:Pros For The Word Resume FormatEveryone has Word. Everyone. Well, unless they live in a remote part of the world in a cave with no access to computers. And in that case, you might want to send your resume via Owl ala Harry Potter.ATS software can easily read a Word doc resume.Many companies simply prefer documents saved as .docx, plain and simple.Cons For The Word Resume FormatYour formatting can get seriously messed up if a hiring manager opens your resume in Word or with another tool other than Word.Others have the ability to change or delete sections of your resume in a doc file either deliberately or accidentally.You do not ha ve the creative flexibility that you may feel you need to express yourself.Lets assume that your resume needs to pass a round of ATS before it lands in the lap of a human reviewer.If you know there is a big chance that your resume is going to pass through ATS here are the rules about formatting:No charts, graphs, images, text boxes, or special formatting of any kind.Do not use special symbols to separate information unless they are standard symbols on a keyboard (- / *).Do not use image files such as JPG, PNG, or any other. Make sure the text can be copied and pasted.At times, you will not have to send a resume at all. The system will require you to cut and paste text from your resume into text boxes online.In other cases, you will send your resume directly to a human. If thats the case, you may want to send your resume as a PDF. Especially if you want your resume to maintain formatting and if are applying for a creative job that requires your resume to reflect a particular skill se t such as graphic design.When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.3Why Sending a PDF of Your Resume Is ImportantThe best advice is to keep a file saved both ways - PDF and .docx - that way you can pull out either one in a given situation. Heres the thing. Handing in a resume for a job application as a PDF is a good idea if you want your resume to look exactly the way youve made it.When a recruiter attempts to download a resume in a doc file, it can mess up the formatting enough to result in the accidental removal or rearrangement of content.Thats why choosing the right format for sending a resume is important. Even if the ATS robots can read it - people need to have a good experience too.Another thing about PDF resumes is that you can create them us ing software like Photoshop or InDesign, which gives you much more freedom in how you layout or graphically design your resume.Its a good idea for creatives to use PDF if they want to do something fancy with the design of their resume.You can always copy and paste text from a PDF if you are going to fill in an online application and then send your full resume in PDF file formatting later when a hiring manager has invited you to do so.Ultimately, its up to you, but its easy to export a Word resume in doc format into a PDF format and vice versa to have both.Key TakeawayRemember to keep these points in mind as you save your resume format:With the birth of Applicant Tracking System software, it is now more crucial than ever to remember that tiny details such as how you save your resume are important.It may not seem like a big deal, but if you send a resume that is not formatted to pass through ATS software, then there is virtually no chance of your resume reaching a human recruiter.If y ou want to keep your resume in the running, make sure youve given yourself a fighting chance by creating both a Word resume and a PDF resume.Still not convinced that one format is better than the other? Let us know in the comments, and we will do what we can to address your concerns. Thanks for reading!

Using Resume Writing Cover Letter Services to Get Started

Using Resume Writing Cover Letter Services to Get StartedResume writing covers letter services help you succeed in your business by offering assistance with the resume, job and interview search. You will not be able to find all the information you need about how to get your career started without the help of resume writing cover letter services. In this article, we'll talk about how you can use these services to start your new career. The right resume will help you get that job you've always wanted!First, try using the local resume writing services to obtain all the information you need to get started on your job search. Local services are typically a lot cheaper than other online services that specializing in helping individuals get hired. These local services usually have much more experience in dealing with employers, so they will be able to guide you toward a successful job search.Second, read over the quality products and services provided by these companies. You want to make su re the online services provide the type of information you are looking for, because if not, they may not be worth using. Look at the job opening details and make sure the company has one that is targeted to the needs of your industry.Third, find out how long the companies have been in business and how long they have been in business with specific jobs. Most of the time, new job seekers hire a company to handle their resume writing cover letter services when they know that they will be seeking a job within a short amount of time. If not, it is better to go online to find one that you think will work for you. Try to avoid going with companies that are too young or old, as these companies usually do not handle well resumes.Fourth, find out about the prices offered in today's present day. Online services can offer you many options with regards to prices, including free trial offers. You can test drive different services by offering them free samples. Check how long it takes for the samp les to arrive. Some services allow you to request samples, but others may require that you send in an application.Fifth, look at the company's location and contacts. Make sure the company has access to good employment services. Remember, a good resume writing cover letter services will be able to offer you several options that will allow you to meet your career goals.Sixth, make sure the company you choose is reliable and stable enough to help you get your career off to a good start. As you will find out, the company you hire will take on your resume writing cover letter services.Finally, use the best resume writing cover letter services you can find. These services will offer you a variety of options to meet your career goals. You may not be able to locate them anywhere else, so you should not settle for anything less than the best.

Schawbel Report The Current State of Personal Branding Worldwide [August 2009] - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Schawbel Report The Current State of Personal Branding Worldwide [August 2009] - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Its already August and I havent done one of my reports this year, which is a shame.   I did three last year if you want to view the archives.   The point of each of these reports is to show you trends, insights and a lot of resources which will keep you in tune and up-to-date with the latest happenings in the personal branding world known as you inc.   There have been a lot of developments this year, so if you havent been following along, you must read this post. The economic collapse and no promise of recovery The unemployment rate is currently 9.4% and some economists believe that it will near % soon enough, with no future indicators of recovery.   The Department of Labor announced there were 576,000 jobless claims last week, which was higher than expected.   With all of these layoffs, there are fewer jobs, which means there are obviously more people competing against each other.   The aftermath is a fight for scarce positions and a need to stand out amongst everyone else. This of course is a major driver for personal branding and what Ive found is that smart job seekers invest a lot of time in building their brand so they can differentiate themselves from others.   Another trend is the mentality that you have nothing to lose when youre a job seeker right now, so why not start a company.   In fact, 8.7% of job seekers started their own business in the second quarter of this year, compared with 4.3% a year earlier.   Will the companies take off?   Most wont, BUT starting a company looks really good on a resume!   Even if youre employed right now, its still highly possible that you may get laid off anytime now, so be smart and start working on your brand and your network, for career protection. Recruitment background checks, privacy issues and fired employees Background checks Last year, in a previous Schawbel Report, I identified a survey by Careerbuilder that noted that 22% of companies were using social networks as background checks, which has escalated to 45%!     11% of companies will be using social networking sites for job screening and I predict these numbers will jump to 0% in the next three to five years because its a logical evolution from just drug tests and reference calls.   Some of that information can be pulled online anyways!   To no surprise, they are primarily using Facebook for background checks because, lets face it, Facebook can do more harm than good.   It would be rare to find someone posting negative remarks on LinkedIn, for example. 35% of employers have passed over a candidate based of what was found on a social networking site.   53% of candidates posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information and 44% posted about drinking or drugs.   14% of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon ?? ?? .   Although this makes social networks appear bad, there is a brighter side.   18% of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate. No policies and poor security 80% of social networks fail to use standard encryption protocols to protect sensitive user data from hackers. 71% of social networks reserve the right to share user data with third parties in their privacy policies.   Since social networks arent secure and many are selling and reusing your data, it becomes easier to have that information appear public and get laid off or sued.   Companies are still behind in having social network policies at work, so unless something is done, there will be major problems.   More than 1/3 of businesses have no social media policies right now. Fired employees 17% of companies report having issues with employee’s use of social media and 8% of those companies report having actually dismissed someone for their behavior on sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. That’s double from last year, where just 4% reported having to fire someone over social media misuse. Companies are banning social networks at work Why do you think social networks would be banned at work?   Productivity reasons?   Maybe companies are scared that they may lose their employees to competitors?   Legal reasons?   I would say all of these three, but, in my opinion, a lot more companies will have policies and/or permit social networks in the future, due to the rise of the Gen-Y worker.   I cant name one Gen-Yer that would not allow Facebook at work and since this group will be in charge soon enough, its obvious where we are heading. Executives are part of the reason that social networks are being banned from work.   In fact, 32% of executives arent comfortable being friended on social networks by workers and 33% arent comfortable at all being friended by people they manage.   80% of executives are fearful of social networking risks and in 2007, this number was at 50%. There are two surveys that have come out about companies blocking social media sites.   One by ScanSafe that says 76% block them and the other by the American Management Association, which states that 71% of IT departments block social networks at work. The size of your network is now a job qualification You must have Twitter followers This is a statement that I predicted in October of 2008 and now were starting to see companies adopt this ideology, such as Best Buy.   Best Buy is hiring a new employee and the job description says Must have at least 250 Twitter followers.   For a social media position this makes sense because if you arent on Twitter or you have no followers, you probably dont have influence or know what youre doing anyways.   I see this expanding into other roles, especially inside marketing and communications. If youre in marketing then you better know social media Among those responsible for hiring PR and marketing employees, 82% of respondents say mainstream media relations expertise is either important or very important, while more than 80% say knowledge of social networks is either important or very important.   A CMO Poll stated that 8.9% of CMOs feel that social media proficiency is important when hiring marketers.   2 out of every 3 marketers use social media right now, which, in my opinion, is very low.   80% of companies, overall, feel that knowledge of social networks is important when making hiring decisions. Networking is still the #1 most important job (people) search strategy Ive spoken a lot about networking on this blog, as well as my other contributors.   I believe in people searching over job searching, as people make the final decisions whether you get the job or not.   Well, recent research has once again confirmed the realization that networking is the key to getting jobs.   Right now, 80% of HR people value networking as the best way to get a job (Challenger, Gray Christmas, Inc.).   66% said social networking sites, which, if you think about it, is the online form of networking anyways. Reputation management 3.0 Weve already gone over, many times, how to use various tools to verify and review your online reputation. Besides Backtype.com, Technorati, Google alerts, and Twitter search, now we all have to worry about a very important site, Facebook!   Facebook has recently released a strong real-time search engine, which tracks conversations between you and your friends, as well as the Facebook population, which is at 260 million.   This is different than the 26 million people on Twitter and because its easier to organize Facebook search results, it is imperative that you start using this new feature.   By searching for your brand name on Facebook and tracking down mentions, you will has more insight into what people are saying about you. The death of job boards and the birth of new strategies R.I.P. job boards Although, there is much more traffic to job boards recently because of the amount of job seekers there are now, fewer jobs are being posted.   560,000 fewer jobs were posted last month, but they (Monster/Careerbuilder, etc) gained 33% more traffic.   With fewer advertised jobs, and more job seekers, job boards are making more on content advertising and less on job advertising and its harder to get a job using these sites (more competition). Google is the new job board Google has over 64% of the search share and is becoming one of the top places to source candidates and for job seekers to advertise their personal brands.   If you compare job boards with Google, there are 300 million searches for jobs in Google each month versus a mere million for job boards.   Recruiters will have to make their job boards optimized for search and theyve already begun doing it.   For example, EMC (where I work) has launched EMC-Careers.com, where there are positions that are optimized for search.   Many other companies are doing this as well. Skip job boards and go straight to video You better start getting good on camera!   Video can be used for showcasing what its like to work at your company (employer branding), to post and distribute jobs (jobsinpods.com), to hold career fairs, to interview candidates, for worker screening and more. 25% of the content that workers view each day will be dominated by pictures, video or audio by 2013.   Also, YouTube is one of the most popular sites in the world.   There are already sites that cater to this new Video outranks YouTube as the fifth-most popular website in the United States.   Some video interviewing sites include Greenjobinterview.com, Clooks.com, and Hirevue.com.   Interviewing through video saves the company money and makes it a better experience.   Phone interview are horrible and should be replaced by video interviews asap. Working for free to build your brand As I said before, branding by association is the single most powerful idea in personal branding, especially when youre first starting out.   When youre unknown, its best to attach yourself to people or companies that are known immediately.   Most people wont work for free and think its pointless, yet its the easiest way to attach yourself to a brand, which can then serve as an endorsement and/or case study, which can then change your life and make you wildly successful.   I came across a free eBook that a Gen-Yer made and it talks about how he worked for Tim Ferriss and Ramit Sethi for free and then was able to start his own business.   In 2008, one million more Americans volunteered.   No resume lists how much money you made at each position, which is why working for free helps build your experience so you can make the money you didnt get and more back very quickly.

Spread Your Brand Message Offline - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Spread Your Brand Message Offline - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The Internet has revolutionized marketing. Now, in a matter of seconds, at very little cost, you can spread your brand message and engage with your market around the world. Online marketing is so affordable and effective that many small businesses, especially those focused online, ignore offline marketing opportunities. But you don’t need a WI-FI connection to spread the word about your business. Here are some great ways to market your business offline. Live your brand The reality is, every time you leave your home, you have the opportunity to market your business. But if you look disheveled and unprofessional, your message won’t be heard. That doesn’t mean you need to wear a suit and tie or a dress and pumps to grocery shop, but you should look neat and tidy. You never know when you’ll meet someone who needs your service or who knows someone who needs your service. Be prepared When I first started my business, I frequently got caught without business cards. I recently attended a writers conference and didn’t have a box of my books in my car.  These situations were missed opportunities because while I could tell people about my business and books, I would have had a better chance of getting a new customer or giving off a professional image if I’d had my materials. Every time you leave the house, have a stash of business materials. Keep business cards in your pocket, wallet or purse. Keep brochures, portfolios, media kits, books and other printed items in a crate in your trunk. Take advantage of publicity Publicity is still one of the best ways to build your credibility and expand your brand’s message. Best yet, it’s free. The best way to get publicity is to tie your brand message with current news and trends. Using a service like Help a Reporter Out or the Reporter Connection allows you to pitch ideas media sources are looking for. Network Long before Facebook and LinkedIn, in-person networking events allowed business owners to connect, network and make referrals. These events still occur, but they aren’t the only source of making professional connections. Seminars, conferences and meetings offer networking opportunities as well. Share your expertise Speaking ranks high on the list of most feared and stressful activities, but it’s extremely effective at showing off your expertise, building credibility and gaining clients or customers. It can become another income source, as well. Adult education programs, industry and trade associations, and civic groups have a need for speakers. Successful businesses strive to reach their market wherever it might be. Focusing on Internet marketing strategies alone can cause you to miss segments of your market. Looking to put together and keeping a stash of business cards doesn’t take much time or effort. Reaching out to your marketing through PR, networking and speaking increases your credibility and expands your brand. Author: Leslie Truex  is a career design expert who has been helping people find or create work that fits their lifestyle goals since 1998 through her  website Work-At-Home Success. She is the author of “The Work-At-Home Success Bible” and “Jobs Online: How To Find a Get Hired to a Work-At-Home Job”. She speaks regularly on career-related topics including telecommuting and home business.

What to Consider When Writing the Personal Statement For a Resume

What to Consider When Writing the Personal Statement For a ResumeWhen writing the personal statement for a prospective new employee, it is important to keep in mind that some aspects of the resume may be slightly different from other. There are some very specific things to consider when writing the personal statement for a Resume.It is very important to think about what the requirements are of the position that you are trying to fill when creating the personal statement for a prospective employee. This may include knowing the age of the employee as well as the particular career the person is seeking. While you may want to mention certain experiences or accomplishments that may be relevant to the job, it is often very beneficial to keep it simple and focus on the most basic requirements.Another important thing to consider when writing the personal statement for a prospective employee is where your focus should be. Most often you will not want to include information that might be deeme d negative. Instead, you will want to simply focus on the most positive aspect of the individual, what skills and traits they bring to the table. Remember, the employee that is hired will be the face of your company and any negative aspects of the individual's personality or past can be an embarrassment to your company.The last important thing to consider when writing the personal statement for a prospective employee is to make sure you have a clear-cut list of requirements for the employee. Once you begin the process of writing this statement, it is important to stay within the boundaries of what is allowed. Having a list will help ensure that the employee is not using these requirements as a bargaining chip. A list of requirements helps keep the process simple.The use of the term 'job interview' will come up a lot when discussing the use of the personal statement for a Resume. This may seem like an odd phrase to use when it comes to writing a resume, but it really is a very import ant element to remember. In order to hire someone, you are going to need to make sure that you go through the steps necessary to determine if they are actually the person that you are looking for.Some of the most important things to consider when writing the personal statement for a prospective employee are their educational history, previous employment and background. These are the most common things that show up on a resume. They are the easiest to find and are generally the same information that can be found on an application.When writing the personal statement for a prospective employee, you need to remember that the best way to find out about the applicant is not necessarily through their resume. Instead, it is often best to take the time to get to know the individual as well as possible. You can do this by making sure they attend a business-related event and perhaps even attend church with you.These are some of the most important things to consider when writing the personal st atement for a Resume. Keep in mind that no matter how easy it may seem to write, it will still require effort and that it is a skill that must be developed over time. As you become more comfortable with this process, it is likely that you will not have to come back to this piece of writing again.

When University isnt for you, what are your options - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

When University isn’t for you, what are your options It isn’t uncommon to find yourself at the end of your first year of University questioning whether you made the right decision to continue studying into higher education. With more people choosing to go to University than ever before, the number of graduate scheme applications has increased, reducing the probability of success for a number of employable individuals. With this in mind, not continuing with your degree can feel like you’re setting yourself back and letting yourself down, however, this is far from the truth. There are a variety of professions that you can enter without a degree and degree attainment on its own no longer guarantees success. The average salary in the UK is £27,000. We have collated a list of jobs that you don’t need a degree to do, and that pay more than the national average. No matter what your reasons are for not continuing with your degree, the fact is that it isn’t the right choice for everyone. So, we have featured below a few jobs for you to consider which may help you on your way to achieving career success without higher education. Public Relations Working in the industry of Public Relations demands that you use your initiative and authority to find opportunities which will aid your campaigns and benefit your clients. Being a team player is a must, as is the knowledge of the various methods to leverage your projects so that they gain success. The salary that you can expect will depend on your ability, skills and experience but you may be able to find roles that will pay more than £100,000 for your efforts. Air Traffic Controller You don’t need a degree to be an Air Traffic Controller, however, you will need other training. National Air Traffic Services provide courses, and you can expect up to five months of training, plus up to four years of on the job training, before you are fully qualified. An understanding of maths, in addition to good reflexes, are essential qualities to have in this role. This is a job that is vital to keeping our transport networks running smoothly, and the importance of the job is reflected in the average salary, which can start from around £80,000. Digital Marketing The internet age has brought with it an abundance of jobs, including Search Engine Optimisation role and Pay Per Click work. You could also work in the field of email marketing, which targets people based on their preferences, in an attempt to encourage them to purchase from specific stores, or visit those websites. Experience for this field is crucial to progress up the ladder, but you can expect to earn more than £30,000 if you have the sharp and agile mind required for this role. Recruitment Consultant   With more and more jobs appearing on the market every day, it’s important that there are individuals who have the ability to organise and interpret these positions to people who would best suit them. It is estimated that the recruitment industry is worth £30 billion, and this is only likely to increase. Sales skills are a must for this role, along with a good attitude when dealing with customers. You may be required to work with a whole range of roles, from sourcing educational professionals from overseas to finding tradespeople for a certain project. If you have extensive knowledge about a specific career niche then you may be able to specialise in that area of recruitment. £38,000 is what you can expect to start with, with commission usually on top of that. Police Constable Being a Police Officer means that you will be one of the most valued and respected people in your local community, and with the role comes a huge responsibility to help people and keep the peace. If you enjoy listening to people, and are good at judging situations and acting upon instinct quickly and calmly, then a career in the police force might be perfect for you. Working up the ranks could allow you to earn more than £41,000. Beautician If you think that you can’t earn money from your hobby and passion for make-up, then think again. Careers in the beauty industry are becoming more prevalent than ever, and the availability of stronger advertising via a variety of social media channels has helped to propel this. By building up a portfolio and undergoing relevant training either at a college or on the job at your local salon, you can use your drive and love of beauty to create a career that you will excel in. You could earn more than £30,000 by opening your own salon, or setting up a freelance business. Hairdresser Hairdressers are often sought-after because their skills are always needed and they attain the ability to make others look and feel good. There is an opportunity to develop skills in the industry to make you an even more desirable candidate. A senior stylist could earn more than £30,000, and if you choose to open your own salon or find work in the media industry, such as on TV and film sets, your earning potential is higher. You may need to build up your earnings slowly, but the potential is definitely there â€" and there is no degree needed. Journalist In a world of non-stop media, there are more opportunities for journalists than ever before â€" not only in newspapers but also on the television and radio. You will need an NCTJ approved qualification, but if you have good reporting skills, along with a key knowledge of the area you’d like to write about, then you’re already half way there. Add to that a drive to succeed, a proactive nature and a hunger for a story and you may well be on your way to becoming a top journalist â€" who can expect to earn at least £38,000.   Can’t make your mind up? If you’re still not sure about the career that you would like to pursue, then don’t worry. There is something to suit everybody, even if you may not have found it in the list above. Instead, consider the following tips, which will help you in your search: What are you interested in? What skills do you have? No matter what hobbies you enjoy, you will always be developing skills that can be transferred into the workplace, and you should never overlook these. When you have identified your key skills, research, and see the kinds of jobs that people with your skills are able to do. Also, see how much you might be able to earn, and the training that you would need to undertake to actually get the job. Remember that no matter which path you go down, it’s never too late to change your mind and take an entirely different path. No decision is final, and it may take the  time to finally find the job that is perfect for you as an individual. To get a basic idea of what’s available for people with your interests and skills, a careers test could be a good option. To start your research, the National Careers Service is a great website to use. Here, you can get CV and interview advice, and look at lots of different career profiles. Once you’ve found the right career, it could change your life â€" so the decision shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time to consider your options, and you will find that the outcome of your deliberations will bring you great rewards in the future.

Time And Effort Saving Hacks For Nurses To Make Those 14 Hour Shifts Easier

Time And Effort Saving Hacks For Nurses To Make Those 14 Hour Shifts Easier There are few more noble professions than nursing. Nurses not only help to heal the sick, they do so while ensuring they are treated with respect, dignity and compassion. If you’ve changed your career recently to walk this valiant path or even if you’ve always yearned for a career dedicated to helping your fellow man, the frantic pace of day to day life on the ward can be daunting to neophytes. Everything happens at such a rattling pace and your attention is split in so many different directions at the same time it can feel as though you’ve been thrown overboard into a chaotic sea of stress and confusion. But while the work may be hard, it is also extraordinarily rewarding. While veteran nurses all have their own systems for coping with the enormous demands placed upon their time and maintaining their energy and mental acuity even after a long and arduous shift, it can all seem a little bit much for those still early in their careers. In a chaotic sea, new nurses need to cling to whatever flotsam and jetsam they can find. This often presents itself as a series of hacks, shortcuts and quick fixes which are inevitably picked up along the road. But why wait until your veteran years for tricks that you can learn today. Here are a select handful of helpful hacks which will not only make a rigorous and demanding job a little easier, they’ll make you better positioned to give your patients what they deserve… The best possible care that you can give them. Invest in the right scrubs While popular culture may declare a fondness for the pristine white lines of the traditional nurse’s uniform it’s fair to say that while these might have looked good on camera, they’ve never been all that practical or functional. Thus, the traditional uniform has for quite some time given way to the more functional scrubs. While these certainly make life a little easier, they are for from infallible and they’re certainly not all created equal. Some hospitals allow nurses to check their scrubs out. Others insist that healthcare professionals buy their own. Whichever system your hospital operates, it’s a good idea to invest in some next generation scrubs from https://www.medcouturescrubshop.com/. Let’s face it, if you’re going to be on your feet for 12-14 hours at a time you need to not only stay comfortable, you need to be able to move freely. The next generation of scrubs from Med Couture are made from a combination of polyester and spandex designed to move with you as you stretch and bend in various different directions throughout the course of your duties. Put “helicopter families” to good use It’s not easy watching someone you love in hospital. Naturally every patient has a family that worries about them, and wants them to know that they can count on their love and support while they convalesce. Nonetheless, it can be a little frustrating when you have duties to attend to while the family are present. Family can get in your way or just sit awkwardly watching you do your thing. Help to alleviate some of this tension by recruiting them to help. Give them something to keep hold of (even if it’s just the patient’s hand) or ask them to help keep a needle phobic patient calm and stable while you take a blood sample. Put to good use, a helicopter family can be a valuable ally in your quest to deliver great care. Keeping yourself clean during a “code brown” While a “code brown” is arguably the least enviable aspect of a nurse’s life it is nonetheless inevitable. Thus, it’s vital that you learn to do it efficiently and with a minimum of exposure to yucky stuff. A useful technique is to triple glove your hands. Clean every trace of fecal matter from the patient and then remove the first set of gloves. Then, when you have carried out waste disposal duties and made the bed, remove the second pair. This not only limits your exposure and protects the hands it also prevents the spread of harmful bacteria. If a patient has had a BM before you’ve been able to get to them and solid matter is matter in their body hair, an old but effective trick is to lather the soiled area in shaving foam and wipe it off with a wet face cloth. If the smell is particularly pungent use the old nursing trick known as the toothpaste sandwich. Smoosh a layer of toothpaste between two surgical masks and you’ll enjoy minty freshness no matter what.   In situations like this, empathy with the patient is particularly important. It’s likely way more uncomfortable for them as it is for you, so the more casual you can be about it the better. It is, after all, just another day at the office for you. Use climate control to keep wandering elderly patients where they are When you work with elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, you quickly get used to their erratic and unpredictable behavior. But you never quite get used to their ability to get out of bed and wander down the hall with almost superhuman speed and guile. Wandering is a common behavior for dementia sufferers but it’s one that puts significant stress on loved ones and nursing staff. Rather than spend time you don’t have chasing after them, some nurses use climate control to their advantage. Turn the heating down while they’re nice and warm and cosy in bed and they’ll be far less likely to go on on any adventures. They may even get some much needed sleep. And finally… Take the “Oy Vey” out of IV Throughout the course of their career a nurse will carry out many, many IV insertions. Of all of them, maybe a handful will go smoothly. Yet there are a few ways in which you can make sure that they go just right every time. Place a warm washcloth over the site. This will help blood vessels to dilate and allow you to find a good vein. If you’re still struggling to find one you may find that going by feel is more effective than going by sight. Check out this guide for hassle free IV insertions. Like any skill in nursing it takes a combination of practice, confidence and experience.