What to Include in a CV 6 Must-Have Sections to Put on a CV in 2020

What to Include in a CV 6 Must-Have Sections to Put on a CV in 2020 Writing a CV in 2020 is hardWhat to include? What to leave off? What sections do employers expect to see? In what order?To land the job youll need to go the extra mile to stand out from 250 other candidates. Butyou also need to play by some standard CV writing rules.And you came to the right place to learn how to do both on your Curriculum Vitae.This guide will show you:What sections to include in a CV in 2020 and what order to follow.What information exactly to put in each CV section.Tips on achievements and keywords to use on a CV and land more job interviews.Things to leave off your CV so you dont bomb your own job search efforts.Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample resume made with our builderSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nic e template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowThe purpose of this article is to provide you with a handy checklist of sections, good keywords, and other items to put on a CV. If youre more interested in how to write each CV section, see: How to Write a CV for a Job: Examples and Writing GuideAlso, note that this guide covers what to write on a CV youd use to apply for jobs in UK and other European countries. If you want to learn about what to put on an American academic CV, switch over to: Academic Curriculum Vitae: Template and SamplesUnsure what the difference is? Go here: The Difference Between a CV and a Resume Explained (Definitions and Samples)List of Must-Have (and Nice-to-Have) CV Sections in 2020A standard CV written in accordance with the modern-day hiring standards has to include the following sections:5 Sections to Include in Every CVContact informationPersonal Statement (Personal Profile)Work ExperienceE ducationSkillsThese are the basics. However if you want to outperform other candidates, your CV will benefit from some extra sections. If you can showcase any of the following, make sure to include them:Good Additional Sections for a CVProfessional CertificationsProfessional AssociationsLanguagesAdditional Training and CoursesConference ParticipationPublicationsAwardsBlogging and InfluencingVolunteer ExperienceTwo CV sections that seem to confuse candidates most are: Hobbies and Interests and References.Heres all you should know about these two potentially tricky parts of your CV:Should You Include Hobbies and Interests in a CV?If youre writing a CV with more than a year of professional experience under your belt, the hobbies section is redundant. On entry-level CVs, the hobbies section is more acceptable. When written well, it can suggest you are a good cultural fit for the company. What you dont want to do, though, is put a CV section with generic hobbies.Long story short:Reading, Sports, Films, is a no-no.Harlem Renaissance Poetry, Vittorio De Sicas Films, Table Tennisthats more like it.To learn more, see: Hobbies and Interests for a CV/Resume: Good and Bad ExamplesShould You Put References on a CV?Unless explicitly asked for in the job ad, dont list references on your CV. Optionally, you can add a References Available Upon Request clause at the bottom.Learn more: How and When to Put References on a Resume or CVWell break down what information exactly you should include in every CV section, but before we get to that, consider one thingThe order of sections and the structure of your CV will depend on the stage of your career youre currently at.And it matters a lot.In a recent reed survey, over half of recruiters selected a logical order for presentation as the most important thing to consider on a CV.And heres the order of CV sections you should follow to create a professional CV in three different scenarios:Order of Sections for a Standard CVContact informa tionPersonal Statement (Personal Profile)Work ExperienceAssociations and Certifications (Optional)EducationSkillsExtra SectionsOrder of Sections for a CV with Little or No ExperienceContact InformationPersonal Statement (Career Objective)EducationWork Experience (Including Internship and Volunteer Experience)SkillsExtra SectionsOrder of Sections for a Career-Change CVContact InformationPersonal StatementRelevant ExperienceAdditional Experience (Optional)EducationSkillsExtra SectionsAll of the above is applicable to traditional, reverse-chronological CVs only. If you choose to write a skills-based CV, youll need a slightly different section setup. You can learn all about it here: Skills Based CV: When and How to Write It (Examples)Now, lets quickly go through what to include in every section of a good CV.1Contact InformationIn the contact information section, at the very top of your CV, include:Your full nameYour job titlePhone numberPersonal email addressLinkedIn profile(Optionally) Professional website(Optionally) Other social media handles.Do not include:Physical addressDate of birthYour work email address or any other current business-contact infoYour photo (unless asked for in the job ad)Irrelevant social media URLs.As for the last point, dont get me wrongIf you use Twitter to exclusively discuss things related to your industry, its okay to include the handle. But if you only retweet football talk or post Cool People Dont Date Tottenham Fans (they dont) memes, leave it off.Also, make sure your email address is elegant. If you still use that CuteChickAngela@hotmail.com email you thought funny in high school, get a new one.See examples and get more information here: Contact Information Section for a Modern-Day CV or Resume2CV Personal Statement/ProfileA CV personal statement (also called a CV personal profile or a CV profile) is a short, 2- to 4-sentence paragraph at the top of your CV. Its purpose is to give a synopsis of your career, list your top skills a nd achievements and show what you can do for your future employer.Heres what to include in a CV personal statement:Who you are23 skills23 achievementsThe name of your target companyWhat you hope to do for your new employer.And heres what to leave off:Salary requirementsReasons for leaving your past companyAn explanation of why you want the jobAn old-school CV objective a.k.a. What I want out of the job.See this example for reference:CV Personal Statement SampleInquisitive computer science specialist with 8+ years of experience. Looking to leverage strong programming skills as a developer for Acme. Led a team of 11 coders at Halcyon-Berth Systems. Delivered projects an average of 10% before deadline, with 15% less errors than other teams. Trained 25 programmers in cloud computing skills.Or learn how to craft an outstanding CV personal statement from our handy guide: CV Personal Statement/CV Profile: Samples and Writing Guide3Work ExperienceArguably, the most crucial section of your w hole job application. According to a Jobvite report, 67% of recruiters consider relevant work experience the most important thing they look for on a CV.In the CV work experience section, include up to 15 years of relevant job experience. List jobs in reverse-chronological order. In each entry, include:Position nameCompanyDates workedUp to 6 bullet points outlining your achievements and responsibilitiesNumbers and metrics to back up your achievements(Optionally) A key achievement subsection at the bottom.Do not include:Short-term employment (unless you have less than 2 years of experience in total)Present tense for a past jobExplanation of employment gaps of time-offTables, images or charts.CV Work Experience Section ExampleJava ProgrammerBlack Knight Financial Services, Glasgow, Scotland20102019Designed and developed up to 10 applications projects per year.Designed project requirements in cooperation with data analysis teams.Participated in project meetings, with technical staff mem bers, business analysts, and external stakeholders.Trained and mentored over 15 junior programmers and developers.Key achievement: Developed a test automation tool that reduced testing time by 55%.Find out how to max out your work history section to impress every recruiter: How to Describe Work History on a CV/Resume to Land More Jobs4EducationWhat you need to put on a CV in this section depend on your experience.If you have more than 2 years of relevant job experience, in your education section, include all postsecondary degrees. Enter:Graduation dateYour degreeThe name of the institution.And nothing else.Like in this example:2015 M.A. in Comparative LiteratureKings College, London2014 B.A. in FrenchUniversity of SouthamptonFor entry-level CVs with little work history, place your education section above your work experience. You can add:Your honoursYour dissertation titleRelevant courseworkYour best achievementsExtracurricular academic activities.Like this:2018 B.A. in PsychologySt irling University1:1Relevant Coursework:Business Communication, Social Psychology, English Language Studies, Grammar and EditingExtracurricular Activities:Captain of the Rugby TeamTo find out more about putting education on a CV, see: Education Section for a CV/Resume: Best Tips5SkillsAnd now for the final mandatory section of a CV: skills.Heres what to list:48 skills relevant to the jobSoft skills and job-specific hard skillsIndication of your proficiency level (Basic, Advanced, Expert)(Optionally) Examples of how you used your abilities.And heres what best to keep to yourself:Skills unrelated to the positionLengthy, unspecific descriptions.Imagine the job description requires skills in: SEO, CRO, Data Analysis.See this sample skills list:SEOExpert(grew organic traffic by 78% in 12 months)CRO and A/B TestingAdvanced(optimized sign-up rates by 37%)HubSpot, Kissmetrics, Google AnalyticsAdvancedGood skills to include on a CV vary most across positions, industries, and individual sets of qualities. Theres no one-size-fits-all formula.Thats why why have over 10 dedicated guides on various skills sets and how to use them in your job search. Give them a read if you want to learn more about particular skills:Soft Skills Hard Skills Employers Look for (+Lists)Computer Skills for a CV/ResumeCommunication Skills for a CV/ResumeCreative Thinking Skills: Definition, Examples, and How to Boost CreativityCritical Thinking Skills: Definition, Examples, and How to Improve ThemDecision-Making Skills for a CV/ResumeManagement Skills List + Surprising Expert Advice for Your Job SearchMarketing Skills for a CV/ResumeProject Management Skills for a CV/ResumeTechnical Skills for a CV/ResumeTime Management Skills for a CV/ResumeNow you know everything about what items to include in each of the standard CV sections. But theres a bit more to a well-crafted CV.6A Few More Good Things to Put on a Job-Winning CVHere are a few extra ideas for what to put on a run-of-the-mill CV to turn i t into a fab one.CV power wordsAlso known as CV action words or action verbs. These are the words you use to introduce your achievements, instead of just listing responsibilities.With CV action words:Responsible for becomes Improved...Worked with becomes Collaborated on a team that...In Charge Of becomes Directed 20 employees toHere are some sample action words to put on a CV:AccomplishedAdvancedBoostedCompletedCreatedDeliveredEnhancedExpeditedImprovedLiftedManagedMaximizedProducedStimulatedFor 226 more, see: 240 Most Powerful Action Words for a CV/ResumeGood CV fontsUse standard, elegant, and legible fonts such as Calibri, Cambria, Open Sans, Helvetica, Georgia, or Bookman Old Style.Dont pick outdated fonts such as Times New Roman. Dont ever think of using a fancy curly-tailed font. Instead of adding a touch of class it will make your CV a nightmare to read.See more: The Best CV Fonts in 2020Keywords from the job descriptionSending one generic CV to all prospective employers wont d o. Especially in the era of Applicant Tracking Software, you need to tailor each curriculum vitae you send to match the job on offer.Read the description of the position carefully. Jot down all important responsibilities and required skills. Then, use those keywords on your CV.Heres how to do it to pain-free: How to Tailor Your CV to Match the Job AdGood CV LayoutThat means:Lots of white spaceUniform formattingBig section headingsAnd, for the final wordWhats the one thing you should never, EVER include on a CV?Lies.You might feel tempted to exaggerate the importance of your past positions. Embellish your achievements. Overestimate your language skills. All that just to get a shot at the interview which otherwise seems impossible to get.Dont.First of allrecruiters are trained to spot liars. And once they find out you lied, there will be no second chance.And, perhaps paradoxicallyEmployers are much more forgiving than youd think. A recent survey found that 42% of employers would consi der a candidate who met only 60 percent of key qualifications for a specific role.Unconvinced? See: Can You Lie on a Resume and Why You CannotKey TakeawayHeres what to include in a CV:Every CV should include the following sections: Contact Information, CV Profile, Work Experience, Education, Skills.Good additional sections to put on a CV are: Certifications, Associations, Languages, Extra Training and Courses, Conferences, Publications, or Awards.Things not ever to include in a CV are: date of birth, photo, salary requirements, irrelevant social media links, more than 15 years of work experience, tables, images and, obviously, lies.If you have any questions or need further assistance about what to include in a CV and what to leave off, drop me a line in the comments and Ill do my best to straighten out your queries. Thanks for reading!

All Recruiters are Paranoid - If You Arent, You SHOULD Be!

All Recruiters are Paranoid - If You Arent, You SHOULD Be! Paranoid? Who, me?!! Who said that?!! During a recent dialogue with a fellow recruiter (whom I am representing for a new role) who was awaiting feedback from a client, the call from the decision maker didn’t come instantly and as the minutes and hours ticked by, the candidate started texting me from work saying “Is it bad news? Tell me the truth”. Now I knew that my client, who is a Director in a £multi-million business, was heading into meetings with his team so that was the reason for the delay and although I attempted to appease said candidate, the fact is that they remained paranoid  â€œno news meant bad news” (that’s not a new saying). I state this now: I am not criticising that candidate at all. What I am asking is: Are all recruiters born or made into paranoid people (as I know that I am paranoid, as is my colleague!)? You know, you wait for the phone call from the candidate at the final interview stage. You don’t hear anything, so you assume the worst that the interview went so badly they have gone straight to the pub to drown their sorrows, not that the interview has gone so well that the new team have taken them for a drink to get to know them! Oh no, we never get paranoid about positive thingsfalse hopesno way! I find it tricky when D Day comes and the candidate has to resign you have talked through the possibilities(the dreaded counter offer, the threat of non compete clauses) and, of course, 9 times out of 10 a resignation goes fine as you have managed the process effectively (we are control freaks after all as per my last blog!) However, paranoid recruiter that I am, I assume the worst for the couple of hours whilst they are committing the deed I am definitely a paranoid recruiter. My colleague is, without a doubt, a paranoid recruiter and yet, funnily enough, when she calls me about something that’s making her paranoid, as the objective party, I can relay to her why something is occurring (or not) and quickly quash her fears usually, Im right. It works in vica versa too she often calms me down when I am in über paranoid recruiter mode (which is a frequent event we are in R2R after all!) So now I ask you: if you aren’t a paranoid recruiter, should you be? I think that, by being paranoid, what it effectively does from a psychology perspective is make you think out all of the consequences before they have happened, so that you can manage the expectations of all parties (and your own). It gives you a better objectivity, as it means you are one step ahead looking back thinking: “Have I covered that issue/matter? If I don’t what could happen?” I think by being paranoid about anything in life it means you actually CARE about what is happening and, as a consequence, you can’t bear the thought of your candidate not getting their dream role. Equally, maybe after 15 years in recruitment, I just don’t want to build my hopes up (or bury my head in the sand.) So, by focusing on what could go WRONG instead of RIGHT it feels like every placement is a bonus? So are you a paranoid recruiter? If you are, is it something you are aware of and if so, do you try and change that about yourself? If you are not a paranoid recruiter, how have you coped emotionally with failure?! I would love to hear from fellow paranoid people (especially recruiters!) to prove my theory that paranoia creates a much more efficient and thorough recruiter! RELATED: All Recruiters are Control Freaks!

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese What To Do When You Lose a Job

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese What To Do When You Lose a Job Many of us prepare for natural disasters by keeping things on hand such as candles, flashlights, some bottled water and maybe a couple of cans of tuna fish. Anyone who has been without these items during a blackout quickly learns the error of not making at least some effort at preparation.Then why dont more of us prepare for one of the most disastrous times that can hit a person? Im talking specifically about the loss of a job.When were laid off or fired, we often react only with our emotions, calling our moms to cry or complaining bitterly to our best friend while downing several martinis. And thats about it. Maybe in a few days we get our resume together and search a couple of the big online job boards to check out the available positions. If were feeling particularly ambitious, maybe we send out some resumes to local companies. And then we turn on Judge Judy and settle in on the couch to wait. And wait some more.But as the weeks and months go by with nary a job in sight, we begin to feel more panicked. We look back with some regret that we didnt do more to prepare for this moment. But what, exactly, should we have done?We should have been prepared. Just like stocking the water bottles and the candles, we need to realize that when a job disaster strikes, we need a kit that contains: A current resume that has been proofed carefully and can be altered for specific employers. A current list of references, who you have been keeping in contact with to let them know your latest skills and abilities. When you lose your job, notify them immediately so that theyll be prepped to receive calls about you, and to also let them know youre looking for a work. Up-to-date phone numbers and e-mails of anyone youve worked with such as customers, vendors, co-workers and bosses. (If youve not kept these relationships alive, theyre going to do you about as much good as spoiled food during a power outage.) The confidence to let everyone know youre looking for a job. Tell your kids soccer coach, the guy working next to you at the community garden or the woman sitting by you on an airplane that youre looking for work. One of my friends sought a job for months before he finally mentioned it to the friend of a friend at dinner one night. That person had gotten him an interview with an employer within two days and my friend got the new job within the week. Memberships in professional associations. If you dont have at least a couple, you can still get them after disaster strikes. These memberships often have job boards, and getting to know others in your field will be invaluable in getting the jump on jobs that are about to open up, or are currently unadvertised. Activity in an alumni group. Attending the same school inspires a lot of loyalty, and alumnis often reach out to one another in the professional arena. Alumni groups also often offer job and career resources, and have vast networks that can really help your search. A support system. Having mentors in plac e will not only help you professionally, but personally. Look for people who are good listeners, self starters, have made positive decisions in their lives and are committed to helping others.Of course, the key to this disaster kit is that you dont wait until the lights have gone out before you start putting it together. Planning for it now will mean you give it careful thought and ensure it will be the most useful to you in your moment of need. The great thing is that by keeping it fresh and updated, you benefit your career now and in the future.

8 Ways to Choose The Best Travel Accommodations For You - Classy Career Girl

8 Ways to Choose The Best Travel Accommodations For You Traveling, especially abroad, is an awesome experience. But how do you choose the perfect accommodations? There are a lot of things to take into consideration, and it takes a lot of research and time to actually come up with a decision. We’ve made it easier for you with these 8 tips. 8 Ways to Choose The Best Travel Accommodations For You 1. Pick the Right Location Location is an important consideration for an enjoyable stay. Depending on your purpose, the location can make or break your whole travel experience. If you’re traveling for business, choose an area where you can conveniently conduct your work. Consider the length of the commute and accessibility of the meeting place, office, and so on. If your main purpose is to sightsee, a centrally located accommodation is ideal. On the other hand, if you want a place that is less busy and noisy, look for a place that’s a little more remote or in a rural area. 2. Check the Rating and Price The star rating and price of your travel accommodations are decisive factors. Although they’re not the only factors in determining whether a place is right for you, it’s wise to consider them as they significantly affect your budget and purpose. Go for the rating that fits your needs. If you’re traveling with your partner or want something luxurious, consider accommodations with a high rating. If you’re saving and traveling for a few days, it would be impractical to spend a lot of money on a five-star hotel. You might also want to look into budget hotels and accommodations. You can opt for cheap travel accommodations without sacrificing comfort.   3. Consider Apartment or Condo Rentals What’s great about apartment and condo rentals is they usually have the comfort and convenience of a hotel accommodation without the hefty price tag. They are also more comfortable and cozy because it’s like having your own home away from home. There are plenty of unique and value-for-money options. This type of accommodation are usually located in central districts and allows travelers to enjoy furnished spaces that often has more amenities than hotels. They’re great if you’re staying for a week or more in one area. It is the perfect choice for those who want all the comforts of a home or an expensive hotel without spending a fortune.   4. Weigh the Food Options Food is an important consideration because it’s practical and essential. In fact, some people are motivated to travel just for the gastronomic offerings of a place. When choosing the right accommodation, check the meals they serve. Is free breakfast part of the deal? Does the buffet offer a nice selection? Evaluating the meal options is also crucial if you have a dietary preference or have food allergies. Food is an important factor to consider when budgeting. For example, you might stay in a charming budget hotel in London without a restaurant, but it would mean that you have to eat out in one of the world’s priciest cities. [RELATED: 5 Solo Female Travel Ideas] 5. Is it Family-Friendly? When traveling with family, you have to manage the needs and comfort of everyone. If your small children are traveling with you, make sure that you choose a hotel that can accommodate them. Research the basics, such as cribs, hypoallergenic beddings, and play area. Also, check what’s on offer to families such as discounted kid’s meals, babysitting, and medical services. Remember that evaluating the family-friendliness of a place is not exclusive to families, they apply to everyone. If you want a quiet time away from kids, you should check if the hotel appeals to families or if it’s generally adults who stay there. Some people want a place where there are fewer kids running around. Look for features like pools and nurseries and you will have an idea if families frequently stay in that place.   6. Watch for Extra Fees Never assume that all fees are included in the room rate. A lot of accommodations have their share of unreasonable fees, such as exorbitant taxes and expensive telephone charges. You would think that with all the competition hotels have held back on charging hidden fees. It’s quite the opposite: the industry seems to have upped the ante. So it’s important that you do your research. What are some of the common fees to look out for? These include airport shuttle fees, staff gratuities, and Internet connection. It’s smart to ask for a breakdown of all the fees. Ask ahead of time. Sure, you can find information online, but sometimes it’s best to contact the place before booking.   7. Assess the On-Site Amenities Who doesn’t want a comfortable stay? Definitely check into the amenities of where youre staying. A lot of travelers today want modern conveniences such as a spa, fitness center, and bathtub, Wi-Fi. Over the years, a lot of places have become sophisticated in raising the bar in providing the best experience for their guests. Again, it depends on your requirements. Some want a hotel restaurant while others are fine without it. It’s important to note that in this day and age, it’s not only hotels that can offer the best amenities. World-class condos for rent can offer the same comforts, if not better. The key is to assess the amenities based on your needs and preference. 8. Consult Online Reviews Consult online reviews in choosing the perfect accommodation. There are plenty of independent websites dedicated for this purpose. There are lots of recent reviews that can give you an idea of what to expect. Avoid the reviews posted on the hotel’s website. However, make sure to consider the reviews with a pinch of salt and look into the specifics of the review. For example, if you don’t plan to eat at the hotel’s restaurant, then don’t immediately dismiss the hotel because the food isn’t great. What people look for in the perfect accommodations may not be exactly the same. Use these guidelines to help you find the best one based on your budget, needs, and preferences. Choosing the perfect accommodations may be daunting, but with these smart tips should you be able to find it.

How The Dars Resume Writing Software Can Help

How The Dars Resume Writing Software Can HelpThe use of Dars resume writing software can be a very effective tool for many employers, in this economy. Many companies are looking for new and innovative ways to streamline their hiring process. The Dars software package has been designed for employers to save time, to simplify the paperwork, and to help the employer to make the right hire.With the Dars software, employers can now keep track of everything related to their current applicants. As an applicant, you will not have to remember any important information. The applicant can complete applications at his or her own pace, as well as with the Dars software system, the supervisor, recruiters, and recruiters will have access to all applicant information from all sources, and it can be monitored from anywhere, at any time.When a hiring manager comes across a potential applicant that they may be interested in, they will not need to call the applicant to follow up. The applicant's Dars so ftware record is kept for tracking purposes. When the manager chooses to interview the applicant, all of the software related information, including the applicant's resume, will be available to the prospective employer, and the interview will begin and be completed at the same time.Some applicants may be apprehensive about using the software program because they believe it is only for the tech-savvy or the software specialists. In reality, the Dars software package can be used by a normal employee as well, no matter what their experience level. The basic software package is provided free to a small number of people, and an additional software upgrade package can be purchased to enable the user to build upon what they have already done.One of the reasons for employing a software program to assist with resumes is that it enables an applicant to finish the resume quickly and without errors. A recruiter can then go through the resume with the potential employee and find out if he or she is interested in working for the company. If the employee is not interested, there is little chance that the applicant will be contacted for an interview.A recruiter will be able to search online for qualified applicants. Once they have found an appropriate applicant, they will then ask for a detailed personal resume that is prepared by the applicant. It will be reviewed thoroughly, and then any information that is needed for the job opening will be sent to the employer.When an employer finds that an applicant is qualified, they will then contact the applicant. The applicant can also be contacted, and have questions answered. The software makes it easy for the employees to communicate with the managers and supervisors.Finally, the software can be used by the human resource department to contact an applicant when changes in circumstances may require a change in employment. The software can be used to monitor a job posting, and if the software discovers that the posting was outdated, the new posting can be posted immediately. This helps to avoid the repetition of the same jobs and help the human resource department to stay on top of hiring decisions.

5 Ways to Combat Stress in the Workplace

5 Ways to Combat Stress in the Workplace We all know that work can be stressful at times. And stress at work comes from so many sources: leadership change, economic shifts, sometimes morale just feels low. I asked Jennifer Moss, cofounder of Plasticity Labs and author of Unlocking Happiness at Work, for advice and she shared five tactics to combat stress in the workplace. 1. Kick-off a gratitude project. You may wonder how your colleagues would react to this idea but trust me â€" it will work. Research proves that a few weeks’ of focus on workplace gratitude will improve the sense of community amongst peers by nearly 40%. Start by picking up sticky notes and markers, set up a whiteboard or a space on the wall and get posting. Challenge your staff to 30 days of gratitude focusing on “what made work great today.” 2. Practice positive gossip. What is positive gossip? Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s exactly as it sounds. Start talking behind your coworkers back. One caveat, don’t complain. Instead, share the best of what your coworkers are up to. Don’t make your coworkers amazing accomplishments the world’s best-kept secrets. Make sure you give these unsung office heroes the credit they deserve. As they say, “What goes around comes around!” 3. Look up and get out. One of the best ways to shake off a bad mood is to be of service to others. Ask your boss if you can organize a volunteer day or half-day with your coworkers. Or arrange to kick-off a fundraising program like an eco-club or a food drive. Sometimes we just need to look up and see outside of our own personal stresses. One act of kindness towards another will increase your happiness 3X more than if you did something for yourself. And, volunteering as a team creates a healthy bond with others and a positive workplace culture. 4. Get moving. When we experience workplace anxiety, our bodies will overproduce cortisol, an unhealthy stress hormone. Increased cortisol can increase weight gain, negatively impact sleep, and it can even increase risk of stroke and heart disease. Increasing endorphins is the best defense and exercise can help. We often hear that time, or lack thereof, is the biggest barrier to prioritizing exercise. But, what if I told you there was a solution to that? Start by taking three meetings a week while walking and talking. Whether on a call, or with a colleague, take your meetings on the run. Research proves that moving while you meet increases your heart rate, delivers more oxygen to the brain, and subsequently, gives you better access to the creative center of your brain. 5. Breathe. No one wants to be told, “just breathe” when they’re going through a stressful time at work and in life. However, hear me out. By taking only five minutes (yes, just five minutes) every day to practice mindful breathing, you’ll enhance memory, concentration, performance, emotional regulation, and sleep. This is one of the simplest ways to combat stress and the benefits are immediate. All you need is five minutes, a quiet space, and an open mind. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class now and get the most comprehensive job search system available!

Leaders must address emotions in the workplace - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Leaders must address emotions in the workplace - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog My friend Michael Stallard has written an article together with Howard Behar, the former president of Starbucks. Their premise is this: American leaders need to wake up and smell the coffee. Research from two well-respected organizations makes it clear that we have a big collective blind spot that?s dragging down productivity, innovation and economic performance. So whats wrong? Its simple: Gradually over time, America has become overly obsessed about managing tasks. In our quest to produce results, we have lost sight of the importance of engaging people. As human beings we have emotions. We have hopes and dreams. We have a conscience. We want to be respected, to be recognized for our talents, to belong, to have autonomy or control over our work and our lives, to experience personal growth, and to do work that we believe is worthwhile and in a way that we feel is ethical. It?s how we are wired. We need to recognize that emotions have a disproportionate effect when it comes to inspiring people or burning them out. An earlier Corporate Executive Board research report showed that emotional factors were four times more effective than rational factors such as compensation when it came to motivating human beings to give their best efforts. All I can say is: Woohooooo! Read the whole article here. I have written about this previously here: Why no workplace can afford to ignore emotions. Anna Farmery interviews me about emotions in the workplace. Chapter 1 from my book Happy Hour is 9 to 5. What do you think? Are emotions acknowledged, allowed and addressed in your workplace? Or do leaders where you work still try to pretend were all robots who can leave their feelings at home? Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related