Personal development planning What you need to know

Personal development planning What you need to know by Amber Rolfe It can be difficult to remain motivated when it comes to pursuing your true ambitions.But, what if we told you there was a doable way to make your future goals a reality? Creating a Personal Development Plan could provide you with the structure and guidance you need to be proactive, and actually take the steps needed to reach your eventual aim.To help you understand the purpose and benefits of creating your own Personal Development Plan, here are our top tips on what you need to know:What is a Personal Development Plan?A Personal Development Plan is a written account of self-reflection and improvement, which doubles up as a detailed action plan used to fulfil academic, personal, or career based goals.It’s usually created within the workplace or when studying (with guidance from your manager or tutor), and works by allowing you to establish your aims, recognise your strengths and weaknesses, and identify the need for improvement.Objectives are put in place bas ed on the areas you’d like to improve on, and the plan consists of your own personalised actions that will help you to achieve them.What should I include?When creating your own Personal Development Plan, it’s essential to make sure it accurately outlines your personal goals, why they’re important to you, and how you plan to achieve them.Although all PDPs are specific to each individual, the plan will generally detail your ideal future based on your short and/or long-term ambitions. Areas of development will be specific to you, and could be centred on work, education, or self-improvement.It should also always recognise the potential obstacles you might face, and how you propose to overcome them â€" and if the roadblocks can’t be tackled, include a contingency plan to help your career keep moving forward.How do I track it?One of the most important things to consider when creating your PDP is an accurate way of measuring your success.Not only will this be a great way to prove y our knowledge and skills, it will also keep you motivated to succeed â€" and allow you to up your game or adapt the plan if things aren’t moving in the right direction.Make sure your goals are realistic, and set a clear timescale. If your dreams are so farfetched that no doable plan would make them a reality, then it might be worth a compromise.Personal Development Plan template  What should I plan for?A PDP can be used to plan for a variety of things, including career progression, career change, moving into further education, or to organise the actions needed to gain a new skill for your own self-improvement.However, in order to reach your long-term goal, short-term goals must also be completed in the process. These would typically be based on the specific areas of improvement you’re planning to pursue with your eventual goal in mind.These areas are normally based around learning and development, such as taking courses or professional qualifications, but may include things suc h as workshops, independent study, networking, on-the-job training, joining a club/support group, or something more directly linked to your current job or the company you work for.All of these opportunities will all allow you gain new skills and knowledge, and could be the vital steps you need to take to ensuring you meet your targets. When should I make one?A PDP can be created at any point in your life â€" providing the targets you set are specific to you and your individual situation.In a working environment, your PDP will be put together in conjunction with your manager to identify your weaknesses, allow you to improve on them, and become aware of any key areas you’d like to progress in. They can then assist you in whatever way they can, to make sure you’re happy with where your career is going.A PDP is used for a similar purpose in education. Through communications with your tutor, you’ll be able to realise the areas you excel in, and the areas that need work.They can eve n be a useful tool if you’re currently between roles. With a clear set of objectives, you’ll be able to make the most of your time off, and add real value to your CV. You can even take it with you to an interview to demonstrate your enthusiasm to your potential employer.  What are the benefits?From helping to plan a career change and build on your current skills, to being the push you need to learn something new and quantify your abilities, a PDP is a logical way of accomplishing a range of different objectives.It can help to define a particular career path or area of study, and give you a realistic and well thought-out goal to aim for. Not to mention making sure you stay motivated and can accurately track your career progression.And, by documenting your individual development, you’ll be able to demonstrate your dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to learn and plan â€" all being key skills for any job or educational field.Even if you don’t end up achieving all of your goals, the effort alone could be enough to show an employer your desire for self-improvement. Which could be the perfect step in helping take your career to the next level.Not sure how to put your Personal Development Plan together? Use our free Personal Development Plan template now. 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Why Soft Skills are Important for Your Career - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Why Soft Skills are Important for Your Career - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career We are living in the tech world and it is obvious that everybody should have basic technical skills. Unfortunately, technical skills solely are not enough, if you want to move up the corporate ladder. You should also have great soft skills. Think of a manager who cannot explain what he wants from his team or doesn’t listen to his employees. Obviously, this manager cannot lead his team effectively plus he won’t be a good role model for others. Therefore, in addition to technical skills, one should have soft skills as well. Below you can find the 3 most popular soft skills that everybody should possess. Communication Skills: We need to communicate with other people to do business because we need to pass along information to them and more importantly, we need to transfer this information correctly. Therefore, having good reading, writing and listening skills is very important in today’s corporate world. Good listeners understand the necessary information correctly and ask questions if they need to clarify a point. Good writers pass out the information to others properly and good readers do not miss any important points while reading the information. Problem Solving Skills: This is one of the most sought after skills. Every day we come across with many problems because this is the nature of doing business. People who don’t give up when a new problem arises and can come up with possible solutions to solve that problem are the ones that will become successful and be one of the future leaders of tomorrow. Time Management Skills: We juggle with many different tasks each day and unfortunately, these don’t come one by one. Sometimes we need to prioritize what we are working on and schedule our tasks accordingly. That is when having good time management skills really makes the difference. Also, having good time management skills allows us to complete more in less time so we can have more free time to work on other tasks.  Adaptability Skills: Adaptability gives us flexibility because people who can adapt to any situation easily are usually flexible. Thus, they don’t afraid of change and instead, they embrace change. This is a very required skill in today’s world because everything around us is changing very fast. Also, people who have high adaptability skills have usually positive mindsets and don’t get upset with anything very easily because they are confident at achieving anything that is thrown at them.

How Adding a Tailored Sound Bite to My Resume Doubled Interview Requests - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How Adding a Tailored Sound Bite to My Resume Doubled Interview Requests - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Have you ever watched stars on the red carpet? When they are interviewed, there is one universal theme to their answers Short and Sweet. Memorable. Quotable. Also known as the Sound Bite. Personal branding sound bite I recently added a “Profile” section to my resume, which serves as my personal branding sound bite to employers. I would recommend this for everyone looking for a job right now. Why? Because: it’s serves a similar purpose as the cover letter, but it’s shorter and on your actual resume, which is most likely to get printed and distributed it’s the perfect way to sum your experiences in a few sentences, which you could later use as an introduction (or elevator pitch) at a networking event (I use two sentences, max) it’s quick and easy to rework to fit the job description, so you show what you can offer the employer (better than an objective, which is focused only on what you want) You would think I would get sick of trying to sell myself with a tailored Profile section for every employer, but it’s dramatically increased the number of interview requests I receive. That’s what personal branding is all about to me â€" tailored sound bites that quickly communicate a value proposition to the person or company you are selling to. Even if you arent job hunting, its good practice to tweak your personal brand for various industries and employers, so you always communicate your value when meeting someone, rather than simply stating what you do. Prompts to create your profile I can manage my various personal branding sound bites quickly and simply by using the answers I get from these 10 prompts: What is the value I bring to this job that others can’t? Why should this employer hire me? Why do I want to be in this industry? Why is this company the right size/culture/fit/location/position for me? Why should this employer fight to employ me? What business need can I solve for this employer? What parts of this job would I be very good at? What kind of personality traits is this employer looking for, and how do I fit? What are the reservations this employer might have about hiring me (based on my past professional experience), and how can I reassure him? What risks is this employer taking by hiring me, and how can I mitigate those? BONUS: How will I help this company, make money, save money, or save time? (Tip: this question especially should be addressed throughout your resume) Heres are a few examples of some of the sound bites Ive written: Monica O’Brien is an MBA Marketing candidate with proven experience using technology and web marketing techniques to sell SaaS products, improve client relationships, and build company brands. Monica O’Brien is an MBA candidate and 6Sigma Green Belt with project management experience leading web development projects. She has proven ability to work at all steps in a software development life cycle. These two sound bites emphasize completely different skill sets, tailored to what the employer cares about. Because this is a sound bite, you need not incorporate the answers to all of these questions into your elevator pitch or a Profile section on your resume. One or two answers is probably more than enough material, and you will find that different questions produce more suitable answers than others, depending on the situation. Good luck using these prompts! Now, I’m getting back to resume writing. Author: Monica O’Brien writes career advice for young professionals at her blog, Twenty Set. You can also follow her on Twitter (@monicaobrien).

10 Accessories That Will Instantly Improve Your Style Game

10 Accessories That Will Instantly Improve Your Style Game Having the right accessories can make or break your outfit. We believe accessories tie your whole look together and instantly upgrade your style. Picking the right accessories that fit your vibe is important, so we’ve compiled a list of the best accessories to improve your style. An Phone Case That Fits Your Everyday Look  If you’re like us, you carry your phone with you everywhere. You can make your phone the perfect accessory with beautifully unique iPhone cases.   There are so many cute iPhone cases that can elevate your style by matching your vibe. The best thing about phone cases is that you can change them out to best match whatever you’re wearing!   Of course, if youre an android fan, there are cute cases for your phone, too! A Functional and Cute Fanny Pack  That’s right, fanny packs are back with a vengeance and cuter than ever! You’ll never lose your purse again when you start wearing a fanny pack. They come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials so there are plenty of options that will suit you and the rest of your wardrobe. Wear around your waist or slung over your shoulder for an effortless vibe. The Perfectly Patterned Scarf A cute scarf is the perfect multi-functional accessory. You can wear it in its traditional fashion to keep you snug in cold weather, wear it in your hair, or tie it to your handbag to add a bit of pop to your outfit. We love our scarves with bright and bold patterns or cute pastels. The Best Frames to Frame Your Face  Glasses are a great way to elevate your look! Whether you’re looking for a cute pair of sunglasses or interested in going geek chic, there are many different fun styles to fit your personality. We love the newest round and cat eye trends, or classics like a pair of aviators that will never go out of style. An Elegant Watch  For a busy girl on the go, a watch is the perfect accessory to help keep track of time and look good while doing it. Even if you prefer the more modern ways of telling time, a watch instantly makes your outfit look chic and professional. Watches come in so many different styles and materials that it’s easy to find your perfect match. Bold and Bright Socks Socks might usually be an afterthought for you, but we suggest rethinking that and making socks a statement piece in your outfit! Try wearing thigh-high socks with your next casual look, or fishnet socks with your heels the next time you’re going out. This unexpected style choice is bold and very on-trend. Unique DIY Patches We love adding patches to re-style the clothes we already own! Buying patches that match your personality and favorite places or things is a great way to show your personal interests through your clothing. Our patches are always conversation starters when we go out â€" they can up your style and your social game! Get these online, from craft stores or even from vintage markets. Mix Up Your Earrings  For a subtle but bold accessory choice, try mixing up your earrings to wear a non-matching pair. A pair of earrings that are complimentary but not matching (like two different gold ones) really show attention to detail in your accessory choices. This is one of our favorite new trends that helps make your style unique and interesting. A Chic Black Beret  Berets are the perfect feminine trend to give your outfit an artsy vibe. They’re easy to pair with your wardrobe and come in many different materials. We suggest a leather option to achieve a truly unique and edgy look. Uplifting Platform Shoes  Elevate your style (and your height) with a pair of cute platform shoes. These are a bold statement shoe that are perfect for any occasion. Cute and casual platform sneakers are a great look right now, or play 90s dress-up with a platform heel.

Dos and Donts of Resume Writing

Do's and Don'ts of Resume WritingOne of the most frequently asked questions about the do's and don'ts of resume writing is, 'what does a resume mean?' It is confusing, but one can answer it if he has some basic understanding of the job. There are several definitions that one can use to better understand what it means to a resume. Before that though, we need to define what exactly a resume is.A resume is a document that will include information about the job seeker and his experience, skills, education, qualifications, skills, training, work history, and work accomplishments. This can include letters of reference, resumes, cover letters, and all of your other documents that make up a resume. They are not just what you put on a resume. They are the actual words that are used to ask for an interview.The do's and don'ts of resume writing require you to be careful with these important documents. Remember that they are often the first thing that is noticed by the employer when they receive your application for an interview. Your impression to them will either be positive or negative, so take the time to create a well thought out resume.Do not spend too much time trying to create a unique resume. Create a resume that is based on your personal information as well as your skills, experience, education, and education. Having too many different resumes can make it difficult for the employer to distinguish between them and there is a better chance of someone receiving an inferior job offer for that reason.Do not use an 'English for Speakers of Other Languages' style of writing. Do not try to cover all of your bases. While your skills might be something that is being demanded in another country, it will not be requested in the United States. Youneed to be as clear as possible. Using slang is okay, but it is the most common expressions in everyday English that are not acceptable.The do's and don'ts of resume writing include the basics. Follow a format that allows the employe r to see the necessary information quickly and easily. The basic format of a resume includes sections that break down the information in the resume into sections. Do not write a resume by having all of the information in each section in the chronological order of the job description. Use a resume format that allows the potential employer to easily move through it.Do not fill in any blank spaces with your information. The purpose of a resume is to sell yourself, not to fill in gaps. If the resume needs to be filled in, ensure that it is filled in correctly and includes only the required information.The do's and don'ts of resume writing include the basics. Follow a format that allows the employer to see the necessary information quickly and easily. The basic format of a resume includes sections that break down the information in the resume into sections.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Get Your Ducks in a Row Things to do to prepare for a layoffpublished in ITWorld was written by Dr. Bayer. This is very practical advice, written by a man who seesthe results of many layoffs. Dr. Richard Bayer, COO, The Five OClock Club(This is a networking group geared towards executive level job seekers and is national in scope) Test the Market Know what is going on outside of your company Link yourself to important projects If you are unsure of whether to stay or go, at least make sure your work is vital or valued Go above and beyond to please customers and get it in writing- Start working harder and build testimonials Reevaluate your resume and practice telling your interview stories-Before you hit the streets, have someone you trust look at your resume and practice mock interviewing with you. Identify companies for whom you you like to work and set up meetings- These companies shouldnt have job openings announced, but only be places you could potentially be employed. Nurture your network- Continue to stay in touch with past contacts, especially those you have just met in the above step. Let your network know what you are up to. Juggle job offers-(Dr. Bayer may have oversimplified this idea in his article and it might even be a little dangerous- how to get themultiple offers todaymay be a little harder than he makes it sound) Freelance- Take on side projects or assignments that will allow you to use some of your talents. The nice part about this article, whether you are in IT or not, is that it forces you to think about taking control, rather than being a victim. In taking control, you will feel more confident and less vulnerable, which is a good thing.

4 Simple Marketing Tricks for Startups

4 Simple Marketing Tricks for Startups As a relatively young business, it’s important to be seen by the right kind of people so that you have a chance of getting ahead as early as possible. While you may think about marketing as something that’s campaign-driven and rather costly, you need to consider all types of communication you have with your customers as marketing. Even how you treat the individual customer can become a form of marketing as they might share their positive experience with others who again may become potential customers. Here is a list of easy ways you can get the most out of your business’ marketing and make sure it’s getting the exposure it deserves. It doesn’t even have to cost you too much to get started right away and reap the benefits later. #1 Team up with social media influencers A marketing strategy should be exactly what it sounds like; a strategy to reach a wider market and keep your current customers happy. Start by logging into your company’s social media account and shift the focus from the number of likes your posts are receiving to who actually likes your posts. While a thousand likes may be able to expand the reach of your posts slightly, a share from the right person may boost it significantly and it will continue to snowball from there. It’s not as easy as simply getting in touch with social media influencers, though, as they already have more than enough people reaching out to them and trying to take advantage of their network. Start by engaging with their content instead; meet them in their own arena, send them a sample of your products, and make it worth their time. If you’re able to make them fall in love with your product, you might see the kind of marketing success you’ve been hoping for and the social media influencers may send even more visitors to your startup’s website. It’s the kind of stuff that you’ll be able to live off for years to come. #2 Invest in your website Just like social media is key to reaching a wider audience, your website is key to appearing as professional and authoritative as possible. Way too many small businesses neglect their website and forget to maintain it it’s not enough to give it a makeover and let it be for the next couple of years. Your business is, of course, trendy and up to date on everything current so you should make sure your website reflects this. Have a look at around the web to read up on the latest design trends, consider hiring someone who can implement creative web design and allow the site to give potential customers the right kind of impression of your business. You should think about it as your company’s storefront and there is simply no room for messy landing pages, outdated fonts or a complete lack of white space. Remember to make it as easy as possible to navigate on as well, by the way, and make it compatible with mobile devices to keep up with the latest technology. Having a proper website can do more for you than just communicating the brand of your business and help you to keep a professional appearance although this is also important. When someone spends no more than a couple of seconds on your page before they’re frustrated by its design or lack of information and leave, Google will rank your site a bit lower as it failed to give the visitors what they wanted. You know very well that SEO is vital today so don’t punish your business by neglecting its website. It should rank up there together with the other successful ones; invest a bit of time and effort into it and it will pay you back in spades. #3 Remember content marketing While we have mentioned the importance of SEO, content marketing is about more than just implementing the right kind of keywords so that Google can sort you out. At its core, your content marketing should focus on trying to help your customers and answer their various questions. You might want to hire someone professional to take care of this for you or you can attempt to do it on your own. Try to think about what your target audience may need help with. If you’re in the auto industry, it’s easy enough to identify a few issues they may experience from time to time; what they should remember before selling their vehicles, how to make sure it lasts as long as possible, what they must think about before purchasing a second-hand car, etc. Your expert advice will undoubtedly be helpful to them and they will pass your content on to their friends and family if they found it helpful. It’s boosting your ranking on the search engines while simultaneously helping to spread the word about your business. That’s the kind of stuff that helps it to take off a bit faster. #4 Work on strengthening your brand Last but certainly not least, you want to ensure that you’re offering products of the highest possible quality. The reputation of your brand depends on the quality of your products and you simply won’t be able to build the kind of business you have in mind unless you invest in it and understand that, regardless of how much you believe in it, your products are not necessarily perfect. Focus on receiving feedback from your customers, encourage them to tell you about their experience with your business, and make an honest attempt at fixing whatever they dislike about it. It’s not an easy task at all but it will benefit you tremendously, in the long run. When this is over with, you should show these customers that you have taken their feedback to heart and attempted to improve. Send them a sample of your new and improved product and wait for the next round of feedback to help your business grow and prosper. Too many business owners seem to think that, as long as they build it and spread the word, customers will line up. In reality, you will constantly need to improve your products as well as the relationship you have with your customers; keep these tips in mind, though, and you’ll be well on your way.