Taxing Situations on the Job Hunt

Taxing Situations on the Job HuntTaxing Situations on the Job HuntNot all tax deductions are created equal.We often use the aphorism that the job search is a job itself. Like most maxims, its easy to take for granted - until theres actual personal value at stake.When you consider your relationship with the IRS, your job hunt does indeed take on a decidedly entrepreneurial cast in many ways, youre hanging out your own shingle and reporting the results of your geschftsleben venture by April 15.The government is aware that it takes money to make money (to deploy another slogan), and the U.S. tax code allows you to deduct many expenses related to your job search, from travel to training to supplies up to and including some relocation costs. But be aware Not all deductions are created equal, and faulty assumptions can put you at odds with the feds.Ladders editors are not finance professionals, and our first, best advice is to check with an accountant or other qualified financial advisor about your specific situation. To get you started, however, weve talked to pros about your prospects for happy returns from your job search.

3 Smart Ways to Brainstorm Better

3 Smart Ways to Brainstorm Better3 Smart Ways to Brainstorm BetterWhen was the last time you brainstormed?Was it over a group assignment in high school? Maybe over a particularly challenging DIY project? Or was it this week, at work?Brainstorming is a tried-and-true way many managers encourage their employees to generate ideas.The goal is to get people in a room with a white board- and snacks, hopefully- and let the fantastic, creative ideas fly.Heres the twist We may have been going about it all wrong.The New Yorkerreports that research consistently proves that traditional brainstorming- the type youve likely been doing your whole life- is less productive than sending people off to think by themselves. (Although thereisa type of brainstorming researchers recommend- well get to that.)This could be good berichterstattung when youre privately brainstorming ways to ace your employee review, but it could cause some problems in the office.Namely, you cant just opt out the next time your b oss herds you into the conference room. (Plus, you might miss the snacks.)We talked to a brainstorming expert- yes, there is such a thing- to find out why this is, and how you can be a better brainstormer in three easy steps.This Will Make You More CreativeThe New Yorkerwrites that a key principle of most brainstorming is the absence of negative criticism. Thats supposed to encourage people to speak up, since no one wants to volunteer ideas that get shot down.But research shows that its not brainstorming thats ineffective so much as brainstormingwithout any criticism. This is because criticism encourages us to engage more fully with the work of others and to reassess our viewpoints.In an experiment at UC Berkeley, a test brainstorming group encouraged to give negative criticism blew groups without criticism out of the water by generating nearly 20% more ideas.The saatkorn professor, Charlan Nemeth, showed in a separate study that people are more creative when exposed to dissenting o pinions.Theres this Pollyannaish notion that the most important thing to do when working together is stay positive and get along, to not hurt anyones feelings, she tells The New Yorker. Well, thats just wrong. Maybe debate is going to be less pleasant, but it will always be more productive. True creativity requires some trade-offs.3 Tricks to a More Productive BrainstormGerald Solutionman Haman is the founder of four separate innovation and creativity organizations and set the world record for brainstorming by hosting a session with 8,000 people who generated 454,000 ideas for government improvement in Singapore Stadium. In the 20 years since he founded his innovation companySolutionPeople, he has helped clients generate over three 1000000 ideas, valued at $2 billion.Clearly, he believes in brainstorming.We asked his advice for how to do it right1. Get ComfortableHaman SaysIve found that if your feet are comfortable, your brain is comfortable. One client actually calculated that peo ple who wore socks generated 13% more ideas that those who did not.When youre comfy, you can devote your full attention to the task at hand.You CanGet appropriately comfortable. You probably cant don sweatpants at work, but you might be able to kick off your shoes under the conference table or wear pants instead of a skirt when you know theres a creative meeting. Pick a spot at the table where you can see the board or screen easily, and bring a sweater in case the room is cold. This principle is doubly true (and even easier to pull off) when youre brainstorming by yourself at home.2. Start AskingHaman SaysDuring the past 20 years, we have helped our clients generate over 3 million ideas by asking over 10,000 questions. We have an entire question bank He built a toolto facilitate innovation, which includes basic but crucial questions such as, What is needed, wanted, or wished? among other images, questions, and ideas that prompt creativity. Unexpected questions lead to unexpected, an d potentially great, ideas.You CanSpeak up. Haman and his team arent the only ones who can ask questions You can achieve a similar effect through asking questions and expressing your (possibly dissenting) opinion. The best ideas come from friction, such as between people in different departments. Speak up, ask questions, express your opinions.Remember Criticism and conversation are key to a productive session. But frame your contributions as improvements rather than refutation This might work even better if weEven outside of the workplace, it can be wise to ask the opinion of someone you trust before acting on an idea you have. By allowing them to ask questions or poke holes in your ideas, you may wind up with a better plan than you started with.3. Dont Give UpHaman SaysInvest more time in brainstorming sessions. I have a model called the M-Curve that shows thatoldideas are generated during the morning of a typical one-day brainstorming session, andnewideas are generated in the afte rnoon. Near the end of the sessions is when the best new ideas and breakthroughs occur.You CanStretch it out. Sure, your team might only have the conference room for 45 minutes, but you can make your personal brainstorm last much longer. Before your meeting (that morning or the night before, not en route to the room), jot down the ideas you already have. That way, youll be in the right mindset to generate fresh ideas once you hit the table. If youre planning a brainstorm, you might want to break it into two sessions so your group can meet, take a break, and then come back stronger for round two. The same goes for brainstorming at home If the right idea doesnt occur to you right away, revisit the problem later in the day.This article has been republished with permission from our partner,LearnVest. For more financial and life advice thats sound, savvy, and actually fun to read, check out If your profession isone of the most well-rested, were a little jealous. It may seem impossible, b ut you canstart balancing work and family in 10 easy steps. Mixed signals no more Fend off creepy co-workers withthese four tips.Photo courtesy of Gonzalo lvarez Maran.

Reese Witherspoon is proud of her grey hairs and wrinkles

Reese Witherspoon is proud of her grey hairs and wrinklesReese Witherspoon is proud of her grey hairs and wrinklesNothing is mora depressing than the visible signs of aging, right there on your face. But thats just one mindset. Actress Reese Witherspoon has a completely different one.Shes 43 now, and aging has come to her like it has come for us. But Witherspoon sees it as a badge of honor, not a mark of shame. Her age also means shes earned wisdom, a lot of things to say, and a place at any table.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreI have a point of view because Ive been on this planet for 43 years, and I didnt feel that same way when I was 25, she says in aninterview withAllure. I didnt have the same things to say. Im 43 and Ive had a whole bunch of experiences, and I can speak with a thoughtfulness about the changes Id like to see in the world, andI just feel like I earned that g ray hair and my fine lines. I like em. I so prefer 43 to 25.Witherspoon already won our hearts years ago when she told Vanity Fair, I have cellulite. I have stretch marks. Hollywood is one of those endless competitions, but its like running a race toward nothing. Theres no winning. Youre never going to win the pretty race. I just want to be the best version of myself that I can be.If you were wondering, of course she totally gets her greys touched up It takes three hours and her colorist calls them hyper-blondes.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

This employer is offering a tempting trade-in for your vacation days

This employer is offering a tempting trade-in for your vacation daysThis employer is offering a tempting trade-in for your vacation daysIt sounds like a devils bargain Trade in vacation days to pay off student loans. But thats the exchange one company has settled on, and indebted employees are already planning to cash in.At insurance company Unum Group, employees get at least 28 days of paid time off,according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, its average employee is burdened by $32,000 of debt. So next year, Unums 8,500 staff will have the opportunity to opt for student loan relief in exchange for sacrificing days off.Bloomberg reports that each day is worth an employees hourly rate for an eight-hour day, and Unum estimates workers who take advantage of the program will get $1,200 a year on average toward their loans.We thought it was a more creative method, Carl Gagnon, assistant vice president of global financial well-being and retirement programs for Unum, told Bloomberg.People dealing wi th their own student loans arent the only ones affected parents who are partially responsible for their childrens debt can also participate.Losing vacation days for loan relief may not seem like a win-win, but at Unum, the generous paid time off policy makes it more of a fair trade. Twenty-eight days of PTO - or more than five work weeks worth of time off - is far more than most workers in this country get, and already, a lot of Americans dont use all of their PTO because they feel preskoranvers to be at work or dont have the money to afford travel. When they do use their days off, often times they regret how they were spent.For Unum employees such as Jimmy Valentine, who has $22,000 in debt, the trade-in is worth it, especially when they are unlikely to use all their PTO anyway.I should take more days off, Valentine told Bloomberg. But I continue to work to make sure I keep up with everything.

Customize this Impressive Systems Engineer Resume Sample

Customize this Impressive Systems Engineer Resume SampleCustomize this Impressive Systems Engineer Resume SampleSystems engineering is a specialized field, and competition for jobs can be intense. Thats why you need a strong resume that will help you stand out from the other candidates. If you arent sure how to format your document or what kind of details to include, you can gain insight by looking at an example resume for your field. Our ordnungsprinzips engineer resume sample is an excellent place to start when you are ready to create your own version. Take a look at each section, and study the format and information included. You can see how to write up your experience and abilities for maximum impact. If you want more resources, try using our resume builder.Create Resume Christopher Keller100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA 91010Cell (555) 987-1234christopherkeller.comProfessional Summary Diverse Systems Engineer with a broad array of engineering experience. Knowledge and backgrou nd in aircraft software, medical devices and quality assurance. Expertise in computer hardware and software.Core QualificationsHardware and software installationProject managementComponent programming and testingEquipment inspectionSystems trainingInventory maintenanceDetail orientedWell-organizedExperienceSystems Engineer, March 2011 February 2015Sentry Systems New Parkland, CAInstalled and configured computer hardware, software and peripheral packages.Addressed and handled troubleshooting calls for approximately 200 clients.Oversaw and participated in various projects such as new install, upgrade, and service.Systems Engineer, July 2008 March 2011Central Network Solutions New Parkland, CAInstalled information data centers.Set, connected and tested all network peripherals.Assembled main system components, along with troubleshooting network issues.Education2008 Bachelor of Science, Computer EngineeringNew Parkland University New Parkland, CACustomize ResumeWhy Is This a Good Sy stems Engineer Resume Sample?Before taking an in-depth look at each section of the systems engineer resume sample, study the document as a whole. The simple, straightforward headers and mix of paragraphs and bullet points make each section clear and easy to scan. This document is only a single page, all thats needed if you include the necessary information.The first section is the professional summary, a concise overview of the candidates education, skills, and experience. Limiting this section to three sentence fragments prevents the reader from getting bored, and helps keep the focus on the candidates qualifications. Notice how the jobseeker shows off his diverse professional experience and assures the reader of his proficiency with related computer systems.The eight bullet points in the core qualifications section cover the candidates industry-related skills. As shown in the systems engineer resume sample, this list doesnt need to include every single ability the candidate has. R ather, this list focuses on qualifications related to systems engineering, and includes both technical abilities (programming, testing, inspection) and soft skills (management, organization). Using bullet points helps the recruiter quickly compare the candidates capabilities with the requirements in the job description.The heart of the systems engineer resume sample is the work experience section. fruchtwein employers use a candidates career history as the main factor in deciding to pursue that candidate. In this example, the jobseeker showcases the most important and relevant aspects of his career. Each header includes the necessary information about the position, and the following bullet points all begin with strong verbs to show the candidates actions. The jobseeker also discusses the results of his work, such as providing troubleshooting help for 200 clients and setting, testing, and connecting network peripherals.Finally, the last section of the sample covers the candidates edu cational credentials. The only required information is the name of the degree, educational institution, and year of graduation.Why You Need a Strong Systems Engineer ResumeWhile businesses continue to need systems engineers to design and install computer equipment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job market in this field will grow at a slower rate than average. This means that you could be facing significant competition for a job as a systems engineer. To convince an employer to choose you over the competition, you need an impressive resume that illuminates your qualifications.It may seem that the way to separate yourself from the field of other candidates is to create a long and detailed document, but the opposite is actually true. Most recruiters only spend a few seconds looking at a resume some may only read the professional summary and skim the rest. You must follow the example of the systems engineer resume sample and tell your story in a succinct and persuasive man ner.Costly Systems Engineer Resume Mistakes To AvoidThere is no faster way to take yourself out of the running for a job than by submitting a resume with errors and omissions. Before sending in your resume, check for spelling and grammatical errors, and make sure the formatting looks nice.Spelling errors and typos can sink your chances of an interview, but there are additional mistakes you must avoid as a systems engineer. Positions in this field are desirable, and you must make sure that your resume helps your qualifications and work experience stand out from other candidates. Employers want to know that you have the expertise to design, test, install, and troubleshoot computer networks, hardware, and software. Dont forget to focus on these technical skills in several places on your resume.Additionally, you may need to oversee other systems technicians and interact with clients, users, and managers. All of these tasks require strong communication and interpersonal skills. Include s imilar traits as in the systems engineer resume sample training, client-facing troubleshooting, and oversight.ConclusionIf youre ready to pursue a position as a systems engineer, the first thing you need is a strong resume. Compare your document to the systems engineer resume sample to ensure youve included the necessary skills and used an attractive format. Make sure to proofread, and then look forward to positive feedback from hiring managers and recruiters.Systems Engineer Resume Questions1. Whats the best way to list certifications on your systems engineer resume?Engineering is a specialized discipline. Thus, employers want to know you possess the right qualifications for a position. Different branches of engineering require specific licenses and certifications. Typically, you list them in the education section at the bottom of a document. While our systems engineer resume sample doesnt have any certifications listed, you should certainly include any relevant ones you have, espe cially if theyre mentioned in the job description as being essential to a position. Include the official name of the certification and the year you earned it. For ease of reading, arrange them in chronological order starting with your most recent qualification.2. What should you do to make sure your systems engineer resume makes it past an ATS?ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, and its commonly used by recruiters looking to sift through a large amount resumes. Its a computerized program that filters applications based on keywords. Although you can never know the exact keywords the program is searching for, you can read the job description closely to make an educated guess. In our systems engineer resume sample, specific keywords that stand out include objects the candidate would be working on such as aircraft software and medical devices as well as essential skills like project management and systems training. Getting your resume past an ATS is often the only way it can fall into the hands of a recruiter responsible for scheduling interviews.3. Whats the best way to include digital skills on a systems engineer resume?Digital skills include proficiency with mechanical devices and computer programs. In the engineering field, an individual may compile a wide range of skills throughout the course of a career. Its important to clearly state which programs youre adept at so a hiring manager can assess whether youre a good fit for a position. Even if you didnt work with a device or systems platform for a long time, include it in your resume to point out your versatility and experience. Our systems engineer resume sample includes a skills section above the work history that outlines the candidates qualifications in a simple bullet point format.4. Whats the best format for a resume PDF, MS Word, or txt?How you should save and submit your resume depends on the employer. Typically, job descriptions include instructions. Most jobseekers submit their resume by attac hing an MS Word version of their document to an electronic job application. However, they might also email a company representative their resume in a different format, such as PDF, or even save it as a txt. You can effortlessly create a resume similar to our systems engineer resume sample using our resume builder and save it in several different formats for convenience and ease of access.5. What goes in the header of a systems engineer resume?A header is usually found at the top of a document and should clearly display your name and contact information for a recruiter. Our systems engineer resume sample has a header that includes the name of the candidate and his address, cell phone number, and email address. Include all this basic information in your own document so a manager can easily contact you.

The End of Picture on Resume

The End of Picture on Resume What Is So Fascinating About Picture on Resume? If youre applying to a very traditional company, you can want to stay with the standard no-photo resume. Typically, a separate, abbreviated application form is used for folks that are already employed by the company who desire to submit an application for positions elsewhere within the organization. USING THE APPLICATION The application needs to be given to each man or woman applying for a position from beyond the company. Again, its highly recommended to have a home-made employee application checked by means of an attorney as a way to prevent potential complications. A site named Nonprofit Job Seeker did research on whether good looking people are somewhat more employable. The saatkorn holds for remote job hunting. The same is true for job hunting. Embed this infographic on your website. You are going to want to emphasize your communications skills and your capacity to answer in a timely way. Du mp the picture, and concentrate on shoring up your abilities and abilities to land the job which you would like In truth, it may make sense to have two CVs readyone that comes with a headshot and one which doesnt. One of your principal goals with writing a resume is to produce the document simple to read. The Argument About Picture on Resume You should keep finding new methods to inform your story and sell your private brandincreasingly with pictures and graphics. The kind of photo you select depends largely on the position. Before you commence altering the layout of your resume to incorporate an image, be certain you need to go that route. Including a photo is 1 approach to encourage recruiters to pick your resume from the pile for a closer look. Theres a look to a headshot that differs from portraiture, which is how nearly all of these guys in more compact cities are trained. Make sure that its a professional cropped headshot. If youd like to incorporate a photo on you r CV, you will want to adhere to some basic guidelines. The business youre applying to may help you decide whether to include things like the photo. Some career experts will tell you that you need to never, ever set your photo on your resume. The resume etiquette design can let you make an extremely effective resume. Moreover, photos are generally utilised to establish credibility. The photo ought to be an expert headshot, very similar to or the exact one you used for your LinkedIn profile. Your photo is a rather significant part your LinkedIn profile for numerous explanations. Apassport-size photo is usually large enough without taking up an excessive amount of space. Show which you have done your homework, as it says something about how seriously you desire the job. Resumes are a rather important portion of the professional life of an individual. Attempt not to go over two pages, even if youve got a great absprache of experience. An application is additionally a legal docu ment and becomes part of somebodys permanent file once he or shes hired. In reality, your application may be ignored without one. Heres What I Know About Picture on Resume Resumes are intended to swiftly present a persons qualifications and background to a particular assortment of job experiences or skills. You may also download completely free templates from our Resume Library to get going on your best resume. Steer clear of irrelevant lists of earlier jobs 2. Therell be occasions when a photo is completely necessary, not just in the examples above, but you will discover that its necessary or helpful in a number of other ways on your job search. The resume etiquette design can let you make effective resumes and do away with all the pitfalls that could spoil the grade of your resume. Be conscious of the background.

This New Year, Let Go of Fear

This New Year, Let Go of Fear Any time we approach a new year, theres a lot of talk about setting new goals for our careers, our families, our fitness, or other personal pursuits.For me, its interesting to think about which goals will be achieved and which will be shelved. I often wonder Is successdriven primarily by theparticular goal, or by the person achieving it?My belief is that the achievers do, in fact, possess something that sets them apart from others. Its bedrngnis an MBA, money, or good looks although those dont hurt Rather, the characteristic that sets achievers apart is much cheaper and easier to come by Achievers, more so than others, are able to live their lives without fear.Its leid that they have no concerns. Its not that failure never crosses their minds. Its that they are able to try new things without letting their fears stop them.Ive witnessed people who have never finished college land professional-level jobs faster than their d egreed peers. They may have appeared less qualified on paper, but in reality, they had a lot to offer and were willing to put themselves out there. Im certain that in some of these situations, the fact that they had little to lose and everything to gain came into play.Isuspect the ability to let go of fear isnt a one-time occurrence. Its not something a person is able to do for just the most important things or ina moment when everything is on the line.Rather, the ability to let go of fear is a way of life, achievers haveturned living without fear into a habit they practice every day. When it does count, theyre ready.Thomas Edison is often quoted as saying, I havent failed. Ive just found 10,000 ways that wont work. Edison must have failed on an everyday basison his way tocreating innovations that still influence the way we live today. Yet, in the face of all that failure, he still kept going.In 2004, I quit my corporate job and moved cross country for graduate school. Not only did I not know anyone in Los Angeles, but I paid for my own education and living expenses for the time I was there. Looking back, I often wonder how I was able to conquer that kind of fear and whether or not I could do it again today.I often ask myself, Whats the worst thing that could happen? If I cant come up with anything other than embarrassment or a little lost time, I try. Worst-case scenario, even when I fail, I learn something new. That new thing helps me to try again successfully or to set another goal all without fear.I hope your new year is filled with new goals, new experiences, and a little learning along the wayA version of this article originally appeared on Copeland Coaching.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at Copeland Coaching.