Thursday, November 28, 2019

Now you can get a great tech job without a $100,000 college degree

Now you can get a great tech job without a $100,000 college degreeNow you can get a great tech job without a $100,000 college degreeIts going to get easier to get those coveted top-paying tech jobs.Certain tech companies like IBM are starting new-collar job initiatives to break away from the homogenized company cultures where employees all come from the same schools and demographics. Instead of focusing on whats on paper, companies like IBM are more concerned with what applicantscan do. Sam Ladah, IBMs head of talent organization, told Fast Company that currently about 10% to 15% of IBMs workers are being hired fromthese non-traditional backgrounds.IBM starts young too- the company funds high school computer science initiatives in Oakland and Arizona aimed at underrepresented demographics in tech.The public sector is getting more involved too. In 2015, the White House started the TechHire Initiativein 20 U.S. cities to get more Americans rapidly trained into these high-paying tech jo bs.Apprenticeship programs like LaunchCode were highlighted as part of this. Former President Obama made the stakes to increasing job pipelines very clear When these tech jobs go unfilled, its a missed opportunity for the workers, but its also a missed opportunity for your city, your community, your county, your state, and our nation.These pipelines become especially important as other ones dry up. For instance, the tech industry has relied on immigrant workers to fill many coding jobs, which is going to be harder according to new changes in einwanderung rules under President Donald Trump.In new guidelines released over the weekend, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said that computer programmers would no longer automatically qualify for H-1B visas. The USCISwould no longer generally consider the position of programmer to qualify as a specialty occupation.Economic argument for technology jobs as vocational trainingThe numbers are on the wall. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Sta tistics projected that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million new computer science jobs, but only 400,000 computer science students. Theres not just a culturalimperative todiversifying tech companies, theres an economic imperative for businesses to start finding new pipelines, or else they risk getting left behind.For workers choosing careers, the tech industry is where the moneys at. In 2013, the Obama administration said that information technology workers earned about 74% more than the average worker.The rise ofskills-based hiring initiatives is showing us that its never too late to change careers, and that you dont need fancy paper to do it. In fact, tech companies, coding boot camps and high school initiatives are saying that this is not a unique skill it can be taught to anyone with a ready mind to learn.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

How to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal Resume

How to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal ResumeHow to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal ResumeHow to Write an Accounting, Budget, or Auditing Federal ResumeInsights and tips for ensuring your resume is on targetJob opportunities for financial professionals are abundant in the federal government. Why? Because financial professionals are essential to the operations of virtually every government agency. A recent search of the USA Jobs website for an Accounting (0510) position, one of many positions in the 0500 series, generated 298 results in federal agencies across the U.S., from GS-7 up to GS-14. A search for Budget Analyst (0560) generated an additional 137 results.Details of each and every financial position in the Accounting and Budget Group (0500) can be found in the Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) Handbook of Occupation Groups and Families. This valuable reference source lists all positions that advise on, administer, supervise, or perform prof essional, technical, or related clerical work of an accounting, budget administration, related financial management, or similar nature.Which Federal Position is Best for Me? Keywords are the KeyRegardless of whether you are a private sector financial professional seeking your first federal job or a current Federal employee seeking a promotion, you must ensure you include the right keywords for your target series in your resume. Believe it or not there is a distinction between positions in the Accounting Budget series. The keywords for a Budget Analyst, for example, are different from those for an accountant. The good nachrichten is that if you do your due diligence research and follow the four steps outlined below you will be on the path to success.Step 1 Define the Distinctive Keywords for Your Target JobCarefully review your target announcement. What words come up most often? What specialized experience do you need for the job? Analyze your target announcement and compile a li st. Keywords can also be found in the Specialized Experience defined in the announcement, in the announcement questionnaire, in the duties defined in the announcement, and the OPM Handbook. Following are three difference accounting series positions and a sample list of important keywords.Accounting KeywordsGeneral Ledger AccountingAccount ReconciliationKnowledge of GAAPUse of Accounting/Financial SystemsPerform Accounting Operational ActivitiesPerform Reporting FunctionsMonth-End ClosingAuditing KeywordsPlan and conduct auditsKnowledge of GAGAS (Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards)Internal ControlsRisk AssessmentAudit Team LeaderWorking PapersBudgeting KeywordsBudget formulation, execution, and planningReviewing and analyzing budget estimates for accuracy and validityReceiving budget estimate inputAnalyzing, monitoring and tracking obligations and expendituresCompiling budget dataPreparing and presenting budget reportsFinancial systems experienceRegulatory ResearchStep 2 Cross-check Your Resume Against Your Keyword ListNext, do a thorough keyword analysis of your resume document. Can you find the keywords for your target position in the resume? If not, now is the time to think about how you can add language to your resume that describes how you performed that specific task. When you write new content for your federal resume, make sure you cover the top keywords in your resume.Step 3 Be aya to List Your Top AccomplishmentsAccomplishments are critical and set you apart from other financial candidates with similar skills and experience. Your resume should always highlight any unique benefits you bring to the position and your top accomplishments. When detailing your accomplishments, try to think in terms of CCAR (Context, Challenge, Action, Results) what was the challenge, how did you address it, what was the result?Examples of accomplishments for an AccountantManaged Journal Voucher Project. Determined accurate biweekly journal voucher entries in the GL oversaw input. Resolved GL discrepancies and provided solutions.Troubleshot and resolved a long-standing accounting software problem that improved recording of automated GL entries.Reengineered account reconciliation to provide a more systematic and efficient process.Team Lead for Accounting Software Upgrade and primary liaison between the banks internal departments and the accounting software vendor during implementation of a new accounting system.Step 4 Use the Outline Format by The Resume Place to Put it All TogetherNow that you have defined your keywords and your accomplishment, it is time to re-write your resume using the outline format. This format works well in the USA Jobs resumes builder and will make it easy for the HR partie to see your experience and qualifications. Here is a short example. Additional examples can be found on the Resume Placed website (www.resume-place.com).RESOLVE ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS Analyze accounting exception reports, estimates, and other so urce documents for adequacy and propriety. Prepare variance analysis of balance sheets and income statements to pinpoint discrepancies. Investigate and identify accounting problems. Implement systems modifications and new procedures to improve accounting and reporting processes.Coordinate audits. Monitor contractor performance. Prepare year-end financial statements and financial schedules for revenue and expenses, variance analysis, and operating lease obligations. Review investment and audit schedules prepared by staff. Brief accounting director and manager, orally and in writing, on audit progress, problems, and resolution steps. Ensure reporting deadlines are met.Manage AUTOMATED SYSTEMS Prepare accounting entries for the automated accounting system. Generate recurring and special financial reports. Track, update, reconcile, and manage the Fixed Asset (FA) accounting system. Review data accuracy and completeness. Investigate and resolve FA and GL system discrepancies. Reconcile p hysical inventories to FA asset system. Initiate adjustments. Prepare and file personal property tax returns. Coordinate system upgrades.By following these suggestions and tips, you can create a standout federal resume for your target financial series and improve your chances of getting Best Qualified, Referred to a Supervisor, invited to an interview and even HIREDNeed additional help? Get a FREEPROJECT REVIEW for yourfederal resumeAn experienced Resume Place writer, Carla Waskiewicz has created Federal application packages for Federal and private sector employees with a wide variety of occupational backgrounds and career interests. She specializes in writing and designing standout resumes and cover letters for entry- to senior-level, administrative, financial, and technical positions. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Federal Resume Writer and Coach (CFRW).Free Project Review

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Here are 8 signs youre dating a narcissist according to experts

Here are 8 signs youre dating a narcissist according to expertsHere are 8 signs youre dating a narcissist according to expertsConfidence is key to any strong relationship, but theres a significant difference between your partner posting the occasional selfie with the caption FeelingMyself and dating a full-blown narcissist.According to Dr. Craig Malkin, a clinical psychologist and Harvard Medical School professor, narcissism is a rolleality trait found in all humans to some extent and is derived from the drive to feel special, exceptional or unique. However, narcissism exists on a spectrum, Malkin said, and individuals with severe cases that compromise interpersonal relationships likely have narcissistic personality disorder.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreNarcissistic Personality Disorder DefinedTheMayo Clinic definesnarcissistic personality disorder as a mental condition in wh ich people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissism can manifest in a variety of ways, many of which can be detrimental to both your significant other - and yourself - and is often used toveil insecurity and poor self-esteem.While narcissistic behavior can be a cry for help, it can also be incredibly damaging to both your relationship and your own well-being. Before you seek out ways to help your partner or decide to call it quits on your romance, its helpful to know if they are actually exhibiting the signs of narcissistic personality disorder.Signs of Narcissistic Personality DisorderHere are signs your partner may be struggling with narcissistic personality disorder1. They dominate conversationsRelationships are a two-way street, but a narcissistic partner will find any possible way to redirect a conversation back to themselves. Rather than listening a ttentively, theyre prone to cut you off to share their own perspectives or change the subject altogether in order to shift the focus back on them.2. They are obsessed with appearancesNarcissists are focused on appearances in all sense of the word, from physical looks to perceived success. Is your partner constantly staring at themselves in the mirror or distracted by their reflection while strolling past store windows? Are theyobsessively focused on obtaining flashy work titlesand expensive sports cars regardless of if they reallywantthem? You may have a narcissist on your hands.3. They cant take criticismConstructive criticism is a healthy part of personal growth, be it through a performance review or an honest discussion about your relationship. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder will bristle in the face of criticism, either rejecting and ignoring it altogether, or becoming outwardly angry and hostile. Their elevated sense of self makes it difficult for them to abs orb suggestions for improvement, and thus theyre significantly less receptive to critical feedback.4. They are empathy impairedMalkin says the key to spotting narcissistic personality disorder is observing the three Es - exploitation, entitlement, and empathy impairment. However, this is different than lacking empathy altogether. Dr. Malkin noted that instead the level of empathy may fluctuate over time, which can be especially challenging in relationships.Itll appear that theyre not motivated, or that they are too preoccupied with their own needs to display empathy, says Malkin. But they have a capacity for empathy and this can make it very confusing if youre in a relationship with them.5. Theyre controllingNarcissists want and demand to be in control, and their sense of entitlement makes it seem logical to them that they should be in control - of everything, wrote Dr. Margalis Fjelstad in anarticle for Mind Body Green. Theymay monitor where youre going, who youre talking to, wha t youre wearing, etc. Everything you do fits into their personal narrative to achieve a perceived sense of perfection.6. They act entitled and constantly seek validationA person with narcissistic personality disorder believes they are owed and deserving of everything, regardless of whether theyve truly earned it. As a result, they will often go out of their way to seek praise, but will rarely reciprocate it.A narcissists need for validation is like a funnel, Fjelstad wrote. You pour in positive, supportive words, and they just flow out the other end and are gone. No matter how much you tell narcissists you love them, admire them, or approve of them, they never feel its enough - because deep down they dont believe anyone can love them.7. Theyre addicted to social mediaIn todays social media obsessed world,it can be hard to determine what constitutes a normal amount of, say, Instagram usage. However, a narcissist may post significantly more than the average user, while fixating on th e number of likes, talking about it incessantly in conversation as part of their need for validation.8. They exhibit signs of substance abuse or other mood disordersSome narcissists may self medicate with alcohol or drugsand show symptoms of addiction, which may tell a larger story of the demons theyre battling. Despite demonstrating outsized ego, a narcissistic partner will in some cases exhibit symptoms of other mood disorders, like depression and anxiety.How You Can HelpSo what do you do if you notice your partner is showing several of behauptung signs? Encourage them to talk to a therapist, who can help them get to the root cause of the narcissistic behavior. A trained mental health professional can also identity ways to reduce narcissism and ultimately help the patient improve their interpersonal relationships.This article originally appeared on Talkspace.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