Effective Study Habits: Strategies for Exam Preparation Success

Whether you’re a high school student, a college attendee, or a lifelong learner, your approach to exam preparation can dramatically impact your academic performance and stress levels. Exam preparation is akin to training for a marathon; it demands consistency, resilience, and a well-devised plan.  

This article explores strategies that will transform your study sessions from aimless to strategic, ensuring you’re optimizing your efforts and intellect. By integrating these methods into your study routine, you’ll not only enhance your learning efficiency but also foster a healthier, more balanced approach to academic challenges. 

  • Understand Your Learning Style 

Identifying and embracing your unique learning style is the first step in transforming your study habits. Do you absorb information better through visual aids like diagrams and charts, or do auditory methods like lectures and discussions resonate more with you? Pinpointing your learning style can significantly boost the productivity of your study sessions. 

Integrating a variety of learning materials that align with your style can enhance your preparation. For instance, if kinesthetic learning is your forte, you might find that engaging in physical activities or hands-on experiments to understand complex concepts is highly beneficial. This personalized approach not only makes your study time productive but also engaging. 

Recognizing when to seek assistance is crucial. If you’re struggling with certain subjects, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from tutors, study groups, or online resources. Remember, the goal is to prepare students for high-stakes exams, not just by cramming information but by truly understanding and applying knowledge. 

  • Set Specific Goals 

Transforming your study routine from overwhelming to manageable is achievable when you set precise, attainable goals. Instead of a vague aim like ‘study more,’ define concrete targets such as ‘complete two chapters of biology by Wednesday.’ This specificity provides direction and fosters a sense of accomplishment as you progress. 

Segmenting your study material into smaller sections can make the content more digestible and facilitate easier tracking of your progress. Establishing a timeline for each goal sharpens your focus and motivation. Remember, these goals must be realistic, considering your other commitments and the timeframe until your exam. 

Consistently reviewing your progress is essential for staying on course and fine-tuning your strategies as needed. This ongoing assessment ensures that your study objectives align with your exam preparation requirements. 

  • Create A Distraction-Free Study Environment 

The environment in which you study extensively impacts your focus and efficiency. Design a space that minimizes distractions and fosters concentration. Whether it’s a quiet corner in a library or a dedicated room at home, your chosen environment should enhance your academic productivity. 

Keep your study area organized and well-stocked with necessary materials to reduce stress and boost concentration. Also, consider the comfort and lighting in your study space, as these factors significantly influence your ability to focus over long periods. 

In this digital age, electronic distractions are ever-present. Employ strategies like using website blockers or setting your phone to airplane mode to limit interruptions. Your aim is to create a supportive environment for your study endeavors. 

  • Utilize Diverse Study Techniques 

Relying on a single study method can become monotonous and ineffective. Diversifying your techniques can cater to various learning aspects, making your sessions more dynamic and fruitful. For example, active recall, testing yourself without notes, is a powerful strategy for memory retention. 

Consider the Feynman Technique, where you simplify a concept as if teaching it to someone else. This method not only solidifies your understanding but also uncovers any knowledge gaps. 

Incorporating spaced repetition and revisiting material at increasing intervals can drastically improve your long-term retention of information. By varying your study methods, you activate different learning phases, from comprehension to retention and application, keeping your study routine engaging. 

  • Prioritize Your Health 

Neglecting sleep and exercise for extra study time can backfire. Sufficient rest is vital for memory consolidation and cognitive function, directly impacting your learning efficiency and exam performance. 

Engaging in regular physical activity boosts your mood, energy, and mental clarity, contributing to more productive study sessions. Short breaks for stretching or a brisk walk can rejuvenate your mind and alleviate stress. 

Nutrition is equally essential. Consuming balanced meals provides the sustained energy needed for intensive study sessions. Staying hydrated is crucial as well, as dehydration can cause fatigue and impair concentration. Prioritizing your health is about more than just exam preparation; it’s about fostering sustainable learning and well-being. 

Conclusion 

Mastering effective study habits is a journey that not only boosts your exam performance but also enriches your overall approach to learning. By recognizing your learning style, setting precise goals, creating an optimal study environment, employing diverse study techniques, and managing your time wisely, you arm yourself with a comprehensive toolkit for academic success.  

Adapt these strategies to fit your unique situation and watch your exam preparation evolve from a source of stress to a pathway of achievement. Embrace these habits, and you’ll find that overcoming exam anxiety is not just a possibility but a predictable outcome.

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12 Tips And Tricks For Customizing Your Resume For Targeted Job Applications

In today’s competitive job landscape, creating a distinctive resume has become essential for securing your dream position. Gone are the days of using a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. Customizing your resume to align with each specific job application is now a vital strategy to grab the attention of hiring managers. This targeted effort showcases the strong alignment between your skills and the job requirements, increasing your chances of success.

Read on as this comprehensive guide provides essential tips and tricks for customizing your resume to match specific job postings, ensuring you present yourself as the ideal candidate.  

1. Utilize Available Resources

Initiating the process of resume customization can be streamlined by using available resources and tools like an online CV maker. These digital platforms are equipped with various templates and aesthetic options, enabling users to craft resumes that are professional in appearance and engaging to the viewer.  

The real advantage lies in the ability to easily adjust different segments of the resume, catering to the specific demands of varied job applications. This feature conserves valuable time and enhances the personal touch in each resume, making it uniquely suited to the job it’s intended for.    

2.Analyze The Job Description Thoroughly  

Diving deep into the job description is a critical initial step for tailoring your resume effectively. This requires a detailed analysis to unearth the essential skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer values most. Key phrases and recurring themes within the job description can also indicate what the company prioritizes and its underlying culture.   

By understanding these nuances, you can better align your resume to meet the employer’s expectations, ensuring your applications resonate more strongly with the hiring manager’s requirements and the company’s ethos.    

3.Highlight Relevant Experience  

After gleaning insights from the job description, the next step is to filter through your professional history to spotlight experiences most relevant to the position. This selective process involves identifying roles and achievements that directly correspond to the job’s requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service role, you would want to emphasize any previous experience you have in customer support or handling customer inquiries.

By strategically positioning these experiences prominently on your resume, you can significantly enhance their visibility to hiring managers. Consider using bullet points to summarize these roles and accomplishments to clearly communicate how your background makes you a fitting candidate for the job.    

4.Use Keywords Wisely  

Integrating keywords from the job posting into your resume is a strategic move in the era of digital recruitment, where technological innovations like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are commonplace. Such systems scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job, making it imperative to mirror the language and technical terms used in the job description. This alignment can help increase your resume’s chances of passing through initial screenings.   

However, it’s important to maintain a natural flow of language to ensure readability and coherence. As much as possible, avoid keyword stuffing, which can render the content awkward and unengaging.  

5.Customize Your Professional Summary  

The professional summary acts as a prime real estate on your resume, providing a snapshot of your capabilities and setting the tone for the rest of the document. That said, craft a summary that showcases your relevant skills and strengths and aligns with the employer’s specific needs, presenting yourself as the ideal candidate to address their challenges and contribute to their goals.  

By tailoring this section to echo the core requirements and values highlighted in the job description, you can significantly impact your application’s effectiveness.   

6.Showcase Transferable Skills  

When direct experience in a specific field may be lacking, emphasizing your transferable skills becomes crucial. This is especially true since skills such as effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving are applicable and valuable across various industries and positions. 

For example, if you are applying for a project management position but do not have sufficient experience in that role, highlight your organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and track record of successfully completing projects on time. By illustrating how these abilities are relevant to the job, you can bridge the gap in experience and showcase your potential to excel in the new role. 

Furthermore, highlighting these skills can demonstrate your adaptability and readiness to tackle the position’s challenges, making you a compelling candidate despite a non-traditional background.  

7.Quantify Achievements  

Quantifying your professional achievements adds a layer of credibility and impact to your resume, allowing hiring managers to visualize your potential contributions to their organization. You can offer tangible evidence of your capabilities by providing specific figures and statistics. For instance, you can mention that you led a highly successful email marketing campaign, which led to a 30% increase in online sales and a significant 20% growth in customer acquisition within three months.

This approach lends weight to your claims of past successes and gives employers a measurable gauge of the value you could bring to their team.    

8.Pay Attention To Design And Layout  

The aesthetic appeal of your resume, through its design and layout, can significantly impact the first impression it makes. Opt for a sleek, professional format that enhances readability, ensuring that key information stands out without overwhelming the reader. Ample white space and a clear, legible font are also essential to maintaining a clean appearance, facilitating a quick scan by hiring managers and making your resume visually appealing digitally and in print.  

9.Highlight Education And Certifications  

Emphasize your educational achievements and certifications, especially if they’re directly linked to the job requirements. This is crucial when the role demands specific qualifications or specialized training. However, even non-degree courses or certifications pertinent to the job should be prominently displayed. This showcases your commitment to your professional development and aligns your qualifications with the employer’s expectations, making your application more compelling.  

10.Tailor Your Language And Tone  

Adjusting your resume’s language and tone to reflect the prospective employer’s culture and ethos can also enhance your application’s resonance. For example, a more informal and innovative style may be appropriate for creative roles in dynamic startups. Meanwhile, positions in established professional firms might necessitate a more formal and conventional approach. This customization demonstrates your adaptability and understanding of the company’s environment, suggesting a natural fit within their team.  

11.Include A Custom Cover Letter  

Complementing your resume with a tailored cover letter provides an opportunity to deepen the narrative of your professional journey. This personalized document should articulate your enthusiasm for the role and elucidate how your unique blend of skills and experiences positions you as the ideal candidate.   

It’s an avenue to express aspects of your professional persona that the resume format might not accommodate, such as your passion for the industry and your vision for contributing to the company’s future.  

12.Proofread And Get Feedback  

The final step in refining your resume and cover letter involves rigorous proofreading to eliminate any errors that could undermine your professionalism. Beyond a thorough self-review, soliciting feedback from mentors, peers, or industry professionals can offer valuable perspectives and insights, highlighting areas for enhancement you might have overlooked. This collaborative review process ensures your application is polished, coherent, and poised to make a strong impact.  

Conclusion  

Customizing your resume for each job application might seem time-consuming, but it’s a crucial step in the job search process. Demonstrating your unique fit for each role can significantly increase your chances of landing job interviews and, ultimately, your ideal job. Remember, a tailored resume shows employers that you want this job, making you stand out in a sea of generic applications.

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Modern Careers in Academia: What To Expect

Information-sharing platforms online are the newest way to share academic research and findings. Technology like this has led to changes in careers in academia in recent years. Modern careers in academia are a great way to conduct research and continue learning throughout your life.

This path is a great option, but it is less common, making it harder to know what to expect from this type of career, from salary information to job prospects and growth. We gathered some information here to help you decide if this path is right for you!

1. Salaries and Pay in Academia

Working as a faculty member is one of the most common paths in academia, which means that the service periods are based on the academic year for the students. However, the service periods are not the same as the payroll periods,which are usually delayed by about a month or two.

These differ because only 9 months during the school year are working time for faculty members, but 12 months are included in the paid time.

2. Academic Job Prospects

One of the most common positions to hold in the field of academia is as a faculty member in a university. Faculty members are usually responsible for teaching college classes and keeping up with exam writing and grading.

Faculty members can also usually work in conducting research. To be a part of the faculty of a university, most individuals need to have at least a master’s or Ph.D. Other careers in the field can include that of a laboratory technician or research assistant.

These options are great for those who don’t have, or are currently studying for, a Ph.D. degree. It is also a great experience to have in academia, as research is the name of the game and laboratory skills are in high demand.

3. Typical Goals for Those in Academia

Most of the major milestones that you can work toward in academia are research-based, for example, achieving publication in academic or scientific journals. This means that your research is communicated to other professionals in your area of expertise and has gone through the rigorous peer-review process. If your research passes these stages, it is evidence that your findings are both valuable and valid.

Another common goal that academics will strive for is reaching tenure at their university. A tenured professor can only be terminated in extreme cases, but otherwise has guaranteed job security until retirement.

Presenting research, findings, and new ideas at various meetings and conferences with peers and students. Making new discoveries as an academic is one the most rewarding parts of the career, and being able to travel the globe sharing these findings with fellow researchers is what it’s all about.

4. Institution Service/Volunteering

There is the expectation when you work in the field of academia, that you will provide some services to the institution where you work. These types of services that may be asked of you include:

  • Sitting in on academic committees
  • Ethics boards
  • Grant study evaluations
  • Sitting on editorial boards
  • Mentoring and advising students

Final Thoughts

Making a living as an academic is a very rewarding career path, and is best suited for those who want to continue learning and teaching throughout their life. In this career path, you can expect to earn your living by spending time teaching, researching, and sharing ideas with other experts in your field.

This type of career is for those who are inspired to mentor future generations of scholars at the university level. It is also for anyone who has an unquenched curiosity to study and make discoveries about the world.

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What Nurses Should Know Before Taking CE Courses

When most people talk about CE (continuing education) courses, they’re referring to classes or certifications that are taken on voluntarily. Some professionals take CE courses to keep their heads in the game, while others do it to look more eligible for a promotion. If you’re talking about continuing education for nurses, though, it’s a slightly different story. Continuing Education Units, or CEUs, are mandated for nurses in most states; they’re meant to sharpen the nurses’ knowledge of their craft, and they’re also required in order to keep nurses’ licenses current. Instead of choosing courses solely on the basis of what seems relevant, nurses have to pick from a list of accredited courses. 

There are quite a few more requirements, but those are the main differences between continuing education in general, and CEUs for nurses. Understanding CEU requirements can be tricky the first time around, not only because there’s a lot to learn about them, but also because they vary by state. Some nurses do all the leg-work themselves, while others use services like Nursing CE Central to help them fulfill CEU requirements. If you just want to get the bird’s-eye view, though, keep reading – there’s plenty of helpful information below.

It’s important to keep accurate records

The reasoning here is much the same as why you should keep tax records. You’ll probably never have to pull them out, but if you do need them, it’s essential that everything is in order. The information you should keep track of includes the title of the course, name of the provider, course identification number, date of completion, and number of CEUs awarded. If you don’t want to keep hard copies, it’s recommended to scan them and keep all your copies in a well-organized folder.

Courses can only be taken from approved CEU providers

In each state that mandates CEUs for nurses, there are two authorities that can approve CEU providers: the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center), and the state’s BON (Board of Nursing). This is important for two reasons. First, since each state’s BON approves their own list of providers, each state will have a slightly different list. Second, if a nurse takes a continuing education course that hasn’t been approved, it won’t count towards their CEU requirements.

Just because a course is related to the field of nursing doesn’t mean it’s a CEU

There are plenty of courses that seem like they should be CEUs, but simply aren’t. For example, taking advanced life support classes or attending a nursing-related seminar may add to a nurse’s overall knowledge, but they won’t be recognized as CEUs by the state BON. This isn’t to say that all hands-on training courses or conferences can’t be accredited. Some of them are; it’s just that you have to check beforehand to avoid confusion.

CEU courses can have many different formats

Just because they’re called “courses” doesn’t mean you’ll be spending hours poring over reading materials or taking tests. Here are some examples of CEU courses that take less traditional format:

  • Getting published in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Developing the curriculum for a nursing-related class
  • Teaching a nursing-related class
  • Attending an accredited workshop
  • Attending an accredited seminar or conference
  • Enrolling in online courses that primarily teach through reading materials, webinars, or videos

Some of these types of courses are only accredited in specific states, so you may have to request clarification from the state BON.

If you have a multistate nursing license, CEU requirements will be determined according to your home state

Most states in the US allow registered nurses to practice in multiple states without having to earn additional licenses (this only applies to RN compact states). This allowance makes it easier for nurses to be mobile and work where they’re most needed, but it can also complicate their understanding of CEU requirements. What if a nurse is working in a state with no CEU requirements, but their home state does have those requirements? In that case, the nurse would still have to complete CEUs, even if they’ve been working in another state for years. 

Some states don’t have CEU requirements

If you’re a nurse practicing in one of the following states, you won’t be required to take CEUs:

  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Indiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin

Even if you aren’t strictly required to take CEUs, though, you can still complete them for your own benefit. Continuing education helps nurses stay current on healthcare advancements and recent medical research, and it can even boost a nurse’s career.

CEUs have to be completed before the license renewal period ends

Even though there are many practical benefits to taking CEUs, one of the main purposes is to prevent your nursing license from expiring. Without fulfilling CEU requirements for your state, there could be several consequences. These include losing a job, having your license suspended, or even having to re-take the nurse’s exam as if you’re earning your license for the first time.

Keep in mind that each state sets its own license renewal period. For many of them the interval is two years, but there’s a lot of variation. There are also differing numbers of CEUs required by each state, so that’s another thing to check on before finalizing your studies.

The difference between CEUs and contact hours

These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but this isn’t accurate. If you look at CEU requirements by state, they’ll typically be written as contact hours rather than continuing education units. The ANCC also adopts the same format, but some CEU course providers measure according to CEUs rather than contact hours. With the two terms being used so often, it’s important to know the difference – 10 contact hours equals one CEU. 

The takeaway

There are plenty of ins and outs when it comes to taking CEU courses, but the steepest part of the learning curve is at the very beginning. Once you’ve gotten better acquainted with how they work you’ll be able to focus on the courses themselves, rather than all the associated regulations.

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5 Virtual Jobs to Make Money While Going to College

Are you looking for ways to make money while going to college? If so, you’re in luck. Several virtual jobs allow you to do just that. We will discuss five of the best virtual jobs for college students. These flexible jobs will enable you to work from home, making them perfect for busy students. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

  1. Try Crypto Trading

As a college student, you have time to sit in front of a computer screen for hours, day after day. If you’re one of them, consider trying your hand at crypto trading. Crypto trading is a form of online trading where you buy and sell cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Monero, and others. With this job, you set your hours so you can still attend class or meet up with friends when you need to. The financial perks are a great advantage for college students who have loans they need to pay off.

As a student, you are likely well-versed in the workings of social media. As such, working as a crypto trader might be the perfect job for you! Crypto trading is based online. You can do this virtual job from your laptop or computer 24/7. It’s also possible to make money with cryptocurrencies even if you don’t own any. 

  1. Freelance Writer

As a college student, you probably have many thoughts itching to get out of your head. Why not make money by sharing them with the world? There are tons of blogs and websites out there that need content (more than 400 million, in fact). If you can structure sentences and own an iPhone or Android properly, you can work as a content writer.

  1. Tutor

If you’re studying in your major of choice at college, you’re likely an expert in that field. People are always looking to improve their skills to secure or advance in a job. So, why not help them out? If you have one-on-one tutoring skills, this might be an excellent option for you. You can work from home and make money, helping students improve their studies.

  1. Virtual Assistant

Typically, virtual assistants work with large businesses or companies looking for administrative help. It might include making calls, organizing files, managing social media accounts, and more. They set their work schedule according to their availability. If you’re organized and able to communicate online effectively, then this might be the perfect job for you.

  1. Online Tutor

If you are still searching for a way to make money while going to college, consider becoming an online tutor. You can work at your own pace and set your hours. People of all ages use virtual tutoring services, so there’s likely a need for one in your area. With sites like WyzAnt, you can work as little or as much as you want.

These jobs are very flexible and allow you to set your schedule. You have to log in at a scheduled time and start tutoring students who need help from the comfort of their own homes.

Conclusion

It cannot be easy to find ways to make money as a college student. Luckily, there are virtual jobs that you can do from the comfort of your own home. All options on our list are real opportunities, so why not try Best of luck.

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The Resume is Critical for Career Success – Few Tips for You

There are several different types of resumes, and it’s important to know which one works the best for your particular circumstances. If you want to land a dream job, the best resume is critical for your career. The following are some tips to make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Reverse Chronological Resume

The reverse chronological resume format highlights your relevant work history in chronological order, beginning with your most recent position. It lists dates, job titles, and employer names. Highlight your most recent job and highlight the skills and experiences you gained within the past one to five years. Reverse chronological resumes also highlight achievements and accomplishments. Reverse chronological resumes are often preferred by hiring managers. This format is the most common and favored resume format for career seekers. You can search on Google for top resume examples and the right format. 

When writing your reverse chronological resume, you should never start with your first job. Instead, list your positions in reverse chronological order. Include a brief description of your role, numbers, and metrics where applicable. Your most recent position should be listed at the top, followed by your previous positions. This is especially important if you have no work experience. A reverse chronological resume is not suitable for job seekers who have no work history.

Functional Resume

If you are new to the job market or have little work experience, a functional resume may be a good option. It should clearly state your skills and accomplishments and show examples of how you have applied those skills in the past. Nevertheless, a functional resume should not completely ignore your past employment history as hiring managers want to see that you have some experience.

Include your greatest personal achievements. The objective of a functional resume is to persuade the hiring manager to hire you. If you are unsure of your capabilities, you can look at sample resume objectives to determine how to write your own. You’ll be glad you did! You’ll be surprised by the results! 

Side Projects

Including side projects on a resume is an important way to highlight your skills and experience, since they add to your work history and functional summary. The term “side project” is also synonymous with “external engagement,” “freelance engagement,” or “supplemental engagement.” In the event that you’re working for several clients or companies, make sure to list each project under a specific category or company.

Having side projects on your resume can demonstrate your interests, as well as your passion for a particular field. For example, you may have been working on a side project during your free time and enjoyed it so much that you decided to make it a full-fledged business. In addition to demonstrating your enthusiasm for your field, side projects also allow you to explore new technologies and increase your creativity. These projects are also an excellent way to establish your personal brand and show what you can do.

Employer Benefits

A resume is the calling card of the job-seeker. It conveys an overview of experience and skills, but it also provides an opportunity to highlight personal characteristics and personality. In this way, it will help employers gain a better understanding of you. Here are some tips for writing a good resume. Make it relevant to the job. Include relevant accomplishments and skills in your resume. Employers will appreciate your professionalism and enthusiasm.

A good resume will match keywords from the job description to the skills you offer. For instance, if the job description calls for a software developer, it’s a good idea to include the keyword “JSON” in your resume. This is because most employers use keywords to filter resumes. Indeed, some companies even auto-sort resumes based on keywords. So, a good resume matches keywords with the job description and aims to gain the employer’s attention.

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4 Ways to Find Writing Jobs on the Internet

Are you having trouble finding consistent writing jobs? Sometimes, being a professional writer can feel like wandering in a desert looking for water. Even for seasoned authors, finding decent freelance writing projects may be tough, and entering the market can be daunting.

So, where can you discover your working oasis if it’s typically dry out there? Continue reading to learn about the top four ways to locate writing jobs on the internet.

1. Classic Job Boards

Traditional job boards are the best place to hunt for a full-time writing career. You may occasionally locate freelance writing work on regular job forums as well. Some examples of online job boards would be LinkedIn, Monster, JOBTOPGUN, or Indeed.

Also, always be sure to create an alert for writing jobs! Writing is becoming increasingly popular as a career now and, for every job ad, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of applications. Apply for opportunities as soon as they become available to increase your chances of success.

2. Make Use of Your Network

While networking within your social contacts may seem like an old-fashioned approach, this is one of the most underutilized methods of locking in writing gigs. Leverage your connections! According to Columbia University studies, most people are connected to at least 600 other people.

It is extremely probable to find someone you know who works in your field. If you don’t, someone will likely be able to introduce you. Begin telling everyone you know about your new profession as a freelance writer and let them know you are open to new clients. You’ll be everyone’s go-to source for material once you’ve distinguished yourself as a writer in your community.

3. Creative Staffing Firms

For authors, creative staffing companies are a great resource. While their job ads are mostly for short-term assignments, they do occasionally offer full-time writing positions. In addition, many organizations choose to fill creative roles with temporary-to-full-time employees. This might be an excellent approach to get your foot in the door of a good firm.

To contract with most creative agencies, you must have some prior experience. Typically, you will apply to the agency. If they want to see your application, you’ll be scheduled for a brief interview with a member of their staff and if all goes well, they will add you to their freelancer database. They will then keep an eye out for opportunities that they will determine will be good for you and your talents.

4. Cold Pitching

An even more old-fashioned approach; become your own door-to-door salesperson! When you cold pitch, you reach out to potential clients with whom you have no prior contact and present them with your services.Cold pitchingis the most effective technique to find freelance writing employment, especially if you don’t have much (or any) experience.

You might also target consumers you know will benefit from your services. For example, if you’re a blogger, it’s rather simple to determine whether a customer requires your assistance. Consider sending them a pitch if they have an inactive blog.

Conclusion

One of the most difficult challenges for authors wanting to be compensated for their work is finding reliable, paid internet writing employment. Most of the time, “gigs” for freelance writing provide nothing more than publicity, which is unfortunately not how to make money as a professional writer.

Finding freelance writing gigs might be difficult, but you get to write the story of your writing career—and with the places listed above, you can help yourself discover (and be hired for!) your next job and find your happy ending.

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The Hidden Impact of the Pandemic on Professors

The pressures that educators at all levels are under have only continued to grow. From mounting pressures in the classroom to maintain high educational standards to mitigating growing behavioral issues possibly stemming from post-pandemic fatigue to increasing parental involvement, the stress added to teachers has become almost unbearable. 

Add to those demands the impact of COVID-19 on professors, and there’s a hidden mental health issue among these educators. But what do those stressors mean for the future of education? First, a possible widespread exodus of teaching talent and experience may impact future students.

The Truth About Modern Education

Most people believe that education is a simple, objective task that is one-size-fits-all. But the idea that one-size-fits-all in education is wholly inaccurate. Some learners are auditory, meaning they learn by listening. Others are kinetic, meaning they learn by doing. Finally, some learners are visual, meaning they learn by seeing, and others still learn by combining these types. 

As classroom size expands and resources become more complex, teachers approach the classroom to reach a maximum audience. Teaching as more lectures than interaction also means more passive learning. For disciplines such as STEM, that serves to be less beneficial as this type of coursework requires more hands-on discovery. This one-size-fits-all approach is doing a disservice for STEM-type and music courses. 

Additionally, the detachment of remote learning brought about by the pandemic makes online learning challenging and less engaging. Combined with a disinterested student body that is being taught remotely, the issues of childcare and working from home leading to a work-life imbalance and the strains on personal relationships make instruction even less attractive than in years past. 

Lower Rates of Job Satisfaction

The toll that the classroom demands have taken on instructors has a deleterious effect on job satisfaction. Dealing with these stresses has seen a surge in lower job satisfaction and interest for professors and post-secondary educators. In fact, a recent study found that more than 50% of all professors report considerations toward early retirement and career changes. Some additional findings in the study included: 

  • Stress: Over 69% of respondents felt an increased burden and anxiety since 2020 than any year prior.

  • Anger: More than 35% of respondents claimed to be considered “angry” than in previous years to the tune of nearly three-fold.

  • Burned-Out: 68% of respondents claimed to be experiencing chronic fatigue, up from 32% just a year prior.

  • Depressed: Before 2020, over 40% of professors sampled claimed to be optimistic about the future, but since that number precipitously dropped to only 13%.
     
  • Work-Life Balance: Before 2020, work-life balance saw a positivity rate of over 59%. Since 2020, the sample reports that over 54% of men and a whopping 74% of women respondents claim that work-life balance has deteriorated. 

These factors have contributed significantly to the overall decrease in job satisfaction, and what’s more, the startling number was that over ⅓ of tenured instructors have planned to leave the profession. Additionally, stressed-out individuals tend to have lower self-defense mechanisms and lack the higher coping mechanisms that are customary to healthier individuals. 

Problems such as depression, anxiety, rejection sensitivity, and others manifest themselves, further driving down career satisfaction and happiness. With these stresses and the impact of COVID on every aspect of society and life, it’s no wonder that job satisfaction has dropped and a departure from the profession may be quickly occurring. 

The hidden stresses from the pandemic that have caused widespread disinterest and lower job satisfaction include:

  • Uncertainty in the future of the pandemic
  • Remote teaching being sterile and impersonal
  • Occasionally technical glitches
  • Dealing with disaffected students
  • Work / life imbalance

The stress is due to multiple factors, from growing class sizes that impact the ability to teach a lesson plan; to the emotional strain of remote education and more. Mitigating the negative impacts of more and more disinterested students, as well as the occasional supervisor and parental intervention, has made instruction at the collegial level less inviting than it once was. 

The personal impact on instructors ranges from an increase in anxiety and other stress disorders, a lack of work-life balance, and overall career satisfaction, which may lead to a pandemic of its own; the exodus of highly qualified instructors in the classroom. 

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5 Reasons Why Your Company Should Use a Staffing Agency

Staffing agencies work as the middle man between a company and its potential employees. From checking references, shortlisting candidates, scheduling interviews and screening resumes, they also help people find career progression and opportunities within their chosen field.

So, if you run a business and are trying to decide whether hiring a staffing agency is worth it, then read on. Here are five reasons that will make up your mind for good:

1. They Reduce Overhead Costs

Full-time employees will cost your company much more than just a regular salary. There are other overhead costs to think about, like:

  • Health care
  • Sick pay
  • Vacation pay
  • Retirement plans
  • Employer tax

When employing a staffing agency, you won’t have to pay any of these extra fees; you pay the agency for the work they’ve provided with no additional overhead costs. For example, IT staffing firms such as IS&T at https://www.is-t.net/staffing offer employers modern, up-to-date services that factor in these additional costs.

2. They Save You Training Time

Let’s face it: training new employees requires a large investment of time and money. If your business requires the expertise of someone for just a few months, it isn’t financially viable to spend money on their training.

By using a staffing agency, you can cut the time that training takes. Simply employ someone that is already trained in the job and focus more on your business operations.

3. They Make It Parting Ways With Employees Easier

Once the contractor has finished the job, the work is completely over, and you have no ties to the employee. This means you won’t need to stress about how to part ways or worry about:

  • Unemployment insurance
  • Severance pay
  • Sourcing a replacement

4. They Handle Short-Term Staffing

As an employer, you may need to quickly hire a temp for a number of reasons. Whether it be sick leave, maternity leave, a leave of absence, or a family emergency, staffing agencies can step in and fill the position quickly and efficiently. You’ll be less thrown off by the sudden departure of an employee and have more time to focus on your current obligations.

Let’s say you need seasonal workers. The job advertisement, interviewing process, hiring, and training would also need to happen within a relatively small window, which is more often than not difficult for business owners. A staffing agency has the resources to source temporary employees for seasonal work. Skip the training and bring on an employee that’s trained to do your work for a few months.

Staffing agencies also give you the flexibility to schedule external workers for one-off shifts or short periods of time to handle specific absences.

5. They Have Large Networks

Staffing agencies have a larger network of available professionals than employers do, which means they could have more than one candidate in mind to fill the spot. This also makes it easier to hire: if one worker can’t complete the job due to other commitments, they have other people readily available to jump in.

Many agencies also have good relationships with workers, which makes it easy for them to recommend people to employers. Not only does this make the hiring process quicker, but it also provides a sense of security for employers when taking on short-term employees.

Hire a Staffing Agency to Take the Pressure Off

If you are an employer and you’re looking for ways to cut costs and make short-term hiring worth your while, you should definitely consider a staffing agency. From ensuring you have the best people working for you to saving you training time, the extra help will allow you to focus on other important aspects of your business.

 

 

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6 Things You Need to Rock Your Next Interview

Changing jobs to advance your career or getting your first professional job after college can leave people overwhelmed with anxiety. There are so many things to consider in the process, it’s hard to know where to start. If you’ve been holed up in your house working remotely for the past year and a half, the added stress can make the thought of change even more unbearable. The good thing is that you can walk into your next interview with confidence when you do these things.

Professional Resume

Spruce up your resume. Those Microsoft Office templates might provide a good start, but if you really want to stand out in a sea of applicants, have a professional resume writer offer you suggestions to improve. You’d be surprised at the difference they can make. It’s not just about putting information on paper, it’s about the look and feel of the resume as well. For people in creative industries, the layout can make or break your chances of even getting invited for an interview.

Along with your professional resume, a good cover letter tailored to the job you’re applying for is critical. No “Dear Sir or Madam” greetings will do. Take the time to research the company and the names of the people who you want to get in front of. It’s not as hard as you think to find out who the HR director or Marketing VP is at a company. A good resume and cover letter will set you up for success once you get the interview.

LinkedIn Profile

A lot of companies do some sleuthing online to learn more about potential candidates. A professional photo and complete LinkedIn profile is a great way to stand out. Leverage this powerful social media tool to network, connect with thought leaders, and others in your industry. Share valuable content on occasion to help you stand out when recruiters come looking. With a good first impression online, you’ll be able to rock your interview.

Confidence

Human resources professionals don’t pick the worst candidates, they choose the best. Wear confidence that you were one of the best of all the applicants. You don’t need to feel self-conscious, you can walk with confidence that you have the skills they need and you are one of the best options. Too many professionals think they might not be good enough for a role, but the truth is, if you were selected to interview, you passed the first test.

Clothes

Unfortunately, what you wear matters. You can be the most brilliant mind, but if you walk into an interview looking sloppy and dirty, it’s unlikely you’ll get the job. Wear something stylish but subdued. You don’t want to be distracting, but there is no need to wear outdated pant suits when you can wear a pair of cute bottoms with a simple button-up shirt. Use accessories sparingly, but don’t feel like what you wear must be devoid of fashion.

Preparation

Learn about the company you want to work for. There is no reason you need to walk into a company blind. You can find out gross revenue for the previous year, read annual reports, and check out their social media profiles to discover their voice. Interviews are as much for you as they are for them. Be prepared with good questions about company culture, corporate policies, and job-related questions.

Find out about how they approach advancement, bonuses, and other career building opportunities. You’ll want to discover how supportive they are of further education and families. What is their take on work/life balance? All of these are important ways you can prepare for your interview.

For the technical interviews, you may also experience tests like brainteasers and IQ tests.  You can test you Edgar Allan Poe knowledge here with this fun quiz.

Don’t Share Too Many Personal Details

Your interviewer doesn’t need to know that you were out late drinking last night or any of your personal financial problems. It’s important to keep your interview focused and professional. If they try to dig in to anything that’s outside the scope of the job interview, it’s up to you to redirect the conversation. An interview should be a back and forth, give and take between the parties. But it should not be a juicy tell-all. Hold back on anything related to home, family, or personal life. You don’t want to give the impression that you aren’t planning to be committed to the job. 

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