10 Secrets to Managing Your Expat Career

10 Secrets to Managing Your Expat Career Do you dream of working in a foreign land? Below are 10 insider tips that will help you if you are looking to grow your career overseas. 1. Identify your bright spots Sure you worked 15 years in shipping or marketing but this doesn’t mean anything to a manager in a foreign country looking for a new team member. Clearly state your transferable skills in your resume. Remember that years of experience back home often equates to ‘zero experience in the local market.’ Unless you have years of local market experience you will need to clearly show which skills will make you successful in your new career. These success skills are your bright spots. Make sure they shine in your resume. 2. Demonstrate your value The best way to show your worth to an expat firm is to focus on your achievements. Nothing speaks better than what you did well in the past. Remember your achievements need to answer three main points: What was done? For whom? What was the result? (Figures speak better than words, use % or $) Make a list of your achievements, use them as a guide, they will help you define a credible expat career objective and also script the conversation during your interview. 3. Find mentors Find someone you trust in your community and ask him or her for a referral to a person who works in a field you are interested in. The key word is trust. You want to build a tribe based on trust. Mentors will give you advice and what the main challenges are in their field. Always make sure you ask for referrals to other members of your mentor’s tribe. Do not be a user. Make sure you keep in touch with your mentors when you have landed your dream expat career. 4. Learn about the new home When I first arrived in Dubai in 1999 nobody back home had heard of it. Later, many multinationals setup their MENA (Middle East and North Africa) offices there and expat professionals make up 80% of the population. As the expat population grew so did the ‘incidents’ with the local population, due to a lack of cultural knowledge. From losing your job to ending up in jail, cultural awareness can be vital to thriving in your new home. 5. Develop a strong personal brand Now that you have a good idea of your value, the cultural context and what the main challenges are in the field you chose, make sure you position yourself for career success. Developing a strong personal brand will enhance your chances to be noticed or recognized for your unique attributes and achievements. 6. Blog Launching a blog will help you establish yourself and assert your credibility in a field. You will notice that many high-level expat jobs are specialist jobs, and managers are always on the look out for specialists online. Just don’t write about your co-workers. 7. Learn to deal with doubt Nothing will come out as planned. Get used to it. You can plan your career abroad to the smallest detail, and it will not happen that way. I always ask the same question when I meet a new client ‘tell me how you got where you are’. The most interesting and successful expat professionals answer ‘it’s a long story.’ There is no plan. Instead of planning, learn to deal with doubt in your life. Acquire skills to live with that little voice which wakes you up at 3am wondering if you will get a promotion/job abroad. The best tool to deal with doubt comes from judging situations and finding opportunities when they arise. Become a great decision maker rather than a planner. 8. Learn the language Once you have set your sights on a specific country, start learning the language. You do not have to be fluent but being able to shop at the local store and get directions, are a must. You will be overwhelmed during the first weeks of your arrival, learning the local language as well as local customs and cultural dos and don’ts will go a long way in decreasing this stress. 9. Prepare your exit Earlier I told you not to plan your career but this is one thing you know will happen. You will leave your current job and move to another one. Sooner or later you will have to do it if you want your career to grow. Please tell me you don’t still believe you can climb the career ladder in the same firm for the next 30 years? Ah! Good. Do not wait to be frustrated, fed up and angry with your current boss or job to do this. Prepare a professional letter to your boss, meet and explain why you are leaving. Stay courteous until the end of your notice period. 10. Choose wisely Just because the posting is in a foreign country it does not mean the rules go out the window. A lot of times these days we are pressured to find a perfect career, defined as the job you would do even if you didn’t get paid. This is insane. Looking for an expat career with this mindset means you will look for a long time. It is totally impossible to simply do ‘what you love’. Rather focus on doing what you are. Do something that caters to your bright spots. Related: CV vs. Resume: Whats the Difference and Who Uses Which? John Falchetto  works with professionals who want to grow their career overseas.  With 17 years both as an expat employee and employer he can help you make your dream career become a reality by defining your personal brand, and applying strategies for long-term success abroad. Top image credit: Shutterstock

Using a Business Resume Example

Using a Business Resume ExampleThere are many reasons why a business resume example should be used to help you get your next job. You can easily find many examples on the internet and in books, and you can also get lots of help with the correct resume format, including the correct format of dates, headings, and bullets. In this article, we are going to discuss how to use a business resume example.Business resume examples come in many different formats, from individual resumes, to large, professionally designed samples. Most of these formats will provide all of the formatting and font styles that you will need, as well as some sample cover letters that you can use.The first part of the cover letter is the header. This is where you give the names of yourself and your employer. It also includes your title, along with the name of your company and the address of your company. The header tells the reader what type of cover letter you will need to write. It can be used to give the reader th e basic information that they need to know about your resume.Another feature of resume examples is the use of bullet points. This is an important part of creating a professional cover letter. Instead of writing a paragraph of information about yourself, you can add a few short sentences about yourself and then provide the reader with your contact information and your reference. The goal of this format is to get the reader to open up the cover letter by asking them for their contact information and their reference.You can also find sample resumes and cover letters that have been created by other people. This can be a great way to get ideas for your own cover letter. If you want to know how to write a resume that is professional and makes an impact, then this is one way to find out how. You can find out what other people are doing and try to copy them when you are writing your own resume.Remember that you don't have to use a format that someone else has chosen. It is important to be o riginal when it comes to writing a cover letter. Many people want to hire you for your resume because they like your resume examples. You should show that you are a professional with a professional resume by using a format that is unique to you.You can find a lot of information on the internet on how to create a professional cover letter and how to use a format. You can find examples that are a great way to start, or you can find many different ones that you can use to find the one that works best for you. This is an important part of the process that you will want to spend a little time on.Business resume examples are an excellent place to start if you are looking for a way to get a resume to show off what you can do. It is important to know that you will not have to go through the process of creating one by yourself. Instead, you can use samples that other people have created, which will allow you to learn a lot about what it takes to make a professional resume.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese How Small Changes Can Build a Stronger Team

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese How Small Changes Can Build a Stronger Team When it comes toinfluencing othersto change their behavior, the smallest changes can make the biggest differences, contends a new book called The Small Big by Steve J. Martin, Noah J. Goldstein and Robet B. Cialdini. Using scientific research, the authors explain how small changes can help you build a stronger team and make team members more productive and motivated. In this interview with Anita Bruzzese, Steve Martin talks about how managers can be more effective by only making some small tweaks. AB: Lets say Im a manager and Im trying to figure out how to build better relationships among team members. What small thing can I do to encourage cooperation and a feeling of partnership among them? SM:Get team members to consider those things they have in common with each other but that are uncommon to outside groups. People want to be part of the gang yet stand out at the same time. A simple way a manager can help to draw out these uncommon commonalities is ask team members to fill out getting-to-know-you forms before any formal work is done, but rather than ask questions like, name your favorite TV show or list your favorite travel destination, which will generate similarities that are common, instead ask name your top five TV shows which are more likely to identify a shared love of a more uncommon liking. AB: While some may believe that more money or other rewards can motivate employees to be more productive, you say there is one solution that will only take five minutes and not cost anything. Can you explain? SM:In todays hyper-busy world it can be very easy to lose track of the significance and meaningfulness of the jobs we do. So anything a manager can do to remind her team of why their jobs are important can increase motivation levels resulting in more productive individuals. One way to do this is to allocate five minutes at the start of the working week to highlight an example of where their work had made a meaningful difference to a customer or client. AB: If Imtrying to persuade someone like my boss or a customer what small way can I optimize my chances for success? SM:Think how can I help that person? rather thanhow can they help (read more here)

Best Tools for a Spotlessly Clean Kitchen

Best Tools for a Spotlessly Clean Kitchen Contrary to popular misconception, cleaning the kitchen need not be a dreaded task. It is true that the kitchen is the part of our house which is most susceptible to food spills and usage of chemical cleaners for stain removal. But the next time you make use of the acidic cleaners, think again as the kitchen is the last place where you would wish to have chemical residue. Modern technology has broadened the sphere of innovation to bring along various cleaning aids which can make the whole process an extremely hassle-free one while gaining top points in the hygiene department. Sweepovac It becomes essential to maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen by dusting out food crumbs, pet hairs and other deposits which the kids might track in. The Sweepovac SVS1500 can be of great help in sweeping, large messes directly inside this unique vacuum system.   You can get rid of accumulating debris in super-fast speed by bringing home this easy to install gadget which is perfect for kitchens experiencing heavy traffic. It collects all the particles which are dusted towards the front portion of its suction area in its bag to prevent spillage. This insanely convenient appliance can be placed in the kitchen to safeguard you from having to bend down constantly for using the dustpan. Cordless Handheld Vacuums The most powerful handheld vacuums bring along a suction blast technology, which can clean every nook and cranny of your kitchen space instantaneously. These lightweight devices come with charging stations and run for an average of 20 minutes following a single charge. This time will surely suffice as you can carry out the cleaning of hardwood, linoleum and tile flooring easily. The Dyson Absolute v6 can suck up grit in no time courtesy its unbridled power. It comes with two floor tools which can be used for cleaning hard floors and carpets with absolute precision. Steam Mops If you wish to disinfect your floors after a cleaning session, then steam mops can be of great help. They can sanitize kitchen floors without using the harmful chemicals, which often end up leaving stains on the tile flooring. The steam mops can transform regular tap water into a hot steam, which can disinfect sealed hardwoods, tile and linoleum flooring in no time. HAAN steam mops have gained immense popularity with its CR-motion technology, which can kill 99.9% of bacteria and germs using just tap water. The steam mops come with useful attachments which can be of great help in cleaning dirty ovens, bathrooms and countertops. Steam Cleaners The steam cleaners operate in a way similar to the steam mops by converting tap water into an extremely powerful cleaning machine. They come with an array of attachments which can be used for cleaning sinks, stoves, counter-tops, grilles, tile backsplashes and ovens. The EnviroMate E3 Steam Cleaner makes use of dry vapor, which eliminates all allergens, viruses, and bacteria from your kitchen surface other than cleaning it naturally. You can control the level of steam depending upon the task to be performed. It’s 13-piece accessory kit and 2 hours of battery life can help you transform the cleaning chore into a cakewalk. So, what are you waiting for? Use these tools to disinfect and cleanse your cooking den today!

Job Vacancies in NASA - Resume Writing Tips

Job Vacancies in NASA - Resume Writing TipsWhen you look into the cover letter of a successful applicant for a position in your company, there is one thing that stands out - the content of the cover letter. The writer of the letter seems to have little or no knowledge about the company and the job. Maybe he or she has had an interview there but wasn't hired. That's the impression you get from that one paragraph.When you start looking at the resumes of applicants to work for your company, one thing becomes very clear: people who have attended the NASA Science Center or other academic and research institutions are extremely serious about their career opportunities at NASA. There are well written and engaging letters to include in the cover letter of the applicant.The primary reason why most people decide to apply for an astronaut position is because they love science and space. Space exploration is one of the most fascinating and exciting pursuits ever performed by mankind.If the appli cant has studied a particular aspect of science, he or she will also be highly interested in the project at hand. Most NASA employees are also not only passionate about the mission but are also prepared to devote the necessary time and effort required to do the job.One of the best resume writing tips you can follow is to check whether the applicants' passions match the projects at hand. As much as possible, write your resume under a fictional scenario, to give you the feeling of being in the same situation, without actually having to work in the same field.Another important thing to look at when looking at a NASA resume is the amount of available space on the page. A resume that includes too much information on it could easily confuse the reader. It is good to remember that an application will only be considered if it is succinct and accurate.Before sending your resume to NASA, go through the entire document first and make sure you understand everything. The only point at which a re sume must differ from a paper application is the header. Even though there are different formats for the resume for NASA, it must be formatted in a way that looks like it was written by an employee of NASA.Don't be afraid to include hobbies on your resume, although some NASA jobs may prefer to see a specific kind of hobby that the applicant had participated in. All you need to do is to come up with an impressive list of hobbies and pastimes that can match the requirements of NASA. Most of the applications at NASA are shortlisted based on the information provided by the applicant.

6 Questions to Ask Before You Plan A Career As a Flight Attendant CareerMetis.com

6 Questions to Ask Before You Plan A Career As a Flight Attendant â€" CareerMetis.com Becoming a Flight Attendant can be a great career move for the right person.It is a dynamic, rewarding career, but before you undergo flight attendant training, here are some questions to ask yourself to make sure this is the right profession for you.1) Do I fulfill the airlines’ qualifications?evalAirlines don’t just make up their physical requirements on a whimâ€"there are valid reasons for each one.?For example, if you are shorter than 5’3”, you might not be able to reach high enough to retrieve items from the overhead bins; if you are taller than 6’3”, you might have to bend down while working in the galley.?Before you send your resume to an airline, check its requirements online to make sure you meet them.2) Can I conform to the airline’s appearance code?Flight Attendants are the face of the corporation and must present a professional look at all times.? If you’re a rebel who likes to dye her hair fuchsia, has lots of tattoos that are not easy to conceal, or wear s three sets of earrings and a nose ring, this probably isn’t the profession for you.?But if you have no philosophical problems wearing your hair neatly cut or tied back, using modest makeup Flight Attendants must perform physically taxing tasks. They lift heavy luggage, stay on their feet for hours at a time on overseas flights, and push heavy carts up and down the aisles, just to name a few.evalIf you spend most of your time in front of the computer or TV while eating ice cream, this might not be the right job for you.?Fortunately, this is one of the easier problems to solve, start watching your diet and working out daily at the gym or get yourself a set of barbells to use at home. You can probably get in the required shape in a matter of weeks.?Preparing yourself by getting in shape can help you do well during flight attendant training, too.Photo Credit- Flickr.com4) Can I keep my patience under stress?If you lose your temper when the person ahead of you in the grocery store ch eckout line pulls out 25 coupons, you might think twice about becoming a flight attendant.eval?Let’s face it, airline delays are common these days, and mechanical or weather difficulties can keep passengers waiting for anywhere from several minutes to a few hours.A businessman who is going to miss a meeting, a nervous flyer who has had too much to drink, or a mother with a cranky baby doesn’t care that it’s snowing in Denver, he or she just wants to get to the destination quickly and might take out his frustration on the crew.?If you can remain cheerful, polite, and calm when you are running late for an appointment and the person ahead of you waits until she gets to the teller to start filling out her deposit slip, you are one step closer to having the perfect personality to be a Flight Attendant.5) Can I stay calm in an emergency?A Flight Attendant’s primary duty is to ensure the safety of everyone on board. It is a huge responsibility and not for those who panic easily. Fl ight Attendants must assist passengers and other crew members in emergencies ranging from heart attacks to emergency water landings.?If you faint at the sight of blood or dropped out of Scouts because you couldn’t pass the first aid test, you might want to think twice about becoming a Flight Attendant. If, however, you are the person everyone turns to for help when the electricity goes out during a storm, then you demonstrate the necessary leadership for this exciting, but often unpredictable, job.6) Do I love people?As a Flight Attendant, you will have to deal with hundreds of people every day. Passengers can sense when a Flight Attendant is grouchy or is having a bad day.??It can be difficult to hide your feelings when you are having the occasional difficult time, but if you are constantly in a bad mood and don’t like being around strangers, you should probably choose another profession.However, if you can stand at the door as the passenger’s exit and say, “Have a nice day ” a hundred times and truly mean it if you genuinely care about people and their welfare and safety, then you meet the most important characteristic of a professional Flight Attendant.If you were able to sincerely answer Yes to all of these questions, congratulations!eval?You demonstrate that you have chosen the right career.?Look into flight attendant training, do well in your studies, and then, start sending out those resumes to the airlines. It will be a pleasure to fly with you.

Research Tools Part 3

Research Tools Part 3 Here is the last installment in my three part series on job search research tools.The Corporate Finance Sourcebook features over 1,900 of todays top investment sources and over 1,400 service firms.Securities Industry Yearbook includes information on individual securities firms, such as key personnel and department heads, number of customer accounts, registered representatives, offices, and capital.Standard Poors Security Dealers of North America is a comprehensive guide to brokerage and investment banking firms in the U.S. and Canada. The Directory contains all the facts you need for conveniently locating firms and facilitating transactions. This bi-annual publication includes thoroughly researched listings on over 5,000 main offices and 10,000 branches along with information on key executives and department managers and their addresses, phone/fax numbers and internet and email addresses.ABA Financial Institutions Directory lists head office and branch listings for all banks, saving s institutions, and top credit unions along with names of officers in key departments including finance, loans, operations, and marketing.Gold Book of Venture Capital Firms is a comprehensive directory of venture capital firms arranged by geographic location with indexes by industry, stage of funding, key principals, and a listing of firms in alphabetical order. Each listing contains key statistics such as a sampling of portfolio companies, amount of capital invested, preferred investment size and industries served.Careers in Public Accounting: A Comprehensive Comparison of the Top Tier Firms compares top tier firms, including profiles and various articles covering current events and trends that might impact the industry and employment within the industry.Take the time to incorporate some good old fashioned research into your search strategy. You will gain more immediate access to the hidden job market, increase your number of quality leads, and possibly decrease the amount of time you spend in search.

Career Transition Tips for Success - Hallie Crawford

Career Transition Tips for Success Not happy in your current job? Thinking about making a career change? Dynamic lifestyles and an uncertain economy are just two of many reasons to consider a new occupation, or even an entirely different field than the one youre in now. Maybe youve seen some layoffs at your company and the fear factor has you searching for alternate options and wanting more satisfaction out of your work. Perhaps you crave a more flexible work situation, one that allows you to balance home and career more effectively. Whatever your circumstance, one things for sure: youre unhappy or unsettled in your current job and you want to do something about it. When you start to get the itch, its time to make an assessment and begin to set early goals. You may wonder, am I really ready for a career transition? How can I best prepare myself for a change? But even before you delve into the components of a satisfying career, it helps immensely to cultivate a healthy and positive mental outlook. People who are successful at making a change are the ones who are willing to overcome their fears, doubts and insecurities in order to make it happen. You, too, can be one of these people… Keep these preliminary tips in mind before forging ahead on your path to a more fulfilling and rewarding career! 1. Commit yourself to making a change. Something that is incredibly important to any change you make in your life is your level of commitment. You have to be committed. How committed are you to finding a career that fits, on a scale from 1-10? If it’s not at a 10, what do you need to do to move it up the scale? The time to ask yourself key questions is now. Do your research, so you know what questions to keep in mind. Explore career websites. Take personality tests. 2. Learn to overcome obstacles. To be successful in changing career paths, you need to learn to overcome obstacles you will encounter along the way. The obstacles I see time and time again for people wanting to make a career change are: not knowing what to look for in a job (so they take one that is “good enough” that they don’t truly enjoy) and negative beliefsnot believing they can successfully make the change. 3. Get support. I was able to very successfully make my career transition into coaching in large part because of my own coach. She helped me create my plan, remain positive, move forward, identify what I wanted to do and learn to overcome obstacles. 4. Claim your life. My last thought for you is to claim your life. There never is a perfect time to make a drastic career change, and you can always come up with excuses/reasons not to. You do need to take some kind of risk and perhaps step out of your comfort zone. The key is to minimize the risk and be smart about it. Join us tomorrow (May 19th at 12noon ET) for a FREE teleclass Top 10 Tips to Identify Your Ideal Career where we will discusses the top 10 things you need to consider in order to identify your ideal career. Register here: www.halliecrawford.com/toptentips.html See you there!Career Coach