| How to Prepare for Your Job Search Posted: 23 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT Are you just entering the workforce or looking to change careers, and you don't know where to begin? Whenever you're looking for a job, there are a lot of things you can do to help put your best foot forward. By putting in the effort beforehand, you will be able to present yourself in the best possible way to a prospective employer. We'll start with some easy changes you can make online and move on to tips to help you find your next career! [Edit]Set your social media to private. - You don't want the things you post online to affect job opportunities. If you have something on public accounts, go into the settings of every last one of your existing accounts and profiles, and customize the privacy. If you want to keep accounts entirely public, such as a Tumblr blog, make sure that your full name is not listed anywhere on the blog or page.[1]
- On Facebook, find the Privacy menu and click "See more settings." Next to the phrase "Limit the audience for posts you've shared with friends of friends or Public?" click on the option that says "Limit Past Posts." This will make all your past posts friends-only.[2]
- For Twitter, open up "Settings" and click "Security and Privacy." Under Privacy, check the box next to "Tweet Privacy" to make your Tweets private and viewable only to your followers.
- Even if you make your social media private, go back and delete any posts or pictures that could be inappropriate so they aren't uncovered later on.
[Edit]Create a LinkedIn profile. - Listing your information on LinkedIn helps other professionals find you. When you make a LinkedIn profile, fill in all of your personal information and upload a headshot for the profile picture. List all of your skills and work history on the site so people on your profile can easily see your experience. Connect with your coworkers and friends on the site so you can stay up to date with them.[3]
- Share professional achievements, such as training courses, awards, or large projects you worked on, on your profile.
- Avoid using buzzwords such as "focused," "strategic," "passionate," or "creative," on your profile since they're really overused.
[Edit]Make a website or portfolio. - For people in creative professions, this provides an easily-accessible, visual overview of their work. For those in other professions, it's an easy way to control your online presence and impress a potential employer should they search for you online. There are many online portfolio services that are free or charge a low fee, including Behance, Squarespace, Wordpress, Weebly, and others.[4]
- If you're an artist or designer, post images of personal work and things you've made for clients.
- Include any research, publications, and reports you've been involved with. This can be anything from academic papers to work-related reports.
[Edit]Check the search results for your name. - Potential employers will look you up online and see all of the top results. You probably don't want an employer stumbling on an old blog or social media page you made. Search for your name with keywords such as your location and your profession. If you find links to things that you don't want associated with you, either remove the content yourself or contact the website owner to see if they'll take it down.[5]
- Anything that might be embarrassing, inappropriate, or illegal are "red flags" to employers.
- Google can remove the content from their search engines, but it can still be found through the direct URL, or through other search engines.
[Edit]Use a professional email address. - Employers may not consider you if you have an old email. Use a reliable email service, such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, since it will make your address look more legitimate. Try and use a version of your name for your email address so it's easy to read and understand.[6]
- For example, use something like john.j.smith@gmail.com rather than one like soccerfan2938@yahoo.com.
[Edit]Record a simple and concise voicemail. - You don't want an employer to hear a jokey voicemail when you miss a call. Rather than singing or telling jokes in your greeting, communicate your information clearly. State your name and ask the person to leave a message so you can call back as soon as you can.[7]
- A good professional voicemail could be something like, "Hi, you have reached John Smith. Please leave your name and number, and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thanks."
[Edit]Decide on your career goals. - Think about what you want to achieve so you can find a job you'll like. Whether you're changing positions or just entering the workforce, take some time to really consider what you want to do as your career. Give yourself a real goal to work towards so you can find jobs that will help you achieve your dreams.[8]
- For example, if you wanted to be a florist, you may look for positions at a plant nursery or at a local flower shop.
[Edit]Make or update your resume. - List your work experience and skills in a document to give to employers. There are a lot of different styles you can use for your resume, so try out a few layouts to see what works best. List your most current contact information at the top of the page. If you've just started working, you'll mainly focus on your education and skills. If you've been in the workforce for a while, list more of your employment history.[9]
- While there aren't any official guidelines, try to keep your resume on 1–2 pages and use an easy-to-read font.
- Tailor your resume for each individual job you apply for since all of your work history won't be relevant to every job.
[Edit]Think of experiences that highlight your skills. - Interviewers will ask for examples of how you handled previous issues. Think of a few engaging stories from your previous jobs about how you handled a problem. Use the STAR system to name the Situation that arose and the Task that had to be done. Then, state the Action you took and the Result that occurred.[10]
- For example, if you wanted to showcase you're good with customer service, you might explain how you worked with an angry customer through a problem.
- You can use these examples in cover letters, interviews, and at networking opportunities.
[Edit]Practice your elevator pitch. - Selling yourself helps you make introductions and meet new connections. Your elevator pitch is a chance to talk about yourself and what you work on in a short amount of time. Share personal information about who you are, what you do for work, and some places you worked. Highlight a couple of the big projects you've worked on at work or in your free time so the person you're talking to gets to know you better.[11]
- For example, you could say, "Hi, my name is Joan Smith, I recently graduated from NYU and I'm currently working as a production assistant. I'm working on becoming a screenwriter. A short film I wrote in college and helped make in college went on to win awards at a few film festivals, and I've spent the past few months working on a feature film."
[Edit]Network with other professionals. - People in your industry might know of open opportunities. Attend events, communicate with your existing network, and actively seek to make new connections, especially in the field you work in or would like to work in. This will give you greater visibility in your field and your area.[12]
- Look for networking events through sites such as meetup.com and LinkedIn Events. You could also consider attending trade shows, conferences, and alumni events.
- Check if there are any professional organizations or associations in your area where you could become a member.
- Job-hunting can take a while and be a little exhausting. As long as you're persistent and keep looking, you'll find a job that you're a perfect fit for!
[Edit]Warnings - Never lie on your resume or LinkedIn profile since you may get questioned about it by a potential employer.[13]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __LIST__ |
| How to Set Silverware Posted: 23 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT Laying out silverware in a specific way may seem at first like much ado about nothing, but it can really add to both the visual appeal and functionality of your dining table. This article tackles many of the questions you're likely to have about setting silverware for a variety of casual, semi-formal, and formal events. So if you're suffering from "soup spoon anxiety," fear not—you've come to the right place! [Edit]How do I decide what to set out? - Only set out silverware that will be used during the meal. Don't overcomplicate things! If the meal you're serving doesn't include soup, don't bother setting out any soup spoons. Likewise, if only one fork is needed, only set out one fork per person. Let your menu be your guide.[1]
- So, does that mean that if you're serving food that doesn't require any utensils, you shouldn't bother setting any out? You might go that route, but you might also see it as a common courtesy to set out a knife and fork just in case.
- Setting out unnecessary silverware just confuses your guests—they'll have no idea what to use that little fork for!
[Edit]What goes to the left and right of the plate? - Set the fork to the left, the spoon and knife to the right. This is the basic rule for most styles of silverware setup. That said, when you get into more formal silverware settings, certain spoons, knives, and forks might be placed above the plate as well. But even then the primary dining silverware typically follows the forks to the left, knives and spoons to the right setup.[2]
- There's really only one time you'll want to set a fork to the right of the plate: if you're serving a meal that requires the use of an oyster fork.
[Edit]How do I order the items on the left and right? - The silverware you'll use first should be furthest from the plate. In other words, you should work your way in towards your plate as you pick up the main pieces of silverware for your meal. So, if the salad course is coming before the main course, set the salad fork to the left of the main course fork.[3]
- This standard outside-to-inside setup signals to diners which pieces of silverware they should use for each course.
[Edit]It's not silverware, but where does the napkin go? - Place the napkin to the left of the plate—or on it, if you prefer. Some table-setters really like to set the napkin on top of the plate, but putting it to the left of the plate is the classic and still most common setup. You then run into another table-setter dispute: should you put the silverware on the left on top of the napkin or to the inside of it? The classic setup avoids putting the silverware on top, but it's become increasingly acceptable to put the silverware on the napkin.[4]
- Here's the one thing everyone seems to agree on: don't set the napkin to the right of the plate!
[Edit]Which way should the knife blade point? - Set knives so their blades are facing the plate. If you've never put much thought to how you set out silverware before, little details like this one might seem like nitpicking. But there really is a functional reason here! Think about it: with the knife blade pointed inward toward the plate, it's ready to use when you pick it up in your hand.[5]
- If you're including a butter knife, put it on top of the bread plate placed above and to the left of the dining plate. Set it so the blade is on the left side of the bread plate and is facing toward the diner—this puts it in the correct position for a right-handed person to use without turning it over.
[Edit]How close to the plate should I set silverware? - Place the closest silverware about from the plate. No, you don't have to get out your ruler, but this general distance is both pleasing to the eye and functional. Place the additional pieces of silverware slightly closer to each other—around apart—with the aim of keeping the entire place setting around wide.[6]
[Edit]Should the silverware line up with the plate? - Yes—align the bottom of the silverware with the bottom of the plate. There isn't much of a functional reason for this "rule"—it just looks really nice! Lining up the bottom of the dining plate and all the pieces of silverware to its right and left is a simple but classy touch that works with any basic, casual, or formal table setting.[7]
- Since the different pieces of silverware are likely to be different lengths, it's also easier as a practical matter to line up the bottoms rather than trying to line up the tops.
[Edit]How many styles of settings are there? - It depends on who you ask, but at least 3—basic, casual, and formal. Some experts say there are 2, or 4, or 5, or a dozen or more different primary styles of table settings. However, if you master the ins and outs of 3—basic, casual, and formal setups—you'll be in good shape for pretty much any type of dining situation.[8]
- No matter how many primary silverware setting styles you contend there are, they should always be both functional and visually appealing.
[Edit]So how do I do a basic setting? - Put the fork to the left, knife and spoon to the right—that's about it! Lay the napkin to the left of the plate and put the fork on top of it. Put the knife on the right, blade facing toward the plate, and the spoon (if being used) to the right of the knife. Put the drinkware above and to the right of the plate—imagine the plate as a clock face and put the drinkware at 1 o'clock.[9]
- Pay attention to detail to add visual appeal. Line up the bottoms of the silverware with the bottom of the plate, and set the fork, knife, and drinkware about from the plate.
- This setting is great for everyday dining, or maybe a weekend breakfast get-together.
[Edit]What about a casual setting? - Build off from the basic setting with more dishes and drinkware. This one mirrors the basic setting with the fork on the napkin to the left and the knife and spoon to the right. Then, as needed, set a salad plate and soup bowl, in that order, on top of the dinner plate. Also put both a water glass and wine glass (as needed) aligned at the one o'clock position above and to the right of the plate.[10]
- Add, subtract, or substitute drinkware as needed.
- Center the plate on a nice placemat to further refine the look.
- This is the ideal setting for typical dinner parties with friends and family.
[Edit]And how about a formal setting? - Add to the casual setting with more silverware and accessories. Start with the dinner fork to the left and the knife and spoon to the right. As dictated by your menu, add a salad fork to the left of the dinner fork and a dessert spoon and/or fork placed horizontally above the plate (spoon handle pointed to the right, fork handle pointed left). If you're serving bread, put a bread plate at the 11 o'clock position and lay a bread knife horizontally on it, handle pointed to the right.[11]
- Add forks, spoons, and knives to the left and right as needed depending on the courses you're serving. Remember to lay them out so that your guests are able to work their way inward while picking up silverware—that is, the silverware for earlier courses goes to the outside.
- Replace a placemat with a charger, a decorative plate that remains under the serving dishes—soup bowl, salad plate, dinner plate, etc.
- Add additional drinkware at the 1 o'clock position as needed and, if desired, individual salt and pepper shakers and a placecard above the dessert silverware.
- Leave ample space between place settings so guests can sit and move comfortably throughout the meal. Too many place settings will also make the table appear cramped and small. By allowing the guests to spread out, it opens the table to look wider, even if it is just an illusion.
- Polish your sterling silver before your dinner party so that it does not look tarnished. Sparkling silver enhances a formal setting along with crystal glasses and fine china.
- Your silverware setting does not need to match. Piecing together a complete set takes time. Replace utensils as you acquire new ones.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not place utensils on the table that will not be used throughout the meal. This will clutter the table and confuse your guests.
[Edit]References __QAM__ |
| How to Buy a Bicycle Posted: 23 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT Buying a bike can be overwhelming at first, especially since there are so many options out there! The good news is that once you've settled on what kind of bike you want to buy, this process is actually pretty straightforward—especially if you don't have a specific brand in mind. The big thing you'll want to consider is how you plan on using your bike, since different bikes are designed for different types of riders! [Edit]How do I know what kind of bike to buy? - Choose a road bike if you'll be traveling primarily on paved roads. Road bikes are designed for paved surfaces, which makes them ideal if you're riding in a city or using the bike to get to work. They have lighter frames, slimmer tires, and they're generally a lot easier to maneuver. If you aren't tackling any off-road trails, get a road bike![1]
- There are many subcategories of road bike, including cyclocross, touring, adventure road, triathlon, and fitness. If you're going to be using the bike for a specific sport or activity, consider getting one of these specialized bikes.
- Pick a mountain bike if you're hitting the trails. Mountain bikes are best for riding on rocky trails and adventuring off of paved roads. The tires are large and have a thicker tread, which helps to grab the surface and propel you forward when you're going uphill. They tend to be kind of bulky, but that helps them hold up better in rough conditions![2]
- Look at a hybrid bike for the best of both worlds. If you want something smaller than a mountain bike, but bigger than a road bike, look into a hybrid bike. Sometimes known as "comfort" bikes, these bicycles have gears like a mountain bike, but they're not as bulky or unwieldy. They perform well on pavement, but you can also ride them on smoother dirt paths.[3]
- These bikes are called "comfort" bikes because they usually have wider, padded saddles and suspension systems to absorb the shock of potholes or bumps. This generally makes them super comfortable to ride.
- Consider an electric bike if you want some help pedaling. Electric bikes have a built-in battery that help you pedal with ease (or skip the pedaling altogether!). This is ideal if you don't care about the fitness component, or you have some kind of chronic knee pain that makes riding a standard bike difficult.[4]
- These bikes do tend to be kind of pricey. A decent electric bike will run you $2,000-3,000. They're also pretty bulky, so they tend to require a lot of storage space.
[Edit]Is it better to buy a used or new bike? - Pick a new bike if you want durability and have unique requirements. If you've got your heart set on getting a specific type of bike and you know it's the one for you, it's probably better to buy new since you won't need to replace it for a long time. Buying new is also a good idea if you really don't want any headaches in the maintenance and repair department, since you won't need to replace any components any time soon.[5]
- Every bike will need maintenance eventually. Don't buy a brand new bike and expect to never need a tune up!
- Get a used bike if you're on a budget or just causally riding. If you're trying to cut costs or you really don't care all that much about your paint job being chip-free, just buy a used bike. A used bike may also be a good idea if you enjoy tinkering and fixing things yourself, since you'll be able to replace the grip tape, chain, or tire if they break down in the future. Just be sure that you don't buy an obviously damaged or dysfunctional bike.[6]
- You can buy used bikes from most bike shops, but you can also search on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace if you spot something interesting. Just make sure that you inspect the bike carefully and test it out before you buy it!
[Edit]What size bike do I need for my height? - Sit on the bike to see if it's comfortable and sized appropriately. There are all kinds of sizing methods and tricks out there when it comes to figuring out if a bike is the right size for you. You can look at tube measurements and subjective size recommendations all you'd like, but so long as the bike is comfortable for you, it's totally fine.[7] If you can keep a neutral spine and your knees are almost perfectly straight at the lowest pedal position, it'll work for you.[8]
- If you want to use a more scientific sizing method, you can! Here are the general recommendations for bike sizes based on your height (the bike size is the distance from the seat post to the crank):[9]
- 4'11" to 5'3" –
- 5'3" to 5'7" –
- 5'7" to 5'11" –
- 6'0" to 6'2" –
- 6'2" to 6'4" –
- 6'4" or taller" – or more
- Take a test drive to determine if the bike feels smooth. Once you find a bike that you think might be right for you, take it for a quick test run. Bike around the block, or in the parking lot of the bike shop. If everything feels smooth and you don't find pedaling uncomfortable, it's probably a solid bike for you![10]
- Different riders prefer different things in a bike. A large part of this process is simply determining how a bike feels to you. If you aren't comfortable on a given bike, don't buy it. If you're comfortable, it's worth considering!
[Edit]How much is it to buy a bike? - A new bike is probably going to start around $300-500. Road bikes typically start around the $300 mark, while a new mountain bike is going to start around $500—at least if you're buying a quality bike. There are bikes that are cheaper than this, but they may not last as long.[11]
- A high end bike may cost up to $2,000, or more. The really fancy bikes on the market tend to be extremely expensive.[12] Unless you're a seasoned cyclist or you plan on entering races in the future, it's usually not necessary to buy an expensive bike like this.[13]
- Used bike prices vary, but they may require more maintenance. If you opt for a used bike, it may require a few adjustments and repairs. You may need a new chain, a fresh saddle, and some new grip tape. You're probably going to need a tune up relatively soon as well. Take these minor repairs into account when you're buying a used bike, and assume you'll end up spending a few hundred on this stuff.[14]
[Edit]Where should I buy a bike? - Most cycling enthusiasts suggest you buy in-person from a bike shop. The folks who work at bike shops are passionate and knowledgeable, and they'll be able to advise you on what kind of bike is likely best for you. They'll also be able to tune or adjust your bike before it leaves the shop so that you have something road-ready as soon as you walk out of the door! Regardless, if you don't see the bike in person, there's no way to know if it's right for you.[15]
- If you don't live anywhere near a bike shop, check your local outdoors or big box department store. These big retailers often have bikes for sale.
- Consider buying online if you want a specific model or bike. Local bike shops can only offer what they've got on hand, and if you know exactly what you're looking for, they may not have it in stock. If you've got your eyes set on a specific brand, model, or set of features, buying online may be your best option. The big downside is that you won't get to test the bike, but if you do your research and know what you want, that may not matter to you.[16]
- Most online bike stores have a live chat feature. If you do buy from an online retailer, reach out through the chat function first. Let them know how tall you are, and what you want in a bike. They'll be able to give you concrete recommendations regarding the size you likely need.[17]
- This is also a good option if nothing catches your eye at the local bike shop but you have a solid sense for what you're looking for.
- Consider buying a used bike from a private seller to save money. If you want to buy from a private seller who lives in your area, that's totally fine! You may not want to exchange money before you inspect it in person though, so try to meet in person to get a look at the bike. Keep in mind, since you can only go see one bike at a time, it may take you a long time to find a bike that's right for you if you go this route.[18]
- Ask the seller how long they've had it, why they're getting rid of it, and what repairs it has needed in the past. If they get kind of twitchy or uncomfortable with the questions, just walk away.
- If you're short on storage space, consider buying a folding bike. As the name suggests, these can be folded up to make the bike easier to carry and store. They aren't especially fast, but they get the job done if you don't want a giant bike taking up tons of space in your apartment![19]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __QAM__
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]Quick Summary |
No comments:
Post a Comment