How to Choose and Prepare Job References

How to Choose and Prepare Job ReferencesHow to Choose and Prepare Job References6Wouldnt it be wonderful if you could simply submit your resume for a job, go in for a job interview, and get hired on the spot? Unfortunately, thats not how it works. In addition to numerous rounds of job interviews, youll also need to prepare job references who can vouch for your team player mentality and your results-driven work ethic. But there are some definite job reference tips that you should be aware of. Heres what you need to know to choose and prepare job references.Get permission from your references.Before you dash off your job application with a list of names and numbers, you should speak to your references first. If its been some time since you last worked with your previous colleague or boss, he may (or may not) remember you. Also, since asking for a reference is essentially asking for a favor, you need to give your references the option of whether or not they would like to provide one for you. By connecting with them ahead of time, youll know for sure that your references will respond should a hiring manager contact them.Vary your list of references.Lets say that you loved your last job. You got along great with your boss, and your gestalter coworkers are some of your closest friends. While you might be tempted to list all of those people as references, its not a wise decision. Youll need to pick bosses and coworkers from various jobs youve held as your references. By limiting your reference list to just one specific job or time period, it can raise a red flag about your previous work experiences- from your in-office jobs to your work-from-home positions- and about you as a worker.Offer examples of your great work. Sure, you remember that you rocked that marketing presentation, but your former boss may not. So its a good idea to give each of your references some context with which to form their recommendations. Remind each one of the specific things that you did dur ing your time at the company, including any and all highlights. You dont want all of your references to repeat the same information over and over, since that could potentially weaken your job application.Be prepared for non-references to be contacted.The sad truth is that a hiring manager may not stick to the sheet of references youve supplied. After all, he knows that all of these people will most likely give you a glowing recommendation. But what about that former boss you failed to mention on your reference list?During the job interviewing process, your prospective boss may do some research into former bosses or colleagues youve had whom he knows personally and reach out to those people as well. While you cant connect with every colleague and boss youve ever had, its good to keep in mind that this practice is commonly done. That way, you can be mentally prepared should your boss-to-be mention that he connected with a coworker from your past who was not on your reference list.Choo sing the job references youll submit with your application is a strategic part of the job search process. Be sure that youve communicated with your references, and prepare job references for what theyll need to say in buchen to help you secure the job you truly want.Readers, how do you prepare job references? Have you ever had a reference either help you secure a job or, worse, cost you a job? Let us know in the comments section below

5 secrets about how to win with a narcissist

5 secrets about how to win with a narcissist5 secrets about how to win with a narcissistIs that difficult someone driving you up the wall? Whats the best way to handle impossible people?Ive broken down the research on how to handlenarcissists,borderlines,psychopathsand other cluster B troublemakers, and the primary answer is always the sameRun. Get outta there. No contact.Personality disorders are notlageoriously difficult to treat, cluster Bs are notoriously difficult to deal with, and youre not a therapist. (Though at this point you probably feel like a very frazzled one.)But I received a lot of responses from readers basically sayingWhat do I do if Icantleave? Is there any way to make them change?Its their boss and they need this job. Its their spouse and they have kids together. Its their best friend and they cant in good conscience abandon them.So how do you deal with a narcissist when saying MEEP-MEEP and sprinting away Road-Runner-style isnt an option?Dr. Craig Malkin is a psy chologist at Harvard Medical School and his new bookRethinking Narcissism The badeanstalt - and Surprising Good - About Feeling Specialoffers some hope.A lot of what you know about narcissists is wrong and there are proven ways to not only deal with them but to help them get better. (Not that narcissists need to get better - hey, theyre perfect, right?)Okay, lets get to workSympathy for the devilTurns out weallhave some narcissistic traits and theyre normal, natural and, frankly, essential. Without them youd deal with crippling low self-esteem, Eeyore.Its when people go too far down the spectrum into malignant narcissism that we get the entitlement, exploitation, and other assorted nastiness narcissists are so well known for.FromRethinking Narcissism The Bad - and Surprising Good - About Feeling SpecialWe need our grandiosity at times to feel happy and healthy. And a growing body of recent research concludes that a little narcissism, in adolescence, helps the young survive the Sturm und Drang of youth moderate teenage narcissists are less anxious and depressed and have far better relationships than their low and high narcissism peers. Likewise, corporate leaders with moderate narcissism are rated by their employees as far mora effective than those with too little or too much. The difference between narcissists and the rest of us is one of degree, not kind.Extreme narcissism is a disorder, and to help those who have it we need torememberits a disorder. When people suffer from depression, anxiety or borderline personality disorder we tend to feel sympathy but with narcissism we often moralize and say theyre bad. Thats like feeling sorry for people with tuberculosis but saying those with meningitis are a bunch of jerks who had it coming.Malkin explains that narcissists werent given secure love when growing up. They werent appreciated for just being themselves they were only celebrated for what they achieved. When you cant count on empathy from those around y ou, you stop trusting, and you feel ashamed of your normal human frailties.You stop trying to get your emotional needs met from love and instead try to be special - better than others. Better looking, more talented, smarter or more accomplished. You stop trying to soothe your insecurities by relying on people and instead turn to a fantasy self where you are superior.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my new bookhere.)The childhood of a narcissist is sad and a little scary. But it also holds the secret to helping narcissists get betterHow do you fix someone who is perfect?All psychopaths are narcissists, but not all narcissists are psychopaths. Psychopathscantfeel empathy.For narcissists, empathy is more like an underdeveloped muscle. Still there, but as you have probably experienced first hand, it sure doesnt get used much.You need to help them build that empathy muscle.Calling them a jerk or criticizing their behavior only makes them worse. But when t hey are compassionately reminded of the importance of their relationships - and how those relationships can help them achieve their goals - they can improve.FromRethinking Narcissism The Bad - and Surprising Good - About Feeling SpecialMore than a dozen studies exploring whether or not narcissists can change have now been conducted and they all point to the same conclusion encouraging narcissists to feel more caring and compassionate reduces their narcissism If narcissists are approached in a gentler way, many seem to soften emotionally. When they feel secure love, they become more loving and more committed in return The lesson from research is that people only slide down the spectrum when theyre reminded of the importance of their relationships. Change doesnt come from telling them off for being too success-driven, ruthless, or manipulative it comes by showing them the benefits of collaboration and understanding.No, this isnt a Disney film and giving the Grinch a big hug isnt g oing to instantly turn him into a sweetheart. But psychologists have found success with using what are called empathy prompts.FromRethinking Narcissism The Bad - and Surprising Good - About Feeling SpecialPrompting involves two components voicing the importance of your relationship and revealing your own feelings. Voicing the importance of your relationship generally involves making supportive statements, such as You matter so much to me or Youre important to me or I care about you a great deal. Declarations like these signal how special someone is to us. Theyre the kind of reassurance many narcissists dont even realize they miss. They nudge people toward thinking about the relationship, moving the focus from you and me to we. More importantly, they signal your willingness to offer secure love.So you might sayI consider you an important friend. Thats why I feel so sad when you dont return my calls for weeks.Mom, youre one of the most important people in my life. So when you questi on my every move, I feel devastated, like Im a failure in your eyes.One caveat for people who have narcissistic tendencies, empathy prompts can, over time, help to reduce their bad habits. But if someone has full-blown Narcissistic Personality Disorder, well, the cancer has metastasized. They may be too far gone to improve without professional help.Thats sad, but it gives empathy prompts a second use theyre a good litmus test for whether theres hope for the narcy in your life.When empathy prompts are delivered properly and sincerely, without a raised voice or implied guilt trip, most people melt. If your narcy is impervious to them, they may be impervious to your help overall.FromRethinking Narcissism The Bad - and Surprising Good - About Feeling SpecialCan your partner, friend, or relative place the relationship- in other words, place you- ahead of their coercive attempts to feel special? Can they allow your pain to touch them and say theyre sorry or comfort you or just show th ey understand? If they cant, you need to view their narcissism exactly as you would any addiction. The drug has taken over their livesSo how do you know if empathy prompts are working? Malkin explains that youre succeeding when your narcy responds byAffirming Youre my best friend, too. I dont want you to feel bad.Clarifying How long have you been feeling sad around me?Apologizing Im sorry- I dont want you to feel like a failure.Validating I know my sarcasm hurts you.(To learn how to deal with psychopaths and other toxic people, clickhere.)This is a great system for dealing with that self-absorbed loved one in your personal life. But you probably cant get this deep and emotionally gooey at the office.So how do you help a narcissistic boss or co-worker?The narcissist in the corner officeThe knee-jerk advice everyone gives when dealing with a workplace monster is to report them. But as experts like Stanford professorBob Suttonhave made clear over and over, that just doesnt work.A 2008 survey of 400 people asked what their employers did when they reported being bullied.Malkinlists the results1.7% conducted a fair investigation and protected the target with punitive measures against the bully.6.2% conducted a fair investigation with punitive measures for the bully but no protection for the target.8.7% conducted an unfair investigation with no punitive measure for the bully.31% conducted an inadequate/unfair investigation with no punitive measures for the bully, but plenty for the target.12.8% did nothing or ignored the harte nuss with no consequences for anyone, bully or target.15.7% did nothing, but retaliated against the target for reporting. Target remained employed.24% of employers did nothing, except fire the target.Long story short 70+% of the time itll be you who takes it on the chin.So reporting doesnt work and empathy prompts might be a little too personal s Can you lower your voice? Can you tell me what steps you want taken? Can you use a kinder tone?For exampleI feel unhappy the rest of the day when you criticize me in front of the entire group. Can you save your feedback for one-on-one meetings?(To learn the seven-step morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)Alright, weve learned a lot. Lets round it up and learn how we can always feel special and not turn into a narcissist.Sum upThis is how to win with a narcissistIn your personal life, use empathy prompts Music doesnt soothe the savage beast, but reminding them about relationships and your feelings can.Use We Its just one word but its effective with narcissists. (If you cant manage to do this youre not paying attention to me. You should pay attention to me. Im really important.)Reward Good Behavior When the puppy behaves, give it a treat.Contrast good and bad behaviorNormally when Jim turns in a report late you sto him down a flight of stairs. I thought it was wonderful today when you chose to throw a stapler at him instead.Teach them their ABCs Mention your affect, their bad behavior, and the correction youd like to see. This is an advanced Jedi move. Build to this with your Sith Lord, young Padawan.Narcissists come in many flavors (grandiose, covert, communal, etc.) but they all share one thing in common they need to feel special.And, frankly, feeling specialiskinda nice. We all like to feel special. But whats the path to the healthy way of feeling special vs the narcissistic kind?Dont put up a false front. Youre human and you screw up. Thats normal and natural.Trying to seem perfect often earns you only envy.Instead, show others your true self. Warts and all. Youll look stupid sometimes. But that is when the people who truly care about you will show empathy. And youll grow closer to them, showing empathy back.Ruthlessly striving to seem special in the eyes of strangers alienates those who care about you and is the path to narcissism. If you open up and are vulnerable you can have the only kind of specialness that mattersBeing specia l to the ones you love.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertThis article first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

Customize this Biomedical Engineer Resume

Customize this Biomedical Engineer ResumeCustomize this Biomedical Engineer ResumeCreate this Resume Use this Biomedical Engineer Resume Example with Objective, Technical Skills, Duties, Education and Certification to write your own Biomedical Engineer Resume.Roy Kelemen1232 Little StreetAkron, OH 44311(555)-213-6682r.kelemensampleresume.netJob Objective To be able to work and grow professionally as Biomedical Engineer in a stable organization where I could demonstrate my expertise in biomedical products. My endeavor and dedication in the job will be helpful in achieving the companys goals and objectives.Technical Skills Skilled in preventative maintenance Expertise in calibration/verification, installations and technical inspections Knowledgeable of JCAHO accreditation standards Strong familiarity with dental, optical, laboratory, veterinary equipment, and hospital care furniture Strong communication skillsProfessional ExperienceSr. Biomedical Engineer, January 2009 Present Hamama tsu Photonics K.K., Beaumont, TX Responsibilities Pergestalted inspections and installation on various equipments and apparatus. Supervised repairs, calibration and maintenance of medical instrumentation. Participated in research involving treatment for physical ailments or dysfunctions. Evaluated and tested patient monitors, electrocardiographs, blood-gas analyzers, and x-ray units before deployment. Managed the calibration of defibrillators, electrosurgical units, and blood-pressure transducers.Jr. Biomedical Engineer, March 2006 December 2008 Hamamatsu Corporation, Beaumont, TX Responsibilities Performed troubleshooting techniques and preventive-maintenance activities. Conducted safety-tests on medical facilities to ensure patients safety. Evaluated hospital environment form any electrical or mechanical hazards. Ensured that equipments are functioning properly and safely. Demonstrated proper operation of equipments to medical staff.EducationM.S. in Biomedical Engineering, 2006U niversity of Colorado, Boulder, COB.S.Biomedical Engineering, 2002University of Colorado, Boulder, COCertifications and Affiliations Association of Certified Biomedical Engineers Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Customize ResumeMore Sample Engineer ResumesBiomedical Engineer Resume Bridge Engineer Resume Broadcast Engineer Resume

Consulting Firms Hiring Robustly

Consulting Firms Hiring RobustlyConsulting Firms Hiring RobustlyHiring at consulting firms is looking especially robust of late. Fred Staudmyer, Cornells b-schools career services director, told the WSJ that recruiting in that sector came back with a vengeance, in the last year to year and a half.The odds that Mark Howorth, head of global MBA recruiting at Bain Co. would disagree with Staudmyers statement are pretty small Bain plans to hire even more people this year than did before the Great Recession, as the company looks to meet the rising demand from new clients in energy, financial services and private equity. It will stock its offices with first years numbering in the mid-hundreds, by far Bains largest incoming MBA class ever.Not to be outdone, Accenture, the management-consulting firm, has plans to hire some 64,000 new employees this yearas many they did last year, and up from 25,000 three years previous. John Campagnino, a recruiting director at Accenture, said those new hir es will be a mix of experienced and recently graduated unfortunately, only a relatively small percentage of the newly hired will be from MBA programs.Jack Oakes, an assistant dean for career development at UVAs Darden, believes good news for consulting firms could mean good news for other firms.If companies are willing to spend on outside consultants, Mr. Oakes said that was a good indication they would be willing to spend on new talent, too.WSJRelated The MBA Hiring Climate According to Recruiters

How to Write a Mid-Career Resume

How to Write a Mid-Career ResumeHow to Write a Mid-Career ResumeThink back to the very first resume you wrote - maybe it was for a summer job, an internship in college, or your very first full-time job. fruchtwein likely, it was difficult to fill up an entire page.A lot has changed since then.Now, in the middle of your career, you likely have plenty of experience and accomplishments. Fortunately, once you hit mid-career, you no longer have to restrict your resume to a single page. (Here is more information onhow long a resume can be.) Someresume best practicesmay have shifted, too, since your first resume. What makes sense for anentry-level resumedoes not necessarily hold true for a mid-career resume. Here is a round up of things that you can - and should cut from a mid-career resume. What to Include in a Mid-Career Resume Focus on Your Accomplishments A strong mid-career resume will lead with accomplishments rather than Presented on topic XYZ, a mid-career resume may say Led t raining efforts on topic XYZ, ensuring a successful switch to the new operating system. Seehow to make your resume stand out from the crowd. Include Your Most Relevant Skills Whether through networking, careful research, or LinkedIn connections, mid-career applicants often skip the job application step that involves having a resume scanned by a machine for keywords. When youre applying for jobs directly - that is, sending your resume to someones email - use a version of your resume that lists only significant or surprising skills. Match Your Resume to the Job Quantity doesnt always win. A strong mid-career resume will be calibrated to match the job you want instead of including every career twist and turn, and listing every skill and task completed, focus on work experience and skills that relate to the job you want. 7 Things to Cut From Your Mid-Career Resume 1. Your First JobIts possible your first job was the perfect launching pad for your career, still relevant all these y ears later. But for many of us, knowing the bosss coffee order, booking meeting rooms, and answering phones made up the day-to-day. Important stuff, and great training for office life, but not exactly whats going to grab hiring managers attention for mid-career positions. If the work you did at your first job is in a different industry or doesnt relate to the work you want to do now, you can probably cut that job from your resume. Dont keep low-responsibility positions on your resume for nostalgias sake- real estate is at a premium, so cut your first job (and any other roles) that dont further your career goals. See more ofwhat not to include in a resume. 2. Obvious SkillsDoes your resume skills section list your proficiency in Microsoft sekretariat or your ability to use basic email programs? Theres probably no need to include these very basicresume skills, which nearly every high school graduate possesses. 3. A List of Your ResponsibilitiesEarly in your career, it makes sense for your resume descriptions to be a laundry list of tasks. At the bottom of the totem pole, with several managers above you, your ability todothings is your most important asset. As you rise in your career though, showing leadership with ideas, people, and projects is more important. 4.Irrelevant InformationIts tempting to include everything in your resume. Why leave something out? Well, a lot of details can make it overwhelming to readers. Hiring mangers and interviewers may be left unsure of your true talents- or might miss a skill thats relevant to the position because its drowned out by a zillion other bullet points. It can feel brutal to trim down your history this way- perhaps in the same way that it can feel sad to remove your first jobs from your resume- but it helps to make your work history as clear as possible for interviewers to follow. 5. Putting Education Front-and-CenterOnce youve worked several years, your education becomes a less important signifier. Work experience is more meaningful than school, and is the best way to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and expertise to succeed in your field. If you havent already, you can move theeducation sectionfrom the top-most section of your resume all the way to the bottom. Remove your graduation year now that youre no longer a recent grad. 6. Weak WordsIf youre using words like responsible for or coordinated, consider getting out a red pen. Since there isnt much space on your resume, you want every word to pack a punch. Use this list ofaction verbs and powerful wordsto help showcase accomplishments with strong, engaging language. 7. A Goofy schmelzglas AddressIf youre still holding on to an AOL email address or any email address that isnt based on your name, consider getting a new one. You may want to have a funny email address for communications with your friends, but its not appropriate in a professional setting.Here is more information about what to include in thecontact section of a resume. Reme mber to use a personal email address, and not one associated with your current place of employment. Key Takeaways Your career has changed your resume should as well.The way you present yourself on an entry-level resume is quite different from on a mid-career one.Put the emphasis on big-ticket accomplishments.Youve done a lot Make sure thats clear in your resume by focusing on accomplishments and wins (and less on the tasks you perform on a day-to-day basis).Dont mistake quantity for quality.Longer isnt better when it comes to your resume. Instead of sharing all the information on your career, share only the details that are relevant to the job at hand.

Free Cv Builder - Overview

Free Cv Builder - Overview Details of Free Cv Builder There are a lot of free creative resume schablones youre able to use, allowing you to focus your energy on everything else you have to do. There are a lot of strategies to make your private site. It is possible to also display your ideas and work procedure, showcase testimonials, and even consist of pricing tables if youre freelancing while looking for your fantasy job. Quality visual resume can cost lots of money in case you dont understand how to earn a good one yourself. Theres a great deal of room for a cover letter on the rear of the original resume, adding that additional flavor which may just cause a new job for you. You may leave every one of them as is or customize just a little bit as a way to bring a personal touch to the presentation of your candidacy. The second page may be used to discuss things about yourself, while the third one may be used for anything you enjoy, like a preview project youd love to do over a t the new business youre applying for employment for. Just set aside a bit of time (maybe bookmark it for later) and two or three teabags by the end you will be taking a look at a prime instance of the greatest CV ever, with your anthroponym at the very top The contact section involves a trendy contact form and links to your social networking profiles in addition to your email address and telephone number. A personal website is among the most significant assets you can have. Make certain that you have replaced each of the information from the template with your own, personalized info. The contact information is quite detailed too, letting you include not merely your email, phone, and your address together with a Google Map, but additionally it comprises a working contact form. The Benefits of Free Cv Builder Its high-quality PSD file is completely customizable. Elements is great for the indecisive applicant. Following that, you should download that template. Employing a temp late to design your CV can be quite advantageous. Its light and simple to download on 1 quick step. Resume builder includes an instantaneous preview, and therefore you dont will need to save and refresh the page to see the way that it appears like. CVs provide a nearly limitless supply of potential sections. How you present your CV is all up to you. An expert CV always features an edge over general CV. You could also follow the suggestions below to help you produce a nice and expert CV. On the web site youll find samples together with CV templates and models which can be downloaded at no charge. What many are not conscious of, there are in reality 3 leading varieties of CV templates based on the 3 major categories of resume. It is possible to also seeA IT CV Templates Firstly, Nurse CV templates are made to capture the interest of Job providing authorities simultaneously. For instance, a template can explain to you how to lay out your CV. Google includes lots of completel y free templates as a piece of Docs. Employing an HTML template is a fantastic method to begin and to find an expert site up quickly. If youre on the lookout for a more robust option, however, think about using WordPress and a WordPress resume themes. Top Free Cv Builder Choices To grab the eye of a busy recruiter or hiring manager, you will need to have a really good persuasive profile at the surface of the page, which instantly shows them that youre a great fit for their vacancy. Your CV profile ought to be a couple of lines long, feature the most crucial high level features of your work, and be tailored towards the needs of the roles youre applying for. The secret to a great CV, is that is must quickly demonstrate that youve got the ideal abilities and knowledge to do the jobs youre applying for. Your CV should convince an employer that youre an ideal candidate for their vacancy. The Truth About Free Cv Builder Locating an intelligent CV form on the website is a lot easie r than, for example, attempting to finish the so-called Europass. If youre seriously interested in adding a blog to your website, dont neglect to take a look at the Decent template. Our website was made for the unemployed searching for employment. Bear in mind though, not all website templates are made equal.

3 Reasons to Market Your Temporary Employees to Clients - Spark Hire

3 Reasons to Market Your Temporary Employees to Clients - Spark HireIn the temporary staffing business, it is important to not only find the best talent but to also hang on to the best talent. When you lose your temporary employees to other staffing agencies, you are giving your business away.The best way to stay competitive in the temporary staffing business is by absatzwirtschaft your temporary employees to clients. There are three reasons your staffing business should consider this1. Personal ReferenceOur job as recruiters is to provide our clients with reliable top talent. What better way to do this than to provide talent that you are already familiar with?In temporary staffing it can be difficult to vouch for your candidates. When you have a candidate who has worked for you in the past, you know their work ethic and skill based on past experience. Rather than having to rely solely on reference checks and several interviews, you will be able to provide your clients a personal ref erence based on your working experience with the candidate.2. Build better relationships with your employeesWhen your temporary employees know that youve got their back when it comes to aligning their next assignment, they will be less tempted to leave you for another staffing company.Many temporary employees may feel forgotten or like a dime a dozen. When you have great employees, let them know that you appreciate them and you want to continue working with them. By taking action to line up additional work for these employees, you are showing them they are valued and this can go a long way with employee loyalty.3. Saves resourcesWhen you utilize the talent you already have, you are saving recruiting resources and time. Lets face it, as a temporary staffing agency you have worked hard to build up your candidate database. Once you have identified top talent, dont let them get away even when they work for you.If you have a job opening that requires the skill set of a top candidate you have working on another assignment, take the time to look into the scheduled end date of that employees assignment. Contact the hiring manager whom the employee is currently on assignment with and verify the end date and any further need. Be honest and upfront with the hiring manager in explaining that you have another potential opportunity for the employee. Likely, the hiring manager would want to extend the assignment or would be okay with the fact that you want to keep the employee employed. Either way, this is good for you, your client, and your employee.Whats keeping you from marketing your temporary employees to clients? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.Image Santiago Cornejo/BigStock.com

Air Force Senior Airman Below the Zone Promotions

Air Force Senior Airman Below the Zone PromotionsAir Force Senior Airman Below the Zone PromotionsTo provide an opportunity for exceptionally well qualified Airmen First Class (A1C) a one-time consideration for versetzung to Senior Airman (SrA) is given. Its effective for six months prior to the fixed fully qualified phase point. Selection opportunity is 15 percent of the total time-in-grade (TIG) and time-in-service (TIS) eligible population. Determining Eligibility According to the Air Force, the Installation Military Personnel Flight (MPF), Personnel Systems and Readiness Section, provides an automatic quarterly end of month (EOM) output product to the MPF, Career Enhancement Element, within the first 10 days of the first processing month (i.e., Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). The roster identifies all A1Cs who meet or exceed the time-in-service (TIS) and time-in-grade (TIG) requirements, regardless of promotion ineligibility conditions (i.e., on the control roster, PAFSC skill level too low, undergoing Article 15 suspended reduction, etc.), and whose grade status reason (GSR) (DIN GAD) does leid equal code 5Q (previously considered for SrA BTZ). The output product produces an MPF alphabetical listing and a three-part unit listing. parte I identifies A1Cs with no quality indicators in their record.Part II lists questionable eligibles (individuals with quality indicators) who may leid be qualified for BTZ promotion.Part III lists A1Cs who meet the TIG and TIS requirements but canelend be selected due to promotion ineligibility conditions listed in AFI 36-2502, Airman Promotion Program, Table 1.1. Verifying Eligibility Using the MPF listing, the commander/first sergeant verifies the eligibility of each individual to ensure they meet the TIG and TIS requirements and qualify control requirements. Enlisted Performance Report (EPR) Requirements EPRs are required for all A1Cs without an EPR who are promotion eligible for BTZ consideration. Commanders must review an airmans EPR(s), Personal Information File (PIF), and discuss consideration with supervisors/rating chain prior to making a nomination decision, to include if the airman will meet a unit or base selection process. A1Cs appearing on part III of the unit roster are ineligible for promotion according to AFI 36-2502, Table 1.1, and do elend require DBH reports. Approved Decoration An approved decoration may be filed in an individuals Unit Personnel Record (UPRG) any time up until the date of the board. Supplemental consideration will bedrngnis be given because a decoration was not approved or placed in the record when the board convened. Quotas Quotas are based on 15 percent of the total TIG and TIS eligible population, regardless of normal ineligibility conditions (remove students and World Class Athletes from the eligible population). The MPF determines quotas and obtains host wing commander approval (may delegate no lower than MPF Chief) before distribution to units. Large units (7 or more eligibles) receive quotas and promote at unit level. Small units (6 or less eligibles) are combined into one pool of eligibles to form the central baseboard (CBB) population. Quotas are computed and distributed as follows Units may not aggregate at the group level. Example Medical Groups are divided into four units, and each unit commander has promotion authority therefore, they should not be considered by the group, but as individual units, and cannot be added together to make a large unit.Units are notified if they are a large (7 or more eligible) or small unit (6 or less eligible) as soon as possible, but not later than the second week of the first processing month. Large Unit Selection Procedures Unless the host wing commander establishes written procedures, commanders of large units will establish written selection procedures that ensure the SrA BTZ program is fair, equitable, and provides timely promotion consideration. Once selections are made, large uni t commanders underline the selectee(s) name, date, sign, and return the BTZ eligibility listing to the MPF not later than the last day of the selection month (i.e., Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec). Small Unit Selection Procedures The host wing commander will establish written BTZ selection procedures to include method of nominating, number of nominations, timetable to complete required actions, board composition, areas to be considered, scoring scale, announcing selections, and any other required actions necessary to ensure the SrA BTZ program is fair, equitable, and provides timely promotion consideration. The MPF, Career Enhancement Element, will ensure they have received all nomination packages from units with eligibles if a unit is not going to nominate an individual, ensure a negative reply is received. List of Approved Board Processes The following is a list of approved board processes Host wings that wish to use a separate process must request an exception to policy through their MAJCOM to HQ AFPC/DPPPWM to ensure fair, equitable, and timely consideration.Large units obtain their quota from the MPF and make a selection from the eligible airmen. Airmen not selected are nonselected, and this is considered their one-time consideration.Small units nominate to the CBB. The host wing commander determines the maximum number of individuals meeting the board from each unit. Each unit may submit up to the maximum number. The host wing commander convenes a MAJCOM only board. This board consists of all eligibles falling within the host wing commanders MAJCOM. All eligibles from units not within the host wing commanders MAJCOM (tenant units) will meet a separate CBB. This means the host wing commander will be convening two boards, and the quota for each board is based on the number of eligibles meeting that board.Units will consider all individuals meeting TIS and TIG requirements, even if they are TDY, on leave, PCA or have a report not later than the date (RNLTD) on o r after the first day of the first processing month (i.e., Jan, Apr, Jul, and Oct) for that quarter selections. All individuals appearing on the eligibility listing must be considered. Alternates/first non-selectee of the CBB or large unit board are selected in the event someone selected prior is removed before the effective date due to an ineligibility condition (AFI 36-2502, Table 1.1) or infractions committed after selection. The use of past derogatory data not in effect on the date of the board or selection may be considered in the nomination process. However, it cannot be used as a reason for non-recommendation after an individual is selected.After selections are made, unit commanders provide a written promotion recommendation prior to the promotion effective date. It may be accomplished by adding the name(s) to the monthly promotion selectees listing or completing a separate memorandum. If an individual should have been considered during the current quarter board, and the erro r is discovered before promotions are announced, large unit commanders will consider the airman and adjust selections accordingly (this does not apply to airmen who are gained, and it has been determined they were not considered by their losing base- landsee supplemental BTZ consideration).The CBB will reconvene to consider small unit eligibles and selections are adjusted accordingly. If discovered after selections are announced, supplemental promotion consideration procedures apply. Guidelines for BTZ Procedures The following procedures are guidelines and may help establish your BTZ procedures Nominees are required to physically appear before a board however, when a nominee is unable to appear, you may reconvene the same board at a later date, or as a last resort, conduct a records only board.Allow GSUs to use message and fax to transmit nominations when time does not permit normal mailing.If selection folders are used, they will contain copies of all EPRs and decoration citat ions, the BTZ RIP, and letters (if letters to the board are authorized). Use the UPRG as an alternative to a BTZ selection folder. If the UPRG is used, place the letter (if authorized) on top of EPRs in Section II, inform board members and unit personnel that they are not authorized to access to any other part of the UPRG (i.e., Sections I, III, and IV), and do not deface the record jacket in any way (i.e., tape, staples, markings, etc.). Destroy or give selection folders to the individual when no longer needed. When assessing education levels, please take into consideration that depending on AFSC, training requirements, and work schedules, all A1Cs may not have the same opportunity to complete off-duty education. Boards are not required to use the full quota.The board report should contain a list of board members, board recorder, the order of merit (identifying total score and select/non-select status), and cutoff score. The report should be signed by the board president and board recorder and approved by the host wing commander unless the host wing commander is the board president, then only one signature is necessary. Supplemental BTZ Consideration Commanders may request supplemental BTZ consideration for individuals that should have been considered by a previous board, and the error is not discovered until after promotions are announced. After obtaining unit commanders recommendation, the MPF forwards fully documented supplemental requests to HQ AFPC/DPPPWM for consideration via email. It is imperative supplemental BTZ consideration is requested only when the unit commander concurs with consideration. Additionally, if the basis for the supplemental request is because the individual did not receive fair consideration (or was not considered at all at their last duty station), contact the losing unit and MPF before requesting supplemental consideration, and forward this information along with the supplemental request. It will assist HQ AFPC/DPPPWM in dete rmining if supplemental BTZ consideration is appropriate. DPPPWM will respond with further instructions. If selected, members may apply for a retroactive change to their effective date, according to AFI 36-2502, para 1.13. It is the individuals, supervisors, and commanders responsibility to ensure an individual has been properly identified as eligible, obtains the correct study references, is nominated IAW program policies, and, most importantly, the data on the BTZ RIP is accurate and complete. Supplemental consideration will not be given for the following reasons Incorrect data reflected on the BTZ RIPDenied BTZ nomination due to incorrect data reflected on the BTZ output products or in the UPRGBTZ eligibility listing not returned to the MPF or individual was overlooked on the listingNomination package, additional EPR, or decoration not completed/turned in/approved in time to meet the board

Take short breaks to make learning a new skill easier

Take short breaks to make learning a new skill easierTake short breaks to make learning a new skill easierYou dont have to power through when learning something new, research says. Taking brief breaks might actually help absorb that skill better into yur brain.The previously held idea was that our brains needed long breaks, such as a good nights sleep, to solidly form what we learned while acquiring a new skill. But after examining brain waves from healthy volunteers doing learning and memory experiments, some involving typing, at the NIH Clinical Center, the researchers involved in the study started to change their mind.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreI noticed that participants brain waves seemed to change much more during the rest periods than during the typing sessions, said Dr. Marlene Bnstrup, who lumineszenzdiode the study, in a release. This gave me the idea to look much more closely for when learning was actually happening. Was it during practice or rest?Productive restingResearchers discovered two important findings. First, the volunteers performance improved mostly during the short rests, not during the typing. The improvements made during the rest periods added to the overall improvements the volunteers made over the course of the day.Second, those improvements were much bigger than the ones seen after the ones the volunteers returned the next day to try again suggesting that the short breaks were as important as the practicing, and the full nights sleep theory not as important.Everyone thinks you need to practice, practice, practice when learning something new. Instead, we found that resting, early and often, may be just as critical to learning as practice, said Leonardo G. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., senior investigator at NIHs National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and a senior author of the paper published in the journal Current B iology.Ultimately, Dr. Cohen hopes the results of this study, further explored, will be used to help people in need who have lost the ability to do certain skills because of accident or illness.Our ultimate hope is that the results of our experiments will help patients recover from the paralyzing effects caused by strokes and other neurological injuries by informing the strategies they use to relearn lost skills.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

5 ways to focus in the dog days of summer

5 ways to focus in the dog days of summer5 ways to focus in the dog days of summerWe hate to break this news to you, Ferris Bueller, but unfortunately, hoping and wishing for an adult summer-vacation wont result in much but wanderlust. Throw in the added addition of many events and the fact that kiddos are out of school - and staying treugesinnt to your job responsibilities becomes that much stickier.During the summer months, longer days and extra activities in our personal lives can cause focus and productivity at the office to wane. Weddings, trips, family reunions - and, if youre a working parent, the dreaded days when schools out for summer mean extra planning for the kids that add to the already-frenzied hustle, explains career expert and entrepreneur Autumn Manning.She also adds that depending on what part of the country you live in, you may have just spent the winter months cooped up indoors and are now dying to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine as much as possible. All thes e factors can influence your productivity at work this season.Since most professions still require your attention year-round, it is important to find ways to stay focused, organized and on-task, even when the sunshine beaming outside your office window is more than tempting. Heres how to keep yourself accountablePrioritize your dayMuch like with your personal finance budget, your upcoming European getaway or your mounting list of errands, staying organized at work helps to hold your attention and platzset your priorities. Career expert and entrepreneur Christopher Kingman recommends any sort of system that ensures your success- and ahem, attention span.Depending on your working style and flow, you might color-code your calendar, set up blocks where you can dig through emails instead of being dragged into yet abedrngnisher meeting or even staying a bit later to enjoy a quieter office. To get started, make a thorough list of all of your upcoming deliverables, in order of importance an d deadline. Then, you can map out how youll finish everything smoothly, effectively and smartly.Not only will this make you super productive and impactful, which you know, youre company may appreciate, but more importantly youll be laser focused throughout the day, which makes you less likely to get distracted, he says. Just be sure to factor in a 15 minute break or two, not including lunch to mentally check out. Sometimes your brain could use a breather as well.Shift your working hoursHow buttoned-up is your culture? If you lean more casual, Manning says to think outside of the traditional perimeters and see how much leeway your manager will give you with working days and hours. This might mean coming in a hour earlier so you can leave in gruppe to savor more vitamin D, or even bargaining for a few summer Fridays a month.Many organizations now realize that flexibility in work hours and location isnt just good for the employee, but it brings major benefits to productivity and engage ment, overall, she explains. Such a change will allow for more flexibility in how and where to get work done.Just keep in mind if they agree to this shift, it is up to you to prove you can self-motivate and discipline by checking in, setting a clear schedule and remaining communicative, no matter if youre working from a cubicle or a cabana on the beach.Keep yourself busyWhat your grandmother warned about idle hands and idle minds remains true when boredom seeps into your job, youre teetering into the danger zone of productivity. And for most industries, summer tends to be a tad more relaxed than other seasons, meaning it is often up to you to create the busy-work required for your mental and professional health. Kingman says now is the time to ask your manager for more responsibility or the opportunity to try a new project idea.The great part about doing this, especially asking your boss what else you could do, is it can help build up your reputation as a team player or someone who is truly invested in the company. Taking an active interest in furthering your knowledge of the company, especially during a slower time is a great way to show drive and ambition, he shares.If your manager comes up empty since they have their all-inclusive Mexico vacation on the brain? Kingman challenges professionals to find a hole in your companys dynamics - and fix it yourself.Chances are you know something thats broken, a process, a technology, anything. Start working on making it better, however you can. Whether it be by learning more and educating others, or diving into process diagrams and flows, its a safe bet your boss will appreciate the drive to make the improvement and those impacted by the problem will be as well, he adds.Spend more time outdoorsFrom walking meetings through the neighborhood to taking your lunch outside, Manning says even a few stolen moments in fresh air will do wonders for your psyche. Remember, youre not chained to your office or bound to your desk, so dont make your computer your excuse.Take advantage of the nice weather while at work. Get curious and ask yourself, how can I enjoy of the nice weather while Im at work? she suggests. Take a few minutes to step outside for a breather, go to lunch and sit outdoors with co-workers, or plan a team meeting for outside instead of in a conference room. Outdoor walking meetings always boost energy and offer a change of perspective, so try and incorporate these into your days.Play hooky for a dayConsider this your permission to feign a fever and finagle a stomach bug Kingman says one easy way to stay focused is to take a day and completely, totally, 100% tune out. This means leaving your iPhone at home, turning off email and giving your mind a breather.Whether you go for a run in the park, head to the beach or stay in bed all day, reading in your pajamas, exhaling can supercharge your creativity, pushing you to perform better once youre back in office.The simple act of unplugging may s eem hard, but taking a day off to unwind, decompress and gather your thoughts may save you days or weeks down the road if you truly burn out. Taking small breaks for yourself is an easy and mindful way to ensure long-term sanity, he explains.Psst Take your me day on a Friday, so you have the whole weekend to thrive off the benefits.