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Writing a good résumé is a difficult balancing act. Sometimes it can be a challenge to keep your resume length short and sweet while also including enough quality information to make a lasting impression.
How do you figure out the best skills to put on your resume? And what if you’re looking to find a remote job?
Hard Skills vs Soft Skills in your resume
Hard skills are technical abilities that are specific to a particular job and are often measurable. For software developers, their set of hard skills would include specific programming languages. Soft skills are personal skills or creative abilities that can come naturally or be strengthened over time. Some examples of soft skills are adaptability, self-motivation, people skills, time management, and the ability to work under pressure.
Top Soft Skills for your Resume
There are tons of soft skills (personal skills) that you can include in your résumé, but how do you know which ones to include? Here is a quick list of soft skills examples you should list on your resume. (Be sure to carefully look at the job description and determine which soft skills you possess that are most applicable for the job.)
Problem-solving skills
No matter what the job is, eventually something will go wrong and employers want to know that you’re capable of coming up with a quick and effective solution. In fact, there are jobs that are essentially nothing but solving problems for the company, the clients, or both.
Critical-thinking Skills
Employers want workers who can think through a problem or a project and determine the best steps needed. Critical thinkers come up with new and better ways to work, making it an invaluable skill to put on a resume.
Flexibility
Many organizations and industries covet employees who are dynamic and adaptable to every situation, or who have a natural ability to use a variety of methods and approaches in different circumstances to get the best end result.
Communication Skills
Whether it’s written or verbal, being able to communicate with your boss, coworkers, and clients/customers in all situations is very valuable.
Teamwork
Most jobs will sometimes require you to work with other people at some point, and employers want to know that you can succeed in a team environment.
Organization Skills
If you want to show off your organization skills, having a tightly structured resume certainly helps.
Creativity
Thinking outside of the box and coming up with creative solutions can be a real asset in any role. Creativity can be shown on your resume through a problem you solved or through a creative skill like writing or design.
Emotional Intelligence
In the workplace, this means you’re rational and even-keeled, and can handle ups and downs without losing control. While this is important for everybody, it’s a must-have skill to include on a resume for management.
Attention to Detail
Paying attention to detail will be needed at any role you have. Consider times when you caught or fixed a potential mistake due to your attention to detail.
Responsibility
Part of being a good employee is taking responsibility for your duties and even owning up to mistakes. Responsibility means doing what you need to do to complete your tasks.
Top Hard Skills for your Resume
Hard skills tend to be more technical, and each industry or type of job will usually have its own required set. Finding out what range of hard skills you’ll be expected to have in your field might require some research. Here are hard skills examples that tend to be in-demand across many industries.
Digital Skills
The list of professions that does not require you to use computers and certain types of software is very short. You could very likely break up “digital skills” into two or three specific technical proficiencies for your field. Most jobs require experience with video meeting software, project management programs, and other company related software.
Design
Aside from the obvious professions like graphic or web design, there are jobs in marketing, advertising, branding, engineering, and construction that require some type of design skills—even if it’s only for drawing up presentations.
Data Analysis
Understand data is very much in vogue right now, and there are a lot of jobs out there where you will be called upon to analyze metrics and extrapolate a practical use from it, making analytical skills extremely valuable to put on your resume.
Negotiation
There are many jobs that involve selling a product or service, purchasing stock or merchandise, brokering deals for production or transportation, establishing partnerships for advertising or investments, and so on.
Mathematics
Finance, business, engineering, construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and operations will require you to be competent with math in some capacity. If you’re in a profession that is more math-heavy, consider splitting it up into a few more specific skills areas.
Project Management
Many jobs will require project management skills. The ability to manage your task flow and complete assignments on time is part of project management.
Marketing
Even if you’re not a marketer per se, many companies may desire this hard skill. Knowing the highlights and benefits of your company’s products and services, and being able to speak or write about them, can be valuable to many different jobs. If you have specific marketing or social media experience, even better.
Administrative
Administrative skills involve the things you do to manage your role: organizing, planning, scheduling, writing emails, managing files, etc. Employers want to know you’re able to take hold of the details.
Foreign Languages
Being bilingual can be a great hard skill and set you apart from your competition. Even if a role or company doesn’t initially have a need for a bilingual employee, they may look favorably on your ability.
Look for Target Key Words
If you’re still not sure if any of these skills are right for your situation, one quick way to check which skills the employer is seeking is to check the job description.
Soft Skills by Relevance
If you are applying for a sales job, your prior experience as a car mechanic is not the most relevant. You will want to emphasize experience that can be applicable to a sales role. However, if you lack the experience, search through your existing positions for relevant skills.
Add a Highlights Section
Modern resumes are built to be value-oriented, which requires providing information that is more achievement-based as opposed to task-based. If you’ve had multiple roles with varying achievements, select the top four you are most proud of and incorporate them into a Career Highlights section.
Categorize by Skill
If you are higher up in your career level, you likely have multiple responsibilities that cross several platforms or departments. If you are a manager or director of operations at a company, your responsibilities may include: managing staff, maintaining smooth daily operations, communicating with key stakeholders and/or vendors, developing and managing projects, and hiring and training staff.
With either your task-based information or achievements, you can categorize the content into sections to illustrate the diversity in your responsibilities.
Your soft skills and hard skills are the very things that will either qualify you or disqualify you for a job. Be sure to include some of these top skills on your resume for maximum results.
The Digital Nomad’s Toolkit: Essential Tools for Remote Work Success | Macsources.com
Digital nomads, those who work remotely while traveling, have embraced this lifestyle, enjoying the freedom to explore the globe while maintaining a successful career. However, to thrive as a digital nomad, one must have the right tools at their disposal.
Communication Tools
Effective communication is crucial for remote work collaboration. Communication tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams facilitate real-time messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing, bridging the gap between team members spread across different locations. These platforms enable seamless collaboration, ensuring that everyone remains on the same page, regardless of distance.
Cloud Storage and File Sharing
When working remotely, it’s essential to have access to files and documents you need. Cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive offer secure and convenient storage options, allowing digital nomads to access their files from any device with an internet connection. With these tools, sharing files with colleagues or clients becomes a breeze, eliminating the need for physical storage devices and minimizing the risk of data loss.
Time Management and Productivity Tools
Maintaining a disciplined work routine while on the move can be challenging. Time management and productivity tools come to the rescue by helping digital nomads stay focused and organized.
Maintaining a disciplined work routine while on the move can be challenging. Time management and productivity tools come to the rescue by helping digital nomads stay focused and organized.
PDF Tools for Mobile Professionals
With a quality PDF toolbox, remote workers can access a versatile solution for efficient PDF management. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, sharing important reports, or collaborating on project documents, the right tools empower professionals to handle PDF files efficiently while maintaining their productivity on the move.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
While traveling, digital nomads often rely on public Wi-Fi networks, which can pose security risks. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts internet connections, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer secure browsing, allowing digital nomads to work with peace of mind, even on unsecured networks.
Video Conferencing Tools
With the ability to connect with colleagues and clients from any corner of the world, digital nomads can maintain professional relationships and foster collaboration, regardless of physical distance. Video conferencing tools also help to bridge the gap between remote teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and ensuring that everyone feels included in important discussions and decisions.
Language Translation Tools
With these tools, digital nomads can communicate effectively with locals, navigate unfamiliar territories, and embrace new cultures, enhancing their overall travel experience and professional interactions. Language translation tools are especially useful for digital nomads who engage in international business, allowing them to communicate with clients or partners in their native languages.
Password Managers
Password managers can generate strong passwords, automatically fill them in on websites and applications, and sync across multiple devices. This convenience not only saves time but also enhances security by reducing the risk of using weak or duplicate passwords. With a reliable password manager in their toolkit, digital nomads can navigate their online accounts effortlessly and keep their sensitive data protected.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are especially valuable in co-working spaces, coffee shops, or while traveling on planes, trains, or buses. By reducing distractions and creating a zone of tranquility, digital nomads can maintain their productivity and immerse themselves in their work, no matter where they are.
Health and Wellness Apps
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling is essential for digital nomads. Health and wellness apps such as Headspace and MyFitnessPal offer meditation, fitness, and nutrition guidance, helping digital nomads stay mentally and physically fit.
By incorporating these apps into their routines, digital nomads can prioritize self-care, manage stress, and achieve a better work-life balance. Meditation apps provide guided sessions for relaxation and focus, while fitness apps offer exercise routines that can be done anywhere, without the need for specialized equipment. Nutrition apps assist in tracking food intake and making healthier choices while on the go.
Conclusion
By harnessing the power of technology and embracing these tools, digital nomads can navigate the world while thriving in their professional endeavors. The digital nomad’s toolkit is not just a collection of gadgets and applications but a gateway to unlocking the true potential of remote work, allowing individuals to create their own unique path and find success while exploring the world.
The Impact of Office Lighting on Employee Productivity and Well-being | Kokou Adzo, Startup.info
Office environments are composed of many factors that contribute to employee performance. Among these, one often overlooked critical element is lighting. How an office is illuminated impacts employees’ productivity, mood, health, and overall well-being and therefore deserves serious attention.
Understanding The Power of Proper Office Lighting
Before delving into the details of how lighting impacts employees, it’s crucial to understand what proper office lighting means. It doesn’t merely refer to having bright lights to ensure everyone can see clearly. It’s about strategically illuminating the workspace to create a conducive atmosphere for productive work.
Ways Office Lighting Impacts Employee Productivity and Well-being
As modern offices shift their focus towards the well-being of their employees, lighting has come to the forefront as a crucial factor. The following discussion will delve into this concept and shed light on the significant impacts of office lighting on employee productivity and well-being.
Increased Productivity and Efficiency
Employees working under the right lighting conditions have shown higher efficiency levels, primarily because the human brain processes information better in well-lit environments. Dim lighting can lead to eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, and, ultimately, decreased productivity. Consequently, improved lighting can bolster overall performance.
Improved Mood and Morale
Office lighting has a direct impact on employees’ moods. Warmer, natural light has been associated with happiness and positivity, while harsh fluorescent lighting can cause discomfort and a decline in mood.
Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
Exposure to natural light or light with similar characteristics has been proven to stimulate creativity. This is attributed to the link between light and the human body’s circadian rhythms, which can induce relaxation and concentration conducive to creative thinking.
Mitigation of Health Issues
Appropriate office lighting also contributes to mitigating health issues among employees. Insufficient or improper lighting can lead to several health problems, such as eyestrain, fatigue, headaches, and in severe cases, mood disorders.
Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Office lighting, particularly natural light exposure, plays a crucial role in regulating employees’ circadian rhythms. These rhythms are vital in controlling sleep-wake patterns, appetite, and mood.
Reduced Workplace Accidents
Lighting is essential in ensuring a safe working environment. Poor lighting can lead to increased accidents, whether tripping over objects or making errors on tasks requiring great attention to detail. Well-lit workplaces help prevent such incidents and reduce the stress associated with working in hazardous conditions.
Increased Employee Satisfaction
Better lighting contributes to improved productivity, mood, creativity, health, and safety, ultimately leading to higher overall satisfaction. Employees working in well-lit environments are more likely to feel content and valued, significantly contributing to job satisfaction and retention.
Reduction in Energy Consumption
Implementing energy-efficient lighting solutions like LED lights or maximizing natural light can significantly reduce energy costs. While not directly impacting employee productivity or well-being, this consideration contributes to the organization’s sustainability goals, indirectly influencing employee morale by fostering a sense of pride in working for an environmentally responsible organization.
Ways to Improve Office Lighting
Good lighting can enhance focus, uplift mood, and boost morale. Here are a few ways to revamp your office lighting to reap these benefits.
Increase Natural Light Exposure
Office environments are composed of many factors that contribute to employee performance. Among these, one often overlooked critical element is lighting. How an office is illuminated impacts employees’ productivity, mood, health, and overall well-being and therefore deserves serious attention.
Understanding The Power Of Proper Office Lighting
Before delving into the details of how lighting impacts employees, it’s crucial to understand what proper office lighting means. It doesn’t merely refer to having bright lights to ensure everyone can see clearly. It’s about strategically illuminating the workspace to create a conducive atmosphere for productive work.
Ways Office Lighting Impacts Employee Productivity And Well-being
The impact of office lighting on team member productivity and well-being has been the subject of substantial research in the realm of workplace design. As modern offices shift their focus towards the well-being of their employees, lighting has come to the forefront as a crucial factor. The following discussion will delve into this concept and shed light on the significant impacts of office lighting on employee productivity and well-being.
- Increased Productivity And Efficiency
Multiple studies indicate a strong correlation between optimal lighting and increased productivity. The rationale is straightforward: better visibility leads to fewer mistakes and faster work rates.
Employees working under the right lighting conditions have shown higher efficiency levels, primarily because the human brain processes information better in well-lit environments. Dim lighting can lead to eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, and, ultimately, decreased productivity. Consequently, improved lighting can bolster overall performance.
- Improved Mood And Morale
Office lighting has a direct impact on employees’ moods. Warmer, natural light has been associated with happiness and positivity, while harsh fluorescent lighting can cause discomfort and a decline in mood. On the other hand, office spaces illuminated with abundant natural light tend to have employees who report feeling happier and more optimistic. This positive emotional state often increases motivation and better interpersonal relations, fostering a healthy office environment.
- Enhanced Creativity And Innovation
In the modern workspace, creativity, and innovation have become paramount for businesses to remain competitive. Interestingly, lighting conditions can significantly influence these factors. Exposure to natural light or light with similar characteristics has been proven to stimulate creativity. This is attributed to the link between light and the human body’s circadian rhythms, which can induce relaxation and concentration conducive to creative thinking.
- Mitigation Of Health Issues
Appropriate office lighting also contributes to mitigating health issues among employees. Insufficient or improper lighting can lead to several health problems, such as eyestrain, fatigue, headaches, and in severe cases, mood disorders. The repercussions of such health issues include decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. Therefore, providing optimal lighting can reduce health-related issues and subsequent losses in productivity.
- Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Office lighting, particularly natural light exposure, plays a crucial role in regulating employees’ circadian rhythms. These rhythms are vital in controlling sleep-wake patterns, appetite, and mood. A disruption in circadian rhythms due to inadequate exposure to natural light during working hours can lead to sleep disorders, decreased performance, and overall well-being.
- Reduced Workplace Accidents
Lighting is essential in ensuring a safe working environment. Poor lighting can lead to increased accidents, whether tripping over objects or making errors on tasks requiring great attention to detail. Well-lit workplaces help prevent such incidents and reduce the stress associated with working in hazardous conditions. As such, good lighting promotes both physical safety and mental peace of mind.
- Increased Employee Satisfaction
The link between office lighting and employee satisfaction is grounded in the combination of factors previously discussed. Better lighting contributes to improved productivity, mood, creativity, health, and safety, ultimately leading to higher overall satisfaction. Employees working in well-lit environments are more likely to feel content and valued, significantly contributing to job satisfaction and retention.
- Reduction In Energy Consumption
Lastly, focusing on efficient office lighting impacts employees and the organization’s energy consumption. Implementing energy-efficient lighting solutions like LED lights or maximizing natural light can significantly reduce energy costs. While not directly impacting employee productivity or well-being, this consideration contributes to the organization’s sustainability goals, indirectly influencing employee morale by fostering a sense of pride in working for an environmentally responsible organization.
Ways To Improve Office Lighting
As discussed, office lighting is pivotal in shaping employees’ productivity and overall well-being. Good lighting can enhance focus, uplift mood, and boost morale. Here are a few ways to revamp your office lighting to reap these benefits.
- Increase Natural Light Exposure
Start by leveraging the power of natural light. Sunlight improves mood, reduces eye strain, and promotes alertness. Open the blinds, pull back the curtains, and let daylight in.
- Make The Switch to LED Lights
Another way to improve office lighting is by using LED lights. They provide a light quality closer to natural daylight, are energy-efficient, and last longer than traditional bulbs.
- Introduce Adjustable Desk Lamps
Understanding that each employee’s lighting needs differ is essential. With adjustable desk lamps, individuals can tailor lighting to their specific needs.
- Invest In Indirect Lighting
Hard direct lighting in an office environment can result in uncomfortable glare, leading to undue strain on employees’ eyes and potentially inducing fatigue. Conversely, indirect lighting, by diffusing light uniformly across the workspace, minimizes glare, effectively alleviating eyestrain.
- Adjust Color Temperature
Color temperature impacts mood and focus. Warmer light encourages relaxation, while cooler light stimulates concentration.
- Maintain Lighting Equipment Regularly
Proper maintenance is critical to maintaining optimal lighting conditions in an office environment. Swiftly replacing burnt-out bulbs and regular cleaning of light fixtures can drastically enhance lighting quality.
Conclusion
Strategically optimizing office lighting can profoundly impact organizational performance and employee satisfaction, cementing it as a critical element in workspace design. Therefore, every organization must reassess its lighting conditions to foster a workspace that truly illuminates the way toward productivity and well-being.
Time Management Tips That Actually Work | Julianna Summers, Newtraderu.com
Mastering time management becomes essential in enhancing productivity, reducing stress, and improving the overall quality of life. This article will explore practical and proven time management strategies that can help you make the most of your day.
Understanding the Importance of Time Management
With adequate time management, you can increase productivity, maintain focus, reduce stress, and create opportunities for self-improvement. Understanding its importance is the first step toward implementing successful time management practices.
1.Identifying Personal Time Wasters
Everyone has personal time wasters—those activities that consume time but contribute little to productivity. These might include social media, unnecessary meetings, or excessive perfectionism.
2. Setting Realistic Goals and Priorities
Setting clear, achievable goals drives effective time management. Break down large, complex tasks into smaller, manageable parts, and prioritize them according to their importance and urgency.
3. The Role of Organization in Effective Time Management
Staying organized significantly impacts time management. A clear and organized workspace can minimize distractions, speed up task completion, and reduce the time spent looking for items or information.
4. Creating a Structured Daily Schedule
Having a structured daily schedule provides a roadmap for your day. It helps you allocate time for each task, plan breaks, and reduce the risk of overlooking essential tasks.
5. The Power of Time Blocking
Time blocking involves dedicating specific time slots for different daily tasks or activities. It promotes deep work, minimizes task-switching, and helps ensure that each task receives adequate attention.
6. Minimizing Distractions
Create a conducive work environment, set boundaries, use noise-canceling headphones, or apply focus-enhancing techniques like Pomodoro to minimize interruptions.
7. Utilizing Technology for Time Management
Technology offers various tools for effective time management, such as digital calendars, task management apps, and productivity trackers. These tools can streamline processes, provide reminders, and track progress toward goals.
8. The Value of Breaks and Downtime
Regular breaks are integral to maintaining high productivity levels. They prevent burnout, promote creativity, and enhance focus.
9. The Benefit of Delegation in Time Management
Delegation involves assigning tasks to others, freeing up your time for high-priority tasks. It’s a vital time management strategy, particularly for leaders and managers.
10. The Impact of Healthy Habits on Time Management
Maintaining healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly influence your energy levels and focus, improving your time management.
Time Management Techniques
Implementing the Eisenhower Matrix
The Eisenhower Matrix, a quadrant-based system, helps distinguish between urgent and important tasks, thus guiding your task prioritization. This powerful tool can help you focus on tasks that align with your goals, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
Applying the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique involves working on a task for a set (traditionally 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This cycle repeats throughout the workday, promoting sustained focus and preventing burnout.
Measuring and Reflecting on Time Use
Tracking your time can provide valuable insights into how you’re spending your day and where improvements are needed.
Embracing a Mindset of Continuous Improvement in Time Management
Time management isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing learning and improvement process. Embrace change, seek better strategies, and remain adaptable to varying circumstances.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance in Time Management
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal needs is a cornerstone of time management. Establish boundaries, prioritize self-care, and remember that achieving balance is an ongoing process, not a fixed state.
Conclusion
Time management isn’t about squeezing as many tasks into your day as possible. It’s about simplifying how you work, getting tasks done faster, and making time for those activities that truly matter to you. By understanding the importance of time management and applying these tips, you can make the most of your time and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, effective time management is a journey, not a destination.
Worksnaps 