A Sure-Fire Way to Land a Job You Hate - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / A Sure-Fire Way to Land a Job You Hate - Introvert Whisperer A Sure-Fire Way to Land a Job You Hate Recently, I have spoken to a couple of people about the importance of clarifying what they are pursuing in their job search.  In this economic environment, it’s important if not vital to focus on a specific position so it drives what content you focus on in your resume and LinkedIn profile.  Without doing that, you don’t stand a chance of being pulled out of the Applicant Tracking System, much less passing the all-important “first skim.” At the same time, many people who are out of work are using this job search time to pursue jobs that made up previous positions, but not the last job.  Usually the motivation is to avoid doing something they really don’t like to do.  That is understandable but (and here’s where the lack of clarity comes in for these people) they are still submitting their resume for those types of positions.  Which means they lack clarity for what they are pursuing and that won’t get you what you want.  It’s how you end up with a job you hate.  And it won’t be a pretty picture for how long and painful it will take to end up with a job you don’t really want. Granted, in this hiring environment you will be much more competitive if you are looking for the same type of job as the last one you did.      If the last job you did is the last thing in the world you want to do then you need to be clear on what job you are pursuing. (Tweet this!)  Then focus not just your resume but also all of your activities on that specific job. Finding Something vs. Finding the Right Thing Many people think that casting the net of your job search to all of the jobs you might be qualified for will increase your odds of “finding something” regardless of whether or not you really want to do that work.  In today’s environment, that logic will backfire on you.  You first have to make a choice on exactly what position you are pursuing, then rework your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect the skills needed to support that position.  After that your behavior needs to line up behind that decision.  You need to communicate clearly to your network what you’re looking for.  You must be submitting that reworked resume to those specific jobs. In my years working on various business processes, the one thing we always used to say is that you get the results that your process is designed to get.  If your job search process is going after jobs you don’t want, THAT will be your result.  Think about it. Go to top What’s the worst job you ever had? Share in the comments! Image: Flickr Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

AN INTROVERTS GUIDE TO ACHIEVING JOB SATISFACTION - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / AN INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING JOB SATISFACTION - Introvert Whisperer AN INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING JOB SATISFACTION It is common for most introverts to try to become more extroverted in order to achieve career satisfaction. But why? Very often introversion is seen by executives as an obstacle to better performance and career development; this can sometimes force introverts to become more active and present. So most introverts decide that being more present means being an extrovert. And what happens next? Some introverts succeed in turning themselves into extroverts but they end up pushing themselves too far outside of their comfort zone, but in most cases introverts simply shut down. The real problem behind all of this is that many introverts grow up without knowing how to truly embrace their introversion, which eventually causes a great deal of stress. Many introverts end up in careers that do not really suit their personality traits and strengths, whereas some of them find themselves in careers that suit their strengths but where they have a hard time achieving job satisfaction. There are many good resources online about jobs that suit best the introverts, but there is very little information on how to achieve job satisfaction as an introvert. To fill this gap, here are 3 essential steps you should follow in order to feel satisfied with your work as an introvert. 1. SAY GOODBYE TO THE “INTROVERTS VS. EXTROVERTS” BATTLE There is a fair amount of debate about introverts vs. extroverts. Most of it does not bring any substantial value. On the contrary, it creates a lot of confusion as to what introverts are and what they are not. Surprisingly, most of this talk comes from introverts and extroverts themselves. What will help you on your way to achieving job satisfaction is to dissociate yourself from that never-ending battle, especially at your work. Remember that your extrovert colleagues are not in any way superior to you in work ethics, effectiveness or value they bring to the company. You just do not even need to compare because it is like comparing apples and oranges, or bicycles and scooters. They are just different. Full stop. Important note: if that “introverts vs. extroverts” battle comes is initiated manager, take your time to be vocal, explain your point of view on the issue and how it affects your work. Being transparent about what makes you feel uncomfortable is key to job satisfaction.   2. KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AS AN INTROVERT There are many strengths that introverts bring to the team that extroverts simply cannot. What will help you achieve job satisfaction is to know your strengths and learn to embrace them. Two of the most common ways to identify your strengths: ask your friends and colleagues or take one of the many strengths tests online. When I was looking to understand my strengths, I came across HIGH5, a free strengths finder that helped me identify my top 5 strengths and also let me ask my friends to evaluate my strengths via the same platform. Knowing your strengths gives you an indication of areas and activities that invigorate you and are in line with the way you perceive the world. When you utilize these strengths as an introvert at your everyday work, your satisfaction grows because you are actually applying what you are good at.   And when you do so, it actually increases your self-confidence. Important note: knowing and applying your strengths might take some time, but eventually it will bring you a lot more satisfaction at work than you thought. If you are looking for some motivation boost, take a look at one of my favorite TED Talks from Susan Cain, The Power of Introverts. 3. KNOW THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR COMPANY Ask yourself, “What is my company good at? What is it known for? What is that one strength that company’s most employees have in common?” Understanding the strengths of your company can give you a clearer indication of the way it works and what it actually believes in. If you work at a research company, two things that might pop out as company’s strengths will be written communication and independent work. Boom! Those are the strengths of almost any introvert. So knowing the strengths of your company helps you better comprehend its working style and increases your motivation when your strengths match with those of your company. Important note: Even if the strengths of your company do not completely match your own, you should concentrate on the value you bring to the table. In any type of company, things should be getting done and introverts are those who actually get things done instead of just talking about it. Experienced managers know that in order to create highly-effective teams, a good mix of introverts and extroverts is indispensable. Each group will excel in their respective areas and will feel happy once they feel accepted the way they are. But remember that there is no perfect job until you find your own strengths, understand what makes you happy, what motivates you and what is important for you. From there on, the choice becomes easy! In case you want to know how to build your dream career, take a look at this guide to first steps in your dream career building. About the author: Anatoli Chernyaev is a content marketing manager born in Armenia and currently residing in Lyon, France. Being an introvert himself, he writes about various topics such as self-awareness, positive thinking, personal development, and career advice. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Guitar Theory Basics Understanding Keys

Guitar Theory Basics Understanding Keys Sign up successful Just as words describe what we see, music theory describes what we hear. Your ears already know it, the theory just gives it a name. See? That wasn’t so bad. The Tonal Center Of course, chords aren’t played on their own. We usually hear them in the context of a piece of music. Try playing these chords in this order, one chord per bar (bass players play arpeggios or roots): | G / / / | C / / / | D7 / / / | G / / / | The G major chord, being our first chord and having no context, sounds relatively neutral. When we change to the C chord the tension increases a bit because we have moved away from G, which our ears have started getting used to. The D7 brings even more tension before finally resolving back to G. Can you hear the resolution of the G major chord? The chord that provides the strongest resolution may be referred to as the tonal center. This means that the combination of notes played throughout the music make the G major chord sound and feel the most resolved. Therefore, we are in the key of G. (Technically speaking, the tonal center refers to the root of the chord, but let’s not split hairs.) The resolution of the tonal center should feel like “home” for the song, providing a feeling of stability and conclusion. So WHY is this music in G? Because it SOUNDS like it! Let’s play another example: | Am / / / | F / / / | G / / / | Am / / / | | C / / / | F / / / | E / / / | Am / / / | The A minor chords in this progression give that feeling of resolution, so I’d say this piece is in A minor. Looking for Clues “That’s all well and good,” you say, “but can’t I figure out the key without playing every single chord?” My thoughts exactly. It’s true that the conclusive evidence to tell you what key you are in is always “because it SOUNDS like it.” However, there are a couple of easy clues you can look for to point you in the right direction. Check it out… 1) The Key Signature The key signature is the collection of sharps or flats that appears at the beginning of each line in your sheet music. This will tell us which notes will be sharp or flat throughout most of the piece. It is your first big hint as to what key you are in and will point to both a major AND a minor key as probable candidates (we’re narrowing it down here). For example, a key signature with 2 sharps will probably be in the key of D major or B minor because both of those keys have 2 sharps in them. Always check your circle of fifths to find your major and minor key candidates. A key signature is like the mark of Zorro â€" it’s the key saying, “I was here!” What about when there is no key signature? Good question. Remember, the keys of C major and A minor have no sharps or flats, so none will appear in the signature (think of it as the invisible key signature). 2) Beginning and Ending Here’s a real giveaway: the song usually STARTS and ENDS with the chord of the key you are in. Notice how our example in G major both started and ended with a G chord. It was the same with A minor. But don’t count your chords before they hatch, because this is not always the case. Always check your key signature and listen for the resolution. Summary While knowing what key you are in is not strictly necessary, it is extremely useful. Keys are your starting point to understanding music and making more informed choices as a player. Musicians ultimately define keys based on sound, NOT based on theory. This can lead to some ambiguity over what key a piece of music might be in. Two competent and informed players may have a legitimate disagreement about keys. That is to be expected because those players might hear resolutions differently. However, nothing is worse than a bar fight over what key you are in, so let’s be civil about our musical differences. There is a multitude of other arguments that one can make to define the key you are playing in. And while I have oversimplified a complex topic, this statement always holds true: “This music is in this key because it SOUNDS like it.” Now lets rock! Looking for more help understanding guitar theory? Search for a private guitar teacher near you or online! Alexander A. teaches guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, upright bass, and music theory in Tacoma, WA. He earned his bachelors degree at Berklee College of Music in bass performance and composition. Alexander offers lessons in-person as well as online via Skype. Learn more about Alexander. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Joe Strupek

How to Mentally Prepare for Test Day

How to Mentally Prepare for Test Day Its the day before your big test. Youve vigorously read through all the material, flipped over every flashcard, and memorized every fact. If you prepared adequately, youve been doing this for weeks (or months, depending on the test) and not just in the last 24 hours. Procrastination is not a method of choice for a task this huge that task being studying for an important exam. Assuming you did not leave it all to the last minute, the final day before you actually face the exam can be a little strange. Youll have those first-day-of-school butterflies and be unsure of how exactly you should go about your day. Should you cram some more? Should you completely distract yourself with something fun? Or should you just nervously wait and listen to classical music all day because it supposedly makes you smarter? Well, your goal is to ace this test, and half the battle is comprehending the material which youve already done so dont let that go to waste! Add a clear mindset and youll be ready f or test day. But how do you go about that? There are a few buzzwords or typical phrases people around you will say: Relax, dont make yourself crazy, no need to get stressed out, its not as big a deal as youre making it out to be. Although this is all substantial advice necessary to calm your nerves, the truth is that its difficult to relax, you probably are making yourself crazy, stress is inevitable, and it usually is a big deal. Being in denial of all of this wont help anything, and it certainly wont push you in the direction of a calm demeanor. Accepting these nerves is the first step in taming them, as well as the first step in clearing your mind for test day. Its okay to freak out a little and let your energy out better that than keeping it pent up to rage around inside your head, right? Acknowledging your fears and concerns will get you closer to overcoming them. Once youve gotten your emotions out of the way, incorporate a good balance of both reviewing test material and relaxing into your day. No need to choose between one or the other; simply combine them in a healthy way. Instead of going through every bit of studying all over again, just choose the areas that you most frequently had issues with and do whatever it takes to ingrain them into your mind. Bring the material around with you wherever you go throughout the day so you can take a look sporadically, rather than forcing yourself to take another crash course for six straight hours. As for where youll be going and what youll be doing, that is up to you and whatever activity puts you in a relaxed and content mood. This isnt the day to go riding rollercoasters or hitting up parties, but tanning at the pool or hanging out at the coffee shop. Do something that allows you to be comfortable, but still continue to soak everything up. Anything too stimulating will take your mind off the test material too much, yet being in an environment that doesnt comfort you at all will ensure your nerves get the best of you, so finding the perfect activity that balances these factors out is crucial.Lastly, get a great nights sleep and review significant material right before you go to bed. Typically, the things you think about just before falling asleep tend to resonate with you more than anything else when you wake up the next day. Especially if your test is early in the morning, this is a wonderful thing to do because it allows you to begin the day with the knowledge firmly placed in your brain, not leading you to panic about retaining it. Whether you are about to take an Algebra test, the SAT, or a college Philosophy final, these tips are sure to help you mold your mindset in the way you need. Embrace the feelings you are having and make of them what you want them to be.

Best Tutors Team Together to Help Others

Best Tutors Team Together to Help Others Last week,  Tutorfair’s  best tutors in London gathered together to participate in a workshop for year eleven pupils deciding on their future steps post-GCSE. As part of  Tutorfair’s  charity promise to provide tutoring to those who can’t afford it, we were helping out our friends at  The Access Project.    They are a fantastic charity aiming to open up access to top universities for students at state school. Fourteen keen tutor volunteers braved London’s ghastly weather and the tube strike to arrive at the Globe Academy ready to advise students on their future plans. Amongst this group of best tutors, lay a treasure trove of different skills and talents, ranging from professional actresses to university lecturers and from to businessmen to Russell Group university students and graduates. They were ready to share their knowledge and experiences at Globe Academy and felt privileged to be invited to this fantastic school. Based in one of the most deprived catchment areas in London, the tutors were inspired by the motivational teachers and impressive facilities the school had to offer, just as Obama and David Cameron were at their visit in 2011. The afternoon programme saw ninety pupils engaged in four different sessions which worked on a carousel. These were: Professionalism Led by one of  Tutorfair’s  best tutors,  Madeleine K,  (UCLA double major and Cambridge), this workshop emphasised the importance of professionalism in college and the workplace. Helping Madeleine was  Tutorfair’s  Andrew Ground who has recruited graduates from a range of universities. Routes and Pathways This session looked at the different paths that pupils could take to reach their desired career. It emphasised the value of higher education but highlighted the different routes to get there which tutors advised on.  With Laurence Olivier award winning actress,  Amanda H,  offering guidance on degree alternatives and graduates speaking about ways to get into university, the students were given a variety of different options to think about. Apprenticeships As well as outlining some of the apprenticeship options available, the lovely Flick from  Rate My Apprenticeship  provided more generalised advice on filling in a CV and performing at interviews. Flick’s workshop was very popular - surely not because of the chocolates she handed out? Advice from current students This session allowed year eleven pupils to chat to current students at college and university and ask any questions about A-Level and degree study.  One of our volunteer tutors,  Pablo D, a lecturer at King’s College London who also assesses UCAS applications, was therefore able to share his expertise from the teaching side of university and university admissions. Thanks to the tutors and teachers involved, the pupils were given the opportunity to start thinking about their future and the best ways to achieve their goals. The tutors loved giving their individual guidance but were certainly in need of a rest after this intense, tiring but extremely rewarding afternoon.

English Conversation Class The Ethics of Eating

English Conversation Class The Ethics of Eating This weeks English conversation class is about the ethics of eating. There are a lot of questions these days about right and wrong when it comes to how we feed ourselves. Some feel that factory farming is unhealthy and inhumane, while others think it is the only way to provide food to the billions of people in the world.Some people feel that organic food is the only thing to eat, both for health and environmental reasons, while others think it is a waste of money.Do you think about eating ethically? What does eating ethically mean to you? Is being vegetarian or even vegan a more humane, environmentally friendly way to eat? Do you buy organic foods? Is large scale industrial farming necessary, or is it an unsustainable practice that will eventually leave us all hungry? Is it possible to produce food in a human, environmentally friendly way, and still feed everyone?Well talk about these questions and much more for our next group English conversation class. All students who have take an group English conversation class will be sent an email with a link to the class on Wednesday morning. If you would like to join this live, audio/visual class, taught by a native English speaker, click here.Below youll find two videos to help you prepare for the class, a short one about modern pig farming and a longer one about sustainable farming practices in Spain. Viewing is not required, but they are interesting!

From One Kumon Student to Another

From One Kumon Student to Another From One Kumon Student to Another: 4 Tips for Balancing School Work, Extracurricular Activities and Kumon Whether it’s Little League, ballet lessons or the chess club, extracurricular activities provide kids with a way to stay active, make new friends and explore their interests. In fact, about 60 percent of children between 6 and 17 years old participate in at least one after-school extracurricular activity. On average, children spend about five hours each week on extracurricular activities. Some can be particularly time-consuming, so parents often worry their children are under too much pressure. Finding a balance is the key to success. We first introduced you to Natasha back in 2014 when she was a finalist in Kumon’s Inspirational Student Success Story contest. Here’s a refresher on her impressive accolades: Member of the National Honor Society, Student Leadership Advisory Council and Student Government An accomplished pianist with six solo performances at Carnegie Hall Co-founded “Book-for-a-Cure,” an annual children’s hospital fundraiser Natasha knows firsthand what it takes to balance extracurricular activities and school work. Below she shares a few tips your child may find helpful. 4 tips for balancing school work, extracurricular activities and Kumon Be Picky About Extracurricular Activities. Stay focused on a few extracurricular activities that you actually like. Don’t pick an activity just because it sounds cool or because all of your friends are doing it. If you genuinely enjoy the activity, you won’t be stressed balancing your time. Develop A Schedule. It’s important to plan your week ahead of time. Every Saturday, I sit down and make a schedule for the activities that I have in the coming week. This allows me to manage my time wisely between school-work, Kumon, piano practice, marching band and spending time with my friends. Use Your Time Wisely. Kumon has helped me to become a very organized person, which is an essential skill in order to be successful in life. I’ve learned that in order to do the activities that I love, I have to focus, be disciplined, preserve and plan ahead. Never Give Up. As Kumon students, we are learning topics years before they are taught in school. The topic may be hard to grasp at first, but once you understand the basics it will get easier. Always remember that Kumon will help you in the long run and school will become that much easier, allowing you to spend more time on the extracurricular activities that you love. You might also be interested in: Finding the motivation to continue learning during the summer can be a challenge. 13-year-old Kumon dual program completer shares advice on perseverance. Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor A Beacon of Positivity: How Kumon Developed this Student’s Focus and Patience One Students Journey from Kumon to Top University From One Kumon Student to Another From One Kumon Student to Another: 4 Tips for Balancing School Work, Extracurricular Activities and Kumon Whether it’s Little League, ballet lessons or the chess club, extracurricular activities provide kids with a way to stay active, make new friends and explore their interests. In fact, about 60 percent of children between 6 and 17 years old participate in at least one after-school extracurricular activity. On average, children spend about five hours each week on extracurricular activities. Some can be particularly time-consuming, so parents often worry their children are under too much pressure. Finding a balance is the key to success. We first introduced you to Natasha back in 2014 when she was a finalist in Kumon’s Inspirational Student Success Story contest. Here’s a refresher on her impressive accolades: Member of the National Honor Society, Student Leadership Advisory Council and Student Government An accomplished pianist with six solo performances at Carnegie Hall Co-founded “Book-for-a-Cure,” an annual children’s hospital fundraiser Natasha knows firsthand what it takes to balance extracurricular activities and school work. Below she shares a few tips your child may find helpful. 4 tips for balancing school work, extracurricular activities and Kumon Be Picky About Extracurricular Activities. Stay focused on a few extracurricular activities that you actually like. Don’t pick an activity just because it sounds cool or because all of your friends are doing it. If you genuinely enjoy the activity, you won’t be stressed balancing your time. Develop A Schedule. It’s important to plan your week ahead of time. Every Saturday, I sit down and make a schedule for the activities that I have in the coming week. This allows me to manage my time wisely between school-work, Kumon, piano practice, marching band and spending time with my friends. Use Your Time Wisely. Kumon has helped me to become a very organized person, which is an essential skill in order to be successful in life. I’ve learned that in order to do the activities that I love, I have to focus, be disciplined, preserve and plan ahead. Never Give Up. As Kumon students, we are learning topics years before they are taught in school. The topic may be hard to grasp at first, but once you understand the basics it will get easier. Always remember that Kumon will help you in the long run and school will become that much easier, allowing you to spend more time on the extracurricular activities that you love. You might also be interested in: Finding the motivation to continue learning during the summer can be a challenge. 13-year-old Kumon dual program completer shares advice on perseverance. Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor A Beacon of Positivity: How Kumon Developed this Student’s Focus and Patience One Students Journey from Kumon to Top University