Finding the Best Payroll Professionals

Finding the Best Payroll ProfessionalsFinding the Best Payroll ProfessionalsIts no secret that staffing can be a struggle for financial managers, whether it becomes necessary as a business grows or after a job vacancy. As you examine your companys payroll process, from tax payments to paycheck withholdings, along with todays hiring challenges, you may realize you need help building a team of payroll professionals.From writing job descriptions to filtering applicants to interviewing and hiring, obtaining skilled workers is not for the faint of heart. But you dont have to do it alone. One of the best recruiting strategies is to work with a specialized staffing agency.Here are seven best practices to follow - and that agencies can assist with - when bringing on operational support staff, including payroll professionals.1. Cast a wide net for payroll professionalsIts no longer enough to just upload the listing to a job board and wait for applications to roll in. In a job market rife wi th opportunities for candidates, you should take a multipronged approach, including advertising the position on social media accounts and encouraging followers to share the post. If youre working with a staffing agency, youll gain access to a network of payroll job seekers. Look for candidates in your area or in these cities Find payroll candidates in MilwaukeeFind payroll candidates in Seattle Find payroll candidates in Los AngelesFind payroll candidates in Atlanta Find payroll candidates in Indianapolis2. Use marketing to sell your companyTo stand out in a sea of postings, front-load your payroll job description with the many pluses of working for your organization. Include enticing nuggets like flexible scheduling, regular social events, wellness perks, opportunities for advancement, all part of your corporate culture. As todays professionals - especially millennials - seek meaningful work that makes a difference, play up your companys community involvement.3. Accelerate the hi ring processIt can be daunting when youre already balancing this with your day-to-day work, but speeding up your hiring process helps ensure you have your pick among the top candidates available in your area. Update your job posting to weed out unqualified applicants. Streamline interviews by having candidates meet only with essential personnel. Cut out a round of interviews, where possible. Recruiters can also shoulder a lot of the burden for you. While they cant do everything, they can get moving right away and seriously reduce your legwork.4. Outsource the screeningAs any manager knows, a substantial number of job applications simply dont make the cut. Then there are those candidates who look great on paper, but you soon discover theyve embellished their skills and credentials. You can save time and all these headaches by using a specialized recruiter who handles much of the initial evaluation so you can meet with a handful of fully vetted candidates and pick the best fit.5. Prio ritize people skillsAside from seeking out job candidates who understand payroll software and the latest compliance requirements, you should pay particular attention to their soft skills - the ability to soothe ruffled feathers and quickly resolve payroll issues. While communication and interpersonal skills can be taught, theyre often more difficult to develop than technical know-how. When meeting with potential hires, be sure to ask how theyve dealt with angry customers or recovered from a mistake. Ask insightful situational and behavioral interview questions specific to payroll functions.6. Be flexible with your hiring needsHave you considered a temp-to-hire strategy for your company? There are alternatives to hiring full-time employees, and staffing agencies are well-versed in assessing your needs and providing a solution thats right for you. If you want to focus on getting the work done and youre not sure you need someone full time, you might find a temporary worker is your bes t bet.7. Keep them happy on the jobAfter landing someone great, whether temporary or full time, dont simply rest on your laurels. Focus on keeping them engaged and acknowledging their work. Robert Halfs study on workplace happiness finds that among the accounting professionals surveyed, the top driver of professional contentment was feeling appreciated.As many payroll specialists realize all too well, this work is largely unrecognized. Because your staff likely wont receive many kudos from fellow employees, its up to management to boost morale. Even simple verbal praise, in private or in public, can go a long way in making a worker feel happy on the job - especially one you recently recruited to join the team.Looking for temporary help in payroll to move your business forward? We can help.1.855.432.0924

Congressional Fellowship Applications are Due Jan. 31; Webinar...

Congressional Fellowship Applications are Due Jan. 31 Webinar... Congressional Fellowship Applications are Due Jan. 31 Webinar... Congressional Fellowship Applications are Due Jan. 31 Fellowship Webinar Now OnlineJan. 13, 2017 The ASME Government Relations department is currently accepting applications until Jan. 31 for the 2017-2018 ASME Congressional Fellowship through the ASME Federal Government Fellowship Program. A recording of a recent webinar featuring two participants in the ASME Federal Fellow Program is now available online for ASME members who would like to learn mora about the program.Since 1973, ASME has sponsored more than 100 Federal Fellows, providing them with an opportunity to serve a one-year term in the administration or U.S. Congress. Fellows serve as independent, non-biased advisors in engineering, science and technology, bringing a nonpartisan, pragmatic approach to analysis and input which has a profound impact on the decision-making process. The re sult is effective and technologically appropriate public policy based on sound engineering principles.Applicants for the 2017-2018 Fellowship, which is sponsored by ASME Government Relations, the ASME Foundation and the ASME Petroleum Division, must have a strong energy background. ASME has long supported a balanced portfolio of energy supplies to meet the nations energy needs, including advanced clean coal, petroleum, nuclear, natural gas, waste-to-energy, biomass, solar, wind and hydroelectric power. ASME also supports energy efficient building and transportation technologies, as well as transmission and distribution infrastructure sufficient to satisfy demand under reasonably foreseeable contingencies.ASME members who are interested in applying for the Fellowship can now view a newly posted recording of a recent Government Relations webinar, titled Engineers and Public Policy A Dynamic Combination, to learn more about the program. The webinar, which was recorded Dec . 7, features current Fellow Said Jahanmir, Ph.D. and former Fellow Nol Bakhtian, Ph.D., who discuss their perspectives on their accomplishments and the challenges they faced during their Fellowship terms. Dr. Jahanmir is currently serving as an ASME Congressional Fellow for the Honorable Tim Ryan (D-OH), co-chair of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus. Dr. Bakhtian, who was an ASME Congressional Fellow in 2012, served as a 2016 ASME Foundation Swanson Fellow at the White House Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Energy and Environment division.Lester Su, Ph.D., of Stanford University, the current chair of the ASME Committee on Government Relations who served as an ASME Congressional Fellow in 2000-2001, provided opening remarks for the webinar.In order to view the webinar, you must first be registered on ASME.org. To register, visit https//shop.asme.org/Registrations/Conference/FNDWEB2016-2. Once registered, visit to enter your e-mail address and pass word and proceed to the webinar page. (Note It may take up to 24 hours after your initial registration to be able to login to watch the webinar.)For more information on the 2017-2018 ASME Congressional Fellowship, as well as other ASME Federal Government Fellowship opportunities, visit the ASME Congressional Fellowships page on ASME.org.

What to Look For in Contract Administrator Jobs

What to Look For in Contract Administrator JobsWhat to Look For in Contract Administrator JobsIf youre interested in contract administrator jobs, your timing couldnt be better.Contract administrators manage a crucial function in law firms and corporate legal departments. They draft and negotiate new contracts, solve conflicts that arise from existing contracts and oversee the closeout process when a contract has been fulfilled.They also put strong technical skills to work while managing the contract database and using other programs to create contract boilerplates, track progress toward contractual obligations, and ensure contractor payments are accurate and on time.So its no wonder that demand for these professionals in the legal field is growing. If youre one of them, this strong demand might have you leaning toward looking for a job with a new company. But how will you know if its the right opportunity? Here are a few things to consider as youre interviewing and searching for new contract administrator jobsSalary and benefitsBefore you head into interviews, visit the Robert Half Legal Salary Center to find out what other contract administrator jobs in your region are paying. That way, if you get an offer, youll immediately know if its competitive.Dont look only at the annual salary, though. Factor in the medical, dental and retirement benefits, along with any other perks you might be getting, such as free food or telecommuting. The benefits might be good enough to justify taking a slightly lower salary than you expected.Opportunities for career growthWith enough years of experience and expertise, employees in contract administrator jobs can become contract managers. If career advancement is important to you, make sure the contract department is large enough to allow you to move up and that the company is open to promoting from within.Also ensure that the firm is willing to invest in training. New technological tools for managing databases and creating contra cts are constantly being developed, and you want to make sure you can keep up with any changes that will make you more efficient and better at your job.Read the Future Law Office report Technology Reshapes the Legal Support Profession.The firms mission and cultureAs you evaluate contract administrator jobs, set aside time to learn about the organizations mission. If you believe in the firms principles and goals, youre more likely to work hard and enjoy your job.Also find out what you can about the company culture. If you prefer a more casual, easygoing workplace, youll likely find it difficult to thrive in an office where suits are required and the hierarchy is so strict that partners rarely leave their top floor offices to consult with associates and legal support professionals.The structure of the contracts and procurement departmentFinally, try to learn about the staffing structure and technical capabilities of the specific department youd be joining. You want to be sure that the res a well-equipped support staff in place to help you create and track contracts, as well as the IT tools necessary to do your job effectively.Searching for contract administrator jobs can be exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking when youre worried about whether youre doing the right thing. If you keep these things in mind throughout the job search and hiring process, youll be more likely to choose the opportunity that fits your abilities, ambitions and working style.Subscribe to the Robert Half newsletter and youll get articles and resources to help you land a new job and succeed in your career - all sent directly to your inbox.

Human Resources Manager Job Description Sample

Human Resources Manager Job Description SampleHuman Resources Manager Job Description SampleHuman Resources Manager Job Description SampleThis menschenfreundlich resource manager sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Human Resources Manager Job ResponsibilitiesMaintains and enhances the organizations human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices.Human Resources Manager Job DutiesMaintains the work structure by updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions.Maintains organization staff by establishing a recruiting, testing, and interviewing program counseling managers on candidate selection conducting and analyzing exit interviews recommending changes.Prepares employees for assignments by establis hing and conducting orientation and training programs.Maintains a pay plan by conducting periodic pay surveys scheduling and conducting job evaluations preparing pay budgets monitoring and scheduling individual pay actions recommending, planning, and implementing pay structure revisions.Ensures planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees scheduling management conferences with employees hearing and resolving employee grievances counseling employees and supervisors.Maintains employee benefits programs and informs employees of benefits by studying and assessing benefit needs and trends recommending benefit programs to management directing the processing of benefit claims obtaining and evaluating benefit contract bids awarding benefit contracts designing and conducting educational programs on benefit programs.Ensures legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human resource federal and state requirem ents conducting investigations maintaining records representing the organization at hearings.Maintains management guidelines by preparing, updating, and recommending human resource policies and procedures.Maintains historical human resource records by designing a filing and retrieval system keeping past and current records.Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops reviewing professional publications establishing rolleal networks participating in professional societies.Completes human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees following up on work results.Maintains human resource staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.Maintains human resource staff job results by counseling and disciplining employees planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.Human Resources Manager Skills and QualificationsHiring, Human Resources Management, Benefits Administration, Performance Management, Communication Processes, Compensation and Wage Structure, Supports Diversity, Classifying Employees, Employment Law, Laws Against Sexual Harassment, OrganizationHire Your Next Human Resources ManagerIts a big deal when youre looking to hire the person whos going to be in charge of hiring all your other employees. Yes, its technically a single hire, but it will play out with every subsequent hire your company makes. Meaning, you want to find the right person the first time around. Could you use some help with that? Join for free today. As a member, youll receive hiring tips and advice, special offers, industry trends, and much more. Your business is made of great people. Let Monsterhelp you craft a hiring strategy that will connect you to the best of the best.Employers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Human Resources Manager Jobs and apply on now. Learn more abouthow to hireSample Int erview Questions How to InterviewCreating and Posting a Job in MonsterHuman Resources Director Job Description

9 Ways to Get Inspired from Your Desk

9 Ways to Get Inspired from Your Desk9 Ways to Get Inspired from Your DeskStaying constantly motivated at work can be tough when youre sitting in your office for eight (plus) hours a day. With all that intense and stationary work, its no wonder most of us leave the office feeling exhausted and depleted.But it turns out that a few small actions and habits can make all the difference in keeping your energy, creativity, and enthusiasm up. Here are nine ways to get inspired without even getting up from your desk (although, that helps a lot too).1.Tidy Up, Tool UpInspired work simply cant be done in the midst of a mess, so give yourself the clean slate you need (and deserve) by making sure that your workspace stays organized and uncluttered. Also make sure to invest in the tools you need- those favorite pens, that great planner. Give yourself permission to get anything that helps keep you excited and motivated to work.2. Enhance the ViewSurround your immediate workspace with simple, visua l pleasures, like a small print or beautiful calendar. And skip the family vacation photos- instead display a picture or item that reminds you of ordinary, everyday happiness. This will help inspire you to make today a great day, rather than leaving you wistful for Spring Break.3.Start with Something BeautifulBefore you open your email, kick-start your creativity by visiting a favorite website, blog, or Pinterest board (the mora visual the better) that makes you feel happy and good. Of course, this is an easy way to get sucked in to the Internet rabbit hole- so limit yourself to no more than five minutes.4.Stretch Your BrainIts important to engage with resources, news outlets, and people that challenge you to think differently. You dont always need to agree with them- if fact, sometimes its more helpful if you dont. Find a blog or website that lets your brain be a tourist in someone elses point of view, and see if it shifts your thinking.5. Connect with Your StarsPick a few role mod els that youd like learn from. Each day, commit to connecting with them by reading a little from their book, listening to them being interviewed, or checking in with their Twitter feed.6.Make Time for Humor TherapyWhen you work for or by yourself, you can often go throughout an entire day without laughing. But this is a hazard to your creativity (not to mention your health) Take a 10-minute humor break during the day by catching up on the latest clip of The Daily Show or reading something from The New Yorker Humor Archives.7. Pick a Theme SongMusic is a powerful influencer of your mood. Find a song that captures your current intentions or aspirations, and crank it up when you feel a motivation slump coming on.8. Keep Your Goals VisibleMany of us invest time to set goals for ourselves- only to leave them buried in our desk drawers or hard drives. Give your goals a fighting weg by posting them somewhere in your office where you can easily see them.9. Keep Your Best Feedback on HandThe res nothing like great, unprompted feedback to really make your day. The trouble is, theres no guarantee that youll get it when you really feel like you need it So, make your own day by recording the great feedback you receive in an easily accessible place (like a word doc or small journal), and reviewing it whenever you need a boost.What are your favorite ways to get inspired at your desk?Photo courtesy ofStephanie Wesolowski.

How to Write Cover Letter for Resume Secrets

How to Write Cover Letter for Resume Secrets The War Against How to Write Cover Letter for Resume For you close your letter, make certain to request a meeting. Theres no need to share any personal details about yourself or your family within it. Last, make sure that you have provided your complete and correct contact details to have the ability to find that interview call State which you would prefer the chance to interview or discuss employment opportunities. One of the greatest ways to receive your foot in the door at an organization you would like to work for is to mention an expert connection to one of their existing personnel. When youre asking for a job which has been posted by a business thats hiring, you will use the application letter style. Youre attempting to convince people you really need the job. You might require the job since youve been job trying to find a little while. Job seekers deserve to come across decent content quickly. Its difficult to do that if they know youre searching for different jobs also. Describe how youll result in the company from Day One. Before you commence writing, find out more concerning the business and the particular job you desire. Theres a PDF file for a preview which can be created. Even though you may choose not to incorporate a copy with your application, it forces you to concentrate on the essential points of who you are and what you need to offer. These fonts have links which can be downloaded for free also. The secret is to provide the reader a little glimpse in your background, which encourages them to want to find out more by reading your resume. Before you buy an opportunity to attend an interview, send a senior buyer titel letter so that you are better positioned to acquire a chance for an interview. If youre, then you have to have experienced firsthand how challenging it is to compose an application letter. Well, the solution is quite easy and before embarking on it, youve got to re cognize the individual you will absprache with cover letter. Knowing the provider better also can help you choose the correct tone to utilize in your cover letter. There are 3 general forms of cover letters. Any apprehensions, any communication everything needs to be done via the cover letter. Just as vital as the things you ought to include on your cover letter are the things which should never be on your cover letter. After you have finished the rough draft of your cover letter, you should read it a couple of occasions and make certain that everything appears okay. More frequently than not, folks assume the cover letter is only a formalityso they simply throw something together and just hit send. Finding out more about an organization is another excellent means to work out the way to tailor your cover letter. Target A cover letter needs to be tailored to a particular company. The How to Write Cover Letter for Resume Game Regardless of what engineering track youre on, your cover letter should highlight problem solving skills and the ability to satisfy quality standards. If youre answering a completely free advertisement, there might be a position description that lists essential abilities and experiences. The main reason is that whether you put too low of a salary, you may be paid less than the actual value of the job. In most instances, the response is yes. Also, be certain that the projects and technical skills you include are related to the job youre applying for. Specifically, explain how youll use the abilities and knowledge youve gained in school to the job that you are applying to. The important thing is figuring out what transferable abilities and experiences you may be relevant to your new target profession. Technical skills, licenses and certifications, and the capacity to communicate effectively are some of the very best qualities to contain in your cover letter.

Meet Christine Hurtubise, VP of Data Science at Stash

Meet Christine Hurtubise, VP of Data Science at Stash Christine Hurtubise, VP of Data Science at Working at a startup can be a fast paced environment. How do you maintain a strong work-life balance and how does Stash help you achieve that?I try to approach each project with high quality focus, as opposed to grinding through arbitrary hours. Stash gives me flexibility in my hours along with a lot of creative control over my work. The work here is so interesting, that I get excited to continue. My commute is quite long, so I can never stay late in the office, but I am happy to work at home later.***********Follow Stash on PowerToFly for updates on events and open roles.Disclosure The views expressed in this article are leid necessarily those of Stash. Stash is not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting, or tax advice, or recommendations in this articleFrom Your Site Articles Invite-Only Evening With Data Science Leaders From Stash + ... Related Articles Around the Web Women in Data Science Are Invisible. We Can Change That WIRED Stash - Invest. Learn. Save. One of the biggest challenges in alfruchtwein all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carp enter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot mora to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next tischset of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of acc omplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Create Concise and Compact Resumes

Create Concise and Compact Resumes Create Concise and Compact Resumes How to Create Concise and Compact ResumesEngineers are smart, technical, fact-oriented, and organizedso it should be easy for them to build a good resume that effectively highlights their engineering attributes. Not necessarily truethe key word is effective. Because they deal with so many facts, engineers sometimes put in too much information that can distract from the key points.A common mistake for scientists and engineers is putting in too much technical jargon and not enough detail as it relates to the responsibilities in their previous roles, states Ross Petras, a senior recruiter with BiotechHeadhunter.com.Andrew Naslund, HR coordinator for the consulting firm Mazzetti Associates in San Francisco, agrees.Engineers have a tendency to go into information overload on their resumes, he says. Resumes get accepted or rejected in 30 seconds or less, so it is important to be concise.The document must be crisp, to th e point, and easy to read.Be to the PointTight, compact paragraphs filled with dense text are hard to read and will likely lead to the resume being rejected. The document must be crisp, to the point, and easy to read. Bullet points will make the critical information stand out.When writing bulleted accomplishments, keep the text to a few key points and quantify the results so employers understand the significance of your work, says Kim Isaacs, a resume expert at Monster.com who offers the following examples of bulleted accomplishments below Conducted process mapping studies to improve throughput by 36 percent and ensure compliance with customer specifications Regarded as one of consulting firms most highly requested mechanical engineers, maintaining 89 percent or higher billable utilization for the past four years Co-developed material for cooling radiators that saved $300,000 per yearPrecision MattersEven though they are typically very meticulous, engineers can also be impa tient once the results have been received and whats left is the write-up or deliveryinstead they want to move on to the next project. This mindset can carry over to resume-writing once the facts are down, the document still needs to be carefully reviewed and fact-checked to make sure it is error-free, especially misspellings or poor grammar.Failing to proofread and correct all errors on the resume is a common mistake engineers make, says Isaacs.Remember, there is a lot on the line with your resumein many cases, it is the first opportunity to make an impression. Before sending it out, triple-check it and have other people review it as well to make sure it is flawless.Regarding resume format and style, what matters to most recruiters and HR managers is seeing a chronological career history, either as the outline of the resume body or as a separate listing, says Pat Havard, owner of Principal Resource Group, which specializes in recruiting engineers. Aesthetically, it is only important that the resume be accurate and easy to read.Skip Black, owner of Minneapolis-based environmental engineering firm Double Eagle Group, advises not to write an objective section because it can hurt a candidates chances if it doesnt match well with the requirements of the job opening.Instead, Black recommends writing a qualifications summary. With a few hard-hitting sentences, the summary should punktlicht your most marketable qualifications, says Isaacs.List Key AccomplishmentsInclude enough key projects on your resume to reflect the depth of your experience and that complement, where possible, the job openings you are pursuing.Resume length really depends on the amount of experience and the information needed to present a clear picture of your capabilities. If there is a long project listing, it is usually best to have that as a separate document or a short list that can be an addendum to the resume, says Havard.If you can get your vitals on a single page, thats perfect, adds Naslu nd. If you need two pages, thats okay. If you have more than that, split the document and add a project list. List projects by employer or client and give a short description of what you did. Most importantly, dont forget to include your project outcomes.Entry-level engineers often ask Havard for advice regarding resumes.I tell them that the most important part of the resume is that it is presented in person, he says. Even in engineering, and especially for young engineers, the most important factor is personal contact. I recommend they participate in professional societies and talk with engineers who can be potential mentorsthe resume will take care of itself with just a little bit of effort.Mark Crawford is an independent writer.A common mistake for scientists and engineers is putting too much technical jargon in the resume and not enough detail that relates to responsibilities in previous roles.Ross Petras,

An Example of a Resignation Announcement to Colleagues

An Example of a Resignation Announcement to ColleaguesAn Example of a Resignation Announcement to ColleaguesUse this resignation announcement letter to let co-workers know that you areresigning from your job. When time permits send a personalized email homilie to each person that you worked closely with, rather than a mass mailing. Be sure to include your contact information, so the recipients of your homilie can keep in touch. Sample Resignation Announcement to a Co-Worker Subject LineResignation Announcement - Samantha SmithDear John,I wanted to let you know that I am leaving my position here at ABC Corporation. I will be starting a new position at XYZ Company next month.I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you and have enjoyed my time at the company.Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at ABC. Even though I will miss my colleagues and the company, I am looking forward to the challenges of my position a nd to starting a new phase of my career.Please do keep in touch. I can be reached on LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/SamanthaSmith), my personal email address (samantha.l.smithgmail2.com) or via my cell phone, 555-121-2222.Thanks again for everything.Best Regards,Samantha ExpandSample Resignation Announcement to a Group of Co-Workers Subject LineTanishas Last DayDear Development Team,Next Thursday, April 27, will be my brde day at ABC Company. Ive accepted a position at XYZ Company, which is a transition to the nonprofit space. I have such mixed emotions writing this message While Im excited for my next step, Ill miss all of you so much.Youve made my time here at ABC Company so rewarding How could I have gotten through the pizza-fueled late nights coding without you? Its been a pleasure working with each and every one of you and I hope we can continue to keep in touch.You can connect with me on LinkedIn or please keep in touch over email tmartinsemail.com.Thanks again for a wonderful two yea rs working at ABC.Best,Tanisha Expand Tips for Writing a Resignation AnnouncementLetter Along with helping make your departure from a company a smooth one, a resignation letter is a good way to give co-workers your personal contact information. (Remember, they wont be able to use your work email once youre gone) This makes it easier to build your network - not only can you share your personal email address, but you can also seize the moment and connect with people on LinkedIn if you havent already.Here are some tips for writing a resignation announcement email that will leave co-workers with a positive impression Keep it professional This is not the time to complain about co-workers or the company. Keep it upbeat and classy. (In general, its a wise idea to avoid any jokes that could be taken the wrong way in your goodbye note.)Be brief No need to write a lengthy note. The essential information to include is your last day, your personal contact information, and some warm sentimen ts. If you want, you can also include where youll be working next.Send individual notes if you can Along with sending a group or team-wide message, consider writing personal notes to anyone you had a close relationship with. While an email is always good, it can be nice to send a handwritten note. (In some industries, like publishing, handwritten goodbye letters are very common.) Mimic others While handwritten cards may be the norm in print publishing, theyre unusual in other industries. Its always wise to send a farewell message that echoes what others at the company have sent. If resignation announcements are typically business-like, stick with that format. If people use them to share anecdotes, include one yourself.If appropriate, send a resignation announcement to customers or clients Depending on your position and industry, it may be appropriate for you to inform clients or customers of your departure. Check with your manager before doing so. How to Say Goodbye You have fo und a new job and youre ready to give two-weeks notice to your current employer. Whats the best way to say goodbye? The first step is to let your boss know that youre resigning. Next, you will want to say farewell to your co-workers.

Military Obedience

Military ObedienceMilitary ObedienceIts no secret that obedience to orders is a big part of being in the military. But if yure considering joining, youll need to do some soul-searching first - and forever after, if you do sign up - to be sure you can face the nuanced hazards of this type of work structure. The sad truth is that psychology research shows ur personal moral courage is much more precarious than we think (and we really do like to think highly of ourselves, despite the evidence.) It gets especially dicey when our morals come into conflict with figures of authority. Laws of war and personal honor aside, it takes good old knowledge of self to pass through such challenges. Unlawful Obedience From day one, military recruits are not only taught the value of instant obedience to orders theyre conditioned through the rigorous, rapid, and heavily directive nature of boot camp. The idea is to acclimatize new recruits to the idea of following the leader to hell and back When people are dying around you and your lieutenant tells you to Take that hill it doesnt do much good to have a bunch of snotty know-it-alls respond with, Why dont we stop here and come up with a better idea? But as a society, weve had to embrace the hard lessons of unthinking obedience gone wrong. The Nuremberg defense is the classic example of why just following orders is an unacceptable excuse for morally damning actions, but it wasnt the last and it wasnt always an enemy of the US damning themselves. In his article Military Orders To Obey or Not to Obey? Rod Powers provides a great pocket history of cases when US troops were punished for following unlawful orders. Among recent prominent cases are the court-martial (and conviction for premeditated murder) of First Lieutenant William Calley for his part in the My Lai Massacre and the horrifying abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq by soldiers who claimed that they were only following the orders of military intelligence officials. To reduce such crimes, part of the boot camp studienplan includes training on codes of conduct and the laws of war. The central theme is essentially to remind recruits that theyre the good guys Exercise appropriate moral judgment and decline to follow orders that are obviously illegal, such as murdering innocent civilians, looting, or abusing prisoners. But is it that simple? Social Psychology When I returned to school after my second tour in Iraq, I dabbled in psychology courses for a while. The course that impacted me most profoundly was social psychology, which examines the effect of groups and society on thought and behavior. (It often, though not always, appears to be the study of how horrible people can be in large numbers.) I never saw direct combat in Iraq, yet I still felt my stomach turn as we studied two very important experiments in the history of social psychology The Milgram Obedience Experiment and the Stanford Prison Experiment. These two studies strongly support th e idea that influences such as perceived authority, environment, and assigned social roles can (often easily) overpower a noble sense of self and lead to the commission of immoral acts. In plus-rechnen to their obvious consequences, these immoral acts can have a devastating psychological effect on the person committing them. Thats because, despite the objective evidence supplied by social psychologists, we have a natural, self-preserving tendency to believe we are inherently good. Go ahead and present a room full of students with the facts of the Milgram study. Ask them if they would, at the urgent behest of a stern man in a lab coat, continue delivering shocks to an unseen person whom they might have just given a heart attack. Most will still believe themselves incapable of such an act Im a good person. The issue, unfortunately, doesnt come down to good or evil, but to understanding ourselves and our human nature. Obeying an unlawful order or even just one you find personally trou bling is not a guaranteed behavior, but we should all understand that social pressures can often be much more powerful than our own perceived morality, especially in the heat of the moment. Consider What You Would Do Some people who join the military may never have to face a psyche-shattering situation like My Lai or Abu Ghraib. But sometimes, its the luck of the draw. Thats why its important, before even enlisting, to begin examining how well you know yourself. To this day, I recoil at the opportunity to abuse others or my power over them (and being a future nurse, caring for people at their weakest, Ill have plenty of opportunities.) Yet at one time, even though I never saw direct combat, I witnessed and even enabled dehumanizing behaviors that, though not technically criminal, certainly kept me up at night for some time after. It took me a few years to get over wallowing in my negative feelings about those experiences every time Id had a few beers. Neither am I ashamed of my entire career in the military because of these experiences. I simply bring them up to illustrate my point Before embarking on a career that requires you to walk the fine line between being a good team player and exercising individual moral judgment often under extreme pressure, when it counts consider who you are, and what you would do. Then keep considering it every day, even if you decide not to enlist. We all have as much capacity for evil as good when it counts most, and often the only deciding factor in our control is knowing ourselves.