How Long Does the Hiring Process Take

How Long Does the Hiring Process TakeHow Long Does the Hiring Process TakeHow long does the hiring process take in todays job market? That varies depending on a number of factors, says Matthew Rowles, senior resource manager at Kavaliro, a national staffing firm specializing in placing qualified candidates in the information technology, engineering, finance, accounting, administrative, and professional services industries. Factors include, but are not limited to these reasons, says RowlesEntry-level jobs Lower level positions tend to move much mora quickly, as there are less decision makers involved in the process.Managerial jobs Managerial roles can move much slower as there may be mora people involved in the hiring and interviewing process, and/or more background check and vetting of the candidate needed.Size of an organization Smaller organizations are typically more lean with less red tape to slow the process down. In larger organizations there are talent acquisition teams in pla ce that review hundreds of applications submitted for a single job opening. Within those 100+ resumes there may only be a handful of qualified applicants. Talent acquisitions responsibility is to vet the applications and bring qualified candidates to the hiring manager, who will then decide to set up interviews.Arlene Vernon, a human resources consultant, management trainer, and speaker, says each company has a different process for how they handle applications, applicants, interviews, and selection decisions.I have clients with elaborate processes that take weeks or a couple of months to complete and other clients with formal processes that move along more quickly, says Vernon. Theres really no rule of thumb regarding time to hire. Sometimes it depends on the urgency of filling the position and sometimes on the availability of the hiring manager to find the time to screen, interview, and hire.Even though the job market has improved, this doesnt necessarily mean the hiring process w ill take less time, says Rowles. The improved economy can actually have the opposite effect as there are many people that find this as their best opportunity to make a move from their current position or company. This increases the application pool and can slow down the process, says Rowles.Other factors that influence the hiring process include how quickly the employer is looking to hire for the position, what the market demand is for the skill level required, and the length of the internal process, says Danann Smith, vice president of Robert Half Finance Accounting.Regardless of economy, there are some industries that may take longer in the hiring process, says Smith. Much of this is driven by the technical requirements and potential credentialing and certification verifications required.That could include industries such as federal or government jobs, which could require more security clearance.When applying for jobs, consider these factors that also play a role in the hiring pr ocess, says SmithCompanies look at candidates well beyond skills match. Personality and culture play a large part in a hiring decision. This could translate into additional interviews with different employees at the company for buy in.Occasionally, other candidates will draw theprocess out longer than necessary by kicking the tires on particular positions or companies. While shopping for the right fit as an employee is important, stretching a job or company beyond the capabilities it has to provide could prove to be a waste of your time and company resources.Avoid applying for positions well below your salary range thinking you may negotiate a higher salary or jobs below your skill set believing you will grow the position. Most companies have budgeted salaries for the roles of their employees and look for candidates who will stay in the position for more than six months.When interviewing, asking the right questions about the follow-up process can save time- and stress. In many cases , job seekers forget or are not willing to ask questions that will give them an indication of the follow-up process with the potential employer, says Smith. During the interview process, Smith says its perfectly okay toAsk about the next steps in the interview and hiring process.Ask when the employer hopes to make a decision.You have a follow-up requirement as well. Handwritten thank-you notes following interviews are still the best and most thoughtful approach to showing interest in a position, says Smith.Following up, however, may not have the affect job seekers expect.In my communication with HR staff, following up doesnt typically speed things up for you, says Vernon. And theyre usually too busy to respond to applicants- especially in those positions where the quantity of candidates is large. However, if youre somehow connected or networked with someone in the organization or youve been referred by someone in the organization, it is appropriate to follow up with that contact.Ver non also adds this, from personal experience, When Ive done searches, it hasnt helped the candidate to contact me. I contact the people who are the best fit after looking at the normal factors of education, experience, skills, and compensation. The phone call doesnt make a difference.The key is to be patient, says Vernon. Remember this, she says If youre right for the job and youre a top candidate, youll be contacted.Readers, how long does your hiring process take? What have you done in hopes of speeding up the process? Share with us below

Career Management and Development

Career Management and DevelopmentCareer Management and Development

Sample Internal Employment Application

Sample Internal Employment ApplicationSample Internal Employment ApplicationThese directions provide guidance for employees who wish to apply for internal jobs within your organization. They accompany the two-part internal job application, pages two and three of this feature. Please feel free to use and/or modify the format to meet your organizations needs. Internal Job Application Sample (Your organizations name) is dedicated to assisting employees to reach their professional goals through internal promotion and transfer opportunities. One of the tools the company makes available to employees in managing their career is (your organization) internal job posting. This procedure enables current employees to apply for any available lage either before or at the same time the position is advertised outside of the company. Internal job opportunities are regularly posted on the Career Opportunities bulletin board on the right side of the lunchroom. Job openings are also posted on the Ge neral Information board by the time clocks. To Apply for an Opening Step 1 Ensure that you meet the following eligibility requirements You are a current, regular full- or part-time (your company) employee.You have been in your current position for at least six months. (Exceptions to this six-month requirement can be made by your current supervisorin and should be consistent with company business needs.)Your performance meets the performance development plan (PDP) standards or established work standards in your current position.You have not had an employee counseling or corrective action within six months. You are not following a performance improvement plan for your current position. You meet the qualifications listed for the position on the job posting. Step 2 Complete an Internal Job Application form Applications are available from menschlich Resources, the reception area of the front office and in the form bins on the right wall of the lunchroom. Attach your resume, if you ha ve one, to the completed application. Step 3 Submit the Internal Job Application to your supervisor for approval. Step 4 Submit your completed and approved Internal Job Application to HR. Step 5 Candidates who are qualified will participate in an initial interview with the supervisor of the position if they have not interviewed with that particular supervisor within the past six months. Finalists will participate in two additional interviews, with an HR representative and with an internal customer of the position or a manager. The selected person will be notified by the supervisor of the position. Internal Job Application Form Posted Position _________________ Todays Date ____________________ anthroponym ______________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ Date of Hire _____________________ Current Position _________________ Work Phone ____________________ Time in Current Position _____________ Home Phone ___________________ Cell Phone _____ ___________________ Please describe your qualifications (your background and experience) that make you a good candidate for this position. (Use the back if you need mora space.) Describe your educational background including majors, minors, and areas of special interest or study. Highest Degree Earned ________________ School _____________________ List work-related training and certifications. Why do you wish to change positions? Supervisor Signoff ________________________ Date _____________________ Application Self-Identification Form Posted Position _________________ Todays Date ____________________ Name ______________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ Date of Hire _____________________ Current Position _________________ Work Phone ____________________ Time in Current Position _____________ Home Phone ___________________ Cell Phone ________________________ Please describe your qualifications (your background and experience) that mak e you a good candidate for this position. (Use the back if you need more space.) Providing this information is strictly voluntary on your part, and is not required to complete your Application for Employment, nor will providing the information or not providing the information affect your application. Federal government regulations require (organization name) to maintain records of job applicants by gender and race. Additionally, we collect this information to ensure that we are monitoring our own success in encouraging diverse applicants. Please assist us by providing the requested information. Providing this information is strictly voluntary on your part, and is not required to complete your Application for Employment. Female_______ Male_______ 1. _______ African-American/Black (not of Hispanic origin) 2. _______ Asian or Pacific Islander (includes Indian Subcontinent) 3. _______ American Indian or Alaskan Native 4. _______ Hispanic/Latino (Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race) 5. _______ White (persons not of Hispanic origin, having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East) 6. Race not included above Please specify _______________________________________. Are you multi-racial or multi-ethnic (parents from two or more of the above listed groups)? Yes ______ No ______ If yes, please specify ________________________________________________________ Thank you for your assistance.

This is the ideal amount of downtime you need per day

This is the ideal amount of downtime you need per dayThis is the ideal amount of downtime you need per dayMost of us struggle to find the balance ofwork, family responsibilities, and free time in ur daily lives. And many of us often feel wed be happier if we had mora unscheduled downtime. Maybe we find ourselves fantasizing about a life spent on a beach somewhere, lazing the days away withpia coladasin hand. But would lots more leisure time really would leave us more fulfilled?While needs vary among individuals, a newsurveyfound that overall, people were happiest when they had a mix of effort and relaxation each day. The sweet spot? Four to five hours of downtime daily. The survey also found that most people would rather have more free time than more money and wouldnt give up one second for one cent. The time of day spent on leisure affected peoples enjoyment of it too. Getting home after 6pm made people twice as likely to feel unhappy than arriving home by 5pm. And differences in pr eferred ways to spend extra time showed up by age group, gender, and whether the survey respondents were European or American. Not surprisingly, however, across the board, the least popular way to spend free time was cleaning.Downtime for mental healthTheres more to downtime than just empty hours of the day. Our bodies and brains need breaks. Free time allows us the opportunity to socialize, exercise, or get some extra rest, all known mental health boosters. And even if we feel bored by excess time, a little boredom has been shown to have major benefits on the brain,increasing creativityand helping usbuild neural connections.Too much free timeCertainly, the benefits of having a few extra hours in the day are well established, but research shows that thereisactually such a thing as having too much time on your hands. Spending our days idle could detract from thesense of purpose we all needto keep us mentally healthy.Too many open hours can also lead us unwise decision-making. Astudyc onducted by the University of Cincinnati and Baylor University found that people who had increased time affluence (AKA an overabundance of spare time) often ended up making impulsive, materialistic purchases, resulting in them feeling less happy. The takeaway If you have a few extra hours, dont burn them up at the mall. Try volunteering, calling a friend, or reading a book.Getting the most of your downtimeWe all want to get the most out of our precious free time, so it can be easy to fall into the habit of penciling in activities for every last minute. But experts say the key to enjoying downtime is to *not* overschedule it. Taking the focus off productivityallows for more enjoymentof leisure activities. Let that free time be freeAdditionally, many mental health pros recommend not using all of your extra time on screens. Too many hours in the glow of your laptop, TV, or phone causes the processing areas of the brain toatrophy. Strive for a balance of screen-based leisure activities with other choices like an outdoor walk, a relaxing bath, or playing with your kids or pets.Finally, if you feel youre not getting enough breaks in your day, try taking inventory. Over a few days or a week, track your free time and how you spend it. You may find you have more than you realize, or you might be able to spot ways to cut out unfulfilling tasks in favor of more worthwhile pursuits.This article was originally published on Brit + Co.

10 Audiobooks to Sharpen Your Business Skills

10 Audiobooks to Sharpen Your Business Skills 10 Audiobooks to Sharpen Your Business Skills 1.Talk Like TED The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the Worlds Top MindsCarmine GalloTED Talks are the new gold standard for compelling presentations. This book gives readers the inside scoop on what makes a great presentation, analyzing popular TED Talks to reveal what makes them work and how you can make your presentations mora engaging,too.2.Drive The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Daniel H. PinkWhat drives us to succeed? This compelling, author-narrated book uses anecdotes and keen insights to explore what motivates people so that you can learn to improve your own motivation and help motivate your staff and customers as well.3.Creativity, Inc. Ed Catmull and Amy WallacePixar Animation Studios became one of the most beloved and respected companies in the world because of its creative, inspirational culture. This book takes a look behind the scenes to find out what makes the compa ny tick, exploring the principles and methods that create such a strong and unique working environment.4.Getting to Yes How to Negotiate Agreement Without Giving In Roger Fisher and William UryLife presents us with endless opportunities for negotiation, from orchestrating corporate mergers to persuading children to eat their vegetables. This audiobook provides insights and principles that can help you become a better negotiator and get what you want in life.5. Essentialism The Disciplined Pursuit of LessGreg McKeownAn audiobook committed to the principle that less is more,Essentialismgives an overview of time management strategies that help readers focus on doing fewer tasks but doing them better, both professionally and in the personal sphere.6. When to Rob a Bank and 131 More Warped Suggestions and Well-Intended Rants Stephen J. Dubner and Stephen D. LevittIn this book, the authors of the groundbreaking bestsellerFreakonomicsbring their unique analytical powers to bear on more u nusual subjects, providing listeners with the tools to analyze problems and assess situations in brand new ways.7. Decisive Chip Heath and Dan HeathWhy do people make bad decisions? Can we train ourselves to make smarter choices? This book, which is ideal for Malcolm Gladwell and Daniel Kahneman fans, provides new techniques for sounder decision-making.8.How to Win Friends Influence People Dale CarnegieA perennial favorite for decades, this classic version of the book provides broad-stroke outlines of how influence works in relationships and gives listeners strategies they can use to bolster their own ability to manage relationships and get what they want out of life.9. lila drink In Sheryl SandbergWomen face unique challenges in the workplace, and this narrated book examines both pitfalls and success stories, inspirationally exploringhow women can leverage their talents, skills, and abilities to succeed as leaders.10. Good to Great Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Dont Jim CollinsSuccess depends on the right leader and the right team. This classic is appropriate for leaders in companies of all sizes, providing a blueprint for assembling a winning team and choosing an appropriate leadership style.

Get the Scoop on Student Athlete Resume Before Youre Too Late

Get the Scoop on Student Athlete Resume Before Youre Too Late The Nuiances of Student Athlete Resume You should incorporate the statistics that relate to your sport and position. Your very best fit college is one which you would attend even in the event you dont make the team If for no other reason, acquiring the resume will permit you to easily finish all the on-line profiles teams require prospects to finish. However good an athlete youre, youve got to acquire by the academic admissions office if you wish to play at any school. Student Athlete Resume Explained This is sometimes a great way to meet people outside your major whilst gaining the satisfaction of helping different students. To keep it short and sweet, it is surely manageable as much time as youre in tune with your surroundings and are prepared to be successful in both academics and athletics. Instead, make them know that you would like to speak to others in the business. In the time of start-ups, colleges are bustling with students seeking to have their ideas out to real men and women whod be inclined to support them. Life, Death, and Student Athlete Resume When it is volunteer pursuits or any form of career-related organizations that youre involved in. We can assist with that too The very first section of your resume should incorporate information on the way the employer can contact you. It totenstill includes valuable info and is well worth downloading. however, its simply not like the original. When youre emailing college coaches, write an email that you want to receive yourself. Within this section, include your existing coachs contact details. New Step by Step Roadmap for Student Athlete Resume Furthermore, you should absolutely incorporate a URL to your game schedule in this part. The third section needs to be your athletic info and that might take a small thought. The logical selection for the very first section is your private details. 1 page is usually sufficient, though, a particularly capable and professional candidate might need two pages. Student Athlete Resume Options Whenever you have work experience, it are more essential that you compose the work application in nearly all thriving way. If youve completed any projects or taken courses about the job which you are applying for, you can incorporate these as well. Good, concise summary of the recruiting procedure. Follow these suggestions for a smooth admissions process. The Birth of Student Athlete Resume Our resume builder makes it simple to create a well-written resume in a few minutes. It is a significant approach to swiftly demonstrate an employer why youre a strong candidate for a position. Its never too early to construct your own resume. Therell also be occasions when you have to complete assignments a couple of days early because you know you will be traveling with your team. Whenever some work application writers could possibly be a little bit more costly than other f olks, it doesnt signify you have to avoid them. Its too easy to kill the work even before getting the interview. Attempt not to locate a fantastic job when youre jobless. So if youre seeking to get a job ( not just any job, but the job which you want), make sure you do things right and learn to earn a superb job application. Be certain to include the statistics or metrics that are related to your sport and position. Showing sincere interest produces a strong impression. Being an athlete takes a different type of stamina and focus. If you dont have a lot of relevant experience, you might put each of these under exactly the same category of Related Experience. The profile is simply basic headings. In the end, you make the last decision about what format to use and what information is going to be included in your resume. Before you apply to join the EAPP, make certain you read our stipulations. You may want to bring a resume summary statement. A format thats commonly used w ith student-athletes who are only going into the workforce is whats known as a behavioral resume.

Six reasons to become a librarian

Six reasons to become a librarian Six reasons to become a librarianPosted February 20, 2012, by Mike Kermode If you thought being a librarian was boring, think again. Here are six reasons why working as a librarian is stimulating, rewarding and a fantastic career choice. 1. Youre helping people find the information they need This is the crux of being a librarian, and the idea lends a certain democratic integrity to the role. Helping people access information and gain knowledge, from historical records to the latest medical research, serves to progress the state of both individual and collective knowledge. And in this digital age, you can be instrumental in guiding people through the reams of online information to high quality, credible sources. 2. Youre constantly learning The variety involved in librarianship is second to none. You could be researching genealogy one day, the history of torts the next, and environmental science after that. These days, it doesnt just take a love of bo oks to want to become a librarian. A love of knowledge is where it all starts. Youll also have to learn the technical side of things - as technology moves, so does the way we access and store information. Librarians need to keep up with the latest information technologies to appropriately organise and manage the information theyre entrusted with. 3. You can work in academia but leid teach While teacher-librarians in schools might participate in teaching, academic librarians sit at the heart of an institutions research activities - the nerve centre of academic rigour. This means you can be involved in the academic process, providing researchers with the best information available, but be separate from the pressures of teaching and the publish or perish cycle. 4. You enjoy great working conditions Being a librarian is a people-person job, and while it might sometimes be tough dealing with people who need their information pronto, your working conditions are hard to beat. The pay is usually pretty good, youre involved in interesting processes and research, and you get to work in civilised and calm surroundings. 5. You develop useful skills Organisation, accuracy, research, customer service, administration, information and database management, staff management, communications technologies, specialised knowledge (media law, copyright) you can claim all these skills in your role as a librarian. The skills you garner are incredibly varied, as well as useful. 6. Its a good career change Skills transfer goes both ways. When asked how they got to be a librarian, a lot of people say they just fell into it from a former occupation, be it teaching, administration or almost anything else. And while youll need a qualification to change careers to become a librarian, its a role that draws on literacy, IT and organisational skills that you may already have from a

How to Write a Letter of Interest [Samples + Format]

How to Write a Letter of Interest Samples + Format How to Write a Letter of Interest Samples + Format How to Write a Letter of Interest Samples + FormatMany companies dont advertise all of their flecks externally.It can be worthwhile to submit an application to a company that isnt in the midst of hiring. Theres a chance they may need your expertise, and you may even be the perfect fit.If you decide to go this route, youll need to submit a letter of interest to the desired company (along with your fine-tuned resume). Read on for a concise definition and find out how to write a letter of interest for a job. Weve also included some successful letter of interest samples.1. What is a Letter of Interest?A letter of interest states that youd like to work at a company even if it isnt advertising a job opening. You might also hear it called a letter of intent for a jobor statement of interest.Letter of Interest vs. titelbild LetterNote that a letter of interest is different from a cover lette r. A cover letter is targeted toward a specific role thats been advertised. By contrast, a letter of intent is sent to a company on your own initiative. It should impress the hiring manager so that theyll call you in for an interview.Letters of interest can be sent by anyone at any level of experience. For example, a seasoned employee might have insider knowledge and skills that an employer would appreciate. Or a college grad passionate about a cause might send a letter of intent to an NGO or politician they admire.2. How to Write a Letter of Intent - First StepsTake the time to write a good letter of intent.Before you write your letter of interest, research your target company and find out about its aims and track record.If youre happy with what you discover, check whether you have any insider connections that can work to your advantage.For example, you might have a friend (or even a friend of a friend) working at the company youre considering. They can put in a good word for you with the hiring department. Or they might give you some insider tips, like whether the company is currently facing any challenges (maybe ones you could help with).Spread the word on your social media accounts (like your LinkedIn profile) that youre looking for anyone working at your target company. You never know who may help you plus, they have an incentive since they may receive a referral bonus if youre hired.How to Address Your LetterStarting a letter of interest with To whom it may concern or Dear sir/madam is ineffective. Thats because it shows you havent bothered to research the companys key players.Its crucial to find out the anthroponym of the hiring manager, recruiter, or whoever youre addressing your application to, and use their proper name. The companys website should list this information if not, check on LinkedIn (or Google).Alternatively, you can try phoning the company and asking for the name of the hiring manager. Let whoever picks up know that youd like to properl y address your letter of interest, and you appreciate them taking the time to help you.3. How to Write a Letter of Interest - FormatSince you dont apply for a specific role in a letter of interest, its not as easy to clarify how youd be the perfect fit. Instead, you can paint in broad strokes, stating how your overall skill set would help the company excel. Lets breakdown the format of a letter of interest by paragraph.Paragraph 1 Introduce YourselfIn the first paragraph of your letter of intent, introduce yourself and spell out what youre seeking. For instance, if you think youd suit a role in the accounts department, state that here.Clarify why youre passionate about working for their company, and what hurdles or problems youve identified that you think you can overcome.Introduce yourself and spell out what youre seeking.Make it clear why youre writing to them. State that you know theyre not currently advertising, but that you have resume skills that they dont want to miss out on .Paragraph 2 Impress The ReaderThe next paragraph needs to leave a positive impression on the recruiter. Inserting quantifiable data is one way of doing just that.Deploy statistics that show how youve made a positive impact for the companies or projects youve worked on in the past. For example, maybe you increased profits by 47% in your last sales role. Or maybe you signed up 1,740 new clients.You can also detail major projects youve seen through to the end. Essentially, walk them through your methods of success. Additionally, touch upon your major hard skills and soft skills.If youre a recent graduate, you can talk up your volunteer experience or extracurricular achievements instead.Paragraph 3 Use an Effective Call to ActionThe final paragraph of your letter of interest is referred to as the call to action. Thats because youre calling on the reader to act. In this case, you want them to call you in for an interview.So make things easy for them. Provide them with your contact detai ls. Your email and phone number should be repeated here even though theyll already be listed on your resume.Also, state that youre available to come in for an interview at any time. And dont just limit your availability to a formal interview - a quick chat over coffee with a hiring manager can lead to real results too.Sign Off the Old-Fashioned WayIf youre sending your letter through by mail, dont get too fancy with your sign off - the traditional Sincerely, will suffice.If youre sending your letter of interest by email instead of by snail mail, then Best wishes or Best regards does the trick.4. Letter of Interest Examples (for Jobs Internships)Here are three sample letters of interest that have been successfully used to land interviews. You can adapt them to suit your own situation - just copy and paste them.Sample Letter of Interest for a JobIf youve read something impressive about a company, you might want to send a letter of interest. Check out this letter of intent sampleTo days DateHiring Managers Title NameCompany AddressCompany City, State, Zip CodeCompanys Telephone No.Hiring Managers EmailDear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Hiring Managers Name,I recently read a newspaper article about your companys reputation as being an excellent workplace for tech professionals - specifically about how Target Company allots time for its employees to work on personal projects of interest they believe could become viable products. This type of autonomy isnt common in tech, so I wanted to reach out about applying for a development position within your company.I have extensive experience (+10 years) developing new products, and have worked on diverse product types. I have successfully overseen the launch of 17 different products, five of which were innovated by me. On average, total revenue increased by an average of 17% during my tenure.I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with a member of your team about what I can bring to your organization in the future. I am available to meet at your convenience, and can be reached at Your Email Address or Your Phone Number.I look forward to hearing from you.Sincerely,Your SignatureYour NameLetter of Interest (Teacher)As an educator, you might have been inspired by another schools example. You can enquire whether they have a position with a letter of interest.Todays DatePrincipal Principals NameSchool AddressSchool City, State, Zip CodeSchools Telephone No.Schools EmailDear Principal Principals Last Name,As a compassionate and experienced educator who recently read about your many successes in the pages of the Springfield Herald, I wanted to personally write to you and submit myself for consideration as a teacher at your school.I currently work for Current School Name. I have 10+ years of experience teaching second-grade classes of 25 to 30 students. I am an effective, competent teacher of English, Math, Science, and all other second-grade subjects, and am adept at using positive-reinforcement techniques to ensur e good behavior. Additionally, I pioneered a 7309 a.m. open-door meeting policy for parents and students, and launched a weekly after-school art class that has inspired my students to dream big. However, my wife will be relocating to City Name, and I have decided to join her.I am excited about the opportunity to help the students of Winfield Elementary School pursue their dreams. I would be grateful for the chance to speak with you about how I could improve your students futures. Id be happy to call you at your geschftszimmer if you have time during the week. I can be reached at Your Email Address or Your Phone Number.I look forward to speaking to you.Sincerely,Your SignatureYour NameLetter of Interest for an InternshipLetters of interest are as equally viable for internships and volunteering opportunities as they are for full-time roles. Our internship statement of interest sample might help you write your ownTodays DateThe Hon. Congresspersons NameOffice No.Washington, DC 20515Con gresspersons Telephone NumberCongresspersons EmailDear Congressperson Congresspersons Name,I am writing to express my interest in volunteering for a role in your reelection campaign. As a constituent, I have followed your legislative activities closely, and believe your positions on Three Key Positions will make the Second District a better place to live.I am an experienced activist, who has worked on several campaigns. For example, I worked on Petition Name, personally gaining the signatures of 4,700 voters, 17% mora than anyone else on the same campaign. I also organized a rally on Issue Name, and succeeded in attracting 7,400 local residents to come and support our featured speakers, leading to a 7-minute spot on the biggest TV news channel in our district.I am available to meet with you or one of your campaign managers to discuss how I can most effectively contribute to your reelection effort. I can be contacted at Your Phone Number or Your Email Number. Together, I believe we c an defeat Opponents Name and retain the Second District for the Party Name.Yours sincerely,Your SignatureYour Name5. Whats Next?Now that you know how to write a letter of intent, you should know how to go about writing your own. Feel free to use our examples to get started.Dont forget to send in your resume with your letter of interest - you can browse our gallery of resume templates and find your perfect match. If youre pressed for time, our free-to-use resume builder can generate a resume for you in mere minutes.Let us know if you have any questions or comments below.

Mike Bloomberg tells Harvard gradsuates money isnt important

Mike Bloomberg tells Harvard gradsuates money isnt importantMike Bloomberg tells Harvard gradsuates money isnt importantFormer New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants graduates to forget about the salary when thinking about yur first job.The billionaire geschftsleben mogul served as the Class Day Speaker at Harvard Business School Class Day on Wednesday, where he told graduates to pursue happiness over money when they land their first job out of school.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraBut seriously, when you weigh a job offer my message to you is, even later in life when youre considering a career change, leave salary out of the equation, Bloomberg said. Make decisions based on the quality of the opportunity, and where youll have the fruchtwein fun and the most room for growth.Whats important for your career is leid your starting salary. Its your development and happiness. Th e cash will come later on.The 77-year-old reflected on life lessons he learned at his first job with Salomon Brothers, where he stressed the importance of ethics. As a 24-year-old at his first job, Bloomberg said it welches where he welches able to binnensee the ethics he grew up with put to use in the workplace.He offered five bullets for graduates to help lead the way which included being honest with each other, find a job that aligns itself with philanthropy, gives back, and dont undervalue your employees if you ever find yourself in a leadership position.Gordon Gekko welches wrong Greed aint good, Bloomberg joked.His final piece of advice welches to never self-deal stressing the importance of your reputation.After following all of these principles, insist on no less from the people who ask for the most precious commodity you will ever own your vote, he said. Elect people who understand that its their obligation to make capitalism work for everyone, and not be so naive to think o ther systems will be better.Below is the full transcript of his speechWell good afternoon. Thank you, Dan for the introduction and you really dont have to call me Mayor Bloomberg. Mr. Bloomberg would be just fine, thank you.Let me also thank Nitin for the honor of addressing you. I didnt have much choice when he called he didnt ask me to come, he told me I was coming.Let me begin with the most important words I can say today congratulations to the distinguished graduates of the great class of 2019.It was only 53 years ago that I was in your shoes, so I know youve had an amazing experience here. You have mastered the case method during your time on campus and the art of asking tough questions, like why dont the printers ever work here? Why on earth do they use the case method to teach accounting? Who thought of that?And the toughest question of all how many people does it take to finish a Scorpion Bowl at Hong Kong? For the record, the correct answer there is more than one.HBS rea lly does have a special place in my heart. Not only did I graduate from here, but so did my daughter, Emma.My foundation teamed up with the B-School and K-School to create a mayoral leadership program zustrom by Professor Abdelal.And my father who died a year before I was accepted to HBS has his name on the building that stands behind Baker, an honor that would have thrilled him.He and my mother raised my sister and me just five miles from here in Medford, Massachusetts. That was convenient, because I never would have made it through the B-School without my mother nearby she typed all my papers. Five decades later I leise cant type or spell. But I do have the good sense to have someone proof my tweets.As you can imagine, I also had the good sense to keep my Boston connections to myself when I was Mayor of New York City, especially when the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins or Patriots came to town. I will just musiknote that during my time in City Hall, the Giants beat the Patriots in tw o Super Bowls. I did my job.We moved to Medford from Brookline a few miles from here when I was four-years-old. And I can still remember my first day in our new home. A boy from up the street clunked me over the head with a rock and I went in bleeding to my mother, which is to say I learned about Boston hospitality at a young age. I guess I had a hard head even back then.Even though I grew up just a trolley car ride away, when I first arrived on campus I felt like Id entered a whole new world. Suddenly, I was in classes with friends whose families had built major companies and had famous last names. That was a pretty radical change from my childhood. My mother once told me we never knew anybody whose name was in the newspaper, unless it was in the crime or the obit section.I cant say I spent a lot of time across this lawn in Baker Library. My transcript is evidence of that. I was always one of those who made the top half of the class possible. I was more likely to be over the bridge at what is now the Russell House Tavern. Back then, it was a German beer hall called The Wursthaus. Its where I first learned that its better not to watch sausage being made.Now, Im sure many of you have already lined up a job. But for those who havent, dont worry. I was a month away from graduating from the B-School and I still had no idea what I wanted to do. I asked a classmate for advice. He said, Go to Wall Street. I said, I dont know anything about finance. He said, Just apply for jobs at Salomon Brothers Hutzler, and a firm named Goldman Sachs. And I said, Who are they? What do they do?Yes, I was a B-School kid who had never heard of Goldman Sachs. A lot has changed since then.Goldman, I remember, flew me down to New York and offered me a job starting at $14,000 a year not bad pay for 1966. Salomon Brothers sent me a train ticket and offered me a job for only $9,000. After the interviews, I thought I would fit much better into Salomon. But I told the senior partner, John G utfreund, I couldnt afford to pay the rent on that salary. Rent in New York was really expensive back then 120 bucks a month, as I remember.He said, how much do you need? I didnt want to be piggy about it, so I said on the spur of the moment $11,500. He said, OK, $9,000 in salary and a $2,500 loan. And he walked out of the room. This is a true story, I didnt know what to do.So I showed up two months later and I just started working. So much for my negotiating skills.For the record, my first year bonus was $500 loan forgiveness, and my second year bonus was forgiveness for the other two grand. Just remember that when you think you are getting stiffed on a bonus negotiation.But seriously, when you weigh a job offer my message to you is, even later in life when youre considering a career change, leave salary out of the equation. Make decisions based on the quality of the opportunity, and where youll have the most fun and the most room for growth.Whats important for your career is not your starting salary. Its your development and happiness. The cash will come later on.I learned a lot about finance at Salomon, but the most valuable lesson I learned had nothing to do with stocks and bonds. They were lessons on how to apply what I had learned not only here at HBS, but also from my parents, and from my time as an Eagle Scout.The head of Salomon Brothers, Billy Salomon, never went to college, no less business school. He never took a class in corporate responsibility and he didnt need to. Being ethical does not require a Masters degree. It requires having a conscience and following it. It requires being honest and truthful, and never lying or cheating.Let me give you a quick example there was a rule at Salomon against giving gifts to clients to win more business. When Billy caught someone sending a case of wine to a major client, he fired him on the spot. Period, end of story. It didnt matter that he was perhaps the most productive salesman in the company.You can s ay Billy over-reacted but I dont think so. The rules he asked us to follow he followed himself no exceptions. And when it came to ethics, there was no compromising.Billy treated everyone the same from senior partners to the custodial staff. No one was better than anyone else. And Billy believed if you were lucky enough to make some money, you had an obligation to give a percentage of it away to help others. In fact, he didnt ask you what the percentage should be, he told you and you did it.Ive been very lucky in my career. But my luckiest break wasnt getting fired although that was pretty lucky it turned out. My luckiest break was taking a job where I got to see the ethics I learned growing up put into practice in the workplace. And Id like to think the principles that I learned at Salomon have guided my life ever since.But when we look at todays world, its not clear that everyone with a degree in business has those principles. And thats one reason, I believe, that this great co untry of ours is suffering from an ethical crisis that is corroding our society.Today, Americans are questioning whether those in the private sector and in Washington can provide the moral leadership our country needs, both economically and politically. They see the rewards of the economy increasingly concentrated at the top. They see wealthy parents scamming the college admissions process. They see families unable to afford health care and housing in the worlds richest country. They see decades of discrimination based on race and ethnicity trapping another generation into poverty. And they wonder is our economic system breaking down?At the same time, if they are not blinded by partisanship when they look at Washington, D.C., they see truth and science being trampled with reckless abandon. They see the rule of law being attacked and undermined. They see a chorus of enablers who defend every lie and abuse of power. And they wonder is our political system breaking down, too?Now, as you may know, Ive never been much for anlass politics. Ive supported Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Hell, Ive actually been a Democrat, Republican, and independent.No party has a monopoly on good ideas or good people. But I believe all of us have an obligation to reject those who traffic in dishonesty and deceit. That is not a partisan position. That is a patriotic position.For full disclosure, back in 2016 at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia when the Republican nominee was promising to run our country like he ran his business, I said, God help us. And not just because he went to Wharton. Actually I wish I hadnt been right.But unfortunately, when we elect people to public office who have no interest in ethics, that depravity trickles down and it seeps into our culture.Thirty years ago, New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan a Harvard professor I should note described societys growing tolerance for illicit behavior as defining deviancy down.Today, we face the same problem only the bad behavior is not on city streets but in the halls of power in Washington. And as our political culture degenerates, so does our ability to address all the big challenges that we face.Now, the good news is there is a solution. In fact, I believe that the solution to our political problems is also the solution to our economic problems. And I can sum it up in one word integrity.In Econ 101, you were probably taught that markets are based on supply and demand. But for capitalism to really function, people need to have faith that they will be entering into generally fair exchanges that one side wont cheat on the other.Of course, not every person can be trusted to act with integrity, so we do have laws and regulations that are intended to guarantee it. Those legal controls dont always work and periodically, we do need to update them.For example, a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt took on the largest corporations that were destroying competition. Twenty fiv e years later, Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal provided relief from a Great Depression that some thought would lead to the downfall of capitalism.For their leadership, T.R. and F.D.R. were reviled by many in the business world and considered traitors to their class. But their actions preserved the integrity of markets by restoring peoples faith in them.Now, Im as much of a capitalist as you will ever find, but anyone who believes that unfettered capitalism works hasnt read history.Today, we hear echoes of the challenges the Roosevelts faced. Industry consolidation has reached record levels, and is suppressing competition and choice. And more and more Americans especially in your generation are questioning whether capitalism is capable of creating a just society. Their faith in America and all that we represent is being shaken.If we do not act to restore it, the turmoil in our politics today will be only a prelude of whats to come, and that could shake the very foundations of o ur society.Graduates, we cannot allow those issues to fester. We must address them now. We must find new ways to build a capitalist society that is more dynamic and more secure, more affluent and more equal.So think of this as your next case study. And its the ultimate case study for our country, because its based on the ultimate question how do we restore faith in the promise of America and the future of the American dream?There are no silver bullets, but I believe all of you have a critical role to play. So let me offer you a few ideas on how you can help lead the way.First, start with yourself. Wherever your career leads you, be honest with your colleagues, clients and contractors. Dont ever try to take advantage of them. Dont hesitate to speak up when someone else does.Public faith in private markets rests on individual actions. Billy Salomon understood that. And I hope you will seek out organizations that are led by people who understand it, as well.Second, when applying for a job, align yourself with companies that are engaged in philanthropy. I tell job applicants all the time, if you want the fruits of your labor the companys profits spent on education, public health, the arts, government innovation, and the environment, come to work at Bloomberg. If thats not what you want, youre not the right person for us.Philanthropy gives us a competitive advantage, we think, in recruiting and retaining talent. And I can tell you from personal experience it is also good for the bottom line, as good a thing a company can do.Third, give back on your own and dont wait. Ill never forget watching my father write a check for 50 bucks to the NAACP which was a lot of money for us when I was a kid. I asked him, Daddy, why? And he said, Because discrimination against anyone is a threat to everyone.And I can just tell you after 50-plus years in business and government, people have a hell of a lot more respect for those who make a difference in society than they do for peo ple who just make money. And the networks that you will make through philanthropy will open up lots of new opportunities for your career.Gordon Gekko was wrong greed aint good.All of you have spent two years studying how to run and manage organizations. There are so many groups that could benefit from your expertise. So volunteer, serve, go into government. Just remember the difference between business and government business is a dog-eat-dog world. And government is exactly the reverse. So you can do it.Fourth, if and when you end up in an executive position, dont make one of the fundamental mistakes that I see businesses and boards make all the time under-valuing their labor force, and over-compensating their CEOs.Management often treats workers like widgets which theyre not. And boards treat CEOs like irreplaceable geniuses, which they rarely are.At Bloomberg, we pay employees very well, we invest in their training and education, and we offer industry-leading benefits. In return , our employees pay us back ten-fold with their dedication and loyalty.Doing right by your employees pays. It really does. And there is no better way to strengthen capitalism than to give people a greater stake in its success.Fifth and finally, never self-deal. Ever. And avoid even the slightest perception of a conflict of interest.After I was elected mayor, I decided to refuse a $15 million city tax break that Bloomberg had already qualified for. And I waived the fees for the Bloomberg Terminals that the city agencies had under contract. And I certainly never charged taxpayers $300,000 in golf cart fees for my security team. I wouldve thought Wharton would teach its students not to do that, but who knew?But really, your reputation is everything. Dont sell it or trade it for anything.Finally, after following all of these principles, insist on no less from the people who ask for the most precious commodity you will ever own, and that is your vote.Elect people who understand that its their obligation to make capitalism work for everyone, and not be so naive to think other systems will be better. That means picking up where Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt left off, and modernizing capitalism for our time.America must always be a place where its possible to get rich through perspiration and innovation. But it must never be a place where the middle class steadily loses ground and where many of those feel trapped at the bottom.Unfortunately, that is the path we are on. And the further we go down that path, the more likely that the most extreme voices on both the left and right will attract large followings, win power, and do real harm to our country.Now, Im an optimist, and we will change direction I think, partly because of how business leaders are already taking on one of the biggest challenges that we face climate change.Today, Im glad to announce that HBS will hold an alumni conference next year, on investing in the age of climate change with Bloomberg Philanthropies support. Its another example of where doing right and doing good are aligned.Investors are demanding that businesses disclose the climate risks they face because it affects their bottom line. Ive helped spearhead a push for more transparency, through the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. And next year here at HBS, we will bring government and business leaders together to discuss how we can harness the power of the market to protect the environment.Market forces are among the most powerful tools in the world. But whether its climate change, or income inequality, or gun violence, or any other issue, those forces must be guided by ethical leaders, or else the markets invisible hand can turn into a clenched fist.And when societys most defenseless take it on the chin, I can promise you they will fight back with unpredictable consequences and demand a better deal, as they should.Graduates, restoring the faith that Americans have been losing in our econo mic and political systems is a big job. If you wont lead it, who will?Youve been fortunate to spend two years on this pristine campus where even the squirrels seem to have come from the spa. But as you know, the real world can be dirty, unfair, and unjust, unless you insist otherwise. And capitalism can run amok, unless you steer it back on course.As graduates of the Harvard Business School you have the ability to help our nation do all of that and much more and I sincerely hope that you will.So tonight, have one last Scorpion Bowl, and tomorrow start helping to restore and renew our national sense of integrity.Our country needs you, and you can do it.Congratulations and best of luck.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

6 quirky holiday gifts that inspire greatness in the new year

6 quirky holiday gifts that inspire greatness in the new year6 quirky holiday gifts that inspire greatness in the new yearAs the Santas in your life begin to request your wish list for the season, you may come up blank on the items you need, versus the ones you want. Hey, its great that youre lucky enough to have most of the material goods you need to lead a happy, successful, and fulfilling life.But guess what? Its also okay to crave some gifts under the tree, in your stocking, or next to the dreidel that have the sole purpose of inspiring you.Even for professionals who are generally ga-ga over getting up and going to work every single day, career funks are bound to happen. Thats why small, seemingly insignificant paperweights, notebooks, sweatshirts, and other kitschy gifts can actually make a difference when you need a pick-me-up.Here, seven gifts to motivate you to greatness, no afternoon Starbucks requiredFor trailblazing new pathsInstead of looking at a missed deadline, a meeti ng gone awry, or a failed business transaction as a failure, consider the setback as an opportunity to push and work harder, no matter how many times you have overcome a limitation. For the nasty female who sometimes needs a reminder of her end glass-ceiling smashing goal, this paperweight will do the trick.Shattered Glass Ceiling Paperweight, $48For looking ahead - not backwardHad the best year ever? Congrats. Feast your eyes the next lap around the sun as an even brighter ride. Though a physical monthly planner might seem circa-2000 to you, many studies have found the vast impact writing has on making commitments stick. As you pencil in appointments, interviews, meetings and ideas, dont skip over the inspirational quotes that are meant to motivate you to reach a new level of creativity and productivity.Rifle Paper Co. 2018 Lively Floral 17-Month Planner, $34For when you need four alarms to get out of bedAs much as youd like to be a morning person, any sort of alertness at dawn is long gone from your genes. Though you might totentotenstill need at least a few cups of coffee to make it to a 7 a.m. sales call (we feel you), this robe will at the very least, have you smiling from the time you put your feet on the ground. Plush and cozy, this unisex white wonder says it all you certainly didnt wake up to be mediocre, so go get em.Didnt Wake Up to Be Mediocre, $95For managers who always get interruptedWhen was the last time you were able to sit through an entire hour at your desk, without someone pinging you for just a sec. Managers especially are susceptible to interludes, when an employee needs to mull over something, ask you a question or not-so-subtly seek your praise. Luckily you dont have to sigh and struggle through cold coffee anymore with this ceramic mug thats the first of its kind. Much like those special plates for steak, this mug utilizes heating technology to keep your Joe at the temperature of your choice for hours.Ember Ceramic Mug, $80For wanderl usting when you need itAs anyone who has traveled knows, there are certain moments when you wander off the guidebooks and the top-10 lists and discover a patch of land and a community of people who take your breath away. Because being outside of your normal routine inspires more sunset and sunrise watching, and exploring, those Instagram from your travels can bring you back to a time when you truly felt inspired. Use this service to turn those treasured snaps into canvas for your office, making for both fodder and the chance to tell some of your favorite stories over and over again.CanvasPop, starting at $29For ridding of schwimmbad energiesMuch like any other facet of your life, professional growth has (totally normal) ebbs and flows. If the past year felt like crashing-and-burning on repeat, you want to go into the next 12 months with a refreshed attitude. Sustainably cultivated wood from South America is often referred to as Palo Alto and this set allows you to set fire to the ba d energy of the past. Since Palo Alto means holy wood - its smoke is considered powerful enough to ward off bad energy, calm and clean your body and mind, and of course, bring good fortune to those who light it.Skeem Design Palo Santo, $20For trying to do it allIf you recently became a new mom, you might be struggling to balance board meetings, breastfeeding, and ahem, breathing? As both a special and stressful period in your career and life, a reminder that you can - and are - doing just fine is always welcomed. This t-shirt is great when paired with jeans and some heels, or worn on its own at home with a message thats clear Sure youre a mom now, but hey, youre still a boss, too.Wife, Mom, Boss Tee, $28