4 reasons you should take a gap year

4 reasons you should take a gap year Chances are good that you’re at least vaguely familiar with the concept of a “gap year” â€" time off between schooling and work, something that is quite common in the United Kingdom. Even Malia Obama recently made headlines by postponing her own college experience for a year. While the idea of a gap year has historically been the provenance of the young, if you haven’t taken a gap year (or have never contemplated the idea), now might be your golden opportunity. According to a recent study conducted by Hostelworld, taking a gap year â€" defined as a one-year break away from school and/or work â€" is an emerging trend in the United States. The concept is gaining popularity as younger generations embrace the notion of taking time off to travel. Hostelworld’s study found that only 26 percent of respondents have taken a gap year, but more than 50 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 30 who have not yet taken a gap year said they would consider doing so at some point. I sat down with Feargal Mooney, travel expert and CEO of Hostelworld, the world’s largest hostel booking platform, to discuss why students and working professionals alike should consider taking a gap year. Here’s what he had to say: 1. It’s never too late to take a gap year We often think of a gap year as a one-year break between high school and college, but the reality is that you can take a gap year at any point in time. In fact, approximately 58 percent of Hostelworld survey respondents who have taken a gap year did so after college in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. “There’s value in taking time off to travel no matter how old you are or what stage of life you’re in,” says Mooney. “Gap years aren’t just for students. It’s an opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world around you in a way that can reinvigorate creativity and shed new light on old routines.” 2. It’s more affordable than you might think it is Money is a major concern for those on the fence about taking a gap year. Hostelworld’s research shows that of those who have not taken a gap year, 62 percent said they wouldn’t even consider doing so in the future â€" the most common reason being finances. Interestingly, concerns over cost do not vary significantly between income levels. However, our worries may be misplaced. UK citizens spend an average of just $3,820 to take a gap year traveling. By comparison US citizens spend an average $24,061 for one year of college tuition. “There’s a major misconception out there that taking a gap year to travel will break the bank,” says Mooney. “But the truth is, taking a gap year can be very affordable as long as you’re a savvy traveler. For those looking to travel on a budget, consider staying in a hostel, planning out airfare in advance, and cooking a few meals yourself each week, instead of eating out.” 3. Time off can be contagious, and that’s a good thing According to a recent report by Project: Time Off, unused vacation time in America now totals $272 billion. In the United States, we’re unlikely to take the personal days given to us and even less likely to take additional time off. Hostelworld’s recent study suggests the first step is to give time off a try, because those who have taken extended time off are much more likely to consider taking a gap year in the future. “Once you try traveling, you’re more likely to embrace time off down the road,” says Mooney. “This indicates that those who are taking time off to travel are seeing value in it and are ready to embrace this growing trend. There’s so much out there to explore. Taking time to travel doesn’t mean sacrificing your career. Quite the contrary â€" travel enriches both our personal and professional lives.” 4. There are numerous personal and professional benefits There are major benefits associated with time off spent traveling. Those who took a gap year to travel say they learned about the themselves and the world around them, had new experiences, made new friends, and much, much more. “Travel is such a personal experience, and that means everyone walks away from their time off with something different,” says Mooney. “If you’re not sure a gap year is the right path for you, I’d still encourage you to incorporate travel into your journey in some form. There’s so much out there to see and you’d be amazed what you can learn from other cultures, people, and places.” Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available!

Does A Summer Break Apply to Your Job Search Efforts

Does A Summer Break Apply to Your Job Search Efforts Schools out for summer… but what about your job search? Just because many executives and high-level employees go on summer vacation doesn’t mean you can take a summer break on your job search. One of the mistakes many job seekers make is thinking companies don’t hire in the summer, which simply isn’t true. Companies are always going through resumes and cover letters to find the most qualified candidates throughout the year. And if you decide to take a break during the summer, you may miss out on a great opportunity. Companies Don’t Stop Hiring During The Summer The notion is companies will wait until after the summer to start interviewing for different positions. However, it’s actually the opposite. Many companies are busier during the winter months, so they don’t have as much time to interview. So they reserve summertime for conducting their interviews and hiring employees, even if it’s on a temporary basis. Regardless, you need to ensure your LinkedIn profile is current once summer starts, just in case a recruiter happens to stumble upon it. Temporary Could Turn Into Permanent Since summer is typically slower for most businesses, they may only be hiring for temporary employment. However, many of these positions will turn into permanent positions when business begins to pick up again. Be sure to include in your executive bio if you’re willing to accept temporary employment if the option is available to become permanent in the future. At the very least, you can gain some valuable experience with a temporary position to set yourself up for a permanent position with another company at a later time. Polish Up Your LinkedIn Profile Whether you’re going on an extended vacation throughout the summer, or if you feel you need to take a break from your job search efforts for any reason, polish up your LinkedIn profile at the very least. You never know when recruiters are going through resumes and cover letters, or scouring LinkedIn to find the best candidates. Updating your LinkedIn profile could be a great way to get discovered during the summer with minimal effort on your part. Professional Resume Services is here to help you get through the dog days of summer. We can help revamp your resumes and cover letters during the summer so you’re ready to apply for positions at any time. No matter what you need help with regarding your job search efforts this summer, feel free to contact us at any time.

Advanced Writing Skills Resume Writing - Tips To Help You Write A Resume That Looks Great!

Advanced Writing Skills Resume Writing - Tips To Help You Write A Resume That Looks Great!The best answer to this question is yes! Writing resumes and cover letters are just two of the most important ways that you can display your advanced writing skills. Writing resumes is not as difficult as you might think it is. Although the entire resume and cover letter must be similar, a few changes can make all the difference.Advance writing skills require writers to be aware of the most common mistakes. Any person who wants to increase their resume writing skills must be aware of the many spelling errors and grammatical mistakes they might be making in their resumes. To avoid the pitfalls, a simple addition of a couple of words or two paragraphs at the beginning can help immensely.Having a good resume will be the first step in getting a perfect resume. It is essential to include all the relevant information about yourself on the resume. This will allow the hiring manager to quickly see what traits you have that will work for your career.In addition to the resume itself, any applicant must submit a cover letter. The objective of the cover letter is to inform the potential employer of what qualities you have that will be beneficial for the position.The first and most important points to cover include your education, work experience, and previous employers. After this it is time to list any hobbies and awards you may have received that will enhance your application.Once the resume and cover letter are submitted, you will be asked to provide a name and phone number for the potential employer. The phone number should be listed right after your name in the resume. If you wish to include a photo of yourself, be sure to attach a recent one. The number should be listed right after your name.The top tips to take when composing a perfect resume are to keep it simple, professional, and professional. The main point of all resumes is to promote your abilities. If you follow these ti ps, your resume will stand out from the rest and you will be prepared for the interview.

JCPenney Cut Employee Hours, Stock Down 15% This Year

JCPenney Cut Employee Hours, Stock Down 15% This Year As traditional chains struggle to keep their doors open in malls across America, J.C. Penney has become the latest department store to fall prey to changing times. In response to an “expense challenge” in April, the department store cut payroll, froze overtime for its employees and took other cost-cutting measures, Reuters reported. Both full- and part-time employees saw their hours reduced, with those working about 25 hours a week seeing their shifts sashed to 10 or 15 hours. The cutbacks also include restrictions on the use of corporate cards, as well as a ban on markdowns. J.C. Penney said in a memo it is “asking all stores to do their fair share by closely monitoring all expenses.” The cut in employee hours reportedly saved the company about $8,000 per store, MarketWatch reported. J.C. Penney’s shares opened Friday morning at $8.59 a share. As of Friday morning, its stock prices were down more than 15% since the beginning of April. The company, which has not commented on the cuts, is slated to report first-quarter results on May 13. This isn’t the first time the department store has taken drastic measures to cut costs: In January 2015, it shuttered 40 stores. However, Penney can take some solace in the fact that it’s not the only major retailer struggling to stay afloat. Teen-apparel chain Aéropostale filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday, and also plans to close more than 150 stores in the United States and Canada. The store has suffered from changing tastes and shopping habits, particularly as malls have experienced less foot traffic and “fast fashion” stores like HM become more popular. Even traditional giants like Macy’s and Sears are feeling the pinch. Macy’s announced in January that it would shutter more than 40 stores this spring, and Sears has closed more than 200 outlets over the past two years. Discount chains like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, which offer low prices than can compete with only retailers, are taking up the real estate abandoned by mall anchors.

Dacia Brown - Work It Daily

Dacia Brown - Work It Daily Recruiter Info Name: Dacia Brown Title: Corporate Recruiter Email: dacia.brown@invista.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daciabrown Twitter: https://twitter.com/dacialbrown Company Info     Company: INVISTA Location: Wichita, KS Website: www.invista.com Careers Page:www.kochcareers.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/invista For Job Candidates Preferred Method To Be Contacted By A Candidate: LinkedIn Things That Impress You In A Candidate: Confidence without arrogance is very impressive to me, but it can be a difficult line to walk! I want to hear about your accomplishments and achievements in a way that also shows a sense of humility and collaboration with your team. I also enjoy speaking with candidates that have great conversation skills and aren't intimidated by the process- remember, you're interviewing us too! Things Candidates Must Include To Be Considered For Job: Resume and online application. If you have unusual circumstances (relocation, career change), a cover letter is helpful. Things That Will Disqualify A Candidate From Getting Considered: Candidates that don't meet the basic requirements of the job or that don't align with our principles. Can Candidates Apply For Multiple Positions And Not Get Penalized?: Yes Recruiter's Perspective What's your favorite quote? There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect. ~Ronald Reagan What do you like to do in your free time? Anything outdoors! Tennis, hiking, spending time with my dogs..I also enjoy spending time with friends and family. In a sentence, why do you enjoy working at your company? I love our culture- there's nothing better than being able to speak up when you see something that can be done better or provide more value. In a sentence, how would you describe the employees at your company? Our employees are focused on integrity, respect, and value creation. It's an incredibly collaborative environment and everyone respects each other. Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

How To Save Money In Your 20s

How To Save Money In Your 20s Your 20s are all about change graduating college, starting a career, exploring new relationships and living on your own. Many of these are tremendously exciting. Ill never forget my first client presentation to six senior executives only a few months after starting my first job. I walked on air after impressing them with my research. That said, many of these changes are stressful and costly. I racked up a massive credit card bill right after I moved to Washington, D.C. for that first job. I thoughtlessly swiped my credit card to buy essentials for my first solo apartment, shop for a work-appropriate wardrobe and splurge in D.C. bars and restaurants.It can be tempting to put off saving money, but if you save small amounts early in your career, you create massive wealth for your future self. When you save and invest, your money makes more money on your behalf, and thats an amazing thing So lets do this heres how to save money in your 20s.1. Automate. Set up an automatic transfer to your savings account on payday. Start with the biggest amount you can whether its $20 or $200. Increase this amount at least once every three months (even if only by one dollar).2. Invest. Yes, you need to start now If you work for an employer that offers a 401(k) or another retirement plan, sign up immediately. Some employers will match your contribution up to a certain percentage. If youre lucky enough to have this benefit, take advantage of this free money If youre new to investing, thats okay. Heres a primer on all you need to know.3. Bring your lunch. If you pack your lunch four days each week, youre saving $10 a meal on average.Compared to somebody who goes out to lunch every day, youll have an extra $40 per week which gives you over $1,000 to save each year. Make a bring your own lunch date with fabulous brown-baggers in your office to stay motivated.4. Talk about money. Seriously. Women are curious about moneybut were often taught that it is a ru de topic. A Fidelity study found that 92% of us want to learn more about financial planning that means nearly every woman in your life is interested in talking about finances Start the conversation by sharing posts (like this one) and following financial gurus on social media. By sharing that youre interested in saving money, youll get creative ideas from your girlfriends and hold one another accountable. Ban any shame and judgment from your money conversations and youll be amazed at what you can learn.5. Stop comparing. President Theodore Roosevelt said, Comparison is the thief of joy. Social media gives us the amazing power to stay connected to friends and icons, but heavy use has been linked to depression. Scrolling through everyones life highlights can make us feel like were not enoughwhich can trigger emotional spending to make ourselves feel better, temporarily. Make a conscious effort to stop yourself any time you start comparing yourself to others run your own race6. Track y our spending. You work hard for your money and deserve to know where it goes. Popular apps like Mint, YNAB, and Quicken can help you understand if youre falling prey to the sneaky ways we spend more than we mean to. Figure out where youre spending too much, and divert those expenses to more important goals like your next vacation or your investment account.Id love to hear if you have any other suggestions to save money in your 20s. If you make saving a habit now, your future self will be so pleased with all the wealth created when you were just starting out. Youve got this--The Feminist Financier is on a mission to help women build wealth and own their financial independence, by improving financial literacy and taking the mystery out of money. Ms. Financier is also a shoe addict, travel fanatic, and wine enthusiast.

Top Secret Facts About Resume Writing with Cover Letter

Top Secret Facts About Resume Writing with Cover Letter Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Resume Writing with Cover Letter Dont forget that youre vying for a work position that may indicate a significant impact in your life. Possessing a perfectly written resume with all the qualifications necessary for the job may be enough if there are just a couple of applicants for work. You titel letter should tackle the particular company in which youre applying for and in addition, it needs to handle their hiring needs. For grabbing the work opportunity, its crucial that you compose your letter accurately. There are several kinds of titelblatt letter examples online. If you see, cover letter is thoroughly utilised in every on-line enterprise. Other cover letters being used online to promote an item is by utilizing a testimonial. By doing a fundamental search on the internet you will come across letters for all kinds of careers including sales professionals, professors, and even exec utives to mention a couple. The very first step that you want to do with your cover letter is to choose a format. A cover letter is the anfangsbuchstabe page that the human resource managers will take a peek at when submitting your application, so you need to make sure its a nice and interesting read in their opinion. It is very important during the application process. Locating a Sample Resume Letter that is suitable for your employment situation is a significant step. What You Dont Know About Resume Writing with Cover Letter Customizing your cover letter The letter needs to be written in line with the organizations demands and requirements. A cover letter is any form of letter that functions as the front page of a larger verstndigung im strafverfahren or the very first page introducing another topic that manages legal transactions whether its in business or a personal letter. Be as personal as you are able to be by addressing the letter to a particular individual. Draft ing an effective and effective marketing letter should be given significant attention. Resume Writing with Cover Letter - the Story You probably need a position that will provide you many opportunities for succeeding, let you earn lots of money and allow you to reach wonderful heights in your career. Writing the cover letter to choose your resume is a task that needs some quantity of skill and articulation. A generic cover letter proves that you havent bothered to properly find out more about the job and your interest in it might not be that significant. Aside from an impressive resume, another vital thing that you need to have is a cover letter when applying for employment. A Startling Fact about Resume Writing with Cover Letter Uncovered Men and women use samples of a great cover letter to be certain they do not neglect to request an opportunity to interview for a position they know is open. Cover letters are made to secure you an interview. The very best part is it isnt tough to compose an assistant cover letter. The Hidden Facts on Resume Writing with Cover Letter You will also have to send a cover letter together with your application. When you write your cover letter, you need to make certain it gets to the correct place and work on your follow-up. Your absolutely free cover letter might be the kiss of death for your resume for many factors. Needless to say, you might also write your very own original cover letter.