5 Skills Everyone Needs to Have on a Resume

If your resume feels a little thin or you can't seem to fill up the Skills & Expertise section of yourLinkedIn profile, then it's time to do something about it. There are countless free educational tools on the Web that make it easier than ever to teach yourself valuable skills that will help to create a robust resume.

Your resume is more than a summary of your past experience. It's a tool that can help propel your career growth--that is, if you highlight skills, language, and the context of the job you want, rather than regurgitating your past experience.

Consider boosting your skills in the following:

1. Excel

Many job-seekers list Excel as one of their skills, even if they only have a mastery of the basics. Set aside some time this evening or weekend to learn some new features.

Excel is valuable because it offers some essential ways to analyze a lot of info in the least amount of time. Go beyond the basics of formulas and equations and learn about features like Excel's PivotCharts, custom functions, Visual Basics for Applications, and more. Search for free tutorialsonline; you'll be bombarded with resources and videos.

2. Web Development (Java, HTML, SQL)

Many experts agree that having knowledge of computer languages is particularly appealing to today's employers. Learning Web development isn't just applicable for IT professionals. Whether you're a new business grad or a seasoned professional looking to brush up on the latest in-demand skills, learning the basics may make you more relevant.

All you have to do is start. Free tutorials from W3Schools.com, Code Academy, and other coding resources will give you step-by-step instructions on the basics.

3. Adobe Creative Suite

Practicing creative web tools is a great way to develop some basic graphic design skills. Adobe is very widely used for just this--so if you can get your hands on the software, then you can choose your favorite application and begin learning.

The suite includes various creative applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver--all programs that companies rely on to create engaging Web designs and layouts. You never know when you might be able to lend a hand in a new project that requires proficiency in using one of these apps.

Start now by taking advantage of Adobe's How-To Channel, which hosts videos for beginners.

4. Foreign Language

Learning a new language can open up a lot of doors for you as a professional. In fact, becoming fluent in a second language could even offer you the opportunity to work in another country.

The most popular language-learning courses are effective, but they can also be costly. Instead, teach yourself at home by taking advantage of a free online course. In fact, free online courses are growing in popularity. Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California, Berkeley are some colleges that are sharing courses online.

If, for instance, you decide to learn Mandarin, check out MIT's OpenCourseWare. You'll find course material, audio demonstrations, study groups, and more for beginning to intermediate levels of Mandarin.

5. Google Analytics

Web 2.0 is centered on Google. The ability to track and analyze how Google ranks and organizes information can be invaluable both personally and professionally. Google Analytics can help job-seekers manage their online presence (LinkedIn profile, Twitter, personal website, etc.) to enhance their marketability to potential employers. To start, type "Google Analytics IQ Online Course" in Google and watch one of the training videos.

Source:  http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-skills-everyone-needs-resume-150301990.html

3 Ways to Ace a Job Interview

3 Ways to Ace a Job Interview


Our experts show you how to make the perfect impression and score your dream job.

1 .

"The interview starts the moment you enter the building," says Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers in Manhattan. Don't crack gum in the elevator, and be nice to the assistant, who may speak up if you're not.

2. 

 Don't use an interview to find out about the company's basic products and services, which you should research in advance. Instead, "prepare questions about the company's culture and its most pressing business challenges," says career consultant Nancy Collamer.

3. 

"Sometimes it's more compelling to show people what you've done," suggests Collamer. If you edited an online newsletter at your former job, print out a copy; if you organized a successful fund-raiser, bring promotional materials or a few photos in a binder.



Source:http://shine.yahoo.com/secrets-to-your-success-20120120/3-ways-ace-job-interview-212500947.html

Beware of Back-Stabbing Coworkers

 Beware of Back-Stabbing Coworkers

Think you've been stabbed in the back at work? If so, you're not alone. 

In a 2008 national survey by The Creative Group, half of advertising and marketing executives responded that a current or former colleague had tried to make them look bad on the job. In addition, professionals of all types say they had suffered from sabotage on the job. In an online poll asking, "Are you aware of a coworker trying to make you look bad or sabotage your work in the last year?" nearly three-quarters said yes.

Those numbers are not surprising to Dr. Gary Namie, director of the Workplace Bullying Institute. He says that employee sabotage is one of the most prevalent forms of on-the-job bullying, a phenomenon that itself is far too common.

Many Forms of Sabotage

"Sabotage can happen in any organization, but some forms are special to the industry," Namie says. "In creative fields, it may take a passive form, such as not contributing to the group effort. In healthcare, a seasoned professional may withhold vital information, which not only hurts the new employee but also affects patient care."
Workplace saboteurs come in several types, including:

• Belittlers, who hurl put-downs, demeaning remarks and disparaging comments.
  
  
• Credit Thieves, who steal your ideas and grab the glory when a project is successful.
  
  
• Finger Pointers, who pin the blame on others when the project goes wrong.
  
  
• Rumor Mongers, stirring up drama by spreading lies and half-truths that destroy reputations.
  
  
• Slackers, who shirk responsibility and foist duties onto others.
  
  
• Scorched-Earth Managers, who will undermine or even fire a smart, capable worker when they feel threatened by brains and talent.
  

A 2007 survey conducted by Zogby International and commissioned by the Workplace Bullying Institute had even more bad news about workplace bullying. In 62 percent of workplace bullying cases, when made aware of bullying, employers worsen the problem or simply do nothing.



Before You Respond
How you handle sabotage or other bullying can affect your career prospects. You don't want to come across as a pushover, but you shouldn't overreact either, according to Megan Slabinski, executive director of The Creative Group.
"Not everyone who slights you is doing it on purpose," Slabinski says. "Before you confront someone, see if you may have played a role in the problem, or if your colleague wasn't aware of the issue. It's also wise to ask a mentor for candid feedback."
Slabinski also recommends looking for patterns before crying foul. "If it's happened a few times, it's definitely time to speak up," she says. "If someone is purposely trying to make you look bad, you want to let him or her know that you're aware of the situation, and you're not going to let it continue."
Guarding Against Sabotage
f you're certain you've been the target of sabotage, Namie offers several remedies:

• Get Allies:Know that the bully will have allies, so you'll need all the back up you can get.
  
  
• Go Three Levels Up, If Possible: A bully's boss may be in on the game, so go above their heads to make your case.
  
  
• Don't Get Personal: "Instead of saying how you were hurt by what happened, show how sabotage is causing the business to suffer," Namie says.
  
  
• Ask for Protection: Again, make your case business-related, not personal, and explain that your productivity can improve if you're not constantly looking over your shoulder.
  
  
• Prepare for Your Next Job: Unfortunately, whistleblowers can be blamed for their own fate. If things go from bad to worse, know that you may have to leave the job you love.
  

Soure:http://career-services.monster.com/