CV Samples (Works for Junior or Senior)

Art Director Resume/CV Samples (Works for Junior or Senior) Art Director Resume SampleJohn AitkenSenior Art Directorjohn@aitken.me501-872-2516johnaitken.art.ioSummary of QualificationsArt Director with 11 years of experience in Graphic Design and 5+ years of experience in managerial creative positions. Won the 2018 Best Data Visualization Webby Award for HealthFirst.com. Supervised the development of 250+ graphic design projects. Seeking to join The New York Times to spearhead the creation of visually inspiring solutions that satisfy the demands of your readers and amplify the message of your journalism.Work ExperienceSenior Art DirectorFCB Global, New York City, NY2017Supervise multi-functional project teams of 10+ colleagues to develop creative and effective advertising concepts, from ideation through final projects.Incorporate and explore client suggestions and directives, resolve questions and concerns, oversee objections.Organize all creative materials to ensure their smooth transition to other departments.Commission artwork; negotiate c osts and usage, oversee completion of artwork, supervise photoshoots, review sketches from illustratorsKey achievement: Shortlisted for the 2018 Webby Award for creating an interactive healthcare portal: HealthFirst.com.Assistant Art DirectorAcme Designs, Newark, NJ20142017Facilitated team meetings for a project to increase revenue for e-commerce clients. Boosted clients sales by 35% in 4 months.Developed multiple concepts for assigned products in partnership with senior copywriters and the account team.Directed photographers, illustrators, designers and production staff to ensure proper production of campaign elements.Key achievement: Led the development and design of a customer site that won the 2016 Leibowitz Branding Design Award.Graphic DesignerSUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY20112014Authored superior graphic design, print production, ads, marketing collateral, viewbooks, and logo design.Worked closely with the communications and marketing team to brainstorm creativ e concepts and generate frameworks necessary to produce optimal promotional media.EducationBachelor of Fine Arts, Cornell University, Cum LaudeNew York City, NY2011Key SkillsGraphic Design Software: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, FreeHand, Corel DrawHTML/CSSTeam ManagementCreative Problem SolvingProactive Listening and CommunicationAwards2018 Best Data Visualization Webby Award2016 Leibowitz Branding Design AwardConferencesThe 99U Conference, 2018; Led the Storytelling with Visual Data panelThe American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Annual Conference, 2017Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample Art Director ResumeSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowTargeting other creative jobs design, visual arts, or marketing? See one of our dedicated guides:Artist CVGraphic Designer ResumeMarketing ResumeMarketing Manager ResumeUX/UI Designer ResumeWeb Developer ResumeNow heres how to write your art director resume in style:1. Choose the Best Format for Your Art Director ResumeYour job is to make sure your clients marketing message looks goodboth on screen and on paper.Consider your resume your most important design project so far.Follow these formatting rules:Create a good resume header with your contact information.Divide your resume into sections with big, legible headings.Choose a good resume format: usually, the chronological template will be your best bet. It showcases the peak of your career.Use a good resume font. And by a good font, I mean, you have to get with the times (not new roman). You cant help but judge other peoples choice of font, recruiters will judge yours.Remember that white space is yo ur friend. It lets recruiters breathe.PDF of Word resume? In short: send a PDF resume unless the job ad explicitly asks for an art director resume in Word.Pro Tip: In art and graphic design industries, a portfolio matters as much as a resume. Make sure you add links to your professional website with the portfolio of your works in the contact information section. Pressed for time to create one? Try a website builder, for instance, WIX.2. Write an Art Director Resume Summary or ObjectiveA resume summary or a resume objective is also called a resume profile:Its a short, snappy paragraph at the top of your resume. Its purpose is to explain why youre the perfect candidate for this job. Think of it as an elevator pitch for your application.Use a resume summary if you have over 2 years of experience. Summarize your proudest achievements, show the potential employer how exactly youll help them achieve their goals.Go for a resume objective if youre looking for your first job as an art direct or. Outline what skills youve mastered so far and how well youd fit in.Pro Tip: Although this section comes at the top of an art director resume, write it last. First, compose the rest of your resume. Then, skim the cream.3. Create the Perfect Art Director Job DescriptionThe work experience section of an art director resume is the most crucial part.Not only do you have to show that youre a savvy design pro. You need to prove that youre an inspired project leader able to lead cross-departmental teams.Heres how to nail your art director job descriptions:Start with your current or most recent job, follow it with the one before it, and so on.In each entry, list: your job title, the company name, dates worked, and up to 6 bullet points outlining your art director responsibilities and showcasing achievements.As you go back in time, limit the number of job description bullet pointsinclude the most relevant achievements only.Start each bullet point with an action word: designed, developed, supervised, created, etc.Show off quantified, measurable achievements, not just duties and tasks.Target each resume to the job on offer. Focus on whats most relevant to the position.Pro Tip: Havent worked as an art director yet and lacking art director qualifications? Want to take your graphic design career to the next level? For a sound start, check out some art direction courses on Lynda or Udemy. These will make a great addition to a junior art director resume.4. Make Your Art Director Resume Education Section ShineIs the education section the easiest one to write on a resume for design director positions? Perhaps. But you still need to follow some basic rules to get it right.Over 5 years of experience? Add only: your degree, major, minors (if applicable), college name, graduation year.Barely starting out in art direction? Include extra details such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, relevant coursework, or favorite fields of study.Pro Tip: Dont have formal edu cation to become an art director? Dont worry, your experience is more important. Butyou still need to include your highest degree of education on a resume. Some employers wont hire you unless you have any Bachelors degree.5. Highlight Your Art Director SkillsJust came to see a sample list of good skills to put on an art director resume? Look no further.Key Art Director SkillsHard Skills:PhotoshopIndesignIllustratorHTMLUX DesignTypographyPrint DesignPhotography and BrandingTransferable and Soft Skills:Creativity and Creative Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingLeadershipCollaboration and TeamworkTaking CriticismResearchTime ManagementBut dont just list whatever art skills you think you have in a random order.Instead, do this:Start with a spreadsheet that lists all of the job skills you have: include soft skills and hard skills, as well as purely technical skills.Read the job description carefully. Look for skills-related keywords.Check how many of these are there in your spreadsheet. Qui te a few? Great. Thats your skills list.Dont just put the names of your art direction skills in a separate list. Provide evidence for those skills in your resume summary and work experience section.Pro Tip: What skills are best to put on an art director resume? Those employers want most! According to recent studies by LinkedIn and HubSpot, these creative skills are most in-demand in 2019: UX Design, Video Production, Audio Production, Social Media Content Design.When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.6. Add Other Sections to Your Art Director ResumeAll of the above sections? Those are must-haves.But to make recruiters truly ADOBE you, supercharge your resume with adding extra sections. Consider:language skillsprojectscertificationsachievements and awardshobbies and interestsvolunteering.7. Attach Cover Letter to Your Art Director ResumeYes, cover letters are still a thing. Almost half of recruiters wont review your resume if theres no cover letter attached.Write your art director cover letter following these strategies:Use a good, elegant cover letter format.Start your cover letter with a hook.Show how your experience will translate into their success.End your cover letter with an offer and a call to action.Pro Tip: Dont forget to follow up on your job application. A quick email or phone call can be just the trick that gets you hired.So there you have itEverything you need to know about writing a pitch-perfect resume for art director positions.Got more questions? Need further assistance? Drop me a line in the comments, Ill straighten out all your queries!

How to Write a Resume to Someone Specific

How to Write a Resume to Someone SpecificFor the writers among us, it is very important to have a plan on how to write a resume to someone specific. After all, no one else can read and understand it; they may take it as personal information or they may think that you just want to land on their desk and work for them! One way to avoid all this is to make sure that your first impression as a writer will not be negative. A good resume should be as warm and friendly as possible.Firstly, write your skills down in your personal details. This will help you know what you are good at and which will fit you best in the job that you are applying for. Do not be shy to discuss your expertise in any areas. You should state things clearly so that the readers will understand what the employer can expect from you in a particular role.After you have outlined your expertise in your current job, move on to the next section. In here, you should focus on details about your qualifications. Write about the projects that you have done in the past and how you have improved the project from its start. Another useful tip would be to add your experience with a specific company.After the details are added, you should highlight the ones that have professional experience. Start by stating how long you have been with that company. Then, you should talk about your specific experiences with them.Next, you should use the right resume format. The resume should not only contain your professional experience, but also your achievements in other areas that are related to your actual skills.To get a glimpse of what could be good for you, it is important to have an idea about what the job is asking for. You may even want to think about the type of projects that you are interested in doing. By researching, you will be able to know how you can apply your skill to the specific job. After all, your experience has nothing to do with the position, but your ability to relate it to the job.Writing a resume to s omeone specific is not as easy as it seems to be. You will need to put in effort to make sure that the job can go to the right person. Some of these tips may seem trivial and not so useful; nevertheless, you will end up with the best resume that you will need. It is better to take the time to learn how to make a professional resume instead of relying on your skills.There are many options when it comes to writing a resume writer. Finding the right one for you may take some time. Take time to think about what type of skills and knowledge you can bring to the table.

The 9 Most Common Mistakes New Business Owners Make - Classy Career Girl

The 9 Most Common Mistakes New Business Owners Make There were many years I had this blog, but I could not figure out HOW to make it a business for the life of me. It was not making me money, but I loved it so much, and I spent every spare minute blogging. One of my biggest regrets is working far too long on my blog  without knowing HOW I was going to make the leap to my dream business FULL-TIME. I felt completely stuck, and I hated my day job. I really wanted to be my own boss and make an impact in the world. I worked on my blog whenever I had a free second. But, the problem wasmy blog never made me one cent. It wasnt until I put together a solid marketing plan and sales funnel with my own coach that I finally started earning more than enough money so I could quit my day job. The 9 Most Common Mistakes New Business Owners Make I now have a business running online coaching courses and teaching other women how to find careers they love and escape the corporate grind. While coaching these women, I have found the same nine mistakes are repeated all the time. Here are  the most common mistakes made  by those who want to quit their day job and start their dream business…. I have made these mistakes, too. You aren’t alone! 1. Relying on a great idea without a solid plan. An idea isn’t going to make you rich. You have to have solid action steps and a freedom plan in place before you submit your resignation letter. 2. Spending way too much money first. Nope! Cash flow it!  You don’t need a crazy amount of money. Trust me. This is how myself and many of my clients have gotten off the ground. The best way to do this is by selling a product or service before it is 100% perfect. You can always provide a discount for the early adopters if you want. Then, improve and test as you go! 3. Trying to do everything yourself. The best investment I ever made was my virtual assistant. You want to outsource before you think you are ready. Not only will this make it less stressful to startup but you can also focus on revenue generating activities rather than sorting emails. Hire before you are ready and thank me later! ?? 4. Waiting too long to launch. It doesnt have to be perfect! Test, sell and create as you go. Dont spend too much time thinking and not enough time taking action. You will paralyze yourself if you think too much!  Action is what makes things happen! 5. Not focusing on your ideal client. You have to survey and really understand who your ideal client is. This is so important because you have to know what they think and  solve an urgent problem that they have. 6. Copying others. Be different. Dont subscribe to every free email and get jealous of others. Be creative. Be yourself and create your own brand. 7. Starting a business you aren’t passionate about. Dont just start a business to make money. With all of my clients, I go through a process to make sure they know their purpose and values so they can start a business they will LOVE.  You dont want to create a business that is just going to give you more work to do. 8. Doing it alone. Having a partner, mastermind group or coach to help you is something I wish I had learned earlier. My business changed overnight when I invested in a coach, and I continue to have a mastermind group and accountability partner. It  tripled my income almost overnight! 9. Thinking a blog is a business. Google Adsense and Amazon Affiliates are not going to make you a living. Trust me. I teach my clients how to  create a solid sales funnel that sells their own products and services. If you want to learn more about my Corporate Rescue Plan so you can get your new business off the ground and ditch your day job, sign up here  to be notified when we are accepting new members!   ?? 4. Waiting too long to launch. It doesnt have to be perfect! Test, sell and create as you go. Dont spend too much time thinking and not enough time taking action. You will paralyze yourself if you think too much!  Action is what makes things happen! 5. Not focusing on your ideal client. You have to survey and really understand who your ideal client is. This is so important because you have to know what they think and  solve an urgent problem that they have. 6. Copying others. Be different. Dont subscribe to every free email and get jealous of others. Be creative. Be yourself and create your own brand. 7. Starting a business you aren’t passionate about. Dont just start a business to make money. With all of my clients, I go through a process to make sure they know their purpose and values so they can start a business they will LOVE.  You dont want to create a business that is just going to give you more work to do. 8. Doing it alone. Having a partner, mastermind group or coach to help you is something I wish I had learned earlier. My business changed overnight when I invested in a coach, and I continue to have a mastermind group and accountability partner. It  tripled my income almost overnight! 9. Thinking a blog is a business. Google Adsense and Amazon Affiliates are not going to make you a living. Trust me. I teach my clients how to  create a solid sales funnel that sells their own products and services. If you want to learn more about my Corporate Rescue Plan so you can get your new business off the ground and ditch your day job, sign up here  to be notified when we are accepting new members!  

A Note From Anna A Year of Getting Over Fear - Classy Career Girl

A Note From Anna A Year of Getting Over Fear I have been through a lot of change over this past year. Ive been pretty quiet on this blog. I used to blog daily but over the last two years, it felt like my words dried up. I had nothing more to say. I worked hard on growing my business, my team, my online courses, and my membership sitesAND WE SURE GREW! Weve also had some incredible guest writers helping us keep the great career advice flowing. Thank you to everyone who has written for Classy Career Girl over the last two years. I didnt work on my own blog and I didnt write. I couldnt. How could I put into words how I felt? How could I say to the world how sad and scared I was? This blog and my social media outlets have always been positive. Our brand always keeps it positive because there is already way too much negativity happening in the world. I couldnt say anything because I was sad and I didnt want to change the vibe of our brand here at Classy Career Girl. Today, the words are coming back. With the birth of my second daughter last month, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders because I no longer have the fear I have been living with for many years. Many of you know that I have had three miscarriages over the last 6 years. When they happen, they knock me down hard. It usually takes me an entire year to work through the grief and the last one in 2016 took me even longer.   This blog has always been my creative outlet when times are tough. I remember the days when I would go to my computer in tears and write about some career tip just because I knew it would make me feel a little bit better. I knew that by helping someone else, it made my problems disappear for a bit. So I did it every day. [RELATED: Moving Forward When Life Falls Apart] Photos by Megan Ann Photography Today, my creative juices are flowing again. I had to go through this past year of growth and change. I had to get over the fears that were holding me back. Ive learned so so so much that I already knew and I teach others. But, I had to re-learn it myself. I had to learn how to get over my fear. I had to learn how to take care of myself and my health. I had to learn self-care. I had to learn how to be happy and fulfilled. I had to learn how to NOT be a workaholic. I had to remember what my passions are. I had to seek advice and counsel from people who knew more than I did. I had to stop thinking negatively and start thinking positively. I had to communicate better with my husband. I had to chill and relax and play more with my daughter. I had to let go of the routines (like bedtime by 7 pm sharp!) and my internal go-go-go schedule. I had to learn what foods were good for my body. I had to get off the caffeine hamster wheel. I had to make a vision of what I wanted my future to look like and firmly believe it would happen. I had to fully grieve my lost babies from my three previous miscarriages so I would not be afraid of getting pregnant again. I had to take the reigns of my own health and medicines. I had to focus on getting to my healthiest, happiest state. I had to focus on me first and let my business and family flow from there. I had to regularly go to church and get involved with a community. I had to share my struggles, fears, and pain with others. I had to regularly workout and take care of my body. I had to laugh more and just have fun. I had to let go of work and let my business grow without me. What else is new? I love that this blog documents my journey since 2010 when I started it. So much has changed and so many of you have been reading for years. THANK YOU! In many ways, I may be very different from you. But, in many ways, we are still the same. I am a mother of two. You may be a mom too or you might not want kids for another decade (or ever). I have been in the working world since 2004. You may be a seasoned vet at your job too or you might still be in college. I have had my own business for 8 years. You may be a business owner too or you may just be thinking of starting your career. I have been married since 2006. You might be married too or you might think you are never going to find the right guy. Whatever your personal life situation, there are things that are the same between us and thats why you read this blog. What is the same is our desire to be happy in whatever life we are living and whatever work we are doing. The desire to have our dreams fulfilled in our personal life while also living out our dreams in our professional life too. Its a balance that is so hard to get to because of one thingTIME. But, its so worth it. There is peace and happiness out there for you. Youll look around on day and say, THIS is what I always dreamed of. I am there. I dont need more. I dont need a bigger house, a better car, more kids, more money or a better life. This is the life I always wanted. So if you are struggling with fear, time and balanceplease know this. I have and I am too. We all are. We all struggle with the list above. We all struggle with finding the time to have more fun in the day and to not work so hard. We all struggle with finding the energy to take care of our health. We struggle with being present and making time for the people who matter most in our life. Life is busy. The goal of this blog and the Classy Career Girl brand is to help you with that struggle in all areas of your life so you can have happiness. Of course, we focus on your work happiness first but the truth is there is a balance between your work and life. If your work sucks, youll be unhappy at home and never have a happy personal life. If your personal life sucks, youll never have the energy to make waves and build your confidence to make your professional goals happen. Thats why everything we do and all our courses, products, and membership sites were created to inspire and motivate you to live out your dreams personally and professionally. Im excited for you to see where this next year of our brand is headed. It requires getting over major fears and also creating a new vision for our brand. It requires doing things weve never done before as a team and me stepping out of my comfort zone as a leader and CEO. Im glad you are on this journey with me. -Anna

Understanding the Requirements For Writing a Resume in Spanish

Understanding the Requirements For Writing a Resume in SpanishMany people have come to realize that the Spanish language is a great skill to have. Some jobs that require the ability to speak or write in this language are indeed very exciting. If you really want to have a better chance at landing these jobs, you might want to consider learning the Spanish language and writing a resume in Spanish.English is currently the most widely spoken language in the world. The United States and Mexico alone represent two-thirds of the world's population. Considering the fact that you will be exposed to people from different countries every day of your life, it is important to know that not everyone speaks English and needs an interpreter when talking.This is why knowing this language becomes very important. Knowing the lingo of one or two countries in the world will also help you to speak fluently in any other country that you travel to. Knowing the languages you can use for your resume, as well as being aware of what is expected from you, will make you more attractive to employers.A common problem that many people encounter when trying to learn another language is lack of motivation. While being able to read and hear a language is definitely something to be proud of, motivation is crucial. Since so many people want to learn this language, it is important to find the right sources for material that you can use to better your chances of being hired.Another way to learn Spanish is through programs that are focused on helping learners learn how to speak Spanish as quickly as possible. These are widely available through online companies that are dedicated to providing online resources. Websites such as LearnSpanishIn5Days offer materials that can be used to learn the language.Learning at your own pace is ideal, but not all learners want to do that. Even those who like learning at their own pace can use programs like these to better their chances of becoming fluent in the langua ge. They can use these materials to translate words and phrases into Spanish and use this in their resumes.However, those who want to learn a second language should consider how to speak the language in its native language first. Speaking the language correctly, can help improve your grasp of the language and improve your chances of having a higher income. Since hiring managers rely on samples of resume written in Spanish to find out if a candidate is qualified for the job, it makes sense to use the proper language before your resume.There are many programs that can teach you how to write a perfect resume in Spanish. No matter if you want to know how to speak it or learn it, Spanish is a valuable language that is accessible to anyone who wants to learn it.

8 Ideas on How to Rest Well Before Your Interview - CareerMetis.com

8 Ideas on How to Rest Well Before Your Interview Photo Credit â€" pexels.comTomorrow is the interview you have been waiting for. You have the perfect thing to wear, you’ve prepared for a myriad of interview questions, and you’ve brushed up on how to overcome any bad habits that might deter your interviewer from offering you the job of a lifetime.Still, there is one more thing of vital importance you need to do before your interview in the morning, which is getting a good night’s sleep.Sleep is vital to our overall well-being so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that being well rested before you interview is especially important.evalAfter you have laid out your clothes, planned the route you will take to the interview location, and printed out extra copies of your resume, it is time to go to bed1. Sleep is good for youThe benefits one gets when sleeping are unmistakable. Your memory will improve greatly, your concentration will become more precise, and your creativity will be sparked anew. These new found qualities are assets when preparing for a job interview.We realize that an interview is the exact type of thing that can cause anxiety, which can be a thief of sleep for most people. Here are some ways we have found that could help you drift off to slumberland and enable you to have a restful night.2. Get your bed readyYou may be lucky enough to own a good mattress like the Zenhaven, where great sleep is easy, or you may be in need of a new mattress, another reason you want to land this interview.Either way, you have to make the best of your sleeping area and the night before an interview by allowing low lights, comfortable bedding, and a room free of distractions like televisions, laptops, tablets, and cellular phones.3. Begin to unwindThirty minutes before you are set to get tino bed it might be a good idea to shut off any devices you might be using and just sit with your thoughts. You can use the time to practice your answers to some standard interview questions but don’t think about it too much. At this point, you should be well prepared and it is the time to relax.You can meditate in a chair for a few minutes paying close attention to your breath as it goes in and out of your body. Sit up straight and push anything out of your mind that might linger in there while you are trying to fall asleep.4. Have a healthy snackevalThere are schools of thought about eating before bed, some say it is a bad idea while others claim that if the snack is healthy the results will be healthy. This decision is up to you. It is common for people to feel a bit of drowsiness after eating due to the rise in insulin.Of course, filling up on a bowl of pasta or pizza isn’t a snack exactly. You don’t want to be sluggish and find it hard to wake up in the morning. Something light should suffice, like cheese and whole grain crackers or an apple with peanut butter. Just enough to get the insulin up and the eyelids closed.5. Time for temperatureWhen it comes to the temperature of your bedroom the best selection would fall under the “Goldilocks rule”, which is “just right.” If the room is too hot you will find yourself tossing and turning attempting to find a comfortable position and if it is too cold you will spend most of the night trying to warm yourself.Authorities in the world of sleep find that the perfect temperature to keep a room is between 65 and 75 degrees. In between these ten degrees sits comfort that will ensure you sleep peacefully.6. Scents can helpevalCertain aromas like chamomile, ylang-ylang, and lavender are able to ignite the relaxation centers of your brain. You can put a few drops of oil on a paper towel and slip it under your pillow case, or you can mix the oil drops with water in a spray bottle and mist it directly to your pillow.There are many ways to introduce oils and scents into your bedroom. Find one that works for you and let the essence of scents help you drift away to dreamland.7. Let the ocean guide youNo, this is not a suggestion to move by the ocean. There are machines available that can create a nice sleep noise for you, like waves in the distance or just static. White noise machines not only offer a steady cadence that soothes your Circadian Rhythms, they mask other noises around your house so you don’t get distracted.8. ReadRead the book you’ve been wanting to start or the magazine article you’ve been meaning to finish. Reading at bedtime has helped a number of people fall asleep so it just might work for you.When selecting your reading materials it would be wise to choose something that is easy to put down and easy on the mind, no need to read about heavy news items when you want to rest well and wake up refreshed.And don’t forget to set your alarm. If you are late for the interview it won’t matter how well rested you are.

How To Avoid Gaps In Your Resume - Dont Let Them Happen

How To Avoid Gaps In Your Resume - Dont Let Them Happen How To Avoid Gaps In Your Resume â€" Don’t Let Them Happen Job Search / Resume Writing What can you do about those dreaded gaps in your resume? The short answer is try to avoid them. You may be out of work, but that doesn’t mean you are out of opportunities. Enrolling in professional development shows potential employers you’re using your time off wisely. You may decide to take a class or obtain a certification. A less expensive way to keep up your skills and avoid resume gaps is by volunteering. If you think strategically, there are many ways working for a cause you support can also help your job search. First, volunteering can help you maintain your skills and develop new ones. If you’re a public relations professional offer to do PR for a local nonprofit. It’s likely many organizations can use your social media or web development savvy as well. You’ll have a chance to make connections and may even be offered a job. Serving on the board of your favorite organization, whether their mission is to serve the elderly or save the planet, can develop leadership skills you may not have used on the job. Skills that will likely be valuable to a potential employer. Many photographers have honed their skills and saved lives by taking pictures of shelter animals. Depending on your profession, finding a volunteer opportunity that will work for you may require a little creative thinking. But, there’s a lot of help out there. There are several national organizations that can help you match your interests to local volunteer opportunities including: Volunteer Match Create the Good All for Good Don’t discount the benefit of being in the right place at the right time. Being an active participant in your industry’s local chapter is an easy way to make valuable connections. And possibly learn about jobs before they’re advertised. However, volunteering is not all about how it can help your job search. Particularly if you’ve been out of work for a while. The biggest bonus is the boost of self-worth. Last weekend, I spent Saturday morning cleaning a local park with members of my university alumni association. We chatted as we picked up assorted debris. The time flew by. I thoroughly enjoyed myself even thought I almost fell into the pond three times reaching for discarded Styrofoam cups. No, I wasn’t excited about starting the day so early, but I was really glad to have been part of helping my community. Every time I ride by that park I’ll know that I contributed to making it better. If you’re worried about losing your skills and having gaps in your resume find a place to volunteer. You may develop some new abilities and even network into a new job. One thing there’s no doubt about is that that by contributing you’ll end of feeling better about yourself. That boost of confidence will be invaluable when you’re interviewing for your next position. It may mean the difference between they’re considering other candidates and you’re hired. If you’d like to work with Annette Richmond, a certified resume writer, LinkedIn Profile writer, and career consultant, please schedule an introductory call to discuss your needs.     You will be able to access Annette’s calendar to choose a day and time that works for you.

The Formula to Tap Into Your Inner Artist - When I Grow Up

The Formula to Tap Into Your Inner Artist - When I Grow Up This week, I gave a talk on Tapping Into Your Inner Child for the Reboot Workshop in NYC. I take talks like these super seriously and have a tendency to over-prepare. I write too much and say too much and then scale back back back so my 10-12 minute talk doesnt turn into 20 (You know you use 10 words when you can use 3, right, babe? my husband, the copywriter, tells me often. Yes. Yes I do.). And in scaling back, I noticed the two main tricks on how we can all tap into our inner child: 1) It boils down to what’s fun for you. Really, it’s as simple as that. As adults I think we think something fun easy is cheating, but it’s the exact opposite. As people living in the 21st century (aka The Age of the Internet), we have infinite options on what we wanna work on and how we wanna offer it whether we work for ourselves or not that could be a blessing and a curse. We need to stop listening to “the experts” and start listening to the usually very small, very quiet voice in the back of our heads that’s wondering, “What if I..?” What if I hosted a monthly show on Spreecast and channeled my inner Oprah by interviewing people who have “dream careers”? What if I put my career change exercises into a book and then rewrote them so they all rhyme? (Oh, and do I mention that I rhyme? All the time! It’s sublime. I feel fine.) What if we have our program be hosted by an illustrated Frenchman who loves Judge Judy, only uses animals as modes of transportations, and goes wild for desserts from TGI Fridays? And then what if we co-wrote a song to describe the course and made a music video to promote it? It still blows my mind that Im a published author, a speaker, a successful entrepreneur, and on a freakin Forbes list (!) and I did it all with a heavy dose of silliness, uniquity, enthusiasm, amazeballs and my pink ukulele, Lucille. 10 year old me would be proud. 2) I think Twyla Tharp said it best in The Creative Habit. She said: We all get tripped up in thinking that we have to Create Something Totally New That Nobody Has Seen Before Or Can Identify. I mean, think about the fact that pretty much everything we do falls under a certain genre: pop music is called Pop Music because it’s a certain type of music that’s established because so many people have done it before. That doesn’t make Adele and Justin Timberlake any less amazeballs. Instead, we need to trust that your personal set of skills, strengths, personality traits, passions, education, experience, specialities and likes makes you a unique snowflake and that there’s room for everyone. Ill never forget helping Jess at her very first SURTEX show at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. There were tons of students walking the show and admiring the art, and one came over to Jess with lots of compliments about her work and lots of complaints about the field itself. But its really hard to break in to surface design, right? Arent there too many people already?, she whined. I expected Jess to give her a Its hard but its worth it! line, but I shoulda known better. Instead, she said, Not at all. Look around. There are rows and rows of artists, and while some of them have similar styles, theres room for us all. Shes so my hero. And if you don’t believe Jess, Google “creative career coach” and open every site that shows up on the first page. You’ll see in a second that each one of us has a different approach and style even though we’re appealing to “the same” group of people and that there is, in fact, room for us all and then some. Having Fun + Releasing the Pressure to Invent + Trusting Your Uniquity + Making the 10 Year Old You Proud = Tapping Into Your Inner Child (and living your authentic, purpose, declaration-filled life). (I love when math works out like that.)