5 Lessons From Michael Phelps Career

5 Lessons From Michael Phelps’ Career It’s been a treat to watch Michael Phelps’ stellar performance this week at the Rio Olympics. From cruising through the water at mach speed, to genuine emotion on the gold medal stand with the national anthem playing and flag being raised, to affection for his family once the festivities were over. It’s been epic. While we’ve been enjoying the glossy “made for TV” version, it’s important to remember that there’s always more to the story than what we’re shown. And as I’ve read more about Michael Phelps, it’s clear that there are important lessons we can learn from his career that can help us in our own. Here are five that I’ve learned. Play into your strengths As a friend observed yesterday, Michael Phelps is blessed with a physique that is perfect for swimmers: his arm span is the equivalent of someone 6’9” tall, his torso is equivalent to that of a 6’5” tall person, while his legs are akin to someone who stands 5’11”. All of which contributes to being a “natural” in competitive swimming. In other careers, the same idea holds true. You’ll have more success when you choose something that plays into your strengths. If you’re naturally persuasive, that lends itself to sales or other client related paths. If you’re naturally curious, then perhaps journalism or scientific research could be natural callings. Don’t do what I did back in college. At 5’2” and 110 pounds, I insisted on trying out for crew as one of the rowers. In retrospect, I would have been a natural as a coxswain â€" the light person who sits at the front of the boat and keeps everyone rowing in time. Life throws up enough obstacles that it makes sense to lean into our areas of strength when it comes to our careers. Do the work Even when you’re a “natural”, you’ve got to work hard. I can only imagine how many hours Michael Phelps must have logged in the pool and the gym over decades of training. To achieve excellence, you can’t rely on pure talent or your natural gifts. The same holds true in our corporate careers. We’ve all seen people who had the native intelligence to do more and to advance, but simply didn’t want to do the work to keep learning and growing. Be one of those people who keeps working on being better. Remember, you can’t control the outcome of who will win the race or the promotion. You can only control the work you do to prepare. Be willing to experiment The press picked up on some red circles on Michael Phelps’ back and shoulder. Turns out he and several other Olympians have been trying out an ancient Chinese therapy for pain relief, even though it hasn’t been proven scientifically. While some have scoffed at this approach, and even wondered whether there’s a placebo effect going on, it’s the result that matters. In a career setting, that same open mindedness to exploring possibilities and experimenting with new methods and new ways of thinking is how breakthroughs are made. If you keep thinking conventional thoughts and taking conventional actions, you’ll get conventional outcomes. Take the high road When a longtime rival “trash talked” Michael Phelps during the U.S. National Championships, and questioned his ability to compete in the Rio Olympics, Phelps responded by beating that rival’s previous winning times and saying the following: “I saw the times. I saw the comments. There are a lot of things I could say but I won’t. I let what I do in the pool do all of my talking and that’s how I’ve always done things. From a standpoint of what anybody else says, that’s their own business. You can keep saying anything, I don’t mind it, but you won’t get a rise out of me.” (Source) Likewise, there will be times when the competition takes a nasty turn. The best thing to do is to remain above the fray. As tempting as it is to respond in kind, remember that the way you handle this type of situation speaks volumes about the kind of person and leader you are. Be big. Take the high road whenever possible. And there’s another quote I like along the same lines, but I can’t remember the source: “I never lose my temper unless it’s on purpose.” Get (and stay) in touch with what matters After achieving huge success, Michael Phelps experienced a significant downturn in his career and life, isolating himself from friends and family and losing motivation. Ultimately, he decided to go to rehab and embraced the opportunity to turn things around. To get to know himself, reconnect with his family and close community of support, and figure out what really matters. Any of us can (and probably will) fall into a tough patch or two in our careers. Maybe even a full-fledged slump. The key is to find a way onward, upward and forward. That usually involves getting in touch with what matters in our lives. Taking time out to get our priorities straight. Honoring our community of supporters â€" especially close friends and family. Reconnecting with our best self, and once again doing the work to find the place where we belong and can make the best use of our talents. Regaining our motivation and sense of purpose. In the end, it’s about living a “no regrets life”. Or as Michael Phelps put it, “This time, it’s about trying my hardest, giving it my all. I don’t want to live the rest of my life with any regrets.” The fact that Michael Phelps has seen both highs and lows so far in his career makes him an even more useful example to look to as we navigate our own careers. Plus, I have to admit I’m partial since we’re both affiliated with Arizona State University, where he trains with ASU head swim coach Bob Bowman. So remember to learn from MP: Play to your strengths Do the work Be willing to experiment Take the high road, and Get and stay in touch with what matters What lessons resonate most with you? Leave me a comment â€" I’d love to hear. Image credit: Guardian Liberty Voice

Lying on your résumé is not worth the risk - Sterling Career Concepts

Lying on your résumé is not worth the risk Lying on your résumé is not worth the risk Job seekers can learn from the misfortunes of Robert Irvine, a British-born chef and presenter of Dinner: Impossible on the Food Network. Claiming credentials you dont have is setting yourself up for disaster. People are most likely to lie about things like their education or how long they worked for a company, but unfortunately these are the easiest things to check. If your lie isn’t discovered during reference checking, there’s still a chance you will caught down the road. Many companies have a zero tolerance policy and will fire an employee caught lying on an application, even if its several years later. Irvine admitted that he lied about being a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and exaggerated his role as a traveling chef for numerous heads of state. If the issue is a candidate’s insecurity about their qualifications for a position, there are ways to address the issue without falsifying your background. Its never worth the risk when there are perfectly legitimate ways to position your credentials â€" for example, the lack of a degree or a short stint at a particular company â€" and still get interviews.

Thanksgiving Networking Tips -

Thanksgiving Networking Tips - Do holiday parties leave you hapless and hopeless? Maybe youre between jobs and not really feeling the spirit? Dont despair and let it ruin your Thanksgiving and holiday season. With a little preparation and the right attitude, you can turn festive occasions into opportunities for you to meet new allies for your job search. Follow these tips to turn your not-working into effective networking at any event.   You know youre going to be seeing lots of new and old friends and family members this holiday season, so you may as well make the most of the season to improve your opportunities for jobs or gigs! Make this season your best ever; end this year with some strong holiday networking.  Keep these Thanksgiving networking tips in mind. Self-assess. Know what job you want; be specific and targeted. Identify companies where youd like to work and be prepared to mention several organizations names. Do not plan to be the I can do anything job seeker. While you may think its a good idea to keep your options open, this approach usually backfires. No one wants to hire or refer someone who seems unfocused or confused about next steps. Learn how to introduce yourself. Weve all heard of the two-minute elevator speech. Forget everything you know about that and pare your talk down to 30 seconds or less. In less than 100 words (35-50 is better), practice saying what skills you have and mention a key accomplishment. While you wont launch into this pitch the moment you meet someone, when youre prepared to discuss your best professional qualities, youll be able to make the most of a good contact. Research the guest list. Its always best to be prepared, and when you do a little sleuthing, its not difficult to find out who plans to be at the event. Many invitations are electronic, and the social profiles of attendees may be prominently displayed on RSVPs. Look up the people who plan to attend. Find their LinkedIn profiles and read their Twitter streams. Identify several interesting contacts and make a point to speak to them. Keep in mind: you want to identify people who could know someone working at your targeted list of companies. Be aware: these networking contacts may come in surprising packages. For example, the neighborhood busy-body probably has all kinds of great contacts. So does the bartender at your neighborhood pubâ€"or the person tending bar at the party youre attending. Dont cross anyone off your list of good people to meet. Create snazzy business cards. Even if youre not currently working, you should have professional looking business cards that give the recipient easy access to your social media profiles (for example, your LinkedIn URL). Include your pitch on the card. For example, for an accountant: Save clients an average of 20% off their tax bill using time tested, effective accounting strategies. Dress the part. Even if its a casual party, make sure to choose something to wear that looks sharp and in style. If you havent bought clothing in years, its a good idea to shop the sales and pick out one or two items that really flatter and make you feel confident. Consider wearing a conversational piece to help make yourself memorable. A colorful, in-style scarf or tie can do the trick. Be a listener. Make sure people dont sense that you have an agenda when you meet them. Ask questions so you can learn something about the persons hobbies and interests. Use your research to help you ask quality questions and be a good listener. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, so if youre a good listener, people will remember you. Ask for a follow-up meeting. Use your in-person networking time to request another meeting in a quieter location. For example, if youve had a great talk, and you think there is potential for you to be able to help each other, say, Id love to follow up with you and explore how we may be able to be good resources for each other. How about if I send an email tomorrow suggesting some dates to meet for coffee? You may even want to ask the best way to get in touchâ€"email or phone. Say thank youâ€"and good bye. Dont forget your manners. Be sure to thank the party organizer, even if you have to stand around to have an audience. Its extra nice to send a card or a note after the event. Remember, you want to make a positive impression. When you go the extra mile to say thank you, people will remember that. Keep in touch. Depending on the nature of your interactions at the party, you have a lot of options for following up. For example, if you know a new contacts daughter is moving to Chicago soon, you can send a nice note with an article about fun things for newcomers to do in the Chicago area. Always make a point to connect via social media channelsâ€"especially LinkedIn. Make sure you follow through with anything you said youd do during your first conversation and dont squander potential opportunities by failing to keep in touch. When you do, youll have a better chance of adding new allies to your job search efforts.

Unusual Article Uncovers the Deceptive Practices of What to Write in Objective in Resume

Unusual Article Uncovers the Deceptive Practices of What to Write in Objective in Resume What You Don't Know About What to Write in Objective in Resume Writing a winning college student career objective is a fairly simple method to bolster your application for this internship or job you've got in sight. Employers like to realize that you have work experience of some type, at least. Everyone has desirable abilities and experiences to provide employers including you! Therefore it must be worth time to research on the business and its present endeavors. As soon as it's very important to your resume to incorporate a very clear career goal, you don't need to convey it through an Objective section. Including a resume summary rather than writing a resume objective is just one of the greatest approaches to update your resume. You can also locate different references for the Resume Writing your need here. When you're applying for work, you aren't the only applicant with the best res ume format out there. The aim of resume objective is to raise the odds of getting positive response from the possible employer. At times, an objective on resume can decrease the probability of succeeding. How to compose your objective in a resume how to compose a resume for employment with how to compose your target in a resume. Why Almost Everything You've Learned About What to Write in Objective in Resume Is Wrong You need to have five objective statements. An objective needs to be personally-tailored to the employer. Ultimately, stating it is optional, but it can help convince employers that you know what you want and are familiar with the industry. It should be straight to the point and concise, but it should also highlight a few reasons why you'd be an invaluable asset to the company or organization. Type of What to Write in Objective in Resume As a result, while your resume objective should incorporate information on the career which you want, you also wish to spel l out why you are the perfect candidate for the job. A potent internship resume objective is all-important to stand out as the suitable internship candidate. After the candidate is applying for many companies, he should also cause definite objective for every one of them depending on the organization's requirement. Expand your objective to include things like a persuasive overview of why you're the correct internship job candidate. Finally, be certain to compose a new statement for each job you apply for, so the employer sees what makes you a great fit for that particular job. Whether you're searching for your very first job or your next one, you want a resume that shows employers that you're a skilled professional. Looking for work or transitioning to a greater position is quite challenging. What to Do About What to Write in Objective in Resume A career objective statement may seem to be little portion of a resume, but it has the chance to specify a positive tone for the wh ole document. As a guideline, you don't need to use each bit of the formula for your resume objective. If your objective is vague, like I seek to go back to the area of cheerleading, forget the statement altogether. A perfect career objective isn't just about what you want to accomplish.

The Argument About Resumes Dictionary

The Argument About Resumes Dictionary Resumes Dictionary: No Longer a Mystery Perhaps while trying to find examples you noticed poor samples throughout the internet. Below, you will discover a list of resume examples that could aid you with your work search. It was a tough process clicking through website after website to secure you the very best alternate samples. Use the WSO Company Database to find more info about each firm. The health care industry can be quite competitive. A good resume gives the possible employer enough info to believe the applicant is well worth interviewing. If you're attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. Various kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a number of the exact same skills. The Little-Known Secrets to Resumes Dictionary We're here summarizing some essential points which you have to address before you choose to land yourself a specific course. A resume objective tha t could apply to anybody or any sort of job isn't valuable. Once you've reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to know how to vary using action verbs and receive a feel for what makes an effective accomplishment statement. In the majority of cases, a resume objective is merely a couple of sentences long. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often they're utilised to secure new employment. Job seekers deserve to discover decent content quickly. It's imperative that you don't simply apply these resumes verbatim. Resumes could be organized in various ways. Therefore, our purpose is to offer you the very best tools you should succeed. An objective is a brief statement that clarifies your goals concerning the form of employment desired and the way in which your skills make you a nice fit. The paradigm is continuously shifting after all. Accounting and finance managers are going to want to see your technical understanding. Deciding where to go can be an even larger challenge, since there are many alternatives! Sales is much like customer service as salespeople can be effective in a variety of industries. Possessing a strong resume will enable you find several great jobs. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the considerable cost saving in contrast to traditional hiring methods. Resumes Dictionary Secrets That No One Else Knows About You might also have your communication and disciplinary abilities, together with highlight how patient you're with your students. Possessing a crystal clear and professional resume is critical in the health care field. You also have to speak about past experience. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. What You Don't Know About Resumes Dictionary That is to say, when you purchase custom essays at our site, you automatically obtain a great paper written from the scratch in accord with all requirements and standards of your educa tional institution. Ensure you highlight technical wisdom and certifications. Turn to this glossary for definitions of the conditions and abbreviations that genuinely matter within this small business. Don't be scared to use numbers and insider conditions. What About Resumes Dictionary? The subject of information technology gets more important every single day. At times it appears rational, and at times it's just plain weird. We are devoted to offering the best resume examples you'll be able to find. And sometimes 1 example isn't sufficient to receive all the help you want.

3 Keys to Customizing Your Resume -

3 Keys to Customizing Your Resume -In recent blogs, Ive written a lot about the importance of investing time into every job application you submit, even if this means applying for fewer total jobs. While its fruchtwein efficient to get your resume fine-tuned to a point where it needs little modification for each new job application, you generally will need to make a few changes each time in order to customize your document.UTILIZE PROPER LANGUAGEThe first rule of customization is to ensure that your resume contains the same language found in the job advertisement. Many companies use junior human resources staff as the first reviewers for the resumes they receive. Since HR staff typically know a lot about HR and less about the business of their company, they often look to match your resume with the keywords used in the job ad. This is why its important to customize your resume for an untrained eye generally, the first part (or software program) looking it over is not discerning enough to know what you mean unless you use the exact same language.RESUME KEYWORD OPTIMIZATIONFor a job seeker who is looking at several different industries, matching keywords can be the most time consuming part of the process. For instance, someone with a background in nonprofit development may be looking at various nonprofit positions as well as opportunities in sales. Although both jobs essentially involve bringing in money for the employer, the nonprofit industry talks about fund-raising while the sales industry talks about market share. In order to save herself the hassle of changing the language of her resume every time she applies for a job, this job seeker would want to design both a voreingestellt nonprofit resume and a sales resume as the basic documents to work from for either schriftart of job.IMPORTANT DETAILS FIRSTAnother way to customize your resume for a specific job opening is to construct the various sections of your resume in the same order as the items listed in the ad. For instance, if an advertisement says, Seeking licensed masters level social worker for clinical supervisor, then your resume should display your academic degrees and social work license near the top. Employers generally use their ads to tell you what theyre looking forso dont make it hard for them to find itAs you start or continue your job search process, keep a standard resume on hand for each industry in which youre looking, and adjust the keywords and section order as needed. Employers will appreciate itJessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http//www.greatresumesfast.com or call 1.800.991.5187.

Why Chicago Is The Right Place for Women in STEM

Why Chicago Is The Right Place for Women in STEM Carissa Miller had just finished her masters degree in computer science and was ready to leave the world of classrooms behind her. Previously a high school math teacher on the verge of burnout, shed decided to make the leap to software engineering with little technical experience in her past and a lot of hope for more varied waters in her future.And thats exactly what Miller, now a senior software engineer at Chicago-based principal trading firmDRW, found not only in her new role, but in the city as a whole. Known for its burgeoning tech scene and diverse span of businesses, Miller calls Chicago a particularly stand-out choice for women pursuing STEM careers.Being in a place where theres this amount of variety is really helpful in keeping me grounded, as opposed to being somewhere like Silicon Valley where its all tech, all the time, she explained. We have so many different kinds of businesses, and there are a lot of different ways tec hnology is being applied to them.Chicago has long been the capital of the derivatives industry, abfluging with the first exchange opening in 1848 and more recently becoming a hub for financial technology, or fintech. Last year alone, tech employees increased 15% within the city, and the community continues to grow as opportunities expand (including at DRW, which ishiring in a big way).One of the ways this opportunity boom has benefited the Chicago tech community is through its corresponding slew of local meetups and events. At these events, where folks from Chicago industries ranging from manufacturing to consumer web to trading can co-mingle, developers are able to gain a fresh perspective on their work.Being in the financial industry, there are always new challenges that we come across that require us to find new aufgabe-solving techniques, Miller said. These meetups and other groups not only help newcomers become more familiar with Chicago in general, but also its a healthy way t o shake up your mind a bit, so youre not so stuckverzierung in one way of solving technical problems.Though the pace of Chicagos growing tech scene may be energizing, Miller added that shes still given the autonomy at DRW, her employer of more than eight years, to craft a schedule that suits her familys needs.I love how flexible it is, she said, explaining that her start and end times typically revolve around that days child care situation. I just keep my manager in the loop, and Im really able to make a personalized schedule. I think thats how DRW works in general. There arent a lot of strict rules. Its very personal in making sure that employees have an environment and a schedule that works for them.Miller is also able to apply that same emphasis on personalized flexibility to her lunch breaks, which shell spend away from her desk at an in-house yoga class or in DRWs game room, complete with shuffleboard and pool table.Having that midday break is really helpful, because you might encounter a problem in the morning that needs a new perspective, she said. Being able to get away at lunch and do something else, you can go back to that problem in the afternoon feeling like you can take a fresh look.Today, Miller is loving all the flexibility and space for creative problem solving that her work affords and couldnt be happier that she opted to shift career paths. But the actual process of changing careers isnt always the smoothest endeavor, and that can hold even truer when one lacks prior experience in their new field. For Miller, who hadnt owned a computer until college, the first bump along her new path came upon learning she was the only woman in many of her masters-level computer science classes.Instead of thinking about yourself as one out of 100 people in a room trying to learn something new, you start thinking about yourself as the only one I am the only woman here. Should I even be here? she recalled. You really put yourself at a disadvantage when you thin k that wayit puts an extra level of pressure on you.To other women who have an interest in switching over to STEM fields but fear they lack the expertise to do so, Miller advises focusing on the bigger picture.I think its easy to say, in the moment, I cant do this right now, she said. But in a field like technology, there are a lot of well-paying, satisfying jobs out there. So looking at the bigger picture and saying, My future growth and earnings potential will be much greater thats really what carried me through.Interested in continuing or creating your tech career at a company thats as dynamic and diverse as it is flexible? Check out DRWsopenings in Chicago and beyond