Sunday, December 29, 2019

How to Handle False Reviews on Yelp

How to Handle False Reviews on YelpHow to Handle False Reviews on YelpWill Yelp Remove A False Review? No. Yelp states on their website that they will elendlage remove a suspected false review unless it violates some other term. Yelp allows lies, and even quasi-libelous reviews, as long as racial slurs are not included in the review and the review is not hearsay. If someone deutsche post ags a false review, here is Yelps advice for dealing with the problem We dont arbitrate disputes, so your best bet is to contact the reviewer or post a public response in order to clear up any misunderstandings. There may very well be cases where a business owner successfully has convinced Yelp to remove a false review, so I still say it is worth a try, even if the FAQs on their website seem to indicate there is no appeals process. In order to confront your accuser You have to create a business account and claim your listingYelp requires business account users to upload a real photo before messaging customers in order to make the message personal. Photos should clearly show your face (no sunglasses please) and not include too many people. In other words, I can post a lie about your business anonymously, but to respond to my review you have to offer a picture clearly showing who you are. The 6th Amendment to the United States Constitution gives us the right to face our accusers but Yelp does not require people who post reviews to use a real name, picture, or even location in order to protect their identity. Just because a business is public does not necessarily mean its owners or employees want their own personal identities associated with their Yelp profile page. What about corporations where no one person owns the business? Should the company pick a fall guy or a spokesmodel instead of the corporate logo? I suggest business owners use stock photos the people are pretty and reviewers in your hometown wont be able to spot you at the mall and go off on you while your wife and ki ds are with you. My biggest concern is that the ability to reply to a reviewer is not the same thing has having your name cleared, or the ability to control reviews or the ability to simply opt out and have your entire profile removed from Yelp. Even the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 requires anyone sending out a newsletter to give people a option to opt out. Reviewers Can Openly Accuse Businesses Of Anything They Want Even Of Committing Crimes A review should be an assessment the best are unbiased and simply explain why someone recommends or does not recommend a business. But those are rare, and, frankly, difficult for most people to write because our emotions do factor into what we say be they negative or positive. But many Yelp reviewers write more op-eds than reviews. Some even make accusations that, whether or not they are true, should not be said publicly unless you are prepared to back up those accusations in a court of law. The law says presumed innocent until proven guilty. Ye lp practices seem to suggest a mentality of, accuse someone and we will assume it is true and let it stand (because most negative reviews are not filtered.) Unlike in the legal system, there really is no appeals process for Yelp decisions. To publicly accuse someone falsely of a crime in such a way that it is likely to cause harm to reputation, is defamation, which is crime. In the case of false accusations posted on Yelp, because they are in writing, it is libel (also illegal). However, Yelp does not arbitrate and will not remove such posts, except, perhaps in rare occasions and only at its sole discretion. If you put up a sign in your yard presenting criminal accusations as fact about your neighbor it is called libel. Do it on Yelp and it is called a review. Here are a few examples of people who accuse others of specific crimes unfiltered reviews I easily found in random searches on November 16, 2012 One of the drivers stole my wallet with all my identification and money. After p aying for tip, I exited the car with my belongings and the driver went off. Sixty seconds later, I noticed the wallet was gone. Sophia L., New YorkFilly F., a California woman, has accused two hospitals, a doctor, and nursing home of medical neglect and malpractice, a dentist of insurance fraud, and a private psychologist of taking financial kickbacks from a school district.May Y. of Glendale, CA, accused a plastic surgeon in one review of not having good ethics, medical negligence, and malpractice. But how many business owners being falsely accused have the time or inclination to sue reviewers? Libel is a hard thing to establish, and so business owners remain relatively powerless to fight back against false criminal or other undocumented allegations and accusations. Yelp reviews, once they are posted, for the mostpartstand. Even ones you believe to be outright lies. But that does not mean you should just sit back and watch Yelps algorithms destroy your business profile ratings. What Can You Do? First, do not buy into Yelps ausverkauf pitches to pay for advertising. Understand what you really get, and do not get. Raymond Fong,successfulInternet marketer, wrote a no-punches-pulled article about Yelps advertising services probably one of the best I have seen. I strongly encourage you to read it before purchasing advertising on Yelp. You can read it hereA Candid Yelp Advertising Review - Is Yelp Ripping People Off? Since business owners cannot opt out of Yelp, the best thing you can do is focus on building your online presence in other ways Facebook,Twitter, and through your own website. You should also consider working your brand on Google.Google HotPotis a better alternative to Yelp it has not caught on as fast, but the way Google deals with business owners and reviewers is more practical and fair. And, Google factors in social mentions so a review on Google HotPot may help your website in search engine results as well. If you are plagued by bad Yelp rev iews, you may want to claim your business account and offer a public reply. Just remember you are doing damage control, not firing back your own defensive, or angry rant. Do what your negative posters did not do and be objective and fair. Should You Contact A Lawyer? It never hurts to get qualified legal advice, but being upset about bad reviews, or being offer advertising services to improve your rating, is not the same as Yelpcommittinga wrongdoing. A good attorney can help you understand your rights and assess whether or not you have a case. They will, however, ask you for some proof that you were harmed in some way. You need documentation. Documenting Yelp Reviews And Events If you suspect your reviews are being unfairly manipulated or your business profile is being penalized for not purchasingadvertisement, you need to be able to back up those accusations. So far, no one has done that successfully and at least two lawsuits against Yelp have been dismissed. If possible, document your Yelp profile before you contact them. Complaining about bad reviews may result in Yelp offering advertising packages. There are numerous posts on anti-Yelp sites where business owners claim that once the refuse to buy advertising their profiles are changed, and their ratings go down. So pay close attention to what goes on with your Yelp profile after every conversation you have with a Yelp representative. Take screen shots, cut and paste copies of all reviews,documentwhich reviews were public and which were filtered, and note the date and time you captured the information. Business owners concerned about their Yelp reviews should do this once a week certainly no less than once a month. If you talk to Yelp, try to get anything they say in writing. Send emails confirming phone conversations, even record them, and save all voice mails. If Yelp sales reps call you note the date, time, who you spoke with and what they said. It is not advisable to post test reviews to see w here they end up. Any test you post yourself is a fake review Yelp does not permit employees and business owners to post reviews, so doing so only shows you violated their terms of use. However, if customers tell you they posted reviews, check to see if they ended up on your public profile or in the filter. Yelp has their own lawyers, and unless you really do have a unique situation and can show proof of wrongdoing, hiring your own lawyer is unlikely to get you much in the way of satisfaction. Severallawsuits against Yelphave already been dismissed by courts. But that only means so far, no one has shown enough evidence to warrant a trial. Vent, Share, Review Yelp It may not help you get bad reviews removed from Yelp, but venting can feel good on its own. Here are some places to share your Yelp experiences, and read about others who have also had problems with Yelp and what they did to fight back. Go ahead, review Yelp YelpSucks.comSaveUsFromYelp.comWeHateYelp Facebook Page

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Who to Ask for a Job Reference

Who to Ask for a Job ReferenceWho to Ask for a Job ReferenceWhen applying for a job, you will most likely have to provide a list of references. Referencesare people who can vouch for your skills and abilities as a worker. Typically, your references will be your previous employers. However, you can also ask otzu sich people, including teachers, volunteer leaders, colleagues, and even friends. Or, use them as additional references, especially if you are concerned your employer will give you a bad review. Sometimes you will simply have to ask your referencesif you can put their names down on areference list, and then the employer might ask them questions about you via phone or email. Other times, you will have to ask these people to write you aletter of recommendation, and send it to the employer. Either way, you want to select references who will speak well of you. Read below for more advice on who to ask for a reference, what kinds of references there are, how many references to ask f or, and how to create a list of references. Who(and How) to Ask for a Job Reference Who should you ask to provide references? Most commonly, you will ask your former employers and supervisors to be references for you. However, you can also include other people with whom youve had a professional relationship. For example, you might include colleagues, business contacts, customers, clients, or vendors. Only ask people who you believe will provide a positive reference for you. Your references should also know you (or your work) well. This knowledge will help the person to discuss your strengths and character in detail. Its also important to select references who will respond in a timely manner to inquiries from prospective employers. When an employer is serious about possibly hiring you, you will want to have references who will get back to them right away. Even if the reference knows you well, be sure to provide him or her with your updated resume and any other related materials t o inform them of your skills and experiences. Always ask before putting a persons name down on your reference list. Also, provide your reference with background information on the reason youre requesting the letter. For example, you might supply him or her with the job description, or write a brief summary of the job. If your reference knows about the job you want, they can frame their reference to provide helpful details. Also remember to always follow up with your reference, sending athank you noteto show your gratitude. Professional vs. Personal References In addition toprofessional references,personal references(which are also known as character references) can be used for employment purposes. A personal reference is one that speaks not to your employment abilities, but to your character. Personal references are ideal if you have limited work experience, or if you are worried that your former employer will give you a negative review. Neighbors and family friends may be willi ng to write a personal reference for you. Teachers, professors, academic advisers, volunteer leaders, and coaches can all also provide personal or character references. How Many References to Ask For Employers generally expect a list of three references, so have at least that many people ready to recommend you. However, if the employer asks for a different number of references, make sure you follow their directions. What do you do if you have to include your last employer as a reference, but are worried he or she will give you anegative reference? One solution is to add a couple of extra references toyour reference list who you know will give you a positive review. Another option is to be proactive and reach out to your former employer. You might say that, while you did not leave on the best of terms, you are very excited about the job you are applying for and would appreciate a positive reference. How to Provide Information About Your References Theres no need to include yo urreferences on your resume. Instead, prepare a separate list of your references. Be sure to include their names and all necessary contact information. Here is asample reference list, as well as information onhow to format your list of references. Follow Up With Your References Its important to follow up your with your references, so they are aware of your employment status and know they may be contacted to provide a reference. Let them know when youre hired as well - they will be thrilled to hear the good news.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Majority of work stress is coming from your terrible coworkers

Majority of work stress is coming from your terrible coworkersMajority of work stress is coming from your terrible coworkersIf your team gets on your nerves more than anything, you are not alone in this frustration. A report from the American Institute of Stress found that our team dynamics directly affect more than 90% of what is stressing us out at work. Those petty feuds and disagreements with coworkers take a toll on our minds and bodies. One in four of us said we wanted to scream over this job stress. ur heavy workload, people issues, and our failure to balance our work and personal lives were the top three stressors.Why your team drama stresses you outTeam drama gets under our skin because it reminds us that we do not have control and autonomy over our careers. You cannot get that lazy coworker to work harder or stop a mercurial managers bad mood. When we feel out of control at work, we feel helpless, which in turn, causes us unhealthy stress. Increased levels of job stress as assessed by the perception of having little control but lots of demands have been demonstrated to be associated with increased rates of heart attack, hypertension, and other disorders, the report warned.In Happy Brain Where Happiness Comes From, writer Dean Burnett said that a sense of control and a sense of competence were the top two predictors to feeling happy at work. Jobs that strip you of autonomy with strict rules/policies (dress codes, micromanagement, etc.) and/or make you constantly beholden to others (telesales, retail, etc.) are widely regarded as unpleasant and a source of stress, he wrote. When you have an overbearing boss breathing down your neck over deadlines, you feel less in control over how your day is going to go. It increases your risk of burnout.To reduce burnout, managers must help employees feel in control of their work. That starts with meeting with them one-on-one and asking them how they are doing so that they feel less isolated. The very act of solicitin g team members eingabe reduces stress levels, giving them the feeling that they are, at the very least, heard. This also leads to team buy-in, proprietorship, and the feeling of responsibility for team performance and well-being, leadership consultant Andrew D. Wittman wrote about the report.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

5 things to include in a post-interview thank you (with a template)

5 things to include in a post-interview thank you (with a template)5 things to include in a post-interview thank you (with a template)Any time we interview someone, we wait to see whether theyll write a thank you bedrngnise or not. Youd be surprised how often they dont - and thats right about when we decide not to hire them.Sending a post-interview thank you note can really set you unbekannt from other candidates because it signals your continued interest and solidifies a positive impression with the interviewer. Do not underestimate the follow-up Ive actually had hiring managers tell me to wait to schedule a second interview until we receive a thank-you note. Yup, its that important.Avoid just going through the motions, because employers will see right through a generic note. Instead, tailor your message to the specific interviewer and company by including the followingYour appreciation for the meeting (the thank you part)Something specific about the interview or items discussedWhy you are excited about this opportunityA brief explanation of why youd be a good fit for the jobNext steps and your contact informationMake sure to send the note (via email) within 24 hours - and be sure to send one toeveryoneyou interviewed with, not just the hiring manager.Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.Still not sure what to write? Heres an exampleDearinterviewer name,Thank you so much for takingtimeto speak with me about the job titleposition. I really enjoyed learning more about the position and your description of the day-to-day duties really helped me gain a better understanding of the responsibilities. Our conversation confirmed my extreme interest and I would be thrilled to bring my editorial experience, specifically my interview expertise, to benefit the company goals.I look forward to hearing from you and thank you again for the opportunity to interview. Please do nt hesitate to reach out if you have additional questionsBest regards,NameEmail addressPhone numberSomething thoughtful and concise like that will usually do the trick - although weve got some other greatthank you notetemplatesright here. Noweliminate unnecessary distractionsand get to writingThis article originally appeared on Career Contessa.close dialogAdvertisementclose dialog/* effects for .bx-campaign-1012255 *//* custom css .bx-campaign-1012255 */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-type-agilityzone .bx-close z-index 2-ms-keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from -ms-transform rotate(0deg) to -ms-transform rotate(360deg) -moz-keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from -moz-transform rotate(0deg) to -moz-transform rotate(360deg) -webkit-keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from -webkit-transform rotate(0deg) to -webkit-transform rotate(360deg) keyf rames bx-anim-1012255-spin from transform rotate(0deg) to transform rotate(360deg) bx-close-inside-1012255 top 0 right 0 /* rendered styles .bx-campaign-1012255 */.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative *first-child padding 0width auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative background-color transparent.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-active-step-1 .bx-close stroke whitebackground-color blackborder-style solidborder-color whiteborder-width 1pxbox-shadow 0px 0px 0px 3px black.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-group-1012255-3RBnJGC position absolutetop 50%left 50%transform translate(-50%, -50%)z-index -1.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-element-1012255-wryzWV5 width 55px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-element-1012255-wryzWV5 *first-child animation-name bx-anim-1012255-spinanimation-duration 800msanimation-iteration-count infiniteanimation-timing-function linear.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-group-1012255-me4p1bl padding 1 0px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-element-1012255-ZdLO37u width auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-element-1012255-ZdLO37u *first-child padding 2px 4pxfont-size 10pxcolor rgb(255, 255, 255)text-transform uppercasebackground-color rgb(0, 0, 0)background-color rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.34).bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-group-1012255-lyDBLV9 width 900pxheight 550px

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

What to Expect From Resume Powerpoint?

What to Expect From Resume Powerpoint? The Business Metaphors PowerPoint Shapes is a variety of creative and skilled slide templates. Professionalism is always the best way to go in regards to resume creation. Constructing a resume is an intimidating task should you do it alone. Another benefit of employing a resume templateis your formatting will be more consistent. The True Meaning of Resume Powerpoint Be aware that there might be circumstances when including some of these information proves that youre a great fit for the job. Remember your familys needs and itll make for a far happier home life You may use questions to improve nearly every region of your life. Furthermore, students will examine the way the conventional roles of both sexes are changing in the world today and workplace. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. You may still go out and have a great time, and revise at the very same moment You spend the majority of y our spare time with them. Taking the opportunity to work on your resume is crucial. The Ugly Side of Resume Powerpoint LinkedIn ought to be logged in at home, not at the workplace at which you should stick to your existing work projects so you get good recommendations from higher-ups when you try to shift to a brand-new job. Usually its sufficient to include a couple of testimonials in your resume. Resumes could be organized in various ways. Heres What I Know About Resume Powerpoint The exact same system of sharing information thats often related to a presentation may also be utilised in a book report. You must make sure you read the directions very well. There are many slide show sharing web sites such as Scribd that youre able to upload your PowerPoint resume to. For more data on the PTT Presenter and internet voice narrated presentations visit the site of Presentations That Talk. Job seekers deserve to locate decent content quickly. Transportation jobs involve plenty of responsibility and your resume will want to reflect you can verstndigung im strafverfahren with that. HR will be quite so impressed with your resume they might even ask how you built it. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilized to secure new employment. You have to tailor your resume to each work application so that it responds to the particular demands of the job that youre applying for. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult. CNA jobs are in high demand on account of the fact people will always need medical patient care. If youre attempting to acquire work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. For example, if youve got a substantial employment gap since your final lokalitt, you can want to use a functional resume rather than a chronological one. The functional resume is utilized to concentrate on skills that are particular to the kind of position being sought. Job hunting should always be achieved in a bright way. You also need to tailor your resume to demonstrate the way your work experience specifically meets the requirements of the job which youre applying for. A testimonial is another fantastic way to show your skill and experience is what the employer is searching for. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better likelihood of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. If youre looking for skilled aid for your AS level revision, in addition, there are A level courses that may really help you better your odds of passing your exams. A perfect alternative for candidates with a great deal of experience who want to have a really good one-page resume template. Ruthless Resume Powerpoint Strategies Exploited As a consequence, its an extremely persuasive. You may also read more on the ideal approach to use our resume samples here. Lots of people wont ever utilize PowerPoint beyond a s chool or employment presentation. If youre interested in an infographic format, here are a few infographic samples to check out. Featuring only the experience and abilities that mirror the job needs of the position youre seeking can continue to keep the length in check. Distinct kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with lots of the very same skills. You are also able to get a feeling of the internal language used within a specific industry or company. Applicant tracking techniques permit organizations to track where candidates found the work postingon a work board, directly from an organization site, through a referral, or from another source. For a group start course theres a fixed date to begin and finish the program. Below, you will discover a list of resume examples that could assist you with your work search. When youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to learn how to vary using action verbs and receive a feel for what makes a potent accomplishment statement. Some students think that they need to locate interesting facts and figures about the organization which arent readily accessible by means of a company search on some half-rate intelligence database to impress here. What Has to be Done About Resume Powerpoint Before It Is Too Late An excellent editing job will take a small longerand some particular tactics intended to catch resume errors. Even though the content of your resume is quite important, remember that if youre applying to large company, they likely get a massive volume of resumes. The mixture of our templates and your input is likely to make your resume fly to the peak of any pile. By employing a resume template youll also save a good deal of time. Finding the Best Resume Powerpoint Creative While its important to get a professional resume, sometimes just a little creativity and innovation is acceptable. Its possible to put extra experience to supply you with an edge on oth er applicants. With a tiny bit of creativity and knowledge of the way to use the interactive features, you can create a personal presentation come alive. As an MBA student, a great deal of your grades are determined by the manner in which you work on your presentations and the way you communicate them.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

The Unexpected Truth About Writers Paper

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Saturday, November 30, 2019

3 Ways to Improve Your Hiring Process By Showing Off Your Atmosphere

3 Ways to Improve Yur Hiring Process By Showing Off Your AtmosphereWhen I first walked into the office, I immediately noticed the atmosphere. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there.Thats what Ben Stein, one of our rockstar sales development representatives, had to say about our company culture in a recent feature article. From the bright color of our walls to the smiling faces of his future co-workers, Stein immediately felt welcomed and were proud of that. We work hard to create a culture of belonging filled with fun and passionate team members. So, when I hear thats exactly what drew an employee in, I get excited. Unfortunately, like many companies, showing off our atmosphere isnt always possible during the early stages of the hiring process. When were trying to attract the right candidates for our culture, or first meet them via video interview, theyre not interacting with us face-to-face. Thats when video becomes a crucial recruiting tool. Heres how you can use video to giv e candidates an insider-glimpse into your companys atmosphere 1. Show them around on a virtual tourYour wall colors, office design, and workspaces radiate a specific energy. Candidates want to envision themselves working at their desk or grabbing a cup of coffee with co-workers in the break room. If you wait too long to help candidates realize these visions, youre missing opportunities to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level. platzset your company apart by taking candidates on a virtual tour. Let them see what its like to walk through your doors each day, where the hallways lead, and the dynamic spaces where they can make magic happen. Let candidates see what its like to walk through your doors without ever stepping foot inside. hiringprocessClick To TweetConsider your teams favorite part of the office when designing the tour. From paint color to lighting, or the ultimate boardroom, its important to highlight the smallest details that make your atmosphere unique. 2. Let them s ay hello to the teamYour team is the most valuable aspect of your atmosphere. If potenzial hires dont meet them in the early stages of the hiring process, they wont get an accurate feel for the companys overall energy and passion. Give your team the freedom to show off their personalities and have a little fun Ask them to introduce themselves in selfie-style videos that you can use at any time during the recruitment process. Get a couple employees from each department to create a video, allowing candidates to get a personalized glimpse of their potential future co-workers. Ask each person to share specific details about their role. What does their day-to-day look like? Do they interact directly with customers? If so, what do customers say about the company? Is there something special about the companys mission that motivates them every day? These small moments of interaction create openings for immediate bonds that impress the candidates you want to join your team. 3. Create a comp any culture videoTheres one rule when it comes to creating a company culture video there are no rules. You can be as creative, professional, off-the-wall, and personable as you want thats what makes them so great. One of my favorite examples is CloudLocks KungFu style culture video. Of course, the video is entertaining. However, it also gets down to the nitty gritty and truly showcases the companys culture.cloudlock shows off their companyculture kungfu style.Click To TweetWith our company culture video (which we plan to update this year) we give candidates a detailed look at our mission, what our team is passionate about, and what our customers say that keeps us motivated and moving forward. Obviously, the styles of these videos are very different. And, most likely, yours will be too. Theres no clear right or wrong way to go about culture videos. However, here are a few things to consider when deciding how yours should look Whats the message you want viewers to take away from it? What emotional reaction do you want to evoke? Does the majority of your team agree with the messaging and emotional reaction? How long does the video need to be to keep the message concise, but powerful? Once you have these questions answered, its time to departure writing a script. Get your team involved by making the writing process a contest. Whoever writes the script that gets picked, receives a day off, a gift card, or simply office bragging rights. How do you incorporate video to impress candidates in the hiring process? Let us know

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Resume Summary Statements and How to Perfect Yours

Resume Summary ansichts and How to Perfect YoursResume Summary Statements and How to Perfect YoursYour Professional Profile is one of the first things a hiring manager landsees on your resume. Before we get into its function and importance, well explain what it is, and other resume keywords youll need to know in order to understand the Professional Profile. If youre new to writing resumes, to job hunting, or are just unfamiliar with the most current language being used to discuss resumes, its a good idea to review ansicht key terms. There are proven ways to improve your resume, but in order to utilize the nuanced advice from expert resume writers, youll need to become familiar with the terms they use.First, well break down the sections in the top portion of your resume. We do so more in-depth in our Anatomy of a Perfect Resume module, but well stick to some shorter working definitions here. The Header is the first section of your resume, and it contains basic information about you yo ur name, contact information, city and state, and often social media links. The Professional Profile is the section just below the header.The Professional Profile is prime real estate on your resume. Thats why its crucial to thoroughly understand its purpose, so you can optimize the material you place there. We liken the Professional Profile to an elevator pitch of your professional self to hiring managers. Imagine you walk into an elevator to the top of a skyscraper, and you realize that the hiring manager recruiting for your dream job is standing right next to you. In the 30 seconds of face time you have with that hiring manager, what aspects about yourself do you want to highlight to them? The Professional Profile offers hiring managers a highly condensed glimpse of you, probably their only opportunity to see who you are on paper before deciding whether or not its worth it to meet you in person.One component of your Professional Profile is the Key Skills section, which weve blogg ed about in the past. The section that immediately precedes the Key Skills section is your Summary Statement. The Muse defines the Summary Statement as, a few pithy and strong stellungnahmes at the beginning of your resume that help summarize your skills and experience in order for a prospective employer to quickly get a sense of the value you could offer.We at Resume Yeti generally believe that there are two ground rules to writing a Summary Statement1) Less is moreA Summary Statement should not be longer than a few sentences. As this information is highly condensed, including too much of it will be overwhelming and seem superficial to the hiring manager reading your resume. As The Balance puts it, a good Summary Statement should concisely answer the question What can this applicant offer the employer?LINK TO https//www.thebalance.com/resume-profile-vs-resume-objective-2063185 2) Customize your statement to the position youre applying forYour summary statement does not have to be t he same for each job youre applying for. Sometimes youll notice that elements of your statement that seem essential to highlight for one position seem superfluous for another. Additionally, you may find that certain positions will require you to be more specific in your statement. For example, take a look at these two summary statements written by the same job applicant, for two jobs in distinct industriesabsatzwirtschaft/Business Development/PromotionsHighly accomplished, creative and multifaceted absatzwirtschaft and geschftlicher umgang development professional with comprehensive, managerial experience in corporate sales, promotions, advertising, operations, strategic planning and brand management. Exceptionally focused and results-oriented, supporting complex deadline driven operations with high profile clientele. Extensive background in communications and project management.Events and Meeting PlanningHighly accomplished, creative and multifaceted event management professional w ith comprehensive experience in the planning, operations, and sales sides of the industry. Exceptionally focused and results-oriented, supporting complex deadline driven operations with high profile clientele. Detail-oriented with experience in creating and maintaining client and vendor relationships. Extensive background in absatzwirtschaft, communications and project management.The first Summary Statement is for a position in Marketing/Business Development/Promotions, and the second is in Event and Meeting Planning. Well break down the differences belowThe first difference is the type of professional the applicant is. The marketing summary focuses on her versatility and her extensive experience in marketing and business development. The event planning summary focuses both on her versatility as well as her skills in operations and sales. This would be important to point out in the Summary Statement because not all applicants to event planning jobs would necessarily have that experi ence in sales and marketing, as this applicant does. Including it in her Summary Statement will make her stand out to hiring managers.The second difference is how the applicant highlights her professional personality. In the marketing/business development summary, she wanted to feature her ability to focus in complex situations, how she excels even under the pressure of deadlines and high profile clientele, which would be crucial for someone in marketing or business development. In the event planning summary, she wanted to highlight her knack for details and nurturing relationships between clients and vendors, skills that would be essential for event planners.The last difference is in how she describes her background. The two sentences are identical, with the exception of one word marketing. The marketing/business development/promotions summary does not include the applicants background in marketing, while the event planning summary does. This is because it is assumed that an applic ant applying for a job in marketing would have a background in marketing. Since the applicant would want to keep the summary as concise as possible, including the word marketing in this Summary Statement would be superfluous. However, in the Event Planning summary, she needed to highlight her background in marketing because, again, many applicants for a job in event planning may not have had that experience in marketing.Now that youve learned more about the Professional Profile section of your resume and how to write an excellent Summary Statement, you can put your knowledge into action and begin customizing your resume. Prepare to see a difference in response from hiring managers once you implement these changes and tweaks on your resume

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Tips to Retain the Job Hopping Millennial

Tips to Retain the Job Hopping MillennialTips to Retain the Job Hopping MillennialThe Millennial generation encompasses the employees who will be tomorrows leaders in Americas companies. In just 10 years, theyll make up 75 percent of the workforce. This generation of college graduates buried under student-loan debt and entry-level income is looking for ways to engage in the workplace and climb out of the recession that has plagued its members in recent years.Businesses bringing Millennials into their geschftszimmers should look for ways to increase their employee engagement to make them more valuable members of the company. Research conducted by MSW ARS Research and commissioned byDale Carnegie Trainingdiscovered Millennials have different expectations from older generations.Millennials are the future of our companies, and are not entering a company like their parents did or anticipating theyll stay at that company for their entire working career, says Jean-Louis Van Doorne, senior vice president at Dale Carnegie Training. They are hard workers whove been hit with many economic roadblocks, and they want to become engaged in their careers. Companies may need to adjust some practices to help encourage this engagement.The research found Millennials find functional and emotional attributes in the office workplace big drivers of engagement, but many companies arent delivering. Heres what small business owners and human resources departments can do to create a change in the workplace for better Millennial engagementImprove communication The gossip mill is not necessarily a good thing to encourage, and it will run rampant in your company if you dont have good communication about whats happening from the top down. In smaller companies, you can create quarterly meetings to share information, and at larger companies, newsletters and departmental meetings will help. Encourage your employees to ask questions. Promote an open-door policy with all management. And above all , only provide information that is accurate and true. If a question is asked and the answer isnt known, say so.Encourage growth opportunities Millennials are interested in making their way up the career ladder quickly, and many will jump companies if they find it in their best interest. Since youve put a lot of effort into training them to perform perfectly for your company, it might be in your best interest to encourage them to stay around. Encourage your management team to discuss with Millennials on your staff their career goals, and identify direct paths they can take to grow in the company.Get to know your workers For many generations, the attitude has been to not ask personal questions of employees, but instead to let employees tell their stories if they wish. Millennials would like their managers and coworkers to be interested in them, not just as an employee, but as a complete person. These employees want to know that their supervisor cares about their personal life and unde rstands how it affects the work they do for the company. Your company might want to look into ways of getting to know each other, especially outside of the job. Consider hosting an annual family event like a picnic so coworkers can meet spouses and children. Create a monthly newsletter that features some stories about big life changes, like workers buying houses or starting families.When employees are more engaged in their work and company, they are more productive and satisfied with what theyre doing every day. This leads to better employee retention and trains workers to lead your company into the future.Sourcewww.dalecarnegie.com/employee-engagement

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Medical Records Clerk Job Description

Medical Records Clerk Job Description Medical Records Clerk Job Description Medical Records Clerk Job Description This medical records clerk sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements. Medical Records Clerk Job Responsibilities: Creates new medical records and retrieves existing medical records by gathering appropriate record folders and contents; assigning and recording new record numbers; verifying existing record numbers; inputting and recording locations to computer; delivering records. Medical Records Clerk Job Duties: Gathers patient information by collecting demographic information from a variety of sources; interacting with registration areas and physicians offices; retrieving information from automated printer. Maintains master patient index by completing assigned portion of daily audit trail; corrects and communicates problems according to established procedures. Initiates the medical record by creating and processing the patient care record folder. Maintains record availability by processing charts into the department; using chart mark-off procedures; facilitating chart location activities. Retrieves medical records by following chart-out procedures; documenting reasons charts cannot be retrieved for statistical and follow-up purposes. Delivers charts to assigned areas of the hospital by following established routing procedures. Keeps health care providers informed by communicating availability or unavailability of the record. Maintains quality results by following hospital standards. Maintains continuity of work operations by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs. Maintains patient confidence by keeping patient records information confidential. Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and jcaho standards. Enhances medical records and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Medical Records Clerk Skills and Qualifications: Time Management, Organization, Attention to Detail, Quality Focus, Professionalism, Productivity, Thoroughness, Coordination, Deadline-Oriented, Internal Communications, Reporting Skills Employers: Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers: Search Medical Records Clerk Jobs and apply on now. Find outmore abouthow to hire: Resume Search: Spotting Exceptional Talent Evaluate a Job Candidates Social Skills Sample Interview Questions: How to Interview

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

10 Ways to Get on Everyones Good Side at Work - The Muse

10 Ways to Get on Everyones Good Side at Work - The Muse 10 Ways to Get on Everyones Good Side at Work Having a hard time getting along with a certain coâ€"worker? Not sure how to break the ice between you and a colleague? Or, are you just hoping to take your relationship with your boss to the next level- a.k.a., past awkward acquaintances? Getting on someone’s good side- no matter who he or she may be- is just as important as sitting down every day and doing your actual job. For starters, it helps your team work better together. And the better you work together, the happier and more enjoyable your actual job can be. (See that full circle we just did there?) All it takes is a little extra effort. Not sure how to get started? I’ve listed 11 ways below. 1. Throw Out a Compliment You know how much it brightens your day to walk into the office and have a colleague compliment your recent presentation, or even mention how flattering your new haircut is. So it’s no surprise that your little comment could have the same positive effect. Instead of focusing solely on your own to-do list, meetings, and stresses, recognize that everyone around you is in the same boat and could use a kind word. Do it Today Pick a co-worker, any co-worker, and casually toss out a compliment. Maybe she finished a project before the deadline, maybe he had a successful sale that day, or maybe her homemade lunch just looks amazing. It doesn’t have to be a significant accomplishment, just an acknowledgement. 2. Make the Conversation About the Other Person On average, we spend 60% of conversations talking about ourselves. That’s not shocking if you really think about it. (Don’t believe it? Try counting how many times you say “I” in your next conversation and tell me I’m wrong.) What’s my point? We love talking about ourselves, almost so much that we tend to shut everyone else out. Knowing that, the key to getting on someone’s good side is as easy as letting someone talk about him- or herself and simply listening, rather than chiming in every other second. Do it Today Ask your coâ€"workers about their lives outside the office. What do they normally do on the weekends? And- here’s the trick- actually pay attention to what they say. 3. Ask for Feedback Nobody’s perfect. But some people certainly appear to be. So if you’re normally the employee who never asks for assistance or always seems to have everything put together, you’re probably pretty intimidating. You don’t need to play dumb, but you should show people that you’re not above making mistakes, asking for feedback, or seeking out constructive criticism. Do it Today Request feedback on a recent project, report, or meeting. It can be as simple as saying, “I’m looking to improve on XYZ- and I’d love your thoughts on what did I do well, as well as what I can work on in the future.” 4. Confront the Problem Quick story: When I was in third grade, this girl used to always glare at me during class. Eventually I got the courage to ask her if I had done something to upset her. She told me that I always glared at her during class so she thought I didn’t like her either! Turns out I was partially blind and needed glasses, so whenever I tried to see across the room I had to squint, making it look like I was always a bit unhappy. The moral of this story is that if you think there’s something between you two, confront the situation. Do it Today If this scenario sounds familiar, resolve it today. Shoot the person an email asking if you can talk for a few minutes. Odds are the conversation will either be, “No sorry, I have resting bitch face,” or “Actually I hate when you interrupt my meetings…” Either way, you’ll be on the way to figuring out the issue. For more, check out “How to Disagree With a Co-Worker (and Not Want to Punch Each Other)” for ways to healthily solve a disagreement. 5. Stay Away From Gossip People might like the Work Gossip for his entertainment value, but they certainly don’t trust him. Your coâ€"workers will feel more comfortable approaching you if they know they can count on you not to spread rumors. And you’ll feel a lot better about yourself when people recognize you as a good friend, rather than a “good” storyteller. Do it Today The next time you want to send a snarky email or chat to a co-worker, stop yourself and do something else productive instead. Check Facebook, take a walk, or get up and grab a glass of water. 6. Be Thankful This sounds silly, but often something as simple as “thank you” is all it takes to get on someone’s good side. Why? Because we don’t really say these two words enough. We’ve become so accustomed to expecting certain things at work- someone opening the door for you, someone fixing the coffee machine, someone giving up a conference room- that we forget to be grateful for the little things. Do it Today Genuinely say “thank you!” to a co-worker before the day is over. 7. Be Aware of Other People’s Schedules and Habits Everyone functions differently, so even if you think your schedule works great, it may not be ideal for everyone. Acknowledging that is the first step to becoming easier to work with. So when you want to do things “your way” (a.k.a., only holding morning meetings because it’s when your brain is sharpest), consider putting aside your preferences and letting your colleagues have some input, too. Do it Today The next time someone asks to meet with you, don’t just send your availability. Also ask what works best for him or her. Novel, I know. 8. Offer to Help Don’t you have days when you wish you had an extra pair of hands? Well, tell you what, you could be that extra set of hands to someone! You can’t be expected to take everything off another person’s plate, but even just offering to bring lunch while he or she’s cranking out reports could make someone’s day. Do it Today When you have free time, don’t use it to catch up on Instagram. Instead offer up your assistance to a co-worker who looks overwhelmed. 9. Initiate an Interaction Some employees are shy or more introverted, so they might seem like they don’t like you simply because they don’t know how to approach you. So, be the first one to initiate and get to know someone. Do it Today The next time you pop out of the office to grab lunch, or a coffee, invite someone you don’t often speak with to joih you. 10. Plan an Outing The best place to actually get to know someone is usually outside the office- away from all the formality and jargon. You’ll be able to have a more casual and relaxed conversation that’ll (hopefully) lead to you bonding over something besides the new accounting strategy. Do it Today Shoot out an email to your team asking who’s available to grab a drink next week. Simple, right? 11. Know When It’s Time to Connect (and When It’s Not) Sometimes people are just not in the mood to chat with you- about work-related matters or otherwise. Be aware that while your conversation may be about an upcoming project, it might not be on this person’s radar at the moment. Do it Today Before you interrupt someone’s work with a project status update, do a quick visual check to see if he or she seems busy, or even just in the zone. If so, refrain. Photo of co-workers laughing courtesy of Shutterstock.

Monday, November 18, 2019

How to Develop Your Writing Style

How to Develop Your Writing Style How to Develop Your Writing Style Your writing style is the manner in which you express yourself and it evolves naturally over time. It develops from a combination of your personality, your reading choices, and conscious decisions you make while writing. So, what can you do to develop your writing style? Thinking about it too much can result in mannered, stilted prose, but you can do some basic things to help develop your style naturally. Read Read voraciously, read broadly, and  read the classics. Great literature can be your best teacher, but dont be afraid of contemporary or genre fiction  either. Young or beginning writers must be urged to read widely, ceaselessly, both classics and contemporaries, for, without an immersion in the history of the craft, one is doomed to remain an amateur,  Joyce Carol Oates wrote in The Faith of a Writer. Write Theres no substitute for simply writing as much as you can. In the beginning, dont worry so much about publishing; that can come later. Attempt different genres. Nonfiction and especially poetry have something to teach as well. Again, dont worry about influence in the beginning and dont worry if what youre writing seems bad. Write because you love it and trust that youll grow into your style. Use Words That Come Naturally to You Though you should strive to enlarge your vocabulary, stick to words you use in real life. If youre using a word only to sound impressive, youre likely to misuse it or use it awkwardly. In other words, dont allow a desire to use a particular word or phrase to drive your writing. The needs of your writing should dictate the words you choose. Be Clear Your goal is to communicate. Make sure each sentence is as direct and simple as possible. You want to make it easy for your readers, so  they have the pleasure of getting lost in your prose. Awkward writing takes readers out of the fictional dream youre working so hard to create. Avoid Cliches Though its hard to avoid cliches  completely, struggle to craft original sentences, metaphors, and expressions. Think twice before going with the easiest turn of phrase unless anything else would sound unnatural. Be Concise Experiment with individual sentences, seeing if they can be rephrased to use fewer words. Dont say, He walked across the sidewalk with the cracked cement to the field, when you can say, He walked across the cracked sidewalk to the field, for instance. Or, for another example, dont say, Make sure each sentence is composed as directly and as simply as possible, when you can say, Write each sentence as directly and simply as possible. Be Precise Clear, detailed writing makes your prose come to life. Struggle to find just the right words for your descriptions. If necessary, do a little research. Theres great pleasure in knowing the names for things and in using those names. Saying that the gray-haired woman sat by the window tatting a doily, for instance, is more descriptive and more vivid than, The old woman sat in the corner working on something. Precision is not a matter of filling a sentence with modifiers, however. Its a question of choosing the best, most accurate nouns and verbs. Pay Attention to Word Choice The English language has at least 250,000 words, more than most comparable world languages, according to the folks at Oxford. Because English is such a mutt of a language, we almost always have synonyms at our disposal. Buy a good thesaurus and make the most of our rich linguistic heritage. Use Basic Literary Devices As a writer, you also will  make choices about things like figurative language. While youre thinking about style, review some basic literary terms, such as metaphor, simile, and irony. Getting familiar with the tools at your disposal also will  help you develop your style.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Scarcity the secret, obvious key to success in the workplace

Scarcity the secret, obvious key to success in the workplace Scarcity the secret, obvious key to success in the workplace For much of our lives, even when we have more than anyone can ask for, we can feel like we don’t have enough: too little money, too little freedom, too little praise.We only get ahead when we realize that we have everything we need.Don’t believe me? Try this thought exercise and decide if it sounds familiar.You’re swamped at work. S-W-A-M-P-E-D. On top of that, junior people keep stopping by and asking if you have any work for them. You have no time to deal with them. Zero. Your blood pressure rises at these inconsiderate interruptions.The other day, my friend told me that she was too busy  and will probably miss  her deadlines. I asked why she couldn’t delegate some of her work to the person they just hired. Her response: “OMG, Maria! I completely forgot that he existed.”Perception is realityMy friend didn’t see the opportunity to lessen her workload because she was nose-deep in scarcity thinking. She was singularly focused on not having enough time.She didn’t percei ve the entirety of her reality â€" just a sliver of it. We all know the feeling, when our world narrows with worry and we stop seeing the bigger picture.The result is that because we can’t see past ourselves at those moments of stress, we also miss the solutions to our worries.Our lives under the microscopePerhaps because I spent many hours during grad school staring down a microscope, I find it useful to think about reality and perception in terms of looking at a biological specimen on a slide.Reality is the entirety of the composite object â€" slide, specimen, and cover slip protecting the specimen. That’s us and everything around us. But looking into a microscope, you can only focus on a single plane at a time, giving you a very different views of the same object. Turn the knob too much, raise the platform on which the slide with your specimen rests, and all you see is the lint and scratches on the underside of the glass. Turn it too little, and you’ll see the smudges on th e top of the glass cover. But get it just right, and you’re finally in the useful plane, seeing the results of your experiment.The reality of my friend’s situation was that she had competent resources to help her deal with the crush of assignments. But her attention was focused on the plane where no help was available. The layer of lint and scratches.It’s easy to focus on scarcityBeing a lawyer, I am subjected to a constant stream of stories about failing law firms, lower firm profits, and over-abundance of lawyers. The panicked perspective  of the survival question often overpowers us, keeping us in a loop of scarcity thinking. So to keep going, the right question to ask is “how do I become a lawyer with satisfied clients and a growing practice.” It is not very productive to ask, “how am I supposed to survive when the whole industry is hitting the fan?”In their book Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much,  Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir describe the prob lem of scarcity thinking as follows: “When we think of the poor, we naturally think of a shortage of money. When we think of the busy, or the lonely, we think of a shortage of time, or of friends. But our results suggest that scarcity of all varieties also leads to a shortage of [mental] bandwidth.”It is this shortage of mental bandwidth that causes seemingly irrational behaviors in people stressed by deprivation. Lonely people avoid friends; people in debt go on spending sprees; overwhelmed colleagues are too busy to delegate any of their work. But these behaviors are rational choices from the perspective  induced by scarcity.Remembering the focusing knobChanging our perspective from the tunnel vision of deprivation to seeing opportunity requires vigilance and practice. It requires deliberately focusing away from the very slice of reality that our survival instincts present to us as our whole reality. This is not easy to do.When I first  started noticing my own scarcity thinkin g and working on changing my perspective, I needed the help of trusted friends and coaches to turn the focusing knob of my attention until it showed me an entirely different view of the same situation.A good sign of scarcity mentality is the inability to see all of our options. If you catch yourself thinking that a particular situation is hopeless and there’s no getting out of it, ask for a second opinion. It might  be  that your focusing knob is just  stuck on the wrong plane.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Last Will and Testament FAQ - Australia

Last Will and Testament FAQ - Australia Last Will and Testament FAQ - Australia GeneralI'm getting older. What documents should I have in place?If you are getting older or if you have dependants, there are three documents you should prepare to help your loved ones manage your affairs. Health Care Directive: Your Health Care Directive (also called Living Will or Personal Directive or Advance Decision) is used to appoint someone to make health care and personal care decisions for you (of a non-financial nature) and describes any medical treatment preferences you may have in the event you are no longer able to communicate or are incapable of giving consent. Power of Attorney: Your Power of Attorney grants authority over your financial decision making to someone you trust in case you become unable to communicate or incapable of giving consent. A Power of Attorney may also be used to grant full or limited powers over your financial affairs when you will be travelling or otherwise unavailable. Last Will: Your Last Will describes how to distribute your estate after you die. Why should I have a Will?A Will enables you to: choose who will get your property after your death; choose how your property will be divided among your various beneficiaries; give specific items of property to specific people; appoint someone you trust to administer your estate; and appoint a guardian for your minor children. If you die without a Will, your property will be distributed by a court-appointed administrator according to statutory rules for intestate succession. Your property will be divided among your surviving spouse, children, and possibly other relatives in whatever manner the law of your jurisdiction specifies. You will not have a chance to give property to non-relatives or to exclude relatives. Additionally, if you have no relatives, your property will go to the state rather than to a friend or charity of your choice. Who can make a Will?In most jurisdictions you must be at least 18 years old to make a Will, however exceptions may be made for younger people if they are in the military, if they are married or if they have been legally emancipated. In addition you must be of sound mind to make a Will. Being of sound mind means: You understand you are making a Will and you know what a Will is; You understand your relationship to those mentioned in your Will; and You understand what types of property you own, how much of that property you own and how you intend to distribute that property. When should I change my Will?It is up to you to decide when to change your Will. You should review your Will from time to time to ensure that it still meets your needs and that your property will be distributed according to your wishes. It is especially important to review your Will on the following events: You get married or divorced (a change in marital status may void your Will); You are unmarried, but have a new partner; The amount of money and property you own significantly changes; Your executor or a significant beneficiary in your Will dies; There is a birth or adoption of a child in your family; You change your mind about the provisions in your Will. What is a codicil?A codicil is an amendment to your Will. A codicil is used when you are happy with the contents of your Will but want to make minor changes. It leaves your original Will intact but makes specific changes, such as adding or deleting a beneficiary. A codicil is signed and witnessed (executed) in the same manner as a Will. For more information: See Using a Codicil to Change Your Will. Do I need a Will if I have a Power of Attorney?Yes: a power of attorney for financial matters provides your chosen agent with the power and authority to deal with your property and make financial decisions for you only while you are alive. A power of attorney automatically ends on your death. Consequently, you need a Will to specify how you want your estate distributed on your death. What is the difference between a Last Will and a Health Care Directive? A Last Will is used to distribute your property after your death. A Health Care Directive allows you to specify, in writing, your health care preferences for the time when you no longer have capacity to provide consent. A Last Will cannot be used to specify what type of medical treatment you want. What does jointly-owned mean?Joint ownership (also called joint tenancy) is different from other types of co-ownership. If you own property jointly with someone else, it means that both of you own all of the property. (In other kinds of co-ownership each of you owns half of the property.) Jointly owned property automatically becomes the property of the surviving owner when one of the owners dies. A typical example of jointly-owned property is where a husband and wife jointly-own their house. In that case, when one spouse dies, full title to the house automatically goes to the surviving spouse. Parties Named in the WillWhat is a testator?A testator is the person who is making the will. A female testator is often referred to as a testatrix. What is a beneficiary?A beneficiary is a party who is receiving a gift from the testator. Beneficiaries can be people or organisations. What is a devisee?A devisee is a party who is receiving a gift of real estate from the testator. What is an executor?An executor is the person who will be carrying out the terms of the testators will and administering the testators estate. An executor is sometimes referred to as a personal representative. What does an executor do?An executor or personal representative is responsible for collecting the assets of the testator's estate, paying any debts of the estate, paying any applicable taxes, and distributing the assets of the estate in accordance with the directions of the Will. Whom should I select to be my executor?Administering the estate can be complex, time-consuming and stressful. Ensure you select someone you trust, who will be able to handle your financial matters prudently. Your executor does not need to have any legal expertise. An executor can always hire a solicitor should the need arise. Many people select their spouse or an adult child to be their executor. Also, people often choose an individual who will be receiving a substantial amount of property to be their executor. In this way, the executor will want to ensure that the property is distributed properly. Can I choose anybody to act as my executor?Typically you may choose anyone to act as executor except a minor. An Executor can be disqualified if they have been convicted of a crime. Additionally, some jurisdictions place restrictions on non-resident executors (for example, some states specify that all non-resident executors must be related to you). Can my executor be a beneficiary in my Will?Yes, your executor can be a beneficiary in your Will. Wills and Your SpouseCan a husband and wife make a Joint Will?A Joint Will (also known as a Mutual Will) is a single Will that covers two people. When one person dies the Joint Will leaves everything to the surviving person. Joint Wills also state what will happen to any property should both people die. The major problem with Joint Wills is that the surviving person cannot change the Will after the first person dies. Should life circumstances change - for example the surviving person wishes to remarry after the first person's death - the surviving person is stuck with whatever the Joint Will provided. LawDepot does not provide Joint Wills however, LawDepot does allow two people to make Mirror Wills. Can a husband and wife make Mirror Wills?Mirror wills are used to allow two people to create almost identical wills which leave everything to each other. A husband and wife (or any other couple) can make Mirror Wills by each writing a Will that leaves everything to the remaining spouse. Often, there is a clause that provides that if the husband and wife die at the same time or within thirty days of each other, then everything goes to the couples' children or if there are no children, to a named beneficiary. The important thing to remember is that you can only use a Will to give away what you own, and not what your spouse owns. Additionally, jointly owned property where there is a right of survivorship cannot be disposed of in your Will because the surviving owner automatically becomes the sole owner of the property when one of the joint owners dies. This is true whether it is a house, a bank account or any other property that is jointly owned. If you want to make Mirror Wills, each partner must create a Will. Use the Specific Gifts section to give gifts to named beneficiaries and then the Distribution of Residue section to give everything else you own to your partner. If you do not want to give specific gifts to anyone, select None for Specific Gifts and leave the residue of your estate to the other partner. Does marriage revoke a previous Will?In most jurisdictions, if you get married, any previous Will that you made is revoked unless the Will was made in contemplation of marriage and that fact is expressed somewhere in the Will. If you want to make a Will in contemplation of marriage, make a Will and use the Additional Provisions section to say This Will was made in contemplation of marriage to my fianc, ________. Does divorce revoke a previous Will?Depending on the jurisdiction in which you reside, a divorce may revoke your previously made will. In some jurisdictions your entire will is revoked upon divorce. In other jurisdictions a divorce may have no effect on your will or only specific provisions relating to your former spouse will be revoked. Note: In Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and New South Wales, divorce has the effect of revoking provisions relating to the ex-spouse. In Tasmania, divorce will revoke the previously made Will altogether. Can I use this Will if I am in a same-sex de facto relationship?Yes, this Will can be used if you are in either a same-sex or an opposite sex de facto relationship. You can this Will to select your de facto partner as your executor, guardian and/or the major beneficiary of your estate. Wills and Your ChildrenHow do I address step-children?Stepchildren are not your natural heirs unless you have legally adopted them. They are not included if you leave property to all my children. If you want to leave something to your stepchildren, you must name them as beneficiaries in your Will. Do I have to list all my children?You must list ALL children. Any child not specifically named in your Will may have the right to claim against your Will as if no Will had been created. If you need to disinherit a child you should do so by naming and disinheriting that child specifically. Otherwise, if you simply leave out a child, a court may assume that you made a mistake and may re-interpret the Will including the missing child. What is a guardian?A guardian is a person the testator appoints to look after the testators minor children when the testator dies. Do I have to appoint a guardian for minor children in my will?You do not have to appoint a guardian for your minor children however, if you do not, the courts will decide who will look after your children if no other person having parental rights survives you. What should I consider when appointing a guardian?When appointing a guardian you may want to consider the following questions: Will my proposed guardian be old enough to look after my children? (Your proposed guardian must be an adult.) Does my proposed guardian have experience raising children? Is my proposed guardian concerned about my childs welfare? Is my proposed guardian able to care for my child emotionally, physically and financially? Does the proposed guardian have the time to take care of my children? Does my child like and feel comfortable around the proposed guardian? Where does my proposed guardian reside? (It may be difficult or upsetting for your child to move right after your death.) For more information see: Naming a Guardian for Your Children GiftsCan all my property be given away in a Will?Not all property can be given away in a Will. Property that cannot be gifted in a Will is commonly referred to as non-estate assests. Non-estate assests typically cover the following: superannuation death benefits - Generally the trustee has the discretion to decide who receives the superannuation benefit. Usually, a trustee will follow the testator's death benefit nomination, however the trustee is not obliged to do so unless a binding nomination has been made. life insurance - Life insurance is typically a non-estate asset unless the nominated beneficiary is the person whose life has been insured. assets owned in a family trust - Family trust assets are non-estate assets because they are not personally owned by the testator. assets owned by a family company - Wills can transfer the shares owned by the testator (and therefore control of the company) however a Will cannot specifically transfer ownership of the assets of the company. assets held by a private company - Generally, private company assets are non-estate assets because they are not personally owned by the testator. A testator may be able to leave his/her shares in the company in a Will subject to the governing rules of the company. jointly owned property - Full-ownership of any jointly-held property will be automatically transferred to the surviving owner. The surviving owner can then transfer the property in his/her Will. What is a Specific Gift?A specific gift is just what it sounds like. It is a gift of a specific item of property or sum of money to a named beneficiary. For example: I give my diamond engagement ring to my daughter, Sally Jones. I give $5000.00 to my friend, James Smith. Everything that is not given away as a specific gift forms the residue of the estate. What is the Residue of the Estate?The residue of the estate is all of your property that is not used to pay your debts or given as a specific gift. For example, if you own a house, household items such as furniture and jewelry, a car and a savings account, and you give your car to your son, and your jewelry to your daughter, your house, all other household items, and your savings account will be the residue of your estate. If you give the residue to your spouse, your spouse will get your house, your household items (less the jewelry) and your savings account. Remember, your executor has to pay debts before the residue of your estate is distributed. So if you had $25,000.00 in savings and $10,000.00 in debt, your executor would have to pay the $10,000.00 debt before distributing the residue. Debts are usually payable out of the residue first, and if there is not enough money from the residue, then specific gifts will be sold for cash to pay debts. Please note that your spouse, your ex-spouse, someone you are cohabiting with and your children may be entitled to portions of your estate notwithstanding the provisions of your Will. If you are unsure as to your obligations, consult a local solicitor. What is the difference between an absolute gift and a conditional gift?An absolute gift is a gift of property that gives the recipient complete possession and control over the property. Upon receipt of the gift, the recipient owns the property and may do whatever he/she wants with it, subject, of course, to legal regulation for the use of the property. A conditional gift is a gift of property which is revocable if the recipient does not fulfill conditions attached to the gift. For example: I give my house to my friend John, provided that my friend John take care of whatever cats I own on my death for as long as the cats shall live. Law Depot's Will provides for absolute gifts in both the Specific Gifts section and the Distribution of Residue section. You may use the Additional Provisions feature to give a conditional gift, but the law surrounding conditional gifts is complex, and you should probably seek legal advice in your jurisdiction to properly effect a conditional gift. What does this mean: the devisee takes the property subject to the mortgage?It is the job of the executor to pay outstanding debts out of the assets of the estate. However, if any land (real property) is given as a gift, and has a mortgage attached to it, then that beneficiary (devisee) receives the land subject to the mortgage. The executor will not pay the outstanding mortgage out of the assets of the estate. This clause is a direction for the executor to protect other beneficiaries. If a beneficiary (devisee) receives the whole estate or has other assets, they are entitled to pay the mortgage themselves. Example #1 A person leaves their entire estate to their spouse (a home with a mortgage plus a bank account). In this case, this clause has no effect. The home and bank account go to the surviving spouse. This clause does NOT mean that the surviving spouse cannot spend the cash portion of the estate to pay off the mortgage. Of course they can. Once the estate is settled, a beneficiary can do whatever they want with a gift. Example #2 The purpose of this clause is to help protect against the following situation: A mother owns 300,000 in equity in a house and 300,000 in a bank account. The mother wants to give equal value to each of two sons. The mother gives my home to son #1 and my bank account to son #2. But the house has a total value of 500,000 with an outstanding mortgage of 200,000. The mistaken executor decides to pay off the debts of the estate (the mortgage) before distributing the gifts. Son #1 will get a 500,000 debt-free house and son #2 only gets 100,000 the remainder of the bank account. Clearly not what the mother intended. Pets and Pet GuardiansCan I name a pet as a beneficiary?You should not name your pets as beneficiaries. Instead you should provide instructions to your executor to find suitable care for your pets and leave money for the pets upkeep. How can I ensure my pet is fed and watered in case of my sudden illness or death?Where possible, you should discuss your concerns with trusted friends and family. Ideally, you should leave spare house keys with trusted acquaintances. You should also consider carrying an information card in your wallet to alert emergency medical personnel. This card should contain contact information for pet caregivers as well as any important medical information pertaining to your pets. MiscellaneousCan I put instructions for my funeral in my Will?You can include your wishes for your funeral in your Will. However, your expressed wishes are not binding, and there is a good possibility no one will look at your Will until after your funeral. If you do put directions for your funeral in your Will, make sure your executor and family members who will be arranging your funeral know that you have done so. You can use the Additional Clauses section to specify your funeral instructions. What can I put in the Additional Clauses section?The Additional Clauses section allows you to add up to four clauses to your Will. You can use this section to add specific gifts, to give conditional gifts or to express your non-binding wishes about some matter. Do not use this section to express your health care wishes. Health care wishes should be prescribed in a health care directive. Do not use this section to tell a beneficiary how to use a gift. When the property passes to the beneficiary, the beneficiary owns it and can use it however he/she so chooses. Do not give away other people's property in this section. You can only give away property that you own. Do not give away property that is jointly owned with someone else. If you own property jointly with someone, on your death the other owner automatically becomes the owner of the entire property. Do not give away a gift a second time. For example, if you left your house to your spouse in the Specific Gifts section, you cannot instruct that it go to your children on your spouse's death in an additional clause. Your spouse will own the house and have the right to dispose of it as he or she sees fit. What is an International Will?An international will is a Will that has been prepared according to the rules regarding international Wills set out in the Washington Convention of 1973. When a person has prepared a Will and then moves to another country, province or state, or where the testator owns property in a foreign jurisdiction there can be conflicts between the laws of the jurisdictions that could prevent the Will from being interpreted as the testator had intended. In this case the testator may wish to prepare a Will in the form prescribed for an International Will. A properly prepared International Will is then recognized as valid in any other state or nation that has adopted the Washington Convention. If you own assets in a different country or state, or if you have a foreign domicile, then please seek advice from a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction. Signing DetailsHow and what do I sign?To properly execute your Will, you will have to be present with your chosen witnesses. You will have to identify to them that this document is your Last Will and Testament. You will then initial each page of the document at the bottom of the page, below all the text, except the signing page of your Will, which requires your full signature. To be valid, you must sign the final (signing) page with your usual check-signing signature. No text should appear on the last page after your signature other than the witness signing area. Signing and initialing of the pages must occur in the presence of your witnesses. Can a beneficiary witness my Will?In most states, if one of your witnesses is also a beneficiary, then your Will is still valid, but any gift to a witness may be reduced in value to that permitted by law. In general, where a witness is also a beneficiary, this can create a presumption that the gift was given under duress. To ensure that your Will is followed exactly, your witnesses should not be any person to whom you leave property, nor the spouse of any person to whom you have left property. Can my executor witness my Will?Yes, but only if the executor is not a beneficiary in your Will. The best approach is to use a self-proving Last Will. Do I have to file my Will?You do not have to file your Will with any court system or government body. However, you should store your Will in a safe place where your executor or personal representative will be able to locate it. What law will apply concerning my Last Will?The governing law for your Last Will and any Codicils attached to it will be the law of the jurisdiction where you live at the time of your death. However, the probate court will want to verify that your Last Will was executed (signed and witnessed) correctly. In most jurisdictions the probate court will want to verify that your Last Will and Codicils were signed in compliance with one of the following: local laws (the place where the Last Will is submitted for probate); or the law of the place where the Last Will is signed (executed); or the law of the place where the testator is domiciled, either at the time of signing or at the time of death.

Friday, November 15, 2019

How to Land a Contract Gig at Facebook, Google More

How to Land a Contract Gig at Facebook, Google More How to Land a Contract Gig at Facebook, Google More While the gig economy may be most closely aligned with freelancers and on-demand apps, people in a wide variety of professions are now choosing contract work as a way to break into the top tech companies. A report by Intuit states that by 2020, 40% of the U.S. workforce will be made up of different forms of contract workers. This report also states that “more than 80 percent of large corporations plan to substantially increase their use of a flexible workforce in the coming years.” Whether the trend is being propelled by employee preferences for flexibility and autonomy, or employer’s desire to save on budget and “ accommodate workload fluctuations ”, the employment market is quickly shifting towards the contract and gig economy .   In years past, contract work was stigmatized. However, people of all skill levels are now much warmer to the concept, says Alan Zel , Founder and President of Akinu IT Staffing . Looking to find contract work at some of the world’s top tech companies? Here’s how!   Large tech organizations often have contract employees staffed by outside hiring agencies, says Ed Epstein , VP Staffing Solutions at Be Group . For example, a company like Facebook works directly with Pro-Unlimited , which manages relationships with dozens of staffing agencies to collect and manage the best talent. Through companies like Pro-Unlimited, the hiring process for roles as wide-ranging as Content Marketing Associate, Data Analyst, Engineering Project Coordinator, and Lab Technician can become much more streamlined. The larger tech organization may not post the contract role directly on their career page, rather, the selected list of staffing agencies would host the job description on their internal career site, and manage the process that way, says Epstein .   If you’re looking to find a contract position at an international tech company, it would be wise to align yourself with recruitment agencies like Hays , Manpower , Randstad or Robert Half , that are all international, as large recruitment firms might often be on the supplier list for larger enterprises. You may also benefit from connecting with more specialized local recruitment agencies. For example, Nelson Staffing handles many of the administrative and entry-level roles for Google in California.   Still on the fence about a contract gig? Here are the benefits of adding a temporary role to your resume: 1. A great way to get into a big company Landing a contract job is a great way to get your foot in the door with a prestigious company, though it is never guaranteed that a contract will turn into a permanent role. Once you have built credibility and added value, it will be easier to investigate and find those full-time positions that you may not otherwise be privy to.   Pro Tip: If you’re hoping to turn your contract into something long-term, continue networking with the recruiters you worked with, as they will be the gatekeepers to new opportunities. Do amazing work, and these simple efforts can go a long way when getting buy-in from leaders and colleagues! 2. Exposure to new training, skills, and projects Increasing and diversifying your experiences provides you with key insights you can bring to your next job. These insights make you more employable and attractive to recruiters. Pro tip: If you’re currently on a contract, make sure to add value to the projects you’re working on. Figure out where the pain points are on your team and look for solutions that help mitigate them. Keep a log of all of your projects and accomplishments as they come up which can make putting together or updating your resume significantly easier.   3. Opportunity to explore your professional interests If you’re someone who is still exploring what you want from your career, or considering a career change, accepting a contract is a great way to try out different projects and get a sense for your next big challenge.   1. Do you expect a full-time job to result from the contract? Before accepting a contract gig, ask yourself what your hopes are for the experience. Many people enjoy long-term contract work, while others hope that the contract role will lead to a full-time position. Know which you are and set your expectations. Furthermore, ask the recruiting agency whether the role has the potential for a full-time hire at the end of the contract. Don’t hesitate to get key questions answered so that you can make a fully informed decision. 2. What’s the reason for the role being contract? Some organizations may create a contract opportunity to see how the role might fit into the larger scope of the team. Sometimes the opportunity might be contracted as they are replacing a maternity leave. Whatever the reason, it’s important to ask the recruiter what the future of the role looks like. Will it be a one and done project? Or is there some potential to stay on afterward, says Zel ? 3. What is the length of the contract? It will be difficult for you to accomplish much in under 6 months. A 3-6 month contract is likely a better fit for someone exclusively in the gig economy, seeking out short contracts. Ideally, a 1-year contract would be enough time for you to demonstrate your skills and leave your mark. While a contract position is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, it might just be an exciting risk worth taking to find the job that fits your life!  

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Reduce Your Tax Liability With These 9 Tax-Free Benefits

Reduce Your Tax Liability With These 9 Tax-Free Benefits Reduce Your Tax Liability With These 9 Tax-Free Benefits Smart employees take advantage of pre-tax savings plans, retirement savings, and other ways to stretch their dollars, but they might not be aware of a host of other tax-free benefits because their companies dont currently offer them. Most companies look for ways to boost their benefits packages without going overboard on costs. Many are hoping to find ways to save money, too. You can add some of these perks to your employee benefits package to provide the maximum value in a total compensation strategy without breaking the bank. Your employees can take advantage of them tax-free, and so can you. Company Vehicles You can deduct the mileage of company vehicles on your annual tax returns if your company offers a fleet for use by employees. Employees pay nothing for this benefit and it’s completely tax-free for them. The only real issue can be the high tax paid for gasoline to power the vehicles, but this can be offset by using a fuel discount program. Company-Provided Equipment Electronics, mobile devices, and other technology perks are also tax-free for employees. Many enjoy being able to use the latest in software and hardware, particularly those who work offsite. Not only is this a tax-free benefit, but it can be claimed on corporate taxes as depreciated value over one to four years from the date of purchase. Frequent Flyer Miles and Travel Points Employees who must travel for business purposes can enjoy a number of tax-free benefits. Frequent flyer mile programs give the company and its employees free airline miles for future trips and discounts. Hotel chains offer rewards programs that let employees rack up points for gift cards and free hotel stays. Meals and Lodging Likewise, its a tax-free employee benefit under IRS rules when employers provide lodging and meals for employee events or as part of their terms of employment. Many employers offer free meals as part of their wellness programs, and this is also tax-free. Communication Bills Your company can reimburse employees on a monthly basis, completely tax-free, if employees are required to furnish their own cellphones, internet service, or other communication solutions as part of their jobs. The services must be used exclusively for the business and not for personal enjoyment, however. Dependent Care Support When employees are forced to care for dependents or aging family members, a portion of their dependent care benefits is tax-free each year. These contributions were limited to $5,000 a year as of 2018. Corporate Wellness Programs Leading companies understand the importance of maintaining a healthy workforce, and corporate wellness programs are a popular choice. This isnt just a tax-free benefit- it can reduce health insurance premiums over time. Non-Cash Rewards and Swagger Companies that want to maximize their incentive programs but remain taxs include gift certificates for local restaurants and sporting events, T-shirts, hats, and koozies. Employees love them and they don’t cost the company much to obtain. Corporate Learning and Development A well-educated and trained workforce is a strong and productive workforce. One of the best tax-free benefits a company can offer is a learning and development program for employees to enhance their skills. Tuition reimbursement is also tax-free up to $5,250 a year per employee as of 2019.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

How to Get Along With a Co-worker You Cant Stand - The Muse

How to Get Along With a Co-worker You Cant Stand - The Muse How to Get Along With a Co-worker You Cant Stand Maybe you and your co-worker have polar-opposite beliefs on every single, little thing. Maybe the way he taps his pen on his desk drives you crazy. Or maybe you two just can’t get through a team outing without throwing little barbs at each other. Whatever the case, nearly everyone has a certain colleague who gets on their nerves at the office. And when you have to work closely with that person on the same project or team, it can make your life a whole lot more stressful. But if you find yourself in that situation, don’t throw in the towel just yet. In my time in the HR field, I’ve seen some truly inspiring transformations. While they may not have ended up best friends, plenty of employees once at odds with each other have been able to set aside their differences and come together for the good of the team. And throughout all of those success stories, I’ve noticed a few common steps. Give Yourself Space and Rebuild Slowly When faced with a challenge, a lot of talented, driven employees want to dive in and come up with a solution right away. But when tempers are high, giving yourself a little bit of breathing room can be the most productive first step you can take. If you and your co-worker have had a particularly negative encounter recently or have just been on shaky terms for a while, take a few days or so to keep your distance and gather your thoughts. Politely explain that you want to push pause for a bit just to cool down, then try sitting in a different area, postponing one-on-one meetings, or if it’s possible, working from home for a day or two. (And if sitting far apart or spending time away from each other is impossible, create a space around yourself by wearing your headphones and avoiding as many situations as possible in which you’ll come face to face.) Be the Bigger Person and Reach Out Once you’ve come back from clearing your mind, start building the relationship up again slowly. You might want to shelve any non-urgent issues for the time being and try to chat on a personal level. Invite her to lunch or out for drinks and make it clear that you won’t be bringing up work matters. Instead ask how she’s doing, what she’s been up to lately, or even what she likes to do in her free time. Not only will this help you humanize your co-worker, it can help you understand where she’s coming from and why she’s been difficult to work with. And sometimes getting out of the office can make all the difference in the conversation’s tone and flow. From my own experience, I was able to view a colleague I’d been butting heads with much more positively after getting to know about his family. That, combined with a week of limited contact with him, helped me realize he was more than just the guy who steamrolled me in meetings all the time- he was a good person who just happened to get carried away sometimes. And with that knowledge, I was in a much better space to listen, comprise, and ultimately find a solution. Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room Having a tough conversation’s never fun, but if you really want to make things better, you need to eventually talk with your co-worker about the issues you’ve been having. Not in that first meeting, but in the one after. Trust me: No matter how well you think you can swallow your emotions, the tension will keep building up until it eventually boils over. Fortunately, major collaboration issues are usually due to a misunderstanding or difference in communication styles- meaning they can be fixed if both parties are willing to put in the effort. So, the next step’s to simply acknowledge what you think is going wrong. Make sure to use plenty of “I” statements (I feel, I think, and so on) so your colleague can understand your perspective without feeling like you’re accusing or attacking them. Keeping your communication style in mind, lay out what you personally need in order to thrive, whether that’s more positive feedback, a greater degree of transparency, more adherence to deadlines, faster responses to urgent emails, or whatever else you think is bothering you. Odds are that this person’s not trying to offend you- it’s just his natural behavior and he didn’t know it was bothering anyone. After you’ve shared your thoughts, invite your co-worker to weigh in as well. Communication’s a two-way street, and his perspective needs to be heard just as much as yours does. Then, once you’ve aired it all out in the open, it’s time to apologize for any bad blood that may’ve been transpired, come up with a plan of action for how you’re going to turn it around, and pledge to hold yourself accountable. In an ideal world, one conversation is all it would take to mend a wounded working relationship. And sometimes, that’s exactly how it works out- which is great! But more often than not, you’ll need to put some ongoing thought and effort into ensuring that you and your co-worker can collaborate the way you need to. The good news is that I fundamentally believe that as long as two parties are each willing to adapt their work style, there’s no reason they can’t be successful. Of course, every once in a while you’ll run into somebody who’s not as flexible as you might like. In that situation, you might find yourself having to accommodate them a bit more, which can be challenging. But if you keep the lines of communication open, maintain a plan of action, and lean on your manager HR for help when needed, you should be in good shape to get along with a co-worker you can’t stand. Photo of co-workers talking courtesy of Thomas Barwick/Getty Images.