How One Company Relies on Humor and Humility to Drive Innovation

How One Company Relies on Humor and Humility to Drive InnovationHow One Company Relies on Humor and Humility to Drive Innovation Its not often that a company will reveal the true secrets of their success. After all, a strategy for groundbreaking innovation is worth millions or even billions. It is standard practice for any company - from Apple to Applebees - to require employees and those visiting the corporate headquarters to sign an agreement barring the transmission of proprietary information. Even Beyonce requires friends to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before parteiesDataminr , however, is on a mission to ensure their clients are the first to know about high-impact events and critical breaking information. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Dataminr is a pioneer in synthesizing and sharing information . So when we asked Dataminrs SVP of People Ingrid Kessler about the secrets to their success as an organization, she shared openly. Key components of Dataminrs winning formula humor and humility.I really lean on humor and humility as a guide for myself and when coaching others as we navigate hard work, remain agile to capitalize on new opportunities, and celebrate successes, which are all part of a rapidly growing company, says Kessler. These attributes start from the top. CEO teddy boy Bailey and the entire executive kollektiv exhibit humor and humility regularly.Glassdoor caught up with Kessler to talk about how Dataminr has become one of the worlds leading geschftliches miteinanderes in AI and Machine Learning innovation. Heres what she said and why you should consider joining a team that is so passionate about what they do.Glassdoor Dataminr is known for transforming social media events into actionable information. How do you as SVP of People transform the feedback you get from your employees into actionable strategies to improve the culture? An example?Ingrid Kessler Last year, we doubled in headcount from 150 to 300 and we are continuing to grow at a very rapid pace. For any company scaling that dramatically, it is critical to keep an ear to the ground in formal and informal ways and then to find ways to balance quick wins with longer-term strategic initiatives. To gather input we run lightweight surveys on a regular basis and have a Manager Network that meets monthly. We also have an open door policy within the People team and find that many employees set up time to talk with us about needs and concerns, as well as to share positive feedback. Its an incredible part of our culture that our employees are so forthcoming and collaborative.One of the programs we launched quickly welches in response to asks from our teams for mora accessible wellness initiatives . We introduced yoga and meditation classes onsite in various offices, as well as reimbursement for wellness-related apps. For larger initiatives, such as performance management and onboarding, we incorporate survey feedback int o our planning cycle. Recently, we heard that employees wanted a mora formalized way to organize diversity efforts and so we just launched employee resource groups focused on diversity initiatives in recruiting, internal education, mentorship , and volunteerism . When employees see real changes and new programs that are in direct response to their honest feedback, they are encouraged to give more feedback We cant institute everything requested, but as a People team, we do our best to explore each request and provide feedback and context, as well as realistic timeframes around any decisions made.Glassdoor HR is changing and employer branding is changing. How do you ensure that candidates and job seekers get a clear, consistent picture of what makes Dataminr a great place to work?Ingrid Kessler Dataminrs culture is palpable and remarkably consistent you can talk to anyone at the company and theyd strike you as proactive, collaborative, down to earth, and committed to achieving outstanding results. Our people are also passionate about our product and the positive impact Dataminr has on our clients and the world. I was fortunate enough to walk into this amazing culture when I joined a little over a year and a half ago, so instead of creating a culture, my priority became articulating what was already in the air so we could maintain its integrity as we scaled. We crystallized and defined four key behaviors that drive success at Dataminr Own it, Find a Better Way, Bring Others Along and Drive Results. Now, we focus on ensuring that everything we do internally with employees and externally to engage job-seekers relates to behauptung key behaviors from our CSR Program, Alert to Action, to the way we position our job descriptions, to our social media accounts and the stories we show and tell. We also reinforce these behaviors by providing additional training to our internal recruiting team, and our interviewers and hiring managers, and then bring these behavi ors to life for our new hires during orientation. Internally, we use them as hashtags when publicly recognizing each other for great work, and we promote and reward employees who exhibit those behaviors. We work very hard to ensure that the Dataminr experience is consistent from job research to interview to Day 1 and beyond in all of our offices.Glassdoor Any unique tools or strategies youre employing to recruit people who are aligned with Dataminrs culture?Ingrid Kessler We encourage all interviewers to remember that candidates are interviewing us as much as we are interviewing them so we need to ensure that we share our passion, enthusiasm, and drive, leave time for questions from candidates in each interview, and push ourselves to actively seek out candidates who are strong in ways that are different from and additive to the current team. To give insight into life at Dataminr , we bring the behaviors that drive success to life across the candidate experience by sharing exam ples, stories and case studies. In addition, we believe that bringing in great talent is everyones responsibility, not just the People teams. Individuals at every level of the organization are involved in the interview process, and we provide training for those who are new to the process. We bring our teammates to career fairs to give candidates the opportunity to talk to individuals from across departments about what its like to work at Dataminr . And, we run an employee referral program because we know that the best ambassadors for Dataminr are the people who work here.Glassdoor The part of Dataminrs mission to do things with a sense of humor and humility really stood out to me. What does that look like in action? Whats an example of you and your team operating with both humor and humility?Ingrid Kessler Im so glad that resonated with you I really lean on humor and humility as a guide for myself and when coaching others as we navigate hard work, remain agile to capitalize on new opportunities, and celebrate successes which are all part of a rapidly growing company. These attributes start from the top. Ted and the entire Executive Team exhibit humor and humility regularly. In new hire orientation, we show a video that talks about the importance of our work and closes with a blooper reel of Ted stating his name and role in humorous ways. That tells employees from the beginning that we take what we do seriously, and that we can also laugh and enjoy ourselves Similarly, it is common to be in a meeting and hear a senior leader go out of their way to ask a question that might seem extremely basic or obvious to ensure that everyone is truly on the same page. Questions are always encouraged and retrospection is valued as a way to continuously improve and problem solve together as a team. In an interview recently, one of our senior engineering team mentioned (and Im paraphrasing) that we talk about being a company of no ego, where good ideas can come from anywhere and teams work cross-functionally to solve problems and that Dataminr is the first place hes worked where that is really true.We all work hard, but we also keep our work in perspective and maintain balance in our lives. When you are as close as we are to breaking news events around the world, you cant help but be humble and grateful. We genuinely respect and enjoy each other as colleagues.Glassdoor Womens history month is upon us, so as a senior female leader at Dataminr what are a few ways that you and your team are nurturing the careers of talented women, specifically?Ingrid Kessler We have a culture that encourages new ideas, rewards high potential talent, and makes room for diverse voices at the table . We run internal programs that support and inspire Dataminr women. For example, our mentorship program aims to pair women up with other women whenever possible this not only gives women mentees a chance to learn from other women, but it also gives women mentors who may not h ave had other formal leadership opportunities a chance to step up. Additionally, were celebrating zwischenstaatlich Womens Day globally by hosting a speaker who will focus on inspiring Dataminr women to be pioneers and innovators. These are cultural elements within our organization that enable and encourage women to speak up.In addition to cultivating an organization where women can thrive, we have a recruiting strategy in place that connects us with talented women. We post on career sites that target women, including women in tech and women returning to the workplace. Weve also increased our presence at women-focused recruiting conferences, including the booth we sponsor at the Anita Borg Grace Hopper Celebration. As a result of our purposeful sourcing, recruiting and engagement efforts, Im proud to share that over the past two years we doubled the number of women we hired into our organization.Glassdoor Oftentimes, users come to Glassdoor as they are navigating their career an d trying to tackle things like management and salary negotiations. What advice would you give to a first-time manager when shes starting out?Ingrid Kessler Dont be afraid of delegating all of your work away. There is always more work to do. By bringing others into your most interesting projects, you lift them up with you and allow them to grow and be engaged. In return, they will bring new perspectives to your work and create more space for your own growth by creating time for you to take on new projects, strategize and plan.Regarding compensation and promotions, ask for what you believe you deserve. Dont wait for someone to recognize your hard work and dont sit back insulted that your manager didnt think to give you a raise on their own. Ask. And when you ask, provide a business case for yourself . Market yourself, your accomplishments and your teams accomplishments internally. Your company wont agree to pay you what you ask for unless they also believe you are worth it no matte r who started the conversation so start it.Finally, pick your battles. I try to save my most impassioned arguments for times when I am advocating for my direct reports. I fight hard to give my team every opportunity to grow and to succeed. If an initiative needs to be adjusted or I cant find a compelling enough business reason to support a request, I accept that because it is critical to keep the bigger company picture in mind and stay positive. If however, my team or direct report is deserving of a role, a resource, or recognition, I do everything I can to make it happen for them.Glassdoor What are your thoughts on managing with goals and objectives?Ingrid Kessler We are driving a results- and performance-oriented culture, and fully believe in managing with goals and objectives. I believe it is impossible to ensure that employees and managers are aligned on expectations unless you articulate them, agree upon them together in advance, and write them down where they are visible t o both of you. As a best practice, goals should be measurable and the way to measure success should be defined at the outset. While it is usually straightforward to define success using metrics for quantitative goals, like revenue targets, I believe we should also find ways to create and review metrics when defining success for qualitative goals, like better communication . I also believe goals should be developed as a partnership. Some goals only work if they are employee driven, some only work if they are driven from the top, and some need to be conceived of together. I also believe that goals should be flexible things change, priorities shift. It does not make sense to hold an employee accountable for something that is no longer relevant to the company or possible to achieve given constraints outside of an employees control. Most importantly, every employee should be working towards goals that align with short-term priorities in their role, medium-term company-wide objectives a nd long-term personal professional development goals.Glassdoor What are some of the ways you keep employees engaged?Ingrid Kessler Luckily, at Dataminr, there is no shortage of interesting and impactful projects to work on the company is growing quickly and there are always new initiatives that are driving us forward and ways for individuals to contribute. Our culture is also flexible where we encourage employees to communicate openly with their managers should they feel their work is not keeping them engaged or contributing to their future career goals. Then when we have people working on the right things, we set clear and high expectations, hold people accountable, give feedback, and reward and recognize success. Our quarterly OKR process provides more formal ways for employees to check in to both provide and listen to feedback, as well as to set clear and measurable goals that drive performance and engagement.We also focus on engaging people with the wider organization thro ugh company-wide town halls, departmental all-hands meetings, and our Slack internal communications channels.We support learning through a robust Professional Development Reimbursement program, Mentorship Program, a management network that meets monthly, and knowledge sharing opportunities such as our Lunch and Learn series. We also recognize the importance of recharging to stay switched-on when at work, so we keep the entire human being in mind from offering mental health and wellness resources to providing flexibility to ensure people can be home on time to catch their kids soccer game or go to dinner with friends.Glassdoor Lastly, a fun one, what was your first job and what did you learn from it?Ingrid Kessler My first real job with a paycheck was working in a toy store when I was in High School. I had shifts where I was in the back and up to my ears in boxes unpacking toys and stocking them on the shelves. Then I had shifts where I was out on the floor helping customers find t he perfect gift. Through that job, I learned that the people you work with can make even the most tedious tasks, like doing inventory, fun and rewarding. Working hard together, taking pride in our work, and keeping a sense of humor was critical. I also learned that I enjoyed balancing my time between being out in front with customers and getting work done in the back by myself. Even today, I love helping people, interviewing candidates, and coaching but I also love hiding behind my computer to work on a complex spreadsheet once in a while

7 Networking Tips for College Students

7 Networking Tips for College Students7 Networking Tips for College StudentsThe Importance of Networking in College - Plus 7 Tips for SuccessHey, college students Its time to hone in on one of your fruchtwein powerful career-building tools networking.Unfortunately, you wont hear much about the importance of networking in your college classes and its leid because youre daydreaming during the professors lecture. Its just that professional networking doesnt really fit into an organic-chemistry syllabus or world-literature discussion.So, lets get started right here, right now with the definition of networking.Youre familiar with social networks, right? You gain followers on Instagram and add friends on Snapchat. Networking, in the professional sense, is similar in that youre establishing connections with people typically in your field. These connections could be working professionals, experts, thought leaders, or even professors.The purpose of networking is to form relationships with t hose wholl help get you to where you want to go, and the earlier you start building up your network, the better. Thats why its important to start networking in college before youre even ready to enter the workforce.The benefits of networking in collegeAlthough networking might seem like a bunch of small talk, the connections you establish could result in big post-graduation opportunities.As you build up your network, youll find that your connections are rooting for you. Typically, they wont mind helping you because theyve probably been where you are right now. So, if youre looking for career guidance, industry insight, or internship leads, someone in your network can help you out. Most importantly unterstellung connections could also play an integral role in helping you secure your first job out of college.Sure, this sounds like something career mavens like to say, but statistics show that building a strong network creates job opportunities. For example, 35 percent of professionals say they secured their current or most recent job through a professional connection, according to Jobvites 2018 Job Seeker Nation study. On the other side of the coin, 60 percent of survey respondents say theyve referred a friend or contact to a company.Social media, referrals, and word-of-mouth are go-to sources of new opportunities for job seekers, the report states.Think about it A hiring manager could receive hundreds of two-dimensional applications for any given job opening. From behind a computer screen, how are you, as a recent graduate, going to stand out? Of course, youll want an attention-grabbing cover letter and top-notch resume, but to get their eyeballs that far, a glowing recommendation from a current employee or mutual connection just might do the trick.You shouldnt feel ashamed that someone gave you a hand you still secured the job. Listen to anyone map out their career and at some point someone in their network probably gave them a little bit of a boost, too. Netw orking is one of those I-scratch-your-back, you-scratch-my-back sort of things, and down the road youll probably help someone out too. Sure, its not all about who you know, but youll find that who you know can really help jumpstart start your career so dont ignore this powerful tool.7 simple networking tips for college studentsLets be real Networking probably isnt at the forefront of your mind right now. Youre just trying to get through another public-speaking class without throwing up and passing your accounting exam without forgetting how to do the math.But trust us, the future-you whos already happily employed while walking across the stage at graduation will thank present-you for building a professional network. The question now, is where do you begin? Networking doesnt necessarily mean you have to suit up and sputter industry jargon over dry cocktails. Instead, here are seven simple networking tips to help get you started1. Build networking into your everyday routineIf the ide a of networking is intimidating to your introvert-self, youre not alone. But, with a little intention, you can start building your network during your everyday activities, like engaging with your professors and classmates.Youre going to class right? Sometimes your professors and classmates can be some of your most valuable assets when it comes to job hunting. Not only can your professors offer valuable industry insight and advice, theyve also taught some bright students in the past what are they up to now? Sometimes those former students will email professors links to job openings Graduation is coming up know any promising students who could take on this role? By actually talking to your professors, it keeps your name in the back of their minds when this question arises.And sure, today your classmates are wearing pajamas to lecture and look pretty sloppy, but who knows where they might land after graduation. Wouldnt it be nice to build a relationship with them now? One day they jus t might work at your dream company, and you can say Hey, remember me from philosophy class? Yeah, it was the worst.2. Get involved on campusThere are a number of benefits to getting involved on campus. Youll make friends, beef up your resume, and, yes, build your network.There are a ton of ways to get involved on campus, including honor societies, professional clubs, social sororities and fraternities, jobs, student media, club spots you name it. Not only will you be able to connect with a number of other students, youll also be able to connect with speakers, advisers, and mentors.If your campus has an involvement or club fair, go Or sign up for a campus email newsletter, peruse the bulletin boards in the study lounges or library, and talk to classmates and friends. As cheesy as it sounds, theres something out there for everyone.3. Pay a visit to your campus career centerChances are, your campus has a career center full of free resources. You might think Do I really need these? Yes , yes you doFind open internships or jobs posted by alumni, get tips on how to build your zugnglich presence, participate in a mock job interview, and learn about upcoming job fairs. Even if you arent actively looking for a job right now, it cant hurt to stop by these job fairs. Shake hands with company representatives, pass your resume around, have conversations, learn whats going on in your industry, and see where your potential future lies.4. Develop your online presenceIf the idea of talking to strangers makes you a little sweaty, dont worry. You can also network from behind a screen though not exclusively.Start by building your online presence. If you havent already, create your LinkedIn profile. Depending on your industry, you might also want to make a website or start an online portfolio. Even if its a little sparse right now, youre getting an awesome head start.You can also leverage social media, as long as your profiles are cleaned up. Your school might even have an alumni group on Facebook, and these can be infinitely helpful. Alumni will often post job openings within their company, and if youre a fit, you can reach out to the poster to learn mora. You already have one thing in common (ahem, where you went to school), so start a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the open position. They just might go to their manager on Monday morning and give you a glowing recommendation, putting you ahead of the pack.5. Be open to new connectionsHonestly, establishing a networking connection could happen anywhere. Maybe youre at your bus stop and overhear a professor talking and politely join in. Or youre in line at the local coffee shop and hear a fellow student chatting about the guest lecturer theyre excited about.6. Dont be afraid to make the first moveOk, so this is sounding like a dating guide. But really, dont be afraid to make the first move when it comes to building your network. Confidence can go a long way Our best small-talk tip? Be genuine. Dont treat networking like a game of who can make the most connections or how many resumes you can pass around. Instead, genuinely take interest in who youre talking to who they are and what they do. Try to remember important information about them. If you have to, jot some notes down in your phone.If youre having trouble keeping a conversation flowing, start asking some thoughtful questions How did you become the CEO of your company? What does your day-to-day look like? Any advice for a young person whos looking to get into your industry? What are some important things I should look for when applying to jobs? These are just some examples of what you could ask.7. Maintain your networksWe cant emphasize enough that networking is more than collecting business cards, passing out resumes, and gaining LinkedIn connections. Its hard work, and youll want to invest some time in maintaining your networks. If you meet someone at a job fair, for example, shoot them an email a fterward. Even if they dont have your perfect job position open right now, let them know you appreciate the time they took to talk to you.For brownie points, throw in something personal you learned during your conversation. This will show that you were genuinely listening, and they just might remember you when theyre hiring again.The importance of networking in college is very realNow that you understand the benefits of networking in college, go ahead and get out there If youre hesitant or shy, know itll get better with some practice and time. Plus, the sooner you start networking, the better your chances are of connecting with someone wholl help give you a little job-search boost later on.Good luckClick on the following link for more networking advice.Want to spruce up your resume before you start networking? Get a free resume critique todayRecommended ReadingTaking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60 in Record TimeNetwork Like an Expert Networking Tips from the Industrys Finest The Ultimate Networking Guide for Introverts

8 reasons why you should continue to work after retirement and why its good for you

8 reasons why you should continue to work after retirement and why it's good for you 8 reasons why you should continue to work after retirement and why it's good for you In this day and age, it’s not uncommon to reinvent your career later in life.Whether your goal is to move away from traditional full-time work but remain in the game,  or to integrate life and work to focus on a particular passion, the old model of “stop work and smell the roses” is obsolete, and frankly, can be  unhealthy for many.Continuing to use your mind in work is the best way to feel vibrant and healthy for the rest of your life.The traditional retirement model usually consists of stopping work and moving into a life of leisure. Frequently, this plan - or lack thereof - might look like travel, golf, and part-time baby-sitting for grandkids.While that may sound good at first thought, it is shortsighted. If you are 70 years young in today’s world, you could easily have another 20  more years of healthy aging if you live a life of purpose, have a proper diet, and exercise regularly.Ensuring that “retirement” years are a healthy and active time in your life requires some purpose and a little bit of passion, most often created by some form of work.In other words, staying in the game - at least part-time - can be  a really healthy strategy. Research shows that people who stay engaged in some form of work live longer than those who stop work altogether.Back in the 1970’s, I worked at a manufacturing firm populated by many long-term service employees, who had worked at physically and mentally demanding jobs for years. I played a small role in helping them to retire, and most of these people went right from a very active work life to what they thought would be a much-deserved rest.But all too often I noticed that these people deteriorated quite rapidly once they stopped working, and were sadly often gone within two years of retirement. It became evident to me that without real purpose, some people do not last long after retirement. There are always wonderful exceptions, but for most individuals whose lives have been characterized by achievement, to stop working, means to stop living.Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping a number of individuals over 65, continue working through their 80’s - and even into their 90’s. Through my professional experience, I’ve found eight reasons why working beyond traditional retirement age is a healthy thing to consider: Today, happy people want a diversity of experience and the ability to cycle in and out of work and play. The “stop work” model of retirement may be harmful to one’s health, both physically and mentally. Being “out of the game” means you are no longer seen as a player, and with that comes the loss of friends and events that you formerly enjoyed. Traditional retirement brings a change in relationships, and, quite frequently, puts added stress on a marriage. Once people, particularly high-achievers,  retire, they can feel a loss of accomplishment and joy in getting work done. It pays to keep working, and for many Boomers, there will be a need for additional income. There’s a need to maintain some structure around one’s life, and some routines are worth keeping, such as  leaving the house for work at least some days of  the week. Continuing to learn, and even going back to school, keeps you mentally and physically sharp. A  new model of retirement is beginning to emerge, championed by Baby Boomers who have created many trend-setting lifestyle changes. Boomers are not only recognizing that a rewarding life allows for a rich diversity of work and leisure, but also the need to develop a lifestyle that incorporates exercise and proper diet into a program of healthy aging.With this new model for “unretirement,” we can have an active and fulfilling life filled with family, fitness, leisure, travel, education and work in an ever-changing mix.Bill Ellermeyer is  an executive career transition consultant and  speaker. Connect with Bill directly on LinkedIn or Twitter.

How to Make a Recruiter Take Notice - Executive Drafts - Resumes

How to Make a Recruiter Take Notice - Executive Drafts - Resumes How to Make a Recruiter Take Notice - Executive Drafts - Resumes Have you ever noticed how much information is out there about how to get your resume noticed? If not, believe us â€" there is an abundant amount. Unfortunately, most of the information will tell you very little or nothing at all about what the recruiter actually sees and thinks about your resume. We’re going to give you an inside scoop on how to keep your resume out of the rejection pile at the recruiter’s office with this infographic entitled “Resume Dos and Don’ts: Making Recruiters Take Notice” by Akkencloud. In it, you will learn what stands out, and the red flags that make recruiters cringe. This infographic has some great tips and tricks to help you fine-tune your resume so it outshines the competition and lands you in front of your dream employer.

Does Your Résumé Make the Grade

Does Your Résumé Make the Grade Does Your Résumé Make the Grade When, exactly, should they have mastered these skills? Grammarly, whose automated spelling and grammar checker takes the guesswork out of proofreading, put together an infographic detailing the stages of writing acquisition. In kindergarten, students begin developing vocabulary. By first grade, they start capitalizing names and dates, using commas in a series, and using verb tenses to indicate past, present, and future. Second graders learn to capitalize produce and place names and more advanced comma use. By sixth grade, students have built a working vocabulary and mastered spelling. The Flesch-Kincaid readability index, which weighs factors such as sentence length and average number of syllables per word, shows that Time and other mass market magazines are usually written on a sixth- to eighth-grade reading level. Shockingly, hiring managers routinely see errors that put applicants well below this reading level. Spelling mistakes are the most common culprits. “Having spelling mistakes on your résumé is the quickest way to get yourself eliminated from the hiring process, since it makes you seem unpolished and lazy,” writes Vivian Giang for Business Insider. Commonly confused word pairs such as ensure/insure, affect/effect, and they’re/there/their  indicate sloppy proofreading, and while they aren’t good, outright misspellings are worse. The following four words are the usual suspects for résumé spelling errors, but you should be vigilant for all errors. While mistakes can escape even the most eagle-eyed English majors, your résumé and cover letter should be as close to perfect as possible. Definitely (often misspelled as “definately”) Separate (often misspelled as “seperate”) Paid (often misspelled as “payed”) Laid off (often misspelled as “layed off”) As Justin Thompson points out for Career Builder, if “you take the time to proof your work and check any spellings…that you are uncertain about, that shows an employer attention to detail and the ability to do good work. But when you end your cover letter with ‘I hope to here from you,’ you probably wont hear from them either.” Other grammatical gaffes include misusing commas in dates and places, incorrectly capitalizing the names of companies or common nouns, and using the wrong verb tenses. While not an actual mistake, a hallmark of mediocre writing is unvaried sentence structure. Many writers fall back on simple sentences, and though straightforward writing is best, that isn’t the same thing as being repetitious. If you find yourself stringing together too many simple sentences, try rearranging a few into complex or compound structures. The important thing to remember is that your résumé and cover letter don’t just highlight your accomplishments; they also serve as a writing sample. “In addition to the obvious purpose a résumé and cover letter have to introduce, inform, and impress, they are a way for you to alleviate my fears about hiring you,” writes Petrula Vrontikis, head of a graphic design agency. Vrontikis sees a lot of eager new graduates looking to break into the field whose communications skills don’t measure up to their design skills. You don’t have to revisit middle school to brush up your spelling and grammar skills. The best and easiest method to improve your writing is to write a lot and read a lot. In the meantime, make sure to proofread your work very, very careful. I mean, carefully.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. We're SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.

How to Use Tech Staffing Agencies in Your Job Hunt

How to Use Tech Staffing Agencies in Your Job Hunt How to Use Tech Staffing Agencies in Your Job Hunt Chief information officers continue finding skilled tech workers  to be  a challenge, which is a big plus for technology professionals seeking employment. Many candidates are looking to tech staffing agencies for help in finding technology jobs.   Not exactly sure what a staffing agency is and what it offers? Fundamentally, a staffing agency - also known as a recruiter, staffing firm or employment agency - finds job candidates for client firms.   Whether you're a developer, programmer, help desk technician or other technology professional looking for work, tech staffing agencies can help you find technology jobs that match your skill set, experience and career goals.   Choose the right agency   Tech staffing agencies are not all the same. Concentrate on reputable firms that specialize in placing IT professionals. These tech staffing agencies have a large enough client and geographic base to cast the widest net for you.  You'll be working with a whole team of experts focused on finding employment that is a good fit for you and the company that hires you.   Look for agencies that offer career services and IT training, or can help connect you with Oracle, Cisco and other computer certification training programs.   Know the agency's focus   Keep in mind that different tech staffing agencies staff different types of technology jobs. You need to know if a firm specializes in a specific field, such as web development, technical support or multiple technology specialties. Do a little research before submitting your resume or application to determine whether their focus matches your qualifications and goals.   Ask whether the agencies you contact place candidates in both full-time and contract positions. Many employers are taking the interim-to-hire route as a means of evaluating skilled technology workers on the job. Even if you're looking for full-time work, temporary engagements arranged by tech staffing agencies may lead to a long-term or full-time position once you've had a chance to impress the employer with your skills.   Keep in touch   Keeping the lines of communication open will go a long way toward helping tech staffing agencies find technology jobs that are right for you. Be honest and upfront with the agency about the type of work you are seeking. For example, are you interested in overseeing system implementation on a temporary basis, landing a part-time job at a support desk or working full time as a multimedia programmer?   Consider the type of work environment you're most interested in and how far you're willing to commute.   During your job search, keep your staffing representative apprised of any new professional developments. For example, if you speak at a technology conference or  teach a series of workshops on web development at your local community college, your representative can add this information to your resume to boost your credentials.   Finally, be sure to let your staffing professional know about any progress you make seeking work independently. With this information, your tech staffing agency should be better equipped to find the position that's best suited for your skills and goals.   Find your next technology job Skilled technology professionals are in demand in cities across the United States. See our open jobs in these hot cities: Find systems engineer jobs in Austin, Texas Find network engineer jobs in Richmond, Virginia Find help desk analyst jobs in Charlotte, N.C. Find desktop support jobs in Sacramento, Calif. Find database administrator jobs in Tucson, Ariz. This post has been updated to reflect more current information.

Power of Attorney FAQ - United States

Power of Attorney FAQ - United States Power of Attorney FAQ - United States General Information About a Power of AttorneyWhat is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney, also called a POA, is a document where one person (the principal) appoints another person (the attorney-in-fact, also known as the agent or mandatary, depending on your state) to act on their behalf with respect to certain matters like finance, real estate, business, and more. Finance An attorney-in-fact can be given the power to make financial decisions in your stead, like making payments or closing accounts for you. For example, if you were diagnosed with an illness that required long-term hospitalization, you could allow your attorney-in-fact to cancel unneeded bills like your cable and internet. Your attorney-in-fact can hold other financial powers including the ability to control your bank account, cash checks, or transfer funds. Legal A Power of Attorney lets your attorney-in-fact handle your legal matters. This means they can commence lawsuits, communicate with your lawyer, file documents with the court, and more. For example, if you were in the middle of a divorce but needed to go away for business, you could grant your attorney-in-fact the power to handle your divorce, including signing your paperwork. You can restrict your attorney-in-facts powers and may want to restrict your attorney-in-facts ability to start lawsuits on your behalf. Real Estate Your attorney-in-fact can handle all of your real estate responsibilities. This includes selling, renting, trading, or managing any personal, residential, and commercial properties owned or rented in your name. For example, if youre renting out your house, you may want your attorney-in-fact to manage your tenants, including signing the lease agreement and issuing notices to enter. Business Your attorney-in-fact can manage your business, including making employment, budgetary, and investment decisions on your behalf. They can also be your proxy in meetings and vote as a shareholder in your stead. For instance, if you own a small business but need to travel to another country for an extended period of time, you may want your attorney-in-fact to run your business and manage your employees, including making decisions regarding hiring and firing. Other A Power of Attorney can give your attorney-in-fact other powers, such as: Maintaining the family (e.g. paying for your childrens tuition or medical expenses) Hiring professionals (e.g. hiring a repairman) Handling government tax requirements and benefits (e.g. filing and paying your personal or corporate taxes) Selling, purchasing, or exchanging goods (e.g. selling your furniture or buying new furniture) Donating to charities Gifting money or items to family and friends Making insurance-related transactions (e.g. cancelling your home or apartment insurance) Managing assets in a Living Trust, an estate planning tool that allows you to transfer assets without going through probate Changing retirement plans and accepting benefits (e.g. using your pension to pay bills like your mortgage) You can set restrictions that prevent your attorney-in-fact from acting in certain areas by using a Specific Power of Attorney instead of a General Power of Attorney. Doing so limits what your attorney-in-fact can do in your stead. For example, you may give your attorney-in-fact the authority to manage your finances but limit them to simply cashing checks and making payments. What is a principal in a Power of Attorney? The principal, also called the donor, is the person who appoints someone else to act for him or her. If you are creating a Power of Attorney and appointing an attorney-in-fact, you are the principal. To be a principal, you must be: An adult, meaning youre over the age of majority and legally able to make your own decisions. (In most states, the age of majority is 18.) Competent at the time of executing your Power of Attorney. This means you were mentally capable of making your own decisions when you signed your Power of Attorney and granted your attorney-in-facts powers. What is an attorney-in-fact? The person you (as the principal) appoint is called the attorney-in-fact, agent, or mandatary, depending on your state. This person acts on your behalf, making decisions regarding your affairs. An attorney-in-fact can be anyone you choose (a spouse, child, relative, friend, or lawyer) as long as they are: An adult, meaning theyve attained the age of majority in their jurisdiction Not filing for or undischarged from bankruptcy Not the owner, operator, or employee of a nursing or extended-care facility where youre a resident An attorney-in-fact is not required to possess any specific qualities. However, its in your best interest to select someone who is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and capable of handling your affairs properly. This person should have sufficient time, adequate financial management skills, and the ability to keep accurate financial records. It is acceptable for your attorney-in-fact to also be your executor (the person you appoint to administer your Last Will and Testament) or a beneficiary (someone receiving a gift in your Last Will). What is incapacity? Incapacity means a person does not have the physical and/or mental ability to manage their affairs. Your capacity affects the creation of your Power of Attorney in that you must be mentally capable of making your own decisions at the time of creating the document for it to be valid. Your capacity also impacts when your Power of Attorney ends. While an Ordinary Power of Attorney will cancel automatically if you become incapacitated, a Durable Power of Attorney will remain in effect even after you become incapacitated. Why should I have a Power of Attorney? There are many reasons why someone would want to create a Power of Attorney. For example, you may wish to create a Power of Attorney if: You are going to be away from your home for work or travel for an extended period of time. You have been diagnosed with a serious illness and need to prepare for possible incapacitation. You are approaching old age and wish to be prudent. You are making estate or retirement plans. A Power of Attorney is important to have in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you suddenly become ill or are involved in a serious accident, having a Power of Attorney in place will allow an attorney-in-fact to manage your affairs until you are better. Remember, you cant create a Power of Attorney after youre incapacitated (which is usually when its needed the most), so its a good idea to prepare and create this document before something happens. What are the types of Power of Attorney forms? There are five terms used to describe a Power of Attorney: Ordinary, Durable, General, Specific, and Springing. Ordinary and Durable Powers of Attorney apply to different situations and factor in the principals competency. General and Specific Powers of Attorney describe what powers an attorney-in-fact has in either an Ordinary or a Durable Power of Attorney document. A Springing Power of Attorney modifies when an Ordinary or Durable Power of Attorney comes into effect. In other words, all Power of Attorney documents are either Ordinary or Durable. The terms General, Specific, and Springing simply alter how and when the document is used. Its important to know the differences between the documents and to make sure you have the right Power of Attorney for your situation. Ordinary Power of Attorney An Ordinary Power of Attorney is created when the principal is mentally competent and capable of acting for themselves but is unable to do so. An Ordinary Power of Attorney is valid as long as the principal is competent (meaning they are capable of making their own decisions and are not incapacitated). An Ordinary Power of Attorney can start immediately or on a date of your choosing (i.e. Springing Power of Attorney). For example, if your employer asks you to go to Argentina on business for six months, you can execute an Ordinary Power of Attorney to allow a trusted friend to manage your home, business, and other affairs while youre away. Moreover, your Ordinary Power of Attorney can be springing, so that it comes into effect on the day you leave for Argentina as opposed to when the document is signed. Keep in mind, however, some states (such as Florida) do not permit Springing Powers of Attorney. Durable Power of Attorney A Durable Power of Attorney, also called an Enduring Power of Attorney, must also be created when the principal is mentally competent. After it is created, this Power of Attorney is valid regardless if the principal is competent (meaning it will remain in effect even if the principal becomes incapable of making their own decisions). A Durable Power of Attorney is usable until it is revoked or the principal dies. Normally, a Durable Power of Attorney form is used to protect a principals affairs in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. However, it is sometimes used when the principal is still capable of making their own decisions but is unable to do so. This is because a Durable Power of Attorney goes into effect the moment it is executed, when the principal is still competent, unless the principal explicitly states in the document that it will go into effect on a specific date or upon the occurrence of an event (i.e. Springing Power of Attorney). For instance, if you are diagnosed with a long-term illness like heart disease, you may have a lot to handle on top of your day-to-day affairs. You can execute a Durable Power of Attorney, effective immediately, to allow an attorney-in-fact to make decisions for you while you focus on your health. If you are incapacitated for any reason during this time, a Durable Power of Attorney will allow your attorney-in-fact to continue acting on your behalf. Alternatively, you could create a Springing Durable Power of Attorney that comes into force only if you become incapacitated. This means your attorney-in-fact would only have authority to act if and when you are incapacitated. General and Specific Powers of Attorney The difference between General and Specific Powers of Attorney is whether the principal gives their attorney-in-fact the ability to carry out actions on all or part of their affairs. In other words, a General Power of Attorney gives an attorney-in-fact the authority to make any of your decisions, whereas a Specific Power of Attorney gives an attorney-in-fact the authority to make decisions for a particular purpose (e.g. to buy or sell a piece of property). Choosing a General or Specific Power of Attorney may depend on: Who you choose as your attorney-in-fact. If you choose someone who isnt good at managing finances, for example, you may want to restrict their powers. Why you are signing a Power of Attorney. For instance, if you require one particular decision to be made and nothing else, you may want to restrict your attorney-in-fact so they can only act regarding that matter. Springing Power of Attorney A Springing Power of Attorney means the principal chooses when their Power of Attorney (either Ordinary or Durable) comes into effect, usually on a specific date or when you become incapacitated. For example, if you asked your spouse to be your attorney-in-fact in the event of an unforeseen incident, you can sign a Springing Durable Power of Attorney that comes into effect only after youre debilitated. This means your husband or wife will not have authority to act on your behalf until you are incapable of acting for yourself. What is the difference between a Power of Attorney and a conservatorship? A conservatorship, also called a guardianship, also relates to handling an incapacitated persons affairs similar to a Durable Power of Attorney. The difference, however, is that conservators are generally authorized to act through a court order. They are usually appointed as a result of severe mental or physical incapacity and as such can also handle health care and living arrangements. What is a Medical Power of Attorney? A Medical Power of Attorney and a Health Care Directive, sometimes called a Living Will or Personal Directive, are documents that deal specifically with medical matters. These documents are generally created and used at the same time. A Medical Power of Attorney is used to appoint a decisionmaker for your medical matters, and a Living Will or Health Care Directive allows you to plan your medical treatment, such as whether or not you would like to be resuscitated, in case you are unable to communicate your wishes due to incapacity. The main difference between a Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney is simple: A Power of Attorney does not address your medical decisions whereas a Medical Power of Attorney does. In short, a Power of Attorney allows someone to represent your financial, real estate, or business affairs while you are unable to, and a Medical Power of Attorney grants someone the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. It is recommended that you create both documents so that you can be sure to have representatives in place for both areas in the event of an emergency. What You Need to Know About an Attorney-in-FactDoes my attorney-in-fact have unlimited power? No, an attorney-in-fact can only make decisions within the areas that the Power of Attorney addresses, such as handling a persons business, legal, and real estate matters, finances, tax obligations, and more. Those powers can also be limited with a Specific Power of Attorney. To appoint someone to make decisions in other areas, a different document or a court order is required. For example, a Medical Power of Attorney is needed to appoint a decisionmaker for your medical matters, and a Health Care Directive, sometimes called a Living Will, lets you stipulate your medical care, like whether or not you would like to be put on life support, in case you are incapable of communicating your medical preferences. Similarly, in incidents involving severe mental or physical incapacity, a court order is required to appoint a conservator to make medical decisions. Its also important to know that an attorney-in-fact is legally required to comply with the principals directions and failing to adhere to those directions, without reasonable cause, can make the attorney-in-fact liable for any damages that may result from their improper conduct. Can I have multiple attorneys-in-fact in my Power of Attorney? Yes, sometimes a principal will need to appoint two or more attorneys-in-fact to act at the same time or an alternate attorney-in-fact to act in the event that the original attorney-in-fact cannot fulfill their obligations. If the principal requires two or more attorneys-in-fact to act at the same time, they must decide whether they will be joint or joint and independent attorneys-in-fact. Joint attorneys-in-fact must act together. This means the attorneys-in-fact must agree before they can act and must act at the same time. If one of the attorneys-in-fact is unavailable, the other attorney-in-fact cannot act. For example, lets say you need to cancel a service (like your cable TV). If youre incapacitated and have named two people as your joint attorneys-in-fact, they need to agree to cancel the account before any action can be taken. Joint and independent attorneys-in-fact can act together or individually depending on the principals wishes. In this instance, the attorneys-in-fact can act without consulting one another. If one attorney-in-fact is absent, the other can still act. Lets say you need your attorneys-in-fact to pay a bill. If you have appointed two people as your joint and independent attorneys-in-fact, then one attorney-in-fact can pay the bill without consent from the other. In a joint and independent situation, a principal can also assign distinctive powers to each attorney-in-fact. For example, you could appoint one attorney-in-fact to manage your property and appoint the other attorney-in-fact to manage your financial affairs. Delegating certain powers is a good idea, especially when you know that one person is skilled at something, such as budgeting, and the other has strengths in a different area, such as managing rental properties. An alternate or substitute attorney-in-fact steps in when the original attorney-in-fact is unable or unwilling to take on that role, for instance if they move or pass away. This person can begin acting immediately without the principal having to create a new Power of Attorney. It is recommended (but not necessary) for the principal to appoint an alternate attorney-in-fact. Keep in mind, however, that third parties (such as a bank or insurance brokerage) may require proof that the original attorney-in-fact is unable to act before accepting instructions from the alternate. Do I need an alternate attorney-in-fact? Appointing an alternate attorney-in-fact is not mandatory, but it is recommended in the event that your original attorney-in-fact is incapable or unwilling to act for you. If your original attorney-in-fact cannot act for you and you do not name an alternate, you will need to create a new Power of Attorney to appoint another attorney-in-fact. If you do not appoint a new attorney-in-fact, the Power of Attorney is invalid until a new Power of Attorney is created. If you are incapacitated and incapable of creating a new Power of Attorney, someone (like a relative or friend) can petition the court to appoint someone to act on your behalf, such as a new attorney-in-fact or conservator, sometimes called a guardian. Because involving the courts can be time-consuming, its a good idea to include an alternate attorney-in-fact in your Power of Attorney. What if my attorney-in-fact dies or becomes incapacitated? If you appointed two or more attorneys-in-fact and one dies or becomes incapacitated, the surviving attorney(s)-in-fact will carry on. If the sole attorney-in-fact dies or becomes incapacitated, the alternate attorney-in-fact, if there is one, can step in. If there is not, another attorney-in-fact needs to be appointed by signing a new Power of Attorney. If a new attorney-in-fact needs to be appointed while youre incapacitated, someone (like a friend or relative) can ask the courts to appoint someone to act on your behalf, such as a new attorney-in-fact or conservator. In a Power of Attorney, should I pay my attorney-in-fact? It is not mandatory for a principal to pay their attorney-in-fact. However, in some states, an attorney-in-fact is permitted to repay expenses and allocate a reasonable amount of compensation to themselves, unless the principal explicitly states otherwise in the Power of Attorney. Should a principal nominate their attorney-in-fact as their conservator? A conservator, also called a guardian, is a word used to describe the person who manages an incapacitated person. A conservator is responsible for that persons physical care and may sometimes need to make decisions regarding health care. A court will generally decide if and when a conservator is required and will appoint one. The courts will usually choose the person you wish to appoint unless the judge determines that the person you named is unfit to act on your behalf. When and Where a Power of Attorney Can Be UsedWhat is jurisdiction and governing law in a Power of Attorney? Jurisdiction often refers to a geographical location with its own laws, such as a state, territory, district, or country. For example, California is a jurisdiction in the United States. However, jurisdiction can also refer to a political territory with governing authority over itself, which means that the territory has laws that apply specifically to it based on it being within that particular area. For example, a reserve would be considered a political territory with its own laws. Governing law relates to the laws applied in a given jurisdiction as well as the laws surrounding a particular document. Most often, an activity or a document is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the matter takes place (unless the parties in the document deliberately choose for the document to be governed by the laws of another particular jurisdiction). In some instances, it may be a good idea to appoint an attorney-in-fact who lives in a different jurisdiction than you. For instance, if you live in North Carolina but require someone to look after a piece of your property located in Virginia, choosing an attorney-in-fact who lives in Virginia is a good idea so that they can properly manage the property under Virginian laws. A person from Virginia may also have a base understanding of their states laws, which will help them navigate any potential legal issues involving your property. Does it matter where my Power of Attorney is executed? The jurisdiction may change how the Power of Attorney is executed (meaning the number of witnesses and whether or not it should be notarized), so it is important to know this information before signing the document. When does a Power of Attorney take effect? A Power of Attorney, whether it is Ordinary or Durable, can take effect in one of three ways: Immediately upon execution By specifying a date in the Power of Attorney Upon the occurrence of an event (such as disability or incompetence) All Powers of Attorney take effect immediately upon signing unless they are described as Springing, meaning the principal specifies a commencement date or specific event. However, know that some jurisdictions do not allow Powers of Attorney to start on the occurrence of an event. Keep in mind, the terms General and Specific only apply to the attorney-in-facts powers and do not affect when a Power of Attorney starts. When does a Power of Attorney end? An Ordinary Power of Attorney ends when the principal becomes mentally incapacitated, and both an Ordinary Power of Attorney and a Durable Power of Attorney will end if the principal dies or if the Power of Attorney is revoked. General, Specific, and Springing are terms that simply modify an Ordinary or a Durable Power of Attorney and do not impact the end date. To clarify further, the terms General and Specific only refer to whether or not you gave your attorney-in-fact authority to act on all or part of your affairs, and Springing only refers to whether or not your Power of Attorney comes into effect on a specific date or after a particular event. A Power of Attorney can also include an end date, meaning the document will be automatically rescinded after that date has passed. Moreover, in some states (such as Alabama), if youve named your spouse as your attorney-in-fact, your Power of Attorney will end if you divorce. A principal can also cancel their Power of Attorney at any time, so long as the principal is competent and the attorney-in-fact is notified in writing, using a Revocation of Power of Attorney. This document is used to retract a Power of Attorney and should be provided to any individual or organization (e.g. your attorney-in-fact, your bank, etc.) that was provided with the Power of Attorney. How is a Power of Attorney revoked? A Power of Attorney can be revoked in one of two ways: By creating a Revocation of Power of Attorney By including an end date in the document A Revocation of Power of Attorney can be executed so long as the principal is mentally competent at the time of executing the document and the attorney-in-fact is notified in writing. Any third parties (such as a bank or insurance brokerage) that were provided the original Power of Attorney should also be notified of the revocation in writing. In some situations, it may be a good idea to simply include an end date in your Power of Attorney so that the document is automatically rescinded after that date passes. For example, if you created an Ordinary Power of Attorney to allow someone to care for your affairs while youre out of the country, you could make the date that you return the end date of your Power of Attorney. That way, your attorney-in-facts powers are revoked when you return home, without you having to revoke the document manually. All Powers of Attorney are revoked if the principal passes away. Can my attorney-in-fact appoint a new attorney-in-fact for me? No. If the attorney-in-fact named in a Power of Attorney cannot meet their obligations and there are no alternates, only the principal can appoint a new attorney-in-fact. If the principal is incapacitated and the named attorney-in-fact wants to discontinue their authority to act, someone (like a friend or relative) can ask the court to appoint someone to act for the principal, such as a new attorney-in-fact or conservator. Does a Power of Attorney expire? A Power of Attorney does not have an expiration date unless the principal includes a termination date in their Power of Attorney form. In this instance, the Power of Attorney is invalid after that date has passed. All Powers of Attorney are revoked if the principal passes away. Can a Power of Attorney be used in another country? A Power of Attorney that was executed in the United States can usually be used in another country as long as it is authenticated or legalized, meaning a government official has certified that the notarys signature is authentic. For more information on authenticating a Power of Attorney, contact the embassy for the country where you intend the Power of Attorney to be used or consult relevant government websites. Signing and Filing a Power of AttorneyWhat does execute mean? To execute a document means to sign it using the proper, legal procedure, which can change depending on the type of document. For a Power of Attorney, the proper, legal procedure, depending on your states laws and the documents purpose, is to sign in front of a witness and to have the document notarized. Notarization is when a document is signed by a notary public (i.e. a person with the legal authority to certify documents). For a Power of Attorney, usually at least one witness is required to watch the principal sign, and most matters involving property require notarization. Be sure to check your state laws to make sure you are executing your document properly. What makes a Power of Attorney legal? To be valid, a Power of Attorney needs to meet certain requirements related to signing, witnesses, and notarization, and these requirements may be different depending on the jurisdiction. If the attorney-in-fact needs to sell the principals property, notarization is usually required. However, some institutions (such as banks) may have their own policies for signing, which can include notarization, and may refuse to accept documents that are not notarized. Therefore, it is recommended that a Power of Attorney always be notarized, regardless of whether or not it is required. How do you sign a Power of Attorney form? When it comes time for a principal to sign their Power of Attorney document, a witness (or witnesses), and notary, if required, must be present to watch the principal initial each page of the document and then sign it themselves using their legal signature (the signature they use to sign legal documents or bank checks). After the principal initials and signs the Power of Attorney, the witness and notary, if required, must initial each page and sign in the principals presence. In some jurisdictions, you might not be required to initial each page to execute a Power of Attorney legally. However, initially each page is a good practice as it confirms that the pages havent been modified. Can a Power of Attorney be signed digitally? Common practice is to sign using a pen. However, some people choose to sign legal documents using a digital signature. As long as the Power of Attorney is properly executed (meaning each page is initialed, if required, and the document is witnessed when signed), then a digital signature may be acceptable. In this situation, however, it is important to know what is valid in your jurisdiction. How should an attorney-in-fact sign documents for the principal? There is no regulated way for an attorney-in-fact to sign documents. However, it is recommended that an attorney-in-fact clearly indicate the principals name and that they are acting as attorney-in-fact for that person. Common practice is to write the principal's name and add the attorney-in-facts name, followed by their title (attorney-in-fact). For example: Andrew Wells, by William Pratt, Attorney-in-Fact. An attorney-in-fact should have a copy of the Power of Attorney to demonstrate that they are capable of signing for the principal. In some instances, an attorney-in-fact may be required to sign an Affidavit (a statement of facts written under oath) to affirm that the Power of Attorney is valid (and has not been revoked) and that the principal is alive. Where are Power of Attorney forms filed? In most instances, a Power of Attorney is not filed. However, if the attorney-in-fact needs to manage property, then the document should be filed with the County Clerk or the Land Titles Office (depending on the jurisdiction). For example, if the attorney-in-fact is authorized to sell the principal's home, the Power of Attorney will likely need to be filed. In this case, it will likely need to be notarized as well. Where should I store my Power of Attorney? It is recommended to store your Power of Attorney in a safe place such as a fireproof safe at home or at your lawyers office. Some people also provide their attorney-in-fact with a copy of the Power of Attorney. Because a Power of Attorney could be required on short notice, say if the principal is unexpectedly hospitalized, its a good idea to keep at least one original Power of Attorney in a safe and secure place where your attorney-in-fact can access it quickly and easily, if needed. You may also want to keep the original document with your lawyer, in case any of the copies you had in another location or with other individuals are lost or destroyed. While you can keep your Power of Attorney in a safety deposit box, problems could arise if this is the only location your document is kept. For instance, a bank may need certain paperwork completed in order for your attorney-in-fact to open your safety deposit box. The bank may even require the original Power of Attorney (which would be located inside the safety deposit box) to give your attorney-in-fact the authority to open the box. Moreover, the bank may be closed when the document is needed. It is not a good idea to keep the location of your Power of Attorney a secret because, without the original document, your attorney-in-fact may be unable to act on your behalf.

Be more like a fly and less like a bee

Be more like a fly and less like a bee Be more like a fly and less like a bee Imagine a glass bottle with its base pointed toward a light. If you put half a dozen bees and flies into the bottle, which species would find their way out first?Most people assume the answer is bees. After all, bees are known for their intelligence. They can  learn  highly complex tasks- such as lifting or sliding a cap to access a sugar solution in a lab- and  teach  what they learned to other bees.But when it comes to finding their way out of the bottle, the bees’ intelligence gets in their way. The bees love the light: They’ll keep bumping up against the base of the bottle- located at the light source- until they die of exhaustion or hunger. In contrast, the flies disregard “the call of the light,” as Maurice Maeterlinck writes in  The Life of the Bee. They “flutter wildly hither and thither” until they stumble upon the opening at the other end of the bottle that restores their liberty.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happi ness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!  In life, most of us have been conditioned to act like bees- we set a goal and try to achieve that goal. Growing up, we studied for a grade, a win on the field, or the approval of our teacher, parents, or coach. As adults, we set sales targets and revenue goals; we look for promotions and pay bumps; and we swipe right and left in search of the perfect partner.But the more we chase outcomes, the more outcomes act like mercury- slippery and elusive. The desire for a specific outcome can weigh us down and handicap us. Like the bees, we become blinded by the light.If I try to write articles with the goal of making them go “viral,” I inevitably fail. I end up aiming for the lowest common denominator and chasing the illusion of mass likeability. My writing suffers as a result.If I step onto the stage to give a keynote with the goal of pleasing everyone in the audience, I cave under pressure, become awkward, and begin stumbl ing over my words. It’s only when I forget about the outcome and focus instead on the process of writing or speaking that I end up producing quality work (and have a lot more fun while I’m at it).With an output-focused approach, success is the goal. With an input-focused approach, success is a consequence. The psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, who wrote one of  my favorite books of all time, said it best: “Don’t aim at success- the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. Success will follow you precisely because you had forgotten to think of it.”Consider juggling. Contrary to popular wisdom, juggling isn’t about catching the ball. As Seth Godin  explains, juggling is more about throwing the ball. But most beginners are too hung up on avoiding failure. They lunge back and forth and twist themselves into awkward positions, all to avoid dropping the ball. Their focus instead should be on the inputs, not the output. “If you throw well,” Godi n says, “the catches will take care of themselves.” By taking the pressure off of the outcome, you get better at your craft.Focusing on inputs has another upside: You avoid the wild swings of misery and euphoria that come with chasing outcomes. “Desire,” as entrepreneur Naval Ravikant put it, “is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” You end up like the hard-working bees who zero in on the seemingly obvious exit that is ultimately their undoing.With an input-focused mindset, you’re free to change your destination. Goals can help you focus, but that focus can turn into tunnel vision if you refuse to budge or pivot from your initial path like bees bumping up against the base of the bottle. You might set out to develop high-blood pressure medication, but pivot to curing erectile dysfunction when the participants in the clinical trials report a strange side effect (as Pfizer did with Viagra).The best paths in life often aren’t the most obvious ones. It’s only when we give ourselves permission to fly to the edges and explore the peripheries that we end up finding the best path forward.Ozan Varol is a rocket scientist turned law professor and bestselling author.  Click here  to download a free copy of his e-book, The Contrarian Handbook: 8 Principles for Innovating Your Thinking. Along with your free e-book, you’ll get the Weekly Contrarian - a newsletter that challenges conventional wisdom and changes the way we look at the world (plus access to exclusive content for subscribers only).  This article originally appeared on Ozan Varol.  You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

Developing a healthy relationship to technology

Developing a healthy relationship to technology Developing a healthy relationship to technology In the 1960s, an eccentric and controversial professor predicted the rise of the internet.Marshall McLuhan spent most of his working life at the University of Toronto, where he was primarily focused on understanding culture and technology: what exactly they are, the way they interact, and how they have shaped what we experience as the past and the present.In his renowned book  Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man  (as well as a prior effort called  The Gutenberg Galaxy), he predicted that we would soon move away from a visual culture, dictated by technologies like the TV and print magazines, to electronic media.This, he argued, would create a  global village, a new kind of social organization that would move us away from individualism to tribalism as it would make it easier for us to connect.The main reason McLuhan was able to make such an impressive prediction was that he had a very foundational understanding of what technology is and how humans use it.Today, we think of infor mation technologies â€" like the phone or the computer â€" when we use the term. If we push the definition a little, perhaps ancient tools like the wheel and the ax fall in there, too. But as McLuhan once said in an interview, technology is more than that:“I think of technologies as extensions of our own bodies, of our own faculties, whether they be clothing, housing, or familiar kinds of technologies like wheels, stirrups that extend the function of the body â€" the kind to amplify human powers in order to cope with the various environments brings on these extensions. These amplifications of our powers, sort of deifications of man, I think of as technologies.”1The point of personal technologyWhile McLuhan sometimes took a pessimistic view regarding how technologies adapt the human condition, he was mostly impartial, often suggesting that technology is generally agnostic. If you are literate and use it well, it’s leverage; if you don’t, then it controls you.When we think of the term cyborg, we think of science fiction movies where humans have merged with computers in a physical way. But according to McLuhan’s definition, we’ve been cyborgs ever since we learned to make fire and build tools and dress ourselves in clothes.Each of these technologies, just like the computer, in some way, augment a part of our body and its senses so that we can better navigate across the different zones of space and time.When you build a car and use it in your daily life, you replace part of the functionality of your legs, not needing to use them for longer distances that you once may have had to.In this way, the car, then, becomes a part of your body, or an extension of your body, one that provides seamless leverage as you then conquer more space than you previously could.This definition of technology turns everything that we unthinkingly use daily into something that either provides leverage as we connect it to our body or something that hinders us.If you spend all da y sitting in front of the computer, being nudged from one notification to another, as your life passes by, this extension, in this instance, is likely hindering your body.At the same time, however, the fact that you can use that same computer to send emails to loved ones, communicating across vast distances, in minutes, gives you immense leverage to manipulate the very fabric of spacetime in a way that your biological body alone can’t.This same dynamic exists in our relationship to our clothes, our bed, our home, and whatever else we can think of that provides a function to our body without being the body.A way towards maximum utilityOne of the most inspired cultural trends in recent years is minimalism: the idea that less ownership is more because most of what we own today isn’t necessary in a strict sense.At the end of the day, if you take care of the basics, like feeding yourself, putting a roof over your head, and finding ways to add value with your time, you technically don ’t need more.This whole idea gets one thing quite right, but at the same time, in another way, it falls short.First, it’s true: we don’t need a lot. In fact, much of what most people own is in their way. If we look at it from McLuhan’s point of view, these things act more like the computer stopping you from living your life than the computer that lets you connect with your loved ones.On the other hand, however, if ownership is pursued with intent, where utility is valued and where technology extends the body in a way that adds leverage, then it has a lot to offer.This kind of thinking requires a person to evaluate their actual relationship, the source of their connection, to the technologies they own and interact with. What is the meaning they gain from something? (This also applies to apps or websites within each technology.)A good way to evaluate utility is to see if a thing seamlessly and fluidly interacts with your body to give you more control over your surroundings, ra ther than them controlling you.A car, for example, very easily gets you to where you want to go better than having to walk there. It’s a seamless and fluid interaction, and in most cases, it doesn’t rule your life.Social media, however, is built to nudge your brain in ways that create habit-forming behaviors. And rather than the body ruling it, in many cases, it rules the body and your life.Humans create meaning from connection. And we implicitly go through life attaching meanings we aren’t even aware of to different technologies, from clothes to phones.Maximizing utility is about unmasking meaning to see if it adds the value we assume it does.The takeawayOne of Marshall McLuhan’s most enduring phrases is:  â€œThe medium is the message.”Given the state of technologies today, the medium that you use to consume your content (whether that be news or some other utility you gain from a technology) shapes more of what you take away and understand than the actual content that you are consuming.There is a difference between getting your news from an old-fashioned newspaper, which is a very individual act, than there is getting your news from a website, which is a tribal act.The reason is that technologies become a part of our bodies, and this symbiotic relationship serves a certain function, which transcends whatever surface-level relationship we assume.Today, we are increasingly being ruled by our technologies rather than the other way around. Part of this has to do with how we have been creating technologies in recent decades, but another part is that we simply aren’t literate enough to manage our relationship.Any technology, from clothing to a computer, either augments the body in a beneficial way, or it hinders the body in a way that decouples its intention from that of the mind.If you do the work to evaluate your relationships with the different technologies in your life, and the different purposes they serve, you can maximize the utility you gain fro m them.Much of the meaning in life emerges out of the connections we form to the technologies that extend our bodies. To better nourish this meaning, we have to better understand them.Want to think and live smarter? Zat Rana publishes a free weekly newsletter for 30,000+ readers at  Design Luck.This  article  was originally published on  Design Luck.

Find Your Winter Work-Life Balance

Find Your Winter Work-Life Balance Find Your Winter Work-Life Balance Working parents have a lot to juggle, and the six-month stretch from the start of the New Year through Memorial Day can be especially difficult. While the kids are off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day and spring break, their parents get few, if any, of these days off. On top of that, it’s flu and cold season. Then, when you factor in an emergency day or two for inclement weather, it can feel less like you’re juggling multiple balls and more like you are just getting pelted by them.   It’s helpful to have a fresh bank of sick and vacation time to draw from, but many jobs offer limited PTO, and it is difficult to exhaust those precious days at the beginning of the year. So how can you be present in both of your realities during “the dark months” of the year?   Communicate Proactively with your Manager   To give your supervisor some perspective on what you are managing at home, show him or her the number of days that your children have off during this time and how many you do. It can be an eye-opening figure. My spouse’s ratio is pretty typical, and mine was the same before I moved to a more flexible situation: it’s nine days off for the kids and zero for him. Work/life balance is a concept that is still catching up to workers’ needs. Having your manager’s  understanding and support is likely to make things easier on you emotionally and logistically. While your manager probably can’t extend privileges that are beyond what your colleagues have, talking through possible plans to cover unexpected absences will serve you and your manager well. Plus, your manager may be aware of telecommuting options that you can employ during the winter months or on an emergency basis. You may also find that your job is too rigid to serve your family’s needs; if that’s the conclusion you reach, Simply Hired is a great tool to target a more flexible job.   Be Prepared As you undoubtedly know, an unexpected malady or school closing can manifest at any point. Always have accessibility on your mind, so that no matter where you are your team can get the materials they need if you are unexpectedly unavailable. Save important documents publically so your team can access them. Be extra diligent when copying team members on correspondences, so they can jump in. In order for this to go well, be the most detail-oriented version of yourself, always planning for the unexpected. Amass a Community Other parents in your neighborhood are in the same boat. So lean on each other. Take turns hosting the kids on days off. Communicate when the snow starts to fly, so that whoever’s work schedule can afford it hosts the impromptu playdate. Don’t Feel Guilty I have worked on several teams where I was the only parent in the group. Sometimes I had to ask for extra consideration because of my responsibilities at home. I made this work by pitching in as much as I could under regular circumstances. My hand always went up to volunteer or to support my team.   Just like everything in life, it’s give and take. So be as giving as you can, and don’t waste a second feeling guilty when you need to take. That is what balance is all about.

How to Find Create a Free Resume Online

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The New Fuss About Modern Cv Template Word Free Download

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Heres What I Know About Combination Resume Template Word

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D & D Resume Tips

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