Month: January 2021

Hot Resume Trends for the New Year

In the new year, you can renew your outlook. Instead of trotting down the same path, experiment with new concepts. Writing a resume is a time-honored tradition. Nevertheless, with each passing year, adaptations accumulate. Over time, the form is entirely new. Here are a few of this year’s most significant trends.

Trendsetting Resume Ideas for 2021

We recommend using a combination of creativity and inspiration. Relying on the latest trends helps keep you relevant. However, oversaturation is a common issue. Resist filling your page with overused cliches. On the contrary, innovation tends to attract attention. Check out our top trends. Then, try to put your own spin on them. That way, you create a new vision.

Implementing Search Engine Optimization Techniques

First and foremost, computers dominate the job industry now. With this in mind, we must evaluate the way we structure our resumes. If you are optimized for human readers, consider a quick revision. It may only take a few minutes. However, if it catches a computer’s attention, it was more than worth the time. Search engine optimization refers to this method of optimization. When used properly, it drastically increases your effectiveness.

Developing a Statistical Approach to Their Statements

How often do you make a claim in your resume? In our opinion, they should all have relevant stats backing them up. Sure, you can rely on the testimony of your references. However, their testimony is made even more powerful with statistics to back them up. For each statement, restate it using numbers. Suppose you improved revenue for your previous employer. You might say, ” Improved revenue by 20% year over year.”

Using Automatic Proofreading Software

Reading everything you write is tiresome. Of course, if you don’t, mistakes slip by. When a recruiter reads a common grammatical error, it sends a signal. Immediately, they understand something. The person writing this did not care enough to proofread. How else might this translate to their performance on the job? By submitting flawless work, we show others something about ourselves. It is a demonstration of our deep tenacity. Others would not take the time. Luckily, it does not take much. Try using an automatic proofreader. This software is great at checking beginner’s grammar errors. Although they are insufficient for a novelist, they are suitable for your needs.

Templates for Formatting on the Go

Today, formatting matters just as much as the content. If it is hard to look at, people won’t look. Unfortunately, not everyone is born as a gifted designer. In the past, these people were out of luck. They could hire someone to help. On the other hand, they could make a muddled attempt themselves. Instead of making a dire choice you might consider using a cv service. By using a professional service, you can be assured that your resume will look professional. Of course, you still have to make the content. Nevertheless, these templates give you a phenomenal place to start. Plus, you can modify them. That way, you can still make them your own.

Utilizing the Opinion of Others During Revisions

When you read something written by someone else, it is easy to pick out things to change. This experience is markedly different when it is your own writing. However, we can work around this obstacle. Grab a willing friend to lend a hand. By using their eyes, you can gain a fresh perspective. After they finish, listen to their suggestions. Now, do not rush to implement everything instantly. A more reserved approach will suffice.

Reading Things Out Loud to Check for Errors

Sometimes, we do not have the luxury of a helping hand. In that case, you could use your voice. While proofreading, read everything out loud. Listen closely as you are reading. If you notice anything strange, locate its source. Typically, we hear miswritten material easier than we see it. Plus, reading tends to make us overlook mistakes on the page. When we read, our eyes glance over the page. As we speak, they look at each word.

Limiting the Number of Headings

The more headings you put on the page, the more cluttered it will look. If you can avoid anything, it should be a cluttered appearance. When something looks like that, it appears intimidating. Therefore, people won’t want to read it. That is the exact opposite reaction you want from a resume. On the contrary, it should be rather enticing. Suppose you are at a loss for ideas. If that is the case, look at examples online. Usually, these are great sources of inspiration.

Putting the Job Requirements at the Top

At the top of your resume, clearly list the job requirements. By doing this, you answer your recruiter’s top question. As soon as your interviewer opens the resume, they should know you qualify. Otherwise, your other material won’t even come into consideration. In a competitive job market, update this info on each application. Disparate jobs will vary in their requirements. Therefore, your resume should not be the same for each. In fact, you may benefit from eliminating specific sections. Consider whether something is relevant for each particular position. If it is not, trim it out of the final submission. Concise communication is valuable. It prevents recruiters from wasting time. Plus, you get your message across.

Using Verbs for Communication

Actions speak louder than words. How can we apply this to a resume? Well, it is less complex than it appears. Instead of writing normally, use your verbs. Start as many of your sentences with action words as possible. By communicating with verbs, we imbue our writing with a sense of movement. Most of the time, resume writing is a little boring. Appropriate word selection spices up the whole thing. In this way, we maintain reader engagement.

Speaking to Your Recruiter With Your Resume

Eloquent resumes are not always as intricate as they seem. In fact, the most effective communication is simple. When you speak clearly, everyone understands the message. Flowery language may showcase your diction skills. Nevertheless, it is easy for others to get lost in the beauty. By sticking to the basics, you are more likely to accomplish your goals.

Streamline your Business with Managed IT Services

If you are not currently making the best use of available technology and streamlining your business processes, this is something you should consider. While some business owners are very IT savvy, others tend to shy away from anything technical and if you are in the latter group, let managed IT services help you streamline your business processes.

Cloud Solutions

Rather than storing your business data on your computers, commission a managed IT service provider such as First Solutions to create a secure online network that can be accessed only by authorised personnel. This enables employees to access data using any digital device and with real-time updating, everyone is on the same page, with all documentation scanned and stored on your cloud network.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

With all your accounts and invoices on the cloud, bookkeeping and accounting staff no longer need to tour the office collecting documentation, as they simply bring it up on their workstation screen. The quarterly returns can be processed without having to retrieve documents and if your accountant is remotely located, simply create a permission and they can access the data from any location.

Specific Business Software

You can run powerful applications on the cloud, with Office 365 providing the tools you need and when you want to work on a file, the software does not have to be installed on your device, as it is based on the cloud. Powerful payroll suites that are tailored to specific sectors that integrate PAYE with income tax, while also calculating hours worked and overtime. Once you have configured the system, it can do 75% of your accounting staff’s workload, freeing them up to work on other things. Here are some of the best business software packages for 2021.

Customer History

If, for example, a customer calls, you can bring up their history onto your screen with a couple of mouse clicks and the data would be up to date, allowing you to make informed decisions. All sales staff would be updating customer records on a regular basis, so when you take a look on your network, you can access anything you need.

Cyber Security

Of course, it is critical that you have some form of cyber-protection and the IT managed service provider ensures that your data is always protected. Security patches are automatically deployed and any attempt to gain access can be identified and traced, while you have the IT experts monitoring your network 24/7. Click here for UK government information about cyber-security.

Online Solutions

If you would like to learn more about managed IT services, a Google search will take you to a leading UK provider, who can demonstrate how managed IT services can transform your business by streamlining processes. Whether your business is very young, or you are already established, managed IT services offer you unlimited potential and with an expert in your corner, you won’t have to worry about your business data.

Creating an Office Environment That Helps Drive Productivity to New Highs

Running a business can be stressful as managing a number of employees takes experience. Pushing employees to become more productive has to be done carefully. The last thing that you want is top employees to experience burnout due to expectations that are unrealistic. Creating an office environment where employees have fun while being highly productive will take time. You need to foster an environment of working hard but also enjoying what you do. Constantly reprimanding staff can lead employees to look elsewhere for a job. Employee retention staying at high levels is important as training new employees takes time and money. The new employee might not work out long-term while you already know the potential of current staff. The following are tips to create an office environment that drives productivity to new highs. 

Providing Lunch Can Work Wonders

Perks at a job can allow employees to feel truly appreciated. Providing lunch once a week can be a great way to build a team that enjoys the company of one another. Make sure this is not an unhealthy lunch as you might see a drastic drop in productivity after lunch. People that are recent graduates or have a lot of student debt will really appreciate this. This is not something that you should have to do daily but once a week should be enough. 

Remote Work Opportunities For Top Producers

Top performers should be able to work from home one or two days a week. You want these employees in the office as they can act as a great example to others. Top performers can also help train people that might be struggling to hit their productivity goals. Full-time remote work is an option for long-term employees as you do not want to lose an employee to another company that is offering a full-time remote position. 

Revamp The Office as a Whole 

Doing a few renovations to the current office space can truly make a difference. Employing professional services like ‘Office Cleaning Services Cambridge‘ can contribute significantly to this overhaul. Something as small as doing bathroom refinishing can make the restrooms as good as new. A fresh coat of paint in a vibrant color can change the energy in the office. Getting rid of cubicles is also important as a number of people dread sitting in this type of space all day. The collaboration in the office will also increase with the elimination of cubicles as communication can be seamless. 

Holiday In-Office Parties

Being able to take a few hours to celebrate holidays is important. This can help build rapport among staff and can be fun. Holiday parties outside of the office at times feel required. A Halloween party is a great example as it can be fun to have a costume contest. Make sure employees are given realistic weekly goals for these weeks as the party could cause more stress than it is fun otherwise. Cookoffs are another event that can break the monotony of the office. 

Creating an office environment that stresses productivity and fun is important. Most top employees will not look elsewhere if they love their job and those that they work with. 

Is Investing In Solar Panels Worth It

ESOS reporting highlights that solar energy is essential to combating climate change. However, solar panels are quite an investment so you need to consider the factors involved to decide whether this is a worthy investment.

1.What Is Solar Energy and Solar Panels

173,000 terawatts of solar energy reach the Earth at any given time. This is more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy needs, making solar the most abundant source of energy we’ve got. Solar panels capture it and turn it into electricity for your home or your business.

Currently, this photovoltaic power accounts for only five-tenths of one percent of the total energy consumed in the United States. But solar technology is improving and so is our ability to harness this energy, making it more affordable with each passing day.

Solar is a proven technology that works in many climates and it is more affordable than ever.

2. What To Know Before Installing Solar Panels

Weather conditions can impact the amount of electricity a solar system produces. Solar panels are actually more efficient in colder winter, but sunny weather is what get them to produce more electricity. Obviously, some states have more sunny days than others but even residents of cloudy and foggy locations such as Seattle and San Francisco can get huge savings by going solar. In simple words, solar works anywhere where there is daylight.

Don’t be discouraged by clouds as just as you can burn on a cloudy day, solar panels can also generate electricity when it’s cloudy. But, it depends on the quality of solar panels and thickness of the clouds that can reduce their efficiency by 25 percent.

You should keep in mind that solar panels are mostly used in real time which means they are idle at night. Their look is not stylish in design. You cannot install them on your own as you need professionals who know how to capture the maximum amount of sunlight available. Their greatest downside is that they don’t work on every roof but solar companies do their best to customize them. Roofs come in all shapes and sizes so the more room you have for them, the better.

Although they generate energy in a sustainable manner, they are still a manufactured product, so their production does have an environmental impact. Moreover, like with every product, there are many kinds of solar panels out there, with some not being of high quality.

3. Are Solar Panels Worth the Investment

Solar panels have a long lifespan and they are durable. This is another reason why they increase your home’s value with a typical PV system added estimated to add $15,000 in value. But, unlike what a sales person will tell you, there’s more to the story. Whether investing in solar panels is a smart choice for you depends on several factors.

The price you pay for electricity

Your PECO energy utility bill is the largest factor in determining whether this is a worthy investment. The bigger it is, the more you can save by switching to solar power.

The cost of going solar

Installation prices will vary significantly depending on the solar company you choose and the equipment you install. Although cheaper offers are always attractive, high quality equipment will pay off in the long-run.

How will you fund for your investment

If you can make the purchase in cash, you’ll save more than with any other option. But, you will achieve savings with a loan as well. Solar leases and power purchase agreements don’t require any money upfront and come with maintenance-free option, but they will reduce your total savings which can only be somewhere between 10 to 30 percent of your electricity bill and not more. If you are lucky to live in a state that offers incentives for making your home more sustainable, you could be eligible for a tax credit or deduction.

Takeaway – Across the globe, people are starting to invest in solar panels for good reason. They reduce our impact on the environment, help us lower our monthly costs and reduce our dependency on electricity providers and yearly price increases. Installing solar panels makes good financial sense and it contributed to preserving the planet as they help us turn away from fossil fuels.