Home study What you need to know

Home study What you need to know by Amber Rolfe Want to learn from home?Gaining a qualification is a great way to expand on your knowledge, not to mention improve your employability. But if you don’t have the time and money needed to travel to and from college or university â€" learning something new can seem impossible. Luckily, there are many ways to study remotely.To help you get educated, here’s everything you need to know about home study:What is home study? Home study is a type of education that allows you learn from your own home â€" whether it’s to gain a new qualification, aid personal development, or expand on your professional knowledge.It could involve taking an online or distance learning course (where materials will be sent to you by a provider), or collecting the materials you need to study independently.  What kind of studying can I do from home? You can do almost any kind of studying from home â€" no matter what field you’re interested in.Because whether you want to learn about const ruction, train to be a qualified accountant, or become an expert in animal psychology â€" you don’t always need to be in a classroom to do it.All you need is the right course materials, and you’ll be able to carry out the reading, assignments, and activities needed to get certified and increase your understanding.How to fit work around studyingWhat home study qualifications are there? The qualification you get at the end of your home study will depend on the course you choose to take.Once you’ve picked the one that’s right for you, you could end up with anything from a degree or a diploma, to a certificate or an industry-recognised qualification.You can also study access courses from home if you’re not yet eligible for a higher level qualification.What are the different degree levels?Guide to qualifications  How do I study from home? Similarly to working from home, studying outside of the classroom takes a good level of dedication and self-discipline to be successful.Here are some of our top home study tips:Create a workspace (and make sure it’s not your bed). Firstly, you need to find somewhere to study. Although many people need complete silence to focus effectively, others might work better with background noise or music â€" so pick an environment that works for Then, do whatever it takes to reduce distractions and improve your concentration â€" whether it’s adjusting the temperature and lighting, or simply keeping your workspace clean and tidy.Make a routine. Without a set routine, you might find yourself less motivated to get up and study. Breakfast might overlap into lunch, and it’ll be 3pm before you realise you’ve spent the entire day looking at cat pictures. So set a time to get up â€" and plan when you’ll get started â€" and finish your work (which will also avoid last minute all-nighters).Prioritise your workload. In order to work effectively, good time management and task prioritisation is key. Figure out which tasks and activi ties are most pressing, and make a to-do-list in order of importance. If you have other commitments alongside home studying, this will make sure you have enough time to do them.Set daily goals. Home study involves a lot of self-motivation. This means that you need to set your own goals to ensure you’re on the right track with your work. To ensure you always have something to work towards (and you’re meeting your deadlines on time), give yourself at least one goal to hit each day you study (e.g. write 500 words).Take breaks. Powering through isn’t necessarily the best way to stay focused. In order for your mind to work at its best, it needs regular intervals to rest and recuperate (especially if you notice the words on your computer screen are starting to blur). Whether it’s to have lunch, move around, or get some fresh air, taking breaks will increase your productivity.Switch off at the end of the day. The day isn’t over until you’ve got the closure you need to switch of f. This means shutting down your computer, closing your books, and organising your notes into a neat pile out of view. And relax…  Will I get help? The level of help you get for home study is entirely up to you.Although some courses are solely made up of independent study, many will offer face-to-face interactions with tutors and classmates. Not only will this allow you to compare your work with others, you’ll also get to ask questions about areas you’re struggling with.Communication is often done electronically; using video chat, telephone, email, and online forums.  What are the benefits of studying from home? If you’re considering home study but you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, here are some of the key benefits:You can study whenever you wantWork is done at your own paceYou’ll save money on travelYou’ll develop self-motivationYou can spend more time with familyYou can keep other commitmentsAnd remember: home study is a great way to study independently â €" but it’s not for everyone. Some people work better as part of a group, especially if you’re all working towards a shared goal.Before you commit to taking a distance learning or online course, make sure you’re really passionate about the subject, and are motivated enough to learn self-sufficiently.Ready to start learning? 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Should You Use a Custom Resume Writing Group?

Should You Use a Custom Resume Writing Group?If you are looking for help with your resume, consider joining a custom resume writing group. This is a great way to get support from a professional who can help you with the writing process. The group will work with you and help you create a resume that will stand out in the crowded job market.When looking for support with your resume, find a group that works with a variety of different people who are in the same position. You want to find someone who can help you with your resume but is also willing to help you with your current job search. You want someone who can refer you to local employment agencies so that you can find jobs while you are working on your resume.There are different custom resume writing groups online and they are also available through mail. Choose a group that has enough members that you can speak with others that have been in the position you are in. You want to be able to ask questions about how they are going to h elp you with your resume.Make sure the group you choose is very effective when it comes to helping you write your resume. You need to be able to feel comfortable with the support you receive from a group when you go to work on your resume. A bad experience can have a negative impact on your resume and landing a new job.Check the process that is used by the group before you start to work on your resume. You want to be able to feel comfortable with the person you choose to work with. The last thing you want to do is spend weeks on your resume only to discover the person does not understand what you are trying to say.You should also make sure that you know that the person who is helping you is actually an experienced writer. They should have experience working with several different people on resumes and must be able tohandle anyone's personality. You do not want to work with someone who is mean or rude because this will make you cringe every time you see their name.Another thing to co nsider is the price of the services. You want to pay a bit more than you would pay to get it done yourself. You do not want to take a chance on someone who is not experienced and therefore you need to be sure you are getting your money's worth.Here is a top tip for you. Do not simply apply to the first custom resume writing group you find online. Get several different offers to get multiple opinions on your resume so that you know you are making the right decision.

7 Ways to Help You Discover Your Dream Career

7 Ways to Help You Discover Your Dream Career It is not easy to discover your dream career. It takes a great deal of looking inwards, being honest with yourself, and finding out what is truly the job of your dreams. Even then, do not be surprised if landing your dream job turns out to be the opposite of what you thought was “the job of your dreams”. Discover your dream career in the following ways listed below.1. Explore Not Only What You Would Like to Do, but Also What You Simply Find InterestingHave you ever seen a person or a best friend working in a career that you wished you were working in yourself? Sometimes, the way to discover your dream career is to simply try something that looks interesting to you, or even, makes you jealous that someone else can get paid for it. If you have your dream job in sight, then explore it. If something else comes along that sparks your curiosity, explore that one, too. Discover your dream career by going after work you find interesting.2. Take Business Classes or Courses in a Field You Find InterestingWith theaffordability of online education, webinars, and tutorials taking education courses on a new subject is a great way to discover your dream career. Landing your dream job may only be months or a couple of years away if you put in the time to educate yourself. For example, many with no coding ability have gone to schools for coding and started their own businesses, simply because “They want to be their own boss”. Given education often costs money, if you have your dream job now, it is best to keep it while you pay to discover your dream career.3. Explore What Everyone Else Tells You Will Be Your Dream JobDo people tell you that you should be a lawyer because you are great at arguing? Do they ever tell you to be a writer because of what you post on social media? Maybe, they tell you to try being a chef because you cook so well?It is a good idea to look into something that others see could be your dream job. You may wrestle with the fact that someone else hel ped you discover your dream career, but that is just pride getting in the way of happiness. If you do something that makes people think, “I would pay you for that!”, look into it. They may see something in you that you did not discover, yet.4. Explore and Expand on What You Have Now in Your Dream JobWhile working in your dream job, or if you work in an unfulfilling job now, there will be the side tasks you are asked to do that have nothing to do with your job title. For example, if you happen to help people with their computer problems around the office and discover that you have a knack for setting up systems or procedures...but all you are is a marketing associate. Explore the possibilities of working with computers, project management, or operations management. Do not worry about being a jack-of-all-trades. You can set up a resume for each skill set you have while trying to discover your dream career.5. Explore What Your Boss Will Not Let You Do at WorkI firmly believe the ri se of entrepreneurship in the United States, which means trading in a 40-hour workweek for 80 hours, happened because of bosses who made employees stick to assigned tasks. The Internet gave people around the world a chance to educate themselves faster in their free time.So, when they went to work and were stopped by a boss from doing anything more than assigned job duties they said, “Forget what you think. I know I can do more.” Although entrepreneurs may work longer hours than most, they discovered dream careers for themselves by exploring what the boss would not let them do.In 2015, a US Labor Statistics survey showed more than 50 million Americans were working as freelancers, earning income outside of the traditional 9-to-5 job.6. Explore What You Like to Do on WeekendsYes, the job of your dreams just might be calling you on weekends. You can discover your dream career by exploring those things you do on weekends. For example, yard work, cleaning up around the house, playing fantasy football, or simply writing a blog.You can discover your dream career by investing time in seeing how these things would translate into landing your dream job. You can start contracting businesses, websites, and even pursue a writing career. Your very hobbies are things you are good at, but to get paid is a different story. Explore how far your hobbies can take you. 7. Come to a Decision on What Will Be Your “Legacy”To discover your dream career, start by answering this question and then writing down your answer somewhere: “When you retire, what will the world remember most about your career?” I have met many web entrepreneurs, lawyers, politicians, celebrities, etc. over the years. Many had expressed to me, “I want to be known as someone who changed the world and made it a better place”. This author, at one point, wanted to be remembered for “making [a particular industry] much nicer and fair to everyone”. I discovered my dream career by discovering what I w anted to be my “legacy”; to help people find their dream careers.What will be your legacy? It may just hold the clues to landing your dream job. It takes work and patience, but your legacy is a lifetime commitment, so it is worth the effort.

3 Common Health Problems That Could Be Affecting Your Job Performance

3 Common Health Problems That Could Be Affecting Your Job Performance There are a lot of things around us that can make it difficult to do our job. Every winter, cold and flu season come around and knock you down, making it necessary to skip a day or two of work in order to nurse yourself back to health. If you have a baby, you likely took a few weeks off work to recover and bond with your little one. However, there are some health problems that you might not even think about that could be affecting the way you do your job and your productivity levels. So to help you work to your full potential, here are three common health problems you may want to be aware of and consider seeking medical help with if you experience them. Chronic Pains  It’s not uncommon for people to experience mild pains all throughout the day. Whether you worked out hard the day before and have sore muscles or you experience headaches on a regular basis, most people are used to living with at least a small amount of pain during their daily routines. However, this pain can make it hard to concentrate on your job. According to Monica Patrick, a contributor to Chron Small Business, people who experience pain at work are less likely to function at their optimum ability. To combat this, check in with your own body and see if you are feeling any pains that don’t seem like something you should be experiencing frequently. Your doctor can help you determine what to do from there.  Vision Issues  Almost all jobs require the use of your eyes in one form or another, but you may be surprised to know how many people have vision issues but never seek help to fix this problem. While you can learn to live with vision that isn’t perfect without correction, being able to see accurately can make your job easier, regardless of what tasks you’re doing. DriverCheck.ca shares that especially if your job requires you to work in a safety-sensitive position or if your position requirements necessitate detailed work, you should get the vision help you need to meet your job standards. Also, if you’re colorblind, this could potentially affect the accuracy with which you can complete your tasks as well, if they’re color-based.  Depression  If you suffer from depression, you likely already know how this can make working difficult. However, if you have undiagnosed depression, you may not be aware of why exactly you’re having a hard time at work. Investopedia shares with Forbes.com that depression is one of the leading causes of absenteeism at workâ€"and if you’re not at work, you can’t do a good job at work. Depression can also lead to things like substance abuse, which can make doing your job even more difficult. If you struggle with depression, see your doctor to find ways to help yourself excel at work despite this problem. Your physical body has a big impact on your mental state, including productivity at work. Use the tips mentioned above to ensure your body’s in the right state to help you be successful on the job.  

How To Write a BML Resume

How To Write a BML ResumeWhen a person sends his or her BML resume to an employer, he or she will have to include a letter of intent in it, even if the person isn't applying for the position. The letter of intent is what makes it official when the person hires an applicant.A BML resume is not a formal form for hiring. It will only be able to generate a response from the employer if the employer actually reads it. The purpose of this form is to inform the employer about the qualifications of the person and to also let him or her know about his or her application process.In other simple forms, this is only the start of the process. There is usually nothing more than a cover letter that accompanies the resume. It should contain only the personal information of the person that should be needed for the person to get an appointment. In this way, the person doesn't need to go through a lot of effort in order to get the interview.This method of advertising a job can be done with the help of other people who know how to market themselves and become known. The BML resume is the first step of this process. If the BML is too long or full of unnecessary information, it will be useless. It is better to stick to the needs of the employer as the basic purpose of the letter of intent.It is very important that the person to write the letter of intent as if he or she is actually applying for the job. This is because the employer may not be able to tell whether a person is applying or not until the person actually applies for the job. A simple form like this is only a means of advertising the job and is just one of the first steps of getting the job.In order to make the letter of intent effective, the person needs to focus on some key points. It should be short, to the point, and not too complex. The basic of the letter of intent should be to introduce himself or herself and why he or she is the best person for the job. Also, the person should provide a few details about himself o r herself and how he or she fits in with the company or industry.This is the personal information that will be needed for the person to be hired. The important details include educational background, work experience, and the likes and dislikes of the person. In the letter of intent, it is best to add a self-written description about how the applicant feels about the job. This is not necessary but can be included in the letter of intent in case the applicant has a significant personality or character to draw from.The purpose of the BML is to advertise the position and to get the employer to have a look at the BML. The BML should be short and sweet, which is why it should be written in such a way that will get the employer's attention.

The Five Emails You Can Send On A Regular Basis To Secure Your Future Promotion

The Five Emails You Can Send On A Regular Basis To Secure Your Future Promotion Good communication is undoubtedly the skill that all employers value the most. Many great managers say the best skill set they have is to listen, especially to those who employ the roles most lucrative to the company. The symbiotic relationship between individual contributor and manager is there, but it’s up to you to ensure you are communicating so that your manager can play their part. From the start of your employment journey, communication has always been at the forefront of why you are successful. From answering the hiring managers phone interview questions in a clear and concise way, to the email you send after your interview, and the communication you have regularly after you’re hired. Without good communication, managers can’t place their focus on performing their duties. For example, if you have a roadblock and the manager could help unblock you, but they simply don’t know about it; then efficiency is lost. Because of this, most managers reward communicative individual contributors. Email is a great tool because it allows us to spend time thinking about what we’d like to communicate before the other party has a chance to read it. In the moment, or in front of your peers, you may feel more pressure to respond quickly. And with that pressure your communication skills may naturally become stressed as well. I’m going to show you five email techniques you can do to go above and beyond with regards to good communication. These communication techniques take very little time, are impactful to your manager, show you have leadership or promotion potential, show you are proactive about your role, and best of all, you can do this passively. Meaning you won’t place yourself into potentially stressful situations, like presenting in front of a group. #1: The priority check in In this email your goal is to ensure no new information has entered the managers knowledge bank. And that you are spending your time the best way you can. Here’s what your email should look like: Hi Jeff, Here’s my priorities. Let me know if I should reorder some of them, remove them or add any other priorities in. Redesign our print flyersFinish our sales pitch deckImprove our homepage experience Thanks Jeff. You’ll need to place your own priorities in this list. Keep them high level and something you and the team have already discussed. Make them the top three most important objectives or tasks from your perspective. This one you can send bi-weekly if your work doesn’t change frequently. #2: The random thank you email In these emails your goal is to pick a team member each week and show your appreciation for them. These random acts of kindness don’t go unnoticed. When a manager asks your peers how they like working with you, these emails are sure to be brought up. Here’s what you’ll say. Hi Sarah, I just wanted to send you a short note about how much I appreciate working with you. You are so talented. Thank you for all of your hard work. Thanks Sarah If you can use a more specific and recent moment that stood out to you, the better. Like when Sarah worked on Saturday to meet a deadline. #3: The weekly report This will be your most valuable weekly email. Send this email every Friday and recap the weeks work. When crafting this email. Think about the questions your manager would have for you if you two were to talk. For example they would ask, how’s the progress on our new homepage? Answer these questions for them so you can save them time. Here’s what you’ll say: Hi Jeff, Here’s my weekly report. New homepage: Finished our design briefMet with Nancy in sales to prepare her on timingSent our technical needs to the web developersWe’re on track with regards to timing Sales pitch: Finished 2 sales pitches this week for Nancy and Kevin Thanks Jeff Let me know if you have any thoughts. Have a good weekend! Keep it brief, impactful, informative and insightful. #4: The request for feedback It’s imperative that you are always willing to hear feedback on how you can do better. It shows you are leadership material. I wouldn’t send this email more than once per month but be sure you are sending it. Hi Jeff, Would love to know if there’s anything you feel I could be doing better. Or if there’s anything you appreciate that I am doing, and that you’d like to see more of. Thanks Jeff This information gives you insight into how to beat perform for the manager. Be prepared to take criticism you might receive, though. #5: Asking if your manager wants any other type of regular communication After a while, your manager might start appreciating but ignoring your weekly reports. That’s ok! That’s good! That means they’ve built trust with you. But ask them what other communication they’d appreciate so you are always moving forward. Here’s how to do it: Hi Jeff, I hope you’ve been appreciating my weekly reports. What are some things you’d like to see in them? Anything I can cover which may be most beneficial to you? Thanks Jeff And there you have it. Five simple communication techniques you can send by email each week which will do wonders for your development within the company. The good thing about these emails is that your manager has the option to read them. You may be wondering, what if they are annoyed by all the emails I’m sending them? Remember that these emails are insights, not strictly discussion. They’re digestible action items your manager can choose to see or not. They have the option to open the email if they’re curious or maybe lacking insight into your work. And they have the option to ignore it if they feel they already know enough. It’s a win-win for both parties! Patrick Algrim is an experienced executive in the technology sector. He’s helped to build some of the worlds greatest teams at some of the fastest growing Companies in Silicon Valley. You can find out more about him and see more content like this at Algrim.co.

Protect Yourself Laws Every Employee Should Know - CareerAlley

Protect Yourself Laws Every Employee Should Know - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Employment is generally a necessary part of life. Some of us enjoy our jobs and like our employers, some of us really do not care for our jobs or our employers, and some of us fall somewhere in between depending on the day. Whether you like your job or not, there are several employment laws you should be aware of in order to protect yourself. Knowing these laws is important as many employees have fallen victim to their employers simply because they do not know their rights and the law. Paycheck Laws There are several laws surrounding how and when your employer pays you for your work and time. The law states that your employer cannot withhold money from your paycheck for performing poorly on the job. This law stands under any career and circumstance, even if you broke an expensive piece of equipment or made a very costly error, your employer still must pay you what they owe you. However, there is nothing to prevent them from firing you. In addition, each state has laws regarding when your employer must pay you. Your employer must pay you within the time period given by the state and if they do not, they may have to pay you even more for the tardiness of your check. Overtime Laws To many employers dismay, the government decides who is eligible for overtime and who is not. All jobs are either exempt or non-exempt, as decided by the federal government. If you are a non-exempt employee, by law, you must be paid time and a half for all hours worked above 40 in a week. If you are unsure as to whether you are exempt or not, it should list your status on your paystub. If you are a non-exempt employee, it is illegal for your employer to mandate or even allow you to work unpaid and not on the clock. Non-exempt employees have to be paid for all time worked, and neither the employee nor employer can waive this right. Additionally, an employer is not allowed to offer comp time in exchange for paying employees overtime. Contractor Law If you are paid as a contractor, the company you work for must treat you as one. This means the company you contract for, by law, cannot control when, where, or how you work. If they do control these factors, then you are an employee. If you are an employee, not a contractor, the law says you must be paid as one and receive the same benefits, such as vacation time and insurance, as other employees. Work Discussions Many companies have policies against discussing work conditions and salaries while at work and with other employees in general. This may be their policy, but it is illegal. Employees are legally allowed to discuss wages amongst each other. They are also allowed to discuss working conditions and important work issues. Employee Handbooks Many people do not know that what is written in the employee handbook at their work place is most likely binding. Historically, courts have ruled that they are legally binding in many cases. This is especially true if the employee handbook uses terms like will or shall in relation to particular actions. These laws are set in place by the government and apply to all career fields. They provide for fair and just working opportunities and pay, and protect the employee from being taken advantage of by the employer. Most of us need and want to keep our jobs, so we tend to not rock the boat and remain silent about many issues. However, it is important to be aware of these legal employment rights in order to protect ourselves if they need ever arises. Author Bio Alex Wright is a writer and blogger who creates articles related to law. This article informs employees about a few of their legal rights and aims to encourage further study in law such as the California Western School of Law, to find out more click here. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook