Careers Taste Tester

Careers Taste TesterCareers Taste TesterWhen that inevitable conversation popped up as a child between yourself and your teacher, parent, mentor or other leadership figures, focused on what you wanted to be when you grew up, most kids probably had one of several traditional answers on the ready. Doctor, lawyer, astronaut, even zookeeper, were all viable potential careers sure to make your parent brim with happiness over your working ambitions. If you were a born foodie, however, perhaps you had a different and less traditional career in mind taste tester.Pretty much any company in the business of producing food or beverages is in need of a professional taste tester on staff. Tasters ensure quality control in large batches of products and are generally responsible for judging the yumminess factor of items exiting the facilities. As far as job satisfaction goes, who wouldnt want to spend their days sampling gourmet ice creams, sipping on sudsy sodas or imbibing in adult beverages. With the perks of a highly enviable job, however, comes a great deal of needed expertise, elend to mention an above average palette. Youll most likely end up putting in a good deal of time tempering your taste buds and working out your sense of smell. In addition, you will also need to be highly detailed as a good portion of your position will require thorough notes and an excellent ability to communicate verbally and writing all of your sensory experiences. If the prospect of this extracurricular study doesnt dissuade you, read on to find out just what it takes to launch your career as a taste tester.Top Qualifications of a Taste TesterFood Service ExperienceFood Science DegreeStrong Sensory AbilitiesFlexible ScheduleDetail-OrientedOutgoing PersonalityWhile there isnt any one specific career or education track to take on the road to becoming a food tester, there are certain backgrounds that could pave the way to success and help make scoring your first gig in the field all the easier. Prior experience as a waiter, cook, chef or another food service professional will give you the heads up you need to understand the lingo and operations of the food industry in general. Youll also benefit from knowledge about how food is prepared including different cooking techniques. If youre truly gung-ho, a degree in biology, food preparation or food science will flush out your academic skills and give you critical expertise in the science behind taste, smell and food in general. Combine these educational traits with plenty of experience and certifications in food and beverage in general and youll be well on your way to landing your first taste tester position.Plenty of On-the-Job TrainingWhile a degree may come in handy, making a career out of being a taste tester doesnt necessarily need any extra in the education department. Most employers will offer plenty in the way of on the job training. Sure, depending on the company and exact needs, certain positions may require scientif ic training, but the most critical element of any taste tester is exceptional sensory capabilities. If you fit the bill, employers will often offer (lengthy) on the job training to help get them up to speed. Did we mention some employers value taste testers so much that they actually insure their taste buds?A Career With FlexibilityAnother perk of entering the world of taste testing as a career is the flexibility in job hours. In some companies, taste testing can be a full-time position. Such is the case with Kristen Wemer, a professional taste tester who began working during college in a part-time gig and ended up full time, tasting a wide range of products for quality control. Kristen may have made a career out of the food-inspired profession, but others can make a side job out of taste testing new products as part of consumer review panels. Certain consumer research companies specialize in this line of work, while others are generalized and have opportunities that only pop up fro m time to time. If closing your eyes and jumping into the culinary unknown sounds like a good time to you, do your research beforehand to find the job thats the right fit for you.Taste Tester SalariesTaste tester jobs arent exactly numerous. ansicht coveted positions tend to be snapped up and turnover is incredibly limited given the specialized skill required. While you may want to put taste tester as an official title on your future resume, sadly most of these positions fall under the more mundane heading of Quality Assurance Tester or a similar moniker. If the news has you down, the median salary for this position of just north of $33 /hr should have you feeling a bit perkier regarding your prospects. It may not be the teaching or nursing career your parents probably imagined for you, but between the sensory perks and solid compensation rate, a career as a taste tester is nothing to turn your nose up at. It just goes to show that for every passion there is a corresponding career. If your love is food and beverage, a job as a taste tester may be just the thing for you.

Finance Leaders Business Process Improvement Plans

Finance Leaders Business Process Improvement PlansFinance Leaders Business Process Improvement PlansFINANCE LEADERS BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT PLANSWhere finance leaders have business process improvement initiatives planned for the next two yearsAccounting operations 46%Financial reporting 43%Business systems 34%Business intelligence and data analytics 28%Risk and befolgung 23%Internal audit 22%How companies will staff these initiatives*Internal staff only 46%A mix of internal and external resources 39%External resources only 15%Top reasons companies will work with external resources**Access to specialized skills and expertiseImproved efficienciesHelp with training full-time staffFull-time team cant take on additional workProject management supportSource Management Resources survey of more than 2,000 finance leaders in the United States*Based on responses of finance leaders planning BPI initiatives**Based on responses of finance leaders who said they plan to work with external reso urces or a mix of internal and external resources top reasons shown in order

How to Become a Music Journalist

How to Become a Music JournalistHow to Become a Music JournalistMusic journalists write about music and the music business. There are several specializations within the field. Some music journalists work exclusively as reviewers they review new music releases and live performances. Other journalists write in-depth articles about musicians they conduct interviews and cover the people behind the music. Some music journalists focus on writing about the music business itself, and still, others produce a mixed bag of work, combining music reviews, interviews and anything else that warrants media attention. Different Mediums, Different Styles Newspapers provide varying levels of music coverage, from new release reviews to interviews with musicians passing through town. Some free local newspapers work with freelance and staff journalists to provide extensive coverage on the local music scene.Major general-interest print magazines sometimes publish in-depth interviews with music artist s and when they are featured on covers. Magazines that specialize in music, such as Rolling Stone and Billboard, publish a wide range of music industry information of interest to their readers. Music Journalism and Social Media Widespread use of the Internet has caused some traditional music journalism outlets to go out of business or to refocus their business model on web-based and mobile formats. For example, once a prominent fixture on newsstands, Spin magazine is now only available online. The Internet has also allowed music enthusiasts to cover the industrythrough websites, blogs, social media sites, and forums.ansprechbar music journalists often push the most boundaries as they are not bound by the same rules as journalists who work for traditional publications. Pros As you might imagine, music journalism can be a lot of fun. You get to hear the new music first.You get the chance to interview your favorite music artists.Everyone wants press coverage, so you can count on plenty of free promos and invitations to after-parties and other exclusive events.You get to write about what you love- music, and you get to weigh in on important issues facing the industry. Cons The pros might make a career as a music journalist sound like its all fun and games, but its not. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You also have to be a self-starter youll have deadlines, but youll spend most of the time working independently, so youll need the discipline to get the job done. Some other drawbacks to consider The pay fluctuates. Unless you have a steady arrangement with a publisher, youll work freelance and only be paid when you deliver completed work.When you write a bad review or unflattering interview, you can expect to hear about it. Making Money as a Music Journalist Music journalists may be employees or freelancers. Freelancers get paid on a per-project basis they might be paid based on word count a tischset amount for every word or they might negotiate a flat fee upfront. Music journalists who work for specific publications usually get paid set salaries, although sometimes they receive a base rate plus a performance bonus. Performance bonuses are especially common in online journalism. Getting Your Foot in the Door There are several different ways to get a foot in the door. Some aspiring music journalists find internships with music publications while they are in college, and those internships sometimes turn into job opportunities. Others take any writing job they can get even writing for free sometimes to build a portfolio of work they can eventually turn into paying gigs. Still, others start their own blogs or websites, which can also help to build a portfolio of writing samples. Sometimes, these music blogs/sites become highly successful, boost the journalists credibility and provide a living. ??? Some of the most important music publications today are blogs and websites.If youre thinking of starting your own m usic blog or website, here are some good examples to give you some ideas of what is working for other music journalists (Note sites may include language or images offensive to some users) PitchforkSOHHDrowned in SoundStereogumNah Right

ASME to Launch New Voting Procedure this Fall

ASME to Launch New Voting Procedure this Fall ASME to Launch New Voting Procedure this Fall ASME to Launch New Voting Procedure this FallThis fall, ASME will introduce a new, online ballot that members can use for the upcoming election of Society officers, replacing the paper ballot that members traditionally received with the September issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine. This September, ASME members will receive an e-mail-nachricht that includes information on how to log into the ballot page, to be hosted on ASME.org, and vote for the Societys new president and members of the Board of Governors. ASME members who do not have an e-mail address, as well as members whose e-mails get bounced back, will be sent a hard copy ballot along with online voting instructions. Members are advised to check their ASME records to ensure that their e-mail address is up-to-date or to add an e-mail address if one is currently not on file. To check on your current e-mail address or update it, ple ase go to your Membership and Benefits page on asme.org (click here for instructions), or contact ASME Customer Care at (973) 882-1170 or (800) 843-2763. Questions about the new voting procedure should be submitted to RuthAnn Bigley, ASME Governance, by e-mail at bigleyrasme.org.

How to Choose Office Manager Resume Sample

How to Choose Office Manager Resume Sample To start with, you must customize your resume to coordinate with the set of requirements and qualifications specified by the firm. Have a look at our information technology resume samples for some tips about how to present yourself as the ideal candidate. One of the most critical and indispensable elements of a work application is the resume. Find out more about the company in order to comprehend the company and any additional, relevant experience or knowledge you need to offer you. The Chronicles of Office Manager Resume Sample Take a look at our samples to get a better idea about what makes a good customer service resume and discover out what it requires to land your dream job. Place the main points you wish to bring up at the top. If you wish to land a new job livecareer will be able to help you craft a standout resume. The challenge of being a true student trying to find a job tends to be a deficiency of prior job experience. Be certain that the objective is pertinent to the work description that you should have carefully studied. Study the job posting carefully, do your homework on the geschftliches miteinander and customize your cover letter to the particular job prospect. Excellent job opportunities need great resumes. Then custom-fit to every work description. Office Manager Resume Sample - Is it a Scam? Employed as an sekretariat manager in an assisted living facility is an ambitious job. To develop into an irresistible job candidate, your resume should present your prospective employer what you could bring to the office and the way you will ease day-to-day operations. You dont want to have the hiring manager to get any trouble with it. You listed all of the appropriate executive assistant resume qualifications. In order to safeguard your professional resume will support your objectives, utilize this office manager job description to inform what you need to highlight on your resume. The tar get of your resume is the very first glimpse employers get into not simply your experience, but in addition your nature and the talents you are able to bring to the table. There is a whole lot of ways which you can write an office manager resume objective. You can also be the principal point of contact among various individuals using the office and possibly between your office and others within the exact same organization. One of the things which helps an office manager succeed is the capacity to remain calm under presaya. The job of a company development manager puts you in charge of creating and implementing a revenue growth plan to boost profit for the small business. Vital Pieces of Office Manager Resume Sample When the sample is already open, you can start editing all sections by filling in your own personal information like your complete name, current place, date of birth, age, contact information, and so on. Ask that person if you may assist with a project or two, at no cost. If you want more help with the writing process, take a look at our final writing guide. Without detailed information regarding the party youre preparing for, you cannot construct the very best absatzwirtschaft flyer. Up in Arms About Office Manager Resume Sample? So definitely meet teams and receive a feel for the sort of work you will do, after all an internship needs to be focused on exploration. For more ideas on the best way to strengthen your program, take a look at our education and teaching resumes. Resume writing is a vital element that can help you acquire the job. Let our comprehensive resume builder do the tough work for you. Managing offices can involve a tremendous quantity of responsibility. Administrative managers are liable for maintaining the many kinds of equipment utilized by means of a corporation. Although some medical office managers are only accountable for supervising the employees that are accountable for billing, others are required to d o billing procedures themselves. The Upside to Office Manager Resume Sample Our cover letter sample and writing tips below can help you write one that is going to get you the job that youve always desired. Based on which type of office schauplatz youre applying, you need to pick the words very rightly. Because every kind of resume has a distinctive purpose and function and having the capability to pick the appropriate type can make your resume even more effective and strong. Locate a resume template which suits your taste. Understanding Office Manager Resume Sample Be certain to include quantifiable info to truly drive home how valuable you can be to a possible employer. You most likely already have some. If you would like to impress an employer with your resume, you ought to start with the objective. Educational qualifications are essential to be mentioned. If you are conversant with staffing, payroll, benefits and state compliance practices, you can make an objective that can help you stick out over other applicants. If youre asking for a job which demands the latter duty, your objective should display your understanding of billing practices along with your general office management abilities. Youve got to present your qualifications and your skills in a sense that will catch the interest of a hiring manager, and among the best approaches to do that is by way of the target statement on your resume. You make sure that the objective is related to the work description provided by a particular employer. Skills like good negotiation and conflict resolution are a few examples you may also include in your objective statement to allow it to be strong. Sound comprehension of oral care procedures together with excellent customer service abilities. Our resume builder will provide you with tips and examples about how to compose your resume summary. If youre searching to customize professional, pre-formatted resumes, have a look at our absolutely free downloadable templates. You may refer the open office resume template in case you dont understand how to earn your CV distinctive and remarkable. Dont hesitate to take a look at our business resume templates, but if you wish to be professionally artistic with your resume, you may choose to download our Infographic resume templates.

What to Look for When Hiring a COO for Your Startup

What to Look for When Hiring a COO for Your StartupIf you want to continue growing your startup and have a valuable business, it is important to know the next steps required to ensure the continued success of your startup.Randy H Nelson, author of The Second Decision, points out that one of the key things you need in your business is a solid right hand leader to help implement structure and processes within your startup.When youve reached this step in your startup, you need to think about hiring a COO to help in the day to day leadership responsibilities while you stay focused on the strategic side of the business.Hiring your COO is a big step and it is important that you know what to look for in that individual. There are 5 key traits to search for in your COO 1. Leadership QualitiesOf course, the first thing you need to look for in your COO is strong leadership skills. Look for individuals who have prior leadership experience. This experience doesnt necessarily have to be within yo ur industry.When you are interviewing candidates, ask creative interview questions about their past leadership experiences and how they would handle certain situations that may arise within your startup.2. Patience with a Sense of UrgencyYour startup likely needs to operate quickly in the business if you want to stay ahead of bigger competition. That means that your COO must be able to quickly make the right decisions when it comes to day to day operations.However, at the same time you need someone who is patient and understands that it takes time and effort to grow a successful company. Having a leader on your kollektiv who is patient but also operates with a sense of urgency is detrimental to your startups success.3. Ability to Hold the Team AccountableA key responsibility of your COO will be holding your team accountable and ensuring that the day to day operations are most effective.If you want a COO who can hold your team accountable, you will need someone that your team will lo ok up to as a leader.Some of the top ways that leaders earn the respect of their team is by understanding each part of the business. You will want a COO who is not afraid to get his hands dirty and be involved in many of the day to day tasks that your team is responsible for. When your team knows that their leader is just as knowledgeable in each part of the business, they will have a new found respect for him.By having a hands-on leader, it will be easier for him to keep the team on track and know exactly how the business should operate.4. Ability to Implement New Processes and ProceduresYour COO will be someone who has previous leadership experience in small companies. When you have an individual who has been involved in developing and implementing processes in similar environments to your startup, they should be able to do the same in your startup.This is a necessary skill in order to further grow and develop your startup.5. Understands and Believes in your VisionPerhaps one of t he most important things to look for in your COO is the understanding and belief in your vision.Having a right hand person on your leadership team who stands behind you and your vision is instrumental to your startups success. Your COO will need to be working with you in the same direction, towards the same goals.When searching for the right COO for your startup, pay attention to the individuals passion, desires, and ultimate goals. If these fall in line with yours, then you are on the right track.What are some other things that you are looking for in hiring your COO?

How to use the first 5 minutes of networking to impress

How to use the first 5 minutes of networking to impressHow to use the first 5 minutes of networking to impressAnyone who saw the news story about the Facebook data breach likely had the same reaction.Sigh, of course that happened.Who today is surprised at a massive data leak? Maybe the Target credit card debacle gave you pause. Or the Equifax breach. But now? Security breakdowns are so common we can only shake our heads.Excuse me while I seek credit monitoring services forever.The predictable is painful. That goes for data breaches and how we interact with one another. You know what happens at a happy hour when you talk and talk?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe other people stand around and think Sigh, of course that happened. They become bored while you dominate the conversation.Thats why, in the first five minutes of any conversation, the smartest networkers do what no one expects they only ask questions.Yep, the best small talkers play the role of reporter and ignore their own back-stories. How? They use the six most powerful words in networking. I include two of those powerful words in bold down below.Smart networker Where do you work?Person Im a sales rep for iHeartRadio.Smart networker Oh, cool. Whats it like to work there?Person Its a pretty cool place. We often get tickets to free concerts and access to new music.Smart networker Thats pretty sweet. What shows have you seen recently?Person Well, lets see. Back in December I saw You ask a question. And then another. And then another. Youll get to your own life soon enough. Stay in the moment.Watch what happens as the conversation ensues.Smart networker Wow, you get to see all kinds of cool concerts. Do you have to work at the shows too?Person Yea, at the show in December, I had to work the merchandise table because the company who usually handles that service dropped the ball at the last minute, and now were looking for another partner.Smart networker Oh, interesting. You know I work for a staffing agency and we provide employees for short-term gigs like that.Person Oh, really? Email me tomorrow and Ill put you in hauch with our HR director.Do you see my point? If you remain laser focused on the other person, you will take the conversation WAY beyond Whats your name? and Where do you work? Now youre in the opportunity realm where a meaningful conversation can lead somewhere substantial.OK. Times up We reached five minutes into a networking conversation.Now what?If you want talk further, you have two options1. Wait for the person to say OK, enough about me. Tell me about you. Thats always best. You spent ample time in question mode, and now its your turn to dish out some answers.2. The person might NEVER say Tell me about you. Weve all met that guy or girl. Clueless to the world. When the person gives you a break in the conversation, interject with your own info.Thats a cool story. It reminds me of a situation at my job Heres the bottom lineWhether you have the chance to tell your lifes story or not, you already got what you came for, so to speak. You (nicely) interrogated someone else, gained knowledge you didnt have and perhaps found a way to network further.All from the first five minutes. All because you asked questions.Thiscolumnfirst appeared onDannyhRubin.com.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Short-Term Disability Benefit Basics

Short-Term Disability Benefit BasicsShort-Term Disability Benefit BasicsWhether an incident takes place on the job or after hours, everyone bears some risk of becoming incapacitated, unable to work, and in need of assistance from short-term disability insurance coverage. This coverage provides financial support to replace lost income while you take time off to recuperate at home. While becoming injured or ill does happen at home and other places, a surprising number of disabling incidents happen in the workplace in any given year, creating a substantial need for disability insurance coverage. An annual report released by the union organization AFL-CIO has reported its findings on the safety of the American workplace. Called Death on the Job The Toll of Neglect, the report advises that each day approximately 150 workers die on the job, and some7.4 mio to 11.1 million worker injuries take place each year, often going unreported. According to the Council for Disability Awareness, around one-quarter of todays 20-year olds have a chance of becoming disabled at some point in their career before retirement. Some peoples disabilities will require more support than the amount provided by short-term disability insurance. On average, long-term disability incidents last about 34.6 months, meaning almost three years of lost work and foregone income. Short-Term Disability Benefits Employer-provided short-term disability (STD) insurance pays a percentage of an employees salary for a specified amount of time, if they fall ill or get injured, and cannot perform the duties of their job. Generally, the benefit pays approximately 40 to 60 percent of the employees weekly gross income. Independently-purchased short-term liability insurance works relatively the same, offering a range of partial to full income coverage, depending on the policy level and premium you choose to pay. Disability income may or may not be subject to income tax, depending on whether the policy was funded with pre-tax or after-tax dollars, among other considerations. When Coverage Begins Coverage usually starts anywhere from one to 14 days after an employee suffers a condition that leaves them unable to work. The time of coverage may vary from 9 to 52 weeks from eligibility. Many times, employees are required to use sick days before short-term disability kicks in if its an illness that keeps them out of work for an extended period of time. Employers often have other types of insurance that cover workplace injuries, such as workers compensation, with different rules and requirements, versus disability insurance for those injuries that occur off the job. If an employee must be out of work for longer than the short-term disabilitybenefits coverage period, then either a long-term disability plan or permanent disability kicks in. This may happen at 10 to 53 weeks from the date of eligibility. Determination for long-term disability is provided by the insurance companys team of doctors and insurance analysts who carefully monitor each case. Who Pays for Short-Term Disability Coverage? A short-term disability policy can be an employer- or employee-paid benefit. Generally, though, employers offer short-term disability coverage as a benefit. Companies do have a choice of having employees pay for coverage, with certain tax implications. Each state sets its own requirements as to whether employers must carry short-term disability insurance and the mandated limits of basic coverage amounts. States can also dictate the amount of the weekly cash benefit limits. Group coverage for short-term disability can be attained in the following ways Contract agreement through an insurer that covers disability.Through a self-funded plan agreed upon by the employer directly. (Two popular providers include Aflac and MetLife.) Policy Terms and Responsibilities As an employer, you can create a policy dictating that employees use sick days before going on short-term disability for an extended illness. You can also require documentation from a doctor to prove an illness or injury. During the time that an employee misses work, the employer may also request that the employee visit an approvedmedical provider or an occupational medicine center for regular updates on the progress of the employees health. A third-party claims administrator will be in charge of managing these aspects while the employee takes time out of work. Employees must report any changes in their status immediately. These rules are in place to help prevent insurance fraud, a dicke bretter bohren mssen that costs employers billions of dollars annually. Various short-term disability plans dictate different terms for qualifications. The main terms typically include Employees need to work for the employer for a certain amount of time before coverage kicks in.Employees need to work full-time, usually 30 hours or more a week. The following components may be included in a short-term disability plan b enefits package Percentage of weekly salary paid out (typically between 40 percent to 60 percent of weekly salary).Duration of short-term disability benefits (typically between nine to 52 weeks).The maximum amount of time covered under the disability program (up to 52 weeks) Its also important to know the rules of the states in which employees reside. While most states do not have a mandated short-term disability requirement, The Society for Human Resource Management advises that five states including California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and the US territory of Puerto Rico do have mandatory coverage guidelines. Employers may want to also consider offering a voluntary benefit option for a long-term disability program that takes over once an employees short-term disability ends.

The Challenges of Left-Brained Job Seekers

The Challenges of Left-Brained Job SeekersThe Challenges of Left-Brained Job SeekersThe job search is tough for everyone, but left-brained candidates have a big mountain to climb. Find out what their biggest challenge and how to conquer it.Much scientific research in recent decades has focused on the left and right hemispheres of the brain and suggested that people in whom one side dominates are likely to share certain ways of thinking.While the right hemisphere is more intuitive and emotional, studies suggest, the left is more logical and sequential. Left-brained thinkers frequently excel in highly analytical fields such as IT, engineering and law.When it comes to job hunting, however, left-brained people often have more difficulty than their right-brained counterparts - but not for the reasons you might think.To compete effectively in the marketplace, left-brained people have to overcome two important obstacles. The first challenge is common to most job hunters the second is speci fic to technical and analytical types.Our difficulties and their originsWhat is the obstacle? After spending more than 18 years helping job hunters in a range of occupations, I have found that most people have difficulty talking about themselves. Whats even more fascinating is that the problem goes deeper. Much deeper. An overwhelming majority of the people who have a hard time talking about themselves have just as much trouble thinking about themselves.In other words, they struggle to acknowledge their own skills, talents and contributions.Where does this obstacle originate? For analytical and technical types, logical, left-brained, process-oriented thinking is exactly what makes them successful professionally. Job hunting, however, is a absatzwirtschaft challenge that relies more on right-brained skills rarely possessed by hard-core left-brained people. Well explore a few options that should help you think more creatively about your experiences, but dont be embarrassed if you stru ggle with the concepts.Youre not alone. Just find someone who can coach you through the process.Why right-brained job searches thrive Job hunters in general - and left-brained types in particular - miss most of the opportunities to leverage their experiences because they dont understand the difference between an attribute and a benefit. Even marketers arent always clear on the concept. For years, Castrol Motor Oil ran commercials focusing on the products ability to prevent engine viscosity and thermal breakdown. Unless you are a mechanic, that probably doesnt mean anything to you. This is a great example of a company selling an attribute rather than a benefit.For people at Castrol, the thinking stopped at what the product does. A benefit, in contrast, takes into consideration what the product does for you, the consumer. After all, if you dont know what engine viscosity or thermal breakdown is, it probably isnt keeping you up at night.Lets look instead at the benefits. For the purp oses of this example, lets assume that by using Castrol Motor Oil youd lower automobile repair expenses by $400 per year and your cars would last, on average, five years longer. If true, that would be the benefit of using Castrol. It might even convince you to use the product.Now, apply this thinking to your resume. Your ability to use Java or C++, your proficiency with Oracle databases, and even your advanced degree are attributes. People who possess the same basic skills and credentials are everywhere. Thats not why people are going to hire you. True, companies are looking to hire people with those skills, but there has to be more. What really matters is what you have done with those skills. Thats where youll find the benefit.A few right-brained principlesGive them the benefit. There are six basic ways to quantify your experience1. Time2. Money3. Quality4. Quantity5. Safety6. ComplianceSafety and compliance may not always be relevant, but the first four quantifiers almost always a re. First, give people an idea of the types of projects youve done. Start with the basics and describe the purpose, length, scope and results of the project. This is important because employers want to know what you are capable of handling. Then, ask yourself the following questionswelches this part of your job, or were you specially selected to work on the project?What did you do or contribute that otherwise might never have happened?Were you able to convince the company or client to invest more time, money or resources than they originally planned?These questions focus more on your individual contributions. Highlight any projects for which you were specifically selected. This is one of the best ways to show that others value your input. In addition, it is always helpful to identify any ideas you had that improved the outcome of the project. For example, if you came up with an idea and convinced a company to spend time or money to implement it, that can be very compelling. Come up with as many examples of idea generation and problem solving as you can. All companies have problems and are looking for people who can solve them.Applying these principlesTo make these principles work for you, it is absolutely essential to think beyond generic job descriptions and raw skills to actual accomplishments. In this economy, there are countless people who have the same basic skills. Some are more qualified, and some are less qualified. But most dont take the time to quantify their experiences. Thats what will make the difference. Help people understand what you can do and how it will benefit them.This is a particularly difficult challenge because marketing yourself effectively requires more right-brained thinking than you may be used to doing. Remember, jobs dont always go to the most qualified people jobs go to the people who know how to market themselves. Its going to take time to do a thorough self-assessment, but I promise its worth it.It all boils down to one simple choice You can either invest your time up front creating an inventory of quantified, compelling experiences, or you can spend the time on the back end dealing with a string of rejections and the strong possibility of underemployment. Choose wisely.