Top 7 LinkedIn Profile Pictures You Should NEVER Use

Top 7 LinkedIn Profile Pictures You Should NEVER Use Weve all seen really bad LinkedIn profile images. We know which are good, bad and which are horribly bad. We all know what to avoidor do we? Profile photos on LinkedIn are crucial for your personal brand. Its also helpful for when youve built a strong LinkedIn profile too. To help you, here is a list of seven pictures that must never be used on your LinkedIn profile: 1) Grainy or Pixelated: A picture that is grainy in any way is not only annoying, it just looks bad. This happens when you don’t have enough light to take the picture, so it gives off kind of a dark unprofessional vibe. You want the image to be completely clear. Also, don’t crop an image of yourself out of a photo and resize it to the extent that it becomes pixilated. It is difficult for people to see what you actually look like and just looks like you don’t know how to resize a photo. 2) The Self Portrait: There is nothing wrong with taking your own profile picture. Just don’t make it look like you did. Photos that are obviously taken from your laptop or by holding your arm out and snapping a picture look hasty and unprofessional. Hire a photographer or use a timed setting on your camera to stand against a wall and snap one. 3) Poorly Lit: This goes back to not wanting to have a grainy or pixilated image. But even if the photo comes out well, you probably don’t want to have a dramatic or shadowy image to represent you professionally unless you work in the arts. 4) Inappropriate for Your Industry: Think about what a potential employer would be looking to hire and try to present yourself in that way. It’s great to have a creative or wacky profile photo of you’re a creative professional. If you’re a lawyer or accountant, potential employers and clients may want to move on to someone who comes off as more trustworthy and solid. 5) Boring: You definitely don’t want to be too flashy or crazy with your photo, but, at the same time, try to think of an image that is a little different from the common profile shot. Try using a lightly colored background or a physical location that speaks to your industry. 6) Black and White for No Reason: Black and white photos make great profile pictures, if they were meant to be in black and white. Don’t try to take a regular photo and make it look more professional or distinguished by simply switching it to black and white. 7) Party Pic: Using a picture of yourself in a social situation can be great. You will look relaxed, friendly and fun. However, make sure to choose wisely. Don’t use a photo of yourself with alcohol in hand or amidst a huge crowd of people. Bonus: No Picture The ultimate no-no is not uploading any kind of image to represent yourself! Any viewer to your page will most likely move along without a picture. Don’t you? So, if you don’t have a photo you like yet, use an image of anything, as long as it’s appropriate and follows the guidelines above. And when youre done with your picture, time to have a look at your professional email signature. Author: This is a guest post by Kimberly Wilson.

A Day In The Life Of A Fashion Student by Allie-May Redmond

A Day In The Life Of A Fashion Student by Allie-May Redmond This post is all about the ins and outs of a Fashion student’s day from candles to cupcakes; and newspapers to new clothes. Image by roseswanphotography A day in the life of a Fashion student; well…where do I start? I’m not the sort of Fashion student who walks around in an avant-garde bin liner dresses and designs crazy garments â€" let’s just clear that up from the offset! My Course I’m a Fashion Marketing Branding student. This means that my degree could take me into almost any career in fashion. Whether it is journalism, styling for photo-shoots, or even working behind the scenes, there are plenty of opportunities in retail and branding. The course focuses a lot on the marketing side, so my day revolves around studying advertising, magazines and constantly watching YouTube videos from beauty bloggers. Some of those previous activities are required for my course, some, on the other hand, are not. [ALSO READ:  A Day In The Life Of A Drama Student] My lectures occasionally consist of panicking over examples of Degree Show work and how incredible it is; being the beginning of the year, no-one is anywhere near getting a First. Other lectures can be really informative and you find out about so many amazing designers, blogs and magazines to check out for inspiration. Reading Blogs Another section of my day will be filled up with reading fashion blogs. Sometimes I write my own posts or take photographs with blogger friends from university. Between blogging, lectures and lining up my sunglasses on top of my dresser (oh, and let’s not forget nail painting and cushion arranging), I study. This means making what seems like a million mind-maps and referencing every single book, article and blog I read. Every student knows that when it comes to the end of the term and you have to bind your work, referencing is the biggest nightmare if you aren’t prepared! [ALSO READ:  A Day In The Life Of A French And German Student] Once Home I The home life of a Fashion student involves being asked at least once a day by a non-fashion studying housemate what jeans to buy or what you’re writing about. I love it. It’s like having to practice styling every day, which is massively useful. I’m always writing â€" whether it is for GKBC or my own blog, I’m tapping away on a keyboard or my iPad. Other activities that take up my day are getting rid of spiders (What can I say? I’m the manliest housemate of the 7 girls), making a million lists, going to the gym and trying to avoid some of the locals. One of our favourite activities to fill down-time is filling online shopping baskets to the brim with things that we love and can’t afford and never reaching the check-out. One of my personal favourite obsessions is to outfit plan for the following day at university, taking in all the factors of weather, occasion and walking distance. Whether I’m feeling 90s hip-hop or Alexa Chung stripes, I’ll always plan it. Turn up to a fashion lecture in joggers and a hoody and you might just be exiled. I hope this gave a helpful insight as a day in the life of a fashion student, and if you’re thinking it, I promise I’m not shallow and looks-obsessed! If you’re a Fashion student, how does your day compare?

What to Wear to a Professional Dinner

What to Wear to a Professional Dinner As you climb the corporate ladder, your professional practices and obligations will begin to shift. At some point in your career, you may be required to attend or speak at a catered event or fundraiser. These events are incredible opportunities for networking, but to make the most of these opportunities you’ll need to dress the part. Fortunately, a well-planned outfit can serve two seemingly conflicting purposes. You’ll be able to fit in with the corporate culture and demonstrate that you’re committed to keeping up the image that is expected of you. But you’ll still be able to have a little bit of personal flair that speaks to your personality and individual strengths. What Your Outfit Says About You The clothes you wear say a lot about your personality. In a professional setting, people will respect a can-do attitude, an ability to come up with creative ideas and the skills to work under pressure. To adequately express these ideas, you’ll want to stick to a few basics. Dress like you would for an interview. A smart skirt paired with a blouse and blazer is always an excellent choice. Another great option is a suit jacket with a dressy tank-top and black pants. For very formal events, a classic dress and sweater can be paired with modest heels to maintain a professional appearance. Your superiors are going to want to see that you can operate autonomously. Dressing professionally states that you understand the unwritten rules of business, and that you’re committed to maintaining a professional appearance in all times. In a way, you are a representative of the company you work for. Fitting in with the corporate  style helps to confirm that you are a good fit within the organizat ion. Keep the Attention on Yourself The outfit we detailed above is common, classic and never goes out of style. By keeping the style modest and fitting in with other professional women, you’ll be able to impress the crowd with your behavior and not just your clothing. Dressing simple keeps the attention on you, and not on the implied statements with your clothing. In these environments, your dress stands to accent your behavior, not exemplify it. Add a Bit of Personal Flare Although the foundation of your outfit is designed to blend in, that doesn’t meant that you can wear something that gives you a bit of individuality. The secret when picking your flare is to be subtle. A sleek, modern pair of earrings can provide a great accent to your face. If you are coming in from a cold environment, a vibrant scarf can help you make a statement when you arrive but remain subtle for the duration of the event. A classy necklace or piece of jewelry helps to keep draw attention to your face, while remaining subtle and professional. Anytime you’re dressing for a work function, remember that the culture of your office should dictate your behavior. While this guide is representative of the modern corporate environment, many companies attempt to break the mold and stand out from the crowd. If you’re new to a company, don’t be afraid to contact fellow co-workers and find out how they are going to dress. Taking the time to communicate with co-workers beforehand can save an embarrassing scenario down the road. Image Source, Image Source, Image Source

Id Rather Be Me NOT You Its the Only Way I Can Own My Success

I’d Rather Be Me NOT You… Its the Only Way I Can Own My Success I recently offered to help out a colleague by “becoming her” for two hours of my work day. What a ride that experience was! I began this new “job” somewhat reluctantly; all I had going for me was my desire to help my colleague. I knew going in that I was probably not going to enjoy this. So, I pasted a determined smile on my face, quelled the nagging fear that I will fail miserably and reminded myself that it is only for two hours. The funny thing is that I was to do only a minuscule piece of her job: answer the phones professionally, take messages, transfer calls and direct visitors who might show up in the office. I was NOT asked to do any of the highly complicated things Liza does on a daily basis. So why this tension? Let me describe to you my initial minutes of sitting at her desk, which Liza and I laughed about later. First, I tried to make sense of the written instructions, get comfortable behind the desk and generally look very capable. My heart was pounding and I was already looking at the clock! It strikes me that when we are unsure of our skills and have trusted someone else to do what we typically don’t enjoy doing, we respond with fear and unease when put in a situation such as this. The phone rang and I felt my throat tighten up. I got through that moment only to be told, “You are not Liza.” Hello, don’t I know that? Then it strikes me that when we are faced with uncertain situations we can dig into what is familiar about our personality and use it to save that moment and in doing so, make it easier for ourselves. So, I said back, “you are right…I am trying very hard to fill her big shoes and will try my best to help you.” The caller laughed, I joined in and took care of her request. The minute hand seemed to move S-L-O-W-L-Y. I was surprised at how many times I peek at the clock. I recognize instantly that when you are NOT having fun, each task is a chore and I feel blessed to know that when I go back to doing what I truly enjoy doing, happiness will return with a bounce. Productivity and engagement are terms used frequently in our work world. These business terms make best sense when we identify why we enjoy certain things more than others and create opportunities to have “more of” those tasks in our work. Can you clearly identify your burn-out skills? TWO GRAND IDEAS Identify what you do well and find opportunities to use those skills. Motivated skills lead to increased enjoyment and career happiness. Ask people to give you feedback with examples on what you do well. Keep these endorsements and stories in a portfolioâ€"use them on your career documents and interview. At 4 pm, I begin to feel somewhat comfortable. I made one mistake so far and survived. I am reminded that mistakes are a way for us to learn, try something different and add to our portfolio. It also reminds me that I can reach out for help because people are willing to helpâ€"you must know how to ask the inquiry question. My body started to relax and I finally started to attend to some work I brought in to do with me WHEN people who pass Liza’s desk, stopped to talk to me and to each other. The number of conversations that happen around Liza’s workspace began to overwhelm me. I wanted to go into a burrow and stay there for a while and just breathe. And, that day was not even a super busy day at the office! I quickly realize that the environment in which we do our best and happy work matters. Both, the overall culture fit as it resonates with your values, interests, skills and personality traits as well as the “micro-environment” we create within that larger culture matters. How does your work culture and work space support your best and superior work? TWO MORE GRAND IDEAS Where do you get your energy from? Do you get it from engaging with the outer world, being around and with people OR do you prefer being in a space of inner thoughts, ideas and reflection? Remember, we are talking about preferences here, NOT skills. How do you create and organize your learning/working space? Be a detective and observe when and how you contribute in the most upbeat, joyful and creative manner. Maybe you like lists, order and schedules. Maybe you like “going with the flow,” variety and setting deadlines on the go? There isn’t a right or wrong answer. The more self-aware we are, the easier it is to create opportunities for success and growth. The clock finally says 5 pm! In my head, I am already driving down I-71. Even the fact that I will get stuck in traffic doesn’t bother me. So, would I sub for Liza again? Absolutely! One, I know that moving out of my comfort zone is good for me. Second, it confirms for me what I’d like to do “less of.” Sometimes it opens a new window of opportunity. How about you? Are there aspects of your work that you wish to do “more of” or “less of?” Do you wonder whether you can move toward doing “more of” what you are truly passionate about? TWO FINAL GRAND IDEAS Look at your current job/role and identify what you like/dislike in this role. If you are in transition, make sure that you are aware of this list before you say yes to an offer. A recent Gallup poll suggests only 45% of us are happy in our jobs! I think we need to change that number. Continue to reflect on what might be non-negotiable as you plan your career path â€" John Pepper, former CEO of Procter and Gamble talks about finding your North Star to define your life. What might your North Star be as you define your career happiness? Take ownership for your career happiness. What are you waiting for? And, welcome back, Liza! Related: How To Survive and Thrive in Your New Job [5 Useful Tactics].

Key Phrases For Resume Writing

Key Phrases For Resume WritingKey phrases for resume writing can help you set yourself apart from other job seekers. They are just as important as the resume itself and should be included in any real person look-alike that you use. They do not have to be too specific, but they need to be enough so that the reader gets a general idea of what you can do.People often look for one thing when looking for a job, and that is information about the particular skills that they need. That is why the right resume is so important and there is no reason to include them in the wrong place. They can be incorporated into the resume but they should be worded correctly so that they give the impression that they are part of the resume.The first thing that people tend to look for when they are looking for information words. They want to know if you have the right words. That means that the right spelling and punctuation are part of the resume and not just random bits that come with the rest of the inform ation. If they use all the words in the right place, it will have a lot more impact.So that means that you have to make sure that you do not use certain words when trying to find a job. Not only will this hurt your chances, but it will also hurt your chances of finding a job. It is important to make sure that you are specific about the kind of job that you want to have so that it gives you an edge over the others. This can be the difference between being rejected and being hired.There are different industries that people apply to in. For instance, it would be very difficult to write a resume for a dentist because it is not a field that has a large number of people applying for jobs. So they will look for words that relate to jobs like the ones that they are applying for. If they do not get them, they will often look for certain other things that relate to the professions.The only way that they can find these jobs is to use the words that people are using when they are applying for j obs. That means that if you are a writer, you may want to use words like writer as a key phrase for resume writing. Someone that is a salesperson will want to be able to use words like sales or saleswoman to get their own resume writing.You should be sure that you are doing what is necessary to make sure that your own resume looks professional. Don't be too obvious or too generic. The best thing that you can do is to keep the words that you use in mind and put them into proper places on your resume.When you combine the proper key phrases for resume writing, you will give the impression that you are knowledgeable about a particular field. This can help to boost your chances of being hired. It is also a good idea to add some keywords to your resume as well.

4 ways for women to break into the tech industry

4 ways for women to break into the tech industry 4 ways for women to break into the tech industry Macho tech culture may be driving women away, but if tech is your passion, it’s time to take a stand. The technology industry is suffering from an exodus of women who find the environment hostile and demeaning. Commentators have offered long-term solutions to this problem, but what can women do right now to build a future in tech? Many women get a foot in the door, but tech culture stomps on it. In 2008, a Harvard Business Review study found that while 41 percent of early career STEM professionals are women, 52 percent of those will eventually drop out. The researchers argued that “macho cultures,” isolation, undefined career paths, male-biased cultures of risk, and extreme work pressures like long hours drive women away. Little has changed since 2008. In 2014, Kieran Snyder, cofounder and CEO of Textio, a job-posting optimization company, collected stories from 716 women who had left the tech industry and found that poor maternity policies, discrimination, and isolation were to blame. Of those interviewed, 465 had stopped working altogether. No one can change the tech culture overnight, but you can overcome these obstacles. To find out how, I spoke with Sarah Lahav, CEO of SysAid, a provider of IT service management solutions based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Since 2003, Lahav has managed to build a career in tech and raise three children. Her advice can help you break into this male-dominated industry â€" and thrive. 1. Differentiate Yourself To have a career in tech, Lahav says that you need a niche that will separate you from the pack (of men). Today, Lahav says that skills in agile development operations, cloud infrastructure, mobile development, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) management, and cybersecurity are almost automatic tickets into a traditional tech company. However, if you’re just starting college, don’t focus on today’s trends â€" look for the IT demands of tomorrow. “Every business is now an IT business,” Lahav says. “Ten years ago, no one would have expected Apple to hire car engineers. No one would have expected a transportation company, Ãœber, to hire armies of coders and data scientists. Find the industries where technologists are underrepresented but desperately needed.” The point is that differentiating yourself isn’t strictly about the skills you have. It’s also about identifying IT frontiers where you can apply your skillset in original ways. The best technology careers might begin outside stereotypical tech companies. 2. Choose Workplaces Where Women Are Decision Makers On a scale from co-ed to fraternity house, most tech companies are closer to the fraternity end, especially at the higher rungs of the corporate ladder. While some women survive in “brogrammer” cultures, the odds are against them. Lahav recommends that women choose tech companies with women in upper management. “Choose an environment where senior women will mentor you and advocate for you,” says Lahav. “Even the most enlightened men can’t understand the prejudices you face and the challenges of motherhood. Send your resume directly to women in leadership positions. If you’re qualified, they will fight for you.” 4. Tackle Discrimination with Humor When you enter the tech world, you will face discrimination, harassment, and bias at some point. Without a sense of humor, the slights and jabs will wear you down. Instead of getting angry, get a laugh out of chauvinism. “In my first IT job at a tool making company, I was upgrading computers at the manufacturing line and installed the wrong operating system,” Lahav recalls. “My lazy male co-worker said, ‘You had a blonde moment.’ To which I responded, ‘At least this blonde is getting something done here!’ ” Particularly in customer-facing roles, like tech support, Lahav warns that male callers will often ask you to put someone “more technical” on the phone. Don’t stew. Say something like, “I could put my co-worker on the phone, but when he can’t fix the problem, he’ll send you right back to me.” 5. Stay in the Game, Even If You Have Kids Because technology evolves so quickly, Lahav argues that a big career gap can become a career-ender. If you take off four years to raise children, she says, it will be extremely difficult to catch up on the new skills and systems. “If you leave the tech world, you might not get a second chance,” she says. “Many women feel like they have to shoulder more domestic responsibilities than their partners. That’s a myth. If you’re passionate about a career in tech, sacrificing your job will only hurt you and your family. I’m able to be a CEO and raise three kids because my husband and I work as a team.” Overall, grit may be the most important thing that you can bring to the tech industry. “Stand your ground,” says Lahav. “You may have to prove yourself again and again to earn respect from male co-workers, but you can win. If tech is your passion, the fight will be worth it.”

Beating the banks - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Beating the banks - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Zopa is a new approach to lending and borrowing money: Heres the way the world works (and it must be right because its been like this for hundreds of years) People who have spare money give it to a bank. Banks then do whatever they like with it. Some of it they lend to people who need to borrow. Some of it they give to their shareholders. Some of it they gamble on the price of tin, or the dollar going down, or whether therell be floods in Asia. Banks make lots of money from all this, a fraction of which they give back to their customers. Zopa though lets people who have spare money to lend it directly to people, like them, who want to borrow it. No bank in the middle, no huge overheads, no unethical investments. To minimise any risk, the money each lender puts in is spread amongst at least 50 borrowers (and likewise each borrower gets their money from a number of different lenders). I saw this mentioned on Businesspundit, and I have to agree with him that this is a seriously disruptive technology. The site just exudes happiness, energy, drive, disruption and fun. Check it out. UPDATE: I tried to register at the site, and the process failed. I got this very nice email from the site: Thanks for your email and your interest in Zopa. Im sorry but in order to comply with UK Money Laundering Regulations all Zopa Members need to be UK residents and appear on the voters roll. We know this sounds incredibly inflexible, but at this stage in Zopas young life we have to be belt and braces with identification, money laundering and fraud. Clearly this is a big turn off for you so please accept our apologies. Once were better established well be looking to increase the number of ways that we can admit Zopa joiners online. As Zopa grows we are planning to move into other countries by the end of the year and we hope very much that youll consider trying to join us again then. Ill be back when they take it outside the UK. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related