Using a Digital Signature to Spruce Up Your Cover Letters -

Using a Digital Signature to Spruce Up Your Cover Letters -Most job applications are submitted through the netz today, either through an online application system or by e-mailing cover letters and resumes as attachments. Sending electronic cover letters is very convenient, but it precludes the applicants ability to sign the letter. Unless you want to print out, sign, scan, and then e-mail every single cover letter you write, its easier to just send them without a signature.One way you can make your cover letters stand out is to transsumpt a digital image of your signature. You can create this for yourself at home by neatly signing a piece of paper, scanning it, and cropping the image down to just the size of the signature. There are also Web sites such as www.interfolio.com that will help you create a digital version of your signature. Interfolio allows users to draw their signature with a mouse, or to fax a copy of their handwritten signature. Interfolio then returns a free digital image of your signature via e-mail.Many online application systems wont be able to process the digital image of your signature. In those cases, none of the applicants will have any sort of signature on their cover letters. However, for situations where submitting a signed letter is possible, using a digital signature helps you stand out as a professional, technically-competent candidate. Anything that provides a competitive edge is a way to stand out from the crowd and be noticed.Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For mora information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http//www.greatresumesfast.com or call 1.800.991.5187.

How One Woman Is Revolutionizing Sex Ed Through Tech

How One Woman Is Revolutionizing Sex Ed Through Tech Andrea Barrica welches 20 years old when she started zu sich first company, InDinero, with her freshman year roommate, Jessica Mah. Its an accounting software company, though Barrica says she was never interested in accounting, business, finance or technology.After three and a half years, she left the company because it wasnt her dream. She became a venture partner in residence at a venture capital fund, 500 Startups, investing in other women around the world. And it was around that time, she says, that she started to grow into her own.The now-27-year-old queer woman of immigrant Filipino parents grew up in a strict Catholic home, where she was taught to practice abstinence. It wasnt until years down the line that she started exploring her sexuality but came to a standstill because the tools and resources available to her were heteronormative or simply inadequate.I grew up in northern California, which is arguably a progressive are a, but I went to Catholic school, so I didnt receive any sex ed, she says. If I didnt receive it, I can only imagine what it was like for people elsewhere... And then there are people who dont know anything about their bodies.As for Barrica, she started going off to sex-positive workshops run by Good Vibrations, and it healed her.The funny thing about all of this is that I had already started companies, but I wasnt in touch with my sexuality at all, she says. It was late in my life, but I couldnt find anything online. There was Cosmo and Planned Parenthood and Pornhub I felt like those were my options I had been building technologies companies and investing in technology companies and, yet, the internet had bedrngnis solved this problem.Last year, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She raised $800,000 and garnered the interest of investors like Found Fund, X Factor Ventures and The House Fund, and she founded O.school, an 18-years-and-older digital sexual education pla tform that officially launched this November. She describes it as that middle ground between Planned Parenthood and online porn neither too medical nor too gratification-focused.In short O.school is a virtual safe space to talk about sex and pleasure through empathy-guided learning and moderated chats with more than 65 pleasure professionals half of whom are people of color and 70 percent of whom are queer. Through daily live streams on everything from masturbation to kink, BDSM, achieving orgasm and moving forward with an STI diagnosis, participants can talk candidly about sex and pleasure, unlearn shame, heal from trauma and learn how to set boundaries and pursue their curiosities.Were an 18-and-up platform, but its not because we dont want to teach kids its because we really think theres a massive problem with adults who are walking around without a basic education on pleasure and sex and how to be a great human in this world, Barrica says. And then there are a few shames. Ther es religious shame, slut shame, body shame and theres also this adult shame like, I was supposed to know what this was a shame of not knowing.She says that critics have challenged her on teaching adults rather than children, but all the shame she received was from her parents because they didnt get the education they needed.In this age of the internet, 11-year-olds are watching hartes brot pornography thats just because of phones. So Im really proud and excited about the content that were bringing to the world. Nothing we do has porn or nudity, not because we dont like porn or nudity we love porn and nudity however, theyre poor education vehicles. Part of what were trying to do is just focus on creating something so theres another choice. Because right now the choices are silence, misinformation or porn.She felt like even when she got a science-based sex ed, she was only shown photographs of diseases or videos of live births via a fear-based strategy.Even if its science-based, e ven if its improving in general, it can still be twisted with social stigmas we have around sex, she says.In order to ensure that O.school remains a safe, stigma-free space for viewers and pleasure professionals alike, the moderators are trained on recognizing trolls who violate O.schools community guidelines and muting them.Were thinking about the community a lot so we have fulltime moderators that weve hired and trained, Barrica explains, noting that as the technology continues to develop, it should help them keep the community in check even more.Of course, thats just one challenge. Building and marketing O.school has been no easy business feat. Because the team were concerned about getting approved for an app due to the sexual nature of their company, for example, they didnt spend the time building one. Rather, they poured their energy and resources into building their own streaming technology so viewers wouldnt have to download an app.That was hard, Barrica says. But were focusi ng on one thing at a time and pulling through.Likewise, social media platforms prohibit the dissemination of sexual content, so getting the word out may also pose challenges.That said, Barrica adds that viewers from around the globe have already been regularly signing into every live stream.There are challenges weve had to overcome and there will be more in our future, but Im excited that now theres this space where, if you go every night, theres a live stream.--AnnaMarie Houlis is a multimedia journalist and an adventure aficionado with a keen cultural curiosity and an affinity for solotravel. Shes an editor by day and a travel blogger at HerReport.org by night.

This Is Your Year  Reinvent Your Career

This Is Your Year Reinvent Your Career Have you ever thought that you might have picked the wrong career path? If so, youre not alone. Ask a friend how theyended up in their career. Tzu siches a good chance they just happened to fall into it through a college internship or some network connections.You may have departureed your own career out in a similar way. But then you were on the path, you learned more, you got promoted, and you never looked back until now.Many people start to question their career paths because of life events. Perhaps you are getting a little older and would like to do something more meaningful with your time. Perhaps you need something that pays better because youre starting a family.Or maybe you just dont like your job, plain and simple.Whatever the reason behind it, the idea of a career reinvention can be daunting. Many say its virtually impossible to pull off or that career-changers have to start over from the very bottom of the corporate ladder. It is sometimes true that a career shift leads to a pay cut, but thats not a guarantee and neither is starting over from the bottom.Take the Reins You Control Your CareerThe first key to reinventing your career is to take the reins yourself. This isnt the time to fall into another career path or test something out. Rather, its time to identify possible alternative careers.Evaluate your transferable skills. What makes you great at your current job? Could you take those skills and qualities with you to another career? For example, if youre a good public speaker or know how to organize groups of people, these skills can help in all sorts of roles.Also think about the skills you have that may not be spelled out on your resume. For example, you may work at a nonprofit, but on the side, youve been investing in real estate. Make a list of the knowledge you have thats not outlined on your resume. Find ways to incorporate this information into your existing resume. Yo u might add a section for volunteering, consulting, skills, or leadership.Make a list of what youd like to learn to do in the future, and then figure out how to get there. Do you wish you knew more about computers? If so, look for classes you can take. Look for a nonprofit or small company where you might volunteer your services to learn on the job. Dont wait for your future boss to see something in you. Find it yourself and look for ways to nurture this new skill.A version of this article originally appeared in theMemphis Daily News.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at her firm,Copeland Coaching.

Job Search Tips for Veterans

Job Search Tips for Veterans Job Search Tips for Veterans Make a PlanThe first step is exploring the resources that are available to you and forming a strategy. Dont wait until after you leave the service instead, start thinking about the transition as early as possible. Psychologist Katharine Brooks recommends assessing your current situation and then looking at where you want to go and what you need to do to get there. You should also make a frank assessment of any injuries or physical limitations that will impact your job search.Make a list of your skills, the work that youd like to do, and potential employers to contact. Check out the Military to Civilian Occupation Translator, which helps service members match military skills and experience to civilian occupations.Update Your ResumeTalking about your service in civilian terms can be tough. Staffing firm Robert Half recommends skipping the acronyms and military details, and creating a resume that focuses on core competencies th at hiring managers in the civilian job market can easily understand.Whenever you make changes to your resume, its important to proofread. Ask a friend to look over it or take advantage of Grammarlys online proofreading tool. Presenting an error-free resume is an essential part of making a good impression.NetworkNetworking is one of the most essential activities for any job seeker. First, let everyone in your social network know the type of work youre looking for. Consider attending trade shows, job fairs, and other networking events just make sure you have a stack of personal business cards in hand when you go. You can get low-cost cards from companies like Vistaprint and Overnight Prints, or design and print your own using a template.There are networking opportunities specifically for veterans, too. Military.com, for example, hosts the Veteran Career Network online. Check with your local V.A. office or with other veterans you know to find opportunities in your area.Train New Skill sWhile youre searching for employment, consider refreshing your skills or developing new ones. The Bureau of Veterans Affairs has vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching.Your local public library is a treasure trove of information, online training programs, and even workshops and classes. You might also explore your options for higher education using your G.I. Bill opportunity, but be wary of programs that seem to make promises that are too good to be true. No degree program can guarantee employment.Ask for Help If You Need ItThe V.A. is a good resource for ongoing assistance, but there are other organizations dedicated to connecting qualified veterans. Hiring Our Heroes is a nationwide program backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help veterans find jobs.There are an increasing number of programs like Hiring Our Heroes to help veterans re-enter the workforce, and first lady Michelle Obama is spearheading the initiative. She specifically addressed female veterans, who represent 10 percent of all vets. She encouraged them to flaunt their skills, saying And believe me, you all have so much to show off. Thats the beauty of it - those years in the military set you apart from so many other candidates.As part of her program to help all veterans find meaningful employment, Obama teamed up with Coursera, an online college platform, to offer free certifications to veterans. The professional networking site LinkedIn will also offer free premium access to veterans.We here at Grammarly would like to take this opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country. Thank you.

Powerful Research Director Sample Resume to Get You Hired

Powerful Research Director Sample Resume to Get You HiredPowerful Research Director Sample Resume to Get You HiredResearchers are needed in a wide variety of fields, and its important to spend extra time creating a highsResearch Director Resume Sales Marketing Resume Senior Account Executive Resume Senior Manager Resume Senior Sales Manager ResumeSenior Security Engineer Resume Software Support Resume Technical Supervisor ResumeTelecommunications Technician Resume Vp Investments Resume

John Joseph Montgomery

John Joseph Montgomery John Joseph Montgomery John Joseph MontgomeryIn the annals of aviation, most everyone knows the Wright Brothers, and Charles Lindbergh will always be the famed Lucky Lindy. But John Joseph Montgomery (18581911) is not a name that quickly comes to most minds, yet he paid the ultimate price for his flying endeavors. Having performed the first controlled airborne menschlich flight in a heavier-than-air craft in 1883roughly 20 years before the Wright Brothers successful and hallowed flightMontgomery welches one of the earliest achievers in the attempt to create a consistent flying machine.According to a site from Montash University, His initial research into the laws of flight was based on a study of birds and tests of models. He is reported to have made and tested his first full-scale glider in 1883 and to have manned it on runs down a long slope in Otay, CA. During those runs, on the testimony of his brother James, who pulled the launching line, John was lifted f rom the ground. He continued to design and test gliders, using curved wings, a stabilizing tailplane, and efforts at control by manipulating wires which extended laterally to brace the wings.Santa Clara Colleges mechanical engineering site claims Alexander Graham Bell paid this high compliment, assessing, All subsequent attempts in aviation must begin with the Montgomery machine. In fact, Montgomery, once a student at Santa Clara, became a physics professor at the school in 1896, performing some of his experiments on campus, according to their mechanical engineering site. He previously was a professor at Mount St. Josephs College, teaching mathematics and science.John Joseph Montgomery began his experimental flights 20 years before the Wright Brothers.According to Wilbur and Orville A Biography of the Wright Brothers, by Fred Howard, Montgomery continued to gain notoriety in the 20th centurys first decade. Creating gliders that could be launched from balloonsMontgomery estimated fro m as high as 4,000 feetseveral attempts piloted by parachutist Daniel Maloney went well. But on April 29, 1905, the glider went out of control, resulting in Maloneys death 30 minutes later. According to the book, Montgomery claimed Maloney said the rope was to blame, but it was not confirmed as the cause.According to the National Aviation Museums website, the incident set Montgomery back for six years but then he forged ahead, eventually leading to a sad ending. He designed a glider having a main wing, fixed fin and tailplane, four-wheeled undercarriage, underslung seat, and a spectacle-form of control handle. From a rolling takeoff at the crest of a hill near Evergreen, California, he made more than fifty glides, following generally the contour of the slope. During his final glide, October 31, 1911, he is reported to have experienced dizziness as he made a rough landing, and the glider turned partly over. Montgomerys head struck against a protruding bolt, penetrating his brain. Mon tgomery died shortly thereafter.Today, there is an airport named for him not far from where he tested his gliders. A film about his life, Gallant Journey, was released in 1946 starring Glenn Ford.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.All subsequent attempts in aviation must begin with the Montgomery machine.Alexander Graham Bell

5 reasons success will not make you a happy person

5 reasons success will not make you a happy person5 reasons success will not make you a happy personAs a kid growing up on a remote cattle ranch in Wyoming, it didnt take much to make me a happy person. I loved to spend time with ur animals - horses, cattle, and dogs I was happy to do my chores and bond with my pets.In high school, it took something different to make me a happy person. Happiness now depended on the number of people I could count as friends. Lots of friends meant I was looked upon as a success and had become popular.Out of college, my definition of success changed again. Success was determined by the size of my paycheck and my status in the organization. Friends took on a new role and were now measured in terms of how much value they added to my network.In my pursuit of a successful career, happiness got watered down to the itemization of things. It was now something external to be bought - like a car. Or, given - like a promotion.As entrepreneurs and business owne rs, your success is calibrated as return on investment by your investors and clients. Your pathetic feelings of happiness are none of their concern.Which is fine, for a while. But if your life fundamentally sucks, its going to continue to suck no matter how successful you are.Here are 5 reasons success will not make you a happy person - and how you can change your mindset1. It takes more than money to motivate you to do good workBusinesses commonly use money as a motivator, and it works - to some extent. Studies show that once an individual receives the money, however, it loses its power to motivate.While money is important, we all want and need more than a good salary. In his book, Payoff, behavioral economist Dan Ariely argues that human motivation is very complex. He states that to motivate ourselves and others successfully, we need to provide a sense of connection and meaning. Its important to remember, however, that meaning is not always synonymous with personal happiness.Lif e is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose - Viktor E. FranklHow To Make It Work For You These are some of the things that you, as a leader, can do to harness the power of intrinsic motivation in your people. An intrinsic motive is the desire to do a good job for the sake of doing a good jobRecognize people as contributing members of a winning team.Remind them that the project is succeeding.Pinpoint where their contributions are making a difference.Celebrate successes.Thank people. Often.2. If you lose sight of your values, your life will suckI recruited foreign spies to work for the U.S. Government. To be successful, I exploited their lack of self-awareness. The fruchtwein vulnerable person was the one too lazy to go deep and prioritize their values. They lived in a shallow world and preferred to blame others rather than acknowledge how their poor values made their life suck.Our values are defined by what we are willing to struggle to accom plish. If something holds value for us, we will endure the pain and struggle to make it happen.Your values define your struggles. If you want better problems, get better values - LaRae Quy.Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get Dale CarnegieHow To Make It Work For You Identify the values you prioritize above everything else those values are the ones that influence your decision-making process. Pinpoint the good values that tap into your inner core. They are the ones that will engage you with the world as it is, not how you wish it would be in the future. Bad values rely on external circumstances. You blame others if things dont turn out the way you planned.3. Success is where people stop on their way to happinessMost of us fail over and over at something until we finally get it right. But what we forget is that those failures are the most important lessons in life. Most of us do not embrace our future failures, so we stop at where we find success becaus e weve been conditioned to avoid suffering, pain, and discomfort.We stop at success, regardless of whether that success has led us to something that provides value and meaning for us. We have it backward instead of looking for success to make us happy, we will be successful where we find our happiness.When you look for happiness, you need to change how you measure success and failure. Some of the best things that happen to us require effort, pain, and failure. Ask any parent, small business owner, or marathon runner.One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful - Sigmund FreudHow To Make It Work For You Be smart about how you work harder and longer hours to be successful. Discover what brings you happiness and focus your energy on those pursuits. Then the longer hours and hard work wont matter because youll love what you do.4. The easy path does not create strong peopleAll of this be happy sh-t is creating a generation who dont understand how t o overcome problems. They think an easy path is the yellow brick road to happiness.But it is in our choices that we either decide to grow, or not, because it is in those choices that we learn to focus. When we do, we become mentally tough so that we can manage our emotions, thoughts, and behavior in ways that will set us up for happiness. We get to choose what matters to us based on our values.How To Make It Work For You Embrace what you have learned in hard times. Some people are stuck with worse problems than others and many people have overcome horrible circumstances. This was their mindset no matter where I am in life, or my struggle, I still have the power to take responsibility and chose my next step.5. Making progress is better than being successfulMost of us have worked hard to achieve a goal, only to find emptiness when we reach it. Psychologists explain this is because true happiness is less about when we reach a goal and more about how we reached it. What is most importan t is the progress we have made in an area of our life.If we focus on success instead of progress, we become nothing more than a manager of our circumstances. If, however, we focus on making progress in all areas of our life, we empower ourselves to become the person we truly want to be - a person who is fulfilled and happy.Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure - Tony RobbinsHow To Make It Work For You Never forget that if youre not happy with the direction your life has taken so far, you have complete control over who you can become.Identify an opportunity that you know is worthwhile but that youve been afraid to pursue, and go for it anyway.Brainstorm a list of 20 new ideas on ways to improve your life.Describe something that you will make you very happy. Be specific.Write down your definition of success.Make a list of causes you are passionate about and then get involved.Identify something youve always wanted to do but havent done yet.Thisarticlefirst appeared onLa RaeQuy.com.